Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered all cities and municipalities in the province to establish or designate Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officers (LEDIPOs) to strengthen investment facilitation and improve local business competitiveness.
Through Executive Order No. 24, Series of 2026, Baricuatro directed local government units to institutionalize offices that will lead economic development and investment promotion efforts in their respective jurisdictions.
The order took effect on April 30, 2026, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
The directive aligns with the Local Government Code of 1991 and a Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum encouraging LGUs to create dedicated investment promotion offices.
The EO states that the institutionalization of LEDIPOs aims to strengthen coordination between LGUs, national agencies, and the private sector to improve Cebu’s overall investment climate.
Under the order, the LEDIPO will serve as the primary officer for investment promotion and facilitation, tasked with developing local economic strategies and implementing programs to attract investments.
The officer will also assist investors, streamline business processes, and coordinate with government agencies to facilitate local and foreign investments.
Other responsibilities include maintaining investment databases, supporting tourism and enterprise development programs, and promoting local industries.
The directive also requires coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments for investment-related initiatives.
LGUs are likewise tasked to help implement local investment and incentives codes and pursue reforms to improve ease of doing business in line with Republic Act No. 11032.
The EO also assigns LEDIPOs to support public-private partnership initiatives and submit regular reports to the Provincial Government through the Economic Enterprise Council.
Baricuatro said stronger investment promotion at the local level is essential for job creation and long-term economic growth.
A portion of the order stated that investment promotion and business development remain key to sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Cebu.
The provincial government said it will provide technical assistance, policy guidance, and training programs through its Economic Enterprise Council and investment offices.
A Provincial LEDIP Network will also be created to improve coordination and data sharing among LGUs.
LEDIPOs are required to submit regular reports on investment leads, approved projects, and local economic conditions.
Funding for the implementation will come from LGU budgets, subject to existing accounting and auditing rules. (SBA)
Photo courtesy of Cebu City Tour
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