Philippines and Canada celebrate LGSP-LED success through Growing Local Economies Forum 26 April 2016, Manila, Philippines—Canada’s largest ongoing Program in the Philippines, the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) is coming to an end this year after eight (8) years of implementation. LGSP-LED is a cooperation program of the Governments of the Philippines and Canada. Since 2008, the Program has been working through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to improve the country’s programming and policy framework for local economic development. The ultimate objective is to reduce poverty and improve economic livelihoods for Filipino women and men. The Program has supported the development of new and enhanced policies at the national and local levels, as well as a variety of local initiatives that built competitive local industries, particularly in agribusiness and tourism. Throughout the 8 years, LGSP-LED has worked with 134 partner-LGUs from 17 provinces, 17 cities, and 100 municipalities. LGSP-LED has harvested outstanding results in terms of investments, employment, and creating the conditions necessary to make local economies grow. Local governments have attracted billions of dollars in new investment, created thousands of new jobs and significantly increased visitor arrivals in the local tourism sector. “Cumulative results achieved to date are impressive,” according to Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder’s statement. “Since 2009, targeted LGUs have attracted at least PHP 55 billion in new investments and created more than 26,000 jobs in the tourism sector.” The partnership between the Governments of Canada and the Philippines, through the DILG has been instrumental to this success.
DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento extended gratitude to the Government of Canada and the other national government agencies that helped LGSP-LED achieve and in many cases surpass its target results. He also thanked the many project partners and contributors: “We also appreciate the commitment of LGU Leagues; LGU partners; private sector, such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and the various local private sector associations and international development partners who have become champions for LED.” A forum on Growing Local Economies through Business-Friendly and Competitive Local Governments will be held on Thursday, 28 April 2016 at the Manila Hotel to share LGSP-LED’s experiences on helping LGUs build their local economies. The Forum, organized by LGSP-LED in collaboration with Local Government Academy (LGA), will celebrate the culmination of LGSP-LED’s eight years of work. Government Leaders, Undersecretaries, Governors, and Mayors, as well as business leaders, who have been instrumental in LGSP-LED’s success will be sharing their unique experience of pursuing LED in the Philippines. Topics will include Preparing Local Economies for ASEAN Economic Integration; Building Vibrant, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Local Economies; Climate Change and Mitigating Disaster Risks in Local Economic Development; among others. The Forum is open to all Local Government Executives, Business Leaders, and other stakeholders who are involved with LED initiatives. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to confirm as soon as possible by visiting www.lgsp-led.ph. Those who cannot attend the Forum can watch a live stream of the event: https://www.youtube.com/user/lgspledph. Dress code for the event is FIlipiniana. DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento and Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder will be the Forum’s Keynote Speakers. LGSP-LED will also be recognizing LED Champions through an awards ceremony.#
