Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by:  REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The institutionalization of a Local Economic Development and 
Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) in every local government unit 
(LGU) is crucial for a number of reasons. This position is vital for strategic 
economic growth, streamlining investment processes, and enhancing the 
competitiveness of the LGU. The LEDIPO acts as a dedicated point person, 
ensuring that economic development isn't just an afterthought but a central 
and continuous focus of local governance.  
Without a dedicated LEDIPO, an LGU's economic initiatives may be 
fragmented and lack a cohesive strategy. The LEDIPO is responsible for 
creating and executing a long-term economic development plan that 
identifies key industries, analyzes market trends, and addresses local 
challenges. They coordinate with various departments—such as planning, 
engineering, and tourism—to ensure that all efforts are aligned toward the 
same economic goals. This prevents a piecemeal approach and ensures a 
unified, strategic direction for the LGU's economy. 
Investors often face bureaucratic hurdles and have to navigate 
multiple offices and permits. The LEDIPO serves as a one-stop shop for 
potential investors, guiding them through the entire process, from initial 
inquiry to business registration and operation. This single point of contact 
significantly reduces red tape and makes the LGU more attractive to both 
local and foreign investors. By actively promoting the LGU's assets—like its 
workforce, resources, and strategic location—the LEDIPO also plays a key 
role in marketing the area as a desirable investment destination. 
A primary function of the LEDIPO is to facilitate investments that lead 
to job creation. By attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, 
they directly contribute to improving the employment rate and the overall 
economic well-being of the community. The officer also works to empower 
local entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 
August 26, 2025
12:20 pm
3984


through capacity-building programs, market linkages, and access to 
funding, which are critical for sustainable economic growth and poverty 
reduction. 
A robust local economy translates directly into higher tax revenues for 
the LGU. The LEDIPO’s work in attracting and retaining businesses leads to 
an increase in business taxes, real property taxes, and other local fees. This 
additional revenue can then be used to fund essential public services and 
infrastructure projects, creating a virtuous cycle where economic growth 
fuels better services, which in turn attract more businesses and residents. 
The LEDIPO is also crucial for building economic resilience. In the 
face of economic downturns, natural disasters, or other crises, they are the 
first line of defense, responsible for developing contingency plans, providing 
support to affected businesses, and leading recovery efforts. Their ongoing 
monitoring of the local economy allows them to identify potential risks and 
vulnerabilities, enabling the LGU to proactively prepare for and mitigate 
future shocks. 
In view thereof, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR. 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by:  REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR. 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE POSITION OF ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS OFFICER IN ALL 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND POWERS, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Local Economic 
Development and Investment Promotions Officer Act of 2025." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to 
promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth by empowering local 
government units (LGUs) to attract and facilitate investments. To this end, 
the State shall provide LGUs with a dedicated and competent workforce 
capable of formulating and implementing strategic economic and investment 
promotion plans. The creation of a permanent and institutionalized position 
for a Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer 
(LEDIPO) shall be a key step in professionalizing local economic 
development efforts, ensuring continuity and effectiveness regardless of 
changes in local administration. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, the following terms 
shall mean:  
a) Local Government Unit (LGU) - refers to a province, city,
municipality, or barangay.
b) Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer
(EIPO) - refers to the official who shall be responsible for the
formulation, implementation, and coordination of local economic
and investment promotion programs and activities.
c) Investment Promotion - refers to all activities, including but not
3984


limited to, marketing, networking, and business facilitation, aimed 
at attracting, retaining, and expanding investments within the 
LGU.  
 
d) Local Economic Development - refers to the process by which  
public, business, and non-governmental sector partners work 
collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and 
employment generation within the LGU. 
 
SEC. 4. Creation of the Position. - There is hereby created a mandatory 
position of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer 
(LEDIPO) in all provinces, cities, and municipalities. The LEDIPO shall hold 
the rank of a Department Head. LGUs may create a separate office for 
economic and investment promotion or integrate the LEDIPO into an 
existing department, such as the Planning and Development Office, as 
deemed appropriate by the local chief executive. 
 
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. - The LEDIPO shall have the following 
powers and functions:  
 
 
a) To lead in the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive 
 
LGU Economic and Investment Promotions Plan.  
 
 
b) To serve as the primary liaison and point of contact for local and 
 
foreign investors.  
 
 
c) To facilitate business registration, permitting, and other regulatory 
 
processes to create a business-friendly environment.  
 
 
d) To develop and maintain an investment database, including a list of 
 
priority sectors, potential investment sites, and available incentives.  
 
 
e) To organize and participate in investment missions, trade fairs, and 
 
other promotional activities.  
 
 
f) To collaborate with national government agencies, such as the 
 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI), 
 
and other relevant agencies, to align local efforts with national 
 
policies.  
 
 
g) To provide regular reports to the local chief executive and the local 
 
legislative council on the state of the local economy and investment 
 
inflows. 
  
h) To identify and recommend local ordinances or resolutions that will 
support and enhance the investment climate.  
 
 
i) To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the local 
 
chief executive to further the LGU's economic and investment goals. 


 
SEC. 6. Qualifications and Appointment. - The LEDIPO must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the LGU, of good moral character, a holder of a 
bachelor’s degree preferably in economics, business administration, public 
administration, or a related field, and with at least three (3) years of relevant 
experience in economic development, business management, or investment 
promotion. The LEDIPO shall be appointed by the local chief executive, 
subject to civil service laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 
7. 
Appropriations. 
- 
The 
amount 
necessary 
for 
the 
initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the general 
appropriations of the LGUs. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for 
the continued operation of the office and the position shall be included in 
the annual budget of the LGU concerned. 
 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of the 
Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the DTI and the 
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Authority (DEPDev), 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the 
provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity. 
 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or its application is 
held invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and ordinances, or 
parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
 
Approved,