The Northern Samar provincial government is upbeat about attracting more investments after securing the second presidential recognition for carrying out measures to facilitate the entry of major businesses.

Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Northern Samar provincial economic development and investment promotions office (PEDIPO), said in a phone interview Tuesday that the award, conferred in Malacañang on March 13 is a testament to a solid investment climate and government support in the province.

The province was recognized for implementing the Northern Samar One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), the first local government unit (LGU) Green Lane for strategic investments in the Philippines.

Northern Samar, along with five other provinces – Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Ilocos Norte – and the City of General Trias received the award from the Office of the President.

This is the second presidential recognition related to investment promotion. In 2024, Northern Samar received an award for the establishment of its PEDIPO and the launch of the Winvest Northern Samar campaign, effectively attracting and facilitating over PHP150 billion worth of investments in the province.

“With this innovation, both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are working to enhance and document Northern Samar’s best practices and recommend its replication in all local government units in the country,” Berbon added.

In a statement, Governor Edwin Ongchuan acknowledged the vital role of the provincial government offices and the local government units in making Northern Samar a prime investment destination, especially in renewable energy.

“While it has been the PEDIPO team that has secured us two presidential recognitions thus far, it is truly the collective effort of the entire provincial government and all local government units that is pivotal in improving Northern Samar. It is the synergy and interdependence among all local officials that give Northern Samar its unique advantage. We work in unison, embodying the principle of unity for the greater good,” he said.

On July 10, 2024, Northern Samar was one of the recipients of Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs for being an outstanding development partner in the promotion of economic development among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Last year, at least 12 major investments related to agriculture, fishery, and renewable energy were facilitated by the Board of Investments (BOI) in the province. (PNA)