Ilocos Norte Aims to Boost Investments through Partnerships with National Agencies
LAOAG CITY — In an effort to foster a more business-friendly environment and attract investors, the Ilocos Norte government is collaborating with several national government agencies (NGAs) to streamline processes in key sectors including agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, and services. Soya Cheng-Bueno, head of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center (INvest), announced on Wednesday that the Provincial Council had unanimously passed a resolution empowering Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to formalize agreements with representatives from various agencies.
According to Philippines news Agency, the collaboration will involve the Social Security System, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Tourism, Home Development Mutual Fund, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Bureau of Internal Revenue, among others. These partnerships aim to support the implementation of the I-Care Desk initiative, an INvest-supervised service designed to facilitate the investor registration process and the acquisition of permits and licenses by providing a centralized evaluation desk at the provincial capitol.
While the date for the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing is still pending, Bueno emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to making Ilocos Norte a prime destination for investors by improving the efficiency of government service systems and procedures. The I-Care Desk is intended to operate as a comprehensive business service center, enhancing economic activity through superior investment services and proactive investment promotion within the province.
Launched in 2019 through Provincial Ordinance No. 061-2019, INvest plays a crucial role in advising on investment opportunities, business procedures, permit requirements, and governmental regulations. The province is actively offering a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract investments, including exemptions from real property taxes and rewards for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices or hire local residents.