Not just business-friendly LGUs

NOTWITHSTANDING it’s apparent lack of oomph and a comprehensive roadmap for national development, the first State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III last week did contain one clear order for our local government units (LGUs): Be business-friendly.

“Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso,” P-Noy said.

This call was dished out in the context of the P-Noy administration’s strategy to tap more private sector investment and expand private-public partnerships in propping up the country’s economy.

But attracting investors into our towns and cities is no simple job.

It is not just about easing the procedural system for registering businesses and paying fees, but also making sure that the system will do away with the usual under-the-table greasing. Small but valid concerns must also be addressed. One example would be the Dagupan City council’s move to do away with the towing provision and pay parking in the city’s comprehensive traffic ordinance, which, according to Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, are not business-friendly and discourages visitors to come to the city.

The municipal and city governments must also be able to lay out a program that will make their areas attractive sites for businessmen.

Not every place should aim to be or can possibly become an urbanized, commercial area; but each one has strengths and features that can help determine a unique position that will appeal to specific ventures.

At the same time, local government leaders carry the responsibility of ensuring that the private investors, who of course have capitalist interests to protect, will not be allowed to take advantage of their localities, especially in terms of community welfare (health, safety, cultural values) and the use of natural resources.

In welcoming businesses into our towns, a careful balancing act is necessary to achieve progress without compromising the wellbeing of the people and the environment.

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