Quarterly Performance Report October - December 2013

The Project aims to improve the enabling business environment in three partner cities: Batangas City, Iloilo City, and Cagayan de Oro City. Over the past two years, the Project has worked with local government units and other stakeholders in the partner cities, engaging national government agencies to create a policy environment supportive of efforts to improve competitiveness. The Project was awarded to Orient Integrated Development Consultants Incorporated (OIDCI) on September 30, 2011, and was launched on November 3, 2011. A modification of the original contract was made on September 26, 2013, extending the Project's life up to September 2014 with additional budget for the Option Year. The Project submitted its revised Workplan for the Option Year on September 27, 2013, which was approved by USAID on October 2, 2013. Under this Workplan, the Project is implemented along three components. Component 1 focuses on streamlining business registration processes and lowering transaction costs. This includes assisting cities in setting up computerized business permitting systems, introducing risk-based inspection systems, and streamlining procedures for securing construction-related permits and those operating hotel establishments and tourism-related activities. Component 2 prioritizes activities related to the conduct of Business Forums for each partner city. The Project conducts investment planning sessions with local government and private sector participation, develops marketing materials, engages partners to co-sponsor the event, and assists partner cities in setting up Investment Promotion Centers. Component 3 enhances the system for measuring the level of competitiveness in partner cities and undertakes project closeout activities. Project management ensures compliance with requirements for project closeout, prepares a demobilization plan, and discusses an exit strategy for the Project in each partner city with USAID. Major accomplishments for the 9th quarter include the Batangas City Business Forum, which was held on October 24, 2013. The Forum aimed to promote investment opportunities in Batangas City and was attended by local government officials, business leaders, and potential investors. The Forum resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City Government of Batangas and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to promote business and investment in the city. In Iloilo City, the Project assisted in the establishment of a Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) to streamline business registration processes and reduce transaction costs. The BOSS was launched on October 25, 2013, and has since processed over 100 business applications, resulting in a significant reduction in processing time and costs. In Cagayan de Oro City, the Project conducted a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) with local business leaders and stakeholders to identify investment priority areas and opportunities for the business sector. The FGDs resulted in the identification of key investment areas, including infrastructure development, tourism, and agriculture. The Project also made significant progress in Component 3, enhancing the system for measuring the level of competitiveness in partner cities. A competitiveness index was developed to measure the level of competitiveness in each partner city, providing a basis for comparison and benchmarking. Overall, the INVEST Project has made significant progress in improving the enabling business environment in partner cities, promoting investment opportunities, and enhancing competitiveness.