By Matthan Luceño

Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) director Dixon Yasay presented the best practices and model of Local Economic Development (LED) at the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) earlier this month in Dipolog City.

With this year’s theme “Winning the ASEAN, Gaining the Global Market,” the event drew together more than 500 business leaders coming from the different parts of Mindanao.

Yasay provided the participants with information regarding the complexity, powers and structures of the local government unit. Similarly, he also showed various models of LED and best practices in government.

GLI has been an active advocate of LED as one of the success indicators in effective local governance. One of the key themes integrated in local governance programs offered by GLI is strengthening LED initiatives of every local government.

The recent MinBizCon aimed to encourage the private sector for a more collective action in pushing for an “aggressive development in Mindanao.” The discussions centered on improving the business climate in the second largest island in the country and how government agencies could provide the key support services to emerging business.

This year’s conference was organized by the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCO).

Former Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles and Senator Allan Peter Cayetano, among others graced the event, and shared their insights on the various agenda of MinBizCon.