[Xavier University's Governance and Leadership Institute director Dr Dixon Yasay shares on the module in forming Local Economic Development (LED) champions in a three-day workshop in Manila to come up with a sustainable LED plan.]

By Matthan Luceño

Local Economic Development (LED) is the primary function of local governments. The challenge of every local government unit is to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to economic activities and investments in order for the local economy to grow, and improve the quality of life of the populace. The end result of LED should contribute significantly to poverty reduction.

The Local Government Academy of Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Local Governance Support Program (LGSP), funded by the government of Canada, have been engaging with the various LGUs in the country for the last eight years in order to push for faster, stronger and more sustainable LED.

The LGSP-LED project has already produced inspiring stories of success among recipient LGUs. Examples are the Bohol Eco-Tourism Development, Iloilo Negosyo Center and Metro Naga Tourism Packages, among others that bring hope to every Filipino who aspires for a better life.

The Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University has been actively engaged in the LGSP-LED project for the last four years.

Recently, 11 cities in the country — Naga (Camarines Sur), Pasay, Kalibo, Catbalogan, San Fernando (Pampanga), Puerto Galera, Calbayug, Bislig, Surigao, and La Trinidad — underwent a three-day workshop in Manila to come up with a sustainable LED plan.

GLI director Dr Dixon Yasay created the module for the said training in forming LED Champions. His session focused on the key attributes and primary tasks of becoming a LED champion. He made use of the stories of mayors Bayani Fernando, Sonny Belmonte, Jesse Robredo and many others as models.

GLI intends to offer a LED Program next year as one of the new course offerings for local governments and other sectors.