CAPACITY BUILDING OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION OFFICERS AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN LAGUNA

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of capacity building of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officers and policy implementation in Laguna during the calendar year 2023-2024.

Descriptive quantitative research design was utilized to analyze the demographic profile, the level of learning participation, the level of policy implementation, the profile of the respondents and the levels of capacity building predicting the level of policy implementation, and the significant relationship between the level of learning participation of LEDIPOs, and the level of policy implementation using the following statistical treatment respectively, such as frequency and percentage, weighted mean, regression analysis, Pearson-R, and T-test.

The result showed that the profile of the respondents and the levels of capacity building do not significantly predict the level of policy implementation. And there is a significant relationship between the level of learning participation of LEDIPOs and the level of policy implementation in Laguna.

These findings suggested that investing in capacity-building programs for LEDIPOs can enhance the level of policy implementation outcomes in Laguna. By focusing on areas such as investment promotion, local area promotion, Local Investments and Incentive Code (LIIC), marketing strategies, and partnership with national agencies, LEDIPOs can contribute more effectively to policy implementation efforts.

The study's recommendations offered a strategic roadmap for enhancing the effectiveness of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices (LEDIPOs). It advocated for collaborative partnerships with external experts to enrich LEDIPOs' expertise and resources. Practical capacity building, coupled with mentorship, ensures that LEDIPOs can apply learned concepts to real-world projects. Understanding investor needs through targeted market research enables LEDIPOs to tailor their strategies effectively, thus promoting local areas to potential investors.

The study also stressed the importance of evaluating LEDIPOs' adherence to guidelines and resource allocation for better policy implementation. By coordinating with national agencies, LEDIPOs can amplify their impact on local economic development. Lastly, institutionalizing LEDIPOs with dedicated budget allocations secures their role in fostering local growth. In essence, these recommendations provide a concise yet powerful framework to empower LEDIPOs in driving sustainable economic development at the local level.