LGUs urged to pass “Buy Local” ordinance

CEBU, Philippines — The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is pushing for the implementation of a “Buy Local” ordinance among all local government units (LGUs) in the region.

In a resolution, EDC raised the recommendation to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) in Central Visayas to call on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) to push the implementation.

“We just passed the resolution last full council RDC. Hoping we can have more LGUs pass Buy Local ordinances as soon as possible. We will be monitoring these and report to the RDC in the next full council meeting,” said Melanie Ng, private sector representative for RDC 7 and regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Central Visayas.

Ng believes that a DILG directive on this matter would speed up the passage of the ordinance.

To date, only two LGUs in Central Visayas, out of total 132 LGUs have passed the “Buy Local” ordinance, despite the recommendation passed by the RDC-7 two years ago.

Since 2020, the DTI has been making efforts to revive and strengthen its Buy Local, Go Lokal Campaign, which the RDC supported upon the endorsement of the EDC.

According to Ng, the latest action of support by the RDC is the issuance of RDC Resolution 24 in 2022 requesting the LGUs in Central Visayas to pass a buy local ordinance and the DTI 7 to provide a semi-annual report to the EDC on the status thereof.

During the EDC’s fourth quarter meeting held on November 15, 2022, it was reported that despite the intensive campaign in the last two years, only the municipalities of Siquijor, Siquijor, and San Miguel, Bohol passed local ordinances.

The “Buy Local, Go Lokal” is a campaign initiated by the DTI to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to weather the storm and create opportunities for their recovery and growth.

It revolves around the powerful message for Filipinos to support MSMEs by shifting their buying patterns towards the consumption and purchase of local fresh produce and manufactured goods.

Likewise, the campaign likewise aims to help stimulate and boost domestic travel, while encouraging Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-owned and -operated facilities and services.

Buy Local – Go Lokal is an appeal not only to the public but also to the private sector. Industry associations, consumer groups as well as those from the manufacturing industry are invited to promote the use of products made in the Philippines and source raw materials from local suppliers to give opportunities to local businesses and save local employment.

Ng hopes that with the revival of endorsement from RDC, with the help of DILG more municipalities and cities across Central Visayas will pass the “Buy Local” ordinance.