Signifying the continued commitment of both institutions to advancing inclusive, sustainable, and regionally balanced economic growth, City Mayor of General Santos, Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquaio, and BOI’s Investments Assistance Center (IAC) Executive Director Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla, representing Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo, signed the MOA.
Notably, the agreement establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation between the BOI and the City Government to promote investment facilitation efforts and align national development goals with local initiatives.
Through the partnership, the BOI aims to enhance institutional coordination with local government units (LGUs) and strengthen the whole-of-government approach in supporting strategic and high-impact investments.
Additionally, the MOA supports key investment facilitation initiatives, such as the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, which aim to streamline permitting and licensing processes for qualified projects. By adopting BOI’s best practices and improving coordination with national government agencies, the City Government of General Santos is expected to further strengthen its ability to provide efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly services.
Executive Director Fondevilla highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the national government and local government units in strengthening investment facilitation at the local level.
“This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to improving the way we support investors—from facilitating their entry into the market to assisting them throughout the life cycle of their investments. Through stronger coordination with our local government partners, we can ensure a more seamless process for investors and create an environment where investments are able to grow, generate jobs, and contribute to local economic development,” Executive Director Fondevilla said.
Mayor Pacquiao recognized the significance of such a partnership with the BOI. “The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement sends a strong message—not only to us here in the city, but also to other local government units, the business community, and our partners elsewhere—that we are serious in strengthening investments, expanding business opportunities, and, most importantly, creating more jobs for the Generals. But along with these opportunities comes the responsibility to safeguard and uphold the reputation of our city,” the mayor added.
Known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” General Santos City remains a major contributor to the country’s fisheries industry. The city is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the country and among the leading contributors to national fish catch volumes.
The city’s fisheries sector generates significant employment and sustains a robust fisheries value chain. General Santos City continues to attract investments across diverse sectors, including hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, manufacturing, and information and communications technology. Moreover, the city is also supported by modern telecommunications infrastructure and strong connectivity by air, land, and sea.
Currently, the BOI has MOAs with 40 local governments. Last year, the BOI signed MOAs with the Province of South Cotabato, the Province of Bataan, the Province of Camarines Sur, the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, and the City of Iriga. These partnerships demonstrate the BOI’s commitment to bolstering its network with LGUs to promote seamless collaboration and ease of doing business between the national and local governments.
