Because of this, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) is recommending that the RDC 7 request the Department of the Interior and Local Government 7 to issue a memorandum circular enjoining LGUs in Central Visayas to pass “Buy Local” ordinances.
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.
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.
However, during EDC’s fourth quarter meeting on Nov. 15, 2022, DTI 7 reported that after two years of the campaign, only the municipalities of Siquijor, Siquijor and San Miguel, Bohol passed buy local ordinances.
“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 Central Visayas.
She said a DILG directive would speed up the passage of the ordinance.
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.
The campaign likewise will help stimulate and boost domestic travel, while encouraging Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-owned and -operated facilities and service.
“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,” the DTI said.