DILG pilots new economic program in W. Visayas towns

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Two local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been selected as pilot areas for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Recovery Initiatives towards Sustained Local Economy (RISE) Program.

DILG-6 Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said Badiangan in Iloilo and Talisay City in Negros Occidental are the initial recipients of the program.

“The RISE program was developed to equip the LGUs with tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to drive economic recovery and foster sustained growth,” he said.

DILG-6 was chosen as the pilot region for the RISE program in October 2023.

“The RISE program is an economic development initiative, and as we all know, Region 6 is fast rising in terms of economics. However, some LGUs still need our support,” he said.

Under the program, Ingeniero explained that the DILG provides seed money to selected LGUs to establish livelihood programs in their communities.

“In Talisay and Badiang, the two LGUs presented their livelihood plans. Before that, they had training with the DILG, the Department of Trade and Industry, LandBank, and other financial experts in economic development,” he said.

Badiangan’s proposal, named “One Badiangan,” aims to revive the ginger industry, while Talisay City’s “Balay Kalubihan” focuses on integrating the coconut industry with agri-tourism.

Ingeniero noted that the two LGUs have so far received PHP 200,000 in financial assistance.

He added that the Department of Science and Technology has also committed to supporting the two LGUs, highlighting the importance of development factors such as packaging and production processes in their livelihood programs.