The Local Government Integrity Circles (LoGIC) Network Program was formally launched on October 19, during the Regional Business Opportunities Summit at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.
Its primary purpose is to contribute to a culture of integrity in the Local Government Units all over the Philippines. The LoGIC Network program is building on the results of and lessons learned from the European Union (EU) co-funded Project for Integrity and Jobs (Project I4J) that established 60 Integrity Circles across the Philippines.
This program helps create a multi-sectoral platform committed to advance the most innovative, efficient, and effective integrity mechanisms in local governance to address development needs such as business registration, improving government procurement processes, and LGU human resources policy on red tape and corrupt practices, among others. Each integrity circle is made up of local government unit, business sector and civil society organizations that work in collaboration to institutionalize integrity mechanisms and programs in local government units.
Members of the LoGIC Network are provided with tested programs, systems, and tools that can effectively assist them in achieving high standard of ethics and increase competitiveness. Furthermore, it will facilitate investors to gain confidence to do business with the LGUs, and assist national government agencies in implementing their governance program more effectively.
The three year project is co-funded by the EU and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. It is implemented by a collaboration of integrity advocates promoting transparency and inclusive economic growth led by Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), together with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the Centrist Democracy Political Institute (CDPI), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP). This is the same consortium that started the EU-funded project I4J-Partnerships for integrity and job creation in 2014.
LoGIC Network targets to create 300 integrity circles by 2020. Aside from that, the network works with relevant local governance, civil society players and links them with the LoGIC members. Furthermore, it facilitates investors to gain confidence to the business with the LGUs, and assist national government agencies in implementing their governance program more effectively.
During the launch, European Union and the members reaffirm their commitment in pursuing the aims of LoGIC Network.
Doctor Stefan Jost, KAS Country Director shared how LoGIC Network is aligned with its mission in the country. KAS also taps partners like the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), that links the LGUs with the business community in advocating how to make business in the Philippines easier and more competitive.
While ECCP President, Guenter Taus said, his group is glad to be part of the LoGIC Network to help in the continuing improvement of the business climate in the provinces, city and municipality levels by promoting greater openness, good governance and improved government efficiency, increased transparency and integrity in delivering the promises, enhance business confidence in working with local stakeholders, particularly with the LGUs, business sector and civil society.
For Lito Lorenzana, President of Centris Democracy Political Institute said, “The noble vision of LoGIC is to build a culture of integrity in the Philippines is the main reason his organization is honored in being a partner. Educating our people and leaders about good governance and political technocracy are parts of the advocacies and goals of the institute.”
The October 19 Business Summit will be followed by a CSO Forum on November 12-14, 2018 at the Waterfront Hotel Davao City with the theme, “CSO Partnerships with Government-Mandated Local Special Bodies.”
To learn more about the LoGIC Network, visit www.logic-philippines.com
