March 14, 2022 | The Local Government Unit of General Santos City through the City Economic Management and Development Office (CEMCDO) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the cityโs economic game plan on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, last 11 March 2022 via zoom conference.
The said FGD aims to gather information and solicit plans, measures, and interventions from the national government agencies, and private / business stakeholders on how to mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict.
Among the salient points discussed were:
- Supply and price situation;
b) Economic impact to sectors like the agri-fishery, MSMEs, etc.;
c) Measures/programs on food security, fuel conservation, business sustainability, and jobs preservation;
d) Proposal for the suspension of lease rates increases for agro-locators including the unloading fees; and
e) Livelihood assistance to the affected local industries, and returning OFWs.
The virtual meeting was attended by various agencies from the national government agencies particularly from the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority (PFDA), and Bureau of Customs (BOC);
Additionally, in attendance were from the different private sectors in General Santos City namely: General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCII), Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Inc. (SMEDCI), and SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industry Incorporated (SFFAII).
The members of the competitiveness clusters composed of the City Agriculturistโs Office, City Engineerโs Office, and Office of the Building Official also gave inputs and actively participated during the FGD. (JMDP)
