GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The three-month-old 2009 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) adopted by Malacañang as an offshoot of the global financial crisis will finally be discussed here in a bid to help private investors tide the crunch, trade and investments officials announced on Tuesday.

Ellorence D. Cruz, Board of Investments (BOI) coordinator here, said the agency, in cooperation with the regional Department of Trade and Industry, realized the need to impart the 2009 IPP to investors in Central Mindanao.

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"The whole day event serves as an awareness and information campaign of the support that the government is extending through the 2009 IPP, particularly to industries and laid-off workers affected by the global economic crisis," she said.

At least 23 companies in Central Mindanao region have been affected by the global economic slump, which affected some 2,060 employees, Ma. Gloria A. Tango, regional Labor department director, said.

The affected sectors belong to fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture, Tango noted.

Cruz invited non-BOI-registered companies to participate in the 2009 IPP forum, which will be held on June 29, to avail of the opportunity to be accredited by the agency and thus enjoy the tax incentives offered by the board.

"There will be an on-the-spot application and approval of projects consistent with the 2009 IPP," she said.

Cruz said they expect at least 100 participants to the event, some coming from the Davao region, that have been hit hard by the global economic meltdown, as well as representatives from other government agencies.

Last March 30, Malacañang issued Memorandum Order 299, which approves the 2009 IPP.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in issuing the memorandum, said the Philippine economy has to contend with a more challenging environment as a result of the turbulence in the global financial markets. (BSS)