Batangas City was chosen as one of only three cities in the Philippines that will receive technical assistance in the Investment Enabling Environment (INVEST) Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its economic governance sector. The other two cities are Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro City. The objective of USAID-INVEST Project which has a duration of two-year is to promote economic growth through measures that will enhance business competitiveness and promote more effective investment planning and promotion. Specifically, the USAID-INVEST Project will assist the three cities in: (1) lowering transaction costs and reducing the cost of doing business and (2) increasing their competitiveness as possible investment destinations.

According to Engr. Sonny B. Godoy, the City Planning and Development Coordinator and designated Liaison Officer for the project; the city government of Batangas as its project counterpart will provide logistical support during the project duration such as an office space and a designated liaison officer.

The USAID-INVEST Project will focus on the operation of the Business Permits and Licensing Office of Batangas City by conducting assessment and will recommend possible measures to further improve and streamline its operation. Several technical personnel from the USAID-INVEST Project have already visited the BPLO and coordinated with its head Mrs. Ditas A. Rivera for preliminary assessment.

Last January 18, 2012, the USAID project officer for INVEST Project, Ms. Catherine Hamlin, made a courtesy call to the City Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha to formally inform her of the selection of Batangas City. It was also agreed upon during that meeting that a public launching ceremony shall be held at a later date that will be agreed upon.