Representatives gather to discuss LGU-related issues

CEBU, Philippines - More than a hundred representatives of local government units from across the country have converged in Cebu for a three-day summit to discuss pressing issues faced by LGUs, including depletion of marine resources, illegal fishing, encroachment of commercial fishers into local water, severe erosion and indiscriminate capturing of wildlife.

The 2nd Inter-LGU Summit kicked off at the Cebu Parklane Hotel yesterday and will end tomorrow.

Ambassador Alistair Macdonald, head of delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, was yesterday’s keynote speaker.

The summit is a joint initiative of the Canadian International Development Agency, European Commission, and the German Technical Cooperation.

The three agencies have sent in resource speakers to the summit. Yesterday’s keynote speaker was Alistair Macdonald, head of delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Governor Felipe Nava of Guimaras Alliance; Atty. Allan Ranillo of DDKaRoMa, Zamboanga del Norte; and Mayor Roberto Loquinte of Anahawan, Southern Leyte will give their insights on programs that have been implemented and tested to address the issues.

The conference also highlights the validation of a GTZ-sponsored “Cookbook” on setting up the institutional, financial arrangements and legal instruments in starting and sustaining inter-LGU alliances.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, the alliances that will be formed will not only be between the participating LGU’s but will also reach out to the private sector and non-government organizations.

Dean Alex Brillantes Jr. of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance delivered the welcome address during the opening ceremonies yesterday. - Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (FREEMAN NEWS)