Davide heads for global PPP forum in Tokyo

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III flew to Japan yesterday to participate in an international public-private partnership forum on August 4 in Tokyo and meet private companies there.

The governor is expected to stay in Japan until August 8, said Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.

He will also meet the officials of Toyo University, Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Saitama Prefecture government between August 5 and 8.

Natera told The FREEMAN that Davide will attend the presentation of the final results of Toyo University’s study conducted in the province in February this year.

The said study explored the possibilities and opportunities in the province in terms of socio-economic development that can be undertaken under PPP scheme.

The main subject areas that were taken into consideration during the study included disaster preparedness, health services and urban issues such as flood, trash and transportation.

Interested private companies will be introduced by Toyo officials to partner with the province in the implementation of the proposed projects, Natera said.

With Davide’s temporary absence, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will take over as acting governor. She may perform the duties and discharge functions of the governor except appointing, suspending or dismissing employees as provided for by the law.

Magpale will spearhead the activities during the celebration of the 446th founding anniversary of Cebu on August 6.

The month-long celebration will be formally opened on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony and raising of municipal flags.

Provincial assistant administrator Ramil Abing said all mayors in the province have been invited.

Republic Act 8952 declared August 6 of every year a special non-working public holiday not only in Cebu but also in its highly-urbanized cities of Cebu and Mandaue and its component cities of Lapu-Lapu, Danao, Toledo, Talisay, Naga, Carcar and Bogo.  (FREEMAN)