Bill seeking institutionalization of MCDCB pushed

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) will be proposing to the lawmakers a bill seeking its institutionalization, which would pave way to a strengthened coordination among concerned local government units.

Evelyn Nacario-Castro, MCDCB-Research Program and Organizational Development executive director, said they are now working on the third draft of the proposed bill which will be presented during the full board meeting next week.

“We are coordinating with some members of the Congress. We will present the draft to them after we present it sa board,” she told reporters after a meeting with representatives from Japan International Cooperation Agency yesterday at the Capitol.

She said the proposed bill was crafted with the help of MCDCB’s technical working group.

The body is hoping that the proposed bill would be filed in October this year.

Lawyer Mark Tolentino, the provincial administrator, explained during a meeting that there is a need for a legislation to have MCDCB institutionalized so as to create a “personality” to the body even though its establishment is supported with an agreement which is binding in nature.

“In the meantime, pending the institution of MCDCB, we should have alternative approach as a second option,” he suggested.

Castro said that projects that can already be undertaken should proceed despite the ongoing institutionalization process.

MCDCB’s flagship projects and programs in the roadmap include construction of Mananga II Dam, Mactan North Dual-Mode Bridge, construction and networking of septage plants, feasibility study on area traffic control in Metro Cebu, and master plan for a comprehensive Solid Waste Management for Metro Cebu, among others.

The body is chaired by Cebu Governor HilarioDavide III and co-chaired by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. President Roberto Aboitiz. (FREEMAN)