DILG backs mayors’ convergence  

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor and League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) National President Michael Rama got the needed support from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its 2nd Convergence of Family Servants on November 10-12 at Shangri-la the Fort, Taguig City.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos sent out a memorandum to DILG’s regional directors, the local government units (LGU) even including the governors of the upcoming event which is the “Convergence of Family Servants: Smarter, Stronger, and Sustainable Cities Build Global Connections.

This, after Mayor Rama sent out a letter to DILG asking for their endorsement.

The activity, in Abalos’ letter, is aimed to convene the member cities and discuss and solidify the stance of the league on urgent policy measures.

Aside from that, the event is expected to bolster the role of cities in nation-building and global partnerships and proceed with the prioritization of programs, projects, and activities for the next three years.

“Relative to this, and in response to the request of Mayor Rama, this Department encourages all Provincial Governors (for Component City Mayors) and City Mayors (for HUC and ICC Mayors) to allow the participation of concerned local government unit representatives in the said activity, on official business,” Abalos said in a memorandum.

Since the DILG approved the activity as an official business, participating mayors and officials may use government funds for their traveling expenses, registration fee, accommodation, meals and conference materials, if any.

This, however, has some limitations and is subject to the usual accounting and auditing requirements.

Abalos also reminded all participants not to enter, stay and/or play at gambling casinos, as per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2018-25.

Aside from the LCP though, DILG also supports the barangay leaders’ convention on empowering local leaders towards good local governance on November 18 to 20 in Davao City and in the year-end assembly of the Philippine Councilors’ League (LCP) on December 16 and 17 in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Abalos also sent out separate memos concerning the two other upcoming activities.

As official events, participants of the Barangay Councilors’ League of the Philippines (BCLP)-initiated event may also charge their travel expenses to barangay funds while the LCP event is chargeable to local government funds. (FREEMAN)