CLARK FREEPORT – In order to rationalize the implementation of development programs in Pampanga, legislators and other elected offi cials led by Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda converged at the convention hall of the Hotel Stotsenberg here yesterday to adopt a sustained program of development for Kapampangans.
During the forum, Pineda underscored the need for elected officials to continuously look for ways and means to augment their income and not just rely on the internal revenue allotment (IRA) and local taxes.
“Don’t wait for local revenues or IRA. You should think of ways and means to augment your income, diskarti (be resourceful),” she told officials gathered at the hall. Pineda also told the legislators to study the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program of the national government in order to apply its merit in their own cities and municipalities.
The PPP program was earlier presented by former Justice Secretary Alberto Agra where he stressed the essential role of the private sector as the main engine for national growth and development.
Pineda urged local officials to look for partners in the private sector to sustain their development programs that should have a trickle- down effect down to the municipalities and the barangays to uplift the lives of ordinary Kapampangans.
The governor said the forum will also ensure that the programs will be sustained and to avoid duplication in order to fasttrack the development. For his part, Philippine Councilors’ League – Pampanga Chapter president Mike Tapang vowed to be “pro-active” in crafting legislation intended for development programs and projects in partnership with the provincial government.
He said the “convergence activity will enable us to develop a policy framework that will guide us in our respective localities in coming up with programs and projects synchronized with that of the provincial government.”
He added that the forum presents “a holistic approach in ensuring a more effective and efficient partnership with the provincial government on formulating legislations specifically focused on poverty alleviation, job creation, food security, and healthy and safe environment.”
During the forum, Engr. Josefi na Pineda of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) presented an overview of the forum’s activity. She said the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) that was finalized was a product of a series of workshops, brainstorming and other activities aimed in coming up with a doable plan.
Meanwhile, provincial Board Members (BM) were tasked to discuss various topics and work with their local counterparts for a seamless development program.
Among them were Senior BM Ferdinand Labung who was tasked to discuss agriculture, fisheries and social services; BM Rosvie Henson’s topic was peace and order as well as public safety and disaster management; BM Nestor Tolentino discussed the issues on the environment; BM Ric Yabut talked on infrastructure; BM Arthur Salalila on education; BM Cherry Manalo on tourism, arts and culture; and more appropriately BM Teddy Tumang on Human Rights.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Myrvi Favia discussed local legislation.
