City government, private sector eye partnership in programs

Talks are underway for the establishment of a private sector-government partnership that would carry out program-based initiatives taken from the recently concluded “Cebu City plus 10” consultation series.

The city government concluded the other day the three-weeklong series of consultation with 11 sectors, which presented their concerns and suggestions over various matters at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the outputs presented by the various sectors during the consultations would be used by the city as starting point in implementation of programs.

However, while the city is keen on answering the concerns raised in the consultations, Osmeña said the participation of the private sector is a must because the city could not do it alone.

After the consultation, comes the implementation of the proposed initiatives and this time the private sector should continue to work hand in hand with the city government in realizing the proposals from the various sectors, the mayor said.

Osmeña said he private sector will name its keyman or representative who would be tasked to help enforce the program-based initiatives together with the city government’s representative.

The mayor said that members of the different sectors should further listen to one other then determine the areas where they can work together well.

University of the Philippines professor Felisa Etemadi, a member of the “Cebu City plus 10” steering committee had asked the private sector to pledge to help repair the dilapidated schools in the city, especially in the mountain barangays.

She agreed that a dialogue must be held between the private sector and the government to discuss the areas they must work together.

“This is just a social experiment. Cebu City is 360 degrees and we want to know what’s going around. We stop and ask ourselves ‘where are we?’ ‘What have we accomplished?’ and ‘Are we going anywhere?’” Osmeña said.

The sectors involved in the consultations were the children and youth, academe, faith-based groups,  vulnerable and elderly, housing and environment, upland and coastal area dwellers, workers, health, peace and order, safety and security, professionals, and businessmen.

During the consulations, they were made to answer questions like: “What do you want your sector to be like 10 years from now?”; and “What are the hindrances you expect to face while working to achieve these aspirations?”

The academe, for its part, wanted the schools to offer quality education and better academic performance of students. They cited lack of school facilities and supplies, teachers, and low compensation among the factors that hinder the achievement of these goals.

The youth sector wanted to lessen the number of out-of-school youths and dropouts, and envisioned a less corrupt government.

The other sectors shared concerns on the need for more sector representation, medical help and service, investments, employment and livelihood, and infrastructure, among others.

They also mentioned actions to improve peace and order, eradicate corruption, protect human rights, control pollution and protect the environment, and improve traffic management.

They however opined that the lack of funds, bureaucratic red tape, less transparency, and government’s lack of priority have hampered the achievement of these goals. — Wenna A. Berondo/RAE