CHAC wants more private representatives

CEBU, Philippines – The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission needs more private sector representatives to make it more active and more responsive to the present times.

Members of CHAC, during their recent meeting, decided to increase from five to eight the present representatives from the private sector to widen their connection and strengthen the implementation of their programs and policies for the promotion of the city's rich culture and history.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, who is a member of the commission, has already proposed the necessary amendment of the ordinance creating CHAC to accommodate more private sector representatives.

After the ordinance shall have been amended CHAC members will immediately start choosing whom to invite from the private sector as additional representatives.

Dizon presented last Friday for first reading his proposed amendment of City Ordinance No. 1098.

The proposal was already referred to the committee on laws to determine its legal implications.

In the proposed amendment, the commission will be chaired by the Vice Mayor with the chairman of the committee on tourism sitting as vice chairman.

A representative of the committee on education shall sit a member along with eight private sector representatives, a consultant to be chosen by the commission and a secretary who shall be appointed by the mayor.

Aside from increasing private participation, Dizon also proposed to change the commission's schedule of regular meeting from at least twice a month to every first Wednesday of the month only or as the need arises.

CHAC is working on the lack of money available to fund five cultural celebrations that are all city sponsored for the rest of the year.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña, designated chairman of CHAC revealed that the commission has only around P30,000 money left which will not be enough to fund the five activities.

CHAC has to sponsor the National Heroes Week on the last week of this month, the birth anniversary of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. on September 9, the Andres Bonifacio Day on November 30, the Pasko sa Sugbo on the whole month of December, the birth anniversary of Sergio Osmeña Jr., and the commemoration of the martyrdom of Jose Rizal on December 30.

Councilor Jose Daluz III, who heads the committee on budget and finance, suggested to ask Mayor Michael Rama to tap the unused P5 million sports development fund.

Daluz said that the mayor has to sign a letter of approval so the money can be transferred to CHAC. (THE FREEMAN)