CCCI requests release of aids from city

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is again requesting the city government to release the P4 million aid it committed to CCCI that has been pending since 2008.

The amount is supposedly for the years 2008 and 2009 at P2-million each year which is the city’s assistance for the annual celebration of the Cebu Business Month.

In their letter to Mayor Michael Rama dated November 23, CCCI has requested the mayor to release the fund by utilizing the Local Development Fund which has P8 million used allocation.

“During our meeting with Atty. Poblete (City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete) last November 15, we learned that the LDF for 2010 still has an unused allocation of P8 million. We are therefore requesting the city government for the allocation of a portion of the LDF for the payment of the P4 million in support of the CBM,” said CCCI President Samuel L. Chioson.

Chioson said that they understand that the LDF is originally intended to provide financial assistance to Non-Government Organizations and People’s Organization for livelihood projects which is primarily the aim of the CBM.

The annual Cebu Business Month celebration is designed to enable various stakeholders to explore investment, business and travel opportunities in Cebu or including the rest of the country.

“It will be noted that the celebration of the CBM for the past 14 years has been instrumental in the creation of new business and the provision of additional employment opportunities to a number of city residents. The goal of the CBM is no different from the goal of your administration in providing the LDF,” Chioson added.

Chioson’s letter was referred to the council.

During last Friday’s regular council session, councilor Edu Rama explained that the city has already allocated budget for the aid but was stopped because of the advice of the Commission on Audit.

Rama said that the city used to charge the amount against the Trust Fund of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation which was not allowed by COA.

The city is yet to look for another source and the LDF is being considered.

CCCI’s request was referred to the committee of Councilor Sisinio Andales which accredits and monitors the aid released to NGOs and POs.

Rama suggested to include the aid to CCCI to the city’s annual budget since the city will have to give aid yearly. (FREEMAN)