Gov’t planners start nat’l confab Monday

CEBU, Philippines - Local development planners of the country are converging in Cebu starting Monday next week for their five-day national convention.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is in Cebu today, is expected to deliver his keynote address to participants on May 20.

Engineer Christine Homez, Talisay City planning and development coordinator and League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. (LLPDCPI)-Cebu Chapter president, said they are anticipating the arrival of more than a hundred participants from all over the country.

Themed the “Role of Development Planners in the Promotion of Smart Local Government Units,” the event will be held at the newly renovated Grand Convention Center.

Among the topics to be discussed during the convention is the “Use of  Technologies  in promoting Smart LGU’s” and “Public-Private Partnership in Promoting Smart LGUs.”

LLPDCPI is an association of planning and development coordinators of all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide.

Homez said they are united in the common interest and commitment to rationalize development planning as a profession, and are imbued with ideals to bring about socio-economic progress to their respective jurisdiction and to the nation.

Other guests who are expected to deliver messages are Secretary Arsenio Balica sa of the National Economic and Development Authority socio-economic planning office; Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III; and Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, League of  Municipalities in the Philippines president.

There are also speakers from the Department of Science and Technology, and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Homez said other planners who would attend are from the academe and the government sector. (FREEMAN)