LCP kicks off 3-day conference today

CEBU, Philippines — Members of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) will converge on Cebu City today until April 13 for a gathering at Nustar Resort Cebu at the South Road Properties.

The meeting carries the theme “Championing Innovations towards Progressive and Sustainable Cities.”

The activity aims to showcase the league's ability to lead and develop sustainable programs at the local level.

There will be knowledge-sharing sessions, where experts will share their insights on city administration and governance. Partner presentations will be about the latest trends and technologies to improve basic service delivery, while sponsor presentations will help cities in local administration.

Aside from the convergence of the country’s LCP members composed of city mayors from highly-urbanized and independent cities all over the country, there will also be the 77th National Executive Board Meeting.

During the National Executive Board Meeting, members are expected to tackle updates on the LCP's activities and advocacies.

With this, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Secretary Benhur Abalos has approved the request of LCP National president and Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama to make this activity an official business for the local chief executives and/or their representatives.

“In response to the request of Mayor Rama, this Department encourages all Provincial Govemors (for Component City Mayors) and City Mayors (for HUCs and ICC Mayors) to allow the participation of concerned local government unit representatives in the said activity, on official business,” part of DILG’s memo retrieved by The Freeman reads.

With this, the payment applicable for traveling expenses and registration fee, if any, to defray the cost of hotel accommodation, meals and conference materials, per participant, may be authorized and chargeable against local funds, but in accordance with, and subject to applicable limitations prescribed in COA Circular No.2012-003 dated October 29,2012, the usual accounting and auditing requirements to all pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

Along with this, DILG also reminded participating officials of the provisions of DILG Memorandum Circular No.2018-25 dated February28,2012 which prohibits local government officials and employees from entering, staying and/or playing at gambling casinos. — (FREEMAN)