Council authorizes JVR to create dev’t body

CEBU, Philippines – The Talisay City Council Committee on Laws approved the proposed resolution giving authority to Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to sign the memorandum of agreement on the creation of the Metro Cebu Development Coordination Board.

In a two-page report, City Council Chairman on Laws Socrates Fernandez said the proposed resolution is not an ultra vires act.

MCDCB is a coordinating body for metro-wide planning and development created on April 1, 2011 through a memorandum of agreement signed by local government executives, heads of national government agencies, and leaders of the private-civil society sector.

Under the MOA, the MCDCB will oversee the implementation of development strategies, policies and standards in 10 areas of common concern.

These are urban planning, traffic management, waste management, flood control, drainage, security, infrastructure development, urban renewal and shelter, coastal and watershed management, health and sanitation and climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

The proposal does not mean that the autonomy of the LGU would be compromised. In fact, it is in recognition of the capability of the LGU to reach out and work with other LGUs, the report said.

The MCDCB will draw and administer funds and resources from member local governments.

Officers shall serve for three years, co-terminus with local officials.

The National Economic Development Authority in Central Visayas will act as board secretariat until a technical support staff is established.

MCDCB is a consortium of the province of Cebu; 13 cities and municipalities located on the eastern side of Cebu island, including the cities of Carcar, Naga, Talisay, Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Danao and municipalities of San Fernando, Minglanilla, Cordova, Consolacion, Liloan and Compostela; regional line agencies; and private and civil society organizations.