Labella attends DILG seminar in Manila

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is among the new mayors in the country attending the three-day governance orientation in Manila.

Lawyer Ian Kenneth Lucero, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) acting city director, said the Local Government Academy (LGA), the training arm of the department, spearheaded the seminar, which kicks off today and will conclude Friday.

“Labella is not new to public service being a long-time politician. But he is still willing to learn how to properly govern the Cebu City government for the interest and benefit of the people. It shows his willingness and he has the heart to serve the public,” he said.

The seminar, Lucero said, is aimed at improving the capacities of newly-elected officials to prepare them for their administrative and governance responsibilities.

He said the seminar is done in batches considering the number of newly-elected officials.

LGA will facilitate the orientation for 81 governors, 81 vice governors, 780 provincial board members, 145 city mayors, 145 city vice mayors, 1,628 city councilors, 1,489 town mayors, 1,489 town vice mayors and 11,916 municipal councilors.

Lucero said the orientation will help guide the newly-elected officials of the things that they have to do within their first 100 days in office.

“They will be oriented on their functions, powers, as well the programs of the government,” he said.

He said there will be other programs for the capacity development program, and quality management system; and modules for cohesive planning, monitoring and evaluation system, among others for the officials.

Also, Lucero said the officials should be reminded of the need to reconstitute all local special bodies, such as the peace and order, Local Development Council, school board, health board, and People's Law Enforcement Board, among others.

He said the department will monitor these officials if they have implemented and created the needed local special bodies. — KBQ (FREEMAN)