CEBU, Philippines - Five months have passed and Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes has yet to convene the City Development Council (CDC), which plays an important role in pushing the city into the forefront of economic growth and development.
City Councilor Edward Alesna, who is the chairman of the committee on budget and finance, said that since July, the mayor has not convened the CDC the role of which is to outline the details of the city’s positive development directions.
Alesna said the organization of the council is provided in the Local Government Code of 1991, which ensures the formulation of long-term, medium-term, and annual socio-economic development plans and policies as well as local investment incentives to promote the in-flow and directions of private investment capital.
The CDC, which the mayor heads, consists of the city’s congressman, members of the city council, the 22 barangay captains, and representatives from the religious, professionals, youth, homeowners, cooperative movement, the academe, the elderly, religious, disabled, transport, among other sectors.
Alesna said the mayor should convene the CDC at the earliest time possible, in order to accommodate the proposed annual budget for 2014.
This was echoed by Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante saying the city council cannot act on the proposed annual budget for 2014 amounting to P629, 854,451.09.
Villarante said it is important that the CDC be convened for them to formulate the 2014 Annual Investment Program (AIP).
In Title VI, Section 106 of RA 7160, the development council is tasked to formulate a development plan to be approved by the legislative council.
The development council, the section states, should assist the corresponding legislative council at the provincial, city, municipal, or barangay level, in setting the direction of economic and social development, and coordinating development efforts within its territorial jurisdiction.
The AIP should pass through the scrutiny of the Local Development Council which shall formulate the AIP to be funded out of the 20 percent IRA, consistent with the priority concerns. (FREEMAN)