A Citizens’ Charter Handbook aimed at reducing red tape and corruption was launched by Mandaue City officials in last Thursday’s “La Presidencia” or annual taxpayers night.
The handbook lists down the work flow and offices needed for timely processing documents for transacting with City Hall.
Mandaue city is the first local government in Cebu to issue this handbook, said City Treasurer Renan Oliva.
“This is our way of promoting integrity, accountability, proper management of public affairs and public property and establish effective practices aimed at the prevention of graft and corruption,” wrote Mayor Jonas Cortes in his message in the handbook.
About 15,000 copies of the handbook in English and Visayan will be distributed for free next month to establishments and households in Mandaue.
A P9 million budget for printing and distribution was approved for this in the city’s supplemental budget, said Oliva.
“La Presidencia” refers to the Mandaue City Hall building.
The original structure was inaugurated in 1937 and expansions were added in 1975.
The heritage building turns 75 years old next week.
In his speech during the awards ceremony at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), Mayor Jonas Cortes said the handbook will serve as a city resident’s guide in transacting with the Mandaue City government.
Cortes said his administation wants to make Mandauehanons proud of their city by giving them the services they require along with schools, affordable housing and roads.
“This will give people the tools and guide them in order to prevent red tape,” said City Treasurer l Oliva.
It doesn’t mean that there won’t be delays, however.
Oliva asked for the public to be patient about processing requests due to the large volume of documents they deal with.
“Your request will be processed once it reaches our table but there’s no absolute guarantee that it will be finished immediately since there are others who made their requests ahead,” Oliva said.