Region 7 execs reconcile projects with dev’t plan

LOCAL officials in Central Visayas are meeting with secretaries of various government agencies to reconcile their projects with the Aquino administration’s development plans.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he had his audience with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson last month concerning the flyover projects being implemented by the government in Cebu City, which he opposed.

The mayor, who chairs the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7), said he also wants to meet with the secretaries of the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism (DOT) and Agriculture (DA) among others.

“In that way we can dialogue with other secretaries and discuss with them our projects … we have to see if these are attuned with the (Philippine Development) plan caravan. We might be in another vehicle and not going to the same destination,” he said.

During yesterday’s RDC meeting, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. said the government’s Philippine Development Plan seeks to achieve growth through massive employment and investing in physical infrastructure.

Paderanga said the Aquino government established such focal points as the campaign for good governance in all levels, avoiding inefficient, unsustainable programs and increased collaboration between government and the private sector.

He said the national government will continue to implement its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program by reaching 2.3 million families this year and another 1.3 million more in 2012.

“Creation of jobs for more Filipinos shall be another key strategy against poverty. We already have the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program to facilitate infrastructure projects which government feels could be better handled by the private sector,” he said.

Paderanga said the government’s development plan targets inclusive growth that is immediate, sustainable and benefits the country’s majority.

“It is inclusive growth that creates jobs, draws the majority into the economic and social mainstream, and continuously reduces mass poverty,” he said

During the meeting, Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto said a plan to put up an international airport in Panglao town have not been delisted from the flagship projects of the Aquino administration.

Chatto said the project is just being reviewed because of an adjustment in its cost from P7.5 billion to P8.5 billion. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac