July 9, 2011 MindaNews
The Davao City chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. urged the city government to enact an ordinance that would pave the way for a private-public partnership in addressing economic and social development concerns such as the perennial flooding problem and the relocation of informal settlers.
Chamber president Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde said the city government must come up with guidelines on joint venture agreements with private entities consistent with those of the National Economic Development Authority.
“The chamber express its full support and will continue to work with the local government in all its endeavor in providing development projects especially in the area of investment promotions through better infrastructure, and the establishment of a total knowledge-based strategy in its operations to improve our capacity in delivering central services to our people,” she said.
Monteverde pointed out that the said guidelines and procedures must also be in line with the current national government’s thrust on private-public partnership.
Last year, President Aquino issued Executive Order No. 8 creating the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines. The center aims to accelerate the financing, construction and operation of key government infrastructure projects.
The center is expected to extend assistance to all local government units and other government agencies in the implementation of projects, provide advisory services in project preparation and development, recommend policies with regard to program implementation, monitor all projects and programs, and manage and administer the revolving fund to be called the Project Development and Monitoring Facility.
Monteverde said the chamber is dedicated to help in addressing the flooding problem and the relocation of informal settlers along riverbanks, easements and the coastal areas, which requires resettlements and housing programs.
A flash flood struck five villages in Talomo district last week and left 30 people killed, mostly children.
Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said “this is the worst flood in terms of loss of lives,”.
Apart from flooding and relocation of informal settlers, Monteverde said, the possible public-private-partnership will also address other economic and social problems such as “mismatch in employment opportunities, our peace and order situation, the inadequate power generation and the need for better infrastructure”.
