LGU relations require time and volunteerism

CEBU, Philippines – While it is good to develop strong ties with local government units to encourage transparency and realize projects faster, the private sector must be ready to offer time and volunteerism for the partnership.

Although he welcomes the idea, Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph said forging strong connections with LGUs, as earlier announced by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, requires intensive planning and strategy.

CCCI recently announced that it will lead in institutionalizing the partnership between the private sector and the LGUs starting 2015.

The initiative means the private sector, represented by different business organizations and industry groups, will actively participate in every government plan for as long as it involves the economy.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa B. Chan said that the chamber has enlisted 22 business group affiliates in this move but clarified that this is just an initial list of the unified move to formalize its partnership with LGUs.

The group will make formal partnership with the Cebu Provincial government, Cebu City government, and the LGUs in component cities and municipalities in the entire province.

Chan said linking and working closely with the government, LGUs in particular is the only way for Cebu to maximize its potential in achieving stellar growth in the face of tough regional and global competition.

Gone were the days when the private sector will only reach out to government/LGUs in certain issues and projects. This time, she said the business community will get involved with government issues and development projects that need the private sector's help and inputs.

Though there are a number of business organizations and industry associations within the province, Chan said this program will bring together the entire business community to one and unified goal in partnering with the government.

Aside from the big business chambers, Chan said the group will also enlist or invite other business organizations. The Carbon Market Vendors Association, Cebu Bankers Club, Cebu-Gift Toys and Housewares, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters, the Philippine International sea-Freight Forwarders Association, Mactan Economic Zone Exporters and Manufacturers, are just few of the industry groups that will represent in the unified private sector move to work with the LGUs.

Chan said the group will also strengthen ties with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, as well as other government agencies.

Joseph believes that the private sector should first understand how the LGUs work, otherwise starting the program will be a waste of energy and time.

This kind of initiative needs extensive volunteerism efforts from the private sector. Business leaders should be ready to squeeze their busy schedules in order to realize the end goal, Joseph said.

CBC, on the other hand, is willing to be part of this planned program, but it should anticipate the possible pitfalls first before the roll out.