Catbalogan City to host United Cities, Local Gov'ts Asia-Pacific Conference

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – For the first time, Catbalogan City will be hosting an international event–the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC) Conference and its Executive Bureau meeting from April 4 to 7.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan said city officials are now meeting with various national and regional government agencies for the annual event, in which delegates from 17 countries, including the Philippines, of the Asia-Pacific region will gather for the annual event.

Expected to participate in the international conference are local government officials from China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Maldives.

Cabinet officials, senators, other national and regional government officials, and Eastern Visayas governors and city mayors will also attend.

The UCLG is the only government organization recognized by the United Nations, and nominates 10 out of 20 members of the UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA), the first advisory body of local authorities affiliated with the UN.

Mayor Tan said the aim of the international conference is to prepare sustainable programs for the Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction in the local levels, with different challenges that the world is facing from climate change to social inequity.

Tan, in a briefing with the local media, said the UCLG-ASPAC meeting is a challenge for Eastern Visayas and for Catbalogan, where about 300 local and international delegates will come, with 50 to 70 mayors and governors participating in the pre-conference.

"We take this opportunity for Catbalogan, Samar and Region 8 to host an international event for the first time. One thing we want is a sustainable society, a place, and a city that gives importance to climate change, and that our active participation with UCLG is firmed," Tan told reporters.

The Philippines, particularly Eastern Visayas region can also benefit from the international event in terms of tourism, cultural and heritage preservation, and investment promotion, said the mayor.

"Catbalogan City is now being groomed as an alternative destination with international partners for meetings, conferences and exhibits, and more international and local events in the future," said Tan, adding that she is open for help from neighboring LGUs and national agencies. (FREEMAN)