Robredo to LGUs: Treat citizens as partners for development

Vice President Leni Robredo speaks before local government officials and other participants present during the DevTalks. With her on stage are (from left) Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Gov. Hilario Davide lll and RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

THE essence of good governance lies in the partnership between the government and private citizens.

When private citizens are given the opportunity to voice out what they want for themselves and to contribute to what the government plans for them, inclusive development is attained.

This was the message that Vice President Leni Robredo imparted to the local government officials and guests present during the DevTalks held yesterday at the Cebu Grand Hotel.

Robredo reiterated in her speech that along with transparency and accountability among government officials, people’s participation in the development process is a vital element that makes up for good governance.

“People, most especially the less privileged, must be given a seat at the table. When the local government treats people not as beneficiaries but as partners for development, they become owners and stakeholders of government projects,” Robredo said.

Halfway through her speech, Robredo recounted the short yet prolific stint of her late husband, former DILG secretary Jesse Robredo, to encourage the LGUs to continue seeking effective ways to make their communities better.

“My husband would always model excellence in all he does; to make the better best, and go beyond as making the best even better. Let us not be contented in a sense that we continue to pursue ways that help us become more effective in our prime responsibility which is to serve the nation,” she said.

The two-day social development forum which started last August 22 was organized by the Cebu Provincial government and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) as an avenue for local government units (LGUs) to share best practices in community development.