Davide urges LGUs to improve services following Metro Cebu’s recognition

CEBU Governor Hilario Davide III was hoping that Metro Cebu’s recognition as one of the models for metropolitan governance would encourage other local government units (LGUs) to improve their services.

Early this week, Metro Cebu, along with New York City in the United States, Tokyo in Japan and Seoul in South Korea, were recognized by the United Nations as models of metropolitan governance.

Upon learning the recognition, Davide expressed happiness and challenged LGUs all throughout the province to help improve the lives of their constituents.

“That’s good news, malipay ta ana (this makes us happy). This is also a challenge for all LGUs to improve their services and capabilities),” Davide said.

“Mao man gyud nay atong tumong sa Mega Cebu. (That’s really our objective in Mega Cebu). Not only Metro Cebu, but also towns and cities outside Metro Cebu,” Davide added.

Consolacion town Mayor Teresa Alegado, who is also an officer of the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB), said Metro Cebu gained recognition because of the cooperation of the concerned LGUs and the national government in setting up an effective governance structure within the metropolis.

“The great cities and nations of the present generation like Japan, New York and Paris are the products of the efforts of their previous leaders. Our vision is to make Cebu a big and smart city,” said Alegado.

She believed that in order to achieve the goal, the local government units should continue utilizing the master development plan in addressing problems such as traffic, flooding and pollution.

“People should be aware that they are also part of the success. They should really support and cooperate,” Alegado added. /USJ-R Interns Vanisa Soriano and John Carlo Villaruel