Off to a fresh start, the League of Cities of the Philippines recently inked two new partnerships with De La Salle University – College of Saint Benilde (DLSU-CSB) and Department of Tourism to help strengthen capacities of LCP member-cities last month.
Last January 17, 2013, LCP and DLSU - CSB inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will promote and explore new opportunities for urban development research and training. Banking on its expertise, DLSU-CSB will help cities improve their information and communication technology systems. DLSU-CSB will also help cities design green local infrastructures, craft their tourism and heritage development plans. DLSU-CSB will also provide training on basic entrepreneurship.
Alaminos City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza, LCP Secretary General, welcomed DLSU-CSB into the roster of LCP’s new partners. ‘The idea of involving the academe to help improve the platform of good governance is no longer a dream because of the reality of this partnership,” added Mayor Braganza.
DLSU-CSB is one of three academic institutions LCP identified to collaborate on urban development-related researches (i.e. climate change, local economic development, and transportation system) and on implementing capacity development interventions. The other two are Development Academy of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines- Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (UP PLANADES).
Bro. Victor A. Franco FSC, President and Chancellor of DLSU – CSB, lauded LCP and affirmed that LCP’s vision to sustainable development is much aligned with the College’s mission and commitment to social responsibility. As next steps, LCP and DLSU-CSB will refine details of the three-year workplan which will feature comprehensive capacity development programs catering to LCP member-cities on February 2013.