The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) Secretariat, in cooperation with the Local Government of General Santos City, held its 61st National Executive Board Meeting in General Santos City from February 21-22, 2017.
The two-day event is the first executive board meeting of the organization to fully open its doors to all member cities of the League.
A total of 47 cities took part, including 22 non-board members, and all were given full access to reports and board discussions held in Greenleaf Hotel and to various events graciously hosted by General Santos City Mayor and National Vice Chairman of the LCP, Hon. Ronnel Rivera.
The board meeting was well-received by mayors, who commended the organization of the event and content of the program.
"It was a very productive executive board meeting", said Angeles City Mayor and National President of the LCP, Hon. Edgardo Pamintuan. "The mayors were very enthusiastic and eager to contribute in exchanging information and best practices, especially those who attended conferences abroad."
Highlights from the two-day event included:
Dialogue with National Government Agencies:
Keynote addresses were presented after the formal board proceedings on Feb. 21 by: Secretary of Mindanao Development Authority, Hon. Datu Abul Khayr Alonto; Executive Director of National Solid Waste Management Commission, Engr. Eligio Ildefonso; and Chairman of Film Development Council of the Philippines, Ms. Liza Diño-Seguerra.
Mayors' Presentation:
After the dialogue with national agencies, mayors previously invited to attend international conferences reported on their experiences and contributions. These were: Vigan City Mayor, Hon. Juan Carlo Medina; Sorsogon City Mayor, Hon. Sally Ante-Lee; Tagum City Mayor, Hon. Allan Rellon; and Legazpi City Mayor, Hon. Noel Rosal.
Partners Presentation:
The League also invited partners from various companies and organizations to present their services and causes relevant to cities after the Mayors' Presentation: Executive Director of Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Mr. Nong Rangasa; General Manager of Weather Philippines, Mr. Dave Michael Valeriano; Chief of Party of the USAID-SURGE Project, Mr. Maris Mikelsons; AVP for PLDT Public Sector, Mr. Dennis Magbatoc; and Business Development Manager of 51Talk, Ms. Vanessa Caceres.
Mayors' Night:
Capping the first day of the board meeting, all participating mayors were treated to a grand dinner at Mt. Sabrina Resort, organized by the office of Hon. Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Song and dance numbers and tourism videos were presented during the banquet.
Educational Tours:
On the second day, Feb. 22, mayors were given a tour of the GSC Fish Port Complex and Philbest Canning Corporation, two major businesses involved in the fishing industry of General Santos City.
Corporate Social Responsibility:
Mayors took part in the distribution of school kits and senior high school books, gifted through the generosity of Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation and Lucena City Councilor and Vice Chairman of Book Media Press, Hon. Benito Brizuela to students of Calumpang Elementary School and General Santos City High School.
Kalilangan Festival Opening Ceremony:
The evening ended with a celebration where the mayors attended the opening ceremony of the city’s Kalilangan Festival at the Oval Plaza, which showcased the colorful, historical foundation of General Santos City through music and dance.
The 61st LCP National Executive Board Meeting is sponsored by PLDT, Inc. You may visit the Knowledge Resources page of the LCP website to access the presentations from the event.