Nat'l conference on decentralization set for city mayors
A National Conference on Federalism and Decentralization will be held here in the city on January 23-24, 2006, where about 117 local chief executives of cities in the country are expected to attend.
Atty. Raul Anlocotan of NEDA said that the national conference seeks to familiarize the mayors with Federalism and the Parliamentary System by learning from the experiences of other countries.
He said that many of the apprehensions of the local officials come from their lack or inadequate understanding of the system.
"The mayors should be oriented on the pros and cons in the variations of the implementation of the system so that they can better support, or reject as the case may be the proposed transition in the country," Atty. Anlocotan said.
Moreover, Anlocotan said that with the shift, the mayors should understand the corresponding responsibilities they have to face as part of the devolution process.
The participants will listen to the experiences of countries like Germany, Australia and Switzerland. Dr. Klaus Presley of Adenauer Foundation will present Germany's experience; Mr . Angus Barnes, First Secretary, Australian Embassy, for Australia and Ambassador Liza Favre will speak for Switzerland.
His Excellency Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines, Axel Weishaupt, will give the keynote address.
Atty. Anlocotan said that the mayors are expected to hold local consultations and orientation with their constituents so that the latter will gain understanding and can decide better, should there be a referendum later. (PIA/ESSubong)