Treñas denies making scene at local executives forum
Mayor Jerry Treñas belied reports that he made a scene during the recent Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Local Chief Executives Infrastructure Forum after he reportedly got irked over a consultant's presentation on solid waste management.
"I was never angry. What happened was just an open, healthy discussion of issues so that whatever is lacking in the study is addressed immediately," Treñas said.
Treñas added that what was witnessed by the press who covered the forum was a manifestation of transparency and the culture of ideas-sharing that thrive in the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).
"There never was an issue of personality there but only issues. I have nothing against Dinky (nickname of Architect Nathaniel von Einsiedel)," he clarified.
Von Einsiedel chairs the Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning Inc. which did the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras(MIG) Infrastructure Framework Plan which was funded by the Australian Agency for International Development through the Local Governance Development Program.
According to newspaper reports, Treñas berated Von Einsiedel when he presented the solid waste management portion of the plan which the mayor found to be full of
generalities and lacks specific recommendations.
"I have known Dinky for a long time and there is no reason for me to berate or disparage him before an audience," the mayor said.
"In fact, after that I met with Dinky and representatives of the Asian Development Bank on what assistance the bank can provide MIGEDC over other plans and projects that the council has in mind," he added.
Treñas disclosed that the ADB, under its Cities Development Initiative for Asia, will be Helping MIGEDC in the form of pre-feasibility study grants and other needed technical assistance.