VP NOLI BATS FOR GOOD URBAN GOVERNANCE
February 21, 2009

In confronting the challenges of rapid urbanization, Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro called for the adoption by local chief executives of a framework for good urban governance.

Speaking before city mayors during the Second National Convention of the League of Cities of the Philippines the other day (February 19) at Edsa Shangrila in Mandaluyong, De Castro pointed out that meeting the daunting challenges of urbanization and competitiveness, city governments should adhere to the basic elements of good urban governance. Among the elements that he cited are the adoption of clear, transparent and simplified systems and procedures and the institutionalization of consultative processes and multi-stakeholders’ approaches.

“Enforcement, monitoring, and political will are more effective than cumbersome processes and procedures, such as in issuing permits which government (both national and local) are so used to doing,” De Castro pointed out.

De Castro also thanked the LCP for recognizing HUDCC as a major partner in the pursuit of the developmental goals of Philippine cities. “I value working with the LCP because we share the same vision and strategies in addressing issues related to urbanization and housing under the overarching goal of good governance. this has always been our shared advocacy,” De Castro said.

HUDCC and the LCP have been jointly working on several initiatives for the development of cities. These include the scaling up of the city development strategy, the cities without slum initiatives, and the best practices platform of the cities alliance.

Likewise, LCP President Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos highlighted the strong partnership with HUDCC citing the role of HUDCC As catalyst and steerer and the cities as the main implementors of urban services and housing programs and projects. In the area of addressing informal settlements and urban blight, Mayor Abalos cited the initiative of the Vice President to clear the PNR rail right-of-way from Bulacan to Paranaque of informal settlers. “Many attempted, but only Vice President De Castro had the political will to finally implement the program and clear the ‘riles’ of informal settlers,” Abalos pointed out.

In the meantime, De Castro presented a menu of options open to city governments in addressing the housing needs of their constituents, both from the formal and non-formal sectors. Consistent with the role of the national government as catalyst, De Castro pointed out that the front runners in the delivery of housing programs and services are the local governments. “We will provide the necessary policy environment to make housing affordable, accessible, and sustainable for local governments and their constituents. We will make available affordbale financing and technical assistance so that we can tailor-fit programs and projects based on the need of each city,” De Castro said.

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