Local officials: People's participation in governance can be done through consultation

Local officials: People's participation in governance can be done through consultation
QUEZON CITY, Feb 11 -- Local chief executives said in a TV talk show that people's participation in governance can be done by holding public consultations on vital local issues.
In today’s edition of Paghahanda para sa Hatol ng Bayan, Mayor Hernani Braganza of Alaminos City, Pangasinan said that their city budget undergo consultations with non-government and people's organizations before these are adopted.
Paghahanda is one major project undertaken by People's Television Network and its partners under Media ng Bayan.
Mayor Braganza said that public consultations are held by the city government to get feedback from civil society organizations on priority projects.
City development councils, composed of local barangay officials and sectoral representatives, also review the proposed budget for the city. At times, councils submit a reduced city budget after review.
Rosario (Cavite) Mayor Jose Ricafrente, for his part, said that municipalities call on sector representatives whenever new ordinances are proposed for implementation.
He said that if the matter involved public transport fares, they would invite tricycle operators and drivers associations and other similar organizations.
He said that sectoral and barangay leaders are always consulted during budget hearing on projects that will be carried out in their areas.
Paghahanda is weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. over PTV and simulcast on Philippine Broadcasting Service-DZRB Radyo ng Bayan. It can also be viewed via livestreaming at mediangbayan.ph. (Lyndon Plantilla – Media ng Bayan/PIA)