MIGEDC leaders urged to have clear vision

Local officials of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Development Council (MIGEDC) were urged by a panel of discussants to allow let a clearer perspective of their vision to direct them in their plans.

In a discussion during the Leaders’ Summit held Dec. 14, the panel representing various sectors called on the leaders not only to have a vision but “to share this vision with their constituents, so that the latter can also embrace it as their own.”

Philippine Science High School director Josette Biyo said the people need to understand the thrusts of their local government units so that they will know where they can focus their participation.

St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary Rector Msgr. Joemarie Delgado said the “power of one” is the capacity of a people to believe in their hearts that they are part of the framework of development.

On the other hand Congressman Arthur Defensor said the “power of one” is possible when leaders first address the basic problems in their communities, like solid waste management, inadequate water supply, inefficient port facilities, infrastructures and urban crime and squatters’ problems.

Defensor added that the MIGEDC can always approach him for support in any of their development programs.

Other members of the panel were Marissa Segovia and Antonio Jon from the business sector.

The leaders’ summit convened by the MIGEDC and the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) focused on the principle of putting the talk to action.

The participants joined in break up sessions on tourism, local governance on local economic development, local governance on environmental management, and advancing regional infrastructure agenda, educating the city-region. (PIA 6/ESS)