The rich list: Local officials admit inclusiveness is the challenge

OFFICIALS of provinces and cities named among the top 10 richest in the country in terms of assets have cheered their respective rankings, but at the same time acknowledged that the challenge remains on how to make wealth and government services more inclusive.
“(It) says a lot about the promising future of cities outside Luzon, especially the ones from Mindanao,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City, which placed 9th in the Commission on Audit’s (CoA) 2017 Financial Report released earlier this week.
The CoA list for cities was dominated by those in the National Capital Region, with seven in the top ten while the two others are Cebu (4th) and Calamba (10th).
The annual report covers the financial condition and operations of the government, its subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and non-governmental entities subject to CoA audit.
“Despite this recognition, we are trying our hardest to ensure that we identify and reach those who are poor and take them out of poverty. Only then we can truly be happy about being a rich city,” Ms. Duterte said.
Compostela Valley (ComVal), also located in the Davao Region, made it to the list as the second richest province, next to Cebu.
ComVal Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy said the province is “extremely delighted about the news,” which has been described as “an unexpected inclusion.”
“This means that we have improved capacities to respond to the demands of our constituency. While this recognition may not be everything, but strong fundamentals such as high assets will help us in our desire to fully develop our province,” Mr. Uy wrote on his official Facebook page.
VISAYAS
In Cebu province, former governor and now 3rd District Representative Gwendolyn F. Garcia questioned if Cebuanos truly feel the wealth.
“Titles are empty if these do not translate to real and meaningful benefits for the people of Cebu,” said Ms. Garcia, who is running again for governor in next year’s election.
Governor Hilario P. Davide III shrugged off Ms. Garcia’s comments, describing it as baseless, and took a jab at questionable projects under her term that remain under litigation.
Mr. Davide’s ally, Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale, who is running against Ms. Garcia next year, said she will continue to make Cebu number one if she wins.
She cited that the provincial government has been rolling out numerous projects and programs that benefit farmers and fisherfolk, as well as promoting development in more remote areas.
Meanwhile, in Cebu City, Vice Mayor Edgardo C. Labella said sustaining or improving the city’s ranking as fourth richest would require more efficient and prudent use of resources.
“It’s a welcome development, but more important than being declared as the fourth richest city is also for proper use of government resources to avoid wastage of public funds and resources,” Mr. Labella said.
Councilor Margarita L. Osmeña, chairperson of the council committee on budget and finance, said the challenge for officials is using the wealth such that it would trickle down to residents. — reports from Carmencita A. Carillo and The Freeman