ROXAS TO LGUs: CREATE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Senator Mar Roxas called on local government unit (LGU) leaders to actively pursue creating a more "business-friendly" environment in their respective municipalities to make the most of their three-year terms.

Speaking at the Gawad Kalinga's 1st National Township Development Summit last Saturday at the University of the Philippines, Roxas told the local leaders from all around the country that although different classes of municipalities face different challenges, three principles should be followed: 1) shun complacency; 2) focus on few specific projects; and 3) earn the trust of their constituencies.

"Hindi bago ang mga prinsipyong ito. Malaki man ang negosyo, maliit man ang negosyo - kumbaga sa NGO, malaki man ang NGO, maliit man ang NGO - ito rin ang mga prinsipyo na siyang nagdudulot ng tagumpay, na siyang nagbubunga ng kaginhawaan," Roxas advised mayors and governors in the GK event.

On the first principle, he noted that elected local leaders only had three years - about a thousand days - to get things done and gain the trust of their constituents. "You have to be fearful that you will run out of time. Kaya, dapat 'go-go' parati, huwag maging kampante," he said.

Second, Roxas said LGUs should select and focus on a few specific but meaningful projects. "Sa panahon na nalalabi, ano ang gagawin natin? Ito ang masasabi ko: focus, focus, focus," Roxas, also known as "Mr. Palengke," said.

"Mamili kayo ng isa o dalawang bagay lamang at iyan ang buhusan ninyo ng panahon at atensyon hanggang matapos. Sa aking palagay, ang pinakaimportante ay edukasyon at kalusugan. Ngunit ang bawat lugar ay may kanya-kanyang pangangailangan," Roxas said.

On the third principle of trust, he said "Ang tiwala ay maaaring gamitin bilang kapital. Kahit sinong lumapit sa atin, OFW man o negosyante, o kaya mga NGO kagaya ng Gawad Kalinga� kung may tiwala sila sa ating liderato, buhos ang kanilang pagpasok at pagtulong sa atin. If you have the trust and good standing, you can serve as the bridge of the people to much needed resources."

Aside from local leaders, the event was also attended by officials of different corporations who have collaborated with Gawad Kalinga in providing housing needs to hundreds of communities nationwide.