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Representatives from various local government units, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, private sector groups, the academe and the national government met today to prepare for the Cities Alliance Public Policy Forum to be hosted by the country from November 5 to 9, 2007.

The Cities Alliance (CA) is a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling-up effective approaches to poverty reduction and supporting initiatives such as city development strategies, citywide and nationwide slum upgrading and sustainable financing strategies for infrastructure.

This year, its Public Policy Forum will bring together the CA members from around the world to formulate resolutions centered on the theme “Leveraging Resources for Livable Cities.”

The whole-day Priming Activity, sponsored by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) with the assistance of the Cities Alliance and the League of Cities, was held at the Institute of Social Order of the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City as a preparatory activity to the Forum.

Vice President Noli De Castro, who chairs the HUDCC, said the event is designed to mirror the actual forum, and aims to orient local participants and generate inputs for the said activity.

“This Priming Activity itself is a valuable exercise as it brings together various stakeholders. This is a good opportunity to analyze and evaluate our own strategies and approaches,” he added.

The main forum of the Priming Activity discussed the issue of local authorities’ access to financing for urban development and slum upgrading, and showcased particular experiences of LGUs, NGOs, private sector groups and the national government.

Another forum showcased the collaboration between various sectors in the design and implementation of resettlement programs, particularly in the relocation of informal settlers occupying the PNR right-of-way.

The Vice President said the country’s hosting of the Cities Alliance forum this year is “very timely.”

“We are now stepping up our own efforts at resolving the problems of urban poverty and housing in the country. We have valuable inputs to contribute, and we can also use the lessons from the other CA members” he said. 

The Alliance’s last forum was held in Washington D.C., U.S.A. in November 2006. (END)