Tuesday, February 06, 2007 Cebu City’s P23M for Asean has P1.3M left, says report
CEBU City Hall’s Task Force Asean saved at least P1.3 million from its P23-million budget for the preparation and actual operations of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit last month.
The task force, headed by Protocol Officer Nagiel Bañacia and made up of the mayor’s management team, was created to prepare for the entertainment of visiting international journalists and the beautification, lighting and cleanup of city streets.
Bañacia submitted an accomplishment report to the City Council last week without any supporting documents of the expenses, though.
He assured that all purchases and rentals underwent public bidding and other appropriate procurement processes.
He said the bulk of the expenses, about P20 million, went to the “preparation stage.”
These included the food and entertainment of media guests and food, communications and uniform of City Hall staff.
The money also went to the procurement of materials and equipment for infrastructure and beautification projects, office supplies, souvenir items and salaries and wages for hired “job-order” personnel, as well as training of personnel and taxi drivers.
At least P1.5 million was used to install new streetlights along Osmeña Blvd.
Another P2.6 million was spent to buy potted flower plants, garden materials, equipment and decorations for the beautification of the ceremonial route, Malacañang sa Sugbo, Fuente Osmeña and S. Osmeña Blvd.
About P8.2 million was used for cleanup operations throughout the city.
Media groups
Bañacia also told the council that the City Government entertained separately the media groups from Japan, South Korea, Australia and members of international wire agencies and networks based in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The City hosted a party for all media delegates last Jan. 11 at Noni’s Beach Resort in Punt Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.
Separate parties were held exclusively for the Koreans at the Crown Regency Residences in Barangay Guadalupe, the Japanese at Hilton Hotel and the Australians at Chateau de Busay Restaurant.
They were also treated to various packages like the Cebu City Heritage Tour, free golf, island hopping, spa services and day tour to the island of Bohol.
Bañacia said the task force was able to tap the assistance of the Province of Bohol for the one-day island adventure and private funds from supportive citizens in Cebu City for various activities.
The task force also allocated P500,000 as financial assistance to the town of Cordova, which was in-charge of the liaison committee and P200,000 for the Lumad Basakanon for their uniform during the gala night at the Shangri-la Hotel.
Bañacia told Sun.Star Cebu through text message that they are “still finalizing their records and will publish details of Asean expenditures.” (GAC)
