A delegation from General Santos City Government is currently embarking on a benchmarking activity in Cagayan de Oro City, studying a range of local ordinances and best practices that could be beneficially implemented in their own city.

 

The delegation is particularly interested in evaluating Cagayan de Oro City's regulations and policies, including the city ordinance on the Mayor’s permit fee for electric and/or telecommunication poles/posts owned by public and private utility companies; proposed ordinance on underground cabling; and the city’s implementation of CCTV for public safety.

 

In addition to regulatory practices, the team from General Santos is exploring Cagayan de Oro’s approaches to social services as they are interested to look into the management and operations of LGU-run sites and facilities such as the Residential Care for the Elderly, Boystown Center, and Bahay Pag-asa, among others.

 

The delegation is led by Ms. Geraldine Zamora from the General Santos City Mayor’s Office Business Permits and Licensing Division. She is accompanied by representatives from various departments that include City Treasurer's Office, City Planning Office, Engineering Office, Legal Department, and the Building Official, as well as staff members from the Sangguniang Panglungsod.

 

City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez extended a warm reception upon the group’s arrival at city hall, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the two cities as both officials expressed gratitude for choosing Cagayan de Oro as host city of their benchmarking activity.

 

The three-day visit is seen as an invaluable opportunity for sharing knowledge and best practices that can lead to betterment and general welfare of both cities. (GB/CIO Photos by Rod Constantino of CIO)