The Madrigal Hall at the Ateneo de Naga University campus
Partition of CAMSUR Up at Sectoral Summit
Private sector powers up voice on province partition
Naga City (May 4, 2011) - The Ateneo de Naga University Institute of Politics through its director, Renne F. Gumba, has formally joined forces with Masscom Arts and Affairs in organizing the First Sectoral Summit on the proposed partition of the province of Camarines Sur into two.
This was disclosed to mediamen by Emil S. Saavedra, the secretary general of the Sectoral Summit.
Director Gumba thus becomes the co-chairman of the summit plenary sessions. Lawyer Gualberto C. Manlagnit is the Summit chairman, Saavedra explained.
The summit organizers are now on the first phase of laying out the groundwork for the unprecedented event which seeks a broader participation of the private sector in drawing up general consensus on the controversial issue.
The Summit takes place at the Madrigal Hall of the Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City on May 21, 2011.
A total of 9 speakers from various sectors shall present views from the business sector, economic experts, youth and the academe--- vis-à-vis taxation, the IRA and investments, the possible effects on the cultural, social, and religious aspects, effects on public services, such as the agricultural sector, the trade and commerce, the labor, transport, and industrial aspects.
Saavedra emphasized that the whole-day event is a purely private sector initiative and may come as a surprise to contending politicians supporting either side of the issue.
“Let us allow the taxpayers this time represented by the participants in the summit to voice out their stand on whether to proceed or to desist from dividing the province of Camarines Sur into two. And since the taxpayers this time will speak out, it thus becomes the obligation of top public servants hereabouts to take heed,” Saavedra added.
The organizers see not just mere political convenience of the politicians involved, but also some significant and striking socio-economic aspects of the issue. So no stone shall be left unturned during the discussions, with focus on the possible advantages and disadvantageous to taxpayers and the people in general.
Summit officers have begun sending out invitations to participants representing various private establishments and institutions. They expect a minimum of 100 up to 130 delegates coming from all over the province.
A registration fee of P500 will be collected from each participant to cover the food the hall rental and other administrative expenses.
The convenor group includes private corporations and non-government institutions, like the National Youth Commission, the Heart of Bikol Foundation, the Camarines Sur Chamber of Fisheries and Marine Industry, and the Pacific Coastal Coco-Coir Manufacturers Corporation.
