Editorial

Let “ugnayan” be worth the enactment mode

        IT is notable and encouraging that the Office of the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in Cotabato City are establishing close rapport relative to community affairs. Separate branches but coordinative and cooperative outlook when dealing with public concern(s).

        Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi initiated the “ugnayan” to discuss issues and plans with the SP members. The discussion between and among the local chief executive and legislators, including sectoral representatives, is in itself helpful since exchange of information or views and data during the “ugnayan” would serve as “in aid of legislation” when a resolution or ordinance becomes necessary to address certain concerns emanating from issues brought to attention during interfacing. Click above to read more.....

        Also, there appears to be no partisanship within the Sanggunian because of the absence of majority and minority floor leaders, but only a Floor Leader who sets the agenda for and flow of the SP Regular Sessions. This means the political parties are but “one,” symbolizing oneness as legislators, not leaning on partisanship for the sake of separateness of party affiliation. There will be debates on issues for legislation, but discussions, though there could be differing views, are to explore the depths of topics of legislative concern. Party divisiveness and caprices are out of the scene in his relationship among fellow councilors. The mindset is directed to solve or address issues at hand, which have previously been explored during the “ugnayan” activity.

        When issues are clarified through the “ugnayan” process between the mayor and councilors, then plans can be immediately drafted to address a problem or crisis situation. During SP sessions, there will be least rhetorics because the issue has already been magnified and “the floor is now open for legislation.” Executive and legislative actions are then easily facilitated or expedited… executory action is then rendered that fast without minute delay. This is truly governance in dynamism when minds are set or focused on constructive discussions during the “ugnayan” meeting.

        Mayor Guiani-Sayadi wants this “ugnayan” a monthly affair and when this becomes a regular activity between the two departments, there is institutionalization of executive-legislative rapport, likened to a caucus to reach an agreement.

        In this manner, concerns of the sectors will mostly be heard in unison by two departments/offices, thus, a commonality of plan or action could be reached to address these issues without  unnecessary delay. When issues of discussion are clearly ventilated by the two departments, action plan could onerously get both executive and legislative support. This then simplifies bureaucratic procedure because “remedial action” to the issue or problem is already on the package or pipeline.

        In a nutshell, people in the “ugnayan” process are both participative and coordinative in the executive and legislative functions, seemingly akin to parliamentary type. This relationship is sound governance because delivery of services is both facilitative and expeditious.

        We are seeing a very workable local government here which has already gained its functionality. From our end is our support to the executive and legislative acts of our local government when we mean “welfare of the people” and part of “problem solving.”