City Vows to Refrain ‘Extravagant’ Seminars

Cebu City officials assured that the city government will comply with the recommendations of the Commission on Audit (COA) to refrain from extravagant spending for seminars and conferences.

Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the COA report serves as an “eye opener” for them.

Labella said that holding seminars and conferences should be done using the city government’s facilities to save cost.

Labella and City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said they will comply with the COA recommendation in future training and seminars of employees.

COA questioned the city’s spending of over P11 million for holding training, seminars, and conferences in hotels, beach resorts, private springs in the province, spending P2,000 for each participant in a day.

Delia Monte de Ramos, COA cluster director for local governments in Central Visayas, said the city has the facility for training, seminars, and conferences. It includes the City Hall’s social hall and conference room, including a big Sinulog Hall along Osmeña Boulevard. There is also a huge conference hall in Barangay Taptap.

“Ato na nga tumanon ang gi-recommend sa COA. (We will comply with COA’s recommendation),” said Poblete.