Be creative in generating funds – Abalos to LGUs

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged local chief executives to find creative ways to generate funds in partnership with the private sector, such as generating profit from “air rights” or the use of the space above road right-of-way projects.

In a statement over the weekend, Abalos floated the idea of “air rights” which he had invoked when he was Mandaluyong mayor to lease air space for the construction of a connector building by a prominent mall chain. The space between the two buildings, he pointed out, is owned by the city.

He cited the National Building Code, which states that local government units (LGUs) have air rights or the “right to physically develop and subsequently benefit or profit from the continued use of the air space above the road right-of-way.”

“As local chief executives, governors and mayors should always think outside the box and explore ways and means on how to get things done with the help of the private sector and other stakeholders for the benefit of their constituents,” Abalos said.

He also urged LGUs to enter into build-operate-transfer schemes with the private sector under the public-private partnership program in implementing projects at the local level.

“You must be creative in generating resources for your LGUs. There is always strategic planning,” Abalos said.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary also urged local chief executives to implement “out of the box” programs to improve the COVID-19 primary series and booster shot vaccination drive amid increasing number of infections due to coronavirus variants.

“We should not let our guards down because we have an unusual rival here, which is the coronavirus disease. Let us remember that our every action has a consequence that not only affects us and our families but the whole country as well,” he said.

Abalos also asked LGUs to ensure schools comply with minimum health protocols ahead of the resumption of face-to-face classes in November.

“We must ensure that schools in our areas comply with the government’s health safety standards and COVID-19 prevention mechanisms,” Abalos said in a statement yesterday.