Robredo eyes partnerships with private sector to help marginalized Filipinos

Vice President-elect Leni Robredo is eyeing partnerships with the private sector to help marginalized sectors, her camp said Monday.

At a press conference, Georgina Ann Hernandez, Robredo’s spokesperson, said some private companies have expressed interest in tying up with the Office of the Vice President for the implementation of projects on rural development, poverty alleviation and women empowerment, among others.

She, however, clarified that there will be no fund transfers involved to these entities.

“Hindi natin inaasahang magkaroon ng fund transfer. Ito ay parang joint visioning, joint planning exercises. In terms of implementation, direct to the communities so kung ano ang pangangailangan ng mga pamayanan, ibigay ng private sector diretso sa mga tao,” she said.

Hernandez declined to name the companies interested in partnering with Robredo’s office at the moment, saying she doesn’t want to put them “on the spot” pending the formal signing of agreements.

In an interview during her visit to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan Sunday, the Vice President-elect said she will rely on private partnerships to promote and pursue her advocacies given her office’s limited resources.

“Dahil konti lang naman ‘yung binibigay sa opisina, aasa talaga tayo sa private partnerships,” she said, adding that several entities have already expressed interest in meeting with her to pursue projects for the poor and marginalized.

In her first 100 days in office, Hernandez said Robredo wants to go around the country to talk to Filipinos from marginalized sectors about their needs.? Among the groups she wants to have a dialogue with are those comprised of fisherfolk, farmers, women and youth.

“Sa kanyang first 100 days, [gusto ni Robredo na magkaroon ng] konsultasyon sa mga grassroots communities at konsultasyon sa pribadong sektor na maaaring makatugon sa pangangailangan ng mga taong kanyang nakakasalamuha,” Hernandez said. — RSJ, GMA News