Rama sees more friendly, working ABC with Zafra

CEBU, Philippines - Elated over the result of the election the other day, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he is looking forward to a working and more welcoming Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

All new ABC officials, especially the president, Tisa Barangay Captain Philip Zafra, are Rama’s allies.

“We are going to expect a functional, operational and decent ABC (that is) aware and mindful of the vision and all other things …like the governance framework of our present administration, which is the PPDG, or People Publicly Driven Governance,” said Rama.

Zafra beat Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanzon, who is allied with former mayor Tomas Osmeña, for the ABC presidency.

Although a neophyte barangay captain, Zafra was chief of staff of then city councilor Procopio Fernandez for 15 years. He was also Rama’s executive assistant prior to winning in the barangay elections last Oct. 28.

Rama said that as a “boy with brilliance and intelligence”, Zafra would be a good addition to his allies at the City Council, which is dominated by the opposition.

Rama said he has trust and confidence in the leadership of Zafra and the other ABC officials, saying they are “mature, professional, and intelligent”.

He also said he would support Zafra in the ABC president’s thrust to make Tisa a pilot barangay in terms of strict implementation of city ordinances.

“It will take a barangay campaign and sitio-level involvement,” Rama said on Zafra’s plan during a press conference yesterday.

Rama also emphasized service and the need for everyone not to forget the meaning of the word. (FREEMAN)