Cebuano now heads DOLE-7

CEBU, Philippines — A true blue Cebuano now heads the leadership of the Department of Labor and Employment-7.

Johnson G. Cañete accepted the key of responsibility following a turn-over ceremony held Thursday at the DOLE-7 office witnessed by the men and women of DOLE-7 together with all heads of field offices, divisions, and units.

Can~ete, a native of Minglanilla, Cebu, replaced Alvin M. Villamor who is now assigned as in DOLE-5 as regional director.

"I’ve been away from DOLE-7 for 14 years and this time, I’m so happy to be back and for the warm welcome I received from everyone,” said Cañete in a statement released by the agency.

The newly-assumed regional director said that he only serves as the “driver” of the region, purposely guiding everybody in the journey, no matter how bumpy the ride gets, until the desired destination is reached

Can~ete used to be the mediator-arbiter and OIC-assistant regional director of DOLE-7 before he was appointed as assistant regional director of DOLE-Western Visayas.

After seven months, he was promoted as deputy executive director of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board and later as director of other DOLE regional offices.

He also served as regional director of the National Capital Region before being assigned to DOLE-6 and finally back to DOLE-7.

During the turnover ceremony Can~ete urged his subordinates to start the week with courage, enthusiasm, and a smile while underscoring the significance of going beyond what is being expected of them.

"Today, Region 7 will start with a clean slate. All of us must be able to start anew, leaving behind what was marked with negativity. I want to get to know everyone from a personal standpoint – seeing, meeting, and listening to them – as they individually dispose and carry out assigned tasks and responsibilities," Cañete said.

OIC-Assistant Regional Director, Roy Buenafe, in the same statement said he embraced the new leadership as Can~ete is very familiar with almost everybody in DOLE-7, as well as the region’s terrain and its nooks and crannies.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with our new regional director. With his capability, expertise and experience, I am very confident that the region will be able to deliver what it’s supposed to deliver,” said Buenafe. (FREEMAN)