Execs’ wives called to help “beautify” city

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has included his wife and the wives of the city councilors in the recently-convened Parks and Playground Commission (PPC).

In a press conference, the mayor said the inclusion of the wives of the officials would be at no cost to the city government.

“All the wives of the city councilors and my wife will be part of the park and playground commission and some private sectors to be involved in the beautification project in Cebu City. At no salary. They will not receive anything but just in the beautification of the city,” he told reporters.

The PPC will be headed by Engr. Editha Peros who is also the head of the Parks and Playground office.

Other members of the PPC are; Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Councilor Raymond Alvin Dizon, City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon, City Engineer Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez, City Treasurer Jerone Castillo, City Development Officer Joel Reston, and from the private sectors such as Dra. Ma Alma Malilong, Rhea Razo, Rowena Cerojano, and Maria Alvira Caisip.

In the memorandum, Labella directed the PPC to convene the commission and perform the duties and responsibilities provided for in the ordinances of the city.

“As such, you are entitled to compensation/honorarium/per diem or any other benefits as provided for in the ordinances and applicable COA rules and regulations,” read a portion of the memorandum.

Labella, however, said the wives will not receive anything from the city government.

His specific directive to the wives of the officials of the city is to make the city “beautiful.”

“They have something to do. It’s more logical for wives or for ladies in making our city beautiful. The wives will not be receiving anything,” he added.

The mayor said his inspiration to make Cebu City a beautiful city was when he saw the City Garden of Xiamen City, China last week.

He said there will be more palm trees and other plants that will beautify the city.

Labella also commended Peros for starting the beautification in front of City Hall where several palm trees are planted.

“For so many years, tan-awa ang palm trees sa atobangan sa City Hall. It is so green and nice. That bespeaks of the kind of governance; it should be clean,” he added. (FREEMAN)