Rama cancels ‘investment begging’ trip due to Karding

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was forced to cancel his trip to Manila for the last leg of his ‘investment begging’ campaign for the month due to super typhoon Karding affecting the Luzon area.

Rama was supposed to leave for Manila yesterday to meet another set of possible investors but was advised to defer his trip until the weather gets better.

The mayor vowed to continue begging for investment until his vision of a Singapore-like Cebu City is achieved.

“Dili ta moundang ana until all the possibilities are already been completed,” Rama told The Freeman yesterday.

Instead, Rama said he will utilize the week in meeting with some other groups and individuals here who shared his vision for the city.

“We will also have some meetings with some people…Daghan pa kaayo ta’g mga programa,” said Rama.

He said there are also pressing matters that need his attention at the City Hall. According to Rama, he is looking at right-sizing the bureaucracy at the city government by ensuring that only the most competent people and those who share his vision should be staying.

“Unya, atong huna-hunaon diri sa City Hall, moving forward, rising up…Together, we can make things happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rama said the city is waiting for the assessment on the extent of the damage left by super typhoon Karding in Luzon. Rama, who is president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, is planning to extend assistance to the affected local government units.

 “We pray…we pray...Wala pa ko kabalo what is the level …I need to know, I need to connect with my staff in LCP in Manila because we are keeping track of what is happening,” said Rama.

He is, however, getting some updates from Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In July, the Cebu City government extended P50 million assistance to the different LGUs in Luzon affected by the strong earthquake. — FPL (FREEMAN)