First100 days: Singapore-like initiatives top Rama’s achievements

CEBU, Philippines — When he started his fresh term as mayor in July, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared that he means business and that he will apply strong political will, and will not allow sacred cows in his administration.

Yesterday, Rama reported to the people of Cebu City what his administration has achieved within his first 100 days in office. Bannering Rama’s first 100 days achievements is the “Gubat sa Baha” which started with the tagging of structures encroaching the three-meter easement of the city’s major waterways.

The mayor has tapped the expertise of former environment secretary Roy Cimatu, former senator Franklin Drilon, and former public works secretary Rogelio Singson to help out in providing solution to the city’s perennial problem of flooding. The initiative is part of the mayor’s vision for Cebu City to be like Singapore.

Rama also raised more than P1 billion in pledges for investments during his three rounds of “investment begging” in Metro Manila. Part of the pledges is for the completion of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and construction of medium-rise buildings.

In one of his investment begging, he received an offer from business tycoon Enrique Razon, Jr. of Manila Water to build a dam in the uplands of the city in less than three years, with the water he will sell for only P20 per cubic meter with the condition that Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) seals an off-take agreement at such rate.

Within his first 100 days, Rama said he cured the Joint Venture Agreement with Megawide Construction Corp. for the Carbon Market Redevelopment, with the signing on July 31 of a Memorandum of Agreement that amended the JVA. The city has also made full payment of the South Road Properties (SRP) loan, reducing the term by three years, saving the city P1 million every day on interest payments alone; and convened the Mobility Summit last September 26 and 27.

He also mentioned having liberated the residents of the city from the obligatory use of face masks when he made the “Gawasnon with Shared Responsibility” declaration in February. Just last week, he called for “discipline” among the citizenries with the implementation of “Oplan Disiplina” starting on October 1.

As he continues to lead Cebu City until 2025, Rama asked the Cebuanos, whom he referred to as his “boss”, to pray for him so that his vision for the betterment of the city will be fulfilled.

“Last, you pray for me. Pray for my family. Pray for your mayor. I am only human. I get hurt. I get mad. But now, with all of you around, I am delighted. I am exhilarated. I am fulfilled. And, I always look at God and I always miss my parents, Natividad Lopez Rama and Fernando Rama, who made me who I am, in blood, in mind, in heart, in spirit, and one person,” said Rama.

“From now on, don't call me public servant. Don't call me politician. Call me servant. I am your servant. You are my ‘amo’, boss. Ako ang inyong sulugoon. Kamo ang akong mga amo, mga boss,” he said.

CCPC Statement

Meanwhile, the Cebu Citizens Press Council, in an official statement, said that 67 days after the signing, City Ordinance 2657 also called Freedom of Information Act of 2019 that Rama signed into law last July 28 is still inoperative.

“The ordinance is not yet complete, legislatively and administratively. The city's

Legal Office still has to list the exceptions to the ordinance and submit to the City Council for approval. And each department head and office at City Hall still has to designate its FOI officer. All the said officials are needed to complete the process of legislation and mechanism of enforcement. And all, except the Sanggunian members, work under the mayor,” the statement read.

“He (Rama) didn't build a road or bridge by that ordinance, it could help make the travel of news and information from government to citizens easier and faster. Applause. Even though Mayor Rama has yet to complete work on the FOI ordinance, there are still other sets of 100 days ahead,” it added. — FPL (FREEMAN)