Duterte appoints Dino as peace, development czar

CEBU, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino as one of his Cabinet Officers for Regional Development for Security (CORDS) who will serve as the president’s alter egos in the regions.

In a statement released by OPAV, Dino, as one of the members of CORDS, will oversee the peace and development efforts in the Central Visayas.

Dino will also assist the president for a speedy, efficient and orderly resolution of problems in government operations.

Dino is one of the 16 cabinet members that were assigned to preside over joint meetings of the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council.

The assignment is to further harmonize peace, security and development efforts in the assigned regions, the OPAV stated.

It added that CORDS are also tasked to ensure that all the programs, projects, and activities of the national government in the region are well implemented and will be fully disseminated to the people through various mechanisms and strategies.

“As CORDS of Region 7, I will see to it that this administration’s infrastructure project will be implemented on time. This includes the Cebu integrated intermodal transport system with LRT as its backbone,” said Dino, in a text message to The FREEMAN.

Dino added that he intends to pursue the president’s peace initiatives to ensure growth and development to further spur tourism in the region particularly in Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

“Central Visayas registered half of our country’s tourist arrival,” Dino said.

He added he is also thankful to Duterte for his continued trust to him and to OPAV.

Dino added that he will not fail the president with the new task that he is assigned to.

Duterte announced the designation of the cabinet secretaries during the cabinet meeting last May 6. — GAN (FREEMAN)