Herd immunity, SRP loan, BRT top Rama's priorities

CEBU, Philippines —  Achieving herd immunity by continuing massive vaccination and liberate the economy from restrictive government policies are among the top priorities of Mayor Michael Rama in the next seven months of his administration.

Rama assumed the unfinished term of the late mayor Edgardo Labella who died last month due to a lingering illness.

Rama also intends to pay the SRP loan in full and ensure the realization of the long overdue BRT project. He is also pushing to finish the Cebu City Medical Center, the curative measures for the joint venture agreement (JVA) on the Carbon Market Redevelopment project,  adding more medium-rise buildings for socialized housing, materialize the 93-1 deal with the Cebu Provincial government, asphalt storm, street and household lighting, flood control, and free public wi-fi connectivity.

The mayor aims to revive the “City Hall at one’s doorsteps” every month where a one-stop shop is set up in the barangays to provide services and streamline business permit processing.

He vowed that his administration will go after grafters and fixers and would help the police to be more motivated and efficient to make the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) the finest in the country.

Rama is also looking at hosting a solid waste summit to address the environmental concerns as well as traffic summit for traffic concerns.

Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros vowed to support Rama’s programs as well as push for the institutionalization of “education to employment” for the city’s tech-voc scholars.

“The leadership of Mayor Mike Rama and Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros in the next seven months will be more inclusive, packed with optimism, and filled with much enthusiasm,” the city’s top officials promised as they announced the state of the city and the direction of their administration.

“Today marks the day when I am called for a greater responsibility…Ang usa ka oportunidad susama niini dili nako pwede talikdan…I will face it with courage and cautious optimism,” Hontiveros declared as he took his public oath yesterday.

Hontiveros, who was elected first councilor, assumed the office vacated by Rama. He promised that he and the rest of the members of the City Council will not block or hinder the programs and projects of Rama.

“As the vice mayor of the City of Cebu, I will be leading the legislative branch of the City Government, mao nga dili ko mo saad sa katawhan, instead, I will commit to support the programs and projects of the executive branch of the City Government. My affirmative support is by making sure all programs and projects that require ordinances or resolutions be included in the Council’s Agenda for discussion and deliberation. Dili nato pugngan ug babagan ang mga programa ug proyekto sa atong pinalanggang Mayor Michael Lopez Rama kung kani para sa kaayohan ug maayong kaugma-on sa mga Cebuanos,’ said Hontiveros.

While he promised full support to Rama, Hontiveros also assured to maintain the “check and balance” between the executive and the legislative.

Hontiveros is eyeing to institutionalize the “Education to Employment,” focusing on developing technical skills.

“Nasugdan na ni nato nga programa in cooperation with Don Bosco and Tsuneishi. Out of 25 applicants, 22 ang na qualify sa trabaho. Walo ani nila naka trabaho na sa Tsuneishi ug pito naka trabaho sa Palawan isip mga wielder. Kini tanan bunga sa atong pinaka una nga Technical Vocational scholarship program nga gi sponsor sa Cebu City Scholarship Program sa Office of the Mayor,” said Hontiveros.

Hontiveros felt seven months is too short but also believes nothing is impossible if one “coordinates, collaborates and cooperates”.

Rama beams with gladness upon hearing Hontiveros especially that he has emphasized the value of teamwork in his administration and expects the same from the rest. — FPL (FREEMAN)