Cebu's best bet for national prominence: Mike Rama

Mayor now, senator in 2025 or 2028. If we use our intelligence in choosing who should lead and manage Cebu City during the rest of the pandemic and after it, the answer is clear, definite, and unequivocal. Mike Rama is the man. He has the seven C's that none of his opponents possess; competence, credentials, character, conscientiousness, commitment, caring, and charisma.

The next mayor should be chosen on his own merits and among the qualifications, competence should be the topmost criteria. A high-caliber lawyer, an experienced LGU executive and local legislator, a tried and tested fighter against COVID, a topnotch HR executive, a labor law expert and arbitrator of labor disputes, Mike Rama's highest qualification is that he knows by heart the psychology of human persons. Honed in deep understanding of man's hierarchy of needs, and in nurturing, developing, inspiring, and challenging people in various organizations, whether in the private sector and in government. Mike Rama is what lawyers call, a "sui generis", one of a kind.

None of his political rivals can approximate even half of his multi-faceted competencies. His credentials are truly impressive and even better than many of the senatorial candidates. What sets Mike Rama apart is his impeccable character. A man of integrity and honor, he is the worthy scion of the great Rama clan, the icons of selfless and unblemished public service. His illustrious grandfather, Don Vicente Rama was the author of the Cebu City Charter. We all know that the Osmeñas opposed the cityhood of Cebu, only because it was seen as a threat to the great province of Cebu. The charter would reduce the fiscal revenues of the province, and the Osmeñas then loved the province more than the city.

Mike Rama is a conscientious and hardworking public official. Like his lolo, Don Vicente, Mike Rama wakes up at four in the morning and starts waking up his staff and advisers. He plans his daily schedule well and implements his plans thoroughly and to the most specific details. He is very hands-on and is always on top of the situation. He delegates work but never blames his subordinates for things that do not turn out well. That is the mark of a genuine leader, very inspiring and motivational. He develops his people and he never insults or puts down underlings and subalterns. Mike Rama's commitment to public service is beyond reproach. His performance as committee of health chairman and acting mayor for almost all of the time, speaks for itself.

Mike Rama's endearing qualities include his genuine caring for people, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the powerless. He makes people feel important and always inspires the best among his constituents. He does not make people feel powerless; instead, he generates the best qualities among those who look up to him as a model of leadership and public service. Moreover, nobody can beat the charisma of Mike Rama. He has a magnetic personality that attracts people to his gentle and nurturing manners, his refined language, his “balak” and his songs, always followed by hearty laughter. He always brings in fresh hopes and positive vibes, and thus manifests an aura of joy and pleasant interactions.

I look forward to the day when we shall have Cebuano senators again, and there are only two from Cebu who have shown readiness for national prominence; Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Mike Rama. But before that can come about, we should see them succeed in the local scene first. By the looks of it, I think all these are possible. Let us keep our fingers crossed then, and hope for the best.