First 100 days: Rama opts for audio-visual report

CEBU, Philippines – Mayor Michael Rama went "beyond the usual" yesterday when he made use of technology in presenting his report on his first 100 days in office.

His predecessors had taken the podium and delivered their reports personally to the audience, but Rama opted to step down and joined his colleagues and the audience in watching the audio-visual presentation of his initial accomplishments.

He even hired a radio disc jockey to do the voice over. To complement, he gestured to his department heads in the gallery each time he needed to affirm a point raised in the report.

Public Information Officer Carlo Dugaduga said it was Rama himself who suggested the method, which the department heads also admired.

In the report, Rama likened the city government to a vehicle and his first 100 days as the "break in" period for the engine. Effective today, he would start to increase its speed to fully serve its constituents.

Rama said his first 100 days had set the "tone and direction" of his administration and promised for more projects in the succeeding months. He also challenged his department heads to continue working hard.

After the report, Rama said what he considers his biggest accomplishment is energizing City Hall employees by encouraging them to have a "much closer" working relationship. A good relationship among the employees would result to better services to the public, he said.

The city's Human Resource Development Office reportedly requires at least 10 employees to attend counseling on emotional, attitudinal and other work-related issues every day.

The concerned employees will be encouraged to report to work on time and to use their time at work for matters related only to City Hall. He refused to divulge the departments that need to improve their performance so as not to discourage the employees. 

He, nevertheless, said the public should already observe improvement on road and traffic maintenance, street lighting, delivery of health services, maintenance of peace and order, garbage collection, and flood control. (FREEMAN)