Rama welcomes UV as partner in city's scholarship program

CEBU, Philippines – Despite the possible political backlash, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama welcomes the University of the Visayas to join the city's scholarship program, believing that it will bring unity rather than political division between the city government and its owners.

UV president and 1st District Rep. Eduardo Gullas expressed interest to join as one of the city government's schools partner in the implementation of the scholarship program.

Gullas made known his university's interest to become the city's partner during a meeting with Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young.

Rama's welcoming the UV as partner is expected to elicit adverse reaction from South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña who is not in good terms with Gullas.

Gullas and Osmeña had been publicly at odds after the former demanded a share of the South Reclamation Project for Talisay City. Gullas claimed that the project has encroached to the territorial jurisdiction of Talisay.  

Aside from this, the two congressmen are also having different positions on the proposed mass transport system for Cebu. Gullas is pushing for the Light Railway Transit System while Osmeña wanted the Bus Rapid Transit.

Rama said, his decision may not be acceptable for Osmeña but he is now the mayor. He however believes that the congressman, who is his political patron, will not interfere.

Rama said he is happy that more private schools are showing interest to join the program.

Under the program, the beneficiary will get P10,000 every semester while those from the mountain barangays will get additional P10,000 as allowance.

The city councilors who are allied with Osmeña said they will not oppose UV's entry into the program but said it should pay its total tax due to the city and to forget its claim that it is a non-stock and non-profit institution.

At present there are already 20 private and public schools joining the program. (FREEMAN)