Rama names new city administrator

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has appointed an official of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) in Central Visayas as the city’s new planning and development officer.

Rama’s secretary, Belinda Navasquez, has confirmed that he already signed the appointment of Alipio Bacalso.

Bacalso, who is expected to report to his new job on May 2, will replace Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete, now the general manager of Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Bacalso used to be the head of the technical division of HLURB-7.

City Administrator Jose Mari Poblete said several persons – including the city planning and development officer during the term of then mayor Alvin Garcia – had applied for the position.

Poblete explained that although all of the applicants are qualified, it is the mayor who approved the appointment.

When The FREEMAN asked Rama about the appointment of Bacalso, he refused to elaborate and quickly left the conference room.

City Hall sources said Rama selected Bacalso from among the applicants because of his expertise in handling matters involving homeowner associations and urban planning. Among the HLURB’s function is to conduct regular orientation for officers of homeowner associations.

The HULRB also hears and decides intra and/or inter-association controversies or conflicts although all its decisions re appealable directly to the Court of Appeals.

The city planning and development officer is tasked to review development plans submitted for building permits for compliance with the zoning code, reviewing land use applications such as use permits, variances, coastal permits, design permits, historic alteration and demolition permits, tentative parcel and tractmaps. (FREEMAN)