Rama back to work, visits Brgy Ermita

CEBU, Philippines - On the first day he reported back to work, Mayor Michael Rama personally visited Sitio Bato, Ermita to check on the area’s clearing operations after it was hit by fire in April.

Seeing the operations almost done, Rama said, “very good” while waving to residents flocking the site upon learning that the mayor is in the area.

The mayor was accompanied by City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete and Cebu City Risk Reduction Management Council chief Alvin Santillana.

Santillana said they are speeding up the clearing operations considering the onslaught of the rainy season.

He added that among the 190 structures up for clearing, only three remain untouched.

Clearing operations continued despite cease orders from Vice Mayor Joy Young who temporarily assumed as acting mayor when Rama had his out of the country vacation a week after elections.

Young’s order was reversed when Rama returned to city hall last Monday and appointed  Poblete as the officer-in-charge.

About 162 of 186 families affected by the April 20 fire that destroyed their homes also submitted a manifesto containing their signatures expressing strong support to the clearing operations and eventual re-blocking of the site, which is Rama’s plan.

Meanwhile, the mayor said he has yet to fully enjoy his 22 day vacation.

“I will have to check how many days I have for my vacation. I will continue my vacation after June 5,” Rama told reporters.

The mayor earlier announced that he will have 22 days break after a hectic campaign period. —, (FREEMAN)