Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama reshuffles dep’t heads anew

CEBU, Philippines — Right after his arrival from Russia, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama has made yet another reshuffling of some of City Hall’s department heads.

Rama said that in-between events and meetings, as well as long trips back and forth in one of their sister cities, Vladivostok, he also reviewed the city department officials’ performances that led to another re-shuffling.

During the regular flag ceremony at the City Hall grounds, Rama expressed how proud he was of Reyymar Hijara for leading another successful coastal clean-up.

Along with this is the announcement that Hijara will now lead the city’s Environment and Natural Resources Office, after serving as Special Assistant for the environment while chairing river, coastline and septage boards.

“I am promoting Reymarr. He will now be the head of CCENRO,” Rama said.

Arlie Gesta, CCENRO’s officer-in-charge before Hijara’s new assignment, will be transferred to the city’s Agriculture Department as assistant head of Joey Baclayon.

Emma Ramas, on the other hand, had been named as Executive Director of the city’s Solid Waste Management, at the same time will also be involved with some matters at the South Road Properties along with Bo Varquez, its Executive Director.

Ian Hassamal, from heading the Local School Board, will now lead the Department of General Services (DGS). Lawyer Kim Esmena will replace him in the LSB, but would still be acting as Rama’s chief of staff.

Engineer Rolly Ardosa, who used to head the DGS, will now head the Department of Public Services.

Lawyer Bernard Garcia whose name had been floated to head the City Legal Office had been formally named to be the acting head of the said department, with Atty. Manuel Legaspi as overseer.

Lawyer Jerone Castillo was told to fully focus on budget and finance and other projects that need special attention.

Cream of the crop

The mayor also reminded Human Resource Development Officer Henry Tomalabcad about the target to limit the number of City Hall employees to only 3,000 by next year.

“Only the cream of the crop should be left,” Rama said.

While saying this, Rama, however, assured employees that those that will not make it to the final cut will be given training and skills upgrade for other employment opportunities.

“Katong maapil (cut), we will guarantee training, upgrading, enhancement. I guarantee, trust your mayor, we will confront all these issues. Cebu City will be the magnet of investment, the magnet of economic growth, the magnet of all. Therefore, there’ll be work for all basta dili lang mo muapil sa pangawat,” said Rama.

Rama also thanked all City Hall employees for getting their jobs done while he was out.

“The City of Cebu, even though the mayor is not around, is moving forward. Thank you ninyong tanan,” Rama said during their flag ceremony at the City Hall grounds yesterday. — (FREEMAN)