No major revamp among dep’t chiefs

CEBU, Philippines - In his first working day, Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III announced that there would be no major revamp among Capitol department heads.

Davide also said he would review the list of casual employees to determine who will be retained.

The neophyte governor visited all offices within the compound, meeting with the staff and announcing that he will be calling for a meeting per department soon.

He introduced his chief of staff, lawyer Ramil Abing, and the new provincial administrator, lawyer Mark Tolentino.

He also designated lawyer Orvi Ortega to the Provincial Attorney’s Office while he assigned Ethel Natera to head Provincial Information Office (PIO).

But Davide said he would recall last week’s order of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia reappointing Bernard Calderon as head of the Provincial General Services Office.

Calderon was replaced early this year by Eva Encabo upon the order of then acting governor Agnes Magpale.

But Garcia reinstated Calderon when she returned to office last week after her six-month suspension.

Davide said he has yet to check on other orders that Garcia made for the other department heads.

Seeking cooperation

During the flag-raising ceremony yesterday, Capitol employees were all smiles as Davide asked for their cooperation.

Davide also asked them if it is possible to have the flag-raising ceremony be held earlier than 8 a.m. so that they would be in their offices at the start of the office hours.

With the approval of the employees and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Davide said the flag-raising ceremony every Monday would now be at 7:30 in the morning.

“Hangyo ko kaninyo nga magtinabangay ta,” said Davide. “We all have our duties, responsibilities, ato ni isulod sa atong mga hunahuna. Dako kaayo ta giatubang, dako ta’g challenges. Hangyo nako, let us cooperate. Let us work together.”

He also asked the employees to inform him if they have complaints against him.

“Kon duna mo mga reklamo kanako, pahibawo ra pud ko aron makibaw ko. Kung duna ko reklamo ninyo, pahibawon man gyud tamo na wala ko mouyon sa inyo trabaho,” he said.

Members of the Provincial Board were also present during the event.

Work harder                           

Davide asked the Provincial Board to work harder as Magpale assured that they would work harmoniously with him.

Davide reminded the board members that he campaigned on the premise of an honest, transparent, accountable and sincere administration.

“This shall be the basis for all planning, this shall be the guide for all what we do,” Davide said in his message at the plenary hall.

“Let us be guided by: a humble sense of ethical leadership; a participatory and consultative style; a spirit of cooperative volunteerism; and a transparent and accountable public service,” he said.

Davide then asked the board to provide adequate funds to improve the delivery of health services.

“We are long way from making our district hospitals real hospital. But we will get there,” he said.

He asked the PB to enact an Investment Code to guarantee an attractive environment away from politics and selfish interest and urged the board to prioritize disaster risk reduction programs.

Magpale’s message

In her inaugural message, Magpale said several legislations have to be enacted to address the growing needs of Cebuanos.

Magpale vowed to make Cebu a wholesome destination by prioritizing programs on health, education, food production, countryside tourism, women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

She urged the board members to work together in passing laws and resolutions that are responsive to the needs of the people.

“While we pledge to work harmoniously with our newly-elected Governor and give him our support to all his endeavors for the benefit of the Province and its constituents – we shall maintain at all times our independence,” she said.

Magpale said she has no doubt that Davide will give due respect to the legislative department.

“I, for one, am looking forward to this journey with Governor JunJun Davide, and I am confident that all of you here will share the same passion and enthusiasm to work with him for the common good of Cebu and the Cebuanos,” Magpale added. —/LPM (FREEMAN)