Mayor shuts down rumors Rama: I don’t have cancer

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has dispelled rumors that his recent travel to the US was to seek medical intervention, particularly for cancer treatment.

“If magpatambal ta, nganong di man ta mosulting magpatambal ko? But kadto siya, ang akong pag-adto tawon, tungod tos imbitasyon. Wala na, wala na (cancer). Palihug lang, kita man ka nako ron, buhi pa kaayo ko. Kung unsay imohang ipabuhat nako, basta ayaw lang ko pabalik-balituka tawn,” he said.

“Ang problema sa mga taw, mo-conclude lang sila derecho. Di na ta moestorya ana pa kay kadaghas tawng daghag sakit. Dinhi lang mismo matan-aw man nako nga naay diabetic, naay hypertension. Importante nato mag-ampuay ta, mag-ampuay kay mukalit unyag mag-una mo. Lisod kaayo ng sige mog estorya, paghuman kanag mamasangil mag-una,” Rama said.

He, however, admitted he is diabetic and has hypertension.

“Ayaw gyud but-ing Ginoo. Karon, ako lang hangyo, i-ampo ko ninyo. I-ampo gyud kay ang akong termino, three-term, pwede pa ko. Nganong di man na i-ampo Ninyo? Naa man tingaliy gadalig puli? You never have to wish ill to anyone,” Rama said.

Last August 15 to 30, Rama was in the US to personally receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the America Excellence Awards, while also attending some other events organized by the Fil-American community there.

Rama took the opportunity to ask for help from the SMEs and also invited them to visit Cebu especially, during the Sinulog 2024, and for some possible investments here.

Another travel

Just a few days after he arrived from the US, Rama, again, will fly abroad, this time to attend the 8th Eastern Economic Forum at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) campus on Russky Island in Ajax, Vladivostok, Russia late this week.

The forum will be held from September 10 to 13, 2023 with Rama expected to return to the Philippines by September 15.

Aside from that, Rama will be in Russia to strengthen its relationship with Vladivostok to whom they forged a friendship city agreement last year.

“I have an invitation tungod aning sa sister-city sa Vladivostok. Unya dili man pud to mahimog dili panumbalingon. I don’t know if naay laing LGUnga naay sister-city in Russia and it’s something for the city,” Rama said.

The mayor added the city needs to attract more investors, tourists to help the city realize its Singapore-like vision.

“We are opening our territory and we need to magnetize to continue our quest for a Singapore-like Cebu City,” added Rama.

“Dili ta mosulti nga makuha dayon, di na mao. Ang importante, we are now known in Russia, we are now known even in Kaoshiung, we are now even known in Xiamen, Parramatta, Salinas (California) all of these. You are already being seen and being felt. It’s  symbiotic without you knowing…Kay kung sister city ka, tourism daan, cultural…student exchanges, tanan at the same time it strengthen the value of being a  part of  United Nations,” Rama explained in another interview over DYHP RMN Cebu.

Prior to leaving for Russia, Rama said he will be in Manila for another meeting with the national board of the League of Cities of the Philippines where he sits as its national president.

“I will be in Manila this afternoon for the LCP then I will connect with the investors, I will be checking where they are now in their investment in the city of Cebu. Trust your mayor, please,  wa koy laing tumong, wa gyud,” said Rama.

Aside from Cebu City, he said he talked to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and said he will also be promoting the rest of the Cebu island in Russia.

Cebu in good hands

Rama earlier said it is also a good thing that he will be out of the office for some time so that those who are next in line and the rest will already have a better feel of what it is to be in his place as a mayor.

“Maayo pud ng maanad na sila. Dili man ko hangol ug pwesto. Mao nay importante, kay panahon ni Tommy, sige man pud kog ka acting ba,” Rama said.

In yesterday’s flag ceremony, he also told employees and the rest of the Cebuanos that they are in good hands with Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, the city councilors together with the 27 department heads.

“Ayaw mog kaguol kay bisag molarga ko, the City Hall is in good shape because we have the vice mayor, we have the councilors and the 27 departments,” Rama said.

But the mayor also reminded them to continue working well.

“When the cat is away, the mouse should not play. Palihug lang,” said Rama. — (FREEMAN)