Mayor Rama flies to Australia to speak, invite tourists

CEBU, Philippines — Less than a month after arriving from Russia, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama left the country anew – this time for some speaking engagements in Australia.

Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia announced during its flag retreat last Friday afternoon that Rama has been on leave since Thursday.

Garcia will be the acting mayor, while the city’s first councilor, Donaldo Hontiveros, will be the acting vice mayor until October 15.

Garcia said his office is open, if there are some pressing issues and important matters that the employees wish to discuss with him.

“I will be, next week, everyday ko naa sa akong opisina. Kung naay mga urgent matters that have to be signed or whatever, important matters, issues, please feel free to see me in my office,” Garcia said.

He added Rama will be in Australia, although he did not specifically mention where, but said it would be for a speaking engagement being the national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP).

“Dako kaayo ni nga garbo natong mga Sugboanon, labi na sa syudad sa Sugbo nga ang atong pinalanggang mayor mao gyuy gipili nila to speak in behalf of the many, many cities here in the Philippines,” said Garcia.

Rama, after his trip to Vladivostok, Russia, had been regarded as the “best salesman” not only of Cebu but the Philippines.

Rama had also been in the US before he went to Russia mainly to personally receive a lifetime achievement award while also trying to attract investors and tourists here.

While in Australia, Rama is also expected to get some commitments as well from possible investors and tourists to come visit and help make Cebu City great. — (FREEMAN)