Garcia: Rama is welcome to attend

MANILA, Philippines — Although preventatively suspended, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is still welcome to grace the opening of Palarong Pambansa 2024 said Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia in a press conference yesterday.

As the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 draws near, Garcia assured that although there has been no confirmation yet, the city is ready to cater to the arrival of national personalities, especially senators.

“Of course, we are also expecting cabinet secretaries, as well as undersecretaries, as well as assistant secretaries,” he said.

Aside from these, Garcia also said that the city government will be inviting a list of mayors, including those from the neighboring cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

When asked if Rama is welcome in the opening ceremony on July 9, Garcia said, “he said in a statement that he will be coming over for the opening, and of course he is more than welcome. This is a public event.”

Previously, Rama admitted not getting an invitation for the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, but said he would be “involved and be around.”

Rama refused to confirm if he would join the Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening ceremony, but said he would be “involved and will be around.”

However, when asked if he received a formal invitation to grace the event Rama said he “have not received any invitation.”

“But I’ll be excited. Did you know it’s not the role that I will be performing. Mind you, it’s not the role. It is the fruit of our labor. The fruit of what we have agreed, imagining what ought to be may not be a part taken or what. But the moment of truth and that is the opening,” Rama said.

Garcia on the other hand, said that Rama is no longer included in the program because it is the mayor of the city who will welcome all the delegations and he is currently the acting mayor.

He said the responsibility supposedly lies with Rama, but with his “forced leave” Rama could no longer do it.

Garcia though, thanked Rama, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, and Department of Education Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez for bringing the Palarong Pambansa to Cebu during the bidding for the hosting.

In the same interview, Garcia also instructed the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “keep the peace in Cebu,” especially during the duration of the Palarong Pambansa, adding that the whole country is looking at Cebu.

Meanwhile, DepEd Assistant Superintendent for Cebu City Division Adolf Aguilar said athletes will be provided with water tumblers to minimize the use of plastic water bottles.

He said this is part of the criteria in selecting the winner of the “most ecofriendly award” among the delegations. (CEBU NEWS)