Rama sworn in as RDC chairman

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s chairmanship of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas is now official after President Benigno Simeon Aquino III administered his oath of office at the Malacañang shortly before noon yesterday.

Rama will preside the first full-council meeting of the RDC members on Friday. He has three years as head of the RDC, to coincide with his term as an elective official.

President Aquino selected Rama to replace the late Negros Oriental governor Augustin Perdices who died of cancer last January 5.

The mayor has accepted the challenge to lead the RDC, a position held by former mayor Tomas R. Osmeña.

The RDC is composed of mayors and representatives of some government agencies in Central Visayas, plus a few private sector representatives. The council is tasked in planning development projects for the whole region.

Through his spokesman, Florito “Carlo” Dugaduga, the mayor announced that he was about to meet yesterday afternoon with Senator Manuel Villar. He wanted to ask Villar whether the senator could help look for funds for the widening of the Banilad-Talamban Road.

Because of the serious traffic congestion at the Governor Mariano Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City officials have suspended the implementation of infrastructure projects within the Banilad and Talamban area, including the neighboring barangays.

The four-lane Governor Mariano Cuenco Avenue needs to be widened for a smooth flow of traffic in Banilad up to Talamban. –/JPM (FREEMAN)