Mike appoints former UN officer to oversee PIO, Protocol Office

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has designated a former United Nations volunteers support officer to oversee the operations of the Cebu City Public Information Office and the Protocol Office.

He did not mention any other compelling reason other than the need to have someone to supervise the two offices as the City Hall is coming up with a number of activities in the next months that will involve the two offices.

In a memorandum dated January 4, Rama designated Remedios Vestil – Mondigo as executive assistant on matters pertaining to the operation and administration of the PIO and Protocol Office.

Rama said Mondigo’s functions shall include overseeing the general operation and administration of the PIO, reviewing all of its programs and plans of action and recommend approval of such to the mayor and oversee and supervise the implementation of programs and activities needed to be organized and done.

Mondigo shall report directly to the mayor all developments related to the office and perform other related tasks that may be assigned by the Office of the Mayor.

Rama clarified that the designation of Mondigo does not mean that current PIO Head Carlo Dugaduga and Protocol Officer Ryan Echevarria are no longer efficient in their jobs.

He compared it to the designation of Rene Almendras as the Secretary to the Cabinet.

Rama said, like Almendras who supervises the secretaries of the different agencies, he wants to have someone who will supervise his department heads.

Rama said Mondigo has a quite impressive background in public service.

Before joining the UNV, Mondigo was with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).  (FREEMAN)