New Citom chair meets key execs

CEBU, Philippines - New CITOM board chairman Ruben Almendras met Friday with his new office mates for the first time since re-elected Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced his appointment.

Executive Director Atty. Rafael Christopher Yap said Almendras initially met with key CITOM officials to briefly discuss his incoming term of office.

“He also talked very briefly about possible plans, programs and policy directions that he wanted to achieve,” Yap said.

The brother of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale also asked for copies of pertinent operational documents prior to officially assuming office as board chairman.

“He asked for copies of CITOM board’s enabling ordinance, organizational structure and proposed budget,” the executive director added.

The newest city government official also did a quick tour at the SCATS control room, Yap added.

SCATS or Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System, is the intelligent traffic system currently used by the City of Cebu.

The system employs sensors that detect in managing traffic signal lights based on the volume of vehicles and pedestrians about to cross the street.

Rama was so impressed by Almendras’ presentation before officers of Cebu Chamber of Commerce Inc. that he offered him the job which was readily accepted by the former Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) board chairman.

Almendras replaced Jack Jakosalem who resigned last year when he filed his candidacy eyeing a comeback at the city council.

Jakosalem ran but lost under the mayor’s Team Rama party.

Head of operations Joy Tumulak said a bigger meeting will be held once the changes at the CITOM board is in place. — (FREEMAN)