Davide wants frugality at Capitol

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III wants to trim down the Capitol expenses and avoid “lavish expenses” to save money for the provincial government.

Although he did not issue any memorandum to the different departments under the Provincial Capitol, Davide is implementing an austerity measure by example, said Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.

“The department heads are conscious of minimizing the expenses,” said Natera who explained that Davide have mentioned it in one of their department heads meeting on cutting down the expenses like for the upcoming founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu for the whole month of August.

Instead of a month-long celebration, Davide have earlier decided to cut it down to a week and have taken off programs that he believe would just mean spending a lot more.

He has decided to cancel the Governor’s ball and said that they are still reviewing the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo since a number of towns also wished to postpone the event because they have no time to prepare given the recent elections. Vice Governor Agnes Magpale had said that around 10 mayors have already said that they would beg off from joining the said activity since it meant spending millions.

Davide’s austerity measure receives a positive response from some of the department heads.

Evelyn Senajon, OIC of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said that she welcomes the idea of the governor to cut down on expenses and is supportive of his initiatives.

Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council chief Neil Sanchez also said that they understand the concern of the Province.

Despite the desire to save money, Sanchez said that Davide has been very open for requests on the things they need for their office like request for a vehicle. He was also required to submit a request letter for other disaster equipment that his office needs.— (FREEMAN)