Rama starts Sinulog preparation

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has started meeting with the officials of the Sinulog Foundation to prepare for the biggest festival that draws millions of tourists every year.

"This is because I am taking this as a fresh term and not just a continuation of the previous ones. We talked about what to expect, that we should be seeing things with some improvements and development kay basin we'll end up in paralysis," Rama yesterday told reporters.

The mayor also directed foundation president Ricky Ballesteros to present to him the plans for the upcoming 2014 Sinulog Festival by first week of August.

As his second term begins, Rama also wanted a fresh start on the board of trustees ensuring that all will actively participate in the scheduled activities and meetings of the board.

"I will be writing those who were absent during our first meeting for this term to ask them if they are still willing to be part of the board of trustees," Rama added.

The mayor announced that the same people will head the special bodies and commissions from 2013 until 2016.

Phineas Alburo will maintain the post as chairman of Tourism Commission while DSWS chief Dr. Ester Concha will remain as the chairman of Scholarship Commission.

Senior Citizen Commission will continue to be led by Dr. Nic Maglasang with Rolando Llaguno while City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) will still be handled by Visayan filmmaker Leonardo Chiu this time with Atty. Paul Oaminal.—(FREEMAN)