Rama names new secretary, unveils new team members

CEBU, Philippines — A week after stepping down as the city government’s human resource department officer, Remie Vestil Mondigo has been named as Mayor Mike Ram’s new secretary.

“I’ll take this opportunity to announce that the new Secretary to the Mayor is the one welcoming me…and her name is my sister, sister Remie Vestil (Mondigo),” Rama announced during their flag-raising ceremony yesterday.

Just last week, Mondigo stepped out as the City’s Human Resources Department head, as she wanted to focus more on the department’s counseling unit.

Mondigo was replaced by Henry Tomalabcad, the city’s former Assistant Civil Registrar.

Rama needed a new secretary after promoting lawyer Collin Rosell as the City Administrator.

Rosell, on the other hand, replaced Suzzane Ardosa who is now taking charge of the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) which Ardosa earlier said is her “item” in the city government.

Rama also reiterated that lawyer Jerone Castillo will be the city’s upcoming finance and budget officer.

The mayor also announced that Lito Ruiz, former undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), will join his team as well.

“I’d like to also announce who's joining our fold, is the former Usec of DILG…and his name is Lito Ruiz,” Rama added.

Ruiz was also present during the city government’s flag ceremony yesterday, but Rama said he will only be presented to the public once his appointment is already ready.

Ruiz will be helping the mayor in terms of the “enforcement, and execution” of policies and projects in the local government.

Interestingly, yesterday’s flag-raising had several councilors in attendance, including the likes of Donaldo Hontiveros, Jaypee Labella, Noel Wenceslao, Joel Garganera, and Francis Esparis.

The flag-raising ceremony yesterday was handled by the office of Councilor Joy Young.

It had been Rama’s wish for the city councilors to be present during the flag ceremony to show oneness with him in his vision and be a good example to the Cebuanos. —  (FREEMAN)