New OSCA head chosen

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama has appointed Domingo Chavez of Barangay Punta Princesa as new head of the Office for the Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA).

Rama chose Chavez from three senior citizens chapters heads endorsed by the Senior Citizens Council, including Mary Aleonar of Barangay Kamagayan and Patricio Gabuya of Barangay Basak Pardo.

Aleonar was nominated with 47 votes, Chavez with 45, and Gabuya with 41 votes.

Rama said all three are competent and Aleonar and Gabuya would still be part of the Senior Citizen’s Board.

Chavez, 72, said he wants a harmonious working environment. He said one of his plans is to have a passbook for each senior citizen to ensure transparency during the distribution of financial assistance. He said his experience working in a bank for 34 years will help him in this regard.

He has served a chapter head of the senior citizens group in Punta Princesa for four years.

“I was quite surprised with the decision of the mayor because I was hesitant when I was called for a meeting pagka-buntag,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rama said he also plans to appoint a younger executive director for OSCA.

“New executive director nga batan-on para mo-continue sa dynamism and active in performing, creative and innovative,” he said.

Chavez will assume his new post by January next year after outgoing OSCA head Rolando Llaguno’s term ends this month. Llaguno was appointed as OSCA head in 2011.

In a related development, Rama said the city will release the financial assistance to the seniors this month but he did not specify an amount. (FREEMAN)