CEBU, Philippines — Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. has designated Vice Mayor Alan Bucao as acting mayor while he is recovering from COVID-19.
Bucao, in an interview with The Freeman yesterday, said he was a bit surprised when he got the memorandum designating him to take charge of everything in the City Hall starting yesterday until February 22, the end of the mayor’s 14-day quarantine.
“I thought magpatabang lang si mayor sa ubang aspeto, as I read the memorandum, murag tanan man gyud ba gi-turn-over sa ako while he is on leave. Ako na ning gihinay-hinayan kung unsa gyuy priorities, but I can assure the Talisaynon that padayon atong mga serbisyo, ang atong Aksyon Agad, padayon na, tanang services padayon nato, walay nausab, walay ma-hamper,” said Bucao.
Bucao said the memorandum did not designate an acting vice mayor, but he said if he has his way, there is no need to appoint one as Gullas will be back right away.
While Gullas is on leave, Bucao assures Talisaynon that no work will be hampered and that he will be in constant communication with Gullas if needed.
Bucao said he had already been communicating with the department heads and told them that he is there to help them and ensure that everything goes smoothly while Gullas is on leave.
Bucao, aside from looking into the finances and salary of the employees, is also taking COVID-19 prevention on top of his priority at the moment.
The acting mayor has also issued a memorandum designating protocol marshals as suggested by its health department to ensure that the minimum health protocols in all departments are observed.
“Para nako kaning human resources, maoy asset sa City Hall, maoy importante nako at this time. Kay mag-unsa man ang Talisay kung wa nay City Hall?” said Bucao.
Bucao has also been communicating with Talisay City Police Station chief, Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare, to ensure that health and quarantine protocols are strictly observed.
Barangays captains in Talisay City are also set to meet with Bucao to discuss measures in preventing cases of Covid-19.
Currently, the City of Talisay has 160 active cases coming from 13 barangays. — GMR (FREEMAN)