Pesquera to focus on tourism in her return to City Council

CEBU, Philippines —  Lawyer Jocelyn Pesquera, whose name has been nominated to fill the vacancy in the Cebu City Council due to the movement after mayor Edgardo Labella’s death, will focus on the city’s tourism efforts once she returns to the council.

Mayor Michael Rama announced that Pesquera has been nominated to fill in the vacated post of councilor and now Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros.

Hontiveros moved up after Rama also assumed the top City Hall position.

Under the rules, Pesquera’s nomination would have to be approved by Malacañang.

The appointment shall be made within 15 days after the recommendation of the respective political party has been received.

Pesquera, the current Cebu City Tourism Commission head, said she already had some plans in mind since she is also running as councilor again under Rama’s ticket in the 2022 elections.

Pesquera is looking at intensifying the city’s beautification program in both downtown and uptown areas where tourists frequently go.

 Pesquera is also looking at institutionalizing some programs that she has started out with the tourism commission.

At the moment, Pesquera said she continues to promote the “Highland Bloom and Ecotourism” project, aside from the heritage/cultural sites in the city.

The project is part of the recovery efforts of the city’s tourism industry and the economy in general amid the lingering pandemic.

Rama, on the other hand, expressed optimism that Pesquera will be supporting Hontiveros in the City Council, being a lawyer and a veteran public servant. — Sanden J. Anadia, JMD (FREEMAN)