Rama to deliver “People’s SOCA”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the next State of the City Address (SOCA) which is set for July 3 at the Plaza Sugbo will be called the “People’s SOCA.”

Since declaring his “independence from a party” and “loyalty to the people,” Rama said it is just right that the focus will be projected on the people.

Among the big-ticket projects lined up, the Cebu City Medical Center remains its top priority.

Rama said he had already spoken to the management of CCMC to “walk the talk.”

"Just today, I was with Bo Varquez (CCMC overseer) together with (CCMC) Medical Director Dr. Peter Mancao, and I was highlighting to them – ayaw na mo sige pag-estorya, you walk the talk. I want an output,” Rama said.

The mayor is now letting those involved in the CCMC finish it based on their own timeline and no longer on the time he wanted it done.

"Abangan ang susunod...Kay ang akong term kay kutob pa 2025, and technically, naa may mga tawo nga na-assign ana. So, they are more adept at the time frame, but I've already been telling them, and they are now coming in with their own reasonable, feasible, doable time frame," Rama said via MyTV’s OpenLine forum.

Rama, however, assured that he is continuing to monitor the development of the CCMC.

Rama wants the whole 10 floors done as the original design has it, and not only up to seven floors.

With more floors, there will be more Cebuanos served and more services that can be offered in “a poor man’s hospital with a rich man’s services.”

Aside from the CCMC, other projects like housing, livelihood, transportation, education, and environmental concerns, among others, are also expected to be tackled during the SOCA. — Sanden Anadia (FREEMAN)