Mayor Michael Rama names Gealon as traffic czar

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama named Councilor Rey Gealon as the new chairman of the Cebu City Traffic Management Committee following the resignation of former city councilor Rico Rey Francis Holganza as traffic czar.

Gealon, who used to head the Cebu City Transportation Office, admitted that traffic management in the city is a tall order but he is up for the challenge. Holganza told The Freeman that he left his post as the TMC chair last July 26.

He did not disclose the reason for leaving, but he said he was free to go anytime since he was not receiving anything from the city government. According to Holganza, he offered his services to the city government for free.

Rama announced during yesterday’s flag raising ceremony Gealon’s designation as the city’s new traffic czar.

“The new CITOM (TMC) chairperson is City Councilor Rey Gealon…He was my CCTO chief before. He will be coming back as CITOM chair,” Rama said.

Gealon served as CCTO executive director during Rama’s previous term in 2015.

“I sincerely thank the Mayor for the trust and confidence he continues to repose upon me,” said Gealon.

“As chairman, I need all the help necessary for effective and efficient traffic management - from the esteemed members of the TMC and hardworking CCTO personnel, as well as from responsible motorists and pedestrians alike,” Gealon added.

Gealon recalls that as executive director of CCTO during Rama’s previous administration, they were able to hurdle traffic challenges that arose from both local and international events that paved the way for being hailed as the best department of the city government.

“While this field is not new to me, there is still a lot of learning and a way lot of working to be done,” Gealon said.

Even with his hands full as a legislator, Gealon accepted the additional workload and assured everyone to perform the functions laid out on him to the best of his abilities and capabilities. — (FREEMAN)