City execs vow support to Singapore-like vision

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City officials have pledged their support and commitment to Mayor Michael Rama’s Singapore-like vision.

The city officials signed their pledge of commitment during the formulation of the city’s Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) and Capacity Development Agenda (CapDev).

“Along with this intent of pouring our commitment, we pledge to extend our time, effort and resources towards a Singapore-like Cebu City. Hereto, we affix our signature to pledge our commitment,” read the promise printed on a piece of tarpaulin which the city officials signed as reported by the city’s public information office.

The different departments and offices of the city worked in their respective clusters--social, economic, environmental, and institutional together with the city councilors—to ensure that Rama’s vision is achieved.

Projects, programs, and activities are aligned with the mayor’s BARUG CEBU CITY platform and his vision for a Singapore-like Cebu City.

Albeit ambitious, City Planning Development Office head Joseph Michael “Yumi” Espina said the plans and programs are “impressive” and can be achieved with the help of the national government and the private sector.

CPDO is set to collate all the outputs during the workshop into official documents and will be submitted to Rama for his review and approval.

The ELA and CapDev will then be endorsed to the Cebu City Development Council (CCDC) during its third quarter full council meeting, as well as to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval.

The approved ELA and CapDev will guide the departments and offices of the city government what to prioritize and pursue from this year until 2025, city administrator Ma. Suzanne Ardosa said.

The city’s plans and programs are in line with the strategy of being a “participative, people-centered, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Cebu City”.

“I am proud to be part of this very committed team of Cebu City,” Espina added. — FPL (FREEMAN)