Rama Welcomes Local Executives Forum Delegates

“I entered government in order to serve, I ran for re-election not to beat my opponent but to serve the people, I can assure that with my 21 years in public service I have never engaged in corruption, that is why I get re-elected,” said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama during the 2nd Visayas Local Chief Executives’ Forum this morning, August 27, at the Arctic Room, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

As the chief executive of Cebu, Rama formally welcomed the delegates who are mayors and regional directors from Regions 6,7 and 8.

He added, “This is a gathering of change towards a prosperous country. Remembering Regions 6,7 and 8 will always bring me to my responsibility as RDCom chairman, and even with other regions in the country it will bring me a delight when I see familiar faces some are my former colleagues in the Philippine Councilors League and Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines.” He also emphasized on character and the courage to give meaning to public service above the self.

Mayor Rama who was also in 1st Visayas Local Chief Executive’s Forum held in Cebu Parklane International Hotel last year, further said that he is against the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or the pork barrel and favors for its abolition. Rama agrees in the need for transparency and accountability in the use of such funds.
Meanwhile, the Executives’ Forum featured talks with an open fora on, “Good Governance and Anti-Corruption: Key Reforms and Innovations” by Honorable Mayor Oscar Moreno of Cagayan de Oro City; “Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Updates” by Atty. Elias F. Fernandez, Jr., assistant regional director of DILG 7; “Integrity in the Public Sector” by Father Albert E. Alejo, SJ; and “Strengthening Partnership with the Local Government Units” by Honorable Pelagio Apostol, deputy ombudsman of the Visayas.

Furthermore, the annual activity is a joint project of the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas, Visayas Executives Council of Leaders Incorporated (VECLI) and Visayas Resident Ombudsmen Council of Leaders Incorporated (VROCLI) in partnership with the DILG.