FORMER broadcaster and Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman has been appointed Assistant Secretary (Asec) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayuman will focus on Regions 6, 7 and 8 of the Visayas.

Undersecretary Jonji Gonzales of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas announced Ayuman’s appointment on Facebook.

“Congatulations, Asec Ramil Villena Ayuman,” read Gonzales’ post.

In an interview with Superbalita Cebu, Ayuman said he received a call from DSWD Undersecretary Aimee Torrefranca-Neri informing him about his new appointment.

Ayuman said the position, his biggest government appointment so far after years of public service, is a big challenge for him.

Ayuman said he will not only focus on Cebu but on all provinces and cities in the three Visayas regions that need help from the DSWD.

Ayuman, a former reporter of ABS-CBN Cebu, began his public career as a councilor of Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

He was later elected barangay captain for three terms and in 2018, returned as a councilor.

In 2020, the late mayor Edgardo Labella asked him to head the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) — his current position prior to the DSWD appointment.

Ayuman will be succeeded in the CCDRRMO by retired Bureau of Fire Protection general Aderson Comar.

Turnover ceremonies will be held on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at the Social Hall of the Cebu City Hall legislative building.