CEBU City Mayor Edgardo Labella directed the Parks and Playgrounds Commission to convene immediately and, this time, it will include his wife and the wives of all city councilors as members.
Labella issued the memorandum addressed to City officials and the elected officials’ wives on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.
While their spouses will not be getting any salary for sitting as members, Labella said they will be entitled to the compensation, honorarium or per diem and other benefits provided in City Ordinance 647, which created the commission.
Audrey Rose Garganera, wife of City Councilor Joel Garganera, said she is willing to heed the directive of the mayor, adding that the wife of the mayor herself is willing to take the lead in the beautification of the parks in the city.
In a phone interview, she said they already met on Friday, Sept. 13, to discuss their participation in the commission.
“That is a nice idea. At least we can have something to impart to the City of Cebu,” she said.
She said they have already identified the parks that need improvement and they will focus first on the Fuente Osmeña circle.
In his press conference on Monday, Labella said most women enjoy fixing their respective houses, and it would be “logical for them to get involved in the beautification of our city.”
All parks within the city will be improved, he said, adding that he was inspired by the Garden City in Xiamen, China during their visit there for a forum.
Aside from the palm trees planted in front of Cebu City Hall, he also wants to plant palm trees in other parks and open spaces in the city.
“You see the palm trees facing the City Hall? For so many years, it had grown so green and nice that it speaks the kind of governance we have. There’ll be more palm trees all over the city,” said Labella.
Other members directed to convene the Parks and Playground Commission are Engineer Editha Peros as the presiding chairman, the city agriculturist, city engineer, city treasurer and the city development officer.
The private sector representatives are Dr. Alma Malilong, Rhea Razo, Rowena Cerojano and Maria Alvira Caisip.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Raymond Garcia will also sit as members as heads of the City Council committees on housing and environment and natural resources, respectively. JJL