CEBU City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama has called for unity from his political opponents because of his dream for the city -- achieving a Singapore-like status.
During his inaugural speech at the Plaza Sugbo on Thursday, June 30, 2022, Rama said that he needs the help of everyone including those opposition councilors who have won the elections.
The inauguration ceremony was not only attended by Rama's allies but also by those who ran under opposition's Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan in the recent elections. These were Councilors Joy Young and Nestor Archival.
In his speech, the mayor recognized the opposition councilors and asked for unity in the city government.
"My council party-mate, without having to talk about the elections, I need your help. The mayor needs all of you, Joy Young, Nestor Archival. Please all stand and face the people. The people need our unity... The general welfare is the supreme law," said Rama.
In a separate interview, Archival clarified that they still belong to the minority bloc and said that they attended the program since it was organized by the City Government.
"Actually, ni tambong mi cause that was the oath taking of Cebu City nga gi organized by the Cebu City Government through the mayor. Wala pa man mi naka take oath gyud, so we intentionally joined the oath taking para ma-official among pagka konsehal," said Archival.
Still fiscalizers
Archival further said they will support the programs of the Rama administration as long as these are for the greater good of the residents.
"We will be supporting whatever is good but being a fiscalizer, the minority will check on the programs whether these have disadvantages to the city," Archival said in Cebuano.
Archival added that he has spoken to other opposition councilors and they have agreed that he will be serving again as the council's minority floor leader.
The other members of the opposition bloc are reelected Councilor Joy Augustus Young, newcomer Jose Abellanosa and returnee Mary Ann de los Santos.
Singapore-like
Rama highlighted in his speech that the start of his administration is also the beginning of a new journey in making Cebu City second to none in the country.
The mayor said that this is not impossible now that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, incoming House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and incoming Senate President Mark Villar are on his side.
"They are all on our side... This is not impossible. This is not far-fetched, this is achievable," said Rama.
"Journey with me (as we) transform Cebu City into a Singapore-like (city). Clean, green, orderly, and disciplined," he added.
Rama also pointed out that the future of the city lies in the further development of the South Road Properties wherein he reiterated it will be the venue of the Sinulog Festival 2023.
The development of SRP was a brainchild of former Mayor Tomas Osmena whom Rama acknowledged as his mentor.
"We will make it happen and turn it over to him (Osmena) as our gift for his mentoring by us before," said Rama.