CEBU CITY (September 1, 2022) — Mayor Mike Rama today welcomes the proposal of Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make the city a pilot area in the use of face masks as “non obligatory.”

But he suggested the whole of Cebu that he refers to as “One Cebu Island .”

“His proposal to have Cebu City as pilot area is a good one. I welcome it,” he said in a statement released today.

“It would be appreciated much greater if we do so as One Cebu Island. Gov. Gwen Garcia started it last June. Mayors Jonas Cortes (of Mandaue City) and Junard Chan (of Lapu-Lapu City) are also aligned with us on this,” he added.

Secretary Benhur Abalos (right) joined Mayor Mike Rama when he (Mayor Rama) presided over the 69th General Assembly of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) last July 21 in Manila. To the left is Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong (left), the LCP secretary-general. (PIO/File)

Meanwhile, Mayor Rama said he looks forward for the national government to review soon and update its approach in dealing with the pandemic, especially in deference to how local government units deal with their respective situations.

“I have high respects for Secretary Benhur Abalos. He is my friend, a close one already I believe. Much so with President BBM and VP Sara,” he said.

“We hope the national government will update its policies soon relative to the current circumstances of the pandemic and the unique conditions in every place in our archipelago,” he added.

His proposal to have Cebu City as pilot area is a good one. I welcome it. It would be appreciated much greater if we do so as One Cebu Island. Gov. Gwen Garcia started it last June. Mayors Jonas Cortes and Junard Chan are also aligned with us on this.

Mayor Mike Rama

Secretary Abalos made the proposal after Mayor Rama yesterday signed Executive Order No. 5 that made the wearing of face mask optional in the city. The EO takes effect today.

“Pinakiusapan ko po si Mayor Mike Rama na baka puwede namang Mayor Mike, marami tayong batas na ganito, okay lang ba sa’yo baka pupwedeng i-defer natin muna (non-mandatory use of face mask) tapos ito’y ire-refer ko sa IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force),’’ Abalos said last night in an interview over ABS-CBN, as reported by Manila Bulletin.

He suggested that Cebu City be made a pilot area for such move, and asked that he given one to two weeks to consult with the country’s IATF.

Mayor Mike Rama says the City’s priority now is dengue and other infectious diseases. (PIO/File)

In his public statement today, Mayor Rama expressed trust that the Cebuanos are “responsible enough” to conduct themselves properly “in public and when in other places.”

“What we do in dealing with the current circumstances that concern public health is shared responsibility and mutual respect. Let us all be part of the solution in the challenges of public health,” he said.

The mayor said that with the children already going to school, the City’s priority now is “dengue and some infectious diseases”.

Mayor Mike Rama leads the sendoff of augmentation policemen from other provinces last January 21 at the height of the sudden spike of CoViD cases in the city. (PIO/File)

“Our police force also needs to focus on very important matters with much mobility now around the city. Their presence is more needed, especially even at sitio level,” he added.

Mayor Rama mentioned that after the successful “Pasigardo sa Sugbo” festival at the Cebu City Sports Center, the City will “improve further” in its preparations for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Christmas holidays, Sinulog 2023, and the 86th Charter Day on February 24, 2023. (PIO/rhm)

Face mask use now optional in the city