Cebu governor Davide takes oath Gov vows to continue change, transparency

Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao of the Court of Appeals (left) administers the oath of office to reelected Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III (4th from left), who is accompanied by his wife Jobel (right) and his father, former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. (2nd from left) at the Capitol Social Hall. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

As he enters his second term, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III vowed to continue the “change” he promised when he first entered office in 2013 and to be more visible to his constituency.

“I will continue to embrace this change. I will give to you what you are asking for. In my second term of office, you can expect to see me and hear of me more often. You will see whatever I am doing – big or small – for you, especially those in the cities and the countryside,” he said in a speech after his oath-taking ceremony yesterday at the Capitol social hall.

Davide, 49, said that just like in 2013, his second term will continue to believe in an honest, transparent and accountable government as the backbone of real and sustainable progress.

He promised to continue delivering his six key development agenda, which includes health, countryside development, education, environmental protection, infrastructure development, and law and order, despite criticisms and attacks against his administration.

“And so, I implore you once again – challenge you – to support the programs of your provincial government. Be counted and be one with us,” he said to a crowd of family members, government workers and other guests.

Liberal Party allies were also present during the ceremony including Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife city councilor Margarita Osmeña.

At past 10 a.m., after a Holy Mass at the social hall, Davide was sworn in together with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale by Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Japar Dimaampao who is Davide’s cousin-in-law.

Davide then administered the oath of office of four elected Provincial Board (PB) members during the ceremony.

The four PB members sworn in by Davide were Yolanda Daan (1st District), Horacio Franco (4th District), and Jerome Christian Librando and Christopher Baricuatro of the 7th District.

Davide defeated Winston Garcia of the One Cebu Party during the elections last May.

Achievements

In his mixed English and Cebuano speech, which lasted over 20 minutes, Davide also highlighted the achievements reached by his previous administration.

These included the Department of Interior and Local Government awarding the province with the Seal of Good Local Governance for financial housekeeping; disaster preparedness; social protection; business friendliness and competitiveness; environmental management; and peace and order.

He also cited the National Competitiveness Council ranking Cebu as third in economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure; and the Department of Finance recognizing the province as the most efficient in revenue collection in Central Visayas.

Davide also cited the importance of improving quality and accessible healthcare services especially for indigents and senior citizens.

He also underscored the importance of education and the increase of the province’s Special Education Fund from P115 million to almost P200 million.

Projects

He also promised to oversee the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects that will spur food production and processing, countryside investments and community-based tourism.

He said these projects include the construction of a new international seaport in Consolacion and also developing other seaports in Minglanilla, Bogo City and Santander.

He also said studies are also underway for airports in the islands of Bantayan and Camotes.

He also plans to endorse the Trans-Axial Highway study to the National Economic Development Authority board until its implementation.

For law and order, Davide pointed out the efforts of the province through its anti-drug abuse office in supporting the provincial police in eradicating illegal drugs supply.