Dept head won’t resign despite Rama’s advice

Another department head at Cebu City Hall is adamant on staying put despite Mayor Michael Rama’s advice for him and other department heads to resign.

Fidel Magno, head of the Department of Manpower Placement and Development (DMDP) said he owes his loyalty only to Cebu City’s residents and not its elected officials.

“I am too young to retire. Wala man sad koy nahimo nga binoang (I didn’t commit anything illegal). In fact our department is a performing department,” he said.

DMDP organized 22 barangay jobs fairs that found employment for 1,261 persons.

The 54-year-old Magno said he is prepared to be replaced and transferred to another department.

He is one of six department heads who walked out of the meeting that Rama called before the elections to seek their support for his re-election bid.

Magno recalled Rama as asking him and other department heads “who can help me politically?” Those who can’t help me politically are free to go out. I won’t take it against you.”

Magno said he stepped out of the meeting simply because he thinks his oath of loyalty is only to his work and his desire to serve the people of Cebu City. “I do not want to be used in politics,” he said.

Magno said he shares the uncertainty felt by 45 casual employees under his department who are unsure if they will be renewed for another six months.

Of the 61 DMDP personnel including him, only 16 are regular employees. Rama earlier said he will replace 2,500 of the city’s 3,000 casual workers.

He also said he hopes the six department who walked out of his meeting last month will resign.

Magno, who joined the city government in 1991 upon the invitation of former mayor and now outgoing Rep. Tomas Osmeña, said he has yet to be told of his replacement by Mayor Rama.

But he said whatever happens to him, he will always try to maintain his independence.

Magno said even if Osmeña hired him, he won’t join his sorties then or express support for his administration.

“I only work to serve the people. I don’t want to get into politics. If I do it’s better I would resign,” he said.

Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) also said she would rather be reassigned than resign. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac