DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/25 July) — Thirteen of the 31 new city department heads appointed so far by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are women.
Duterte-Carpio, who started work Saturday after a 22-day leave, was yet to name the city administrator and head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Lawyer Raul Nadela Jr. has been named as her chief of staff.
The other new appointed department heads are: Vingelin Bajan of City Accountant’s Office, Leo Brian Leuterio of City Agriculturist Office; Julius Adrian Oxales and Carmelita Bangayan of General Services Office, Bella Linda Tanjili of City Treasurer’s Office, Regina Rosa Tecson of City Tourism Office, Marissa Torentera of Business Bureau, Grace Nabong of City Correspondence and Records Division, Jefrey Tupas of City Information Office and Michael Dentos Aportadera of City Sports Office.
Lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo has been reappointed as assistant administrator for administration while lawyer Lawrence Bantiding, former head of the Business Bureau, has been appointed as assistant administrator for operations.
Meanwhile, Maribeth Lumactod, former head of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal and manager of the Pasalubong Center, will head the City Economic Enterprise.
Engr. Jaime Adalin, former chief of the City Building Office (CBO), will head the City Assessors Office.
Ermelinda Furog has been reappointed as head of the City Budget Office and Leo Anthony Braceros as head of the Civil Registrar’s Office.
Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta, who previously handled the CENRO, has been appointed head of the CBO.
The City Health Office, Human Resource Management Office, City Legal Office, and Davao City Investment and Promotion Center have new heads.
The heads of the City Social Services and Development Office and several other offices have been retained in their posts
Duterte, meanwhile, dispelled rumors she was resigning as city mayor in a media interview on Friday at the Davao Convention Center.
“I heard rumors (that I was resigning) but there really was no truth to it. I just let them talk because I also enjoyed reading Facebook comments both from haters and fans,” she said.
She explained that she decided to take a leave to accomplish her other contractual obligations.
Duterte, a lawyer, went back to private practice after her term as city mayor from 2010 to 2013. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)