Marcos Cabinet officials get down to work

Several Cabinet members of the Marcos administration buckled down to work, spending their first day warming up with their staff and familiarizing themselves in the office that will be their official home in the days ahead,  Victoria Tulad and JP Soriano reported on “24 Oras.”

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual received the flag of the Department of Trade and Industry from its former chief, Ramon Lopez, in turnover rites at the office.

“It is an honor and privilege for me to be allowed to serve our country, particularly at this time of pandemic recovery and new emerging uncertainties,” Pascual said in his speech during the ceremony.

The newly-minted Secretary is a former official of the Asian Development Bank and ex-president of the University of the Philippines.

Under his leadership, Pascual vowed to strengthen the administration’s support for micro, small and medium enterprises; boost the country’s manufacturing sector; push for the ease of doing business; lure investors, broaden exportation; and reassess the organizational structure of the department.

Outgoing Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III welcomed the new department head, Bienvenido Laguesma, who vowed to continue what his predecessor started in the department. 

“Sana yung pangarap na makapagbigay ng mga serbisyo dun sa mga higit na nangangailangan, tayo naman ay masugid na ginawa ni Sec. Bello, sana ay aking matugunan,” he said.

(I hope to continue to provide service to the needy, which Sec. Bello had accomplished.)

Bello will head the Manila Economic and Cultural Office as its chairman.

Likewise, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary (DPWH) Manuel Bonoan attended his turnover ceremony Friday. After the activity, he called for a meeting with the department officials where he stated his policies and priorities.

“I call upon you all my co-workers and the entire DPWH family to do our share and give the best of us in delivering the much-needed infrastructure support to hasten the economic recovery as envisioned by the President,” he said.

Secretary Susan Ople also assumed office as the head of the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Ople said the DMW will have a zero-tolerance policy for illegal recruiters and human traffickers.

She also announced the establishment of a One Repatriation Command Center which will facilitate the repatriation of all OFWs who need to go home from abroad.

“Bisitahin natin muli lahat ng requirements at 'yung sistema sa contact  verification, pagkuha ng OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate),” said Ople.

(Let us revisit all of the requirements, the system for contact verification, and getting OEC.)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla toured his new office. He was in the “familiarization” stage with the department, the report said.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA News