Bongat SMILES, Reshuffles City Hall Personnel

City of Naga - Mayor John G. Bongat assumed his office on Thursday, July 1 after winning a landslide victory in the May 10 polls.

The mayor started his first official day in office with a press conference where he presented the Naga SMILES promotions program as well as changes to his administration line-up.

Talking before members of the media, Bongat explained the Naga SMILES campaign, which he said was the product of weeks of constant discussion and consultation with other city officials and employees.

The city mayor then presented the changes to the city's executive department. Florencio Mongoso, manager of the Metro Naga PESO is now the Acting City Administrator. Reuel Oliver of the Naga City Investment Board (NCIB) would now take over Mongoso's position as the Acting Metro PESO Manager.

Huberto Ursua, who was the local school board administrator, would now lead the i-Governance team. Mayor Bongat also tapped lawyer Perfecto Bragais III as the new City Legal Officer. Secretary to the Mayor Roberto De Asis, was given a new task as the City Properties Management Officer while Jose Perez of the Naga City Visitors Center would now head the City Publications and External Relations Office. Meanwhile, Jose Grageda was appointed by Mayor Bongat as the city's Media Relations Officer.

The mayor also took the opportunity to announce the creation of the Naga City Tourism Office and the revitalization of the city's Tourism Council. Bongat tapped the services of Salvador Aguilar to head the Tourism Office.

Mayor Bongat also signed his first executive orders during the press conference. The chief executive signed E.O. 2010-006, "Reconstituting the Naga City Tercentenary Executive Council and Steering Committees" and E.O. 2010-007, "Creating New City Government Offices and Specifying Their Functions".

The chief executive also signed E.O. 2010-008, "Creating the Naga City Task Force Ordinance" which tasked the Public Safety Office and the PNP to improve the strict enforcement and implementation of city ordinances.

Representatives from different sectors, business groups, and government agencies also went to the mayor's office to pay courtesy calls.

Despite his hectic schedule, Mayor Bongat said that he was more than ready to take on his new role as Naga's new father. "I have always believed in the capacity of the Nagueños to do their part in helping our city become the best city and community it is poised to become. I have no doubt that united, we can achieve great things."