PB confirms Baricautro’s key appointees

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Board confirmed the appointments of Attorneys Joseph Felix “Ace” Durano and Guiller Ceniza to key posts in the Capitol during its session on Monday, July 21.

The board gave its concurrence to Durano’s appointment as provincial administrator and Ceniza’s appointment as provincial legal officer, both designated by Governor Pamela Baricuatro effective July 1.

Baricuatro attended the board’s second regular session at the Legislative Building and witnessed the confirmation of her appointees with Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces.

Durano, who led the Department of Tourism during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced brief questions before the board confirmed his post.

When Mandaue City Lone District Board Member Malcolm Sanchez asked whether he had completed law school, Durano answered that he graduated from Ateneo Law School, which prompted light laughter in the session hall.

“My task is quite clear and that is just to implement the priorities of the governor and to work according to the leadership style of the governor,” Durano told the provincial board.

Durano returned to public service after Baricuatro officially appointed him on July 1.

In a Facebook post the following day, he wrote that he had been enjoying his “semi-retired life,” however, he added

“The vision of Governor Pam Baricuatro for a better Cebu has inspired me to help in whatever way I can.”

Baricuatro had earlier named Durano as Special Adviser for Economic and Political Affairs shortly after her oath-taking on May 22.

At the time, Durano criticized outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s tourism legacy projects, which are Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, for focusing more on “self-promotion than tourism promotion.”

He called for a shift to genuine destination development that benefits local communities.

Additionally, the board also confirmed Ceniza’s appointment as provincial legal officer.

Ceniza had already assumed office at the start of Baricuatro’s term. During the session, Board Member Stanley Caminero urged him to help speed up legal matters concerning the provinical board, which Ceniza pledged to support.

Ceniza previously served as legal officer of Danao City for nine years and worked in private practice. He earned his degree in Commerce from the University of San Carlos and passed the Certified Public Accountant board exams in 1984.

He later pursued law at University of San Carlos, completing his degree as a working student. He brings 18 years of government service to his new role.

“Now, I am standing before you… This task given to me by the Hon. Governor Baricuatro is a challenge I willfully take,” he told the provincial board.

The board’s confirmation of both appointments followed provisions under Sections 463 and 465 of the Local Government Code, which authorize governors to appoint department heads subject to legislative concurrence.(MyTVCebu)