Newly elected Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva opened his first flag‐raising ceremony with a blunt warning: any city employee found using illegal drugs will face immediate action, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
“Names have already reached my office,” the mayor said during his first flag ceremony as the city chief executive at the City Government Center, on July 7, stressing that public trust hinges on a drug-free, professional workforce.
He urged those involved to stop now, reminding everyone that “our service to Sagaynons must be clean in both performance and character.”
The mayor used the same gathering to introduce former city councilor Rodnel Delos Reyes as the new City Administrator.
Outgoing administrator lawyer Ryan Bonghanoy will now focus on strengthening the city’s Economic Enterprise Management Office, an assignment Cueva said is crucial to boosting local revenue and services.
Speaking before Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., department heads, and employees at the Government Center grounds, Cueva thanked them for the strong turnout at his first Monday ceremony.
He pledged open, personal engagement with every employee because, he said, “good governance is everyone’s job, not just the officials’.”
He shared feedback from a weekend youth-leadership camp, where participants praised Sagay’s peace, cleanliness, and progress but noted lapses in frontline courtesy.
“Even a few negative encounters can overshadow our achievements,” the mayor warned, urging employees to “do your job, do it well, and do it with a smile.”
Tourism chief Helen Cutillar then highlighted the city’s recent accolades, including 3rd place, Most Outstanding Local Civil Registrar’s Office (Region VI); ASEAN Tourism Award (Johor, Malaysia); Hall of Fame, Most Outstanding Population Office (three consecutive years); and multiple Panaad sa Negros honors for arts, music, and solid-waste management.
Executive assistant IV Angel Verdeflor introduced the Sagay softball delegation heading to McAllen, Texas on 16 to 20 July. Sagay will field two squads (U-16 and U-17) under Councilor Benson Fernandez, aiming to defend last year’s championship.
Finally, Cueva invited everyone to support the 51st Nutrition Month activities, themed “Food and Nutrition Security—Maging Priority, Sapat na Pagkain Karapatan Natin,” which begin with fruit-tree and vegetable planting at the City Agriculture Demo Farm.
“Let’s move forward together, beyond mediocrity,” the mayor concluded. “Integrity, excellence, and genuine service will define this administration.”*
