New Opav head vows to bring BBM programs to ordinary folk

THE newly appointed head of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (Opav) vows to “do better” and bring closer to the region the services and programs of the national government into the region.

Opav Undersecretary Terrence Calatrava said during a press conference Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, that he will lend a “listening ear” to all local chief executives in Western, Central and Eastern Visayas.

Calatrava acknowledged that the previous Opav had its own successes, but he assured the public that his administration will do better by making sure that the programs of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will reach the grassroots level.

“For now, we will visit the three regions in the Visayas. We will meet the 16 governors and the mayors. Let us provide them with a listening ear so we will know their concerns and needs,” Calatrava said.

Calatrava, a businessman, took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Malacañang last Dec. 6.

The new Opav head also announced that he will meet on Thursday, Dec. 15, the mayors of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

He also gave assurance that the Opav will offer support to the programs and projects of the mayors, especially the “Singapore-like” vision of Mayor Michael Rama for Cebu City.

Calatrava also clarified that his appointment as the new Opav head is not because his wife is the sister of Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, who is the wife of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“As far as I know, the President chooses his people based on merits,” said Calatrava.

Calatrava said public service is not something new to him since he had already become the regional director of Tingog Partylist for five years.

He further said the Opav will also focus on making sure that Marcos Jr.’s 10-point agenda for economic renewal and long-term growth will be implemented in the Visayas.

The Opav will also make sure that the concerns and needs of the different local government units will be given proper action and will be delivered to the President, he added.

Calatrava further said that there has been no problem with the transition and turnover from previous Opav head Michael Lloyd Dino.