Men of service attract each other
The DoTr chief used to be Moreno’s boss when he was appointed as chief executive officer of the North Luzon Railways Corp in July 2017
The meeting yesterday between two dynamic officials, Department of Transportation (DoTr) secretary Arthur Tugade and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno resulted in a warm embrace as both made a pledge to continue their mission to improve the lives of Filipinos.
Tugade made a courtesy visit to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno. The DoTr chief used to be Moreno’s boss when he was chief executive officer of the North Luzon Railways Corp. in July 2017.
Tugade recounted what led to the father-son moment.
“I whispered to him: ‘Boss,
don’t let go. We are here and the Duterte administration, the DoTr is also here. Never lose faith,’” Tugade said.
Comfort for commuters
Tugade visited Moreno to discuss transportation projects and programs of the national government that aim to bring comfort to the city’s riding public.
Moreno recognized Tugade as the first cabinet secretary to visit Manila under his new mandate as local chief executive.
Among the DoTr projects discussed were the free train rides for students, Tsuper Iskolar program for Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program stakeholders, LTO license, car registration and the Motor Vehicle Inspection System, which Moreno all committed to support.
Tugade also took the opportunity to request the assistance of the Mayor on railway projects that require permits for right of way and easement issues and support for the resettlement of illegal settlers in Aduana, Manila.
Moreno did not hide his joy in meeting Tugade who, in turn, gave nothing but praises for the local chief executive.
2 good men in gov’t
Moreno has been in the headlines since he first assumed office as Manila mayor and earned praises for his unwavering cleanup drive in Manila, including removing street vendors in various areas in the capital.
Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., on the other hand, also praised Tugade and Moreno as “two good men in public service.”
“Two good men in the public service. I hope Tugade and then Isko become Presidents of our country. When I go to the great buffalo plain in the sky, I want to know my country will be in good hands, one af ter the other,” said Locsin in a social media post.