Samsuden “Sam” Salimbago
LOOKING FORWARD TO A ‘PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP’
Ensuring smooth collaboration sits atop the list of priorities of the new chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor. Samsuden “Sam” salimbago shared that he is grateful for the trust of Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia, who named him chief of staff, while admitting that it is a challenging task and a huge responsibility. Before his current appointment, Salimbago also served as chief of staff of the Vice Mayor’s Office. He joined the Cebu City Government in 2017. He was also Garcia’s executive assistant during hi term as city councilor.
“It’s a huge responsibility but I’ve always been grateful for his trust since day one,” he said. But this does not faze him. He said his goal is to make sure that all transactions run smoothly in the Office of the Vice Mayor. To do so, he wants a “collaborative and productive relationship” with each attached office and special body to ensure that everyone is working together towards a shared vision for the city under the leadership of Garcia. Salimbago takes with him more than a decade of experience as a finance officer, administrator, and manager in private industries, as he transitions to a bigger role in the Cebu City Government. He is a BS Accountancy graduate and holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
During last Monday’s (May 13) flag-raising ceremony, Acting Mayor Garcia announced Salimbago’s designation as chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor together with new City Administrator Atty. Kristine Joyce Batucan, and new City Assessor Leizel Calamba. In the next six months, Salimbago said he plans to focus on three things: (1) building strong relationships, (2) community engagement, and (3) operational efficiency. This falls in line with the policy direction of Acting Mayor Garcia to adopt a diplomatic approach during his term. “I plan to establish clear lines of communication and regular meetings with the heads of each attached office and special body to ensure that thier priorities align with the overall goals and objectives of the Office of the Mayor,”