Look Ma, it’s Maruya! PRESIDENT’S INAUGURAL MENU: FRIED SABA, TURON, RICE CAKE

By Manny Piñol

For those who believe that President Rody Duterte’s pronouncement that his governance with be marked with simplicity and austerity is nothing but press release, think again.

Shortly after his oath-taking as the country’s 16th President and right after we were sworn into office as members of his Cabinet, we were led to the Presidential Reception Hall where we were served with – you’re right! – Maruya.

Well, actually, Maruya was just one of the Filipino delicacy served along with juice made out of Philippine fruits.

There was bibingka (rice cake), turon and palitaw served in small plates.

Members of the diplomatic corps shared the simple food with us after the traditional congratulatory handshake and toast.

There was no alcohol served, not even red or white wine for the celebratory toast, just fruit juice.

Later during the first Cabinet meeting, the main fare was a chunk of meat and broiled Mongo with alugbate and dilis or dried anchovies.

During the Cabinet meeting, President Duterte repeated his instructions to his Secretaries to be as humble as possible.

The use of the No. 6 Plate for our official vehicles is discouraged and we were advised to take the Economy Class when travelling by plane.

In keeping with President Duterte’s call for austerity, I also advised the regional officials of the Department of Agriculture not to come to the main office in Quezon City for the turn-over ceremonies last Friday.

Instead, with the help of the technical team of the DA, the turn-over between me and outgoing Secretary Proceso Alcala was beamed to the regional office through Facebook.

I can just imagine how much money was saved on the first day of the Duterte Presidency alone.

#Changeishere!

(Photos show me and my Maruya, Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea, DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Spokesman Ernie Abella, Cabinet Sec. Jun Evasco, DOH Sec. Paulyn Ubial, DTI Sec. Mon Lopez, DOST Sec. Boy delos Santos and DPWH Sec. Mark Villar with their Maruya and turon.)