Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival highlighted the city’s housing, social welfare, employment, and education initiatives as part of the “Inclusive” component of his administration’s long-term development agenda during his first State of the City Address (SOCA).
Archival’s 2035 vision aims to build a “Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive” Cebu City through programs focused on improving public services, expanding social protection, and creating more opportunities for residents.
Among the initiatives cited were ongoing housing projects in Barangay Kamagayan, Barangay Budlaan, and Barangay Pit-os, as well as efforts to complete the unfinished medium-rise building project in Barangay Lorega.
The city also highlighted its land swap agreement with the Province of Cebu involving previously unsold or forfeited lots, which is intended to support future housing initiatives.
Social services and welfare
The city government also reported progress in its social welfare programs, including the “Walang Gutom” feeding project, which was recently attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Archival also cited the city’s rescue and aftercare services for street dwellers, along with rehabilitation and reintegration programs for the city’s “Libud-Suroy” population through Balay Silangan.
Other programs mentioned included initiatives supporting the LGBTQ+ community, parolee reintegration assistance, and improved services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The city also secured an employment partnership with McDonald’s as part of its efforts to expand job opportunities for residents.
The administration reported that 13,864 jobseekers were placed out of 13,981 applicants referred to employers, resulting in a 99.16 percent placement rate compared with the Department of Labor and Employment’s 90 percent standard.
The city conducted 14 job fairs in barangays and major venues, attracting 3,231 applicants and resulting in 1,082 on-the-spot hires.
The city also held “Kamustahan sa mga OFWs Nato,” conducted outreach programs for Muslim and Indigenous communities, and provided neurodevelopmental assessment services for children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech delays, and special education needs.
Archival also cited the city’s pet adoption program, pet cemetery boarding services, and relief assistance extended to areas affected by disasters, including communities hit by the Bogo earthquake and areas in Iligan, General Santos, and Sarangani.
Education initiatives
In education, the city highlighted its partnership with the Department of Education for school building projects, as well as the relaunch of the 24/7 Cebu City Public Library conceptualized by Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña.
The city also cited the continuation of scholarship programs for students from urban and mountain barangays and its partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. through the Cebu City Transformative Program, which supports social and educational development initiatives.
Since Archival assumed office, the city government has issued 80 special bodies and 83 executive orders to support the implementation of its development programs toward its long-term goal of a sustainable, smart, and inclusive Cebu City.
Photo courtesy of Cebu City News
Comments