Mayor Mix Durano asks for cooperation

CEBU, Philippines — In his first-ever State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday, Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano sought the participation and help of leaders and stakeholders to collaborate for the city’s vision to be a model city of sustainable development in Cebu by 2028.

“Now today, our mandate is to launch it the way it should be and bring Danao City to a different and higher level from what it was before. We have already achieved significant progress and I believe the time is now. We will not just be an ordinary City three to five years from now, but we will be a model city to other cities and municipalities in Cebu the Visayas Region – a livable and resilient city with advanced and competent Danawanon Citizens,” said Durano in his speech.

To support his goal of cooperation, Durano let his fellow Danawanons and partners in development affix their signatures on the wall for a commitment to take an active role to make their vision happen.

The mayor said that their role as leaders is to lead and guide his constituents with the vision, however he believes that everybody should know the vision and be part of it.

“However, I, with the rest of the elected officials and the entire Danao City Government Team, can’t do it alone - the strength of every member is the strength of the group thus I would like to ask everybody’s support on this journey,” said Durano.

This visionary roadmap for the future of Danao answers Durano’s question, “What is next for Danao City?”

As such, the Danao City 2028 roadmap directs the city to achieve its goal to be a model for sustainable development with globally competent residents.

Focused areas of the goal include creating new destinations by improving accessibility and connectivity, rejuvenating existing spaces by providing a safe space to strengthen social fabric among family and community members, involving the community in placemaking, and using design as a transformative tool.

Mayor Durano’s address reflects a vision of a future-ready, resilient, sustainable, and thriving Danao City. With the city’s 4E strategic pillars of economic resilience, empowered citizens, effective governance, and eco-friendliness, it guides Danao City’s path forward which ensures that it remains a sign of progress and opportunity.

The mayor also said that even if changes might happen with these strategies, Danao’s goal to be a model city should stay the same.

“From here and now, strategies and pillars might change but our end goal should be the same and that is to make Danao City, a model of sustainable development with globally competent Danawanon,” said Mayor Durano.

Aside from the visionary roadmap for the future of Danao City, Mayor Durano also presented the city’s accomplishments and ongoing projects.

In his address, Mayor Durano unveiled the city’s progress and updates on the 10-point development agenda formulated after his inauguration, focusing on digitalization, social services, infrastructure, livelihood programs, investment promotion, tourism, peace and order, youth engagement, collaboration between executive and legislative offices, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of government programs.

For economic growth and development, Danao City is pushing to establish the Danao City Information Technology Business Process Management (IT BPM) Park within three to five years, which is a 6,000 sq. meter mixed-use development accredited by PEZA and BOI.

Plans also include the Danao City Techno Business Park, spanning nearly 30 hectares aimed at attracting IT BPM investors and boosting opportunities for local graduates from the northern part of Cebu Island.

Additionally, there’s the Danao City Sports Complex and Convention Center, spanning 9 hectares set to host national and international sports competitions and major events to enhance Danao City’s MICE industry.

For Tourism and Cultural Promotion, Durano shared on the launch of the “Danao Here and Now” tourism brand and development of new tourist sites, such as the upcoming Tawsan Mangrove Eco Park and Museo de Danao, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, heritage, and natural attractions.

In relation to partnerships, this year, Danao City officially became sister cities with one of the progressive provinces in northern Luzon – the Province of Ilocos Norte, with a strategic partnership with Yokohama City in Japan and an upcoming sister city relationship with Kashima City.

Mayor Durano also acknowledged the city’s founders and legacy builders in which he emphasized the importance of their contributions in shaping Danao City.

He paid tribute to his late grandfather and grandmother, Ramon Durano Sr. and Beatriz D. Durano, his father, Vice Mayor Ramon ‘Nito’ Durano III, and former leaders who have laid a strong foundation for the city’s growth.

The first-ever SOCA of Mayor Durano was attended by Danao City’s Councilors and department heads, former Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, his brothers former Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph Felix Mari “Ace” Durano, and Danao City head for the Investment and Promotions Center Ramon “Red” Durano VI.

Also in attendance were Mayor Durano’s family members, stakeholders, development partners, and community members of Danao City. — /ATO (FREEMAN)