Ouano highlights accomplishments

CEBU, Philippines — Marking his first 100 days in office, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano bares his administration’s accomplishments and ongoing programs anchored on the call for unity under the banner of “One Mandaue.”

In his speech delivered at the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex, yesterday, October 29, Mayor Ouano said his first months in office focused on building a “government that listens, includes, and acts,” guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, and compassion.

Mayor Ouano highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, particularly in healthcare services, education, flood management, financial housekeeping, public safety, beautification, private sector partnerships, free transportation, disaster response, housing, and vehicle acquisition.

He shared these accomplishments with department heads and city employees, emphasizing that these were not his alone but rather a product of their hard work and dedication in making them possible.

“These first 100 days have been about action — but more than that, they’ve been about collaboration and pagtinabangay,” Ouano said, also thanking Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, the City Council, barangay officials, department heads, and private partners for their support.

In his report, Ouano highlighted significant strides in healthcare, including the distribution of P25 million worth of medicines to all barangays. Among these is the milestone achieved by the Mandaue City Hospital, (MCH) which recently performed its first major surgery in eight years after the installation of an automatic transfer switch worth P1.5 million to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

The mayor also announced plans to establish a dialysis center and expressed gratitude to Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon for securing P10 million in national funding for medical assistance programs.

He also reiterated his campaign promises, including the construction of the Mandaue City College building and the modernization of the MCH.

Mayor Ouano revealed that, with the help of Congresswoman Ouano-Dizon and the National Government, the city has secured P215 million for the Mandaue City College (MCC) and P387 million for the MCH.

On education, Ouano thanked private partners, including the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Cebu Mandaue Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for supporting MCC’s temporary learning facilities through donations of roofing materials, chairs, and wall fans.

He also confirmed that the Department of Education has prioritized the construction of a P700-million mid-rise school building at Paknaan National High School under the Regional National Investment Plan.

Additionally, the city is preparing to launch a 24/7 e-library that will provide access to over 140,000 e-books and other learning resources.

Recognizing flood control as a major challenge, Ouano said the city approved a P218-million supplemental budget to fund flood mitigation, garbage management, and the acquisition of new vacuum, compactor, and dump trucks.

The city has also partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the dredging of major waterways and with the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus to install a mobile suction pump near A.C. Cortes Avenue.

Moving forward, Ouano assured that nearly P200 million has been allocated in the 2026 budget for drainage improvements and desilting activities.

The mayor also highlighted financial reforms aimed at restoring discipline and accountability in City Hall, including the implementation of a biometrics system, the on-time release of salaries, and a reduction of city-paid employees from 13,000 to 7,000—saving the city about P100 million this year.

He also cited increased collections from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and public markets, noting a rise in business taxes from P1.5 billion to P1.6 billion, and improved market revenues since July.

Ouano revealed that questionable procurement deals involving overpriced garbage trucks had been canceled and that cases were filed against employees involved in irregularities at the City Treasurer’s Office.

Under the “Adopt-A-Skywalk” program, the city’s skywalks have been repainted, lighted, and secured with the help of private partners. Street lighting has also been improved along A.C. Cortes Avenue, A. Del Rosario Street, and S.B. Cabahug Street.

Ouano said these initiatives, along with more roving patrols and police visibility, aim to strengthen public safety and community confidence.

He also announced the upcoming launch of “Libreng Sakay” vehicles to serve commuters along major city routes.

On the other hand, Ouano lauded the Mandaue City Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team (M-HEART) for its swift response to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Cebu, where they assisted in rescue operations in Bogo City and nearby towns.

He also highlighted the city’s donation of P1 million each to seven affected LGUs and its provision of psychosocial support to quake survivors through the City Health Office and volunteers.

The mayor also reported that the city has begun an inventory of government-owned lots for socialized housing, with the F.F. Cruz family donating 6,000 square meters in Barangay Subangdaku for future housing projects.

To boost services, Mandaue acquired four new Patient Transport Vehicles, with one additional ambulance donated by PCSO, and reassigned 15 vehicles from the SK Federation to other offices in need.

Looking ahead

Mayor Ouano ended his report by reaffirming his vision of an inclusive and united Mandaue.

“Real progress begins with trust, teamwork, and a shared vision,” he said.

“We are not just building projects; we are building trust, community, and legacy. Together, we are stronger because we are One Mandaue,” he concluded. — /IMM (FREEMAN)