Garcia creates transition team ahead of handover

CEBU, Philippines — With just over a month left before the next administration takes over Cebu City Hall, outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has begun laying the groundwork for a smooth transition, starting with the formation of a team composed largely of the city’s 26 department heads.

In a press conference Monday, Garcia said he received a letter from Mayor-elect Nestor Archival requesting a meeting with him and the respective transition teams they have formed. The meeting also seeks to identify the most convenient time for Garcia in the next two weeks.

Garcia clarified that no date has been set yet for the meeting, as he had just received the letter that same day.

“Nalipay lang sad ko nga murag nag agad siya nako kay busy pa baya kaayo ta kay we still have the remaining one month and half to govern here in the city of Cebu,” said Garcia.

In the same interview, Garcia also announced that he has already signed the appointments of his transition team, which he will chair. Cebu City Administrator Lawyer Kristine Joyce Batucan will serve as the vice chairperson.

As indicated in the letter, the group—called the Local Governance Transition Team—is directed to convene immediately and perform the duties outlined under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum circular dated March 3, 2025.

“So I already did my part so far as the transition is concerned and I am very very serious nga we do not want any hiccups or obstacle to occur during the transition,” said Garcia.

With this premise, Garcia assured the incoming administration of his full support.

On his upcoming meeting with Archival, Garcia said it will be guided by the DILG. He also looks forward to the meeting as an opportunity to personally ask Archival to continue the programs that were started under his leadership.

Topping the list of these programs, according to Garcia, is the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), which has already been bid out and awarded. He added that the project only requires the signing of the contract before it can commence.

“Now if you ask me pila ka days mahuman, it really depends on the contract,” said Garcia.

Despite his looming exit from office, Garcia said he will continue to monitor the progress of CCMC, which he emphasized was “started during his time.”

Another project Garcia hopes will be continued is the construction of five school buildings. He hopes the contracts will not be canceled, along with the construction of Family Health Centers.

Currently, the Cebu City Government has already outlined plans for Family Health Centers in Barangay Labangon and Barangay Apas. Garcia also expressed hope that the installation of slope protection structures, particularly in upland barangays, will also be continued.

“Hopefully lang (be continued). Kay kabalo ka usahay ang sakit man gud sa bag-ong administration nga musud, ilang undangon ang mga gipangbuhat sa past which is dili sad sakto ug mayo,” said Garcia.

Further, Garcia said he is hopeful that the transitional housing projects will continue, to provide shelter for individuals displaced by clearing operations involving structures that encroached on the three-meter easement.

Garcia is also hopeful that the incoming administration will continue the drainage master plan in collaboration with the Japanese government, as part of the city’s response to its perennial flooding problem.

Moving forward, Garcia said he will be making a “timely” report in the next few weeks to inform the public of what his administration has accomplished “in a short span of time.”

“I will tell the new administration, this is what I’ve started, this is what I’ve done, palihog ipadayon,” said Garcia. — (FREEMAN)