Archival to mark its first year in office with same priorities

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly a year after having been sworn into office, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival reflects on his leadership which was battled with calamities while reinforcing his priorities anchored on his campaign promises.

Recalling what the city has dealt with in the past months, Archival admitted that his mayorship was wrapped with pressure and challenges.

“Because nakita man ninyo nga pag sud gyud nako gisugat dayon sa earthquake, gisugat dayon sa bagyo, gisugat sa landslide (trashslide). This is something very challenging to me. Nya daghan kaayu gi tan aw nato traffic ug daghan pang mga challenges na atung gi tan aw,” Archival told reporters.

Despite this, Archival retains his priorities, highlighting that they remain the same, particularly on public health, environmental projects, and eco-friendly sanitation in Cebu City. Archival’s term will mark one year in office on June 30, 2026.

He then expressed optimism for the development of Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), saying its construction is continuing and that he is expecting its completion this coming December 2026.

“Akong gi tan aw sa official nga karun taas taas na gyud ang development ug success sa CCMC and hopefully again, I'm optimistic nga mahuman gyud na sa iyang time gyud sa December,” said Archival.

Archival is also currently focusing on installing solar power systems at Cebu City Hall on both the Legislative and Executive Buildings to reduce electricity expenses.

“Karun semanaha ang duha ka building sa atung city hall ang legislative ug ang executive mag ribbon cutting nata kay ato ng butangan og solar,” Archival said.

“Ang solar atu nang gidamgo nga in the next 3 years, tanan gyud nga mga building nga gi maintain sa atung syudad sa sugbo nga butangan ug solar,” he added.

He emphasized that for this year, they are targeting to put up solar panels in six buildings.

Along with this, he plans to further improve the facilities of the Department of Manpower, Development and Placement (DMBP) and the construction of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) building.

Six electric vehicles and two buses were also purchased and are expected to be delivered at the end of the year.

Despite the pressure during his first term, challenged by natural calamities such as the 6.9 earthquake, typhoons, and the avalanche at the Binaliw Landfill facility that killed 36 workers, Archival expressed his goal for the City by 2035 to be sustainable, smart, and inclusive.

“This is something very challenging to me,” Archival said.

He further reflected on the need of navigating with different people and added that he carried his mandate and responsibilities with patience.

“Naa lang gyud kay patience kay ug sawayon ka masuko ka, ikaw raman madaot. Sometimes ma derail imong pag tan aw kung unsay sakto. So what I'm trying to do now katung mga kinahanglan buhaton focus lang, although kwangan ug tulog” Archival said. — Meriane Katherine Espina and Michaela G. Tabar/IHM (FREEMAN)