Xavier University, through its Research and Social Outreach, with Capitol University hosted another round of candidates’ forum on Apr 30, this time for those seeking seats in the city council.
Among the candidates for councilor who took part in the forum were Egay Uy, Zaldy Ocon, Alden Bacal, Bob Epan, Eileen San Juan, Elmer De La Rosa, Roger Abaday, Tito Mora, Dante Pajo, Boboy Daba, Candy Darimbang and Merle Adaza for the 1st District, and President Elipe, Nixon Baban, Bong Lao, Cocong Quiblat, Ramon Tabor, Leon Gan, Alexander Dacer, Juan Sia, Ingrid Agudo, Nadya Emano, Ching Roa, Noling Abejuela, Roger Villazorda, Edsel Salvaña and Eric Salcedo for the 2nd District.
The only vice mayor candidate to show up at the forum was Coun Ed Cabanlas.
Each of the candidates was given 15 seconds to introduce themselves and 3 minutes to present their platforms in the areas of environmental protection, peace, good governance, health and sanitation, and food security and economics.
Reelectionist candidates highlighted their accomplishments in providing livelihood programs in the barangays, upgrading of the city hospital, the Piso-Piso program which has provided close to 7,000 houses to its beneficiaries in relocation sites, and the PhilHealth program which has benefitted more than 50,000 people, to name a few.
Some of the issues their challengers raised were the worsening traffic situation of the city and the rising crime rates.
“The poor condition of the hinterlands and our traffic situation are indicators that our local government lacks political will,” said Abaday. “There is a need to have a new set of leaders for Cagayan de Oro to have good governance.”
Vice mayoral candidate Cabanlas called for the “restoration of the trust and credibility of the City Council,” which he described as not having served the public enough.
Uy characterized this election as a second Independence Day. “On May 13, Cagayan de Oro will be liberated from the clutches of bad governance,” he said.
Tabor responded to criticisms, saying “The best evidence of our support and love of the city is our presence here.”
The forum ended the same way as the Congressional Candidates’ Forum held on Apr 25, with an oath of service recited by all the candidates.
A forum for mayoral candidates is set on May 7, 2-4 pm at the XU Gym.