WORKING TOGETHER. The participants (city mayor, city councilors, department heads) pose for a group pictorial after Executive Legislative Agenda formulation workshop facilitated by the Governance and Leadership Institute of Xavier University. Supplied photo.

By Wilson J Hormeguera

“Wow! For the first time in my term, leaders from both the executive and legislative departments have met to plan for the 2019 goals of the Cagayan de Oro City government. This is a historical event,” said CdeO Mayor Oscar S Moreno at the recently-concluded Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) formulation workshop, facilitated by the Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University.

Both departments envision Cagayan de Oro as an “inclusive, green, and competitive” city — where Kagay-anons are empowered and informed; where the environment is child-friendly and ecologically balanced; and where the economy creates more job opportunities. 

“I wish Cagayan de Oro to be the ‘Prime City of the Upper Part of Mindanao,’” said Moreno, hoping that the city council will support and work with him in achieving this vision.

The formulation workshop allowed participants to analyze issues and challenges and formulate goals on five key aspects: environmental, economic, infrastructure, institutional, and social.

Among the city councilors who participated in the workshop and presented their 3-year legislative agenda were George Goking (Ways and Means), Romeo Calizo (Police, Fire, and Public Safety), Ian Nacaya (Laws and Rules), Suzette Daba (Education), Reuben Daba (Social Services), Enrico Salcedo (Cooperative), Lourdes Gaane (Health), Teodulfo Lao (Energy), Jay Pascual (Tourism, Sports, and Youth), Edna Dahino (Appropriation and Finance), and Annie Daba (Agriculture).

CdeO Vice Mayor Joaquin “Kikang” Uy also joined in the said workshop.

“We thank GLI director Dr Dixon Yasay and Xavier University for this workshop,” said Engr Jane J Docallos, director of the city interior and local government.

“This [workshop] is important for us because this will harmonize the agenda of both the executive and legislative departments of the city,” she added.

GLI aims to build the capacities of local leaders and public departments in Northern Mindanao towards an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive leadership and governance. ∎