On June 15, 2024, Hon. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy presented his second State of the City Address at the Aquilino Pimentel Convention Center, highlighting the city’s remarkable growth and achievements over the past year.
Addressing the public alongside the City Council, Mayor Uy focused on his family-centered economic development agenda, underpinned by his RISE framework of governance. This approach has led to significant milestones, including Cagayan de Oro City receiving its first Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2023, reflecting the transparent and sincere nature of his administration.
“We challenged ourselves. We challenged CDO to RISE from the pandemic’s impact,” Mayor Uy declared to an audience of officers, employees, and key local stakeholders. Despite numerous awards, the economy was struggling, and many families faced severe poverty. However, the city’s recent accolades, such as being ranked the second richest city outside Metro Manila by per capita GDP and the third largest urban economy in the country, are beginning to benefit local families directly. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 3,000 out of 15,000 families in the Pantawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have risen out of poverty. The city’s economic progress has increased disposable incomes, now averaging P28,000 per month, which fuels further investment.
Cagayan de Oro significantly contributes to Northern Mindanao’s GDP, accounting for 28%. Mayor Uy attributed the city’s economic growth to initiatives like the Klarex nga Serbisyo sa Barangay (KSB) and Suroy Suroy sa Barangay (SSB), which have boosted public confidence and brought government services closer to the people. From July 2023 to April 2024, Mayor Uy personally assisted over 18,000 residents, with KSB and SSB programs serving thousands more.
Fiscal Health and Economic Development
The city’s financial health is robust, with the City Finance Department collecting a record P5.6 billion in revenues in 2023. Tourist arrivals increased by 12.72% to 775,024. Local businesses are expanding, with Ororama and Gaisano competing alongside larger entities like SM, Ayala, and Robinsons. The city issued 5,414 new business permits out of 30,962 registrations in 2023.
The city’s budget prioritizes economic programs (44.36%), social services (30.44%), and general services (22.3%). The Barangay Empowerment Program has approved 78 projects worth P256 million across 50 barangays.
Advancements in Social Services
The JR Borja General Hospital has been upgraded to a Level II facility, serving approximately 150,000 people with 15,240 admissions and over 100,000 outpatient consultations. Despite high occupancy rates, the hospital has extended outpatient services to 10 pm and continues to undergo major upgrades. The new JRBGH – Lumbia and nearly completed JRBGH – Tablon are enhancing healthcare services. In 2023, the hospital generated P255,800,172, which supports its zero-billing policy.
The City Health Office is progressing with the Universal Health Care (UHC) system, having completed the preparatory phase.
Education and Employment Initiatives
For the 2024-2025 school year, there will be 15,194 scholars in universities and technical-vocational institutes. In 2023, the city constructed six school buildings with 48 classrooms, with more underway. The City Scholarship Program now includes law and medical students, fulfilling Mayor Uy’s promise of 10,000 scholars.
Employment is rising, supported by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and 30 Barangay Employment Assistance Desks. In 2023, 12 job fairs facilitated the hiring of 14,653 job seekers.
Housing and Security
The city is collaborating with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on the 4PH housing projects, aiming to provide 30,000 housing units. Two projects in Pagatpat and San Simon will offer 3,200 mid-rise units.
Mayor Uy highlighted the importance of security in sustaining economic progress. The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office achieved a 3.5% crime rate reduction in 2023, with high crime solutions and clearance efficiencies.
Concluding his address, Mayor Uy called for unity and continued hard work to ensure fair and accessible services for all residents, aiming to create equal opportunities for employment, improved well-being, and a brighter future for every Kagayanon.
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