CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Thousands of Kagay-anons are now accessing government services closer to their homes through community-based programs designed to bring assistance directly to barangays, schools, and underserved sectors, according to Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy.
During his fourth State of the City Address (SOCA) on June 15 at Plaza Divisoria, held as part of the city's 76th Charter Day celebration, Uy emphasized that Cagayan de Oro's progress should not be measured solely by infrastructure projects but by how effectively the local government responds to the needs of its people.
Education, accessible government services, and grassroots programs took center stage in the mayor's address as he outlined initiatives aimed at improving the daily lives of residents.
“The true wealth of Cagayan de Oro is its people,” Uy said, stressing that investments in education and public service remain essential to the city's long-term growth.
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The mayor described education as a long-term investment in the city's future, noting that empowering young people is critical to sustaining development and creating opportunities for future generations.
To make government services more accessible, Uy highlighted flagship programs such as People's Day, Kauban ta sa Serbisyo sa Baryo (KSB), and Suruy-Suruy sa Baryo ug Eskwelahan, which bring frontline government services directly to communities and schools.
Among these, the KSB program has already served 74,075 clients by providing skills training, civil registration services, business registration, building permit assistance, legal aid, and other government services closer to residents.
“Kini aron mapaduol nato ang serbisyo sa ganghaan sa atong kabarangayan,” Uy said, referring to the city's efforts to bring services directly to communities.
The city government's People's Day initiative has likewise assisted 26,448 residents, allowing citizens to directly raise concerns and seek assistance from government offices and officials.
For couples unable to afford wedding expenses, the city's Kasalan ng Bayan program has provided free mass weddings for 5,927 couples. Uy said the initiative helps strengthen families by ensuring legal recognition of marriages while promoting family stability in local communities.
The mayor said these programs were developed in response to what residents consistently seek from local government—not only major infrastructure projects but also a government that listens, responds, and remains present during times of need.
“Senior citizens, mga amahan, mga inahan, kabatan-onan, usa ra gyud ang akong nasabtan, ang katawhan dili kanunay mangayo ug dagkong proyekto. Ilang gikinahanglan nga gobyerno nga maminaw, gobyerno nga mutubag, gobyerno nga naa sa ilang tapad panahon sa ilang panginahanglanon,” Uy said.
He added that programs such as People's Day, KSB, and Suruy-Suruy sa Baryo ug Eskwelahan are intended to ensure that no community is left behind and that public services remain within reach of all residents.
Uy also underscored the importance of maintaining public trust through responsive, transparent, and inclusive governance. He highlighted efforts to ensure that development benefits all sectors, including Indigenous Peoples and underserved communities.
Calling on Kagay-anons to continue working together, the mayor said unity remains vital in building a stronger and more progressive Cagayan de Oro.
As the city celebrates its 76th Charter Day, local officials say expanding access to education, government services, and community programs will remain among the administration's key priorities.
