THE 21st City Council, presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, cleared a heavy docket during its regular session Monday, Dec. 9, approving crucial salary adjustments for hospital staff, confirming three top City Hall officials, and adopting new disaster resilience blueprints for the city.

Here is a breakdown of the major ordinances and resolutions passed:

Key appointments confirmed

The Council officially confirmed the appointments of three department heads, solidifying the city’s administrative leadership: City Administrator: Atty. Roy Hilario P. Raagas, City Legal Officer: Atty. Kenneth O. Tamala and City Information Officer: Ivy S. Guantero.

Healthcare boost: Salaries and equipment

A significant portion of the session focused on the city-owned J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) and the House of Hope.

Salaries & Benefits: The body approved the release of savings to cover salaries, benefits, and year-end bonuses for newly appointed and promoted personnel at JRBGH and the City Hospital-Lumbia.

Hazard Pay: A specific appropriation of P116,872 was authorized to cover hazard pay, laundry, and subsistence allowances for JRBGH staff for the second half of 2025.

Donations: The Mayor was authorized to accept medical equipment donations from Latter-Day Saint Charities-Philippines for both JRBGH and the City Hospital-Tablon Annex.

Disaster resilience and climate action

The Council moved to strengthen the city’s long-term safety framework by adopting several key plans:

Disaster Funds: The 2026 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Investment Plan was approved. Additionally, a new ordinance now mandates a separate “Special Trust Fund” for every barangay to ensure transparent monitoring of disaster funds.

Climate & Risks: The body adopted the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (2022-2031) and the City Risk Communication Plan (2025-2028).

Support for athletes and youth

Cash Incentives: The Council authorized the release of P3.6 million to pay cash incentives to Cagayan de Oro athletes who secured medals in national and international competitions during the 2023-2024 period.

Equipment: P82,750 was allocated to purchase 100 volleyball nets and 50 badminton rackets for the City Sports and Development Commission.

Youth Protection: A pilot implementation of the “Enhanced ProtecTEEN Program” was authorized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Infrastructure and agriculture

Farm-to-Market Roads: The City Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (2025–2028) was officially adopted to improve agricultural logistics.

Land Titles: P790,000 was approved to cover titling expenses for 119 land titles for the Heirs of Juan and Rita Maandig in Macasandig, a site used for the resettlement of Buena Oro residents.

Other matters

Holiday Hours: The Council passed a resolution requesting shopping malls extend their operating hours during the holidays to help decongest traffic.

Commendation: John Paul Robert V. Bildan was commended for placing 6th in the November 2025 Licensure Examination.