CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy on Monday, June 16, denied allegations that he used government funds to support his Kasalan ng Bayan program, pointing out that it was his family who covered the expenses.
Uy made the statement during his State of the City Address (SOCA), a 36-page speech delivered in celebration of the city's 75th Charter Day.
He highlighted various programs and accomplishments under his administration, including the Kasalan ng Bayan, which has officiated the marriages of over 5,000 couples since the start of his term.
Uy said the Kasalan ng Bayan, held every Saturday, is a key part of his Klarex nga Serbisyo initiative. The program offers wedding ceremonies to couples who cannot afford traditional nuptials.
“Ang kasalan ng bayan dili lang simpleng seremonyas sa pagtugot sa kaminyuon apan kini naghatag ug dignidad sa mga pamilya,” Uy said.
He said that strong and happy families form the foundation of society.
To mark the special occasion for each couple, Uy said they were given free lechon, cake and wine, provided with the help of sponsors and his own family. He credited the City Council and other individuals for contributing cash grants and groceries.
“Salamat kaayo sa akong pamilya, nga sukad sa pagsugod sa Klarex nga Serbisyo ug Kasalan, kanunayng nag-suporta sa pagbayad sa litson, red wine ug cake nga ikahatag sa mga magtiayon,” he said.
Uy stressed that no government funds were used for the weddings, contrary to claims by his political opponents.
“Walay pondo ug lain nga tinguha gikan sa kagamhanan nga maoy gikagubtan sa akong mga kaatbang sa politika,” he said.
Uy reported that his Klarex nga Serbisyo sa Baryo program has served more than 300,000 clients from 2022 to 2024. He also announced the resumption of People’s Day on July 4, which he said has assisted some 74,000 individuals from January 2023 to February 2025.
He committed to continuing his service in his next term, acknowledging that the past three years are not enough to fully realize his development agenda, known as Rise Up CDO.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez said Uy’s report was a time to reflect on the administration’s successes and shortcomings.
Rodriguez said the city has made significant progress in delivering basic services directly to residents, aligning with their shared vision.
“All this is part of our vision — to build a better, safer, and more reformed city for everyone,” she said.
