ECONOMIC issues are the top concern for the people of Cagayan de Oro, according to the recent survey of Xavier University’s Kinaadman University Research Office (Kuro).
The research institution noticed that there was a shift in concern “priorities,” because based in its 2016 survey, the peace and order problem is the number one concern of the residents.
But XU-Kuro deputy director Dr. Astrid Cinco said that their recent survey showed that it’s now the economic status as the top issue of the Cagayan de Oro electorate.
Under the economic issue, about 26 percent of the survey participants underscored the lack of livelihood programs of the city, while some 23 percent of the survey participants said there are not enough jobs here.
There were 800 respondents who participated the survey from the two districts of the city.
Mayor Oscar Moreno maintained that Cagayan de Oro’s employment rate has consistently been at the top in Mindanao, and one of the highest in the country, however, noted that the rate of migration into the city is also increasing.
“And most, if not all, of these migrants are job seekers,” he said.
Since Moreno assumed office in 2013, the city has undertaken many initiatives geared towards jobs promotion, which include 1) the creation of the Jobs Assistance Bureau, to serve as the jobs clearing house; 2) Strengthening and upgrading of the PESO; 3) Establishment of the Technical and Educational Skills Development and Employment Council (Tesdec), a multi sectoral body; 4) Joint Projects with DOLE and other governmental and business stakeholders, such as the JobsStart, and 4) Establishment of CDO’ Technical and Vocational Institute.
“But we are not complaining, as we know that we also contribute to the continuing growth of Northern Mindanao and the rest of Mindanao,” he said.
The peace and problem issue is now at number 2, with illegal drugs still the top concern, followed by illegal parking of trucks and other vehicles, and the traffic jam.
The third concern for the electorate is the delivery of basic services. The survey participants noted the problem on the city’s drainage system and roads, as well as the water supply.
The participants also noted the problem on local governance, particularly the corruption at the city level, implementation of barangay ordinances, and corruption in the barangay level.
Environmental concern comes last, with waste management, river condition, and disaster preparedness still are among the areas of concern.