INCOMING Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, along with Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña, took their oath of office at Plaza Sugbo on Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, just four days before Archival officially assumes office on June 30, 2025.
The city councilors-elect from the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) also took their oaths during the ceremony.
In his speech, Archival called on all his constituents to support his administration in rebuilding Cebu City as number one.
He said the Cebu City Government cannot work alone in fulfilling its duties, as it requires everyone’s support. Likened to a construction project, he said he needs experts in every aspect of local governance.
“Just like any construction project, no single worker can build alone. We need engineers. We need architects, carpenters, electricians, and labor all bringing the in skills to complete the vision,” Archival said.
“The same way we need every contribution whether big or small. This is not a one man job. This is a citywide vision,” he added.
Archival highlighted his background as an engineer, someone who looks at blueprints, direction, and plans before taking action.
Before the oathtaking ceremony, a Holy Mass was celebrated in front of the Cebu City Hall Legislative Building, presided by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro attended the mass celebration but left afterward.
Barangay captains, aligned with BOPK, also attended the ceremony.
Outgoing city councilors Jocelyn Pesquera and Mary Ann Delos Santos were also present at the event.
After the mass celebration, a processional march of the elected officials took place, followed by an interfaith prayer led by the Archbishop.
The first to take the oath was Councilor-elect Sisinio “Bebs” Andales of Cebu City’s North District, sworn in by Barangay T. Padilla Captain Irene Nadal.
Mayor Archival, after which, took his oath of office with his family, administered by Barangay Inayawan Captain Kirk Bryan Repollo.
He was followed by the oath-taking of Councilor-elect Alvin Arcilla of the North District, also before Captain Irene Nadal.
Councilor-elect Nice Archival took her oath alongside her uncle, Mayor-elect Archival, also before Captain Nadal. Nice brought a portrait of her late father, Noel Archival, on stage and during the photo session.
Afterward, Councilor-elect Michelle Abella of the South District took her oath before Barangay Talamban Captain Dario Arcilla.
With a fresh mandate from the electorate, Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa was also sworn in before Captain Arcilla.
Meanwhile, Councilor-elect Paul Labra was unable to take his oath on Thursday due to prior commitments.
Last to take his oath was Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña, who was joined by his family and several vendors from the Carbon Public Market. His oath was administered by Lahug Barangay Captain Hazel Ann Muaña-Empleo. (EHP)