CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival laid out his administration’s roadmap for the next three years during a strategic meeting with newly elected officials and department heads on Friday, July 5, 2025, at the Cebu City Social Hall.
In a statement from Cebu City Public Information Office, the meeting, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu City, served as a platform for Archival to present his priorities, including health, food security, education, digital governance, housing, and traffic management.
At the top of his agenda is the completion of the long-delayed Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), which he described as a vital piece of the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
He also pushed for improved food security, noting that the city heavily relies on external sources for its food supply.
To address this, Archival proposed creating pilot demonstration farms in both the north and south districts, and developing irrigation systems to encourage local food production.
On education, the mayor committed to enhancing the city’s 24/7 public library initiative, particularly by upgrading the second floor of the Cebu City Public Library to better serve students and researchers.
To streamline services and reduce bureaucracy, Archival said the City Government will pursue digitization and interconnectivity among departments.
He also floated the idea of a one-day business permit renewal process as part of efforts to improve efficiency in City Hall.
Archival also highlighted public safety, stating that the City is eyeing the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered CCTV systems in key areas to enhance surveillance.
Environmental sustainability was also on the table.
Archival vowed to fully implement the city’s solar ordinance, which would require installing solar energy systems in all city-owned buildings.
He said the implementing rules and regulations for the ordinance would be finalized soon.
This would be coupled with a stronger tree-planting campaign, he added.
Housing remains a key concern, and Archival said his administration will work closely with the City Engineering Office to identify viable relocation sites in advance.
This is to ensure that housing projects are strategically planned before actual relocations are carried out.
To address the city’s persistent flooding problem, the mayor called for a review and update of Cebu City’s drainage master plan.
He also acknowledged the city’s water supply challenges and stressed the need to explore long-term solutions.
Traffic congestion in high-volume areas such as Talamban, Lahug, Salinas Drive, and southern parts of the city was another key issue.
Archival said the City will be refining its traffic strategies to ease bottlenecks in these areas.
He also plans to boost revenue collection by improving coordination between the City Assessor’s and Treasurer’s Offices.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who also addressed the gathering, said good governance begins with identifying problems and offering practical solutions.
“People turn to the government for services they can’t get from the private sector. That’s where we come in,” Osmeña said.
The meeting marked the first major administrative assembly under the Archival administration and laid out the city’s direction under a leadership that promises inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability. (CDF)