DANAO City’s Durano family affirmed support for the incoming administration of governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro in the effort to improve Cebu’s healthcare system.
In a news forum on Monday, June 16, 2025 outgoing Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano and incoming vice mayor Ivy Durano, both said Baricuatro’s agenda aligned with their vision for the development of Danao City.
Baricuatro won against incumbent Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in the last midterm elections. Garcia was gunning for a third term.
The Durano family, a long-standing political force in Danao City, expressed optimism about the “synergy” between the vision of the city and the new provincial administration.
Mix said Danao City is poised for stronger collaboration with the Provincial Capitol under the leadership of Baricuatro recalling their “interaction” with the new governor during the campaign season.
Mix lost his bid for Congress (Fifth District), but his father Ramon “Nito” Durano III, currently the city’s vice mayor, won the mayoralty race.
The younger Durango said Danao City officials are open for a renewed partnership with Capitol that is expected to bolster ongoing local initiatives and unlock new opportunities for development in the city.
Healthcare
The Duranos share Baricuatro’s sentiment on the need to improve access to health programs not only in Danao cross other localities as well.
Mix observed the inadequate healthcare access in the Camotes Group of Islands. He said he expects Baricuatro’s promise to improve the healthcare system in Camotes islands will be fulfilled.
Baricuatro earlier shared her plan to deploy air and sea ambulances to transport patients from Camotes’ island towns (Poro, Pilar, San Francisco and Tudela). She said residents have long been complaining of their struggle to transport patients to mainland Cebu.
Mix said aligning their plans with the new administration will be crucial in advancing shared goals, particularly in areas like the City’s established “Ayuda Program,” which provides essential social services such as burial assistance, medical aid, and hospitalization support to residents. The program, he said, is expected to get provincial support.
Meanwhile, vice mayor-elect Ivy is anticipating the expansion of existing programs and projects with the new provincial administration such as the ongoing construction of the Danao Public Market and the Danao City Sports and Convention Center.
Danao officials hope to find a solution to traffic congestion, particularly along the Mitsumi Manufacturing Inc. and Barangay Sabang areas during peak hours.
The local government unit (LGU) also prioritizes programs for former illegal firearms manufacturers in the city through “Project Trident,” designed to provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods.
Aside from the LGU, this initiative involves law enforcement authorities and the local community.
Under this program, illegal gun manufacturers surrender their equipment and receive training as forest rangers, trail guides, and creators of souvenir items, medals, trophies, and plaques. / EHP