THE incoming city administrator is set to join the flag-raising ceremony at Mandaue City Hall on Monday, June 30, 2025, alongside outgoing city officials, as part of a coordinated and peaceful transition of leadership.
Outgoing Mayor Glenn Bercede said in an interview with reporters on Thursday, June 26, that the turnover process between the outgoing and incoming administrations has been “smooth and harmonious,” with both parties working closely to ensure the continuity of public service.
“The flag ceremony will serve as a symbolic gesture of unity and cooperation, as the new officials begin to take on their roles,” Bercede said in Cebuano.
In preparation for the formal assumption of office, the incoming department heads have already begun observing the day-to-day operations of their respective offices.
Bercede said the new team is already in the offices and has been assigned to their respective departments to begin familiarizing themselves with their tasks.
“At least now, they have an idea of how things work,” he added.
This early familiarization aims to ensure a seamless takeover and the uninterrupted delivery of public services.
Bercede said that the incoming administration formally sent a letter addressed to him, requesting authorization for their personnel to observe and shadow the current department heads and staff.
He said that, for the first time in Mandaue, the transition process is moving swiftly and systematically.
He said there will be a speech during the flag ceremony and the session, while others are already going straight into transition and turnover. The official turnover and assumption of duties by the new administration are scheduled to take place at noon on Monday.
Symbolic
The Sangguniang Panlungsod session will be held earlier than usual — tentatively at 9 a.m. — to give time for the turnover ceremony, which has been included in the official agenda.
Bercede noted that this marks the first time such a comprehensive and symbolic transition will take place in Mandaue, describing it as a “dramatic” moment.
“For the first time, the turnover is this formal. It’s even part of the session itself. This is truly very symbolic,” he said.
As part of the symbolic handover, incoming Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano is expected to receive items such as the city’s symbolic key, the city seal and other ceremonial items. Bercede said this would serve as an official welcome and give him the recognition he deserves.
Incoming City administrator Sally Malig-on said only key individuals are being introduced into departments ahead of the formal assumption of duties. He explained that the transition is being paced deliberately to avoid disruptions.
Malig-on emphasized that the transition is being handled carefully, step by step, day by day.
He also clarified that the process has been smooth overall, with outgoing departments cooperating and submitting the necessary documents and reports
“We’ve had good cooperation. The departments submitted the information we needed. These will be very useful for the mayor as he lays out his plans,” Malig-on said.
During the Sangguniang Panlungsod session on Monday, the incoming officials will also be present as part of the official turnover included in the session agenda. / CAV