Empowering Communities: The City Council's Bold Steps for Progress

COURTESY: CIO

In a decisive move towards community enhancement, the 21st City Council convened for its last regular session on January 26, 2026. During this pivotal meeting, several significant decisions unfolded, focusing on the annual budgets of various barangays, the accreditation of transport groups, and the allocation of P33 million for essential farm-to-market road projects in Barangays Bugo and Cugman. Such financial support not only signifies a commitment to local governance but also reflects the council’s dedication to uplifting the lives of its constituents.

The approved resolutions and ordinances reveal the council's strategic priorities. For instance, the financial plans for Barangays Baikingon and Puntod have been established, with projected incomes of over P37 million combined. Moreover, the Sangguniang Kabataan resolutions further demonstrate the council's investment in the youth, allocating funds for developmental projects in Barangays Pigsag-an, Dansolihon, Nazareth, and Macabalan. Such allocations signal a bright future, fostering local development and empowering the younger generation.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Cultural Life

In addition to budget approvals, the city council also addressed cultural and infrastructural advancements. Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-185 plays a vital role in promoting the arts by granting an exemption from amusement tax to The Xavier Stage of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan for their theatrical play, “Agatha Christie’s 10 Little Indians.” Scheduled for performance from February 23-28, 2026, this initiative not only encourages artistic expression but also enriches the local cultural landscape.

Furthermore, the council prioritized healthcare and infrastructure improvements through various ordinances. Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-186 authorizes the City Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines for the clinical training of Doctor of Medicine students at JR Borja General Hospital. This partnership promises to enhance the quality of medical education and healthcare services in the region. Similarly, the council’s authorization of a Deed of Donation for essential medical equipment exemplifies a proactive approach to improving community health resources.

The recent actions taken by the 21st City Council of Cagayan de Oro reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering development, enhancing cultural life, and improving public services. As these initiatives unfold, the community stands on the brink of transformation, poised to reap the benefits of thoughtful governance and dedicated leadership.

Heartbeat Heroes: Strengthening Community Care Through Life-Saving Skills

COURTESY:  (DYM/CIO/Photo JRBGH)

In moments where every second counts, the skill and readiness of medical professionals can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why the **TWO-DAY trainings on basic life support (BLS) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)** conducted by the **city-owned JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH)** last Monday and Tuesday, November 11 and 12, stand as a powerful beacon of commitment to public health.  

Held specifically for the medical staff of **Cagayan de Oro City Hospital–Lumbia**, these sessions were far more than routine workshops—they were deeply immersive experiences filled with practical skill building, confidence boosting, and urgent real-world applications. Every heartbeat saved in the future may trace back to these crucial days of preparation.  

Empowering Hands, Saving Lives 

The **JRBGH’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) Unit** led the twin trainings with energy and expertise. Each exercise placed emphasis on mastering essential emergency procedures, enabling Lumbia hospital personnel to act swiftly and effectively in high-pressure situations. With step-by-step guidance, they learned not just the mechanics of BLS and CPR, but also the thinking and decision-making that go hand-in-hand with rapid response.  

Moreover, the sessions fostered teamwork—staff members practiced in pairs and groups, simulating intense emergency scenarios that demanded coordination, clarity, and mutual trust. Through realistic role-play and hands-on drills, participants experienced the urgency of real medical crises, building confidence that will serve them well when lives hang in the balance.  

A Shared Mission for a Healthier Community  

As the training concluded, JRBGH and **CDOCH–Lumbia** renewed their shared mission: to provide effective medical response throughout the communities they serve. This partnership is more than an institutional collaboration—it is an ongoing promise of safety, compassion, and resilience for every patient who walks through their doors.  

In a world where emergencies can strike without warning, such dedication ensures that those at the frontlines are not only ready but also highly capable of delivering quality healthcare. The ripple effect of these trainings will no doubt extend beyond hospital walls, touching families, neighborhoods, and the wider city with peace of mind and confidence in their caregivers.  

Life-saving skills are not just techniques—they are gifts of hope. Through such initiatives, the Cagayan de Oro community stands stronger, one well-trained heartbeat hero at a time.