Showing posts with label USAID. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USAID. Show all posts

Friday, September 27, 2024

Building a Future-Ready Cagayan De Oro: A Collaborative Journey


COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 
PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Zaldivar

Cagayan De Oro is not just a city with a rich past; it’s a community with a promising future. Recently, the "Building a Future-Ready Cagayan De Oro" forum brought together the local government, USAID, Liveable Cities Philippines, and various stakeholders to discuss the city’s path forward. Held at the City Tourism Hall, this vibrant discussion was not just about planning but about action and collaboration.

The event was a melting pot of ideas, with city officials, experts, and members of the business community sharing insights. It was a lively discussion that touched on everything from economic growth to sustainable development. The forum was not just about envisioning a future but about laying the groundwork to make that vision a reality.


One of the highlights of the forum was the unveiling of the RISE Agenda by City Planning and Development Officer Chedilyn Aissa Dulguime, who represented Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy. This agenda is a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the city's most pressing challenges while also positioning it for future success.

The RISE Agenda focuses on key areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and public service improvements. It's all about creating a city that is not just ready for the future, but one that thrives in it. By aligning the agenda with the forum’s theme, the local government is ensuring that Cagayan De Oro is on the right track.



The involvement of the business community, including the Filipino Chinese Community from Misamis Oriental and Cagayan De Oro, is crucial for the city's development. Businesses are not just passive observers; they are active participants in the city's growth story. Their engagement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Cagayan De Oro.

During the forum, business leaders shared their perspectives on how they can contribute to the city's development. Their participation is not just about investment; it's about partnership. By working closely with the local government and other stakeholders, the business community is helping to build a city that is resilient and ready for the future.



The discussions at the LGU-CDO Stakeholders Forum were not just theoretical; they were about taking concrete steps toward building a future-ready city. The strategies discussed were focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing public services, and fostering sustainable development.

One of the key takeaways from the forum was the importance of smart city initiatives. By leveraging technology, Cagayan De Oro can enhance its infrastructure and services, making the city more efficient and livable. The focus on smart city initiatives is not just about technology; it's about using technology to improve the quality of life for all residents.



Another critical aspect of the forum was the emphasis on strengthening the city’s resiliency. In an era of climate change and global challenges, building a resilient city is more important than ever. The discussions highlighted the need for sustainable practices that not only protect the environment but also ensure the city’s long-term prosperity.

By incorporating sustainable development into its plans, Cagayan De Oro is setting the stage for a future that is not only prosperous but also environmentally responsible. The city is committed to finding innovative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.



The "Building a Future-Ready Cagayan De Oro" forum was more than just a meeting; it was a celebration of collaboration and a shared vision for the future. By bringing together the local government, businesses, and other stakeholders, the city is taking proactive steps to ensure its readiness for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

As Cagayan De Oro moves forward, the lessons and strategies discussed at the forum will serve as a guiding light. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and resilience, the city is well on its way to becoming a model for other cities in the Philippines and beyond. The journey toward a future-ready Cagayan De Oro is underway, and the possibilities are as bright as the city’s spirit.

Monday, May 27, 2024

Mayor Klarex Uy Extends Warm Welcome to US Congressional Staff Delegates' Visit to LGU-CDO





COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 
PHOTO CREDITS: by Kim Zaldivar and Roel Felicitas

In an exciting development for the city of Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Klarex Uy and his esteemed team recently welcomed a US Congressional Staff Delegation on a learning and interaction visit to LGU-CDO. This visit, which took place on May 27, was a testament to the close cooperation and continued partnership between the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and LGU-CDO. The delegation consisted of distinguished members such as U.S. Embassy Manila Political Officer Edward V. O’Brien, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Senior Professional Staff Member Jennifer Hendrixson White, Maryland Senator Benjamin L. Cardin’s Legislative Policy Analyst Habiba Shebita, and USAID Philippines Senior Democracy, Rights, and Governance Specialist Gerardo Porta.


During their visit, the US Congressional Staff Delegation engaged in a productive meeting held at the session hall in relation to Cagayan de Oro City’s Committee on People’s Organization. This meeting provided an excellent platform for various civil society organizations to interact and exchange ideas with the delegation. The active participation of all parties fostered a dynamic environment, enabling the sharing of valuable insights and experiences.

Building upon the success of the initial meeting, the delegation then moved on to a meeting on the tripartite agreement for data science and analytics at the Cagayan de Oro City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) Office in Pueblo de Oro. This meeting was a significant milestone in the city's journey towards technological advancement. The collaboration between the Oro Chamber, Oro-TIPC, and President of Layertech Software Labs Inc. Frei Sangil promises great prospects for harnessing the power of data science and analytics in Cagayan de Oro.


The initiatives undertaken during the US Congressional Staff Delegation's visit were made possible through the support of USAID's Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) Project. Cagayan de Oro City is an integral part of USAID's Cities Development Initiative (CDI), a testament to the city's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Over the years, USAID has been a steadfast partner of LGU-CDO, working hand in hand to implement impactful projects. One such project is the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE), which aimed to enhance the city's resilience to natural disasters and promote inclusive urban development. The Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) project has further strengthened the partnership, focusing on fostering good governance and citizen engagement. Most recently, the Urban Connect project has brought about innovative solutions to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure in the city.


Mayor Klarex Uy, along with his dedicated team, personally welcomed the US Congressional Staff Delegation, emphasizing the city's commitment to collaboration and partnership. The presence of Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, and various other key officials exemplified the city's united front in fostering meaningful relationships with international partners.

The Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center (Oro-TIPC), headed by Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) John Asuncion, played a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating the delegation's visit. Their dedication and efforts were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and fruitful experience for both the delegation and the city.


The visit of the US Congressional Staff Delegation to LGU-CDO marked an important milestone in the city's journey towards progress and development. The exchange of ideas, the commitment to collaboration, and the strong support from USAID underscored the city's determination to create a sustainable and inclusive future. Mayor Klarex Uy's warm welcome and the active participation of key officials highlighted the city's enthusiasm for forging international partnerships. With such initiatives, Cagayan de Oro City is poised to become a shining example of effective governance and engagement.

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