Unity and Progress: The Dawn of a New Era in Cagayan de Oro City

COURTESY: Official Page of City Information Office CDO

PHOTO CREDITS: Reynan Baylin and Jun Cañete

Monday in Cagayan de Oro City marked not just the start of a new week but also a significant moment of unity and leadership. Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, alongside the Liga Ng Mga Barangay-Cagayan de Oro City chapter, led by Councilor Yan Lam Lim, orchestrated a flag-raising ceremony that was more than a mere ritual. This event symbolized the collective spirit of governance and the shared commitment of the city’s elected officials, department managers, and the entire bureaucracy. 

The flag raising was not just an act of patriotism but a reaffirmation of the democratic values that underpin the governance of Cagayan de Oro City. Mayor Klarex and the barangay officials stood at the forefront, leading by example, demonstrating unity and the importance of communal responsibility. This gathering was a vivid reminder of the roles and responsibilities that each individual holds towards the welfare of the city and its residents.

During the same assembly, Mayor Klarex officiated three oathtaking ceremonies, each significant in its own right. The first was for a women’s group, highlighting the administration’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The second was for the newly elected officials of the City Hall Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc. (CHEMCO), underlining the importance of cooperative governance and employee welfare. The third was for the mandatory indigenous people’s (IP) representatives, ensuring that the voices of all community segments are heard and represented.

These oathtaking ceremonies were a clear message of inclusivity, showcasing Mayor Klarex’s dedication to serving all constituents of Cagayan de Oro City, without exception. It was a demonstration of how diverse groups within the society are being acknowledged, respected, and given a platform to contribute to the city’s development.

In his monthly message, Mayor Klarex did not shy away from addressing the pressing issues facing Cagayan de Oro City. Among these, the ongoing dispute between the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI) stands out. The mayor highlighted his administration’s proactive steps to ensure a stable water supply for the residents amidst these challenges.

This part of his message underscored the administration's commitment to resolving critical infrastructure problems that affect the daily lives of the city’s residents. It also reflected the broader vision of ensuring that essential services are not just accessible but also reliable for everyone in Cagayan de Oro City.

The flag-raising ceremony, led by Mayor Klarex and the CDO barangay officials, was a declaration of unity and a promise of collective action towards a brighter future for Cagayan de Oro City. It was a testament to the leadership’s commitment to addressing both the immediate needs and the long-term challenges facing the city.

As Cagayan de Oro City moves forward, the actions and initiatives of its leaders, as showcased in this event, will be crucial in shaping the city’s trajectory. The unity displayed by the city’s officials sets a powerful example for its citizens, inspiring a shared vision of progress and prosperity. In the face of challenges, Cagayan de Oro City stands united, ready to tackle the future with determination and resilience.

Unleashing Innovation: The iSTART and CMISID Collaboration for Cagayan de Oro's Future

CREDIT: Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 10

Following the recognition of Cagayan de Oro City as the Most Innovative Highly Urbanized City, a groundbreaking collaboration has emerged to further elevate the city's innovation landscape. In a pivotal move, the iSTART team, under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 10, engaged in a strategic meeting with Zelfred Anthony T. Cocon, the esteemed Department Head of the City Management Information Systems and Innovation Department (CMISID). This meeting, held on April 25 in the DOST 10 Office, was not just another discussion but a beacon for the city's future in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

The initiative aims to catapult Cagayan de Oro into a new era of sustainable development, leveraging the power of innovation to solve complex challenges. The consultative meeting served as a crucible for ideas, where the iSTART team and the CMISID came together to forge a comprehensive STI Plan for the Local Government Unit (LGU) of CDO. This plan is not merely a document but a roadmap that will guide the city’s journey towards becoming a hub for innovation and sustainability.

The ambition of the iSTART and CMISID collaboration extends beyond the boundaries of Cagayan de Oro. DOST 10, through its iSTART program, is spearheading the development of STI plans for all five provinces in Northern Mindanao. This regional approach underscores the commitment to fostering socio-economic development through innovation. By aligning the strategies of the provinces, the initiative aims to create a synergistic effect, amplifying the impact of technological advancements and innovative practices across Northern Mindanao.

The consultative meeting exemplified the power of collaboration and strategic planning. By bringing together the minds of the iSTART team and the CMISID, a dynamic blueprint for the future was conceptualized. This plan will serve as a cornerstone for the region's development, ensuring that innovation is not just a buzzword but a tangible driver of growth and prosperity.

The partnership between the iSTART team and the CMISID is a testament to the transformative potential of public-private collaboration in fostering innovation. The consultative meeting marked the beginning of a journey towards integrating Science, Technology, and Innovation into the fabric of Cagayan de Oro's development strategy. This approach is not only about harnessing new technologies but also about building an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and resilience.

The STI Plan for LGU CDO is envisioned to be a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the city. By focusing on sustainable and smart solutions, the plan aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic diversity, and ensure environmental sustainability. This holistic approach to innovation underscores the commitment to creating a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable.

The collaboration between the iSTART team and the CMISID is a bold step towards realizing the vision of a smart and sustainable Cagayan de Oro. The consultative meeting was just the beginning of a journey that promises to transform the city into a beacon of innovation in Northern Mindanao. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the DOST 10, the iSTART program, and the CMISID, Cagayan de Oro is poised to embark on an unprecedented path of growth and development.

The development of the STI Plan is a critical milestone in this journey. It represents a shared commitment to harnessing the power of innovation to drive socio-economic development. As Cagayan de Oro and the rest of Northern Mindanao move forward, the partnership between the iSTART team and the CMISID will continue to be a catalyst for change, ushering in a new era of innovation that will shape the region's future for generations to come.