Councilor Desiree Dahino continues to strengthen programs and policies for solo parents following a meeting with officers of the City-wide Federation of Solo Parents.
Dahino, chairperson of the committee on women and family relations, said her office would continue working closely with the federation and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), through Solo Parent Focal Person Ms. Apple Dawn Tabafa, to improve solo parents’ access to essential services and available government assistance.
She underscored the importance of sustained coordination among the local government, the federation, and other stakeholders in ensuring that programs address the sector’s needs.
Dahino likewise emphasized the need to empower solo parents by providing support that would help them fulfill their responsibilities, improve their families’ well-being, and create better opportunities for their children. (JDO/SP)
Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno, on Monday, questioned the urgency of the upcoming 2027 budget deliberations, stressing the need for a thorough review of the city government’s proposed programs.
The lady councilor made the manifestation following the approval of the resolution constituting the City Council as the Committee of the Whole to deliberate the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) and the City Executive Budget for 2027.
Councilor Moreno stressed that budget deliberations, calendared on October 15, should not be rushed like a marathon, as legislators need sufficient time to examine the allocation of public funds.
“Para sa ako-a, kinahanglan gyud makita nato kung unsa’y plano sa atong gobyerno aron makatubag ta sa katawhan,” she opined.
Moreno further emphasized the importance of understanding the government’s plans and programs clearly to determine whether these are worthy of public funding and to establish more precise expectations regarding the services that will be delivered to constituents.
“We would just like to have a clearer picture of the programs, so that mas precise ang (atong) expectations sa services sa Cagayan,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, Majority Floor Leader Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas manifested that these concerns and procedures be discussed during the scheduled budget hearing, where the proposed programs and budget allocations could be examined in detail.
Councilor Moreno maintained that a comprehensive assessment of the proposed budget cannot be accomplished in a single setting.
“This cannot be done in one setting. As I’ve mentioned, November 17 pa man ang atong deadline, so why the rush? Why rush our jobs when this in fact is one of the most important jobs that was tasked to us by the people of Cagayan de Oro,” she concluded. (JBD/SP)
Updated: Oct 16
The 21st City Council congratulated Kagay-anon product designer Chris Gomez for his successful participation in Fashion Philippines, held in New York, USA, on September 16–18, 2026.
Initiated by Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, in his special report during the 55th Regular Session of the City Council, the Council recognized Gomez’s achievement in bringing Filipino creativity and craftsmanship to the international stage.
Gomez was among the 12 emerging brands selected to showcase Filipino creativity and talent through clothing and accessories.
He shared that he successfully passed the screening process of the US Accessories Council, which opened doors for him to participate in the exhibition.
According to Gomez, he personally crafted fashion accessories which highlighted the artistry, ingenuity, and craftsmanship of Kagay-anons.
Beyond his work as a designer, Gomez also advocates for the local arts scene and serves as a member of the Kagay-an Misamis (KAMI) Creative Council, a local organization that connects artists, designers, filmmakers, and cultural workers across Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.
The KAMI Creative Council works to promote, unite, and advance regional creative industries and homegrown talents across nine creative domains: audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional and cultural expressions, and cultural sites.
Gomez’s international exhibition in New York underscores the growing opportunities for local creatives to showcase their work beyond the region and contribute to the recognition of Filipino design in the global arena.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with the US Accessories Council, as part of efforts to expand opportunities for Filipino designers and promote Philippine-made products in the global market. (JDO/SP)
