COUNCILOR Moreno “Jing” Daba IV, chair of the City Council Committee on Education, inspired City Scholars to embrace leadership anchored on service during the Kinanao 2026 Awarding Ceremony, held on July 30, 2026, at the City Tourism Hall.
Organized by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro through the City Education Development Office (CEDO), the annual recognition program celebrated scholars who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, volunteer work, and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.
Daba recognized awardees from various categories for their achievements and dedication, especially William Ace A. Arañez, who received the Pablo Magtajas Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership and commitment to community involvement.
His inspiring journey—from overcoming financial challenges to emerging as an outstanding scholar and leader—was cited as a reflection of determination and perseverance.
In his message, Councilor Daba reminded the scholars that true leadership goes beyond receiving
awards or earning high grades. He emphasized that genuine leaders are defined by their readiness to serve, their integrity in fulfilling responsibilities, and their compassion toward others.
The councilor noted that the recognition received by the awardees symbolizes not only their individual accomplishments but also the resilience, dedication, and character they have demonstrated throughout their academic journey.
He urged them to continue pursuing excellence while using their talents and education to create a positive impact in their communities.
"Continue striving for excellence, not only for yourselves but also for the people and communities you represent," Daba said.
He also reiterated the city government's unwavering support for programs that develop the potential of young people, stressing that investing in scholars is an investment in the future of Cagayan de Oro.
Daba expressed optimism that the awardees would continue to exemplify responsible leadership, excellence, and a strong commitment to public service as they move forward in their academic and professional endeavors. (JAO/SP)
Councilor Yan Lam S. Lim, chair of the committee on ways and means, is encouraging all eligible beneficiaries of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program to check the latest payout schedules and proceed to their designated City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) district offices for assistance and verification.
UPLIFT is a national social protection initiative implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). Launched in July 2026, the program was introduced to help cushion the impact of the country's energy emergency and the resulting increase in the prices of fuel, transportation, food, and other essential commodities.
The program provides cash assistance to help vulnerable households manage rising living costs, protect poor and near-poor families from the economic effects of inflation, and prevent more Filipinos from falling below the poverty line. Beneficiaries include active members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Walang Gutom Program, poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), and qualified low-income members of the SSS.
In his Facebook page, Lim announced the designated payout and assistance venues for beneficiaries across the city's districts.
For District 1A, covering the barangays of Baikingon, Balulang, Bayabas, Bonbon, Bulua, Canitoan, Carmen, Iponan, Kauswagan, Pagatpat, Patag, and San Simon, beneficiaries are advised to proceed to Building 3, Barangay Hall, Carmen Compound.
Beneficiaries from District 1B, which includes Barangays Bayanga, Besigan, Dansolihon, Lumbia, Mambuaya, Pagalungan, Pigsag-an, Taglimao, Tagpangi, Tignapoloan, Tuburan, and Tumpagon, may visit the Barangay Lumbia Covered Court.
For District 2A, covering Barangays Agusan, Balubal, Bugo, Cugman, F.S. Catanico, Gusa, Lapasan, Puerto, and Tablon, beneficiaries are directed to the Barangay Gusa Covered Court.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries under District 2B, which covers Barangays Camaman-an, Indahag, Macasandig, Nazareth, and Barangays 21 to 40, may proceed to the Barangay Macasandig Covered Court.
Those from District 2C, covering Barangays Consolacion, Macabalan, Puntod, and Barangays 1 to 20, are advised to visit the CSWD Main Office at City Hall.
Lim encouraged qualified beneficiaries to monitor official announcements and coordinate with their respective district offices to ensure a smooth and orderly release of UPLIFT assistance. (JAO/SP)
“The city’s Mental Health Board is actively assisting students with mental health concerns”.
This was stressed by Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane during the regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, in reaction to the report of Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno about the recent incident of student threats that alarmed the community.
Councilor Gaane said that the Mental Health Board is working closely with schools through the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) to make sure students get timely support.
He outlined the city’s approach where some students need medical care from medical professionals, while others benefit most from psychological and psychosocial interventions, including counseling, therapy, and school-based support programs.
The councilor added that the psychosocial division of the CSWD has been responding to students and families, provided hotline numbers to specialized services when needed.
While acknowledging the city’s efforts in addressing mental health, Councilor Gaane also commended Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez for his initiative to establish a barangay mental health desk that will bring services closer to communities and make early intervention more accessible.
With this, he emphasized that the city government is doing its best to help people who need assistance, especially regarding mental health. (JBD/SP)
