THE committee on senior citizens, chaired by Councilor Gilda O. Go, reviewed the proposed ordinance adopting the Senior Citizens Code of Cagayan de Oro City during its meeting on September 9, 2026.
The committee discussed various provisions of the proposed Code, including senior citizen benefits, financial assistance, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for violations.
Councilor Roger G. Abaday proposed incorporating provisions from an ordinance he filed in 2016 that would provide incentives to establishments actively participating in programs to prevent fraud against senior citizens. He also called for clear provisions on the monitoring and implementation of the program.
The provision on free admission to movie houses also drew discussion, particularly on its limitations during special film showings and on who may avail of the privilege.
Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez questioned whether the privilege would be limited to bona fide senior citizens of Cagayan de Oro, noting that the city serves as the commercial center and gateway of Northern Mindanao.
He pointed out that many senior citizens from neighboring areas regularly come to the city, where major establishments such as SM and Ayala malls are concentrated.
Rodriguez suggested that the committee consider extending the privilege to senior citizens from neighboring localities, noting that similar arrangements may be observed in Metro Manila.
Legal concerns were also raised by Atty. Edgardo Uy of the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB), particularly on the proposed income tax exemption, complaint procedures, administrative sanctions, and the authority to suspend business permits.
Uy recommended simplifying the filing of complaints by allowing written complaints or prescribed forms instead of requiring notarized complaints.
He also suggested a clear process from OSCA investigation to the Multi-Agency Senior Citizen Enforcement Board and, when warranted, referral to the City Mayor for appropriate action.
The committee further discussed the proposed penalties, including the need for a general penalty clause covering violations not specifically provided for in the code, as well as clearer provisions on senior citizen discounts, fare matrices, and priority lanes.
Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano, meanwhile, proposed strengthening provisions on the social pension of indigent senior citizens, including consideration of a higher pension amount, a regular release schedule, and the timely release of burial assistance.
The proposed measure will undergo further review and refinement before being advanced for subsequent legislative consideration. (JAO/SP)
Updated: Sep 15
THE 21st City Council of Cagayan de Oro City has formally expressed its full support for the hosting of the 30th National Convention of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP), with Vice Bebot Rodriguez serving as convention director.
The support was formalized through a resolution passed during the Council’s 51st Regular Session, calling for the full coordination, participation, and support of all offices of the City Government in the preparations for the national gathering which is scheduled for November 10–13, 2026, with the theme “One Legislature. One Digital Future.”
VM Bebot, who also serves as VMLP Vice President for Mindanao, said there is strong interest among vice mayors from across the country in Cagayan de Oro as the host city, with more than 600 vice mayors expected to attend the national convention.
Preparations for the convention are currently underway in partnership with the VMLP National Office, as arrangements are being made for the upcoming national gathering.
One of the anticipated highlights of the convention is the launch of the VMLP e-Legis Reference System, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expected to lead its formal launch in Cagayan de Oro. The system is intended to support digitalization in local legislative work.
VM Bebot likewise expressed her hope that the convention will not only showcase the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Cagayan de Oro, but also highlight its metropolitan future together with the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
She further hopes that the gathering will create opportunities for local businesses and contribute to the local economy.
VM Bebot believes that the support and cooperation of the City Government will be vital in ensuring the successful hosting of the national convention. (SPE/SP)
THE education committee, chaired by Councilor Moreno “Jing” Daba IV, is set to deliberate on a proposed ordinance seeking to institutionalize lessons on civic responsibility, public safety, environmental protection, proper waste management, social etiquette, and children’s rights in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in Cagayan de Oro City.
The measure also seeks to encourage child participation in local governance, while promoting greater awareness among young learners of their responsibilities as members of the community.
Authored by Councilor Desiree Ann M. Dahino, the proposed ordinance will cover all public and private primary and secondary schools, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Under the proposal, schools will be encouraged to incorporate localized civic education lessons and activities into existing subjects, homeroom guidance sessions, student development programs, and extracurricular activities.
These may include classroom discussions, seminars, community-based projects, and hands-on activities designed to help students better understand civic duties and community concerns.
The proposed implementation will also involve coordination among the City Social Welfare and Development Department, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, Roads and Traffic Administration, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, and other concerned city offices and agencies.
The initiative aims to provide students with practical knowledge and values that can help foster responsible, informed, environmentally conscious, and community-oriented young citizens. (JAO/SP)