Updated: Dec 10
The 20th City Council of Cagayan de Oro, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, has been awarded first place for Highly Urbanized City (HUC) category in the 2025 Local Legislative Awards (LLA) in Region 10.
The recognition highlights the Council’s exemplary performance in crafting ordinances and resolutions that support local and national development agenda.
VM Bebot, together with several members of the 21st City Council, received the award during the regional awarding held in Lapu-Lapu City.
VM Bebot expressed her deepest gratitude to the DILG for the recognition and acknowledged the unparalleled efforts of all members of the entire City Council, City Secretary Mr. Arturo de San Miguel, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Division Heads, and all staff of the Legislative Department. (JDO/SP/Photos from VM Rodriguez’s FB page)
In a joint committee meeting of the committees on tourism and on economic enterprises, the Barangay Cugman council and its Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) expressed their concern over the potential closure of the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village.
In a communication endorsed by Barangay Administrator Dr. Bernardo Roa IV and Punong Barangay Ma. Luisa Aldeguer, the barangay council conveyed their intention to take part in managing the facility, which is currently operated by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
They emphasized that the property lies within their barangay’s jurisdiction and that many of its workers are Cugman residents. The council expressed hope that, through their involvement, they can help safeguard the welfare of affected constituents.
During the meeting, it was mentioned that the city’s chief executive is finalizing the formation of a technical working group (TWG) to assess and recommend appropriate steps for the facility’s future.
In line with this, Dr. Roa requested that their communication be endorsed to the TWG for consideration.
For his part, Datu Jude “Masikal” Jabiniar, the IPMR of Barangay Cugman, proposed that a representative from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) be included in the TWG.
He also expressed hope that the Gardens of Malasag—once regarded as one of the city’s flagship attractions—can be restored to its former stature and be better promoted not only as a tourism and economic driver but also as a protected area where visitors can commune with nature and appreciate the cultural heritage showcased within the site. (SPE/SP)
- The Gavel
- Dec 4
IN line with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the city government of Cagayan de Oro held the End VAW Job Fair on December 2, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall.
Councilor Des Dahino, chairperson of the city council’s committee on women and family relations and vice-chair of the City Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (CIACAT-VAWC), emphasized that the initiative serves as a space for empowerment, awareness, and new opportunities for individuals striving to rebuild their lives.
She further encouraged the community to stand together in promoting safe environments, equal opportunities, and a future free from all forms of violence.
The job fair was organized by CIACAT-VAWC in cooperation with the Job Placement Bureau–Public Employment Service Office (JPB-PESO).
A total of 40 local employers and eight overseas employers participated, offering a wide range of employment options for job seekers.
In an interview, Atty. Celeste S. Venamay, CIACAT-VAWC lead secretariat, highlighted the relevance of the initiative, noting that data show economic abuse is the second most prevalent form of violence, next to psychological abuse.
While the job fair was open to all genders, it primarily aimed to support VAW victim-survivors by providing access to employment and income-generation opportunities.
Several applicants were successfully hired on the spot. (SPE/SP/Photos from CIO)
