Councilor Gild O. Go represented City Mayor Rolando A. Uy during the nationwide cash gift distribution and caravan of services for expanded centenarians in celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s birthday.
The activity, held on September 13, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall forms part of the government’s continuing program to recognize the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to society, as mandated under Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which grants privileges and benefits to citizens reaching the age of 100 and beyond.
As the senior citizens committee chair of the City Council, Councilor Go reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to honor and care for the elderly sector, noting that the centenarians’ lifelong dedication and sacrifices have paved the way for the development enjoyed by the present generation.
She likewise conveyed Mayor Uy’s greetings and gratitude to the beneficiaries and their families, assuring them of the City’s sustained support through its various programs and services for senior citizens.
The event was graced by Regional Director Mary Jean H. Asum and Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Head Douglas Dabatian, who joined Councilor Go in personally handing over the assistance.
They emphasized the importance of collaboration between national agencies, local governments, and community stakeholders in ensuring that programs for senior citizens are efficiently implemented.
The Caravan of Services also showcased complementary support services from partner agencies, underscoring the government’s holistic approach to promoting the well-being and dignity of senior citizens. (JAO/SP/Photos from Councilor Go’s FB)
COUNCILOR Al Legaspi Sr., during the 10th regular session of the 21st City Council, expressed strong support for increased local government assistance to the city’s traditional pottery industry.
Councilor Legaspi recommended the purchase of land to serve as a sustainable source of clay—the primary raw material in pottery production.
He also suggested relocating the potters' display area to the Westbound Terminal to improve the visibility and accessibility of their products to the public and potential buyers.
He underscored that Barangay Bulua has long been recognized as the home of clay pottery in Cagayan de Oro, with the craft providing livelihood opportunities to many residents.
He said preserving and promoting this cultural heritage is vital, not just for the barangay, but for the city as a whole.
The councilor also warned that without proper support, the pottery tradition in Bulua may eventually fade, taking with it a valuable part of the city’s cultural identity. (SPE/SP)
- The Gavel
- Sep 18
THE 21st City Council, during its regular session on Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, tabled the proposed ordinance seeking to exempt Win2 Corporation and 90dB Productions from paying amusement tax for the upcoming concert, “Ben&Ben Live in CDO”, scheduled on September 20, 2025, at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall.
Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez expressed concern that granting the exemption could set a precedent for similar requests in future events featuring national performers. He noted that with ticket prices ranging from ₱600 to ₱5,500, the concert is expected to generate ₱2.17 million in revenues, and thus, the city stands to lose much-needed income if exempted.
For her part, Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno lauded the organizers’ efforts but underscored that the welfare of the city must come first. She cautioned that approving the exemption would make it difficult for the Council to deny future requests, as “what law applies to one, must apply to all.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Agapito Suan also opposed the exemption, citing the absence of documents and hearings, and stressed that only non-profit, cultural, educational, or fiesta-related events qualify. He added that the city’s 5 percent amusement tax is already the lowest compared to the 30 percent allowed under the Local Government Code.
Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano called for transparency and suggested that instead of a full exemption, the city could consider a discount of 20 to 25 percent to ensure revenues are still secured for public welfare.
Majority Floor Leader Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, chair of the Committee on Laws and Rules, defended the 5 percent amusement tax imposed on the concert, stressing that it is already a fair rate compared to the original 30 percent.
“Arun dili ma-alkansi ang syudad, we (the previous City Council) agreed to reduce the 30% (amusement tax) to 5% para wala’y mahay ug wala nay hangyo. Insakto na ang 5%. Whether they will donate or not, basta 5% ang [sa syudad],” Cabanlas explained after the proposed exemption was met with questions from several members of the 21st City Council.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez likewise emphasized the importance of subjecting such proposals to proper committee hearings to ensure that the city receives its equitable share from large-scale events.
The City Council eventually tabled the resolution and directed the City Treasurer to collect the amusement tax, affirming that no committee meeting will be convened for the purpose. (FDC, JAO, JBD/SP)
