Draft Culture & Arts Council ordinance needs endorsement now – VM Bebot Rodriguez

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez pushed for the immediate endorsement of her proposed ordinance establishing the Cagayan de Oro Culture and Arts Council during its presentation before the committee on tourism and sister city relations.

Co-authored with Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez and Girlie Balaba, the proposed measure was first filed on April 11, 2023.

Its present version incorporates the City Legal Office’s opinion dated September 26, 2024, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) endorsement dated September 15, 2025, along with suggestions raised during the committee’s first meeting and inputs from the Officer-in-Charge of the City Museum.

“I believe we have already given this measure the necessary time for its review, consultations, and refinement,” Vice Mayor Bebot said, emphasizing the importance of moving the proposed ordinance forward.

VM Bebot also noted that while an executive order has already established the council, an ordinance is necessary to institutionalize its functions and ensure the continuity of its programs.

She stressed the importance of having a legislative measure that provides a lasting foundation for the city’s cultural initiatives.

For his part, IPMR Councilor Roberto Cabaring expressed support for the proposed ordinance while emphasizing the importance of involving the cultural community to better showcase their talents and our cultural heritage.

Councilor Girlie Balaba, chair of the City Council committee on tourism and sister city relations and presider of the said meeting, said the committee would await the final revision of the proposed measure, incorporating the comments raised during the meeting and the recommendations of the City Legal Office, before forwarding it to the committee on laws and rules for further consideration. (SPE/SP)