Archival’s first order of the day: Clear clogged waterways amid heavy rains

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. wasted no time setting the tone for his leadership, rolling out a set of concrete priorities on his first day in office aimed at financial accountability, environmental action, and essential services.

Archival formally assumed the city’s top post on Monday, June 30, during a noon transition ceremony with now former mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

In an interview shortly after the turnover, he laid out the broad strokes of what his administration hopes to accomplish within its first 100 days.

At the top of the list: a full inventory of city-owned assets, including vehicles, equipment, and properties, particularly those loaned out to barangays and city councilors.

“Ang mga tanang properties, vehicles sa syudad, gusto nako mahibal-an unsay status,” Archival said. “So I would understand pila nasad atong gamiton para ma-rehabilitate… Apil ang mga city vehicles. I understand also naay mga vehicles nga gipahulam sa barangay… if naay request, ihatag.”

He also said that he has directed department heads to submit turnover reports, including financial health assessments, and to provide lists of current personnel under skeleton workforce arrangements.

“Daghan man gud ang mga tawo nga angay nato i-renew, or tanan man gani,” Archival said. “But if ang health sa atong finances dili kaayo maayo… tan-awon nato unsaon pagbahin-bahin. Mao nay first priority nato karon.”

Among the first executive directives issued under Archival’s term is the desilting of clogged waterways following heavy rains and flooding over the weekend.

He mobilized the Department of Public Services (DPS) and the City Engineering Office to begin immediate clearing operations.

“Kay sige naman ug uwan karon, akong tagaan direktiba ang DPS, Engineering aron ma-desilt ang kasapaan. Kato gahapon nag-ulan, nagbaha — so first order of the day: paninghuhaon, madali ug desilt ang kasapaan,” he said.

He also confirmed the opening of a new 24-hour public library and the planned reopening of a road linking IT Park to Banilad, a project coordinated with Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro to help alleviate worsening traffic congestion in the area.

Archival raised concerns about Cebu City’s ballooning garbage expenses, which currently total ₱600 million annually, against just P100 million in related revenue.

“Ang atong syudad dako kaayo ug gasto sa garbage… Dako kaayo ug deficit,” he said.

He vowed to implement stricter waste segregation policies, beginning at City Hall, which he wants to serve as a model for proper solid waste management across the city.

“Kinhanglan atong pasigdahan ang segregation sa tibuok syudad… Unahon ang City Hall, kinahanglan ang City Hall example sa segregation,” he said.

Archival also plans to partner with groups willing to buy recyclables and train city officials on sustainable waste handling.

“Katong recyclables pangitaan paagi nga naay usa ka kampanya mopalit sa plastics, atong i-organize ang officials para makahibaw,” he added.

Also included in Archival’s first 100-day agenda is a review of the P700-million worth of contracts awarded for the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

He said a dedicated audit team will be formed to assess the gaps and oversee the implementation of the remaining construction from the third to the seventh floor.

“Karon maghimo ko ug team para sa pag-audit sa kakuwangan sa CCMC,” Archival said. “Hopefully matan-aw nga naa nay contractor na award, aron makahibaw ta unsay mahuman sa P700 million na na-award.”

Furthermore, he added that his administration will review the city’s scholarship program to ensure continuity of support for deserving students and invest in food production initiatives to help improve food security for urban and rural residents.(TGP)