Garcia vows support for Archival administration

Local

“WE need everybody to row in the same direction.”

This was how outgoing Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia framed his call on Monday, May 26, for unity as he expressed full support for the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr.

This signals the possibility of an alliance between the political rivals for the benefit of the city.

On May 26, Garcia and Archival met at Cebu City Hall along with their respective transition teams and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to formally begin the transition process.

Both leaders affirmed a shared commitment to ensure a smooth turnover, with Garcia pledging assistance even beyond June 30, when Archival officially assumes office.

“Makita ninyo nga maayo kaayo siya nga ni-accept nato… Mayor Raymond is very cooperative sa iyang mga pronouncement nga he is going to do whatever he can aron makahelp siya sa atong administration,” Archival said in an interview shortly after their meeting.

“In fact, niingon siya nga if ever, he wants me to call him and he will be readily available,” he added.

Archival requested a second meeting immediately after the DILG-facilitated session to engage with department heads. Garcia agreed without hesitation.

For Garcia, the priority is not political rivalry, but progress.

“I want this new administration to work. I want this administration to succeed because the success of this administration is the success of the City of Cebu,” Garcia told reporters.

“I even told Councilor Nestor, ‘You can call me anytime. I am willing to assist. I am willing to help,’” he added.

Garcia reiterated that a united front is needed to propel the city forward.

“We need everybody to row in the same direction so that the city will progress,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Councilor Joy Augustus Young, former city administrator Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete, and other key members of Archival’s transition team.

DILG Cebu City Director Dr. Neila N. Aquino, CESE, briefed both camps on Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016, which lays down the guidelines for the establishment and operations of Local Governance Transition Teams (LGTTs).

This marks the start of a crucial handover process aimed at ensuring continuity of governance and public service in Cebu City. The LGTT, composed of outgoing and incoming officials along with representatives from the DILG and civil society, is mandated to oversee the complete turnover of documents, records, properties, and ongoing projects.

The transition procedures are rooted in the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), which outlines accountability for government assets and mandates the assumption of office by noon on June 30 following local elections.

Key provisions, including Sections 375–377, cover the safekeeping and turnover of government property, while Sections 43(a), 92, and RA 7166 Section 14 require the filing of financial disclosures and oaths of office before assuming public duties.

As required by the DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2025-016, the LGTT is expected to compile and turn over vital documents, including development plans, audit and financial reports, procurement records, and disaster preparedness plans, among others.

Outgoing officials must complete a Final Transition Report, detailing accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations, to be submitted to the DILG Secretary through the Bureau of Local Government Supervision.

This process, as reiterated by the DILG, ensures that public service delivery is not disrupted and that incoming officials have a clear understanding of the city’s current governance state.(TGP)