Building better cities

Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

Considered a young mayor at 49, Gandamra’s age belies the fact that he has seen more trouble than many on this list. In 2017, one year into his term, his beloved Marawi City got caught in a war of attrition between rogue militants and government security forces. The siege of Marawi left the city in ruins, with thousands of lives lost, families displaced, and structures destroyed.

But the fighting didn’t deter the national government and Gandamra’s office from planning, even in the heat of battle, temporary shelters for those affected. Permanent homes were later built to provide a new beginning for Marawi residents, in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Japan.

Together with Gandamra’s office, Task Force Bangon Marawi managed rehabilitation efforts after the siege, and rebuilt the White Mosque, the Masjid Marinaut, Rorogagus Health Station, and Phase 1 of the Central Fire Station. The Lilod Guimba Bridge, Banggolo Bridge, and Mapandi Bridge were among the infrastructures built to ease transportation in the area.

As of September this year, 80 percent of structures set to be built in Marawi City have already been completed. These projects are a showcase of Mayor Gandamra’s efficiency and resolve in leading his city back from the ravages of battle and into a new dawn. (Sources: https://dhsud.gov.ph, Facebook page of City Government of Marawi)

Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental

The municipality of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, is known as an industrial hub. Led by Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez, the town is looking to finish seven major infrastructure projects before next year’s elections.

The new municipal hall is the mayor’s top priority, as it would also house the municipal gym and several new offices. An adjacent hospital is on top of the list to serve the poorest of the poor. The other projects set to be completed include a public market, a transport terminal, the campus of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and a sanitary landfill.

Aside from these structures, the mayor is working on the distribution of land titles to reduce land disputes among families, and discourage squatting. With several socialized housing projects also under way, Mayor Uy-Mendez certainly has a lot on her plate, but by all indications, she’s bent on completing them for the sake of her constituents.
(Sources: Facebook page of LGU Villanueva, https://villanuevamisor.gov.ph)

Mayor Felipe “Ipe” Remollo of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

The capital of Negros Oriental province, Dumaguete City has certainly undergone modernization in the past couple of years, and is now considered a “next wave city” with its numerous information technology and business process outsourcing companies. The city continues to move forward under the leadership of Mayor Felipe “Ipe” Remollo, who has initiated several community projects during his term.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Remollo upgraded the city’s evacuation center in Barangay Talay, which now has 106 cubicles for evacuees, a large mess hall, a children’s play area, and a prayer room, among other facilities.

The Old Presidencia, a former municipal hall built by esteemed architect Juan Arellano, has also been restored, with plans to convert the edifice into a regional museum, in partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines. The Old Presidencia will showcase the culture, artworks and crafts, as well as the values and ideals of the people of Negros and the Central Visayas. Despite its name and historical nature, the building has been fitted with modern conveniences, such as elevators and CCTV cameras, to comply with the updated building code.
(Source: www.dumaguetecity.gov.ph)

Mayor Antolin “LenLen” Oreta III of Malabon City

The nephew of the late Hon. Canuto Oreta, the former mayor of this thriving coastal community, Mayor Antolin “LenLen” Oreta III took over his uncle’s post when the latter died in office. Under his leadership, the Malabon city government was able to complete 80 percent of its targeted goal in infrastructure projects.

Among these are the rehabilitation and construction of school buildings and child development centers, the upgrade of the public library, and the expansion of Concepcion Market along General Luna in partnership with private investors.

The complex now has 120 additional stalls, 13 eateries, four commercial units, and parking spaces.

Mayor Oreta’s battle cry, “Kaya naten,” has proven that optimism can fuel change for the better.

(Sources: www.malabon.gov.ph, Official Facebook page of City of Malabon University)