CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Every official visit leaves behind lessons that shape the way we govern. My recent mission to Cebu was no different. While the itinerary was filled with sisterhood signings, consultations, outreach activities, and meetings with fellow local chief executives, what I brought home with me were valuable insights on leadership, education, collaboration, and public service.
Our journey began in the Municipality of Dumanjug with a visit to the Cebu Technological University (CTU)-Dumanjug. This very campus recently produced the Top 1 passer in the 2026 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination, proving that excellence can be achieved thru hardwork, determination and perseverance.
Meeting the university officials, faculty members, and students was inspiring. As someone who has always believed that education is the best investment any local government can make, I immediately reflected on our own efforts in San Juan City. Over the years, we have invested heavily in education by providing one-is-to-one digital devices for students and teachers, smart classrooms equipped with 55-inch smart televisions, fiber-optic internet in every public school classroom and in the homes of all public school students residing in San Juan, as well as free school uniforms, PE uniforms, customized rubber shoes and emergency go-bags.
Those investments have produced meaningful results. According to the latest Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, San Juan City now has a 95 percent functional literacy rate—the highest among all Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines.
Yet despite this achievement, my visit to CTU reminded me that there is always something new to learn.
From CTU, we proceeded to Dumanjug for the signing of sisterhood agreements between San Juan City and the eight municipalities of Cebu’s 7th Congressional District. Hosted by Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica of Dumanjug, the ceremony gathered Mayor Fritz Lastimoso of Alcantara, Mayor Gilberto Magallon of Alegria, Mayor Jerome Librando of Badian, Mayor Roy Vincent Singco of Ginatilan, Mayor Erlinda Piedad of Malabuyoc, Mayor Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal, and Mayor Mariano “Chanic” Blanco of Ronda. Also present was former Congressman Peter Calderon, whose continuing support for cooperation among the local governments of Cebu’s 7th District has helped strengthen the bonds among its leaders.
Mayor Gungun aptly described sisterhood as a partnership built on mutual respect, friendship, and a willingness to learn from one another. I could not agree more.
In my response, I shared what I believe is the true value of these partnerships: it is not the size or income of a local government that matters, but what we can learn from each other.
Large cities can learn from municipalities and vice versa. Every local government has its own strengths, and every partnership gives us the opportunity to become better public servants.
I also told our hosts that, as someone who places education among my highest priorities, learning how Dumanjug helped produce the country’s top engineering board passer is something we would gladly study for the benefit of San Juan’s own students.
Later that day, I had the privilege of meeting the 141 barangay captains of Cebu’s 7th District. What impressed me most was the strong sense of unity among the district’s leaders. Despite representing different municipalities, they share a common vision of working together for the welfare of their constituents. That spirit of cooperation is something every local government can aspire to achieve.
The following morning, we proceeded to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where San Juan City formally entered into sisterhood agreements with the Province of Cebu, Cebu City, and the City of Talisay. The ceremony was hosted by Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro and attended by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. and Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr.
The signing was especially meaningful because it came after nearly 8 months of communication and coordination to find a schedule that worked for everyone. Some partnerships are worth waiting for, and this was certainly one of them.
Throughout our visit, I was deeply touched by the warmth and generosity extended to us by Governor Pam, Mayor Nestor, Mayor Samsam, and the people of Cebu. Their hospitality reminded me that meaningful partnerships are built not only through formal agreements but also through genuine friendship and trust.
After the ceremony, I briefly met with Mayor Archival at Cebu City Hall to discuss two important concerns affecting cities nationwide—the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and the National Classroom Building Program. As National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, It is my responsibility to ensure that all cities receive their fair share of opportunities and support from the National Government. We will continue to serve as a bridge between our local government units and our national government so that every city, regardless of size, benefits from national government programs.
Before leaving Cebu City, I finally fulfilled a long-standing personal wish by visiting Magellan’s Cross for the first time. Standing before one of the country’s most important historical and religious landmarks filled me with awe and gratitude. It became even more meaningful when a Sinulog dancer offered a special dance prayer for me. It was a deeply moving experience that reminded me to always remain grounded in faith and humility despite the demands of public service.
Our next stop was Shangri-La Mactan, where I joined fellow city mayors led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan for an outreach activity for children with special needs under the city’s Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces was one of the highlights of the visit.
I even had the opportunity to participate in the magician’s floating table illusion, and watching the children’s delighted reactions was a simple but unforgettable reminder that public service is ultimately about bringing hope and happiness to people’s lives. The children also enjoyed magic and bubble shows before receiving books and food packs.
The day concluded with the League of Cities of the Philippines National Executive Board Meeting and Visayas Cluster Consultation. Together with fellow city mayors from across the country, we discussed important issues affecting local governments and listened to presentations from various National Government agencies on programs that cities may implement in their own communities.
I also reported on the LCP’s financial assistance to General Santos City following the recent earthquake, as well as the earlier assistance extended to Bogo City after it was likewise struck by a major earthquake. Both cities received ₱1,000,000 from the City Government of San Juan and a separate ₱1,000,000 from the League of Cities of the Philippines. These initiatives reflect the spirit of solidarity that defines the LCP. When one city is in need, the entire League stands ready to help.
Looking back, our Cebu mission was undoubtedly hectic, but every meeting, every conversation, and every partnership made the visit worthwhile. More importantly, it reminded me that effective leadership is built on humility, continuous learning, and collaboration.
I left Cebu with a renewed appreciation for the kindness, generosity, and unity of the Cebuano people. More than signed agreements, we forged friendships that I believe will lead to stronger cooperation in the years ahead.
I look forward to returning to Cebu—not only to strengthen the partnerships we have established, but to continue learning from leaders who share the same commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve. When local governments work together, every community becomes stronger, and that is a lesson I will always bring home to San Juan City. (PAID CONTENT)
Editor’s Note: This press release is not covered by THE FREEMAN’s editorial guidelines.
