CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña described the Cebu City Government’s proposed 24/7 Service program, also known as the “Mayor of the Night,” as a high-risk but necessary initiative aimed at addressing the needs of business process outsourcing (BPO) workers and other night-shift employees.
Osmeña, in a press conference on February 13, acknowledged that no other local government is currently implementing a similar service, making the program a challenge for the city.
“It is very high risk because no one is doing it, but there is a need,” he said, adding that the city must be prepared to make adjustments along the way.
Osmeña said the city is working with Chong Hua Hospital on a survey regarding medical coverage for BPO employees to better understand gaps in medical coverage. He noted that initial discussions with BPO companies have been positive, with several companies expressing support for the initiative.
The Vice Mayor emphasized that the program is not limited to the BPO sector but will serve the broader public. However, he said the need for this service in the BPO industry is well-defined and urgent.
Osmeña underscored the industry’s economic impact, pointing out that the Philippine BPO sector generates around $40 billion annual, with an estimated 10 percent attributed to Cebu City.
“BPO is bringing U.S. money into Cebu. We have to pay attention to this,” he said.
He also pointed out that some investors have expressed concerns about difficulties in dealing with government agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Osmeña said the local government must improve coordination with investors.
The 24/7 service or “Mayor of the Night” program aims to consolidate various government services during nighttime hours, with multiple agencies, including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), expected to participate.
During the presscon, there was no mention of any opposition issues from the Council or other sources.
Meanwhile, it has been mentioned in previous press releases, that funds for renting an office space at IT Park, dedicated to the program operations, has been made available or allocated already.
Documents showed that P5,111,550 has been certified as available funds for the purpose. It also stated that the approved lease for an office will run for two years and five months (Feb 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028).
Under the contract, the city government will pay P307,000 monthly rent, P46,050 per month for the common use service area (CUSA) fee or 150 per square meter and a five percent increase in yearly rent.
City will pay P614,000 advance rent and P614,000 as security deposit, with each amount equal to two months rent and paid in advance within 10 days after the space is turned over.
Osmeña has been positive about the program and its success, saying that a soft opening is being targeted either later this month or next month.
| Written by Elizabeth Salarde, UP Cebu Intern
