Ahong delivers final SOCA

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan delivered his final State of the City Address (SOCA) on Wednesday, March 26, at the Hoops Dome, marking the culmination of his six-year tenure as the city’s chief executive.

As he sets his sights on a congressional seat, Chan reflected on the key programs and accomplishments achieved under his administration.

He began his speech by recalling his historic inauguration on July 1, 2019, which ended nearly two decades of the previous administration's rule.

“It was a historic day for us Oponganons, for after 19 long years of stagnation, we finally sworn in a new mayor to chart our city’s future…Together, as one Oponganon people, we embarked on a flight towards the realization of our vision, ang dugay na nato nga gipangandoy nga kausaban ug kalambuan sa dakbayan,” Chan emphasized.

Among the achievements he highlighted was the Chan Cares Bayanihan Project, which facilitated the concreting of roads and walkways without using government funds.

“Kaniadto, kon adunay moduol sa kanhi administrasyon aron mopadangat sa ilang yangongo kabahin sa lapok nga agianan, igo ra gyud silang tubagon nga ‘wa tay mahimo ana kay sa pribado man na nga luna,’” Chan stressed.

Chan noted that collaboration with private sectors and local residents led to the completion of 287 infrastructure projects.

Decentralizing government services was another key initiative, with the opening of satellite offices in Olango Island to bring assistance closer to constituents.

The mayor also highlighted the “Isumbong Mo ni Mayor” program, which provided a platform for Oponganons to report grievances through social media.

Chan reported that over 37,000 seniors received birthday cash gifts totaling P65 million, with an additional P264 million distributed as mid-year and year-end financial assistance. He announced plans to advance the distribution of the financial aid on April 11, 2025.

Lapu-Lapu City also became the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to pass an ordinance ensuring monthly financial aid for solo parents, benefiting over 1,200 individuals.

On housing, Chan announced the construction of two five-story socialized housing buildings in Barangay Calawisan to provide shelter for informal settlers.

For sports development, the mayor revealed the upcoming Lapu-Lapu City Sports Complex in Barangay Looc, funded by Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan. The facility will feature an Olympic-sized track and field oval.

Chan expressed pride in the city's capability to host international events. He cited the first United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in June 2024. This year, Lapu-Lapu City will once again host a major international event, the ASEAN Summit.

“As host, I am confident that we will wow our visitors with our Oponganon hospitality as much as we wow them with our pristine white sand beaches and world-class amenities,” he noted.

Infrastructure remained a major focus of Chan's administration. He reported that flooding on major streets was addressed with the construction of 1.5 kilometers of drainage systems, alongside extensive road repairs in the city and Olango Island.

Cemetery infrastructure also saw improvements, with P10 million allocated for the rehabilitation of Tugas Cemetery and another P10 million for Olango Cemetery. Ongoing projects include the construction of a new mini-hoops dome, hospital renovations, and a P4.79 million isolation facility at Sta. Rosa Community Hospital.

Chan also outlined major infrastructure projects in the pipeline, including a new sports complex, a coastal road in Barangay Pajo, a flyover at the Marigondon junction, and the Sabang-Pangan-an Bridge.

One of the most anticipated developments is the Lapu-Lapu City Expressway (LLEX), the first skyway project in the Visayas and Mindanao.

As he prepares to step down on July 1, 2025, exactly six years after assuming office, Chan reaffirmed his commitment to the city's progress. He expressed confidence in passing on a robust, progressive, and orderly Lapu-Lapu City to his successor.

“As I step down from office on July 1, 2025, exactly six years after I assumed office as mayor, I am confident that I will pass on to my successor a robust, progressive, peaceful, and orderly Lapu-Lapu City. I can confidently say that we have successfully achieved our vision,” he said.

It can be recalled that Chan has exchanged places with his wife, Cindi, who is now running for mayor. —/FPL (FREEMAN)