Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark Durano Delivers First State of the City Address
Danao City Civic Center, July 5, 2024- Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano delivers his highly
anticipated first State of the City Address (SOCA), highlighting Danao City’s accomplishments,
ongoing projects, and visionary roadmap for the future.
Attended by local leaders, esteemed guests, and community members, the address underscores the
city’s trajectory toward sustainable development and economic resilience, with significant
investments and infrastructure projects set to transform Danao City in the coming years.
Mayor Durano opens the address by acknowledging the city’s founders and legacy builders,
emphasizing the importance of their contributions in shaping Danao City. He pays tribute to his
late grandfather and grandmother, Ramon Durano Sr. and Beatriz D. Durano, his father, Ramon
‘Nito’ Durano III, and former leaders who have laid a strong foundation for the city’s growth.
During his address, he also unveils the city’s progress and updates on the 10-point development
agenda formulated after his inauguration, focusing on digitalization, social services, infrastructure,
livelihood programs, investment promotion, tourism, peace and order, youth engagement,
collaboration between executive and legislative offices, and continuous monitoring and evaluation
of government programs.
He then outlines the city’s significant accomplishments over the past two years and announces
exciting developments set to reshape Danao City in the years ahead. Key highlights of his SOCA
include:
Economic Growth and Investment
- Aggressive promotion of Danao City for investments and organization of multiple
investment forums and expos, leading to significant interest from IT BPM companies and
other investors. - Key investments are already secured, including upcoming projects by major corporations
such as SM, Hyundai Inc., Cebu Landmasters Inc., Double Dragon, and Cebu Doctors
University. These developments are set to create numerous job opportunities and
significantly boost the local economy. - Danao City is pushing to establish the Danao City IT BPM Park within 3-5 years, a 6,000
sq. meter mixed-use development accredited by PEZA and BOI. Plans also include the
Danao City Techno Business Park, spanning nearly 30 hectares aimed at attracting IT BPM
investors and boosting opportunities for local graduates and the northern part of Cebu
Island. Additionally, there’s the Danao City Sports Complex and Convention Center,
spanning 9 hectares, set to host national and international sports competitions and major
events to enhance Danao City’s MICE industry.
Infrastructure and Development
- The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Danao City Public Market, set for completion
by the third quarter of 2025, along with the establishment of satellite markets in key
barangays by 2026.
The upcoming Metro Cebu Expressway and Metro Cebu Rail projects, promising to
enhance connectivity and accessibility, coupled with the Danao City Circumferential Road,
set to improve local infrastructure. - Danao City is the first LGU in Metro Cebu that has its own functional and dedicated skate
park. - Development of the Senior Citizen Park, a secure and safe space for our elders where they
can enjoy the beauty of the City’s Coastline while sharing stories with their grandchildren.
Social Services and Community Support
- Expansion of the Ayuda Center, which has already assisted 11,000 Danawanons with
various types of aid, including medical, educational, and housing support. - Ongoing livelihood programs and IT BPM scholarship initiatives aimed at creating job
opportunities and developing a skilled workforce.
Tourism and Cultural Promotion
- The launch of the “Danao Here and Now” tourism brand and development of new tourist
sites, such as the upcoming Tawsan Mangrove Eco Park and Museo de Danao, showcasing
the city’s vibrant culture, heritage, and natural attractions.
Commitment to Good Governance and Collaboration
- Danao City continues to receive accolades for good financial housekeeping, disaster risk
reduction, and the Seal of Good Local Governance, showcasing its transparent governance
and efficient service delivery. - In relation to partnerships, just early this year, Danao City officially became sister cities
with one of the progressive and arising provinces in northern Luzon – Province of Ilocos
Norte, with a strategic partnership with Yokohama City and an upcoming sister city
relationship with Kashima City.
Environmental Sustainability
- Mayor Durano highlights efforts to promote environmental projects, enhance public
spaces, and support active mobility, ensuring Danao City remains livable and eco-friendly. - By 2028, Danao City will have a consolidated total of 5 hectares of public and open space,
distributed in selected areas of the city. These green parks will serve as a breather for
residents and visitors and be one with nature.
Mayor Durano’s address reflects a vision of a future-ready, resilient, sustainable, and thriving
Danao City. The city’s strategic pillars of economic resilience, empowered citizens, effective
governance, and eco-friendliness guide its path forward, ensuring that Danao City remains a
beacon of progress and opportunity.
“We will not just be an ordinary city 3-5 years from now, but we will be a model city to other
cities and municipalities in Cebu and the Visayas Region – a livable and resilient city with
advanced and competent Danawanon citizens,” he states.
He concludes his address with a call to action, urging all Danawanons to unite in realizing the
city’s vision of becoming a model city of sustainable development.
“Sa pagsubay nato niini’ng bag-o nato nga direksyon, naa gyud tay masugatan nga mga kabaguhan.
Ang kausaban maghatag siguro sa pipila nato og kahasol o lain-lain nga reaksyon kay tungod
nabag-uhan ta o lahi siguro ni sa atoang mga naandan. But in making all our goals possible, we
have to make sacrifices. Mangandam ta sa mga kausaban kay padulong ni sa kalamboan. Busa
ubani ko ninyo sa pagkab-ot ani nga panglantaw ug dungan ta sa pagsubay ani’ng damgo. Kita’ng
tanan ang magdala ug magpalambo sa Danao. Kay Danao City is More Than Ready, Kalambuan
mu-Sidlak Here and Now.”