August 13–14, 2025 (Mandaue City) — Danao City Government successfully holds its Unified Government Agenda (DAUGA) Setting, a two-day strategic planning session attended by Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano, City Councilors, department and division heads, national agency representatives, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Rooted in the Cebuano word “dauga” meaning “to win”, this year’s DAUGA symbolizes a shared commitment to one vision, one goal, and one direction for Danao City. The discussions center on the city’s development agenda of “CONNECTIVITY”—weaving together communities, institutions, and opportunities toward inclusive growth.

The two-day session is facilitated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Gemma Bermoy and Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) Sheryl Pidor as guest facilitator, ensuring the discussions remain participatory, guided, and aligned with good governance frameworks.

In his message, Mayor Nito Durano emphasizes collaboration as the cornerstone of governance:
“I trust that you will become active collaborators and partners in the reinvention of our beloved city from shallow ponds to first class. This is an opportunity for us to become better public servants.”

Vice Mayor Ivy Durano underscores the importance of accountability through citizen-centered governance:
“It’s about putting every Danawanon at the center of each decision-making. This ensures clear monitoring for accountability.”

The DAUGA session highlights the importance of strategic planning, capacity building, and data-driven prioritization. Among the key discussions are:

* Population Growth & Urbanization – expanding housing, basic services, and employment while empowering rural barangays to overcome limited access to markets and technology.

* Economic Drivers & Opportunities – strengthening manufacturing and tourism while integrating small enterprises and farmers into modern value chains.

* Social Services & Human Development – broadening health, education, and social protection while boosting the capacity of frontline workers.

* Governance & Institutional Challenges – reinforcing policy implementation, inter-office coordination, digital infrastructure, and participatory governance.

* Environmental Concerns – enforcing stricter natural resource management, sustainable waste solutions, and climate resilience measures.

The two-day gathering does not conclude the process. Rather, it marks the beginning of a continuing dialogue.

A series of sectoral meetings are scheduled as departments and agencies return to work, where outputs from DAUGA will be translated into concrete reports and actionable programs.

As expressed in the session’s collective statement: “sa aspeto sa plano ug direksyon sa panggobyerno, importante nga magtinabangay ang tanang sangay ug opisina aron pareho ang tumong ug klaro ang agianan padulong sa kalamboan.”

Through DAUGA, the City Government ensures that Danao’s path forward is clear, united, and anchored on accountability, inclusivity, and shared progress.