DANAO CITY, Cebu (March 24, 2026) — In a continued effort to bring governance closer to the people, the 18th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Danao City successfully conducted its Off-Site Session at the Baliang Covered Court, Barangay Baliang, as part of its 32nd Regular Session.

The initiative gathered clustered upland barangays—Licos, Cabungahan, Baliang, Sta. Rosa, Togonon, and Ibo—providing local officials and residents the opportunity to directly witness and participate in legislative processes. The off-site session aims to strengthen transparency, promote community participation and enhance understanding of lawmaking at the grassroots level.

Presided over by Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Ivy Durano, the session also marked the official launch of BALAOD 360, a flagship legislative communication program designed to ensure that laws are not only enacted but also clearly understood, effectively implemented and felt by the people.

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of the Legislation Implementation Unit (LIU) under Ordinance No. 2026-18-264. The LIU will serve as a monitoring and coordination body tasked with tracking the implementation of ordinances, strengthening information dissemination and ensuring that policies translate into tangible community impact.

During the session, several proposed ordinances were referred for further deliberation, covering priority areas such as child nutrition and health (including the National Feeding Program and First 1,000 Days initiative), education systems, protection of women and children, and economic development measures such as smart market systems and vendor regulation. Public safety measures, including the regulation of skateboarding in public spaces, were also discussed.

Notably, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved three significant ordinances authored by Hon. Don Roel “Pangging” Arias, focusing on strengthening tourism standards, protecting cultural heritage and advancing the development of the Danao City Museum. These measures aim to elevate the city’s tourism sector while preserving its rich history and identity.

In his message, Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III emphasized that Danao City’s continued progress is anchored on strong connectivity among the government, communities and key sectors. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure and development projects under the city’s 5-Point Connectivity Agenda, including post-typhoon recovery efforts, road and bridge rehabilitation, water system improvements and other vital projects aimed at ensuring a safer, more resilient and sustainable city.

The Off-Site Session is conducted quarterly, with assigned clusters of barangays per quarter to ensure wider participation, especially from upland communities. Through this approach, barangay officials and residents are given the opportunity to learn the proper processes of legislation and actively take part in shaping local laws. The initiative was first launched last year in Barangay Lawaan, marking a significant step toward inclusive and community-based governance.

With initiatives like BALAOD 360 and the continued rollout of off-site sessions, Danao City reaffirms its dedication to transparent, participatory and people-centered governance—bringing services, information and opportunities closer to every Danawanon, HERE AND NOW.