DANAO CITY, Cebu — City Mayor Hon. Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III outlines his administration’s accomplishments and long-term vision during the State of the City Address (SOCA) 2026, delivered Tuesday, July 28, as part of the 18th Sangguniang Panlungsod’s 50th Regular Session (3rd Offsite Session) held in Barangay Masaba.
The event brings together Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” H. Durano, members of the 18th Sangguniang Panlungsod, officials and employees of the City Government of Danao, barangay leaders, department heads, partner agencies and residents, reflecting the shared commitment of the local government and the community toward Danao City’s continued growth and development.
Anchored on the administration’s 5-Point Connectivity Agenda, Mayor Nito’s address presents a comprehensive report on the City’s progress over the past year while reaffirming Danao City’s direction toward becoming a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-driven city.
25 Years of Public Service
Marking his first year in office under his 2025–2028 term and 25 years of public service to Danao City, Mayor Nito opens his address by expressing gratitude for the trust and support of the Danawanon people since he first assumed office in 2001, while setting his sights on Danao’s continued progress toward 2051 and beyond.
Looking beyond the present, he calls on the community to continue building a city that will create greater opportunities for future generations through stronger connectivity, sustained progress, and shared responsibility.
Resilience Amid Challenges
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the past year, Mayor Nito cites the economic effects of the conflict in the Middle East and the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, which left communities and public infrastructure across the city severely damaged. Despite these setbacks, he emphasizes that these experiences further strengthen the City’s disaster preparedness, flood mitigation initiatives, environmental protection efforts, and community resilience through the collective action of government offices, volunteers, private partners, and the Danawanon people.
Safe, Secure, Sustainable Infrastructure
Mayor Nito reports that 99 projects have been completed, 14 are ongoing, and 21 more are set to begin, covering investments in waterworks improvements, flood protection, roads, bridges, and the Merkado sa Danao, which is now 80 percent complete and targeted to open in the first quarter of 2027 as Cebu’s pioneering eco-friendly smart public market.
He likewise presents the City’s long-term infrastructure priorities, including the proposed Danao City Sports Complex and Convention Center, Solid Waste Management Facility, strategic reclamation projects for future commercial and industrial development, and the rehabilitation of national infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Tino.
He also reiterates the City’s gold standard in ensuring that every infrastructure project is safe, secure, and sustainable, a commitment reflected in Danao City’s recognition as the SubayBAYANI 2025 Exemplar Awardee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Health and Social Services
Mayor Nito highlights the administration’s continued investment in people-centered governance through expanded health and social services. These include free medical consultations, laboratory services, medicines, dental care, mental health services, community mobile clinics, Pabahay, and other assistance programs aimed at improving the welfare of Danawanon families.
He also underscores the establishment of the Early Childhood Care and Development Office, the first of its kind in Cebu Province, reinforcing the City’s commitment to children’s welfare.
Education and Digital Connectivity
Recognizing education as a key investment in the future, Mayor Nito highlights the strengthening of the Danao City Scholarship Program through the establishment of the Danao City Education and Development Office. He reports that 555 city scholars continue to receive support while 116 scholars graduated during the past year. Complementing these initiatives is the expansion of free Wi-Fi across all 42 barangays, alongside continuing efforts to improve digital connectivity and expand 5G access, particularly in upland communities.
Jobs, Livelihood, and Tourism
The address also highlights continued investments in employment generation and local economic development. Mayor Nito reports that nearly 2,000 Danawanons benefit from free skills training, while employment facilitation, livelihood assistance, agricultural support, tourism development, and community-based economic initiatives continue to create opportunities across the city.
Gateway of Opportunities
Reaffirming Danao City’s identity as the Gateway of Opportunities, Mayor Nito cites the continued expansion of major industries and investments, including MinebeaMitsumi, the Jollibee Group logistics hub, and new commercial developments, while emphasizing sustained support for micro, small, and medium enterprises and the City’s commitment to maintaining a business-friendly and investment-ready environment.
Transparent and Responsive Governance
Mayor Nito also highlights reforms in governance through the continued implementation of the Smiling City Hall initiative, strengthened implementation of the Freedom of Information Ordinance, professionalization of the LGU workforce, and greater citizen participation, all aimed at delivering more responsive, transparent, and people-centered public service.
Fiscal Growth and Future Development
On the City’s financial outlook, Mayor Nito reports an average 7 percent increase in local revenue collection, alongside the approval of Danao City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which he describes as a significant milestone in attracting investments, maximizing economic potential, and advancing the City’s long-term goal of becoming a First Class City.
Stronger Legislative-Executive Connectivity
Mayor Nito also acknowledges the partnership between the Executive and Legislative departments, commending the 18th Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by Vice Mayor Carmen Remedios “Ivy” H. Durano, for advancing responsive legislation through initiatives such as Balaod 360 and the Legislative Implementation Unit, bringing legislation and governance closer to communities.
Mayor Nito on President’s SONA
Drawing from Danao City’s experience over the past year, Mayor Nito also shares his perspective following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address delivered a day earlier. He says he is particularly looking forward to national policies that prioritize disaster recovery, social services, and job creation—areas that closely align with Danao City’s priorities.
He likewise expresses hope that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will vigorously push for the rehabilitation and repair of national infrastructure projects in Danao damaged by Typhoon Tino. He emphasizes that recovery efforts must go hand in hand with accountability, particularly in light of the issues surrounding flood control projects.
“I have worked with eight presidents, and I am always optimistic. To be optimistic is to be optimistic for the people. We shall continue to maintain open collaboration with the national government,” the Mayor says.
The Bigger Picture: Where is Danao Headed?
Mayor Nito concludes his address by presenting a vision of Danao City as a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-driven city—where infrastructure grows stronger, the environment remains protected, governance becomes more accessible, social services become more responsive, education and digital connectivity continue to expand, businesses and investments flourish, and global opportunities become more accessible to every Danawanon.
Calling on every Danawanon—especially the youth—to become active partners in governance, Mayor Nito emphasizes that “Leadership is about building meaningful connections and seizing greater opportunities,” stressing that the City’s continued progress depends on collaboration, shared responsibility, and the active participation of every sector of society.
Following the Mayor’s SOCA, the 18th Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously adopts Resolution No. 240-2026, formally commending Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III for his exemplary performance and dedicated public service during the first year of his 2025–2028 term as Mayor of Danao City.
Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro also extends her congratulations to Mayor Nito through a special video message, as she is unable to personally attend the event due to her attendance at the President’s State of the Nation Address.
In her message, Governor Pam describes Mayor Nito as one of her role models in public service, commending his calm, steady, and people-centered style of leadership.
“Mayor Nito has always been one of my idols in public service. I have always admired his calm, steady, and people-centered style of leadership. He has shown that true leadership is not about making the loudest noise, but about making the biggest difference in the lives of the people you serve. Leaders like Mayor Nito remind us that when we put people first, progress naturally follows.”