In a year-end reflection on the state of Mandaue City's governance, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede has pointed to unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for leadership as the fundamental forces behind the city's ongoing advancement. He expressed deep gratitude to the members of the City Council and reaffirmed his strong, productive working relationship with Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano.
Harmony Between Branches Fuels Progress
Bercede specifically thanked the city councilors for their consistent support of his leadership and the administration's programs. He emphasized that the effective partnership between the legislative and executive branches has been central to Mandaue's development trajectory. "I am grateful to all the councilors of Mandaue City because they supported my requests and initiatives. In the same way, I fully support the requests and programs of Mayor Jonkie Ouano," Bercede stated.
He argued that this harmonious dynamic is crucial for good governance, and that the tangible results of this unity are evident across the city. "The most important thing is the harmonious relationship between the legislative and executive branches. That is why we can clearly see that Mandaue City continues to progress," he added.
Transcending Politics for Public Welfare
The Vice Mayor stressed that the cooperation in Mandaue goes beyond mere political alliances. He noted that local officials have focused on setting aside differences to work collectively for the benefit of the residents. "This is not just about politics. We are working together for the development of our city. We can see that Mandaue City is thriving," Bercede explained.
He praised Mayor Ouano's leadership, describing him as a hardworking and dynamic leader. Bercede credited the mayor's initiatives, coupled with the solid backing of the City Council, for propelling the city forward. "Mayor Jonkie Ouano is hardworking and young, and he has the full support of the Mandaue City Council. We support the mayor in all his requests as long as these are for the benefit of the people," he said.
Reflecting on the post-election period following the May 2025 polls, Bercede acknowledged that political divisions existed during the campaign. However, he said these were deliberately set aside once the results were finalized. "At the beginning, there were different political groups. But after I was declared the winner in May 2025, I made it clear that I was willing to work with everyone because what matters is the welfare of the Mandauehanons," he recalled.
Collective Efforts Yield National Competitiveness
Bercede shared that he actively encouraged councilors from various political blocs to unite behind initiatives that benefit the entire city. He expressed appreciation not only to his allies but also to councilors from other groups who consistently supported legislative work throughout the year.
He also commended the diligence of the City Council staff, singling out Kaye Gonzales for her role in ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping. According to Bercede, these collective efforts have elevated Mandaue City's standing, enabling it to compete effectively with other highly urbanized cities and local government units at the national level.
As 2025 draws to a close, the Vice Mayor concluded that the city's achievements serve as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through unity, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to public service. "Our progress this year shows that when leaders work together with one purpose, Mandaue City moves forward," Bercede said.
