The Mandaue City Government has intensified cleanup, lighting, and security efforts along key thoroughfares in preparation for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. This initiative follows a directive from Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, who has been personally conducting ground inspections to ensure readiness.
Focus on Major Routes
Attorney Riczen Gingoyon, the mayor’s executive secretary, stated that the city is concentrating on major routes including UN Avenue, Plaridel Street, DM Cortes, and Ouano Avenue. The goal is to ensure these roads are clean, well-lit, and orderly. The mayor personally monitors streetlights and infrastructure during both day and night inspections.
“The mayor himself goes around and monitors the situation. He checks early in the morning and at night because he wants to ensure that all lampposts are properly lit,” Gingoyon said.
Repairs and Anti-Vandalism Measures
Following the mayor’s instructions, crews have repaired 12 to 14 dark lampposts along UN Avenue. The city has also addressed vandalism along Ouano Avenue through a quick-response group chat system. “When vandalism is reported, we post it in the group chat, and the barangays respond right away. In Subangdaku, for example, repainting was done the very next day,” Gingoyon explained.
Environmental and Peace Efforts
The Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCenro) conducts daily monitoring, deploying eco-wardens to oversee garbage collection. Peace and order measures include personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Additionally, the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) provides assistance to mendicants along major roads, encouraging compliance with city regulations.
Safety Fence Project Completed
A safety fence project designed to protect children in high-traffic areas was completed and turned over on May 1. Gingoyon noted that the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce supported the project, highlighting collaboration between the National Government and the private sector. “This is part of the mayor’s direction to ensure safety, especially since vehicles pass at high speed and there are many children playing in these areas, particularly during the summer,” he said.
Long-Term Goals for Discipline
Barangays Guizo, Alang-alang, and Centro have deployed “Clean and Green” personnel, while the Department of General Services (DGS) organized maintenance teams. Gingoyon emphasized that these efforts are part of a long-term goal to instill discipline. “This is something we want to continue so that it becomes a habit for everyone. Since the start of Mayor Ouano’s administration, he has consistently emphasized cleanliness, orderliness, and public safety,” Gingoyon said, adding that the mayor has also prioritized the beautification of infrastructure like skywalks.
