Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has called for bipartisan cooperation after the City Council's reorganization left the minority bloc with only two committee chairmanships for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Speaking to reporters following his first State of the City Address on July 7, 2026, Archival emphasized that both political camps should work together to pursue development programs for the city.
"It could have been nicer and better, but things happen because this is politics, actually. Realignments are always there," Archival said, adding that he respects the majority bloc's decision on committee assignments.
Committee Distribution
Under the new committee assignments approved by the City Council, only two minority bloc councilors received chairmanships. Councilor Nyza Archival will head the committee on tourism, arts and culture, as well as the committee on sister cities relations and big brother program. Councilor Paul Labra will chair the committee on public order. Meanwhile, Minority Floor Leader Sisinio Andales and Assistant Minority Floor Leaders Alvin Arcilla and Jose Abellanosa were not assigned any committee chairmanships.
Archival noted that the assignment of committees ultimately rests with the City Council. "I don't have any idea on that. The majority has its own decision. They have their own reasons on what they think is best," he said.
Health Initiatives at Risk?
The mayor expressed concern about the leadership transition in the committee on health, hoping it will not disrupt ongoing projects. Following the reorganization, Councilor David Tumulak replaced Councilor Michelle Cellona as chairman of the committee on health, hospitals, services and sanitation. Cellona had spearheaded several key initiatives, including the City's partnership with the World Mosquito Program.
"Michelle has already accomplished a lot, especially the Wolbachia program. It's a partnership worth $1.5 million and Cebu is the pilot area in the Philippines," Archival said. The World Mosquito Program uses Wolbachia technology to combat mosquito-borne diseases, with Cebu City as the pilot area in the country.
Archival also highlighted Cellona's work on the City's Mental Health Council, another initiative he hopes will continue under the new committee leadership. "I would love that the majority, especially the committee on health, will find a way to align with the projects that Michelle had already started. After all, these are for the welfare of our people," he said.
Looking Ahead
Despite the political realignment, Archival expressed optimism that both blocs can work together to implement programs benefiting Cebu City residents. He emphasized that while council members belong to different political parties, they should remain united toward a common direction centered on public welfare.
When asked whether the change in committee leadership could affect the implementation of these programs, the mayor said he hopes it will not. "I hope not. We just have to align them. Everybody is on talking terms. It's not as if there is any hatred," he said.
The council's reorganization occurred immediately after Archival delivered his inaugural State of the City Address, during which he unveiled the Cebu City 2035 roadmap centered on sustainable, smart and inclusive governance. The mayor reiterated that cooperation between the executive and legislative branches remains crucial to implement the administration's long-term development agenda.
