Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has identified housing as the city’s most pressing challenge, driven by increasing demand for relocation sites amid rapid urbanization and limited development space.
“Aside from flooding and traffic, which are always present and can never be completely eliminated, housing is the biggest challenge. We do not want to relocate anyone unless there is a prepared and proper relocation site for them,” Ouano said.
Socialized Housing and Vertical Projects
The mayor stated that the city is expanding its socialized housing program by constructing residential buildings in Barangay Tipolo, while partnering with the national government’s 4PH housing program to maximize available space through vertical housing projects.
“I fully understand their situation because they work here. But that is also why it is such a big challenge for our city,” the mayor explained.
Residents Prefer to Stay in Mandaue
Ouano noted that residents prefer to stay in Mandaue even when relocation options outside the city are available.
He added that the city is preparing for future infrastructure by seeking an increased budget of up to P5 billion next year, while continuing public-private partnerships to generate additional revenue for housing, health, education, and other priority projects.
