Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival will deliver his first State of the City Address (Soca) on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as residents express hopes for concrete plans to address flooding, traffic congestion, garbage collection, and the future of Carbon Public Market. The address, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Cebu City Session Hall, will open the annual organizational session of the 17th Cebu City Council.
Residents seek action on flooding and waste
Cristy Duazo, 35, a vendor along P. Burgos St. for nearly four years, told SunStar Cebu she hopes the City Government prioritizes flood control and better garbage management. “I just hope the City’s garbage collection and waste management will be improved, especially during the rainy season when flooding becomes a problem,” she said in Cebuano.
Jhiemdy Vallejos, 24, a call center agent, shared the concern, noting that clogged drainage systems and improper waste disposal worsen flooding during heavy rains. She recalled that when she lived in Barangay Guadalupe, she had to leave home much earlier due to frequent flooding and garbage, which posed health risks. Vallejos also urged improvements to the public transportation system to ease traffic congestion. Duazo additionally called for stronger public safety measures, citing ongoing concerns about theft and violent crime.
Carbon market vendors demand affordable stalls
Vendors at Carbon Public Market are looking for reassurances regarding the ongoing redevelopment project. Paulina Perla Flores, 68, who has sold fruit at the market for about 27 years, appealed for affordable stalls and security for small vendors. “All I want is for us vendors to have a permanent place to stay. I also hope we won’t be charged high fees or be assigned to expensive stalls,” she said in Cebuano. She noted that many small vendors remain uncertain about their future. Alfredo Tura, 60, who sells native pandan bags, reiterated vendors’ opposition to what they described as the privatization of the market.
Archival’s first comprehensive report
The Soca will be Archival’s first comprehensive report since taking office in June 2025. During his inaugural policy address, he presented a 10-point executive agenda focusing on completing the Cebu City Medical Center, expanding healthcare services, strengthening food security, improving education, accelerating digital government services, supporting small businesses, implementing climate-resilient programs, addressing housing concerns, improving traffic management, expanding public safety initiatives, and strengthening social welfare programs. The mayor is expected to report on progress and outline priorities for the remainder of his three-year term.
Council reorganization follows Soca
After the Soca, the City Council will proceed with its reorganization. According to the session agenda signed by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the session will begin with the vice mayor’s address, followed by Archival’s Soca. After a brief recess, the council will elect officers including the president pro tempore, majority floor leader, first and second assistant majority floor leaders, minority floor leader, and assistant minority floor leader. Chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and members of all standing committees will also be elected.
Current committee chairs include Councilor Dave Tumulak for budget and finance, Councilor Francis Esparis for social services, Councilor Harold Go for trade and commerce and urban planning, Councilor Mikel Rama for laws and housing, Councilor Joel Garganera for environment, Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. for agriculture and markets, Councilor Edgardo Labella II for infrastructure and ICT, and Councilor Harry Eran for public service. Minority bloc members chair several major committees: Councilor Michelle Abella Cellona for health, Councilor Paul Labra II for public order and safety, Vice Mayor Osmeña for education, and Councilor Nice Archival for tourism and sister cities. The reorganization will determine whether these assignments remain unchanged and will test whether the Barug-Kusog coalition retains its legislative majority. The coalition currently holds top leadership posts, with Councilor Phillip Zafra as president pro tempore, Tumulak as majority floor leader, Garganera as first assistant majority floor leader, and Esparis as second assistant majority floor leader. The Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan, led by Osmeña, remains the recognized minority bloc, with Councilor Noel Wenceslao Andales as minority floor leader and Councilor Alvin Arcilla as assistant minority floor leader.
