Cebu City Pioneers 'Mayor of the Night' Center for Night-Shift Workers
In an innovative move to enhance public service accessibility, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has revealed plans for the upcoming launch of the "Mayor of the Night" center. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to extend government services to night-shift workers, addressing a critical gap in traditional office hours. Osmeña emphasized that the project will commence with a soft launch, potentially as early as this month or next, allowing for a gradual rollout to identify and resolve any initial challenges.
A High-Risk Yet Essential Venture
Osmeña described the "Mayor of the Night" center as a "very high risk" endeavor, noting that providing government services outside standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours is exceptionally rare, possibly making it the first of its kind in the Philippines or globally. He highlighted the necessity of this service, explaining that many employees, including but not limited to call center agents, are unable to visit City Hall during regular hours without sacrificing sleep or work time. "You don't have to be absent and lose sleep. It's for everybody, not just call center agents," Osmeña stated, underscoring the inclusive nature of the program.
He further expressed optimism that high public interest would validate the need for expansion, viewing a surge in visitors as a positive indicator for the project's growth and sustainability.
Funding and Strategic Location
The Cebu City Council has allocated P5.1 million to secure a rental space for the hub, located at the Cebu Exchange in Barangay Lahug, opposite the Cebu IT Park. This 307-square-meter office will be leased from February 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, with a monthly rent starting at P339,344.64. Funding for rent and utilities will be sourced from savings within the Vice Mayor's Office and the City Council, ensuring efficient resource management.
Collaborative Agency Participation
Approximately 10 to 11 agencies are set to participate in the initial phase of the "Mayor of the Night" center. Local offices involved will include the City Treasurer's Office, the Business Permit and Licensing Office, the Civil Registrar, and the City Health Department. Additionally, an executive order signed by Nestor Archival encourages national agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System, and Philippine Statistics Authority to join the effort.
Osmeña specifically targeted the business process outsourcing sector, acknowledging the vital role call center workers play in supporting the local economy. He believes this initiative is crucial for both workers and the broader public, stating, "This is something people don't realize. This is necessary and essential." The program aims to streamline access to essential documents and assistance, fostering a more responsive and inclusive government service model in Cebu City.
