By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
The political landscape of Cagayan de Oro City is poised for a significant shift with the official launch of the One Kagay-an Coalition for the 2025 elections. The alliance, which brings together some of the city’s most prominent political figures, was formally established during a signing ceremony at the Aquilino Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center in Barangay Indahag. Congressman Rufus Rodriguez and Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy led the event, signing the manifesto that marks the coalition’s commitment to a unified political front for the upcoming elections.
The One Kagay-an Coalition introduces a robust lineup of candidates, combining experienced leaders and fresh faces. Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy will seek re-election. He will be challenged by the comebacking former Mayor Oscar Moreno, who has recently announced that he is the standard bearer for mayor under the Padayon Pilipino local political party.
Incumbent Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez will also seek re-election as Mayor Uy’s tandem under the PDP-CDP coalition.
In the congressional races, Raineir Joaquin “KapKik” V. Uy, is challenging the current District 1 Congressman Lordan Suan, while Congressman Rufus Rodriguez is vying for re-election in District 2. Former Congressman Maxie Rodriguez is the coalition’s nominee for the ABAMIN Partylist.
The coalition’s slate for the City Council is equally formidable, featuring candidates from both districts. District 1 councilor candidates include Atty. Adonis Gumahad, Director Manny Darimbang, Hon. Roger “Ger” Abaday, Juancho “Antoy” Roa Pascual, Desiree “Des” Dahino, Moreno “Jing” Yamut Daba IV, Hon. Al “Boy” Pabilona Legaspi, Sr., and Christopher “George” Goking. The candidates for District 2 include former Barangay Captains Jonjon Rodriguez and Tony Abejuela, Hon. Joyleen Mercedez “Girlie” Balaba, Atty. Edgar “Ed” Cabanlas, Hon. Eric Dael Salcedo, Dr. Paolo Gaane, Hon. Gilda “Gigi” Go, and Hon. Yan Lam “Alam” S. Lim.
Unfortunately for Councilors Malvern Esparcia and Atty James Judith, they werel not included in the official list of City Council bets n both districts of the City.
Massive Support for the Coalition
The launch event underscored the widespread backing for the One Kagay-an Coalition, with 64 Punong Barangays (village chiefs) attending the ceremony, alongside 8,000 leaders representing all 80 barangays in Cagayan de Oro. This impressive turnout demonstrates the overwhelming strength and unity behind the coalition’s candidacies.
Platform and Vision: “HEED to RISE”
At the heart of the One Kagay-an Coalition is a shared vision for the city’s progress, encapsulated in the platform titled “HEED to RISE.” This program combines the key priorities of both Congressman Rodriguez and Mayor Klarex Uy. Congressman Rodriguez’s HEED agenda focuses on four major pillars: Health, Education, Employment, and Development. Meanwhile, Mayor Uy’s RISE agenda complements this by emphasizing economic recovery, infrastructure development, social services, and environmental sustainability.
Together, “HEED to RISE” aims to address the pressing issues facing Cagayan de Oro while laying the groundwork for long-term progress. The coalition has committed to policies that will strengthen the city’s healthcare systems, improve access to quality education, create job opportunities, and enhance development efforts. These initiatives align with their shared goal of building a more resilient and prosperous Cagayan de Oro for all its residents.
As the One Kagay-an Coalition steps onto the political stage, it has quickly gained momentum, presenting a solid front with a unified vision. With its blend of seasoned public servants and innovative thinkers, the coalition hopes to usher in a new era of progress for Cagayan de Oro, promising inclusive growth and development through its “HEED to RISE” platform.
