Mindanaotoday.com | Klarex now mayor; Oca exits gracefully
By: Jigger Jerusalem
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – It was a smooth transition of power when outgoing Cagayan de Oro mayor Oscar “Oca” Moreno stepped down from office after serving the city for three terms.
Moreno’s term ended Thursday noon, June 30, just as his successor, Rolando “Klarex” Uy began his first three-year term as the city’s chief executive.
There was no animosity between Moreno and Uy, his political ally for nine years, when they met at city hall after a simple turnover ceremony Thursday.
In a video circulating on social media, Moreno and Uy were seen holding hands while the new mayor accompanied Moreno as he made his official exit at city hall.
Prior to that, Moreno has assured Uy that his support for Uy will remain.
“We will all help Mayor Klarex Uy. We will help him regardless of party affiliation. Let’s all help Mayor Klarex Uy,” Moreno told the crowd that gathered at the mayor’s office, with Uy at his side.
Moreno said the decisions that will be made by the members of the city council will have an impact on the new mayor’s policies and programs.
Among the new city councilors, at least six members and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez belong to the opposition, although in an earlier interview, Rodriguez has said she is willing to work with Uy’s administration.
“The city mayor is the chief executive, he formulates the direction, policies and programs, with the support of the city council. Of course, there are discussions and interpellations in the city council, but we have to respect the function of the executive branch, as its mandate is to execute the programs of the city, although there is a need for a partnership and cooperation with the city council,” Moreno said.
In response, Uy said he was grateful for Moreno’s unwavering support as he acknowledged the achievements made by Moreno during his administration.
Some of Moreno’s accomplishments during his tenure include the construction of two additional hospitals at barangays Tablon and Lumbia; the rehabilitation and modernization of the JR Borja General Hospital; and the construction of hundreds of classrooms and several school buildings.
“I know that it is hard to attain what you have achieved. But I will do my best and I need everybody’s help. I cannot get things done if the city council will not support me and my programs. I cannot do this on my own,” the new mayor said.
Uy has also reminded the city hall employees to prioritize the people, especially those in need.
“We cannot have achievements if we forget the people. We must make them our inspiration, we must serve them,” he added.
Uy was the city’s 1st district representative, while Moreno made a run for the governorship of Misamis Oriental, the position he held for three terms before he became the city mayor, but lost in this year’s national and local elections.
The Moreno-Uy alliance began in 2013 when Moreno first ran for city mayor.
###