Top Cebu City Mayoral Candidates’ 2025 Election Promises

As the 2025 elections approach, Cebu City residents are eager to know what the leading mayoral candidates have in store for the future of the metropolis. With pressing issues like traffic congestion, urban development, and economic recovery post-pandemic, voters are scrutinizing the platforms of each contender. In this article, we break down the key promises of the top mayoral candidates vying for leadership in Cebu City.

1. Infrastructure and Traffic Management

One of the most pressing concerns for Cebuanos is the city’s notorious traffic congestion. Each candidate has proposed solutions to ease gridlock and improve transportation infrastructure.

Candidate A: Expanding Public Transport

• Modernized jeepneys: Plans to phase out outdated jeepneys in favor of eco-friendly, high-capacity models.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): A renewed push to implement the long-delayed BRT system.
• Bike lanes: Expansion of protected bike lanes to encourage alternative transportation.

Candidate B: Road Widening and Flyovers

• New flyovers: Construction of additional flyovers in high-traffic areas like Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.
• Strict enforcement: Harsher penalties for illegal parking and sidewalk encroachment.
• Smart traffic lights: AI-powered traffic signals to optimize flow during peak hours.

2. Economic Recovery and Job Creation

With many businesses still recovering from the pandemic, economic revitalization is a top priority for voters. Here’s how the candidates plan to boost Cebu City’s economy.

Candidate A: Support for SMEs

• Zero-interest loans: Financial aid for small businesses to recover and expand.
• Digital transformation: Free training programs for entrepreneurs to shift online.
• Local tourism: Incentives for homegrown tourism ventures.

Candidate B: Attracting Foreign Investment

• Tax breaks: Reduced business taxes for foreign investors setting up in Cebu.
• IT parks expansion: More IT hubs to generate high-paying tech jobs.
• Port upgrades: Modernizing the Cebu International Port to boost trade.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Cebu City faces environmental challenges, from flooding to waste management. The candidates have laid out their green initiatives.

Candidate A: Zero-Waste City

• Strict plastic ban: Enforcing a city-wide prohibition on single-use plastics.
• Urban greening: Planting 100,000 trees in the next three years.
• Recycling hubs: Establishing community-based recycling centers.

Candidate B: Flood Prevention

• Drainage upgrades: Overhauling the city’s drainage system to mitigate floods.
• River rehabilitation: Cleaning and dredging major waterways.
• Solar energy: Incentivizing solar panel installations in public buildings.

4. Education and Youth Development

Investing in the next generation is crucial for Cebu City’s future. The candidates have different approaches to improving education.

Candidate A: Free College Education

• Scholarships: Full tuition coverage for qualified students in city-run colleges.
• Tech-voc training: Free technical courses for out-of-school youth.
• Digital classrooms: Providing tablets and Wi-Fi in public schools.

Candidate B: Public-Private Partnerships

• Industry-linked programs: Partnering with companies for job-ready graduates.
• Teacher incentives: Higher salaries and training for public school educators.
• Sports academies: Establishing specialized schools for young athletes.

5. Healthcare and Social Services

The pandemic exposed gaps in Cebu City’s healthcare system. Here’s how the candidates plan to improve medical services.

Candidate A: Universal Healthcare Access

• More barangay health centers: Expanding clinics in underserved areas.
• Free medicines: Providing essential drugs for low-income families.
• Mental health programs: Counseling services in schools and communities.

Candidate B: Hospital Modernization

• New equipment: Upgrading facilities in public hospitals.
• Specialist recruitment: Hiring more doctors in critical fields.
• Emergency response: Faster ambulance services city-wide.

Who Will Cebuanos Choose?

With diverse platforms covering infrastructure, economy, environment, education, and healthcare, the 2025 mayoral race is shaping up to be highly competitive. Each candidate brings unique solutions to Cebu City’s challenges, and voters must weigh which promises align best with their vision for the city’s future.

As election day nears, debates, town halls, and campaign rallies will further clarify these platforms. Stay tuned for updates as Cebu City decides its next leader.