CAGAYAN de Oro City has been selected as one of the partner cities for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID's) Urban Connect project, according to an announcement by the City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff, Sheila Lumbatan Wednesday.
The Urban Connect project is a five-year initiative spanning from 2023 to 2028, with a budget of P624 million.
Lumbatan said its primary objective is to foster inclusive and resilient economic growth in the country by enhancing local economic development and improving the delivery of public services.
USAID has chosen nine partner cities for its Cities Development Initiative (CDI), namely Batangas, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Iloilo, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran in Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga in Mindanao.
Representing Mayor Klarex Uy, Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas participated in the project's launch event, which was held at Crowne Plaza Galleria Ortigas Center on October 26, 2023.
The event was attended by notable figures such as DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, USAID Philippines Mission Chief Ryan Washburn, USAID Urban Connect Chief of Party Dr. Alex Brillantes, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines President and Quirino Province Governor Dakila "Dax" Cua, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez, NEDA ASec Ducanes, DILG ASec De Leon, and representatives from various LGUs.
Lumbatan said the partnership between USAID and Cagayan de Oro City through the Urban Connect project is expected to bring about significant benefits to the city's economic growth and public service delivery.
"It signifies a commitment to creating a more inclusive and resilient urban environment for the people of Cagayan de Oro," said Lumbatan.
She said the implementation of the project will involve collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, and USAID.
Through this partnership, she said innovative strategies and initiatives will be developed to address key challenges and promote sustainable development in Cagayan de Oro City.
The launch of the Urban Connect project she added marks an important milestone in Cagayan de Oro's journey toward achieving its economic and developmental goals.
"It is anticipated that the project will have a positive and lasting impact, empowering the city to thrive and prosper in the years to come," said Lumbatan. (With a report from CIO)
