Cagayan de Oro – The city government of Cagayan de Oro confirmed on Monday that it possesses sufficient funds to support free education for scholars in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, the city administration is dedicated to fulfilling its financial commitments to Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (XU). Uy emphasized the importance of college education for students from financially challenged backgrounds as a key aspect of his governance. He assured that all dues to XU would be cleared before the commencement of the Academic Year 2024-2025, coinciding with the acceptance of new scholars by the city.
The City Scholarship Office records indicate that 8,845 scholars are currently pursuing higher education in various institutions within the city. Specifically, 308 scholars are enrolled at XU. Additionally, Mayor Uy mentioned the city's plan to settle an outstanding amount of PHP7.8 million owed to the university. This debt, incurred for facility rentals during the pandemic years from 2020 to 2022, was an obligation inherited from the previous administration.
In a related matter, Mayor Uy disclosed ongoing negotiations with Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI) regarding the city's water supply. He urged COBI to maintain the water supply to the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) despite outstanding payments, highlighting the potential severe impact on local households if the supply were disrupted. Uy suggested possible payment by installment to address the issue.
Further, the mayor advised the COWD board of directors against increasing water rates at this juncture, considering the city's ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic's effects. A report revealed that COWD currently owes COBI over PHP437 million, with COWD being charged PHP16.60 per cubic meter and COBI billing PHP20.57 per cubic meter.
Mayor Uy also expressed openness to the idea of privatizing COWD if it would resolve the billing issues, citing similar actions taken by other local governments.