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CEBU CITY — Outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. formally started the city's transition process on Monday at the city hall, with both leaders committing to a smooth turnover and cooperation.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) facilitated the meeting attended by Garcia's transition team, led by Cebu City administrator Kristine Joyce Batucan, and Archival's group, which includes former city administrator Paul Villarete, and councilors Mary Ann de los Santos and Joy Augustus Young.
"It was a very good meeting. Mayor Raymond is very cooperative in his pronouncements," Archival said, expressing satisfaction with the meeting.
He planned to meet with department heads later to gain a clearer picture of the city's situation.
Archival identified the city's financial health as a critical issue, especially regarding the welfare of city hall employees.
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NEW LEADERSHIP Mayor-elect Nestor Archival (right) and outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia shake hands during their first official transition meeting at Cebu City Hall on May 26, 2025, signaling a cooperative handover of leadership. KAISER JAN FUENTES
"How do we continue if there are no funds for salaries?" he asked, acknowledging that at least 100 employees have not yet received their pay.
Garcia reported the city currently employs 7,462 workers: 1,582 regular, 2,962 casual, 2,668 job order, 187 coterminous and approximately 63 contractual personnel.
Garcia said they have never had problems with employee salaries. He added that salary delays usually happen when employees do not have valid appointments.
To avoid disruption, Archival instructed department heads to safeguard all data and documents during the transition, citing a previous incident where a scholar list was erased.
Garcia said it would be very difficult for those tasked with retrieving documents if data were wiped.
He acknowledged that data wiping commonly occurs during transitions but pledged to help ensure a smooth process.
He urged unity despite political differences, emphasizing the need for everyone to work together.
Garcia expressed full support for the incoming administration, stating that its success would mean success for Cebu City.
He also offered his ongoing assistance beyond June 30 and encouraged Archival to reach out to him anytime.
The DILG outlined the guidelines under Memorandum Circular 2025-016, tasking Local Governance Transition Teams (LGTTs) to oversee the complete turnover of government documents, assets, financial reports and ongoing projects.
The LGTT includes outgoing and incoming officials, DILG representatives and civil society members.
Archival pledged transparency, promising weekly press briefings and a dedicated media office. He announced plans to appoint new department heads, including city administrator and legal officer, next week.
For now, he said current department heads will remain while the administration reviews their performance and the city's financial status.
Archival will soon occupy the mayor's office in the executive building, which remained vacant during Garcia's term, who opted to use the vice mayor's office instead.
Meanwhile, the transition team will use the executive building's conference room.
The handover follows provisions in Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, and related laws, requiring outgoing officials to submit a Final Transition Report and ensuring continuity of governance as Archival prepares to assume office on June 30.
