Officials and functionaries of Daraga and Camalig, Albay municipalities, along with DILG Region 5, came to visit the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mandaue City on May 31, 2023. The activity was part of the LGRRC Knowledge Exchange Program among the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) and Municipalities of Bicol and Central Visayas.

Delegates from the abovementioned were warmly welcomed by Mandaue Mayor Jonas C. Cortes. A program was held to facilitate the knowledge exchange/sharing between the host and visiting LGU, where Mandaue City’s Department Heads presented the best practices of their LGU. City Councilors were also present at the event, manifesting their support and hospitality to their guests.

In his message, Mayor Cortes emphasized the need to give and receive help from others to achieve success.

Some of the highly notable best practices that were shared by LGU Mandaue Unit are the following: the creation of the Data Management Unit in support of the city’s data-driven policies and actions; implementation of policies under the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Law; and other programs being espoused by Mayor Cortes, making Mandaue the First HUC to adopt fully online business permits and licensing transactions thru the EBPLS Project, including payment thru partner banks.

Another innovation in the city is making the Business Permits and Licensing Office a separate department so as not to be affected by changes in administration/ political set-up in the LGU.