"Ogena Pa Rin!" – Koronadal Residents Rally Behind Mayor Ogena Amid Progress and Achievements

In a resounding display of public support, residents of Koronadal City continue to rally behind Mayor Eliordo "Bebot" Ogena as he delivered his 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) before a packed South Cotabato Gymnasium on March 25, 2025.

Highlighting the city’s rapid transformation over the past six years, Mayor Ogena detailed significant infrastructure developments, economic growth, social welfare programs, and public service improvements—solidifying Koronadal’s status as a rising first-class economic hub.
Transforming Koronadal: Infrastructure and Urban Development

Mayor Ogena emphasized the importance of balanced progress, ensuring that urbanization goes hand in hand with sustainability and disaster resilience. Among the major projects completed under his administration are:

✅ ₱62 million – Construction of line canals for improved drainage
✅ ₱29 million – Flood control projects to enhance disaster preparedness
✅ ₱9.5 million – Bridge rehabilitation projects for better transport connectivity
✅ ₱5 million – Urban greening initiatives, including parks, sculptures, and recycling centers

From the newly built Welcome Arc in Brgy. Saravia to the installation of eight additional traffic lights, Koronadal has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming more organized, accessible, and future-ready.

 
Economic Boom: Koronadal as a Business Hub

Despite economic challenges nationwide, Koronadal continues to thrive, attracting investors and strengthening local businesses.

Economic Growth Highlights:
✅ ₱429 million – Record-breaking local revenue collection
✅ Major Investments – Toyota, Mitsubishi, and SM Realty have poured capital into the city
✅ ₱300 million – Construction of Mallengke, Bagsakan Center, and a 50-hectare real estate project
✅ Local Economic Enterprise Code – Prioritizing economic policies that benefit local businesses and workers

Koronadal is no longer just a city—it has evolved into a key business and trade center in the region.

 
Social Welfare and Agricultural Growth: A Government That Cares

Under Mayor Ogena’s administration, agriculture and social services have received unprecedented support.

Agricultural Investments:
✅ ₱68 million – Direct support for local farmers
✅ Poultry farming, solar dryers, mini-dams – Modern solutions for agricultural sustainability
✅ ₱3.5 million – Direct cash assistance for farmers

Meanwhile, public healthcare and education remain top priorities:

Healthcare & Social Programs:
✅  Construction of the Koronadal Manuel C. Callejo Memorial Hospital
✅ 24/7 Free Ambulance Services – Ensuring emergency medical response for all
✅ 34% Reduction in Malnutrition Rates – Through enhanced community feeding programs
✅ 4,000 Scholars – Benefiting from increased educational funding
✅ 6,000 Beneficiaries – Supported through the Bulig sa Kubos financial assistance program

With these initiatives, Mayor Ogena has reinforced his commitment to inclusive progress, ensuring that no Koronadaleño is left behind.

 
Public Safety, Cultural Growth, and Tourism Expansion

Koronadal has not only seen economic growth but has also improved in terms of safety, disaster preparedness, and cultural preservation.

Crime Prevention & Emergency Response:
✅ 14% Decrease in Crime Rate – Making Koronadal safer for residents
✅ Gawad Kalasag Award – Recognizing excellence in disaster resilience
✅ TODA Quick Response Team – Strengthening emergency response systems

Tourism & Cultural Development:
✅ 300,000 Tourists – Visited the city in 2024
✅ National Museum of Koronadal – Soon to rise, promoting local heritage and history
✅ Pet Microchipping & Dog Pound Facility – Advocating responsible pet ownership

Koronadal is not just progressing—it is thriving as a model city for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

 
The Future of Koronadal: What’s Next?

Mayor Ogena assured the public that his administration is not slowing down, with more projects lined up for completion:

Upcoming Developments:
✅ Koronadal Convention Center – A landmark facility for major events
✅ Prime Regional Center Infrastructure – Elevating urban planning initiatives
✅ Waste-to-Energy Facility – A sustainable solution for the city’s waste management
✅ Digital Transformation Initiative – Spearheaded by the ICT Council of Koronadal for more efficient government services

 
Mayor Ogena’s Call for Unity

Closing his 2025 SOCA with a powerful message, Mayor Ogena declared:

"Anim na taon ng mabilis na pagbabago sa Koronadal!"
"Ang ebidensya? Inyo nang nakikita!"
"Magkaisa tayo, ururupod kita, para sa tuloy-tuloy na progreso!"

With the overwhelming achievements under his administration, the people’s response is loud and clear—"Ogena Pa Rin!"

As Koronadal moves forward, Mayor Ogena’s leadership remains a beacon of progress, proving that real public service is felt, seen, and experienced by all.