MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has unveiled a series of major health and education projects aimed at expanding public services and modernizing the city’s infrastructure.
The projects were highlighted during Ouano’s first State of the City Address (SOCA) on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, where he outlined the administration’s ongoing programs and long-term plans for Mandaue.
Among the biggest priorities are the modernization of the Mandaue City Hospital, the construction of a permanent Mandaue City College campus, and additional classrooms for public schools.
Modern Mandaue City Hospital moves closer to construction
One of the administration’s flagship projects is the modernization of the Mandaue City Hospital, which is now in the final stages of pre-construction.
Ouano said the city still needs to establish a modular temporary facility where hospital operations can continue while construction is underway.
The first phase of construction is expected to begin within the next two to three months, according to the mayor.
The hospital project has been in development for more than a year. Earlier plans called for a 257-bed, Level II hospital, with the facility expected to significantly expand Mandaue’s capacity to provide public healthcare.
Previous reports placed the estimated cost of the hospital at roughly P800 million to P1 billion, including equipment.
The project also received a P50-million allocation from the Cebu Provincial Government for medical equipment, according to June 2026 reporting.
Earlier in 2026, city officials said the hospital project had received P415 million under the national budget, while the detailed engineering design was being prepared before construction. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was identified as the implementing agency.
Permanent Mandaue City College campus
Education is another major focus of the administration.
Ouano reiterated plans for a permanent campus for Mandaue City College (MCC), which currently operates within the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
The planned campus at Norkis Park in Barangay Looc is envisioned as a modern, multi-story facility capable of accommodating the city’s growing student population.
Earlier plans called for a seven-story campus, with the project estimated at around P500 million, although funding and project estimates have evolved as additional support was secured.
The project has also received national funding support. SunStar previously reported that P450 million was included in the 2026 national budget for the college project.
The city has also been coordinating with Cebu Technological University (CTU) regarding a separate project at the same site, with CTU securing P80 million in funding.
More classrooms also planned
Ouano’s education agenda extends beyond the city college.
The administration is also pursuing additional classroom infrastructure, including a planned 10-story classroom building at Paknaan National High School backed by approximately P650 million in national funding, according to the latest SOCA report.
The push comes as Mandaue continues to address the need for additional and improved learning facilities.
Earlier this year, the city also sought funding for additional classrooms under the Local Government Support Fund, with a reported P439-million funding wishlist for education-related infrastructure.
From plans to implementation
The latest developments mark a shift from proposals and funding commitments toward actual project implementation.
The hospital, in particular, has gone through several stages since Ouano first announced the project in 2025. The proposed facility entered the detailed engineering design phase in March 2026, as city officials worked to complete technical and regulatory requirements.
By January, officials said funding had been secured to begin the first phases of both the hospital and college projects, although additional funding would still be needed for their full development.
Ouano’s latest announcement therefore puts the spotlight not only on the projects themselves, but also on the challenge ahead: turning large-scale funding commitments and construction plans into operational facilities that Mandaue residents can actually use.
For the hospital, maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services while construction proceeds will be a critical part of the transition.
For education, the permanent college campus and additional school facilities could provide much-needed space for students while strengthening Mandaue’s long-term public education infrastructure.
Leave a Reply