Compassionate local governance is measured not by what is promised, but by what people feel in their daily lives — in better health services, better opportunities to learn, and better access to support.
In her first year of leadership, Mayor Cindy Chan of Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines, has demonstrated precisely this kind of governance.
Health that reaches the most vulnerable. Under Mayor Chan’s administration, Lapu-Lapu City Hospital has significantly expanded its capacity and services. This include the recruitment of orthopaedic and oncologic surgeons and additional obstetrician-gynaecologists, and the opening of the Lapu-Lapu City Eye Centre, which provides free cataract and pterygium operations. From July to October 2025 alone, 211 beneficiaries successfully underwent cataract surgeries – among them a six-year-old girl who regained her sight after surgery for congenital cataract. It is a powerful reminder that a city hospital can change a life of trajectory.
Recognising that health is not only physical, the city has also intensified its mental health programmes, bringing counselling and awareness sessions directly into schools and barangays, where support is most needed.
Education that invests in dreams. As Mayor Cindy has said, her administration is investing “not just in infrastructure, but in dreams.” That vision is reflected in concrete action: more than 100,000 students receive school supplies; the city’s e-Library extended its opening hours until midnight to give students more time and space to learn; over 3,000 public school teachers received PHP 2,000 financial assistance during Teachers’ Month as a recognition of their service; and a partnership was formed with Grand Floridian Holdings will build a three-storey building for the Engineering Department of Lapu-Lapu City College. It is an approach that values both learners and educators and builds the foundation for long-term opportunity.
Social Services that leave no on behind. Mayor Chan has worked to bring government closers to the people. The opening of a Mini-City Hall on Olango island now allows residents to access key services without the burden of traveling to the mainland. Each of the city’s 30 barangays received PHP 500,000 in development assistance to respond to local priorities. Particular attention has been given to senior citizens, At Plaza Rizal, the city launched Metro Cebu’s first Senior Citizens Community Center – a dedicated space offering health checks, fitness activities and social interaction, afforming that older persons remain valued and included members of the community.
In health, education and social services, Mayor Cindy Chan’s first year shows what compassionate, people-centred local governance can achieve: services that are accessible, inclusive and responsive — and leadership that puts people first.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cindi-bares-plans-for-lapu-in-1st-soca
https://mytv.ph/article/lapu-lapu_going_green_under_cindi_
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/662382/lapu-lapu-mayor-chan-more-access-to-healthcare-community-empowerment
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/chan-prioritizes-health-education-economy-environment-in-agenda
https://visayas.politiko.com.ph/2023/05/26/cindi-chan-bares-plans-for-lapu/daily-feed/
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2025/10/23/2481911/cindi-reports-achievements
Photos:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Chan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapu-Lapu_City#/media/File:Mactan_Shrine_Magellan_marker_and_Lapulapu_monument_(Punta_Enga%C3%B1o_Road,_Lapu-Lapu_City,_Cebu;_09-04-2022).jpg
