Archival reflects on leadership, wishes fathers unity, patience .

CEBU, Philippines — Ahead of the Father’s Day celebration, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival anchored his well wishes to the pillars of every home on financial prudence, patience, and unity as he recognized the mounting pressure of making ends meet in times of crisis.

“Kaning mga amahan mao ni usually ang nangitag panginabuhi… right now, it’s very difficult,” Archival said, urging families to cut back on unnecessary spending.

“The more efficient gamiton inyong kwarta… please do downgrading in a way nga dili na kaayo ta muhimog kapritso. So we would like to save a little, for the future, for the rainy days,” he added.

As the “father of the city,” Archival stressed unity and strengthening ties among various sectors.

“We should be united. United in City Hall, united in each and every relations sa atong mga silingan because this united society will be an advantage to the community,” he said.

“As a father sa city, which is a very complex community… What is important is patience. Criticisms will come all the way, from your friends and not your friends. But before giving comments, you should listen first,” he added.

Archival’s call for unity comes just as his relationship with his running mate and long-time political ally, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, appears to be undergoing a “strain.”

Osmeña, as stated in previous reports, has consistently criticized Archival’s city administrator, Albert Tan, calling him “incompetent.” Archival, however, continues to defend his choice.

Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, who served the city as a legislator for a long time alongside Archival, has also become a vocal critic of his leadership.

He has accused the mayor of inconsistency and breaking agreements, most recently over the validation of beneficiaries for the city’s fuel subsidy program.

Several other councilors, along with other City Hall officials and employees, have likewise voiced dismay over the way Archival has been handling affairs at City Hall.

Archival, who built his reputation as an environmentalist through his “Eco-House” and other initiatives, is also facing criticism over Cebu City’s garbage woes.

The city now produces around 700 tons of waste daily, and uncollected trash has piled up at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Earlier this month, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease-and-desist order against the city’s use of the SRP as a temporary dumpsite, intensifying scrutiny of Archival’s leadership.

Archival, while reluctant, conceded that Cebu City is in the grip of a garbage crisis, enforcing a “no segregation, no collection” rule and rolling out temporary composting sites in response.

Archival has also drawn criticism for his stance on the controversial Monterrazas de Cebu hillside development.

Even Osmeña has urged him to issue a cease-and-desist order, citing the welfare of flood-prone residents.

Archival insists that DENR clearance remains the operative authority, stressing that decisions must be “based on facts” rather than political pressure.

Despite the controversies, Archival said he hopes to be remembered as someone who “really tried to serve the community to uplift the community, and not create more enemies.”

Father’s Day, celebrated every third Sunday of June, honors fathers and paternal figures worldwide. (CEBU NEWS)