Baricuatro calls on mayors to direct requests to Capitol

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro called on local chief executives to directly communicate their concerns and requests to the provincial government, stressing that problems cannot be addressed if they are not formally brought to the Capitol's attention.

Baricuatro issued the statement after Compostela Mayor Felijur "Jury" Quiño publicly appealed for the completion of road and bridge projects in the municipality, saying some infrastructure works remain unfinished months after they began.

Speaking during a press conference last Wednesday, the governor said the provincial government has adopted a newly launched system called the Cebu Infrastructure Project Management and Monitoring System (CIPMMS).

The CIPMMS is an online digital dashboard designed to track infrastructure projects from planning to implementation and completion, allowing both the government and the public to monitor project status in real time.

“Mayor naa natay bag-o nga sistema Mayor adto lang, you will see for yourself on what's going on,” said Baricuatro.

The governor stressed that delays in some infrastructure projects were largely due to documentary and permitting requirements beyond the Capitol's immediate control.

“As I said, dugay kaayo ang mga documents ani, didto ta nadugay sa PAMB (Protected Area Management Board),” she said, referring to the permitting process of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Baricuatro also pointed out that Compostela's local government had already initiated an alternative route while waiting for the necessary approvals.

The governor then challenged Quiño to explain how the local government managed to construct the alternate road despite the delays in permits cited for the provincial project.

“Maypa mangutana ta ni Mayor, manawagan sad ko ni Mayor giunsa mana paghimo ana Mayor nga nadugay man mi sa permit, tabangi kono mi. Kay nakahimo na siya'g alternative road,” Baricuatro said.

She maintained that the Capitol is prepared to proceed with the project once all required clearances are secured.

“Naghuwat nalang jud mi sa go signal sa PAMB so ready ra jud ta motabang,” she said.

Baricuatro underscored the importance of communication between local government units and the provincial government, saying the Capitol cannot act on concerns that are not formally raised.

“As I've said, we're not mind readers here at the Capitol. We also need inputs from the Mayor and please know that we are open and transparent here,” she said.

The governor added that local officials should not hesitate to reach out to the provincial government whenever assistance is needed.

“Mao nay giingon nila, the hand that reaches out always touches. So if you reach out to us, we will help them,” Baricuatro said.

She noted that most mayors in Cebu have remained patient despite ongoing challenges and regularly communicate their needs directly to her administration.

According to Baricuatro, local chief executives usually relay their concerns whenever she visits their municipalities.

“Naghuwat lang jud sila nga kanus-a ko makalugar og duaw nila. Unya moadto gani ko mosulti sila nga, ‘Gov, mao ni among kinahanglan,’ amo jud nang i-accommodate as much as we can regardless of political affiliations,” she said.

Quiño's appeal stemmed from concerns over damaged infrastructure in Compostela, particularly the provincial road in Barangay Mulao, which was affected by the impact of Typhoon Tino.

In a video interview with SMNI News, the mayor urged the provincial government to prioritize the immediate rehabilitation of the damaged road and bridge facilities in the area.

He said the prompt restoration of the road is essential to normalize transportation and ensure the continued movement of goods and basic necessities for residents. — (FREEMAN)