Under a reduced budget: OVP launches pop-up exhibit in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor Satellite Office assured the public that its services will continue despite operating under a reduced budget as it launched its 90th anniversary pop-up exhibit in Cebu.

During an interview, OVP Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor Satellite Office Head Atty. Connie Lim said the office remains committed to delivering basic services, including rice and livelihood programs, as well as various forms of assistance to the public.

She clarified that while the OVP did not receive a zero budget, it was only given P700 million this year to sustain its operations.

Lim said the OVP also continues to provide medical and burial assistance, with support from several senators and party-list representatives.

“Padayon gyud ang tanan,” she said when asked if the OVP would continue providing quality public service.

Lim also said that, aside from showcasing the history of the Office of the Vice President, the traveling pop-up exhibit aims to educate the public about the contributions of past vice presidents and to dispel the notion that the country's second-highest official merely waits to succeed the president.

She added that Vice President Sara Duterte wanted the exhibit to highlight that vice presidents, beginning with Sergio Osmeña, had undertaken programs and initiatives while in office.

The exhibit, the office said, also demonstrates the OVP's efforts to bring services closer to communities outside Metro Manila, making government assistance more accessible to people who cannot travel to the capital.

Following its run at SM Seaside City Cebu, the exhibit will travel to Tuburan from July 27 to August 3, Barili from August 5 to 15, Argao from August 20 to 31, Robinsons from September 1 to 15, and Danao City Mall from September 21 to October 3. Lim said the OVP is also exploring the possibility of bringing the exhibit to Bohol.

She encouraged the public, especially students, to visit the exhibit, saying it offers an educational look at the history and evolving role of the Office of the Vice President as part of its 90th anniversary celebration.

The Vice President, for her part, said the traveling pop-up exhibition aims to bring Philippine history closer to the people while inspiring Filipinos, especially the youth, to embrace leadership anchored on duty and service.

In her video message during the opening of the “EXTRA+ Ordinary: Vice Presidents of the Philippines” pop-up exhibition, Duterte said the collection is being brought to different cities across the country adding that “history does not belong in the archives” but belongs to every Filipino.

“This exhibition is part of our 90th anniversary, but it is more than just a look at the past. It is a look at the legacy of duty,” Duterte said.

She said the exhibition showcases the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the country's vice presidents to demonstrate that leadership is “a conscious decision to put the welfare of others above your own.”

Duterte also thanked the OVP's local partners for helping bring the exhibit directly to communities, saying their support proves that the values of duty and leadership remain alive in every region.

Addressing students, the Vice President encouraged them to draw inspiration from Philippine history.

“Our history proves that any Filipino can lead. You only need courage and a sense of duty. Let this exhibit remind you that you, too, can lead our nation,” she said.

As the exhibit continues its nationwide tour, Duterte invited Filipinos to join the celebration of the OVP's 90 years of “duty, continuity, and legacy.” — /IHM (FREEMAN)