PB to hold out-of-town session in Madridejos

CEBU, Philippines — The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cebu is set to hold its first-ever out-of-town regular session on June 22 at the Municipal Hall of Madridejos in Bantayan Island.

Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco said the activity marks a milestone for the current Provincial Board, which has yet to conduct an out-of-town session since assuming office due to various challenges faced by the province.

According to Soco, the conduct of sessions outside the Capitol is allowed under the SP's internal rules of procedure, which provide for at least one out-of-town session every quarter.

"Ang pag-regular session outside, it's provided for internal rules of procedure that we are to conduct out-of-town session once every quarter," Soco said.

He explained that previous calamities and states of emergency prevented the Provincial Board from carrying out the activity as scheduled.

The Provincial Board selected Madridejos as the venue asas it is the northernmost municipality of Cebu Province, allowing provincial officials to directly engage with residents in the island communities.

"We chose Madridejos because it's considered to be the northernmost municipality of the Province. That is really the intention, we can touch base with the local communities," Soco added.

Aside from the regular session, members of the Provincial Board are scheduled to participate in several activities in Bantayan Island, including a consultative meeting with members of the Sangguniang Bayan and an outreach program following a Mass.

The Office of the Vice Governor will also conduct a parliamentary procedures seminar for local legislators, legislative staff, and barangay officials from the municipalities of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe.

The training aims to strengthen the understanding of parliamentary rules and legislative processes among local officials and personnel, in line with efforts to improve legislative efficiency and governance at the local level.

Meanwhile, Soco said all members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan have confirmed their attendance for the activity. Each board member is expected to bring three staff members from their respective offices.

Funding for the activity will come from the respective offices of the board members, as well as from the offices of the Vice Governor and the SP Secretary.

As part of the regular session, the Provincial Board will tackle endorsements and communications from various cities and municipalities in Cebu, along with resolutions to be introduced by board members.

"Being a regular session, we'll take up the normal routines. Meaning getting endorsements from the different municipalities and cities under the Province of Cebu and there will be resolutions that will be filed by the respective board members," Soco said.

Soco added that an invitation has already been sent to Governor Pamela Baricuatro informing her of the scheduled activities in Bantayan Island.

This regular session is part of the Provincial Board's effort to strengthen community engagement and make provincial governance more accessible to Cebuanos in far-flung areas. (CEBU NEWS)