Pepito urges fellow councilors: Be resilient, responsive leaders

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Vice Chairperson Ricardo Pepito called on local legislators in Central Visayas to strengthen resilient and responsive governance amid climate change, health emergencies, economic crises, and other challenges.

Pepito, who is also president of the PCL-Cebu Federation and PCL Region 7, delivered the message during the PCL Week Celebration 2026 held from September 29 to October 1 in Bohol, under the theme, “Anchoring Local Governance on Global Resilience, Protecting Filipinos Across Borders.”

“When crisis comes, they look to us,” Pepito said.

He stressed that local governments are often the first institutions approached by communities during floods, typhoons, health emergencies, livelihood problems, and security concerns.

He said councilors should recognize that ordinances, policies, and budget decisions are not merely documents or figures because these can directly affect people’s lives.

Pepito urged local legislators to strengthen disaster preparedness, health services, livelihood, education, and environmental protection as part of building resilient communities.

“Resilience is not only about surviving. We prepare. We adapt. We recover. We rise stronger,” he said.

Pepito also underscored the need for local governments to remain responsive to Filipinos who leave their communities to work or study in other provinces, islands, and countries.

He said local governments should support families left behind, improve information systems, and provide opportunities for those who eventually return home.

“Bisan asa pa moadto ang usa ka Filipino, they should always have a place they can call home,” said Pepito, who is also an ex-officio member of the Cebu Provincial Board.

He reminded fellow councilors that their role goes beyond lawmaking, describing them as community builders, policymakers, problem solvers, and bridge builders.

Pepito urged councilors to ask three questions when crafting ordinances and policies: who would benefit, what would be their impact, and whether the policies would prepare communities for the future.

He ended his message with three words that he said should guide local governance: Prepare. Protect. Progress.

“Ang tinuod nga progress dili lang masukod sa mga building o proyekto. Masukod kini sa mga kinabuhi nga atong nausab alang sa mas maayo,” Pepito added. — /MRM (FREEMAN)