Governor Pam’s measure of leadership

Leadership is most clearly revealed in times of crisis.

Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro demonstrated this when she chose to cut short her official travel to China after learning that Typhoon Basyang was forecast to hit Cebu. Despite the importance of her overseas official appointment, she made a decisive choice: to return home and be on duty with her constituents.

Baricuatro wrote, “Cebu, I’m coming home.” She explained, “After a successful first day in Fujian, China, marked by meaningful engagements and strengthened partnerships. I am cutting my official overseas mission short to return Cebu.”

She anticipated that by the time the typhoon hit Cebu around Thursday, January 5, or Friday, January 6, she would already be with her constituents. She immediately arranged a flight back to Cebu and said, “See you in a few hours, Cebu.”

Although she expressed full confidence in her team at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, knowing that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is composed of competent and well-prepared people who fully understand disaster protocols based on the past experience, she emphasized that she cannot continue diplomatic engagements abroad knowing that Cebu will be affected by a typhoon.

She is hands-on and has seen the effectiveness of being on the ground. She proved this last year when she served as the ground commander after Cebu was hit by two catastrophic calamities: the 6.9-magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Tino. She knows exactly that her presence is badly needed, especially in times of crises.

Hence, even if her official trip to China was her first overseas mission since assuming office as governor, she chose to cut it short. Her decision sent a strong message: her priority was the safety and welfare her constituents.

The leader’s presence during calamities is not just symbolic, but essential. It allows for faster decisions, active mobilization of people, better coordination, and reassurance to communities facing uncertainty. Although, as part of preparation Governor Pam conducted an online meeting with her lieutenants while she was abroad, yet she realized the necessity of her presence in the ground.

This action runs counter to public recollection of events last November 4, 2025, when Typhoon Tino devastated Cebu. At that time, 5th District Congressman Duke Frasco, his wife DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, and the district’s mayors, except the mayor of Danao City and Borbo town, were reported to be in the United Kingdom despite the incoming storm. While constituents prepared for impact, their leaders were away.

The comparison highlights an important truth: public office is not about convenience or privilege. It is about presence, responsibility, and sacrifice.

When the storm comes, people remember who chose to stand with them --and who chose to be elsewhere. They obviously know what their leaders’ priorities are.