PB ends term with call for unity

CEBU, Philippines — As the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cebu wrapped up its final session on June 23, 2025, outgoing Vice Governor Hilario Davide III called on the incoming 17th SP to extend full support and collaboration to the incoming administration of Governor-elect Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro.

In his farewell speech at the Cebu Provincial Capitol’s Session hall, Davide urged the next set of provincial lawmakers to give their “full support and cooperation” to Baricuatro.

“Leadership may change, but your duty and obligation to serve the people of Cebu remain constant,” he said in front of board members and guests.

Davide encouraged the incoming board to be united in vision and steady in purpose, upholding the dignity of the institution while helping move the province forward.

He also expressed appreciation for outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, describing their working relationship as an “unexpected but productive partnership,” despite being from opposing political camps.

“There is always room for reconciliation,” he said.

Davide, who served Cebu for 12 years including as governor of the Province for two terms and as vice governor for another two terms, emphasized that public office is a public trust and shared that he had endeavored to lead with honesty, adherence to the law, and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

“If it is not indigestion, it must be gratitude,” he quipped.

In a separate interview, Davide advised the incoming board members to work closely with Baricuatro and to continue legacy programs like Sugbo Kahanas, Sugbo Negosyo, and SugBusog, which he said had uplifted many lives in Cebu.

When asked for advice to the incoming governor, Davide said: “She made promises; she just has to fulfill them… Don’t give Cebuanos the reason to regret sa ilang gipili.”

Soco reaffirms collaboration

Vice Governor-elect Glenn Anthony Soco echoed the call for collaboration and reaffirmed his earlier statement that he would listen to Baricuatro regarding the future of ongoing projects and tourism initiatives like Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

“If that’s her direction, then we can support it,” he said.

While all 19 incoming board members are aligned with One Cebu, Soco said cooperation with the new governor is expected.

“We will make sure that all measures required in the SP are reviewed, discussed, and supported if they benefit the Cebuanos,” he added.

Soco, who served as board member of the 6th District, also commended Davide’s steady leadership.

“You set the tone for unity and progress,” he said.

He added that the 16th SP not only legislated but also extended direct services to the districts, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette, when the board authorized emergency funds.

Among the key accomplishments of the outgoing SP, Soco highlighted the passage of the P25-billion annual budget and the implementation of programs such as Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbo Kahanas, and the Enhanced Countryside Development, which he said contributed to economic recovery and livelihood support.

He noted that ordinances supporting flagship programs are already in place and should continue unless the new governor requests changes.

Valedictory speeches

Outgoing board members also delivered valedictory messages and honored their late colleagues—Horacio Franco of the 4th District and Yolanda Daan of the 1st District—who passed away while in office.

Thadeo Jovito Ouano of the 6th District thanked Garcia for her decisive leadership and said he would bring lessons from the board to his new role as mayor of Mandaue City.

Victoria Corominas-Toribio of the 3rd District reflected on how her political career had shaped her values.

Raul Bacaltos, board member from the 1st District, advised the incoming members to review executive proposals carefully and act in the best interest of constituents.

“Akong tambag sa mga bag-o na members sa Provincial Board, kung duna man gani request nga himoon from the Executive, if you feel nga acceptable ra ninyo, then accept it,” he said.

John Ismael Borgonia of the 3rd District emphasized people-centered governance. "We always listen to our people," he said.

Jerome Librando, outgoing 7th District board member and mayor-elect of Badian, said the board “stood firm in many decisions” that shaped the province.

Caroline Bacaltos, ex-officio PCL member and mayor-elect of Sibonga, expressed gratitude for the trust, camaraderie, and collaborative governance.

Those absent during the final session were Kathleen Daan of the 1st District, Minuel Carmela Franco of the 4th District, and former ex-officio member Jerico Rubio of the Sangguniang Kabataan. Kerrie Shimura delivered the speech on behalf of Franco.

All members of the 16th SP were awarded plaques of recognition for their service, legislative contributions, and commitment to the people of Cebu.

Several incoming members of the 17th SP attended the session. Among the fresh faces joining the

Provincial Board are Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos Jr., Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya, Julius Anthony Corominas, Lorenz Lagon, Nelson Mondigo, Larenz Lagon, Alfred Francis “Alfie” Ouano, Paz “Lingling” Rozgoni, Nilo “Olin” Seno, and Malcolm Sanchez. — (FREEMAN)