In a decisive move to strengthen oversight of its multi-billion peso development initiatives, the Cebu Provincial Government has officially reconstituted the Provincial Project Monitoring Committee (PPMC). This step aims to ensure rigorous scrutiny, promote accountability, and guarantee that all infrastructure projects across the province adhere to legal and procedural standards.
Mandate and Budget for Transparent Governance
The revival of the PPMC is a direct response to Cebu's significant investment in public works. For the fiscal year 2026, the Province of Cebu operates under an approved annual budget of P11.9 billion. A substantial portion of this, 20% or approximately P2.3 billion, is specifically earmarked for infrastructure and development projects. The committee's re-establishment is central to the administration's drive for a transparent and accountable governance framework, especially critical for a province known for hosting some of the nation's most numerous projects.
Launch and Key Responsibilities
The committee was formally activated through Executive Order No. 15-A, series of 2025, issued by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro. Its inaugural meeting was attended by key provincial figures including Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Nerces Bispo, and Atty. Kevin Dinsay. Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province and civil society organizations, such as the LAW Center Inc., also participated.
The PPMC's mandate is comprehensive and includes several critical functions:
- Monitoring projects funded by national, local, and foreign sources.
- Identifying and verifying issues that could impede project implementation for submission to the Local Development Council.
- Analyzing implementation problems and providing corrective recommendations.
Commitment to Effective Implementation
Recognizing the weight of their responsibility, the newly formed PPMC members have unanimously agreed to undergo further training. This commitment is designed to ensure they can effectively execute their government mandate. The committee's work is seen as a foundational element in safeguarding the proper use of public funds and ensuring that infrastructure developments truly benefit the people of Cebu.
This proactive approach to project monitoring underscores the provincial government's priority to not only launch developments but to see them through with efficiency, integrity, and tangible results for its constituents.
