Governor Pamela Baricuatro has revealed that her initial half-year leading Cebu Province was overwhelmingly shaped by managing major natural disasters and their immediate aftermath.
A Trial by Fire and Water
In a year-end statement released on Sunday, December 28, the governor, who took office on June 30, 2025, stated that the provincial government's primary focus was on disaster response and early recovery. This urgent need was driven by two catastrophic events: a powerful Magnitude 6.9 earthquake and the devastating Typhoon Tino, internationally known as Kalmaegi.
These successive calamities forced families from their homes, caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, and severely disrupted livelihoods across the island. Baricuatro emphasized that the provincial government's efforts were immediately directed toward restoring essential basic services for affected residents.
Timeline of Calamities and Coordinated Action
The seismic event, which rattled several parts of northern Cebu, occurred on September 30. Not long after, on November 4, Typhoon Tino unleashed a month's volume of rainfall in a single day. This deluge caused rivers to swell rapidly, sweeping through communities and resulting in hundreds of fatalities.
In response, the Provincial Government implemented a multi-faceted relief strategy. Key actions included:
- Ensuring close coordination with all local government units to streamline efforts.
- Strengthening partnerships with national agencies to prevent duplication of aid and resources.
- Providing hot meals in evacuation centers to address the fundamental needs of displaced individuals.
- Committing to transparent handling of all donations and relief assistance to maintain public trust.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and a Path Forward
Governor Baricuatro reported that while emergency response has transitioned, the work is far from over. Rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts remain ongoing across the province. The current focus is a sustained three-pronged approach:
- Restoring essential services to full capacity.
- Supporting livelihood recovery to help residents and businesses get back on their feet.
- Strengthening community resilience against future disasters.
These recovery initiatives are being implemented alongside broader measures designed to stimulate economic recovery for the entire province. The governor extended her gratitude to the National Government, foreign partners, and the private sector for their crucial support during the crises.
Baricuatro concluded by reaffirming her administration's core principles, stating she remains steadfastly focused on service, transparency, and accountability as Cebu continues its journey toward full recovery.
