In a year-end reflection, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has identified the province's disaster response and recovery efforts as the most significant accomplishment of her first six months in office. This assessment comes in the wake of two major calamities: a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake and the devastating Super Typhoon Tino.
Transparency and Coordination in Crisis
Governor Baricuatro shared her thoughts in a personal Facebook post on Sunday, December 28, 2025, marking the half-year point since she assumed office on July 1, 2025. She emphasized that these twin disasters tested the provincial government's emergency capabilities and reinforced the critical need for transparency, coordination, and swift aid delivery to affected communities.
The administration's focus, according to the Governor, has been on restoring basic services and maintaining direct engagement with local government units (LGUs). This approach aimed to ensure that relief distribution was both rapid and efficient. A point of pride highlighted was the transparent management of donations, where the province guaranteed that all assistance received was properly recorded, acknowledged, and distributed.
"The role of the province is to facilitate help to support cities and municipalities in responding to their constituents," Baricuatro stated. She also encouraged national government agencies to partner directly with LGUs to expedite relief operations and avoid duplication of efforts. Beyond material aid, providing hot meals in evacuation centers was prioritized to preserve human dignity during the emergency.
Beyond Disaster: Economy and Governance
While rehabilitation was paramount, Governor Baricuatro also underscored economic recovery for Cebuano families as a key priority. She expressed gratitude to the national government, foreign partners, the private sector, and individuals who contributed to the relief and recovery initiatives.
The Governor also addressed criticisms from figures associated with the previous administration. She asserted that she remains focused on service, transparency, and accountability, dismissing what she called "baseless accusations."
Legislative Backing: The Provincial Board's Record
Supporting the executive branch's efforts, the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cebu reported a productive legislative session. Since July 2025, the provincial board has passed no fewer than 13 ordinances and 1,705 resolutions.
These measures span crucial areas including healthcare, disaster response, education, transparency, and budget. Through its "Beyond Legislation" Facebook page, the board announced that its regular sessions are livestreamed, allowing the public to witness deliberations presided over by Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco. This move aligns with the administration's stated commitment to open governance.
The combined executive and legislative actions outline a provincial government defining its early tenure by its response to crisis, with a stated foundation built on direct action, transparent processes, and collaborative recovery.
