OUTGOING Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III has called on the incoming 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to support Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro to ensure the province’s continued progress.
Davide made the appeal during his farewell address on Monday, June 23, 2025, as the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan held its final session.
His call for unity comes after Baricuatro, a political newcomer, secured an upset victory in the May 12 midterm polls against outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who was seeking a third consecutive term.
The incoming board, however, will be largely composed of members allied with Garcia’s One Cebu Party. Incoming Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, Garcia’s former running mate, has expressed openness to Baricuatro’s plans but emphasized that support will be subject to the consensus of the board as a collective body.
In his remarks, Davide urged the new board to “continue to uphold the dignity of this institution and help our province move forward united in vision, steady in purpose and strong in resolve.”
He reflected on his collaboration with Garcia, noting that despite coming from opposing parties, they set aside political differences in service of Cebu.
“Leadership is never about one person; it is about all of you rowing in the same direction,” Davide said.
Davide, who lost his bid for Cebu’s Second District congressional seat, also presented Garcia with a plaque for her service to the province.
The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will expand to 20 members with the addition of Nilo Seno and Malcolm Sanchez from the newly created Lone District of Mandaue City.
The outgoing Members of the 16th Sanggunian Panlalawigan are Raul Bacaltos, Kathleen Daan, John Ismael Borgonia, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Carmela Franco, Thadeo Jovito Ouano, Jerome Librando, Caroline Bacaltos and Jerico Rubio. The incoming members of the 17th Sanggunian Panlalawigan are Antonio Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya (1st District); Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon (2nd District); Julius Corominas and Dason Lorenz Lagon (3rd District); Nelson Mondigo and Kerrie Shimura (4th District); Red Duterte and Mike Villamor (5th District); Alfred Ouano (6th District); Cesar Baricuatro and Paz Rozgoni (7th District); Nilo Seno, Malcolm Sanchez (Mandaue Lone District); and Nick Pepito, Loren Singco and Celestino Martinez III (Ex-officio members). / EHP