OUTGOING Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III called on incoming members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to support Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro.
Davide made the appeal in his farewell address on Monday, June 23, 2025, saying that the support to the new administration will ensure the province's continued progress.
The 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, with Davide as presiding officer, concluded its last session at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall.
Several outgoing provincial board members were recognized and honored, through plaque of appreciation, for their contributions to the local legislative institution. They shared their parting message to their fellow members who will continue in the next administration.
Baricuatro, a newcomer to politics, defeated outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the May 12 midterm elections.
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Most members of the new Provincial Board are affiliated with or aligned with the One Cebu Party, chaired by Garcia.
Incoming Vice Governor Glenn Soco, Garcia's party ally, told reporters he is willing to consider Baricuatro's agenda.
However, he stressed that the Provincial Board as a collective body will decide the extent of their support for the new governor's priorities.
During Monday's session, the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan also recognized Garcia's contribution and commitment. Davide presented her with a Plaque of Gratitude Award for her service to Cebuanos.
Support
In his speech, Davidr said that despite changes in administration, the job of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan members "to serve the people of Cebu remains constant."
“Leadership is never about one person; it is about all of you rowing in the same direction, for the good of our province and the generations to come,” he said.
Davide said that unity and love for the province should guide every legislative deliberation over the next three years.
“Continue to uphold the dignity of this institution and help our province move forward united in vision, steady in purpose, and strong in resolve,” Davide said.
He also thanked Garcia for her "trust and confidence" as vice governor, despite their opposing political parties in past elections.
“We both were aware of the lingering animosity and wounds caused by past elections. However, it did not stop us from putting our differences aside and working together for the good of Cebu and the Cebuanos,” Davide said.
Davide lost his bid for Cebu Second District Representative against incumbent Edcel Galeos. He previously served as governor for two consecutive terms in 2013 and 2016.
“Our unexpected relationship reinforced my earlier belief about leadership that no matter how ugly and toxic politics can be, there is always room for reconciliation, even friendship, for the common and greater good,” said Davide.
New Sanggunian
Incoming Vice Governor Soco clarified that the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will hold its first regular session on July 7, a week after the transition period.
The new legislative assembly will have 20 members, including two new representatives from the Lone District of Mandaue City.
Preparations are underway for the inauguration of the newly renovated session hall on the fourth floor of the legislative building, at the back the Capitol building. This includes two new offices for Mandaue's representatives, Nilo Seno and Malcolm Sanchez.
Soco cited the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan's achievements, including policies implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022 and the expansion of economic development programs like Sugbo Negosyo and Sugbo Kahanas.
Infrastructure projects, such as multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, and road repairs, were also completed. He also mentioned the passage of the P25 billion annual budget for 2025, the highest in the provincial government's history.
The outgoing members of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan include Raul Bacaltos, Kathleen Daan, John Ismael Borgonia, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Carmela Franco, Thadeo Jovito Ouano, Jerome Librando, Caroline Bacaltos, and Jerico Rubio.
Incoming members are Antonio Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya (first district); Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon (second district); Julius Corominas and Dason Lorenz Lagon (third district); Nelson Mondigo and Kerrie Shimura (fourth district); Red Duterte and Mike Villamor (fifth district); Dason Larenz Lagon and Alfred Ouano (sixth district); and Cesar Baricuatro and Paz Rozgoni (seventh district).
Ex-officio members will be Nick Pepito, Loren Singco, and Tining Martinez. (EHP)