‘LEADERSHIP IS NEVER ABOUT ONE PERSON’: Davide rallies support for Baricuatro

Local

OUTGOING Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III called on the incoming members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu to support the new administration led by Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro, as the Provincial Board held its final session on Monday, June 23.

Speaking before outgoing and incoming officials at the Social Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Davide emphasized the importance of cooperation and collective leadership for Cebu’s continued progress.

This is despite the change in leadership following the defeat of incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

“To the honorable members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, I ask that you give your support and cooperation to the incoming governor. Leadership may change, but your duty and obligation to serve the people of Cebu remain constant,” Davide said in his valedictory address.

Davide, a former Cebu governor who served as vice governor from 2019 to 2025, underscored the need for unity.

“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.

The session was marked by reflections and farewell speeches from outgoing members, many of whom recounted their time in office and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Several officials, including Atty. Raul Bacaltos and Kathleen Daan of the 1st District, John Ismael Borgonia and Victoria Corominas-Toribio of the 3rd District, Minuel Carmela Franco of the 4th District, and Jerome Christian Librando of the 7th District, will not be returning for the next term.

Outgoing 6th District Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco, who also joined the session, will also move on to a new role as the incoming vice governor, succeeding Davide. As well as his counterpart, Mandaue City Mayor-elect Jonkie Ouano.

Among those returning to the Provincial Board are Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon of the 2nd District, Kerrie Keane Shimura of the 4th District, and Andrei “Red” Duterte and Mike Villamor of the 5th District. Cesar Baricuatro will also continue representing the 7th District.

Others include ex-officio members Nick Pepito of the Philippine Councilors League, Celestino Martinez III of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and Loren Singco of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will welcome several newly elected members who are set to assume office on July 1.

These include Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya for the 1st District; Julius Anthony Corominas and Lorenz Lagon for the 3rd District; Nelson Mondigo for the 4th District; Larenz Lagon and Alfred Francis “Alfie” Ouano for the 6th District; and Paz “Lingling” Rozgoni for the 7th District.

For the first time, the lone district of Mandaue City will have representation in the Provincial Board through Nilo “Olin” Seno and Malcolm Sanchez.

Davide paid tribute to his colleagues, commending their “hard work, spirited discussions, and commitment to principled legislation.”

He also extended his appreciation to SP Secretary Atty. Pulchra Marie Acevedo and her staff, as well as to his own office team for their dedication and support.

He congratulated Vice Governor-elect Soco and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the next board with “wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of purpose.”

In his speech, Davide reflected on his 12-year service in the Provincial Government, and said he strove to live by the principle that “public office is a public trust.”

He served for six years as governor and another six as vice governor.

He also thanked Garcia for her cooperation during their shared tenure, despite political differences, and acknowledged the possibility of “reconciliation and friendship” in politics for the greater good of the province.

The final session also highlighted the outgoing board’s major accomplishments, including the recent passage of the “Integrated First 1000 Days in Early Childhood Care and Development Ordinance in Cebu."

The measure aims to combat malnutrition and stunting among children by institutionalizing comprehensive care and development strategies from pregnancy to age two.

It mandates LGUs to allocate funds, assign trained nutrition workers, and roll out structured interventions across Cebu.

As the province prepares for a new administration, the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan is expected to begin its work with a blend of new leadership and legislative experience.

Davide, in his final message, called on all board members to uphold the dignity of the institution and move forward “united in vision, steady in purpose, and strong in resolve” for the people of Cebu.(MyTVCebu)