𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌: 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Tuesday emphasized the need for a government that is felt most during crises, as she pushed for stronger disaster preparedness, deeper collaboration, and people-centered governance following the province’s recent experience with successive calamities.
Drawing from her experiences as Cebu’s chief executive when the province was battered by multiple disasters last year, the governor called for a more compassionate and collaborative approach to governance in her keynote address at the Leaders’ Forum organized by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG.
“In those moments, you realize that leadership is not just about plans, structures, or systems. Leadership becomes about presence: being there, listening, responding with urgency, but also with compassion,” she said at the summit held in a Lapu-Lapu City hotel on April 28.
“Leadership is not measured by how we lead in easy times—but by how we stand with our people when they need us the most,” she added.
The summit, themed “Bridging Leaders, Building Hope,” gathered around 40 local leaders, including Cebu mayors and key partners, for a day of learning exchange and discussions on shared challenges, leadership, and opportunities for collaboration, as well as global issues such as the Middle East conflict.
Other speakers included Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Isabela City, Basilan Mayor Sitti Djalia Turanin-Hataman, Del Carmen, Siargao Mayor Alfredo Coro II, Negros Occidental Congressman Javier Benitez, and Board Member Jason Gonzales of Iloilo Province.
The event also marked the launch of the UP NCPAG CLCD’s Executive Course on Leadership and Governance, aimed at promoting effective and responsive leadership among public servants.
“Leadership today is no longer about working alone. It is about working together—bridging leaders, sharing experiences, and learning from one another,” she said, noting that issues ranging from disasters to economic and social pressures cannot be solved by a single office alone.
Moving forward, the governor said Cebu will continue strengthening its disaster response and preparedness systems while expanding partnerships to ensure inclusive recovery, emphasizing that no Cebuano should be left behind in times of crisis. She closed by calling on fellow leaders to remain steadfast in public service, especially during difficult times. | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬
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