Cebu Provincial Board (PB) Member Cesar Baricuatro delivered a privilege speech on Monday, October 13, urging unity, cooperation, and solidarity in the face of misinformation, disunity, and distrust—especially on social media.
During the regular session of the Cebu Provincial Board (PB), Baricuatro called on the public to work hand in hand with the Provincial Government, local officials, uniformed personnel, private sector, and volunteers to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts for areas affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30.
He also commended the leadership of Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, highlighting her presence and proactive response during the crisis. PB Baricuatro praised the people’s governor for providing guidance at a time when the people needed it most.
He also recognized Vice Governor Glenn Soco and the members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan for their solidarity and active involvement in extending aid to the affected areas, which include Bogo City and the municipalities of Catmon, Sogod, Borbon, Tabogon, Tabuelan, San Remigio, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Madridejos, and Santa Fe.
“Our relief and recovery efforts are far from over—they are continuing and ever-evolving,” Baricuatro said. “Rebuilding takes time, but it also brings the opportunity to rise stronger and be better prepared.”
He said that each day brings “progress, hope, and renewed determination,” and that with continued coordination and cooperation, Cebu will not only recover but emerge as “a province that is more resilient, more compassionate, and more equipped for the challenges ahead.”
Baricuatro quoted Police Regional Office 7 Director Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, who earlier stated: “I would like to take my hats off to the Governor of the Province, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, for orchestrating a very effective, very responsive, and very efficient disaster response.” He echoed this statement, saying it reflected what true leadership and effective crisis management should look like.
“From the first hours following the earthquake, the various departments and offices of the Capitol were immediately mobilized. Rescue trucks, ambulances, and relief vehicles were deployed without delay. And even as aftershocks continued, the Governor herself stood alongside our LGU officials and responders—offering not just direction, but encouragement and hope,” he said.
PB Baricuatro said he hopes that the spirit of unity among Cebuanos will continue as the rebuilding process moves forward.
“We must remember that in times like these, emotions run high. Our people are grieving, anxious, and afraid—and understandably so. We are all affected, some more deeply than others. That is why, now more than ever, we must choose understanding, communication, and cooperation,” PB Baricuatro added.
He said that Governor Baricuatro has shown what it means to lead with calm, compassion, and courage, and called on fellow officials to follow her example.
“It is now our duty, as elected officials, as members of this Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and as proud Cebuanos, to mirror that same leadership with our own sense of responsibility—to be instruments of peace, unity, and cooperation,” he said.
PB Baricuatro also extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who selflessly contributed their time and efforts to assist northern Cebu.
“To all our responders, private donors, frontliners, public officials, and our people—thank you,” he said.
“To my fellow public servants, let us continue to show our constituents that we can set aside differences and unite as one. And to our fellow Cebuanos, especially those from the towns and cities affected by the recent earthquake, I say this: you are not alone. You have a Provincial Government—led by Governor Baricuatro—that stands with you, ready to lead us toward a stronger, more resilient Cebu, prepared to face any challenge ahead,” Baricuatro concluded. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
