Metro Manila, Philippines – Cebu officials sought stronger coordination between local and national governments during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., citing the importance of direct engagement with Malacañang in addressing local concerns and responding to emergencies.
The gathering brought together Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Philip Lo, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and mayors from across the province.
Baricuatro described Abalos as a unifying figure among Cebu mayors, saying his engagement with local officials has helped foster cooperation despite political differences.
Abalos previously served as interior secretary, a post that put him in direct coordination with governors, mayors and other local officials nationwide. He now serves as Cabinet secretary under the Office of the President.
His ties with Cebu were also tested during the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu in October 2025.
Soco said Abalos personally provided ₱1 million from his own funds to help communities affected by the earthquake.
The Cebu officials cited the experience as an example of the importance of coordination between the national government and LGUs during emergencies.
Abalos was in Cebu for a gathering hosted by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter.
The Cebu Provincial Government and Sangguniang Panlalawigan, along with the LMP-Cebu Chapter and officials from Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, also passed resolutions recognizing Abalos following his appointment to the Cabinet.
The resolutions cited his continued engagement with local governments and efforts to address concerns raised by communities and local officials.
The Liga ng mga Barangay-Cebu Province Chapter separately recognized Abalos during its third-quarter meeting.
The gathering also highlighted two Cebuanos recently appointed to key national government posts.
Lo was appointed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, while lawyer Bret Monsanto was named undersecretary of the Office of the President-Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
With Abalos now serving in Malacañang, Cebu officials said sustained national-local coordination would be important in advancing programs and services and ensuring that concerns from communities reach the national government.
