Cebu local officials honor Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos By: Minerva Newman

CEBU CITY — In a striking show of regional unity, Cebu’s top provincial and municipal figures set aside political divides to honor Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., highlighting his knack for bridging national governance with local priorities.

The gathering, anchored by a thanksgiving lunch hosted by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Cebu Chapter on August 17, brought together a formidable lineup of local leadership. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco joined forces with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the tri-city leadership of Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City, and the Liga ng Mga Barangay–Cebu Province Chapter to bestow formal resolutions and public tributes on the Cabinet chief.

Governor Baricuatro commended Abalos as a unifying force across the province, noting his ability to build consensus and maintain an open line of communication with local government units. The sentiment was echoed during a special session of the 3rd Quarter ABC Chapter Presidents Meeting led by Barangay Provincial President Hon. Celestino A. Martinez III, where local grassroots officials formally added their commendations.

The tribute also carried an emotional note of gratitude. Vice Governor Soco highlighted Abalos’ rapid hands-on response following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit northern Cebu in October 2025, recalling how Abalos extended PHP 1,000,000 in personal financial aid directly to impacted communities.

The gathering served a dual purpose, doubling as a celebration for two prominent Cebuanos stepping into key national roles: newly appointed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Philip Lo and Office of the President Undersecretary Atty. Bret Monsanto.

Formal Commendations: Resolutions passed by the Provincial Board, LMP–Cebu Chapter, and Liga ng Mga Barangay recognized Abalos’ appointment and ongoing support for municipal concerns.

Disaster Response Remembered: Local leaders cited his direct support during the northern Cebu earthquake recovery efforts. Discussions focused on streamlining national programs and strengthening regional emergency response capabilities and celebrated the national appointments of PA Visayas Philip Lo and OCS Undersecretary Atty. Bret Monsanto alongside Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and provincial mayors.

The event reaffirmed a shared commitment between national officials and Cebu’s leadership to keep local community needs at the forefront of public policy. (Photos: Office of CabSec)