The Cebu Provincial Government has officially revived the sectoral committees of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) after a six-year hiatus, marking a strategic move to strengthen the review process for projects before they are endorsed to the full council. This revival comes in preparation for the full council meeting scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, with the Economic and Social Sectors holding separate meetings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to discuss the Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) of various government entities.
Significance of the Revival
According to an announcement posted on Facebook by the Capitol's Public Information Office, the reinstatement of the Sectoral Committee meetings is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing inter-agency coordination and improving overall planning and decision-making at the provincial governance level. This initiative aims to foster more efficient and transparent processes in evaluating development projects.
Economic Sector Meeting Details
During the Economic Sector meeting, attendees included Provincial Board Members Cesar Baricuatro and Lakambini Reluya, along with department heads from the Provincial Government. Representatives from key national agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Department of Transportation were also present. Marcial Menchavez of the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative served as chairperson and presiding officer, with Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas acting as co-chairperson.
Social Sector Meeting Overview
The Social Sector meeting was presided over by Jorame Pacaña of the St. John Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative. Agencies that presented their PAPs included the Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Police Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment, Cebu Normal University, Department of Health, Department of Education, Land Transportation Office, Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, National Food Authority, Philippine Science High School–Central Visayas Campus, Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Commission on Population and Development. Provincial Board Members such as Lakambini Reluya, Raymond Joseph Calderon, Paz Rozgoni, and Julius Anthony Corominas, along with Capitol department heads, attended this session.
Outcomes and Positive Responses
In both meetings, it was agreed that a draft resolution outlining key observations and recommendations would be submitted for review, deliberation, and approval by the PDC Full Council. National government agencies responded positively to the revived sectoral meetings, noting that the discussions facilitated clearer articulation of project details, early resolution of concerns, and more meaningful technical exchanges prior to the full council deliberations. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline project implementation and enhance governance effectiveness in Cebu Province.
