Cebu provincial and local leaders recognized Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. during his recent visit to the province, citing his appointment to the Cabinet and continued engagement with local government units.
The Cebu Provincial Government, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, joined the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Cebu Chapter, mayors from Cebu’s tri-cities—Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City—and the Liga ng Mga Barangay–Cebu Province Chapter in honoring Abalos through formal resolutions and public tributes.
The resolutions cited Abalos’ appointment as Cabinet Secretary and his efforts to maintain close coordination with local governments, particularly in addressing concerns raised by communities and local officials.
The recognition was held during a thanksgiving lunch hosted by the LMP–Cebu Chapter, attended by provincial, city and municipal leaders, including Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Philip Lo, Governor Baricuatro, Vice Governor Soco, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and mayors from across the province.
The Liga ng Mga Barangay–Cebu Province Chapter also recognized Abalos during a special portion of its 3rd Quarter ABC Chapter Presidents Meeting through Barangay Provincial President Hon. Celestino A. Martinez III.
The gathering also highlighted the appointment of two other Cebuanos to key national government positions. Local leaders congratulated Lo on his appointment as Presidential Assistant for the Visayas and Usec. Atty. Bret Monsanto on his appointment as Undersecretary of the Office of the President–Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
In her remarks, Baricuatro described Abalos as a unifying figure among Cebu’s mayors, citing his role in fostering cooperation among local leaders despite political differences.
Soco, meanwhile, recalled Abalos’ assistance to communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu in October 2025. He said Abalos personally extended PHP 1,000,000 in financial assistance to affected Cebuanos using his own funds.
The gathering also underscored the importance of continued coordination between national and local governments, particularly in responding to emergencies and advancing programs and services at the community level.
For Cebu’s local leaders, Abalos’ visit provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with the national government and reaffirm a shared commitment to putting local concerns at the center of public service.
