The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cebu will hold its first regular session outside the Capitol on June 22, with Madridejos in Bantayan Island designated as the host municipality.
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco said the move aims to bring the legislative process closer to residents, particularly in far-flung island communities, and improve public access to provincial governance.
Soco said the conduct of out-of-town sessions is authorized under the board’s internal rules but was delayed in previous years due to emergencies and calamities.
“Ang pag regular session outside, it’s provided for internal rules of procedure that we are to conduct out-of-town session once every quarter,” Soco said.
He added that earlier plans were not implemented due to successive crises that affected provincial operations.
“Because of the calamities that we have experienced, state of emergencies that has been declared so wa gyud to namo nahimo,” he said.
The Madridejos session marks the first such activity under the 17th SP, with the vice governor saying the initiative is expected to be expanded to other areas in Cebu in succeeding quarters.
“Until karon, this would be the first for the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan and we’re really looking forward to bring our session to the municipalities and cities in the entire province,” Soco said.
Madridejos was chosen for its geographic location as the northernmost municipality of Cebu.
“We chose Madridejos because it’s considered to be the northern most municipality of the Province. That is really the intention, we can touch base with the local communities,” he said.
Aside from the regular session, provincial board members are scheduled to hold a consultative dialogue with members of the Madridejos Sangguniang Bayan to discuss local concerns and legislative priorities.
The Office of the Vice Governor will also conduct a parliamentary procedures seminar for local legislators, legislative staff, and barangay officials from Bantayan, Madridejos, and Sta. Fe to strengthen understanding of legislative processes.
An outreach activity is also scheduled after a Mass, with all members of the Provincial Board confirming attendance.
Each board member will bring three staff members, with expenses charged to their respective offices and the offices of the SP Secretariat and Vice Governor.
Soco said the session will still cover regular legislative business, including resolutions and endorsements from local government units.
He added that Governor Pamela Baricuatro has been formally informed of the planned activity through an official invitation from the Provincial Board.
Photo courtesy of Beyond Legislation
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