CEBU Governor Pam Baricuatro on Friday condemned what she described as a “preventable tragedy” following the recent flash floods that killed residents and damaged properties in parts of the province.
In a strongly worded social media post, Baricuatro said she was “furious” over the incident, stressing that decisive leadership and proper environmental management could have averted the disaster.
“This tragedy did not have to happen. Our people deserve leadership that acts decisively to prevent these disasters and protect our communities,” Baricuatro wrote.
While acknowledging that flood control funds are managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the governor said this “does not mean [the money] does not find its way to politicians.”
Baricuatro then issued a series of pointed questions directed at the previous provincial administration, asking why key issues in the Central Cebu Protected Watershed were not addressed when a conglomerate had proposed to build a dam.
She also questioned the alleged infighting with a neighboring official over watershed management, the continuation of quarrying and large-scale development in vulnerable areas, and the issuance of quarry permits “to cronies or without transparent due process.”
“Why was environmental protection given insufficient priority during that tenure, risking lives and livelihoods?” she asked.
Baricuatro ended her statement with the hashtag #JusticeForCebu, signaling a call for accountability and investigation into the environmental and political factors behind the flooding.
As of press time, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is still consolidating data on casualties and damage. The governor has ordered an immediate review of quarry operations and watershed policies across the province.
