Pam: Calamity-hit Cebu may take time to fully recover

Local

THE ground shook violently, buildings crumbled, and streets split under the weight of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake. Before communities could even recover, Typhoon Tino’s howling winds and relentless rains swept across Cebu, flooding towns and uprooting lives.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the province will need about a year to fully recover from the twin disasters.

In an interview with veteran broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez on Bilyonaryo News Channel on Monday night, Nov. 17, Baricuatro explained the combined impact of recent calamities disrupted livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services.

She said it would take roughly a year before Cebu can return to pre-disaster situations.

"It would probably take a year before we can really go back to normal as we were before. For now, 80 percent of power is restored, 75 percent of water is restored, but as far as the economy is concerned, it would probably take a year before we can really recover fully,” the governor said.

Baricuatro compared the current situation to the historic Typhoon Ruping, which also left a long-lasting mark on the province.

The governor highlighted the timing of the disasters as a major factor that intensified their effects.

The earthquake struck first, damaging roads, hospitals, schools, and private homes.

Before the province could fully recover, Typhoon Tino struck, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and localized flooding.

Baricuatro said it was fortunate that the typhoon did not directly hit the municipalities most affected by the earthquake, otherwise the combined devastation would have been far worse.

“We had two calamities back-to-back: the earthquake first, then the typhoon. It was providential that the typhoon didn’t hit the same municipalities affected by the earthquake,” she said.

Baricuatro credited the national government for quickly mobilizing relief and assistance.

She noted the crucial role of emergency response teams and agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Hospitals damaged by the earthquake were repaired and reopened, while relief goods, potable water, and temporary shelters were provided to displaced families.

Baricuatro also acknowledged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s personal oversight of recovery operations, as well as the hands-on support of key officials including Secretaries Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, DPWH Vince Dizon, and DSWD Rex Gatchalian.

Meanwhile, she said local leadership played a critical role

in reducing casualties.

Baricuatro cited local government units such as Minglanilla and Danao City, which enforced strict forced evacuations, reported fewer deaths compared with areas where evacuations were delayed or optional.

Baricuatro emphasized that proactive disaster response, proper planning, and coordination among local officials can significantly save lives, even in extreme conditions.

Baricuatro also shed light on the issue of several Cebu officials facing scrutiny for traveling abroad during Typhoon Tino.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reviewing travel permits that allowed mayors and other officials to visit Europe during the height of the storm.

In September, Baricuatro signed travel authorities permitting Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco, Poro Mayor Edgar Rama, Tudela Mayor Greman Solante, Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, Catmon Mayor Avis Ginoo-Monleon, and San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. to travel, with some trips overlapping the typhoon period.

Baricuatro clarified that her office approved some permits along with the DILG FTA portal, while others lacked DILG approval.

She emphasized that local officials and the national agency share responsibility for complying with DILG regulations.

The national government is now reviewing whether these absences affected disaster response or violated directives that require local leaders to remain in their jurisdictions during emergencies.

The governor stressed that officials must maintain accountability and transparency to rebuild public trust as recovery continues.

She praised local leaders who stayed on the ground and led evacuations, noting that decisive leadership during disasters can mean the difference between life and death.

Baricautro cited Borbon Mayor Nico Dotillos as the only Cebu official who canceled a UK trip to focus on preparations for Typhoon Tino.

Additionally, she also reiterated the need for continuous coordination between local and national government units to protect communities from future calamities.(MyTVCebu)