CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu officials have secured key national positions in two major local government leagues, highlighting the province’s growing influence in local governance at the national level.
Cebu Provincial Board Member Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito, serving as ex-officio Board member, was elected national vice chairperson of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) on March 3, 2026, during the league’s national convention at Hilton Manila.
Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Kerrie Keane G. Shimura of Cebu’s 4th District was elected National Auditor of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) during its 34th National Convention, held from March 2–3 at The Manila Hotel.
As national vice chairman of PCL, Pepito pledged to the following: Advocate for policies that empower local government units; Strengthen leadership development among councilors; Encourage innovation and best practices in local legislation; and Uphold integrity, accountability, and servant leadership.
“Let us continue to build bridges, not barriers. Let us serve not for recognition, but for impact. And let us always remember that public office is a public trust,” Pepito said following his election.
Pepito and other elected officials of PCL-National took their oaths of office on March 5, before Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remilla.
Pepito currently serves as president of both the PCL-Cebu Federation and PCL-Region 7, representing the league as an ex-officio member of the Provincial Board. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration and capacity-building among Cebu legislators.
“It is not an easy job, I know, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. This position is not just a title; it is a commitment. A commitment to strengthen the voice of every councilor across our nation. A commitment to champion responsive legislation, transparent governance, and meaningful programs that uplift our communities,” Pepito said.
“Let us continue to build bridges, not barriers. Let us serve not for recognition, but for impact. And let us always remember that public office is a public trust,” Pepito added.
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco also attended the 34th PBMLP National Convention, showing full support for the Cebu Board members.
He commended their dedication to public service and highlighted Cebu’s active role in advancing responsive and effective local governance.
The recent elections underscore Cebu’s increasing influence of its leaders in shaping policy and legislative practices across the Philippines.
The Cebu Provincial Government extends its congratulations to Board Members Pepito and Shimura for their new national roles.
| Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon
