Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, marked her first 100 days in office by highlighting transparency, service delivery, and people-first leadership as a vital part of her administration.
Baricuatro, the 28th governor of Cebu and the second female to hold the Capitol’s highest seat, said openness and accountability remain her guiding principles.
‘I’ve said this from Day One: true leadership is measured by service, integrity, and the courage to do what’s right even when it’s difficult,’ Baricuatro posted on her official Facebook page.
Baricuatro won over 1.1 million Cebuanos who elected her in May 2025, when she ran under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) and defeated former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
The governor identified three core priorities pursued during her first 100 days: service delivery and accountable governance, inclusive growth and investment, and people-centered leadership.
Among the reforms she cited were streamlined frontline services at the Capitol, faster health and social welfare responses, and tighter oversight on public funds to ensure transparency.
Baricuatro said every peso in government should be accounted for and must directly benefit families, barangays, and communities across Cebu.
On economic development, she underscored her expanded support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), along with farmers and coastal communities.
Infrastructure and digital connectivity investments have also been initiated to widen access to education, health, and commerce.
In the course of her governorship and as what she mentioned in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in August 29, she highlighted the hiring of 25 new doctors and 160 nurses, with more to follow, to boost health care delivery across the province.
In addition, her term also reactivated the Provincial Health Board, with broader membership and expertise to guide health programs.
Disaster resilience was strengthened after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) was elevated into a full-fledged department.
Revelations
At the outset, Baricuatro bared what she called ‘disturbing findings’ from the previous administration-P1.1 billion in payables from unfunded projects, obligations without budget cover, and infrastructure built without bidding.
Baricuatro also flagged neglected hospitals lacking basic supplies and short on manpower, idle education funds worth over P1 billion that should have gone to classrooms and teachers, and questionable environmental permits issued to non-compliant firms.
On the other hand, she has ordered a one-month suspension of all quarrying, sand and gravel extraction, and special disposal operations in Cebu to review permit compliance and tighten enforcement.
The move comes amid mounting public complaints and aims to ensure stricter environmental accountability.
Accomplishments
Recently, the Capitol acquired its first-ever Sea Ambulance, aimed at ensuring swift emergency transport for patients in Cebu’s island municipalities.
The Sea Ambulance project was made possible through the PDRRMO in partnership with stakeholders, reinforcing the Capitol’s focus on timely rescue operations.
Fisherfolk communities also benefited, as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over two fishing boats to the province, which were later distributed to the local governments of Danao City and Medellin.
Her administration also established the Cebu People’s Assistance Center (CPAC) through Executive Order No. 5. CPAC serves as a 24/7 one-stop help desk where Cebuanos can access provincial services, emergency assistance, and to lodge complaints or concerns.
Baricuatro’s early tenure was also tested by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on September 30, killing a total of 72 people.
She commended the response of Cebuanos during the tragedy, saying the spirit of bayanihan proved stronger than fear and despair. ‘The people of Cebu did not fail me, nor their fellow Cebuanos in the north; together, we stood strong,’ she said.
Looking ahead, Baricuatro vowed to sustain reforms, expand inclusive economic opportunities, and maintain open collaboration with local governments, civil society, and private partners.
“I will stay focused on the people and the province we all love. God bless Cebu, and may we continue working together for a brighter future,” her post concluded.