Baricuatro takes oath, gears up for ‘people’s victory party’

Local

CEBU governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro formally took her oath of office on Thursday morning, May 22, setting the stage for her official assumption of office on July 1.

Baricuatro secured a stunning upset with over 1.1 million votes, defeating incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who garnered around 800,000 votes.

Shortly after the oath-taking ceremony, Baricuatro called for unity and cooperation as her administration prepares to implement key programs, with a strong focus on improving the province’s healthcare system.

She urged the provincial legislators, “Binli sad intawn ko ninyo oy,” stressing the need to move forward and allocate funds for health programs.

Despite lingering political tensions, Baricuatro expressed optimism about working with the Provincial Board.

She said, “I have faith in them,” confident that the board members will act responsibly and not jeopardize her incoming administration.

Her remarks came after a May 22 special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), which failed to proceed due to lack of quorum, with only five of 17 members attending.

The budget deliberation on the proposed P1.2 billion Supplemental Budget has been rescheduled for May 26.

In her speech, Baricuatro highlighted the fresh start for Cebu’s governance, explaining that her oath-taking was a small, personal gathering with family and close friends.

She announced the larger “People’s inaugural victory party” will be held on July 1 at the Capitol.

"If you notice, everyone here is closely related to me. This is the real thing and we owe it to the people in the province of Cebu,” she said.

Baricuatro described the new leadership era as “One Cebu island leadership,” with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival’s presence at the ceremony symbolizing harmonious collaboration between the province and the city.

She also mentioned plans to invite Vice President Sara Duterte to the July 1 event.

Addressing concerns about Capitol employees amid the transition, Baricuatro emphasized careful evaluation of personnel to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

“We don’t need to take everything out there. Atong e- evaluate properly kung kinsa atong angay ibilin ug kinsa atong angay e-retain," she said.

She added that minimizing staff changes would prevent damage during the transition.

Baricuatro criticized the nearly P1-billion budget allocation for the transfer of the Capitol to Balamban, arguing the funds would be better spent on health programs that “at least we can save lives.”

Instead of ultimately transferring the Capitol, she said the administration plans to open satellite offices, with another possible site in northern Cebu, likely Medellin.

She explained the purpose of satellite offices as bringing government services closer to the people.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, who attended the oath-taking, expressed confidence in the new leadership.

“A new chapter begins for Cebu under fresh leadership.

Governor Pam’s win is a strong reminder that public service belongs to the people,” he said, adding his eagerness to work with Baricuatro.(MyTVCebu)