Durano, et al. sworn in as part of Baricuatro admin

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro has appointed a new slate of executive assistants and department heads as part of her push to revamp provincial governance, with former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano taking the helm as Provincial Administrator.

The newly installed officials include Paolo Uy as Chief of Staff, Ruben Licera as Public Information Officer, Aldwin Empaces as Assistant Provincial Administrator, Atty. Guiller Ceniza as Provincial Legal Officer, and James Canoy as Chief Protocol Officer.

Also sworn in were Executive Assistant Mikee Empaces and lawyers Resti Arnaiz and Kevin Dinsay as legal counsels to the Office of the Governor.

These appointments marked the formation of Baricuatro’s core executive team, which is expected to drive key reforms under her administration’s first 100 days.

Among the group, Durano’s appointment drew particular attention due to his prior declaration of retirement from politics.

He said he accepted the governor’s offer because of his belief in her leadership and vision for Cebu.

“I believe in her priorities, and I want to help implement them,” Durano told reporters, noting that he sees his role as one of support, not control. “In her view, this is the role she needs me to play and I accepted.”

Durano said he was particularly drawn to Baricuatro’s inclusive and participatory governance style.

Drawing from his experience leading the Department of Tourism (DOT), he shared that he plans to bring the same collaborative approach to the Capitol.

“I treated my undersecretaries in DOT as a team. I will do the same here, treat our department heads like partners,” he said.

The team has already begun internal meetings, and Durano confirmed they are preparing to “hit the ground running” amid high public expectations.

“It’s not just about me. I’m not alone—we have a great team. And our only goal is to deliver what the Governor promised the people,” he said.

Baricuatro officially assumed office on June 30, without a formal transition from outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who was absent during the ceremonial turnover.

Despite this, Baricuatro thanked her predecessor for her years of service and emphasized the need to move forward.

Her first official act as governor involved the signing of 12 executive orders, laying out her administration’s priorities, including healthcare reform, transparency, public engagement, and youth development.

Among the orders was the reconstitution of the Provincial Health Board, the formation of the Cebu People’s Action Center, the operationalization of the Cebu Investments Promotions Division, and a directive for the free use of public terminal restrooms.

Baricuatro also assured that job order personnel and department heads would undergo a performance review over the next three months, stressing that merit and servic, not political ties, would guide her decisions.

She also met informally with Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco, who expressed support for collaboration.

"We vowed to work together para sa kaayuhan sa atong mga pinalanggang Cebuanos,” Soco said.

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to hold its inaugural session on July 7, where Baricuatro is expected to attend as guest.

Meanwhile, prior to his appointment as provincial administrator, Durano was tapped as special adviser for economic and political affairs by Baricuatro

Durano has criticized Cebu’s signature tourism campaigns under former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, saying they prioritized self-image over real development.

In an interview after Baricuatro’s oath-taking on May 22, Durano said flagship events like Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo focused more on promoting personalities than communities.

Launched in 2004 and 2008 respectively, the two initiatives have long been mainstays in Cebu’s tourism calendar. However, Durano said they failed to address basic needs and lasting improvements in key tourist areas.(MyTVCebu)