Pam marks 100 days in office

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro marked her first 100 days in office with a focus on transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance, while confronting long-standing issues left by the previous administration.

Baricuatro, Cebu’s 28th governor and the second woman to hold the position, said her leadership would be defined by openness and service.

“True leadership is measured by service, integrity, and the courage to do what’s right,” she said.

Elected under Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) in May 2025 with over 1.1 million votes, Baricuatro outlined three key priorities for her administration.

This includes accountable governance, inclusive growth, and people-first service delivery.

In her first months, the provincial government strengthened frontline services, expedited health and welfare response, and tightened oversight of public spending to ensure funds directly benefit communities.

Through Executive Order No. 5, Baricuatro established the Cebu People’s Assistance Center (CPAC), a 24/7 help desk providing public assistance, emergency aid, and complaint handling.

The governor emphasized teamwork and accountability within the Capitol but acknowledged challenges in coordinating with some local officials.

She said her administration encourages collaboration while demanding transparency and performance.

Economic and social programs were also prioritized.

The province expanded support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and coastal communities.

Infrastructure and digital connectivity projects were initiated to improve access to education, health care, and trade.

To strengthen public health, Baricuatro’s administration hired 25 new doctors and 160 nurses and reactivated the Provincial Health Board. Fisherfolk in Danao City and Medellin also received two new fishing boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In disaster preparedness, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) was elevated to a full department, and Cebu acquired its first Sea Ambulance to serve island municipalities.

Baricuatro’s leadership was tested early when a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck northern Cebu on September 30, killing 72 people.

She led coordination with local officials and national agencies in the relief operations, commending the unity and bayanihan shown by Cebuanos.

In her State of the Province Address on August 29, Baricuatro revealed what she called “disturbing” findings from the previous administration, including P1.1 billion in unpaid obligations from unfunded projects, contracts without budget cover, and infrastructure built without proper bidding.

She also cited over P1 billion in idle education funds, neglected hospitals, and questionable environmental permits granted to non-compliant firms.

To address these concerns, she ordered a one-month suspension of quarrying, sand and gravel extraction, and special disposal operations across Cebu to allow a thorough review of permits and strengthen environmental enforcement.

Baricuatro vowed to sustain reforms promoting transparency and inclusive growth while working closely with local governments, civil society, and the private sector.

“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,” she said.(MyTVCebu)