BARICUATRO IN HER POLL DUEL WITH GWEN: ‘Dapat siya ang mahadlok nako’

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MOST may see her as the heavy underdog, but Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro is ready to go toe-to-toe with incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2025 gubernatorial race.

Baricuatro is unfazed facing Garcia, who is seeking an unprecedented sixth term.

“Nothing to be fearful about. Dapat siya ang mahadlok nako, dili ako ang mahadlok niya," Baricuatro said during the MyTVCebu OpenLine News Forum on Tuesday, November 5, at the Aegean Room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

A philanthropist and former flight attendant, Baricuatro said her decision to run was driven by the high prevalence of poverty in the province, as well as the presence of corruption in governance.

“Poverty is interrelated with corruption. That is my program of action... poverty and corruption. If you see that if corruption is high, it is the poor that suffers,” she added.

If successful in her bid, Baricuatro expressed her intention to end Garcia’s signature tourism initiatives, Suroy-suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

She criticized these annual events, labeling them as ineffective uses of public funds and resources.

She argued that the focus should shift to addressing the essential needs of Cebu's residents, raising concerns about the extravagance of such events and questioning their relevance given the challenges many local families face.

Additionally, Baricuatro pointed out that Suroy-suroy Sugbo creates unnecessary hardships for residents, stating that it is unfair to impose on the people just to accommodate tourists.

Suroy-suroy Sugbo is a touring program that invites participants to explore various towns and cities in Cebu, showcasing local attractions, heritage sites, and cultural experiences through guided tours, presentations, and local cuisine sampling.

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, meaning "The Pride of Cebu," is an annual festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Cebu’s municipalities and cities.

The festival features street dancing, traditional costumes, and local crafts, providing a platform for local government units to promote their unique cultures, products, and tourism potential.

Recently, Baricuatro gained momentum with the endorsement of the Durano clan and the Bakud Party.

The Durano political clan, led by Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III, publicly supported Baricuatro during a press conference on October 11 at their family compound. This endorsement stands out as the Duranos represent the only political force in Cebu not aligned with Garcia's One Cebu party.

Durano declared, “Yes, para sa kausaban, I will support Pam Baricuatro,” indicating their desire to bring change to the Cebu Provincial Government.

Baricuatro is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), the ruling party of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

She filed her certificate of candidacy on October 8, just hours after Garcia submitted hers.

Known for founding the SimplyShare Foundation, a nonprofit focused on charitable initiatives in Cebu, Baricuatro also actively participates in socio-political movements, including the Save Cebu Movement.

Her candidacy follows the passing of activist Rowena Burden, who had initially planned to challenge Garcia before her untimely death in December 2023.(MyTVCebu)