POINT OF VIEW

PAMELA BARICUATRO ASSUMES OFFICE AS NEW CEBU GOVERNOR

CEBU CITY – The Province of Cebu has welcomed a new leader as People’s Governor Pamela Baricuatro officially took her oath and assumed office during a ceremonial turnover held at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall on June 30, 2025, at exactly noon — the official start of term for newly elected officials, as mandated under Section 445 of the Local Government Code by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Baricuatro’s assumption was done througg outgoing Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, who led the symbolic transfer of authority. Her assumption marks a significant shift in provincial leadership, following a landslide victory over former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, securing 1,107,708 votes — over 300,000 votes more than Garcia’s 764,884. The defeat has prompted Garcia to file an electoral protest with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which observers say may have contributed to the tense and delayed transition process between the two camps.

In her acceptance speech, Governor Baricuatro pledged to serve the province with integrity and selflessness. She expressed willingness to collaborate with all departments and address urgent issues head-on. “I will serve with sincerity, and I invite every provincial worker to do the same — to serve with loyalty and commitment to the people of Cebu,” she stated.

Baricuatro also laid out her administration’s guiding philosophy: “Government by the People, For the People, and With the People.” She committed to a development agenda that leaves no one behind, including reviewing and continuing beneficial projects from the previous administration. Among her priorities are addressing health care concerns, particularly the shortage of medical personnel and essential medicines in provincial hospitals.

Following the ceremony, Governor Baricuatro immediately met with department heads and Capitol employees for a “meet-and-greet” session to begin her administration’s groundwork and ensure alignment with her leadership’s goals.

Her term marks a new chapter for Cebu, as the province looks toward inclusive governance and sustainable development under Baricuatro’s stewardship/For comments or reaction pls send it thru valenzgene70@gmail.com