Saturday, February 28, 2026

Cebu CEO survey 2026 reveals biz optimism in revenue growth amid challenges

CEBU CITY – A Cebu CEO Survey 2026, conducted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in partnership with PwC Philippines revealed confidence and optimism among businessmen here for an upbeat revenue growth but expressed mixed sentiments in ease and cost of doing business.

Survey results said, a remarkable 84 percent of Cebu CEOs are confident about their companies' revenue growth over the next 12 months, with optimism rising to 87 percent for a three-year outlook. This positive sentiment underscores a robust commitment to overcoming the previous year's challenges and fostering regional prosperity.

The Cebu’s business community is entering 2026 with a renewed sense of optimism and resilience. Following a year marked by significant calamities, business leaders are prioritizing recovery, expansion, and long-term sustainable growth.

“Our business leaders want a stronger and more resilient Cebu to emerge from a calamitous year. We aim to drive growth that redounds to our fellow Sugbuanons and the rest of Central Visayas. This is the business community doing its part to uplift our province and our region,” CCCI president Jay Yuvallos said.

Yuvallos noted that the business community’s optimism is largely shaped by a collective commitment to drive recovery, following the spate of disasters that battered Cebu province last year.  The latest Cebu CEO Survey reports an upbeat outlook amid subdued global confidence.

Roderick Danao, Chairman and Senior Partner at Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines, also highlighted that Cebu's resilient business community is leveraging its strengths, such as its prominent position in tourism, infrastructure, and the growing IT and business process management (BPM) sectors.

This, combined with a strong commitment to rebuilding public trust, further fuels the region's optimism for the year ahead. “Cebu CEOs uphold a buoyant outlook as the wider Visayas pursues tourism recovery, accelerates infrastructure, and deepens its niche in the IT and BPM sectors,” Danao noted.

The survey also reports mixed sentiments in the ease and cost of doing business, with Cebu top executives particularly expressing moderate satisfaction at 34 percent in securing business permits and 33 percent in vehicle registration.

Cebu CEOs, however, believe there is room for improvement in several key areas. They specifically hope to see more transparent decisionmaking processes for transactions and requests, more professional conduct in dealings with government representatives, and more reasonable and streamlined documentary requirements.

When assessing government agency performance, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emerged with the highest satisfaction rating of 50 percent, followed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at 39 percent, and the Social Security System (SSS) at 36 percent.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were highlighted as agencies in need of substantial improvement to ease the overall business experience in Cebu.

The survey finds that 96 percent of Cebu CEOs are implementing sustainable practices, most of which target resource efficiency and cost savings, such as reduced energy use at 80 percent; recycling and reusing materials, 76 percent and improved waste collection systems, 51 percent.

Despite the widespread adoption of sustainability measures, only 52 percent measure their financial impact. For those who do, 95 percent use cost reduction or savings as the primary metric.  Financial constraints remain the top barrier to sustainability, with upfront investments and high transition costs delaying its integration in business strategy.

CCCI Treasurer and Trustee Aldie Garcia, also Vice Chairman and Assurance Managing Partner at PwC Philippines, emphasized that Cebu’s optimism is rooted in its collective ambition to move forward and adapt. He stressed that enhancing public-private partnerships is crucial for accelerating shared progress.

“For Cebu to be truly competitive, government institutions must be strengthened so that they can transform regulations and policy directions from barriers into enablers. Cebu has a community of business leaders committed to rise and embrace change. As businesses scale innovation and invest in the future, stronger government institutions will help drive sustainable growth for the region,” Garcia said.

The survey findings reflect Cebu's readiness to adapt, innovate, and invest in sustainable growth, with business leaders at the forefront of this effort.  As the province seeks to recover from its recent setbacks, the Cebu business community is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of the Visayas, focusing on long-term sustainability, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.

The Cebu CEO Survey 2026 was conducted between January 10 and February 11, 2026 to gathering insights from 107 business leaders, majority of respondents were CEOs and Presidents, with other positions like Chairpersons, Managing Partners, and Directors rounding out the pool.

The survey captures perspectives across various sectors, with the largest proportion of respondents representing medium-sized businesses (assets between PHP 15,000,001 and PHP 100,000,000) at 39 percent. Industry representation includes infrastructure, real estate, wholesale distribution, and technology, each contributing about 10 percent of the responses. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

Cebu Capitol lights up purple to join campaign of rare disease awareness

 
CEBU CITY – The Cebu Provincial Capitol lit up purple at 7:00 p.m. on February 28 to join with the global Light Up for Rare Disease Day campaign held annually on the last day of February. The purple illumination stands as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity with Filipino families living with rare conditions, many of whom face delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and lack of public awareness.

By taking part in this symbolic lighting and global movement, for the first time in history, Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro signifies her commitment to strengthen campaign for rare disease awareness and inclusive healthcare to enhance support systems for marginalized sectors, particularly individuals and families affected by rare diseases.

 “Participating in initiatives such as “Light Up for Rare” is crucial in ensuring that patients with rare conditions receive proper recognition, support, and equitable attention similar to other medical conditions,” said Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, Capitol Piso Public Health Consultant.

According to Catalan, these conditions are called rare diseases because only a small number of individuals share the same diagnosis, however there is something Capitol can do, early detection is key to preventing the condition from worsening.

Catalan cited some statistics in the Philippines, adding that a disease is classified as rare if it affects no more than one in every 20,000 individuals.  Globally, more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide and approximately 80 percent of these conditions are genetic in origin, while 75 percent affect children.

On average, patients wait up to eight years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Despite the significant number of people affected, only a small fraction of rare diseases currently has approved treatments.

 “This initiative goes beyond simply lighting the Capitol in purple. Governor Pam wants to actively engage with rare disease groups so the Province can better understand the kind of assistance they need from the Cebu Provincial Government,” Dr. Catalan added.

The country also observes National Rare Disease Week every last week of February pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1989. The Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines, with the Universal Health Care Act and the Newborn Screening Act, provide legal and structural support for early detection, improved access to healthcare services, and recognition of persons with rare diseases as persons with disabilities.

Catalan said that under Governor Baricuatro’s leadership, the Province of Cebu continues to strengthen its healthcare system through expanded services, policy alignment with national mandates, and multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind. (Photos: Capitol PIO/Marielle Camacho)

Thursday, February 26, 2026

PBBM inspects the newly upgraded VDRC, inaugurates shelter for the homeless in Cebu

MANDAUE CITY -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited and inspected the newly upgraded Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu, February 26, declaring that the facility enables the national government to directly provide food packs and other aid and strengthen disaster response and preparedness across the Visayas and Mindanao.


“Ito ang unang panahon na ang national government ay nagbibigay nitong klaseng food pack. Noong nakaraan, eh kung saan-saan na lang kumukuha ‘yung mga biktima. Pero ngayon, nakakapag-provide na ang national government. Kaya maganda itong naging facility natin,” President Marcos said following his inspection of the state-of-the-art facility.

Marcos said that the VDRC is equipped with five new Mechanized Production System (MPS) lines designed and built specifically for the Philippines, costing some P117M for the upgrade that can now produce up to 30,000 family food packs (FFPs) per eight-hour shift, tripling its previous capacity.

The VDRC currently has four million food packs in storage, ready for distribution, but will continue producing until the facility reaches over 5 million FFPs.  Should there be unused FFPs, President Marcos assured that food packs nearing expiration are being distributed for free to those in need as part of the government’s aid system.

The new system not only accelerates production but also uses machine-operated vacuum sealing to prolong the shelf life of food packs, making them infestation-free and ready for long-term storage and prepositioning in disaster-prone regions.  The facility is serving several fire emergencies and other ongoing disaster response efforts, including areas affected by volcanic activity.

The Visayas hub complements services provided by the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City. While a temporary hub operates in Mindanao, President Marcos announced plans to construct a permanent Mindanao Disaster Resource Center in Butuan City.

VDRC also supports programs such as Emergency Cash Transfer and Cash-for-Work, providing assistance to individuals earning below the minimum wage.   Funded through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, the upgraded MPS was completed in July 2025.

 
PBBM inaugurates Pag-abot Processing Center in Liloan

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive social protection, PBBM also led the inauguration and launching of the Pag-abot Processing Center (PPC) in Barangay Tayud, Liloan, Cebu, February 26 after his inspection of the VDRC in Mandaue City.

This is the third PPC in Central Visayas that provides comprehensive social protection services for children, individuals, and families in street situations while awaiting reintegration.  It also supports the implementation of the Pag-Abot Program under Executive Order No. 52.


“The facility will cater to the three major cities in Cebu—Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City to ensure the welfare of Families and Individuals in Street Situations (FISS),” DSWD secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian emphasized that the agency will link beneficiaries to long-term support programs, including economic assistance, livelihood opportunities, educational support, and other social protection services, to prevent FISS from returning to street situations.

PBBM toured the PPC and also inspected the 2nd floor facilities, including the child-minding and multi-purpose areas, the lactation room, the house parents’ room, the male, female, and family sleeping quarters, and the communal bathrooms.


PBBM said his administration is fully committed to assist people living on the streets by providing health services, livelihood assistance, psychosocial support, food, clothing, temporary housing, and other interventions to improve their lives.

Gatchalan shared that in Cebu, there are more than 600 homeless individuals have been recorded by the DSWD which is implementing the Pag-Abot Program to help families and individuals in street situations.  The program provides health services, food, clothing, psychosocial and livelihood support, temporary housing, and family reintegration to help beneficiaries move toward stable and dignified lives.

The DSWD, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs), is reaching out to families in street situations to ensure their inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other social protection initiatives, under the Pag-Abot Program launched in 2023 and later institutionalized in 2024.

DSWD secretary Gatchalian briefed President Marcos as they toured the Pag-Abot Processing Center, visiting the clinic, processing area for beneficiary assessment, profiling, biometrics, and clothing distribution, storage, and laundry area, kitchen and dining hall, administrative office, senior citizens’ room, isolation room, and prayer and activity areas.

The Center is equipped with clinics, regular rooms, rooms with individual toilets and baths, a communal comfort room with five toilets and four showers, an administrative office, an activity area, a prayer room, a kitchen and dining area, a conference room, a profiling area, a baggage counter, a stockroom, and a laundry area with clotheslines.

The PPC facility can accommodate over 120 beneficiaries and it provides temporary shelter for about one month as part of a structured reintegration process aimed at restoring stability and creating opportunities.

The DSWD Field Office VII continues to conduct proactive reach-out operations for individuals and families in street situations across the Cities of Cebu, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Naga, Talisay and Toledo — strengthening the government’s whole-of-nation approach to uplift lives and build safer, more inclusive communities.

At the same event, PBBM with DSWD officials Gatchalian and Innovations Group Undersecretary Edu Punay, Pag-Abot Program Deputy Manager Marilyn Moral, Congressman Duke Frasco, and Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco. met the Walang Gutom Program 34 beneficiaries during their orientation on Nutrition Education Sessions (NES) at the PPC. (Photos: DSWD7)

 

 

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

MCIA wins for the 2nd time the 2025 ASQ Best Airport Award

LAPULAPU CITY—The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been recognized for the 2nd time the 2025 ASQ Best Airport Award in Asia-Pacific for the 5-15 Million Passengers Category for outstanding customer experience.

“This ASQ Customer Experience Award is especially meaningful because it reflects the genuine voice of our passengers — the very people we serve every day.  We are not just a point of transit, but a gateway designed to make travel efficient, comfortable, and well-connected for all our passengers. This recognition from our passengers affirms the dedication of our entire airport community in delivering Cebuano warmth and world-class hospitality,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC).

The ASQ Awards underscore MCIA’s continuous drive to position Cebu as a highly competitive and traveler-centered hub for regional travel, a key factor in achieving its vision to become the main tourism and transfer hub in the Philippines, Titonis added.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) CEO and general manager Julius Neri, Jr., emphasized the strategic significance of the award, saying that winning the prestigious global accolade reflects the strong collaboration between the government and the private sector partners.

“By continuously elevating our operational standards and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, we are proving our readiness to handle the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination. We are committed to making MCIA the ultimate gateway to the Philippines,” Neri said.

The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program is the only global benchmarking initiative that measures passenger satisfaction while travelers are at the airport, ensuring responses reflect real-time, authentic experiences.

This year, nearly 707,000 passengers were surveyed worldwide, and MCIA emerged as one of the 88 airports globally awarded for departure excellence.

According to Titonis, central to this global recognition is MCIA’s steadfast commitment to stakeholder partnership, working closely with MCIAA and other key government stakeholders allowed MCIA to foster a highly collaborative operational environment.  

This strong synergy is essential in continuously meeting the rigorous ASQ parameters, ensuring that every touchpoint is optimized to deliver a smooth, efficient, and world-class passenger journey, he noted.

“This ASQ Customer Experience Award from ACI demonstrates the trust travelers place in MCIA and reinforces its position as a top airport in the region for customer experience excellence.  It reflects your team’s commitment to improving every step of the passenger journey,” said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World.

The 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards Ceremony officially takes place at the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled from August 31 to September 4, 2026.

MCIA has become a benchmark for world-class service, distinguished by the seamless transfer system through Ceb Connects and the Ceb+ integrated air-to-sea travel network. As the first airport in the Philippines to utilize parallel runways, MCIA leads the nation in operational efficiency.

Its commitment to excellence is validated by global accolades, including being named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 mppa) at the 2024 ASQ Awards, Platinum Green Airport status, Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation, and Airport of the Year in Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025.

Guided by a long-term masterplan, MCIA is committed to delivering a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive experience that supports trade and national development. (Photos: MCIA)

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Baricuatro calls for unity and focus on public service amid brewing national politics

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro called on unity and focus on public service amid recent national political developments following the announcement of presidential plans by Sara Duterte for the 2028 elections.

“Now is not the time for political distractions but for sustained governance and service to the people of Cebu Province. These are not easy burdens, especially in a first term where expectations are high and the work ahead is immense, but I did not run for this position for comfort. I ran to serve. Please allow me to serve the people, as I promised,” Baricuatro said, in her weekly media briefing at the Capitol.

Seven months since taking her oath on June 30, 2025, the Baricuatro administration has navigated what she describes as an unusually demanding start to a first term—marked by political attacks, persistent opposition, disinformation, threats to personal safety, and natural calamities that have tested the province’s resilience. 

Despite challenges, the provincial government continues to pursue foundational reforms and long-term investments, including rebuilding and streamlining government systems to improve efficiency and transparency; strengthening healthcare delivery and accessibility across municipalities; enhancing education support and community-based development programs; advancing environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives; accelerating infrastructure projects critical to mobility and economic growth and crafting policies designed to benefit Cebuanos not only today, but for generations to come.

The Governor stressed that meaningful governance is not measured by political noise but by steady, consistent progress.  “The progress may not always be loud, but it is steady, deliberate, and real.”

As national political conversations begin to take shape, Baricuatro underscored that her administration will remain firmly centered on local responsibilities rather than future electoral speculation.

“Let politics take its course. My focus remains where it has always been—on the welfare of the Cebuano people,” she added. “My heart, my mind, and all that I am belong to Cebu Province.”

The statement serves as a call for unity among leaders and constituents alike, urging all sectors to prioritize recovery, stability, and inclusive development over partisan discourse.

CCCI strengthens ties with Japan Chamber of Commerce

CEBU CITY –The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) with its president, Jay Yuvallos and Vice President for International Affairs Pedro Delantar met with Yuki Kawamuto and Kenjie Horie, Senior Manager of the International Division of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), Tuesday, February 24, to discuss CCCI’s role in the East Asia Business Council (EABC) through the East Asia Connect Program.

The East Asia Business Council (EABC) has long played a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation and regional trade in East Asia, connecting business leaders from ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea. The EABC fosters closer ties between ASEAN and East Asia through dialogue, business matching, and policy advocacy.

Yuvallos shared that the East Asia Connect Program, a key initiative under the EABC, is designed to bridge business opportunities, foster regional synergies, and facilitate seamless cross-border collaboration between ASEAN nations and East Asia, with a specific focus on Japan.

Yuvallos said that CCCI’s participation in the East Asia Connect Program aligns with the Chamber’s goal of providing its members with valuable opportunities for international partnerships, trade growth, and enhanced business capacity within the dynamic East Asian market.

The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) on the other hand is one of the most prominent business hubs in Asia and has a long history of facilitating international trade relations, particularly between Japan and neighboring regions. Through the EABC, TCCI provides a collaborative platform for enterprises to explore trade, investment, and technological partnerships.

The partnership between CCCI and JCCI is expected to unlock new doors for collaboration, innovation, and trade. Both organizations see the Philippines, particularly Cebu, as holding significant business potential for Japanese investors. Strengthening these ties is a strategic move to open up new opportunities for regional and international business ventures.

Yuvallos added that this meeting is part of CCCI’s larger program of empowering its members through advocacy, synergy, and linkages, which are fundamental pillars of the Chamber’s mission.  By creating strong linkages with established trade partners like Japan, CCCI ensures that Cebu remains a key player in the global business arena, opening access to new markets and ensuring long-term competitiveness.

On February 25 to 27 there is the CCCI Trade Mission to Tokyo with the 45-delegation of Cebu business leaders to engage with Japanese companies and explore potential collaborations, Yuvallos bared that this mission provides a hands-on opportunity for CCCI members to build on the discussions from today’s meeting and strengthen business ties with one of Asia’s most influential markets.

The partnership between CCCI and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to increase B2B collaboration, enhanced knowledge transfer, and greater investment opportunities for Cebu-based enterprises looking to expand their reach.

Both organizations are optimistic about the future potential of the East Asia Connect Program, a partnership that will likely pave the way for joint initiatives, including trade missions, business matching events, and policy dialogues aimed at unlocking new growth prospects for businesses in Cebu and across the East Asia region. (Photos: CCCI)

 

 

 

 

DBP, University of Cebu seal scholarship program

CEBU CITY – Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the University of Cebu (UC) formally sealed out and launched the Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (INSPIRE) with the awarding and briefing of the first batch for 40 deserving beneficiaries with a contract signing on February 19 at the AVR of Alicia Gotianuy Bldg.at the UC main campus in Cebu City.

These 40 scholars are now assured of completing their college education, free from the burden of tuition and sustained by a monthly allowance.  The partnership marks the first time DBP has collaborated with a private university for the INSPIRE program. The grant is retroactive to the first semester of Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026.

DBP first vice president and corporate department head, Zandro Carlos Sison said that another set of 40 scholars will be admitted next academic year, and every year thereafter, forming part of five batches until 2029. DBP allocated some P8 million for the first batch alone at UC, drawn from DBP’s nationwide INSPIRE fund of about P510 million.  UC is one of 10 partner schools across the country, he added.

The 40 scholars, selected by UC through a rigorous screening and evaluation process, come from low-income families with an annual net income of ₱150,000 or below, shared Dr. Leonilo Oliva, scholarship head.

 “For private school scholars, DBP covers both tuition and monthly allowance. What sets INSPIRE apart is that we continue to support scholars until they take their board examinations, if their course requires one. Each batch is supported for four to five years, depending on the degree program,” Sison told the press in a media interaction after the signing.

Sison emphasized that while DBP encourages scholars to finish their degrees, there is no obligation to repay the bank after graduation. “There is no payback requirement. Our goal is to expand access to quality education.  If, in the future, some of them choose to serve in DBP through internships or employment, that would be welcome, but it is not mandatory. We are investing in people, not binding them,” Sison clarified.

Scholars may also be given opportunities for on-the-job training with DBP and could be considered for employment after graduation, subject to agency needs.

According to DBP SVP Helbert Antoine Achay, DBP branch banking group head for Central and Eastern Visayas, the scholars are required only to maintain passing grades to continue enjoying the benefits.  To qualify, applicants must be first- or second-year students, Filipino citizens of good moral character, with a general weighted average of at least 85 percent (2.0) and no grade lower than 80 percent (2.5).

They must not be recipients of any other scholarship and must meet UC admission requirements, disclosed Oliva. The INSPIRE program covers full tuition for selected four-year baccalaureate courses, provides a monthly allowance, and extends support even through board examinations for programs that require licensure.

While INSPIRE covers two baccalaureate tracks -- Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Real Estate programs, the UC launched opened discussions for BS in Computer Science (CS), major in Artificial Intelligence (AI), during DBP’s courtesy call on Atty. Go, the UC chair.

“As we build engineers and real estate professionals, we must also build digital innovators,” Atty. Go noted that AI is shaping industries worldwide and hoped DBP will consider supporting CS majors who specialize in developing AI-driven applications, not merely using applied AI, but the programming and systems behind it. (Photos: UC Lakandiwa Publications)





Sunday, February 22, 2026

Baricuatro champions new era for women governance

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro is reshaping the narrative of leadership that proves strength is not define by gender, but by conviction, clarity and the courage to serve with purpose.

“Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room.  It is about listening, understanding, and making firm decisions that uplift communities and protect the most vulnerable,” Baricuatro shared, in one of her weekly press briefings.

The governor noted that in a political landscape long defined by traditional power structures and as one of the few women to rise to the highest level of provincial leadership in Cebu, she wants to break the stereotypes in what has historically been a male-dominated space.

She said that in her administration, she demonstrates that empathy and decisiveness are not opposing forces, but complementary strengths that lead to more inclusive and responsive governance.

Baricuatro’s approach to redefine strength in public service challenges outdated perceptions that equate compassion with weakness.  Under her leadership, programs have been designed to address real-life concerns faced by families, women, and children, while maintaining disciplined fiscal management, infrastructure development, and public accountability.

Baricuatro presented her governance model blends, that of Decisive policy-making grounded in consultation and data; community-centered solutions that prioritize long-term social impact; firm leadership that ensures programs are implemented efficiently and with transparency.

This balance has earned her recognition as a leader who is neither “soft” nor symbolic, but strategic, results-driven, and deeply connected to the people she serves.  Central to Governor Baricuatro’s agenda is the belief that empowering women strengthens entire communities.

She added that her administration continues to champion women and child-focused initiatives; expand access to maternal healthcare and nutrition services; strengthen protection systems against violence and exploitation; support livelihood and skills programs for women-led households and promote education and safe environments for children and youth.

“These are not just social programs.  They are investments in the future stability and progress of our province. Our goal is not simply to open doors for women, it is to normalize their presence at every decision-making table,” she said.

Governor Baricuatro’s rise reflects a broader national shift toward more inclusive leadership—one that values collaboration as much as authority and recognizes that resilience can be expressed through both resolve and compassion.

By demonstrating that effective governance can be both empathetic and unyielding when necessary, she is paving the way for more women to step forward, participate, and lead.

As her administration continues to implement reforms and people-centered programs, Governor Baricuatro remains focused on building a model of governance that is transparent, equitable, and future-ready, one that proves leadership is defined not by tradition, but by impact. (Photos: Capitol PIO)