Baricuatro issues 12 EOs marking her 1st day as governor of Cebu

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro marked her first day as the governor of Cebu Province with the signing of 12 executive orders (EOs) that aims at strengthening Cebu provincial hospitals, promoting transparency, and addressing healthcare needs, among others.

“I reflect on my first day as governor of Cebu, expressing my sense of responsibility and emotional connection to the people I now serve. I see familiar faces from the campaign, my supporters and you, the media and colleagues.  We are here today to fulfil our mandate to serve the people with integrity, accountability and inclusive governance,” Baricuatro said, in her inaugural message.

The governor emphasized their role of responsibility rather than power or decision-making.  With that, Baricuatro signed and issued 12 Executive Orders (EOs) to start her first day as “The Governor” of Cebu Province noting her 100-day focus on improving the healthcare services, employment and livelihood, education and a collaborative and people-centric governance.

Executive Order 1 calls for the urgent release of funds to improve and strengthen the 16 provincial hospitals’ healthcare response and capacity, while EO-2 is the reconstituting the Provincial Health Board for the term 2025-2028, EO-3 is the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI).

Baricuatro outlined her orders that would strengthen healthcare, freedom of information to promote transparency and accountability in public service; creating task forces ad the Cebu People’s Action Center to address issues related to programs, investments and promotions of the Province.

Meetings, appointments, presscon

Baricuatro also met with Vice-governor Glenn Soco and members of the legislative board, department heads and some local officials, youth groups and various civil society organizations signaling their support to the new administration.

“Our conversation revolves around the upcoming legislative session on July 7, where the governor will present plans and programs that require legislation. The session will also serve as a meeting point for the government and the board members and part of an orientation period that includes instruction on house rules, committee chairmanships, and other preparatory activities. It was a pleasant meeting and with the commitment to working together,” Vice-governor Soco told the media.

At the press conference, Baricuatro announced the appointment of former DOT-secretary, Ace Durano, as the new Provincial Administrator; Paul Uy as her Chief of Staff and Ruben Licera, as Provincial Public Information Officer.

“It’s a very crucial appointment. I’ll help her, it’s the role that she needs me to play especially with her priority agenda on healthcare. We have a very strong team,” Durano said, in a side interview.

Durano bared that the next 100 days are crucial.  The team has yet to finalize the healthcare priority appointment and the governor said to maintain the current department heads, collaborate with everyone inside the department and industries; schedule additional meetings in the next few days and to prioritize and cluster tasks.

Baricuatro’s inauguration began with the tour/inspection of the Capitol, meetings with various groups, a mass, press conference and ended with a concert amid the rains. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Baricuatro’s team, DILG prepare transition efforts sans Garcia’s coordination

CEBU CITY -- The Transition Team of Governor-elect Pam Baricuatro (TTGPB) headed by Atty. Ed Lao met with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Provincial Director Dr. Jesus Sastrillo Jr. to align the preparations for the formal turnover of provincial leadership on June 30, 2025 at exactly 12:00 noon, despite the absence of formal coordination from the outgoing administration.

DILG-Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Sastrillo confirmed that no joint transition meeting has occurred with outgoing officials, however several department heads have begun submitting preliminary documents to comply with the turnover protocol.

Sastrillo also offered a secure digital platform for the smooth and secure exchange of transition documents between teams. Section 445 of the Local Government Code mandates all winning local officials to take their oath of office on June 30 at exactly 12:00 noon.

“We are doing everything within legal bounds to prepare for Governor Pam’s assumption on June 30. The people of Cebu deserve a stable and transparent government from Day One—and we will deliver,” Lao said.

In a meeting with the transition team and DILG-Cebu on June 19, Baricuatro’s transition team proposed some key activities in the run-up to the inauguration while the June 30 turnover program will be discussed further with DILG PD Sastrillo, including ceremonial proceedings for Governor-elect Pam Baricuatro’s assumption of office.

As of press time, the personal participation of outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the June 30 inauguration remains unclear, according to the transition team.  However, Atty. Lao said that the (TTGPB) remains fully committed to a respectful and professional transition, with or without formal handover by the outgoing leadership.

National agencies including the DILG, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Commission on Audit (COA) have already been looped into the process to ensure that the assumption of office is well-supported and properly documented. The Transition Team reiterated its mission to establish a strong foundation of professionalism, public trust, and order as the new administration steps into office. 

Ruben Licera, Governor Baricuatro’s spokesperson, emphasized that the transition team has constantly been reminded of the governor’s public service values of transition that include the values of Professionalism, Transparency, and Accountability.

“Governor Pam has constantly reminded the transition team that our actions must reflect professionalism, transparency, inclusivity, and the highest standard of accountability. For Governor-Elect Baricuatro is not just about transferring documents—it’s about protecting the public’s interest and trust,” Licera said.

“Sa Hunyo 30, magsugod ang serbisyo sa usa ka gobernador nga gikan sa katawhan, ug para sa katawhan.  As the People’s Governor, I will officially begin my work of inclusive, transparent, and heart-led leadership for the people on the said date,” Baricuatro’s brief statement at the meeting, reaffirming her commitment to serve with integrity, unity, and humility. (Photos: Cebu Prov'l Media Affairs/Ruben Licera)