Baricuatro brings healthcare, infra upgrades, and typhoon relief to Camotes Islands

CAMOTES ISLANDS, Cebu — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led a series of major initiatives across the Camotes Islands on Monday, July 20, delivering millions in financial aid, launching critical infrastructure projects, and providing relief to typhoon-affected families in San Francisco, Tudela, and Poro.

In San Francisco town, Baricuatro spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for an ₱8.48-million Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital. The project aims to ensure proper wastewater treatment in compliance with public health and environmental standards.

The governor highlighted the ongoing healthcare reforms overseen by Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, which have brought upgraded medical equipment, cleaner facilities, and more medical personnel to provincial hospitals.

During a flag-raising ceremony at the San Francisco Municipal Hall, Baricuatro handed over ₱10 million in checks to Mayor Alfredo Arquillano for local road concreting projects, along with 1,000 solar power units for the LGU.  Additional funds totaling ₱450,000 were distributed to Barangays Himensulan, San Isidro, and Cabonga-an for barangay equipment, social-cultural activities, and local procurement.

Concluding her island visit, Baricuatro distributed ₱2.68 million in emergency financial assistance to 268 families impacted by Typhoon Tino in Tudela and Poro towns.  Each beneficiary family received ₱10,000 in cash and 10 kilograms of rice to support house rebuilding and livelihood recovery.

Additionally, the Provincial Veterinary Office delivered essential veterinary supplies, including antibiotics and vitamins, to local governments to support livestock raisers recovering from the disaster.

Mayor Greman Solante of Tudela, Mayor Edgar Rama of Poro, Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, and 5th District Board Members Andre Red Duterte and Mike Villamor joined the governor across the various events, reaffirming the province's commitment to supporting the island municipalities' continuous growth and disaster recovery. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

 

 

 

Baricuatro allots P110M Kawasan Falls rehab, welcomes Balamban ecozone expansion

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro personally turned over the P110M check to Badian Mayor Jerome Christian Librando over the weekend, June 14 as part of the Cebu Provincial Government’s commitment for the rehabilitation and restoration of Kawasan Falls in Badian, an urgent need to revitalize one the most popular natural tourism attractions in Cebu.

“The rehabilitation project goes beyond tourism development. The protection of Kawasan Falls is closely linked to the welfare of local communities whose livelihoods depend on the destination. Thousands of tourism workers, local guides, transport operators, small business owners, and their families benefit from the steady flow of visitors to the area,” Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro, joined Badian mayor Librando in an inspection at the site to asses the extent of the rehabilitation work needed at the Kawasan Falls.  The rehabilitation seeks to ensure that the destination can continue to welcome visitors while preserving its natural beauty and ecological value.

 

The funds support is intended for the critical interventions at restoring the environmental integrity of Kawasan Falls, improving safety measures, and strengthening the site's resilience against future challenges, Baricuatro added.

Kawasan Falls is one of Cebu’s premier tourist destinations and it plays a critical role in the local economy of Badian and neighboring towns. The rehabilitation is expected to ensure jobs generation, strengthen sustainable tourism, and promote responsible environmental stewardship, Baricuatro noted.

“We want to ensure that Kawasan Falls is a safe and sustainable destination for future generations,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the 64.7 hectares expansion of the West Cebu Industrial Park–Special Economic Zone (WCIP-SEZ) in Balamban, Cebu augurs well for the province’s economic growth, boosting investments, jobs and business.

“The expanded ecozone would accommodate more locators and generate greater economic activity and of course, it will generate more revenue. If we can accommodate more locators, then so much the better," Baricuatro said at her regular press briefing on June 10 at the Capitol.

Baricuatro welcomes and supports these kinds of developments, provided they are sustainable and do not come at the expense of the environment.  The additional land would help address the growing space requirements of both current and prospective investors.

The expansion of the WCIP-SEZ was formalized through Proclamation No. 1288 signed on June 3, 2026, upon the recommendation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The additional area consists of two parcels of land in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban.

Baricuatro noted that with the inclusion of the new properties, the existing 540-hectare Cebu Special Economic Zone within the West Cebu Industrial Park now expands to more than 600 hectares.  The ecozone is home to Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc., and a host of other industries. (Photos: Capitol PIO & Google Images)

 

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.

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)

Baricuatro strengthens comprehensive healthcare systems for Cebu

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro advances and strengthens a comprehensive healthcare system for Cebu for a quality, accessible and compassionate care reaching even the most remote communities.

“Our goal is simple: no Cebuano should be left behind when it comes to health.  We are building a system that delivers care where people live, especially in areas that have long been underserved,” Baricuatro said.

The governor recognized that is both deeply personal and a vital public responsibility hence, must be prioritized and upgraded especially the district hospitals and rural health units across the province.  These improvements include enhanced medical equipment, expanded service capacity, and better support for frontline health workers ensuring that families no longer need to travel far for essential treatment.

She also strengthened access to affordable medicines, maternal and child care, and mental health services, areas that saw growing demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs now focus not only on treatment, but on prevention, early detection, and community-based wellness initiatives shaped by lessons learned during the global health crisis.

For residents like Maria L., a mother from a coastal barangay in northern Cebu, the improvements are already life-changing. During her recent pregnancy, she was able to receive regular prenatal checkups at her local rural health unit services that previously required hours of travel.

“Before, we had to borrow money just to go to the city for checkups.  Now the care is here. I felt safer knowing someone was looking after me and my baby,” she shared.

Similarly, expanded mental health consultations have begun reaching young people and workers seeking support closer to home, reflecting the administration’s commitment to treating health holistically.

Baricuatro emphasized that strengthening healthcare is not just about infrastructure, but about restoring trust and dignity in public service.

“The pandemic taught us that resilience begins with a strong health system.  We are turning those lessons into lasting policies investing in facilities, people, and programs that will protect Cebu for generations,” the governor noted.

Through sustained investments, community partnerships, and patient-centered policies, Baricuatro is working to ensure that healthcare in Cebu is not only more responsive but more humane, inclusive, and within reach of every Cebuano. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

Baricuatro advances crisis leadership, disaster readiness to protect Cebu communities

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuaro pushes for crisis leadership reinforcing a governance approach centered on preparedness, rapid response, and coordinated action ensuring that every Cebuano is protected before, during, and after disasters.

Baricuatro placed disaster readiness at the core of provincial leadership, shifting from reactive emergency measures to a proactive, data-driven strategy designed to minimize risk, safeguard lives, and accelerate recovery.

“Our duty is to make sure Cebu is ready not only to withstand crises, but to emerge stronger from them,” Baricuatro said, adding that disaster preparedness is ultimately about protecting livelihoods, sustaining economic activity, and ensuring that families can recover quickly and with dignity.

As climate risks intensify across the region, Cebu Province continues to strengthen its systems, partnerships, and leadership to safeguard communities and build a culture of preparedness that endures beyond any single storm as Cebu continues to face the realities of stronger typhoons and floods.

“Disasters should never catch us unprepared. Our responsibility is to anticipate, act early, and stand with our communities every step of the way,” the governor said.

Baricuatro has directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to strengthen its use of real-time weather intelligence, hazard mapping, and predictive data analysis to guide early warnings and pre-emptive evacuations in high-risk areas.

She bared that local governments are now equipped with clearer protocols, faster information flows, and synchronized response systems ensuring that decisions are made based on science, not urgency alone.  This shift enables Cebu to move critical resources ahead of landfall, reduce exposure in vulnerable communities, and avoid the delays that historically complicated disaster response.

The governor has prioritized seamless coordination among LGUs, national agencies, and uniformed services, creating an integrated response network that activates even before severe weather hits.  Joint planning and regular inter-agency simulations now align provincial teams with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, and national disaster authorities allowing rescue, relief, and clearing operations to begin immediately when needed.

“The goal is simple: no duplication, no confusion, just unified action.” Baricuatro maintained a hands-on presence during severe weather events, personally overseeing emergency operations, monitoring evacuation readiness, and ensuring that frontline responders receive the logistical support required to act swiftly.

Political observers said that her leadership model emphasizes clarity, calm decision-making, and direct engagement with affected communities strengthening public confidence during uncertain moments.

Beyond emergency response, the provincial government is investing in long-term resilience measures, including strengthened early warning systems across municipalities; pre-positioning of relief supplies and emergency equipment; Climate-resilient infrastructure planning in coordination with national agencies; capacity-building programs for barangay-level disaster response teams and continuous risk assessment to guide land-use and development decisions.

These initiatives aim not only to respond to disasters but to reduce their impact over time as climate patterns evolve for a safer, more prepared Cebu. (Photos: Capitol PIO)