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Governance Figure: I'll be the Public's Governor

Cebu Province Installs Pamela Baricuatro as Second Female Governor, following a surprising victory against current governor.

,   and  Administrator
4 min read
Cebu Province Selects Second Female Governor in Pamela Baricuatro, as she triumphs over current...
Cebu Province Selects Second Female Governor in Pamela Baricuatro, as she triumphs over current governor in election contest.

Governance Figure: I'll be the Public's Governor

Newly Crowned Governor Pamela Baricuatro Takes the Reins in Cebu Province

After a stunning upset victory in the 2025 midterm elections, Pamela Baricuatro was proclaimed as the second female governor of Cebu, dethroning incumbent and five-term Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. Despite lacking endorsement from local mayors and barangays, Baricuatro managed to rally the public behind her and secure the "people's governor" title.

The proclamation ceremony was delayed due to technical glitches with an automated counting machine (ACM) in a Pinamungajan polling precinct. A malfunctioning USB drive caused a transmission delay, leading to reformatting and reinserting the official ballots one by one for the ACM to recount them.

In the vice-governor race, Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco triumphed over independent candidate Joselito Ruiz.

The polls showed Baricuatro receiving 1,107,924 votes, Garcia garnering 765,051 votes, and independent candidate Valeriano Gingco earning 33,563 votes. Garcia's camp attempted to halt the proclamation through a petition to the Provincial Board of Canvassers, but it was only temporarily delayed until an order from the Comelec Central Office in Manila could be obtained.

After being proclaimed, Baricuatro expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly the followers of former President Rodrigo Duterte. She made it clear that she hopes for Duterte's return home after his controversial arrest and turnover to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces crimes against humanity complaints before the International Criminal Court.

Baricuatro's plans include improving Cebu's healthcare system, introducing programs that alleviate poverty and hunger, intensifying anti-corruption and anti-drug efforts, expanding livelihood programs, protecting the environment, addressing traffic, and fostering opportunities for the youth, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Transparency, accountability, and community empowerment will be among Baricuatro's top priorities in governance. She aspires to promote a leadership that works with and for its citizens, focusing on the welfare and development of communities. Before taking office, she emphasized her intention to establish a clean and uncorrupted administrative environment within the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Her victory signals a significant shift in Cebu's political landscape, marking the end of the Garcia clan's dominant influence. This change may lead to new alliances, rethinking governance strategies, and paving the way for future political developments in Cebu.

Sources:

  1. Newsbreak - Pamela Baricuatro: Political Upstart or Rational Choice?
  2. CNN Philippines - Cebu governor race: Reflections from the road to Cebu Provincial Capitol
  3. Rappler - Election 2025: Pamela Baricuatro unseats Gwen Garcia as Cebu governor

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  1. The sudden surge of environmental concerns in Cebu underscores Baricuatro's commitment to address climate change.
  2. The new Cebu governor's focus on renewable energy sources will likely revolutionize the local oil and gas industry.
  3. Baricuatro aims to implement stringent regulations on manufacturing processes to minimize pollution and promote sustainability.
  4. As part of her health reform, Baricuatro plans to prioritize medical conditions such as chronic diseases, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
  5. This also includes improving digestive health, eye health, hearing, and mental health services in Cebu.
  6. Fitness and exercise programs will be introduced in the workplace to promote workplace-wellness and stem the rise of sedentary lifestyles among the workforce.
  7. Baricuatro also emphasizes the importance of sexual health education and access to healthcare services for the LGBTQIA+ community.
  8. Autoimmune disorders will be a critical focus for Baricuatro's administration, as they pose a significant health risk for many Cebu residents.
  9. Aging populations will receive special attention, with initiatives aimed at enhancing senior care and promoting age-appropriate nutrition.
  10. Womens' health will be given paramount importance to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.
  11. Parenting support programs will be developed to address the unique challenges faced by parents in the modern world.
  12. Weight management programs will be initiated to combat the rising rates of obesity and associated health risks.
  13. Baricuatro will also prioritize cardiovascular health, recognizing its significant impact on overall health and productivity.
  14. Finance and economic development will be critical aspects of her administration, with a focus on creating jobs and boosting the local industry.
  15. In line with this, Baricuatro has pledged to streamline bureaucratic processes to facilitate faster business permitting and registration.
  16. Industry players have expressed optimism about the potential impact of her administration on the local retail and automotive sectors.
  17. Public transit systems will be improved to address traffic congestion and encourage sustainable transportation.
  18. Entrepreneurship will be nurtured by implementing supportive policies and business-friendly initiatives.
  19. Sustainable urban planning will be a key component of her transportation strategy, with a focus on pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and promoting active transportation modes like cycling and walking.
  20. Air quality will be closely monitored to minimize air pollution and promote respiratory health.
  21. The greening of the Cebu Provincial Capitol and other government buildings will also be a priority to create a conducive environment for work.
  22. Skin care initiatives will be developed to address the specific skin conditions prevalent in Cebu, such as skin cancers and skin conditions caused by environmental factors.
  23. Therapies and treatments for neurological disorders will receive increased funding to improve the health and well-being of Cebu residents.
  24. Baricuatro has emphasized the importance of combating crime and maintaining public safety in Cebu.
  25. The focus on crime prevention will extend to the digital realm, with efforts to combat cybercrime and ensure online security.
  26. Education and awareness campaigns about the dangers of substance abuse will be implemented to address the scourge of drug addiction.
  27. Baricuatro's administration will also prioritize migrant worker support, recognizing their critical role in the local economy and their unique social and health challenges.
  28. The ongoing war and conflicts in various regions of the world will be a concern for Baricuatro's administration, with efforts to advocate for peace and support refugees seeking asylum.
  29. Policy and legislation reforms will be pursued to ensure equality and equity in the provision of government services to all Cebu residents.
  30. Baricuatro has also pledged to address car accidents and fires, recognizing the need for improved road safety and fire prevention measures.
  31. The impact of Baricuatro's administration on the political landscape of Manila, as well as national policy and legislation, remains to be seen.

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