𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓
In a meaningful take on Valentine’s Day, the Cebu Provincial Government steered the conversation beyond roses, chocolates and love letters by hosting a seminar aimed at helping young people navigate the complex emotions of like, love, and lust.
Held at the Capitol, the event gathered youth participants for an in-depth discussion titled “The Psychology of Affection: Exploring Like, Love, Lust in Human Behavior”, designed to foster self-awareness and encourage rational decision-making in personal relationships.
Guiding the discourse was Dr. Brian To, a renowned global strategist and Senior Practice Professor of Strategy Leadership.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro graced the occasion and reminded the youth that love encompasses far more than grand romantic gestures.
“On this day of the hearts, we often think of grand gestures — flowers, dinners, handwritten letters, and the promise of long-lasting love, or for some, the quiet hope of being chosen,” the governor said in her speech.
“But today, we gather for something deeper. Today is not just about romance. It is about understanding the many ways we connect, the many ways we care, and the many ways we love,” she said.
Speaking not only as the province’s leader but also as a mother, she emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity in any relationship.
“I want to begin with this reminder: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted. Love should never be something we have to earn by pretending to be someone we are not. Love begins when we are allowed to stand fully in our truth,” she said.
The governor also used the event to highlight that governance extends beyond physical infrastructure such as hospitals and roads. She noted that it must also cover the emotional well-being of the people, including mental health, emotional safety, and a sense of belonging.
“In a world that moves very fast — where relationships are sometimes reduced to messages left on ‘seenzone,’ where expectations can feel heavier than joy — conversations like this matter,” the governor said.
She went on to say that before the government can build strong communities, it must first build emotionally healthy individuals by understanding the heart as much as the mind. This, she explained, is why the Cebu Provincial Government continues to organize and support programs like this one.
Gov. Baricuatro extended gratitude to partner organizations, including the Cebu PRIDE Movement, JCI Cebu Lakan Bahaghari, Provincial Youth Development Office, and most especially to her husband, Dr. Brian To for guiding through conversations that “many shy away from, yet everyone needs.”
The governor advised the audience to let love happen naturally and to focus on relationships where they can grow.
“Do not rush love. Do not force it.
Do not measure it by timelines or expectations. The right love — whether from family, friends, community, or a partner — will never ask you to shrink. It will allow you to grow,” she said.
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