𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄-𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈’𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday, April 15, called on public officials to anchor leadership in purpose and service, emphasizing that clear vision begins with a strong sense of “why” amid the challenges of governance.
Speaking at the “2026 Conversations with Local Leaders in Eastern Visayas (CLLEV)” hosted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region VIII, Gov. Baricuatro shared personal reflections on leading with vision during her first 10 months in office, acknowledging the weight and uncertainty that often come with public service.
“When I was asked to speak about leading with vision, I paused for a moment—because for me, vision is not something abstract,” she said. “It is something I hold on to, especially during the most difficult days of leadership.”
The two-day event, held April 15–16 at the Triton Ballroom of Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, gathers leaders to strengthen governance and public service excellence in Eastern Visayas. The summit is a special engagement by CSC Region VIII and is separate from CSC Region VII field offices serving Cebu residents. It carries a theme, “The Leader’s Edge: Sharpening Vision, Influence, and Impact.”
Gov. Baricuatro said that leadership is not defined by having all the answers, but by remaining grounded in purpose despite uncertainty.
“There are days when decisions are heavy, and the weight of responsibility really sinks in,” she said. “In those moments, I always go back to one question: ‘Why am I doing this?’ Because if your ‘why’ is clear, your direction becomes clearer.”
She said her personal mission in public service remains simple: to serve, to listen, and to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind.
The governor said that effective leadership is built not only in major initiatives but also in everyday decisions. She stressed that people are more likely to follow purpose than plans, noting that even the most detailed programs will fall short if they lack sincerity and heart.
“Vision must be more than something we say—it must be something people can feel,” she added.
Gov. Baricuatro also cautioned leaders against being swayed by the rapid flow of opinions and criticism, particularly in the digital space. She urged officials to remain discerning and grounded.
“If we allow every voice to define our direction, we will lose our way,” she said. “Vision must be anchored not in popularity, but in purpose.”
She further emphasized that leadership is most effective when shared, encouraging collaboration between government and communities.
“The most meaningful progress happens when people begin to understand that vision and make it their own,” she said. “That is when leadership becomes shared.”
In closing, Baricuatro encouraged fellow leaders, especially those new to public service, to embrace continuous learning and remain committed to the people they serve.
“Leadership is not about being perfect. It is about being present. It is about being true to your purpose,” she said. “Padayon lang.” /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬
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