Cebu City, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has begun crafting a comprehensive development roadmap for the next three years, a move designed to align provincial priorities with the needs of its people and prepare for long-term challenges.
In partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu, Capitol officials and stakeholders convened for a three-day Strategic Planning and Capacity Development Agenda Workshop, which opened on August 18 at the Capitol Social Hall.
Gov. Baricuatro Leads Despite Health Setback
Although under the weather, People’s Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro personally attended the first day of the workshop, underlining her commitment to steering Cebu’s development agenda.
“Let us not just look at figures and projects but at real lives behind those numbers: the farmers, workers, mothers, fathers, the youth, and the elderly,” Gov. Baricuatro said. “They are the reason why we plan, why we dream, and why we serve.”
She emphasized that strategic planning should not be limited to identifying projects but must also strengthen governance, sharpen service delivery, and enhance Cebu’s ability to respond to climate change, rapid development, and public health emergencies.
First Comprehensive Planning in Years
This workshop marks the first province-wide strategic planning exercise since the administration of former governor Hilario Davide III, signaling a renewed commitment to inclusive and accountable governance under Baricuatro’s leadership.
The approach reflects global best practices in local government planning, aligning with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (NEDA, UNDP).
A People-Centered Development Agenda
The roadmap centers on Gov. Baricuatro’s people-first philosophy, ensuring government programs directly benefit the most vulnerable sectors. Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces presented the governor’s development agenda, which focuses on six key pillars:
- People-centric services — ensuring equitable access to social protection and livelihood support.
- Accessible healthcare for all Cebuanos — expanding hospitals, strengthening health manpower, and improving rural clinics.
- Zero hunger by 2028 — boosting food security and agricultural support to eliminate malnutrition.
- Environmental protection — balancing economic growth with conservation efforts.
- Disaster preparedness with sustained economic growth — integrating resilience into infrastructure and governance.
- Partnerships for wider program reach — collaborating with national government agencies, private sector, and civil society.
Collaborative Workshop Structure
To draft Cebu’s development roadmap, participants were divided into five thematic groups:
- Social development (healthcare, education, housing, social welfare)
- Economic development (agriculture, trade, industry, investments)
- Infrastructure development (roads, transport, utilities, flood control)
- Environmental management (sustainability, climate action, conservation)
- Governance and institutions (transparency, accountability, efficiency)
Each group included Capitol department heads, civil society leaders, and national agency representatives. Among the notable participants were:
- DILG Cebu Director Dr. Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr.
- Aia Abdeel Apostol of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-7
- Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano
- Civil society organizations engaged in advocacy and development work.
Healthcare and Social Services at the Core
Healthcare remains a top priority. Gov. Baricuatro’s administration is accelerating efforts to expand access to provincial and district hospitals while addressing staffing shortages. Recent initiatives, such as mass hiring of doctors and nurses and partnerships with nursing schools to deploy interns, are part of this long-term strategy.
The roadmap also aligns with the national Universal Health Care Act, which seeks equitable healthcare for every Filipino (PhilHealth). Cebu’s localized approach includes mobile clinics, surgical missions, and Serbisyo Karaban deployments to underserved areas.
Zero Hunger by 2028
Another ambitious goal is the province’s pledge to achieve zero hunger within three years. This means eliminating malnutrition and ensuring food security across urban and rural communities.
Strategies include:
- Increasing agricultural productivity through mechanization.
- Expanding post-harvest facilities and farm-to-market roads.
- Strengthening support programs for farmers and fisherfolk.
- Partnering with NGOs and private companies on supplemental feeding.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), hunger and malnutrition continue to affect millions of Filipinos, particularly children (FAO). Cebu’s commitment to end hunger by 2028 represents a bold local response to a national challenge.
Building Environmental and Disaster Resilience
Cebu’s vulnerability to typhoons, floods, and rising sea levels has made disaster preparedness a cornerstone of the roadmap. Recent flooding incidents in Metro Cebu highlighted the urgency of comprehensive flood-control planning, beyond fragmented local interventions.
Gov. Baricuatro’s administration intends to prioritize:
- River dredging and desilting of drainage networks.
- Stricter land-use planning and enforcement.
- Investment in early warning systems and evacuation facilities.
- Reforestation and coastal protection efforts.
The strategy aligns with findings from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which stresses the importance of climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure in Philippine local governments (ADB).
Driving Economic Growth While Protecting Communities
The roadmap also integrates plans for sustained economic growth, with a focus on responsible investments that create jobs while protecting the environment. Cebu remains one of the country’s top investment hubs, with Japanese, Korean, and European firms playing a significant role in manufacturing and services.
Under Baricuatro’s plan, the Capitol will:
- Enhance investment facilitation while tightening environmental safeguards.
- Promote eco-tourism in island municipalities.
- Strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Improve digital connectivity to boost competitiveness.
Governance Reforms for Accountability
Finally, the roadmap underscores the importance of good governance. Gov. Baricuatro has repeatedly stressed that public service should transcend politics. The strategic plan calls for:
- Transparent monitoring of Capitol projects.
- Digitalization of government services.
- Stronger citizen participation through community consultations.
- Capacity development for local government staff.
Conclusion
The three-day strategic planning workshop at the Cebu Capitol represents a turning point for the province. By laying out a clear three-year development roadmap, the administration of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is setting a vision that balances healthcare, social services, disaster resilience, and economic growth.
More importantly, the roadmap reflects a people-centered approach — one that recognizes the everyday struggles of farmers, workers, mothers, and youth as the true compass for government action.
With collaboration from national agencies, civil society, and the private sector, Cebu is positioning itself not only for economic success but for inclusive and resilient growth that leaves no Cebuano behind.
