Cebu City, Philippines — August 22, 2025 — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro arrived at the Cebu Provincial Capitol today to deliver her first State of the Province Address (SOPA), an annual event that highlights the accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and strategic plans of the provincial government.
On her way to her office, the governor was pleasantly surprised to see her official portrait unveiled at the Governor’s Hall, joining the gallery of past and present leaders of Cebu Province. The unveiling symbolizes recognition of her leadership and serves as a tangible reminder of her responsibility to the people of Cebu.
“Seeing my portrait alongside those of previous governors is truly an honor. It reminds us that leadership is about service, not recognition,” Governor Baricuatro said.
The SOPA, scheduled later in the day, is expected to focus on healthcare, education, infrastructure, social services, and sustainable economic growth, reflecting the priorities of her administration.
A Milestone Moment: Official Portrait Unveiling
The unveiling of Governor Baricuatro’s portrait is more than ceremonial. It represents a milestone for the provincial government and symbolizes continuity, progress, and accountability. Former governors’ portraits have long served as a testament to the legacies and contributions of Cebu’s leaders, and the addition of Baricuatro’s image signifies a new chapter in Cebu’s governance.
Government employees and visitors at the Capitol expressed excitement at seeing the new portrait displayed prominently. The display also marks the governor’s official acceptance of her role as the province’s chief executive, emphasizing service, leadership, and accountability.
Healthcare: A Top Priority in Governor Baricuatro’s Administration
One of the major highlights of the SOPA is expected to be healthcare reforms and programs, following Governor Baricuatro’s consistent focus on improving the province’s medical services.
In her first months in office, the governor has made significant moves to upgrade hospital facilities, expand medical missions, and strengthen health programs for both urban and rural areas. The province-wide Medical and Surgical Mission has already reached Carcar City, providing free consultations, minor and major surgeries, and other health services to thousands of residents.
Plans to allocate the largest share of the 2026 provincial budget to healthcare were also outlined, ensuring that hospitals, medical equipment, and essential services receive priority funding. Governor Baricuatro has emphasized that health is a right, not a privilege, pledging that every Cebuano will benefit from improved healthcare access.
Education Initiatives: No Cebuano Left Behind
Education remains a central pillar of Governor Baricuatro’s administration. During the SOPA, she is expected to highlight the approval of a ₱776.5 million budget for the Department of Education in Cebu Province, the largest allocation in recent years.
This budget will support:
- Classroom construction (₱500 million) to address the critical shortage of learning spaces.
- Restoration of Gabaldon heritage buildings (₱198 million) to preserve historical school structures.
- Learning materials and programs (₱30 million) for learning recovery initiatives.
- School repairs and facilities upgrades (₱13 million).
- Support for sports and extracurricular programs (₱12.3 million).
- Financial assistance for division activities (₱8.7 million).
- Development of robotics and STEM programs (₱6 million).
Governor Baricuatro’s administration also expanded the Provincial School Board to include city divisions and a TESDA representative, ensuring holistic education planning and better coordination.
“As long as I am governor, education will always be my priority. There will be no Cebuano left behind,” she said.
Infrastructure: Building for a Progressive Cebu
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the SOPA. Governor Baricuatro has prioritized essential projects that directly impact the lives of Cebuanos, contrasting with the previous administration’s focus on less critical undertakings.
Projects highlighted include:
- Upgrades to Capitol-run hospitals to ensure better healthcare access.
- Construction of roads and bridges in underserved areas.
- Development of water supply and solar energy projects to ensure sustainable utilities.
- Expansion of the investment corridor to attract businesses, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and tourism.
The governor commits to fiscal responsibility, aligning project budgets with revenue and initiatives that benefit residents.
Social Services and OFW Programs
Governor Baricuatro’s administration continues to prioritize overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and vulnerable communities.
Recent initiatives include:
- Distribution of ₱3 million in aid to 98 former Cebuano OFWs through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo (AKSYON) Fund.
- Collaboration with OWWA-Central Visayas to tailor programs specifically for Cebuano OFWs.
- Assistance for distressed OFWs, including financial aid, livelihood support, medical services, and relief for victims of scams.
The SOPA will highlight ongoing support for OFWs, showing the administration’s commitment to their welfare and contributions.
Culture and Heritage: Preserving Cebuano Identity
In addition to development projects, Governor Baricuatro’s administration emphasizes cultural preservation. The reopening of Museo Sugbo and the unveiling of its provincial marker underscores the province’s dedication to safeguarding history, art, and local heritage.
The SOPA will showcase initiatives integrating cultural education to help future generations value Cebuano history and identity.
Collaboration with Academic Institutions
Governor Baricuatro has actively engaged with Cebu Normal University (CNU) and other academic institutions to bolster education and healthcare services.
Key initiatives include:
- Sending medical scholars to CNU-VSMMC School of Medicine to produce more doctors for the province.
- Deploying nurses and medical students to provincial medical caravans.
- Joint programs in education, law, and healthcare to develop future professionals.
These partnerships will highlight SOPA, showcasing government-academia collaboration for public service.
Healthy Learning Institutions Program
The governor supports the DOH-HPB Healthy Learning Institutions Program to train teachers and promote healthier schools.
The program will roll out in 45 public schools across the province, with joint funding from the provincial government to ensure successful implementation. This initiative underscores the administration’s holistic approach to development, emphasizing prevention, health education, and community engagement.
Unity in Governance
Governor Baricuatro’s leadership style also emphasizes unity and collaboration. Her decision to decline the nomination for the Regional Development Council chair in favor of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival reflects her commitment to maintaining strong relationships across local governments.
“We want unity. I do not want to sacrifice the relationship between Cebu City and Cebu Province,” she said, earning applause from council members.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Vision for Cebu
The SOPA will conclude with Governor Baricuatro outlining her vision for economic growth, sustainable development, and inclusive governance. Key highlights include:
- Conservative projection of 10% economic growth in 2026 due to increased investments.
- Commitment to transparent budgeting and debt management.
- Focus on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare as pillars of sustainable development.
- Promotion of Cebu as an investment-friendly province through ease-of-doing-business initiatives.
Governor Baricuatro’s SOPA combines fiscal responsibility, strategic investments, and citizen welfare to inspire confidence in Cebu’s future.
Conclusion
Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s first SOPA highlights her achievements and outlines a roadmap for Cebu’s healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social progress.
As her official portrait now watches over the Governor’s Hall, it serves as a symbol of accountability, continuity, and hope for all Cebuanos. The province looks forward to a future shaped by thoughtful governance, strategic planning, and citizen-focused initiatives.
