Cebu City, Philippines — August 29, 2025 — In her first State of the Province Address (SOPA), Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro painted a stark picture of the province’s current state, describing it as “gubot, guba, gutom” — chaotic, dilapidated, and hungry. The governor highlighted the dire conditions of Capitol-run hospitals as the most glaring example of mismanagement.
“Across our 16 provincial and district hospitals, we walked into dilapidated, uncared for facilities. Supply rooms that could barely be called supply rooms—some hospitals had only one thermometer, and only one oximeter. In some facilities, patients had to pay for something as simple as cotton,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
Her remarks came as she outlined the urgent need for healthcare reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and resource allocation to address long-standing neglect in provincial medical facilities.
Hospital Conditions Reflect Years of Mismanagement
Governor Baricuatro’s observations reveal that basic medical care has long been neglected. During her visit to multiple Capitol-run hospitals, she noted:
- Shortage of essential medical equipment such as thermometers and oximeters.
- Poorly maintained supply rooms, often lacking basic necessities like cotton, gloves, and bandages.
- Dilapidated facilities, where patients’ safety and comfort are compromised.
- Inadequate staffing and resources, leading to reduced access to medical care for rural communities.
The governor emphasized that these conditions are unacceptable in a province with the size, population, and economic potential of Cebu.
“Gubot” – Chaos in Governance
By describing the province as “gubot”, Gov. Baricuatro referred not only to the physical conditions but also to the disorganized governance system that allowed such mismanagement to persist.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Fragmented healthcare programs, where oversight was weak and accountability minimal.
- Budget misallocations under the previous administration, with funds either unspent or misused.
- Lack of coordination between hospitals, leading to inconsistent service delivery.
She stressed, “We cannot claim progress when hospitals operate chaotically, staff overwork, and poor planning and neglect harm patients.”
“Guba” – Dilapidation and Infrastructure Neglect
The term “guba” underscores the deteriorated physical state of provincial facilities. Many hospitals are decades old and have not undergone proper renovation or maintenance, resulting in:
- Cracked walls and broken floors, posing safety hazards.
- Non-functional or missing medical equipment, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket for essentials.
- Inadequate sanitation and hygiene, increasing the risk of infections.
Governor Baricuatro highlighted that the restoration of hospital infrastructure is a top priority, and her administration plans to allocate significant funds for renovations and equipment procurement in the upcoming 2026 budget.
“Gutom” – Unmet Health Needs of Cebuanos
The third term, “gutom,” captures patients’ deprivation as they bear the costs of basic medical services.
“In some facilities, patients had to pay for something as simple as cotton,” Gov. Baricuatro lamented.
This situation reflects systemic underfunding and neglect, leaving vulnerable populations without adequate access to essential healthcare services. The governor pledged that her administration would prioritize universal healthcare access, free medical consultations, and fully equipped provincial hospitals.
Provincial Hospitals as a Priority in 2026 Budget
In response to these revelations, Governor Baricuatro has promised that the province’s 2026 budget will allocate the largest share to healthcare. Planned initiatives include:
- Upgrading all 16 provincial and district hospitals with modern equipment and fully stocked supply rooms.
- Expanding medical staffing to ensure adequate doctor, nurse, and support coverage.
- Regular maintenance programs to prevent facility deterioration.
- Free medical consultations and essential treatments, especially in rural areas.
These measures aim to transform provincial hospitals into safe, functional, and patient-friendly centers for health and wellness.
Medical Missions and Immediate Action
While long-term solutions are being planned, Governor Baricuatro has already implemented emergency medical missions across the province. Highlights include:
- Province-wide Medical and Surgical Missions providing free check-ups, minor and major surgeries.
- Partnerships with Cebu Medical Society, VSMMC, Gullas College of Medicine, and other academic institutions.
- Targeted aid for underserved areas, ensuring rural communities receive timely healthcare services.
“We cannot wait for bureaucracy to catch up. Action is needed now to ensure our people are not neglected,” said Gov. Baricuatro.
Accountability and Transparency in Governance
Governor Baricuatro also addressed the systemic issues behind hospital neglect, emphasizing the need for transparent budgeting, oversight, and accountability. Measures include:
- Regular audits of hospital expenditures.
- Strict monitoring of supply procurement and distribution.
- Public reporting of hospital conditions and improvement plans.
The governor aims to ensure that future administrations cannot repeat the mistakes of the past, turning healthcare facilities into examples of good governance.
Community Involvement and Feedback
Recognizing that healthcare reform cannot succeed without public participation, the administration encourages community feedback and reporting of deficiencies in hospitals. Citizens are invited to:
- Report shortages of supplies and medical equipment.
- Participate in hospital advisory boards and community health programs.
- Provide input on budget priorities to ensure funding reaches the areas of greatest need.
“Healthcare is a right, and it requires a partnership between government and the people,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for Improved Healthcare
Governor Baricuatro’s SOPA outlined a comprehensive healthcare roadmap:
- Immediate hospital renovations in all provincial and district facilities.
- Procurement of essential medical equipment to fully equip supply rooms.
- Staffing enhancements, including recruitment of doctors, nurses, and technicians.
- Free primary and preventive care services for all residents.
- Health education and wellness programs in schools and communities.
This plan addresses urgent deficiencies while laying the foundation for long-term healthcare improvements.
Conclusion: Transforming a “Gubot, Guba, Gutom” Province
Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s first State of the Province Address brought to light the harsh realities faced by Cebuanos in accessing basic healthcare. Her vivid description of the province as “gubot, guba, gutom” resonated strongly, highlighting decades of neglect and mismanagement.
With concrete plans for budget allocation, hospital renovations, medical missions, and transparency initiatives, the governor aims to make the province’s healthcare system a model of efficiency, compassion, and inclusivity.
“We will no longer accept dilapidated hospitals, lack of equipment, or patients paying for essential care. Healthcare is a right, and I am committed to making that right real for every Cebuano,” Gov. Baricuatro concluded.
Cebu now faces a new chapter in healthcare reform, guided by leadership that prioritizes service, accountability, and the welfare of its people.
