Exactly 60 days after her historic victory in one of Cebu’s most closely watched elections, Governor Pamela Baricuatro delivered her first State of the Province Address (SOPA) on August 29, 2025, at the Capitol Social Hall. In a concise but impactful 30-minute speech, the governor did not mince words as she described the grim reality of Cebu Province under previous administrations.
The speech drew applause 22 times from the audience, which included former and current provincial officials, city and municipal leaders, and regional directors of national line agencies. However, the focus was far from celebratory; instead, it highlighted serious issues affecting governance, public health, education, and economic managemen
“Gubot, Guba, Gutom” – Cebu’s True State
Governor Baricuatro began her address with a candid assessment:
“I am deeply heartbroken for the true state of our beloved province. GUBOT. GUBA. GUTOM.”
These three words—disorder, decay, hunger—summarized the conditions she has confronted since assuming office. She pointed to irregularities in government operations, neglected facilities, and mismanagement of resources that have long affected the welfare of Cebuanos.
Cebu’s Hospitals in Crisis
Among the most alarming revelations was the state of Cebu’s 16 Capitol-run hospitals. Governor Baricuatro described facilities as dilapidated, understaffed, and poorly equipped. She recounted instances where patients had to pay for basic items like cotton, and some hospitals lacked essential tools such as thermometers or oximeters.
“Across our hospitals, we walked into supply rooms that could barely be called supply rooms,” the governor said, emphasizing the severity of neglect over the past six years.
The inadequate healthcare infrastructure, she warned, posed serious risks to public safety, especially for low-income residents who rely on government hospitals.
Financial Irregularities and Idle Funds
Governor Baricuatro revealed troubling financial irregularities in provincial operations. Preliminary accounting shows:
- ₱1.1 billion in payables to suppliers without clear funding sources
- ₱1 billion in idle Special Education Funds, while classrooms remain overcrowded and under-equipped
“Adunay mga cheke gi issue but with no clear funding source behind them. And worse? Contractors were asked to implement projects without proper bidding. Unsa man ni, BUDOL-BUDOL? THIS MUST STOP,” she said.
The governor also criticized the sidelining of critical offices under the previous administration, including:
- Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO)
- Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
- Provincial Youth Commission
- Sports Commission
- Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Office
She stressed that these offices were left powerless despite playing essential roles in addressing illegal drugs, disaster response, youth development, sports, and economic growth.
Addressing Environmental Mismanagement
Cebu’s natural resources also faced mismanagement. The governor cited the issuance of quarry permits to non-compliant operators and affirmed her administration’s commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws.
“To all operators still cutting corners: Pangundang Namo. Follow the law, or we will shut you down permanently. Walay pabor-pabor. Walay palusot,” she warned.
She clarified that there are no plans to transfer the Capitol to Balamban, countering rumors circulating in the province.
A Roadmap for Cebu
Transitioning from diagnosis to solutions, Governor Baricuatro presented her strategic roadmap for Cebu’s development, summarized as the “4Hs and 2Ps”:
- Housekeeping – Transparent governance and accountability
- Healthcare – Upgrading facilities and services
- Hunger – Eliminating food insecurity
- Happiness – Improving livability and quality of life
- Partnerships – Collaboration with private and public sectors
- Predicting Future Developments – Disaster preparedness and long-term planning
Transparency and Accountability
Governor Baricuatro outlined her vision for clean, honest, and accountable governance. Measures include:
- Livestreaming bidding processes on Facebook
- Adoption of the Right to Freedom of Information
- Creation of the Cebu People’s Action Center, providing 24/7 access to provincial services and emergency assistance
These reforms aim to restore public trust and ensure that government operations are visible, accountable, and accessible.
Upgrading Facilities and Services
Healthcare remains a central focus of the Baricuatro administration. Goals include:
- Upgrading hospital facilities and completing basic medical equipment
- Filling staffing gaps and hiring specialists
- Elevating level 1 infirmaries to level 2 hospitals
“The more medical staff and the better our facilities are, the closer we are to our goal of upgrading more infirmaries to level 1 hospitals, and level 1 hospitals to level 2,” the governor said.
She acknowledged the contribution of public and private institutions, which have already provided at least ₱48 million worth of free surgeries and medical missions across the province.
Tackling Food Insecurity
Eliminating hunger is a key priority. Governor Baricuatro outlined initiatives to ensure food security by 2030, including:
- Community and Mobile Kitchens, serving hot meals daily and during calamities
- Establishment of the People’s Food Center to provide farmers and consumers easier access to fresh and affordable produce
These programs aim to strengthen the local food system and improve the nutritional welfare of Cebuanos.
Building Livable Communities
A sustainable, safe, and happy Cebu is also a top priority. Plans include:
- Delivery of basic services like water, roads, street lighting, and waste management
- Development of parks, sports grounds, and recreational facilities
- Preservation of heritage, culture, and environmental conservation
- Promotion of community-based tourism programs
“We want to strengthen the people’s sense of happiness by making Cebu livable, safe, and sustainable,” she explained.
The governor also committed to supporting law enforcement and reactivating the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board to ensure responsible quarry operations.
Collaboration for Success
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that no reform can succeed in isolation. To institutionalize collaboration, she announced the creation of the Provincial Development Council, which will coordinate efforts between:
- Public stakeholders
- Private sector partners
- NGOs and civil society organizations
This council will ensure that programs are effectively implemented, monitored, and sustained.
Predicting Future Developments: Disaster Preparedness
To safeguard Cebu’s growth, the administration will:
- Institutionalize disaster protocols
- Implement business continuity plans
- Ensure that markets, schools, and health facilities remain operational even after natural calamities
This proactive approach aims to minimize disruptions and maintain essential services during emergencies.
A Call for Unity and Participation
Closing her SOPA, Governor Baricuatro called on Cebuanos to prioritize the welfare of constituents over politics.
“Give me three years—three years of your trust, your participation, and your unity—and I promise you, visible and real change will be felt in every corner of Cebu,” she said.
She reminded officials that while political support is not expected, commitment to public service and constituent welfare is essential.
“In 60 days, daghan na ta nakitang sayop. Sa umaabot nga tulo ka tuig, daghan pud mo makitang kausaban,” she added.
Cebu’s Path to Renewal
Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s first SOPA laid bare the challenges of Cebu Province, exposing systemic mismanagement, financial irregularities, and underperformance in key public sectors. Yet, she paired these revelations with clear, actionable plans through the 4Hs and 2Ps framework, focusing on transparency, healthcare, food security, happiness, partnerships, and disaster preparedness.
Her administration’s message was clear: Cebu’s future requires honesty, unity, and proactive governance. Through these measures, Governor Baricuatro aims to **restore Cebu
