People’s Governor Pamela Baricuatro has been officially appointed as Vice President for Ways and Means during the Special General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) held on September 2 at Edsa Shangri-La, Metro Manila.
The appointment underscores Governor Baricuatro’s growing influence in national governance and her commitment to representing the interests of provinces across the country in key national projects and initiatives.
Strengthening the Role of Provinces
The LPP Special General Assembly gathered governors from all over the Philippines to discuss strategies for strengthening and institutionalizing the role of provinces.
Key topics included:
- Identification and implementation of national government projects in provincial jurisdictions
- Promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in project execution
- Ensuring prior consultation with local governments before rolling out major infrastructure developments
This aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for more responsive governance and collaborative efforts between national and provincial governments.
Governor Baricuatro’s Responsibilities as VP for Ways and Means
As Vice President for Ways and Means, Gov. Baricuatro will play a crucial role in:
- Reviewing funding strategies for provincial projects
- Advising on fiscal management and revenue generation for provinces
- Coordinating with the national government on resource allocation and project prioritization
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in provincial financial operations
Her leadership in this role is expected to foster greater collaboration between provinces and the national government, ensuring that local needs are reflected in broader infrastructure and development plans.
Oath of Office at Malacañan Palace
The following day, September 3, President Marcos administered the oath of office for all newly elected LPP officers at Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang Palace.
The ceremony formalized the leadership of the LPP for the coming term and highlighted the collective commitment of governors nationwide to promote sustainable and inclusive provincial development.
A Milestone for Cebu Province
Governor Baricuatro’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Cebu Province, as she joins the national platform of provincial leaders to help shape policies and programs that affect local communities.
Her active involvement in the LPP demonstrates:
- Recognition of Cebu’s leadership role in national governance
- Confidence in her expertise to manage fiscal and development concerns
- Commitment to collaborative governance that balances local priorities with national goals
Priorities and Initiatives
With her new position, Gov. Baricuatro is expected to champion several key initiatives:
- Infrastructure alignment: Ensuring national projects address the unique needs of provincial communities
- Equitable resource distribution: Advocating for fair allocation of funds and technical support
- Capacity-building programs: Strengthening provincial government staff capabilities for project implementation and fiscal management
- Transparency measures: Implementing systems that allow local stakeholders to monitor and evaluate government projects
These priorities reflect her administration’s overarching vision of “faster, closer, and kinder governance” that benefits both urban and rural communities.
National Recognition for Local Leadership
The appointment also highlights Governor Baricuatro’s credibility and growing influence on the national stage. By assuming a key leadership position in the LPP, she:
- Serves as a voice for Cebuano provinces in national decision-making
- Bridges the gap between local and national governments
- Strengthens inter-provincial collaboration on development and public service
Governor Baricuatro’s focus on both local welfare and national cooperation ensures that Cebu’s experiences and successes can serve as models for other provinces.
