CEBU City – Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro spent her first day in office signing 12 executive orders aimed at strengthening provincial hospitals, promoting transparency, and addressing the healthcare concerns of her constituents, among other matters.
“I reflect on my first day as governor of Cebu, expressing my sense of responsibility and emotional connection to the people I now serve. I see familiar faces from the campaign, my supporters and you, the media and colleagues. We are here today to fulfil our mandate to serve the people with integrity, accountability and inclusive governance,” Baricuatro said in her inaugural message.
The neophyte governor said her first 100 days will focus on improving provincial healthcare services, employment and livelihood, education, and implementing collaborative and people-centric governance.
Her first order called for the urgent release of funds to enhance the services and capacity of 16 provincial hospitals. It was supported by her second directive which sought to reconstitute the Provincial Health Board for 2025-2028. The third order focused on enforcing freedom of information.
Baricuatro said she aims to promote transparency and accountability in public service. She also created task forces and the Cebu People’s Action Center to address issues related to programs and investments made by the province under her leadership.
She also met with Vice Governor Glenn Soco and members of the legislative board, department heads and some local officials, youth groups, and various civil society organizations, signalling their support to the new administration.
Soco said they talked about the coming legislative session on July 7 where Baricuatro will present her plans and programs. “It was a pleasant meeting,” he said, noting their commitment to working together.
“The session will also serve as a meeting point for the government and the board members and part of an orientation period that includes instruction on house rules, committee chairmanships, and other preparatory activities,” Soco said.
At the press conference, Baricuatro announced the appointment of former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano as the new provincial administrator, Paul Uy as her chief of staff, and Ruben Licera as provincial public information officer.
“It’s a very crucial appointment. I’ll help her. It’s the role that she needs me to play, especially with her priority agenda on healthcare. We have a very strong team,” Durano told reporters, adding that the next 100 days in the Baricuatro administration are crucial.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Baricuatro marks first day as Cebu governor with 12 EOs”
