Incoming Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has taken her oath of office before her former classmate and close friend.

Baricuatro took her oath past 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, before Judge Anna Marie Militante of the Regional Trial Court Lapu-Lapu City. 

She said that Militante is a classmate in high school and a good friend.

Baricuatro took her oath of office early so she could focus on the local governance transition, or the leadership turnover at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

"Just like my campaign, my inauguration was a simple and meaningful event. The oath of office was officiated by my high school classmate, Judge Anne Militante. My fellow activists from college, who are now prominent lawyers, organized the ceremony. I felt it was important to get this done as soon as possible so that my team can focus on the transition and preparations needed for effective governance. The inaugural and People’s Victory celebration is scheduled for June 29th," Baricuatro said. 

Present during the oathtaking ceremony is former Tourism secretary Ace Durano who has accepted the offer to work with Baricuatro as Special Adviser for Economic and Political Affairs (SAEPA).

Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival graced the event and expressed strong support to Baricuatro’s administration.

Archival said that a harmonious relationship between the Cebu City Hall and the Cebu Provincial Capitol is vital to the smooth delivery of programs and projects that the Cebuanos deserve.

Archival describes the harmonious relationship under their administrations as “one true united Cebu.”

Baricuatro becomes the second lady-governor of the Province of Cebu.

Moreover, the Baricuatro family has expressed their all-out support to the new governor on the new chapter in her life.

According to her daughter, Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, and her son in law, Dr. Janos Vizcayno, Baricuatro is not only a mother to them now but the mother of many.

As soon as she assumes office at Capitol, Baricuatro said she would issue an executive order for the removal of the word “honorable” from her position as governor.