Pamela Baricuatro, the second female governor in the history of the Province of Cebu, assumed her post formally morning on Monday, June 30, 2025.
Baricuatro signed a dozen executive orders (EOs) hours after the ceremonial turnover of responsibility at the Provincial Capitol.
The 12 executive orders are about:
1. The urgent release of the appropriated funds for medical purposes to strengthen Cebu Provincial Hospitals' response capacity;
2. Reconstituting the Provincial Health Board of the Province of Cebu for the Term 2025-2028;
3. Implementing Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Provincial Government of Cebu, promoting transparency and accountability in public service;
4. Creating a task force to address issues and concerns relating to the 93-1 lots and other provincial-occupied lots;
5. Creating the Cebu People's Action Center;
6. Operationalizing the Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Division, defining its composition, rules, and functions;
7. Reconstituting the Bids and Awards Committee of the Provincial Government of Cebu and the respective members and secretariat;
8. Creating the Special Review Committee of the Provincial Government of Cebu;
9. Constituting the Cebu Provincial Youth Commission and appointing the members;
10. Reconstituting the Cebu Provincial School Board for the Term 2025-2028;
11. Constituting the Center for Participatory Governance Unit; and
12. An Executive Order Mandating the Free Use of Regular Public Comfort Room (CR) Facilities in All Provincial Terminals in the Province of Cebu.
Baricuatro arrived at the Capitol at10 a.m. and went straight to the Social Hall for the ceremony attended by her family and supporters.
Vice Governor Hilario Davide III graced the event to welcome the new governor.
The turnover of responsibility symbolized by an enlarged key was facilitated by Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr., provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In her message, Baricuatro reiterated that the people of Cebu rallied behind her with over a million votes of confidence, and that she is deeply grateful for the trust given her, for making her the “People’s Governor.”
She accepted what she described to be a huge responsibility. She said she is set to have all transactions entered into by the previous administration checked.
Baricuatro has vowed to work on healing of wounds caused by politics.
As for her decision on job order employees, and department heads, Baricuatro said that a performance evaluation will be carried out.
Former governor Gwendolyn Garcia did not show up during the turnover ceremony.
In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, and new members of the City Council assumed their respective elective posts on June 30, 2025 as well.
Former mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia handed over the responsibility to Archival in a formal rite.
