CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said she might skip the upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. due to ongoing work in the province.
“I wish, I want to, but yeah we are invited, all governors are, but we have a lot of work to do,” Baricuatro told reporters in a live press con on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
“As we know, wala mi’y transition (we did not have a transition). So everyday here is really a working day, 12 hours to 16 hours, so I wish I can go,” she added.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview on Friday, July 25, Cebu Provincial Agriculture Planning Head Jerome Mabag said he hopes to hear agricultural support measures during the President’s Sona.
“Basically, on the agriculture side, I want to hear about the agricultural inputs for our farmers — first, our insurance for each of their livelihoods,” Mabag said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
He emphasized the need for farm machinery and post-harvest facilities that would help reduce production costs.
“If their expenses are low, our farmers will earn more,” he said.
Mabag said the Province continues to implement agri-fisheries insurance programs, enhance countryside development initiatives and propose more post-harvest and production support facilities.
He revealed ongoing proposals that are under review by the current provincial administration to link farmers with industrial buyers to ensure steady markets for their produce.
“Lisud kaayo magtanom kung walay buyers (It’s very difficult to plant if there are no buyers),” Mabag said. / CDF