CEBU Gov.-elect Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro spent a week in Metro Manila meeting with national officials and stakeholders to gain support for Cebu’s development priorities.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Baricuatro said that Cebu’s status as the “richest province” should not lead to isolation.
“We need help, and we must reach out to the national and international [communities],” she said.
Baricuatro said the trip focused on relationship-building and exploring cooperation opportunities with diplomatic, business and government leaders. She held discussions on infrastructure, education and governance initiatives, including the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project and explored potential programs available through national agencies and international partners such as the World Bank and the United States Embassy.
She also consulted her legal team regarding the election protest filed by outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Despite the physical and mental demands of the trip, Baricuatro described the experience as worthwhile and beneficial for Cebuanos.
“We must continue to reach out, collaborate and grow — Cebu’s best days are ahead and we will be part of shaping that future,” she said.
In the recent midterm elections, Baricuatro unseated Garcia, who was seeking her third consecutive and sixth overall term. Baricuatro garnered 1.1 million votes, while Garcia received over 700,000. Garcia later filed an electoral protest, alleging technical irregularities in the vote count.
Baricuatro will assume office on June 30. / EHP