CEBU governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro has formally sought the assistance of both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a smooth transition of governance by June 30, 2025.
Baricuatro’s transition team, headed by lawyer Edmund Lao, first submitted the formal request to the DILG Cebu Provincial Office, which will in turn forward the letter to the office of outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
The letter, addressed to DILG Cebu Director Robel Sastrillo, sought assistance for a smooth transition and coordination with Baricuatro’s designated transition team.
After going to the DILG, the team then proceeded to the PRO 7 to personally hand over another letter addressed to PNP 7 Director Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan.
The letter for Maranan requested a courtesy call, a security and peace and order briefing, and coordination on future programs involving the PNP.
“Today, the formal transition process has begun — through the submission of a formal request to the office of the outgoing Governor,” read a portion of Baricuatro’s statement written in Cebuano.
The transition team is headed by Lao, a three-term incumbent councilor of Danao City and former member of the board of directors of the Philippine Councilors League - Cebu Provincial Federation.
Baricuatro personally selected the team members based on their experience and expertise, not political affiliation.
The transition team is composed of the following: Edmund Lao (head), Paulo Uy (IT and digital), Ruben Licera (media, information and tourism), Rubie Virtucio (legal and legislation), Jose “Titing” Esgana (budget and audit) and Ferliza Contratista (human resource and communications).
“The members of the transition team were personally chosen by Gov. Pam based on their background and experience — not because of politics, but because of their capability to help build a better Cebu,” Baricuatro said.
The letters cite Memorandum Circular 2025-016 dated March 13, 2025, which mandates DILG and other national government agencies to facilitate an orderly transition of local government leadership.
Both letters were signed by Baricuatro.
Baricuatro is set to assume office as governor of Cebu on June 30. / CDF