(An open letter to Gov. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro)
By Atty. Enerio N. Ocariza Jr.
Greetings in the name of the Lord Almighty! Congratulations on being elected as the new Governor of the Province of Cebu.
Your election as the governor of Cebu is purely an intervention from the Divine Providence. There is something inside you that prompted our Almighty God to decide in your favor. Your heart looks great and beautiful in the eyes of our Creator, thereby you became His favorite.
In behalf of your constituents of the Province of Cebu, especially the poor and underprivileged, we are appealing to you that as you start your journey as the Governor of Cebu, you will not change: that you will remain as the same Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, who is humble and has a sincere love for the Cebuano people.
The Holy Bible teaches us that many great men in the past were destroyed by their pride. One example is the life of King Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the ancient Babylonian empire. He used to be the king of the greatest first world power which is Babylon. However, due to his pride, the Holy Angel of God transformed him to become like a cow, who ate grass and crawled for seven years. After seven years of living in the forest, his sanity was restored and he returned to his throne. After which, he acknowledged the sovereignty of God and became humble for the rest of his life. (Daniel 4: 34-37)
The Cebuano people believe in your capability and capacity to become a good governor. Just continue to live as a fruitful Christian and serve the people with a servant-like attitude. Jesus told His disciples that those who want to become a leader should humble themselves and serve His followers with meekness and a good example. Jesus further said that those who want to be first should start at the last line.
We humbly suggest that you employ people who are honest and God-fearing to serve as your advisers and consultants. They should be without any blemish of corruption, full of wisdom and with a good attitude.
We appreciate your decision to hire Ace Durano as your special adviser. Surely, he could help you in promoting good governance in the Province of Cebu. Ace Durano is full of experience in politics, business and management. Further, he could tap the brilliant minds of some Danawanons who could assist in guiding you to become an effective and outstanding governor. Thank you and may God bless you, your family and your administration.