Baricuatro gets support from medical community

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro is drawing strong backing from both the medical community and national political observers as she prepares to assume office, with her early moves signaling a focus on public health and governance reform.

Baricuatro has earned support from Cebu’s healthcare professionals, who pledged to help realize her vision of delivering quality healthcare to Cebuanos.

This was evident during a recent Cebu Cancer Coalition meeting at the City Sports Club, where she met with doctors to discuss upcoming programs and collaborative efforts with the provincial government.

According to her team, Baricuatro prioritized early consultations with medical experts to ensure accessible and quality healthcare from the start of her administration.

“Isip inyong gobernador-elect, dakong dungog ug pribilehiyo nga makauban ang mga medical professionals nga matinud-anong nagserbisyo alang sa mga Cebuanong gipaningkamotan batok sa cancer,” she wrote in a social media post.

She emphasized the vital role of Cebu’s medical community in strengthening the province’s healthcare system, particularly for patients requiring specialized care.

“Daghang salamat sa inyong panahon ug suporta. Padayon ta sa pagserbisyo nga may gugma ug katarungan,” she added.

Baricuatro also met with the Board of the Cebu Medical Society (CMS), where one key discussion was the proposed relocation of the CMS office from Banilad to M. Velez Street, as the outgoing Capitol administration reportedly plans to repurpose the Banilad site.

Dr. Peter Mancao, immediate past CMS president and Philippine Medical Association governor for Central Visayas, revealed that while a groundbreaking was previously set for August, the plan is now on hold due to the recent transition.

Baricuatro, briefed on the matter, will wait until officially in office before taking a stance.

Medical mission

Meanwhile, talks are ongoing for a province-wide medical mission led by Baricuatro, with CMS reaffirming their commitment to join the Capitol’s ongoing “Caravan of Government Services.”

“Regardless of political leadership, our commitment to serve remains the same,” Mancao affirmed.

Further, Baricuatro's rising momentum isn’t limited to healthcare as her May 12 election victory continues to spark national conversation.

A warning sign

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon described Baricuatro’s triumph over incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia more than just a political upset, but a warning sign for national leaders ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, June 13, Guanzon called the win a major blow to the Marcos-Romualdez alliance, noting that Garcia had enjoyed full support from top national officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“What I really liked is what I saw in Cebu. This is still the protest capital of the country,” Guanzon said. “Biruin mo, banggain ang Marcos-Romualdez dynasty.”

Baricuatro’s landslide win—garnering over 1.1 million votes and defeating Garcia by more than 300,000—marked a historic upset.

Guanzon further criticized the use of government assistance programs such as TUPAD, AICS, and AKAP during the campaign period, suggesting they were employed to sway voters toward administration-backed candidates.

Despite these, she noted, Baricuatro still secured victory—proof that voters are increasingly resistant to patronage politics.

Guanzon attributed Baricuatro’s success to strong grassroots organizing, supported by allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte and the PDP-Laban party.

She also highlighted her personal admiration for Baricuatro, describing her as a fellow Harvard Kennedy School alumna and sharing a vision of a progressive and peaceful Cebu.

“I’m here not only to show support but also to share the vision of a progressive, passionate, and peaceful Province of Cebu together with our new governor Pam Baricuatro,” Guanzon said.

Guanzon is expected to attend Baricuatro’s “Salamat Sugbo” victory rally on June 29 as guest of honor. Organizers anticipate a crowd of 10,000 to 12,000 near the Cebu Provincial Capitol for the thanksgiving concert.

When asked about rumors linking her to Vice President Sara Duterte, Guanzon clarified that she is not currently serving as Duterte’s spokesperson, though she would consider such a role if offered in the future.

Duterte herself had denied appointing a spokesperson but publicly praised Guanzon, saying she salutes her. — (FREEMAN)