Baricuatro wants modest inauguration ceremony

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro has directed organizers of her June 30 inauguration to keep the ceremony modest and community-driven, shunning extravagance in favor of simplicity and public service.

Gov Pam has made it clear: this event should reflect the values of humility, unity, and service not extravagance, said Ruben Licera, the incoming governor s spokesperson.

Baricuatro, who will officially assume office at exactly 12:00 noon on June 30, emphasized that the occasion must send a message of servant leadership. She has instructed the organizing committee to avoid lavish spending and instead showcase volunteerism and local talent.

She instructed the committee to avoid unnecessary expenses and instead channel our energy and resources toward a meaningful, community-driven celebration, Licera added.

The governor-elect s team is using only government-owned or donated materials for staging. Performances during the event will be led by local artists and volunteers, who will not be paid talent fees.

Licera explained that the approach is consistent with Baricuatro s people-first governance style and serves as a symbolic break from traditional political pageantry.

She has given strict directives to celebrate without flashy production which serves as a message to the people that public service comes before political spectacle, he said.

Event organizers confirmed that invitations have been sent to national and regional leaders, including Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos, who have shown strong interest in attending.

Inauguration Committee Chair Paulo Uy said various volunteer groups have also confirmed their participation in the celebration.

We have coordinated with all volunteer groups, and they are fully aligned we will celebrate together on June 30, right after the formal oath-taking, Uy stated.

The day's events will also include an interfaith thanksgiving and a People s Thanksgiving Street Party, which organizers say is a tribute to the Cebuanos who supported Baricuatro s campaign.

Dubbed a moment of people s triumph, the event will be held under strict security coordination with the Philippine National Police and other agencies, with advisories and protocols to be announced soon.

Organizers have also decided to move the venue to Plaza Independencia instead of holding it in front of the Capitol building.

Baricuatro, who ran under PDP-Laban, won the May 12 elections with over 1.1 million votes defeating outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Gwen Garcia by a margin of over 700,000 votes. — Shyrielle LariosaCNU Intern/FPL (FREEMAN)