Pam to deliver first SOPA today

CEBU, Philippines — All eyes will be on Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro today, August 29, 2025, as she delivers her very first State of the Province Address (SOPA), coinciding with the culmination of Cebu Province’s 456th founding anniversary celebration.

In her first address since assuming office last June 30, Baricuatro is expected to present not only her administration’s key programs but also a discussion on Cebu’s financial condition.

Her office earlier hinted that the province’s budgetary woes would be one of the central themes.

Assistant provincial administrator Aldwin Empaces said the governor intends to place transparency at the heart of her speech.

Just days before the event, Baricuatro raised alarm over the Capitol's spending habits, pointing out that the provincial government has been disbursing more than it collects.

Then she announced plans to reduce the 2026 budget proposal to just ?11 billion, almost half of this year’s ?25 billion appropriation.

The governor is also preparing to lay out strategies on how to maximize billions in idle funds.

These resources, she said, should be directed toward urgent concerns such as strengthening the province’s education sector and boosting disaster preparedness and mitigation programs.

Apart from fiscal reforms, Baricuatro is anticipated to stress the importance of good governance.

Her administration has consistently highlighted the need for cooperation among local government units across Cebu’s towns and component cities.

“She wanted to be part of the unity call for all LGUs. Mura ba og unity not based on the person but based on the principle so iyaha na i-mention,” said Empaces.

In earlier reports, Baricuatro promised that her address will have “a lot of revelations”, stressing her commitment to full disclosure before the public.

“I owe it to Cebuanos to reveal what needs to be revealed,” she mentioned in previous interviews.

Invitations to the SOPA were extended to a wide range of leaders, including congressmen, mayors, and city officials.

Former governors Hilario Davide III and Gwendolyn Garcia, as well as former vice governor Agnes Magpale, were also given invitations. — /BRP (FREEMAN)