Even without her at capitol: gwen assures key programs to continue

CEBU, Philippines — Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has assured that the flagship programs under her administration will continue even after she steps down from office at high noon on June 30, emphasizing that she has taken legal steps, including the creation of trust funds, to ensure their sustainability.

Speaking during the opening of the RCebu Expo on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Garcia said her administration has laid the groundwork to safeguard programs that have long supported livelihoods and development across the province.

Garcia stressed the importance of continuity in governance and that programs should not be ended just because the incoming administration does not like it.

Although she made no direct mention of incoming Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Garcia took a firm stand in defending the trust funds created by her administration, amid criticism that these may limit the incoming administration’s fiscal flexibility.

Baricuatro earlier labeled the move a “blatant abuse of fiscal power” and a “last-minute attempt to manipulate the provincial budget,” warning that the trust funds could make it difficult to redirect resources to basic services and new priorities.

In response, Garcia explained that the funds were established in accordance with the Local Government Code, Commission on Audit (COA) regulations, and guidance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). She stressed that they are intended to protect essential programs that have consistently received public and legislative support.

With the backing of the Provincial Board, Garcia said the Capitol set aside funds for key initiatives such as Suroy Suroy Sugbo, Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbo Segurado, Sugbo Kahanas, Sugbo Patubig, Sugbo Kuryente, Sugbo Semento, and Sugbo Sentro.

The funds will also cover the operations of the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board, Capitol lot sales and development, reforestation efforts, and regulated tourism like canyoneering in Badian.

“We, as chosen leaders, have always been tasked to rise above our personal tastes, biases, and interests,” she reminded fellow officials.

“Because public office is a sacred trust from the people,” she added.

Atty. Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro’s transition team, said they are reviewing the memorandum on the trust funds and may consider revoking it.

Despite the brewing policy shift, Garcia assured the public that long-running Capitol programs will not be abruptly stopped.

“How? Watch me,” she said confidently, in response to questions about whether RCebu and other initiatives would still continue.

Ready to focus on herself

Garcia, who is ending her more than 20-year political career, said she is ready to step away from politics and focus on herself.            

“I'm just so excited nga mahuman na ang pag-alagad sa Sugbo karong Hunyo 30,” she said.

“Kay sa labing unang higayon sukad 2004, magsugod nakog huna-huna alang sa akong kaugalingon,” Garcia added.

Reflecting on her time in office, Garcia said she began her first term by studying Republic Act 7160 and other government regulations.

“That is how Gwen Garcia served—not emulated and boasted of my being some kind of celebrity, forgetting oneself for the greater majority,” she said.