Governor Pamela Baricuatro delivers her speech during the celebration of the province’s 456th Founding Anniversary on August 6. | Photo by Aldo Banaynal
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — As Cebu Province marked its 456th founding anniversary, Governor Pamela Baricuatro called for unity and expressed gratitude to past leaders who helped shape the province.
Baricuatro paid homage to Cebu’s heritage while laying out her administration’s vision of a healthier, safer, and more progressive province.
“We should always remember those governors and vice governors that helped shape the province of Cebu in the past,” said Baricuatro.
“I’m most proud of our people—hardworking, resilient, full of heart,” she added, as she pledged to invest in public services, healthcare, food security, environmental protection, and youth empowerment.
Baricuatro urged Capitol employees to unite and serve with compassion, reminding them: “Magkahiusa tang tanan. Past is past. Let’s serve with a smile.”
She emphasized the need for a peaceful working environment, saying the happiness of government workers directly affects the quality of public service.
In recognition of their contributions, all Capitol employees will receive 25 kilos of rice each, as announced during the celebration.
Vice Governor Glenn Soco also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the founding anniversary as a celebration of a “new administration and a renewed commitment.”
“You have a new governor, a new vice governor, and a new set of board members,” Soco said, noting the smooth transition and continuity under Baricuatro’s leadership.
Soco praised the collaborative atmosphere that has emerged at the Capitol since July, calling it key to making the provincial government work for the people.
“This 456th founding anniversary is about collaboration—working together for a common good to provide the services our fellow Cebuanos need,” he said.
In a personal gesture of generosity, Soco gave P50,000 as additional prize for the competition among the different departments.
Yesterday’s celebration opened with a Holy Mass, followed by festive lunch per office, a dance competition among Capitol departments, a raffle draw, and a grand fireworks display.
The week-long “Tabo sa Kapitolyo” agri-trade fair also drew in 51 LGUs and 31 private exhibitors, showcasing Cebu’s best local products—from native delicacies to crafts and homegrown goods.
Due to public demand, especially from working individuals, the fair will be extended until Sunday, August 10, giving more Cebuanos the chance to support local producers.
Republic Act 8952 declares August 6 as a special non-working holiday across Cebu Province, including Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.
Under labor rules, employees who did not report for duty on this day are not entitled to pay unless their contracts provide otherwise, while those who worked are entitled to 30% additional pay.
In line with the anniversary celebration, the Capitol is launching a province-wide Caravan of Services, which includes major medical and surgical outreach activities.
The first leg of the caravan will be held starting today, August 7, until tomorrow in the island towns of Poro and Pilar in Camotes, in collaboration with the PhilHealth Konsulta Caravan.
Major surgical missions will follow on August 9–10 in Bogo City, offering gallbladder removals, hernia repairs, breast and thyroid surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and treatment for rare conditions like anal fistulas and parotid gland removal.
Non-surgical outreach will be held in Bantayan on August 15–16, ensuring far-flung communities receive vital medical services.
Additional surgical missions are set in Danao City (August 16–17), Balamban (August 23–24), and Carcar City (August 30–31), in partnership with Chong Hua, UCMed, AMRO, and VSMMC.
The province is also preparing for the August 20 Sugbo Kahanas Program Ceremonial Distribution and Migrant Worker Assistance, part of its commitment to skills development and overseas employment support.
On August 22, the Capitol will host its much-anticipated Employees’ Night, featuring the inclusive genderless Mr. and Ms. Capitol pageant. The event aims to boost morale and camaraderie while reflecting the administration’s support for diversity and gender inclusivity.
The Museo Sugbo is also set to reopen on August 28, which will highlight Cebu’s rich cultural history and add another landmark to the province’s heritage tourism.
The governor is set to deliver her first state of the province address (SOPA) on August 29, where she is expected to unveil her administration’s roadmap and achievements during her first month in office.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
