Baricuatro inducted as the Cebu council president of PDP

CEBU CITY — Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro was officially inducted as the provincial council president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) for Cebu during a ceremony on Friday, at the party’s national headquarters in Manila.

Despite her new role in the PDP leadership, Baricuatro reaffirmed her commitment to nonpartisan and “colorless” governance, stressing that political alignment will not influence how she serves the province. 

In a phone interview with The Manila Times, the governor said her leadership remains focused on inclusive service delivery and collaboration with all local chief executives, regardless of party affiliation.

“This is the political side of governance. But what’s foremost on my mind right now is how to help the province,” she said.

The oath-taking was officiated by PDP secretary general Alfonso Cusi and witnessed by party official Wendell Avesado.

Baricuatro, meanwhile, clarified that no mayor in Cebu has so far expressed interest in joining PDP following her appointment and she has no intention of persuading local officials to align with the party.

“I’m not forcing anyone to be on my side or to be a member of PDP. If they want to join, it’s their decision. But at this point, that’s not my priority,” she said.

She explained that the PDP position was offered to her and does not represent any shift in her leadership style. She continues to collaborate with all mayors in Cebu, noting that cooperation remains key to delivering essential services.

Among the mayors present at her induction were Patrick Barcenas of Carcar City and Gerald Anthony Gullas of Talisay City.

Baricuatro added that any initiative to strengthen PDP’s presence in Cebu would depend on the direction of the party’s national leadership. 

She recalled that although many candidates ran under PDP in the 2022 elections, the party was not fully organized in the province due to the pace of the campaign.

Addressing concerns about her relationship with national agencies, Baricuatro said her PDP affiliation has not hindered cooperation with the current administration. She continues to coordinate with national offices and pursue shared development goals.

She said that PDP leaders understand the nature of her gubernatorial duties and do not consider her party role as a hindrance to collaboration.

Baricuatro said only those with limited understanding of governance may misread her party involvement, adding that true public service should not be tainted by political color.

"I've always maintained my colorless brand. Because after all, in governance, a good leader should not be divisive," she said.

While PDP Laban was the ruling party under former President Rodrigo Duterte, Baricuatro emphasized that her focus remains on governance and not on rebuilding the party in the province.