Cebu governor getting ready for inauguration

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CEBU CITY — Amid a pending election protest questioning her win, the camp of Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro is moving forward with preparations for her inauguration on June 30, 2025.

The camp of Baricuatro confirmed that she will take her oath of office at 12 noon in accordance with the Local Government Code, which states that elected local officials begin their term at that time.

The ceremony will be followed by an interfaith thanksgiving and a people's street party organized by volunteer groups supporting the new administration.

Inauguration committee chairman Paulo Uy said all volunteer organizations have agreed to hold their activities after the formal program.

"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 said.

The provincial capitol's incoming public information officer, Ruben Licera, meanwhile, said the new governor instructed the organizing team to observe austerity measures throughout the event.

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

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

The event will feature local musicians and artists contributing their talents without charging fees from organizers, Licera said.

The stage will be made up of government-owned or donated materials and decorations will be modest, sourced from local cooperatives rather than luxury suppliers.

The celebration will focus on showcasing the efforts of volunteers and civic groups instead of high-budget productions or formal banquets.

Baricuatro won the gubernatorial race in the midterm elections after garnering more than 1.1 million votes.

Her campaign emphasized clean and honest elections, refusing to engage in vote-buying and relying heavily on grassroots organizing and digital outreach.

Organizers have sent invitations to Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Imee Marcos and other national and regional officials.

Baricuatro's inauguration comes amid an ongoing protest filed by outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who lost the election after decades of dominating Cebu's political landscape.

Garcia's camp has asked the Commission on Elections to investigate the results.

Meanwhile, Baricuatro's transition team is questioning the several trust funds created during Garcia's final days in office.

These include funds for programs like Suroy Suroy Sugbo, which the incoming team said must be examined for legal basis and fiscal propriety.