Pam's Sopa under scrutiny for deceitful remarks and defamation, as per Gwen's claims
In a dramatic turn of events, incumbent Governor Pamela Baricuatro, during her first State of the Province Address (Sopa) on August 29, 2025, painted a grim picture of the province's current state, suggesting a shift in budget allocation towards maintenance and social services. This contrasts sharply with the narrative of her predecessor, Gwendolyn Garcia, who emphasised large-scale infrastructure and capital projects as a strategy for long-term development.
Baricuatro, in her address, described the province as neglected and expressed deep concern over its condition. She claimed that more than P1 billion in the Special Education Fund (SEF) was largely unutilized, and the budget for a 10-month school feeding program for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 was allocated from this fund. She also cited the dilapidated state of 16 provincial and district hospitals, with a lack of basic supplies and significant manpower gaps.
Garcia, however, defended her tenure in an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu on August 30, 2025. She argued that the funds for repairs and maintenance are already downloaded to the hospital's account, depending on the size of the hospital. She also emphasised the expansion of hospital bed capacity in provincial hospitals and the establishment of hemodialysis centres in Bogo, Carcar, Danao, and Balamban during her term.
Garcia's defense of her administration focuses on fiscal responsibility and impactful, enduring projects. She clarified that the P1.2 billion SEF balance was due to increased real property tax collections. In response to Baricuatro's claims about the unutilised SEF, Garcia stated that the funds for repairs and maintenance are already downloaded to the hospital's account, depending on the size of the hospital. She argued that the responsibility for day-to-day hospital repairs falls on their respective administrators, as their budgets already include funds for maintenance.
The public's support for either of these views will influence the political landscape in the years to come. As the debate between Baricuatro and Garcia continues, it is clear that the future of Cebu Province hangs in the balance. Both leaders present compelling arguments, and it remains to be seen which approach will lead to a brighter future for the province.
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