Baricuatro takes oath as PDP member

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro reaffirmed her commitment to “colorless” and nonpartisan governance following her official induction as the Provincial Council President of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) for Cebu Province.

Baricuatro took oath on Friday, July 11, at the PDP national headquarters in Elena Tower, Manila. The ceremony was officiated by party Secretary General Alfonso Cusi and attended by PDP official Wendell Avesado.

In an interview through phone after the event, Baricuatro clarified that no mayor in Cebu has so far expressed interest in aligning with PDP following her appointment.

She emphasized that encouraging local chief executives to join the party is not a priority at the moment.

“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.

Baricuatro said the position was offered to her by the party, and her acceptance does not signal any shift in her leadership style.

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

She added that while there may be expectations for other local officials to follow suit, any moves to strengthen PDP’s presence in Cebu would depend on the direction of the party’s national leadership.

Baricuatro said any moves to strengthen the party in Cebu would depend on the guidance of PDP’s national leadership, as all decisions must go through party approval.

She noted that while many candidates ran under PDP during the 2022 elections, the party was not fully organized in the province at the time due to the demands of the campaign.

She said she continues to work with all mayors in Cebu regardless of their political affiliation, adding that cooperation is essential for the province’s welfare.

She said some mayors also attended her inauguration, and she continues to engage them on matters of governance, not political alignment.

Baricuatro cited seeing mayors including Patrick Barcenas of Carcar and Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas of Talisay City, who are under the One Cebu party of former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

She also addressed questions on whether her new position might affect her working relationship with national government agencies, particularly with the current administration.

Baricuatro said her affiliation with PDP has not posed any obstacles to working with the national administration, stressing that she continues to coordinate with national agencies and pursue shared goals.

She emphasized that PDP leaders understand her role as governor and do not view her party alignment as a barrier to cooperation.

According to her, only those with limited understanding of public service might misinterpret her position or react negatively.

She reiterated her long-standing stance on inclusive leadership, saying she has always upheld a “colorless” approach to governance.

For her, a good leader should not be divisive or force people to choose political sides in order to receive public service.

"I've always maintained my colorless brand. Because after all, ang governance man gud— a good leader should not be divisive. You should not make people choose kung asa ka nga color, kung asa ang imong direction to lead," she said.

PDP was the ruling party during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.(MyTVCebu)