Political differences were set aside as Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco welcomed 2026 with a shared message: Cebu’s next phase of growth relies on unity, recovery, and focused governance.
In separate statements, both leaders emphasized the year ahead as a crucial period to consolidate gains from recent challenges while laying the foundation for long-term development across the province.
Baricuatro said the year should be guided by shared values such as respect, compassion, and hard work, which she described as essential to strengthening families and communities.
“As your governor, I promise to continue leading with care, fairness, and integrity—always putting people first, always listening, and always choosing what is right for our province,” Baricuatro said.
She assured the public that her administration will continue prioritizing fair, people-centered governance, making decisions anchored in integrity and responsive to the needs of Cebuanos.
According to Baricuatro, 2026 will see a stronger push for economic recovery, fueled by new investors and the return of international flights—developments expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment.
“I am more determined than ever to ensure that when challenges come—and they will—Cebu is ready and united,” the governor said.
She added that the provincial government is working to streamline decision-making and strengthen systems to prepare Cebu for future challenges.
Vice Governor Soco echoed the call for disciplined leadership, emphasizing that 2026 requires clear direction and purposeful governance to produce results that improve daily life.
He identified stronger support for micro, small, and medium enterprises as a priority, highlighting their role in sustaining livelihoods and driving local economic activity.
Healthcare, Soco said, must also receive increased and smarter investment, particularly in facilities and management, to make quality services more accessible across the province.
On infrastructure, he stressed the importance of continuing major projects such as the Metro Cebu Expressway, the fourth bridge, and the coastal road, along with developing a province-wide mass transport system.
Soco also highlighted renewable energy initiatives and the full implementation of flood control and drainage plans to strengthen climate resilience.
“All of these require not just plans, but discipline in execution, earlier planning, better coordination across agencies and local government units, and measuring outcomes—not just announcements,” Soco said.
He emphasized that progress will depend on coordinated action among government units, careful planning, and tough but necessary decisions to prioritize projects with long-term value.
“With unity, discipline, and decisive leadership, we can turn plans into progress and aspirations into lasting impact for our people,” Soco concluded. (SBA)
