Capitol hosts 3-day investment summit

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Monday called for stronger alignment, transparency, and trust in governance as she opened the three-day Cebu International Investment Summit on January 12, 2025, emphasizing that the province is ready to move forward with clearer systems and more reliable partnerships with investors.

- Jonnavie Villa and Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL

Speaking before business leaders, investors, and government officials, Baricuatro reflected on Cebu's longstanding potential, saying the province has long been rich in talent, strategic location, and opportunity, but weighed down by uncertainty and missed chances.

"I saw a province rich in talent, location, and opportunity, but weighed down by uncertainty, uneven engagement, and missed chances," Baricuatro said, adding, "Cebuanos work just as hard as anyone in the region, but they deserve clearer direction, better systems, and a government that truly gives them support."

Baricuatro said her belief that Cebu "could be more" was the reason she sought public office and now stands before stakeholders as governor, armed with a mandate to reform and realign governance.

"For years, Cebu moved forward, but not always together. There was activity, but not always alignment; interest, but not always confidence; potential, but not always follow-through," she said, noting that both investors and ordinary Cebuanos felt the impact of this disconnect.