Baricuatro explains presence in BBM Sona

Local

A SHOW of respect.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said this was her reason why she attended the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last Monday, July 278.

Baricuatro said she respects Marcos being the head of the country as she defended herself from backlash as a result of her attendance in the Sona.

Speaking before the benefeciaries of the Capitol’s fuel subsidy program in Sibonga town on Wednesday, July 29, Baricuatro said she was supposed to take a rest after her trip to Manila but decided to grace the distribution.

"Niadto man gani ko sa Sona, ako man gani gisuportahan ang Presidente, kamo pa kaha," Baricuatro said.

The governor said she was aware that she was heavily criticized for attending the Sona.

"Pero gibash ko'g maayo ug ngano niadto kuno ko. Nganong dili man? I respect authority, the President is the President, he is the president of the country. I respect his position, we belong to the executive branch and I respect authority," Baricuatro explained.

Baricuato added being the chairwoman of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas and the RDC Committee Head in Visayas, she is among the three governors who report directly to the president regarding the projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

With her RDC functions, Baricuatro said she needed to attend the Sona.

Baricuatro told the attendees to ignore her critics who are not from Cebu, saying that the Cebuanos support her.

During her Manila visit, Baricuatro and Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado also met with San Miguel Corportation Chairman and CEO Ramon Ang to discuss investments and opportunities for Cebu and Bohol.

She also met the Landbank president to discuss assistance for the farmers as well as the loans for the micro, small, mediuak enterprises in the province.

During the distribution, Baricuatro assured the benefeciaries that the provincial government is doing its part and taking steps to ease the burden of the Cebuanos affected by continuing rise of fuel prices.

The Capitol distributed P3, 000 fuel assistance and 10 kilos or rice under the "Bigay Bigas Para sa Masa" program of the national government to the 871 habal-habal drivers in the towns of Sibonga and San Fernando.

Baricuatro also handed over P3 million worth of check to Sibonga for the town's socio-cultural activities.

The governor also announced that the Capitol is allocating a budget for Sibonga's infirmary as part of the Capitol's effort to strengthen healthcare services.(MyTVCebu)