Cebu Governor Initiates Comprehensive Land Use Review to Unify Provincial Development
Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has launched a significant review of how provincial lands are utilized by government agencies. This initiative aims to eliminate "fragmented" development and ensure all Capitol-owned properties adhere to a single, cohesive master plan.
Executive Order Mandates Legal and Financial Examination
Governor Baricuatro issued Executive Order (EO) 7, Series of 2026, authorizing a thorough legal and financial assessment of all land agreements. This includes usufruct arrangements, donations, and leases with national agencies and private entities.
Addressing Development Fragmentation
Since assuming office two months ago, Governor Baricuatro has received briefings from multiple national government agencies regarding projects initiated under previous administrations. Cebu Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces emphasized the governor's objective to avoid a "messy" approach to construction on provincial land.
"The Governor decided to create a site development plan for all these properties... so that decisions will follow a single, unified perspective and not be fragmented," Empaces stated on Thursday, February 12, 2026. "It does not look good when development is done piece by piece."
Scope of the Review
The review encompasses all province-owned lands, including the high-value Capitol property in IT Park and lands in Barangay Sudlon. A specific focus is the Provincial Legislative Building, currently shared by the Vice Governor and Provincial Board with several agencies:
- Commission on Audit (COA)
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
- Commission on Elections (Comelec)
The Vice Governor's team has expressed interest in fully utilizing the office, and the review will help determine optimal space organization.
Creating a Unified Development Blueprint
Governor Baricuatro's goal is to establish a "site development plan" akin to a city's zoning map, serving as a permanent guide for future constructions and investments. Under the new regulations:
- The Economic Enterprise Council (EEC) must approve all new land agreements.
- Existing valid contracts will continue to be honored.
- New concepts, such as a potential Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facility, are under consideration.
By implementing this unified roadmap, the Capitol aims to transform its properties into enhanced revenue sources for the province. "Moving forward, that becomes the blueprint so it won't keep changing," Empaces remarked. This strategic approach ensures every square meter of Cebu's land is utilized purposefully and profitably for the foreseeable future.
