CEBU CITY – In a dramatic political surprise,Pam Baricuatro, a former flight attendant who founded an NGO, has defeated a influential member of the Garcia political dynasty in Cebu—breaking decades of family rule. Hailed as a political dark horse, Baricuatro’s win has sent a shockwave through voters nationwide, representing a larger cry for grassroots leadership and reform.
Baricuatro, once flying high with overseas airlines, turned activist during the pandemic, starting a coastal livelihood NGO that took off on empowering fisherfolk and women. Her campaign slogan, “From Shells to Statehouse,” reflected her commoner roots and reformist agenda, appealing to younger voters and first-time constituents exasperated with conventional politics.
To challenge Councilor Matilda Garcia, an experienced incumbent belonging to a family that has been Cebu’s traditional political royalty for decades, Baricuatro had a lean, social media-powered campaign that drew strength from volunteers and online participation. Her down-to-earth image, experience in fieldworks, and no-nonsense messages helped to destroy decades of dynasty-supported machinery, analysts say.
As Baricuatro is about to assume office, she promises to focus on marine sustainability, education, and local entrepreneurship. “This is not my victory alone,” she told us, “It’s a victory for every Filipino who hopes politics can still be clean, compassionate, and community-first.” Cebu might have just paved the way for a new dawn in Philippine democracy.
