Gwen Garcia sets up trust funds days before exit

Eleven days before leaving office, outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia issued a memorandum ordering the creation of trust funds for at least 15 provincial programs, including her flagship tourism campaign, Suroy Suroy Sugbo.

Through Memorandum No. 36-2025, Garcia directed provincial treasurer Roy Salubre to set up dedicated trust funds, invoking provisions of the Local Government Code and Commission on Audit rules that allow earmarking of funds for specific purposes.

Some of the programs covered under the trust fund order—like Suroy Suroy Sugbo—are set to be scrapped by incoming Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who criticized Garcia’s move as a “last-minute attempt to manipulate the provincial budget.”

“I am deeply disappointed and appalled by the recent actions of the outgoing governor, as evidenced by Memorandum No. 36-2025—just weeks before her departure,” Baricuatro said.

She called it “not only a blatant disregard for the principles of good governance and democratic transition but also an outright violation of legal and ethical standards.”

Baricuatro accused Garcia of trying to block her administration’s ability to manage Cebu’s funds freely. “It is an abuse of power designed to hinder the incoming administration’s ability to serve effectively,” she said.

Baricuatro, who won a landslide victory over Garcia in the May 2025 midterm elections, previously announced 

she would discontinue expensive tourism programs such as Suroy Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo to prioritize basic services.

She warned that the creation of trust funds could limit how her administration reallocates resources. “We will review, assess, and, if necessary, revoke any illegal or questionable provisions of this memorandum. We will pursue all legal remedies,” she said.

Aside from tourism programs, the trust funds cover initiatives such as Sugbo Negosyo (for micro-entrepreneurship), Sugbo Segurado (health insurance), Sugbo Kahanas (skills training), Sugbo Patubig (waterworks), Sugbo Kuryente (energy projects), Sugbo Semento (bulk cement purchase), and Sugbo Sentro (a revamped food hub).

Also included are funds for the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board, Capitol Lot Sales Settlement, the 20% Development Fund, and the Reforestation and Watershed Management Fund.

The memo also supports regulated tourism activities like canyoneering in Badian and nullifies previous orders inconsistent with this directive.