Cebu People’s Action Center Opens First Satellite Office in Balamban
Cebu People’s Action Center Opens in Balamban, Tackles Malnutrition and Elderly Care
Balamban, Cebu — The people of Cebu now have a stronger voice at the Provincial Capitol, thanks to the launch of the Cebu People’s Action Center (CPAC), which opened its first hub in Balamban on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The pilot center, housed inside the Balamban Municipal Hall, was inaugurated by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, together with Balamban Mayor Amos Cabahug, Provincial Administrator Joseph “Ace” Durano, and 3rd District Representative Lorenz Lagon. The event drew local residents, nutrition scholars, and senior citizens eager to present their most urgent concerns—from the persistent issue of malnutrition to the growing health care needs of the elderly.
Community Voices Heard from Day One
From the moment the doors opened, residents made their presence felt. Nutrition scholars in Balamban reported alarming levels of child malnutrition, a problem that continues to undermine growth and learning among children in rural Cebu. Meanwhile, senior citizens called for regular medical checkups, noting that monthly consultations would help ease the physical and financial burden of aging.
Governor Baricuatro responded decisively, promising to strengthen Cebu’s response to nutrition and senior care. “There will be a provincial nutrition council that will focus on food security,” she said. “And the Provincial Government is also preparing comprehensive programs to address the health needs of our senior citizens.”
These pledges reflect the urgent realities Cebu is facing. According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition remains one of the world’s leading health threats, especially in developing regions. Locally, poor nutrition has been linked to poverty and limited access to health services in far-flung barangays. On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) has long advocated for stronger elderly care programs, as the Philippines’ aging population continues to grow.
CPAC as a “Connecting Office”
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that the CPAC was designed to bring government closer to the people. “With the CPAC, we will not wait for the people to reach out to us. We must be the first to extend a hand,” she said.
The governor added that barangay empowerment lies at the heart of CPAC’s mission. In support of this, she announced that each of Cebu’s 1,066 barangays will receive ₱200,000 in financial assistance, plus an additional ₱50,000 earmarked for socio-cultural activities—provided that all funds are properly liquidated.
The announcement was met with optimism, as grassroots leaders see this as a chance to strengthen programs on education, health, livelihood, and culture in their respective communities.
CPAC’s Role: Complementing LGU Services
CPAC executive Director Ruben Licera clarified that the new center does not replace the services of local government units (LGUs). Instead, it complements existing programs, making provincial government resources more accessible, especially in remote towns.
“The CPAC simplifies how residents can access Capitol’s services,” Licera explained. “Our goal is to ensure that even in the farthest barangay, people can feel the presence of the Provincial Government.”
The Balamban hub will serve as the central point for the 3rd District of Cebu, covering Toledo City, Asturias, Aloguinsan, Barili, Pinamungajan, and Tuburan. This regional approach allows the Provincial Government to respond quickly and effectively to pressing concerns raised by residents.
Expanding Across Cebu
The Balamban launch is only the beginning. Capitol is already eyeing five to seven more CPAC hubs across Cebu before the end of 2025, with potential sites in Bantayan Island and Camotes Islands.
Each hub will have a designated area head and staff responsible for compliance and people’s organization desks. Moreover, CPACs will function as satellite offices of the Governor, bringing provincial leadership closer to everyday citizens.
The CPAC initiative is rooted in Governor Baricuatro’s leadership vision, as the program was part of the first 12 executive orders she signed upon assuming office on July 1, 2025. This move underscored her administration’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and proactive governance.
Balamban at the Center of Change
Balamban, known for its shipbuilding industry and as one of Cebu’s growing economic towns, was chosen as the pilot site due to its strategic location and diverse population. With agriculture, industry, and education playing central roles in Balamban’s development, the town reflects many of the challenges faced by Cebu’s other municipalities: food insecurity, health care gaps, and the need for inclusive growth.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Cebu’s population continues to grow steadily, placing added pressure on local governments to deliver adequate social services. Programs like CPAC are envisioned to bridge these gaps and ensure that growth is not limited to Cebu City and other urban areas, but also extends to rural and island communities.
Community-Driven Governance
What makes CPAC distinct from traditional government service centers is its people-first approach. Instead of passively waiting for requests or complaints, CPAC actively solicits feedback from residents. By creating structured communication between citizens and Capitol, the center serves as a direct channel for people’s concerns.
Local leaders believe that this framework will help reduce bureaucratic red tape and allow urgent issues, such as malnutrition and elderly health care, to be prioritized more effectively.
Conclusion
The launch of the Cebu People’s Action Center in Balamban marks an important step in Cebu’s push for more inclusive and responsive governance. From tackling malnutrition to easing the health burdens of the elderly, the CPAC embodies the province’s commitment to making government services accessible to all.
With plans to expand across Cebu by year’s end, CPAC is more than a pilot project—it is a vision for community-driven governance, where every Cebuano, regardless of where they live, can directly connect with the Provincial Capitol.
As Governor Baricuatro put it, the goal is not just to wait for people to come forward, but for government itself to extend a helping hand first. If fully realized, CPAC could become a defining feature of Cebu’s social governance, ensuring that no barangay and no resident is left behind.
