Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has hinted at the possible revival of the province's flagship cultural festival under a new name and format, a year after she announced the suspension of "Pasigarbo sa Sugbo." The development began on June 1, 2026, when the Facebook page Cebu Festivals asked its followers whether they would support bringing back Pasigarbo sa Sugbo under the name "Pasundayag sa Sugbo" for the upcoming Cebu Province Founding Anniversary.
Governor's Response
Baricuatro responded to the post on Friday, June 5, saying, "Why not??? It crossed my mind baya! Nice ni nga name ha Pasundayag sa Sugbo. Let's showcase the Cebu Festival winners per district lang seguro para dili maabtan og kadlawon?" The Cebu Festivals page, which has over 68,000 followers, had garnered 619 reactions, 83 comments, and 478 shares on its original post as of 4:03 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Baricuatro's comment received 387 reactions.
Clarification from Cebu Festivals
Following the engagement, Cebu Festivals issued a statement on Friday, June 5, clarifying that the proposed name change was merely an independent idea and not an official decision from the Provincial Government. "We would like to clarify that this was merely our idea and opinion on what the festival could be called under the new administration. It was not an official announcement nor a confirmed decision from the Cebu Provincial Government or Governor Pam Baricuatro," the statement read.
Public Debate on Priorities
The statement also addressed public debates about prioritizing provincial funds for healthcare over cultural events. "The Provincial Government can improve hospitals and healthcare while also investing in culture, tourism, and the creative industry. These goals are not mutually exclusive—they can move forward together," Cebu Festivals added. According to the page, the festival serves a greater purpose beyond politics, benefiting thousands of creative sector workers and serving as an annual occasion for unity. "Regardless of political differences, one thing remains clear: we need unity, and festivals like these remind us that we are all part of one Cebu," it said.
Shift in Stance
Baricuatro's openness to the idea marks a shift from her earlier position. After winning as governor on May 12, 2025, she announced the suspension of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and the Suroy Suroy Sugbo tourism program due to high costs and safety and logistics issues. In a report by SunStar Cebu on May 20, Baricuatro revealed the suspension of both programs, which were launched by former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and said they would be replaced by mobile clinics and mobile kitchens to be sent to remote areas of the province. In that report, Baricuatro also said the provincial government spent P255 million on the last edition of Pasigarbo under the previous administration. The governor first announced her plan to suspend Pasigarbo and Suroy Suroy during her campaign on November 5, 2024, promising to redirect funds to healthcare, poverty reduction, and other essential services.
