Guv hits Sugbu-ak solons at Carcar school centenary

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia once again lashed at three outgoing Cebuano congressmen who earlier sought for the division of Cebu into four separate provinces in yesterday's centennial celebration of Upland Elementary School in Carcar town.

Speaking at the 100th anniversary of the oldest public elementary school in south Cebu, Garcia told Carcaranons that Cebu is on top because of "those great Cebuanos who went before us, portrayed great roles in great segments of time, and who had all come to shape us to what we are today."

"As we remember great Cebuanos and great events that lead us to great moments in time, we also define wise what's good for the province. The celebration is important because we were beset by the onslaught of greed by congressmen who sought to divide the province," Garcia, who strongly opposed the proposed bills on Sugbuak, said.

Garcia, who did not drop names in her speech, was obviously referring to three Cebuano legislators, Reps. Simeon Kintanar of the 2nd district, Antonio Yapha of the 3rd district, and Clavel Asas-Martinez of the 4th district, who proposed for the conversion of their respective districts into separate provinces.

Yapha filed a bill in Congress for the conversion of the 3rd district into Cebu Occidental, with Toledo City as capital. Martinez wants the 4th district named Cebu del Norte while Kintanar authored a bill seeking for the creation of Cebu del Sur comprising his own district.

Interestingly, the three are on their third and final terms in office, but they all dismissed speculations that they want to create new offices to be able to stay in power after their terms expire.

"Cebu is one great province. We should be determined to keep this province whole. Kining kahakog dugay mawala busa gikinahanglan kita magkahiusa (This greed won't pass too soon, so we have to unite)," Garcia added, drawing applause from teachers, pupils, and local and barangay officials who witnessed the celebration.

Yesterday's affair was also attended by Carcar Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas, Vice Mayor Roger Montesclaros and Cebu 1st district Rep. Eduardo Gullas.

Mayors and vice mayors of the first district of Cebu had already passed a manifesto on their opposition to the division of Cebu. The local officials said, "the move will only result to financial difficulty, political instability, and divisiveness."

The first district is composed of the municipalities of Minglanilla, Naga, Carcar, San Fernando and Sibonga; and the city of Talisay. - Garry B. Lao