On handling peace, development Maguindanao officials ask Gwen for advice

CEBU, Philippines – Government officials from the municipalities of Barira and Buldon in Maguindanao visited Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia yesterday to seek assistance and suggestions for the development of their province.

The visit by Barira and Buldon municipal mayors Bai Fatima Ruth Tomawis and Alexander Tomawis, respectively, is part of their Lakbay-Aral 2009.

They asked Garcia to tell hem how Cebu maintains a peaceful and a prosperous economy.

Buldon Mayor Tomawis said that like Cebu, they also want Maguindanao Province to be thriving.

“Mabuhay ng tahimik, makapag-aral ang mga bata doon, magkaroon ng magandang samahan ang mga Kristiyano at Muslim,” he said.

“We’d like to ask Cebu province to help us find a peaceful and effective solution to be productive and to stop the conflict in our province,” he added.

Garcia said that handling the entire province is not an easy task. But the oath she took reminds her to continually serve her Cebuano brothers and sisters and always makes her get out of bed early every morning.

She said Maguindanao can always count on Cebu in addressing their concerns and assisting them all the way.

“You can always count on us. We will be happy to share what we have learned…from this five-year journey of serving… especially to the Municipalities of Barira and Buldon,” Gwen said. — Sarah Jane A. Nengasca and Grace C. Guiang (THE FREEMAN)