Gwen moves flight to attend SOCA

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has moved her flight to Ilocos Norte on Friday to accommodate the State of the City Address of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Garcia was supposed to leave for Ilocos Norte during the day on July 1, but she instructed her staff yesterday to move her flight in the evening so she can attend and listen to Rama’s SOCA in the afternoon.

The provincial govern-ment is set to sign a sisterhood agreement with Ilocos Norte on July 2.

Garcia said it is only appropriate for her to attend the SOCA, considering the “great improvement” in the relationship between the province and the city government. She said her presence would also show that the province’s support for the thrust of Rama’s administration in improving the state of the city and the lives of the Cebuanos.

“Importante gyud kaayo ang syudad sa Sugbo alang sa Probinsiya sa Sugbo,” Garcia said.

Garcia and Rama have forged good relations and have shared common concerns on different issues, one of which is the controversial issue of Cebu City residents living in province-owned lots.

Garcia, herself, will deliver her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 15. This will be the sixth time that Garcia would deliver her SOPA since assuming as governor in 2004.

The other day, Rama said he would also invite Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña even if they are no longer in good terms. He has instructed his staff to personally deliver the formal invitation to Osmeña’s house in Barangay Guadalupe.

Osmeña, however, said he is not sure of attending because he has already made plans.

Rama and Osmeña’s relationship started to turn sour the past several months until Rama bolted out of the Bando Osmeña – Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) early this month. (FREEMAN)