Marker for Bacaltos unveiled in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - A new historic marker in Talisay City, which stands at the corner of the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR), was put up to honor former Constitutional Convention delegate and congressman Antonio Bacaltos Sr. was unveiled yesterday.

The unveiling of marker was also the first time for both Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas and former mayor Delhia Tiu, daughter of former congressman Bacaltos, to face each other in public.

City officials headed by Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, and members of the city council attended the unveiling. 

Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, who is eyed to replace Eddiegul, was noticed beaming to see his grandfather and Tiu being together in public after several years of no communication because of politics. 

Rep. Gullas and former Talisay mayor Delia Tiu who were previously friends before going their separate ways in 1992, have become allies again and both have announced their plans for Talisay in 2013. 

Gullas became a political foe when Tiu’s father, former congressman Antonio Bacaltos Sr., who was a member of the 8th Congress (1987-1992), lost in the 1992 election against the incumbent congressman. 

“This is the start of something new. Papa Eddie is trying to unite everyone, not only in Talisay City but also in the entire first district of Cebu,” Samsam told The Freeman. 

Samsam said Eddiegul is reaching out even to his political opponents and for the growth and development of the city and the first district. 

Last month, the Talisay City council approved the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Eduardo Gullas III which acknowledges Bacaltos as someone “who left a legacy of noble public service” and “ought to be remembered and honored.”

The main 1,700-meter street of barangays Lawaan 1 and II, Mohon, and Pooc will now be called “Congressman Antonio Bacaltos Sr. Street.” – Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)