Gwen: Cebu governance, unity model

CEBU, Philippines — Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said Cebu “is becoming a model of governance” to other provinces in the country because of the unity of Cebuanos, especially with the challenges they had faced in recent years.

In her speech during the opening salvo of the 454th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu yesterday, she said unity among leaders of Cebu, from the local government units (LGUs) under the Cebu Province's jurisdiction to the tri-cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu, is “a phenomenon (that) has happened and continues to happen”.

Garcia said other islands of the country have taken notice.

The governor narrated how the entire island surpassed the challenges it faced, like the restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the onslaught of super typhoon Odette.

She said unity, from the mayors to the Capitol’s legislative officials, who agreed to have a one-direction approach to solving problems, was what made Cebu overcome those challenges.

“That is what Cebu is becoming, a model of governance, a goal to aspire for by the rest of the provinces of the entire country. And so let us, together, hold on to this miracle that has happened right here in our beloved island of Cebu,” Garcia said.

“Perhaps this glow and radiance will reach out to the other island and envelop the entire country. Because we are showing, right here, that indeed, unity can be achieved, unity can be sustained, and unity works for our constituents--for the very people who entrusted us to serve them, to work for them," she added.

She also reminded all to "always, above personal and political interest,...uphold the interest of all Cebuanos.”

Mayor Jonas Cortes agreed, saying, “It’s about working together as one, nga unta og dunay problema, let us always consider ourselves as part of the problem and part of the solution.”

Yesterday's celebration started with the Monday flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol grounds, headed by the governor and Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, together with the mayors of Cebu LGUs, provincial board members, Capitol department heads, directors of different national line agencies, and other government officials.

Garcia also led the signing of a "Wall of Commitment" to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Love the Philippines” campaign and to the "One Cebu Island Unity."

After that, she then proceeded with the opening of the week-long agri-fishery trade fair "Tabo sa Kapitolyo", which will run until this Sunday, August 6.  — (FREEMAN)