MEDELLIN, CEBU — Cebu mayors, congressmen, board members as well as business groups, the diplomatic community, and tourism stakeholders once again showed their support and trust in the leadership of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
During the inauguration and turnover of DOT's first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) on Monday, July 10, located in the town of Medellin, the Cebuana tourism czar received at least 12 manifestos of support coming from different groups. They are the same group of local officials, businessmen, foreign dignitaries, and tourism stakeholders who expressed trust and confidence in her when she was appointed to the position almost a year ago.
Among the government officials who stood up for her were Deputy Speaker and fifth district Cong. Duke Frasco, lady legislators Congresswomen Rhea Mae Gullas of the first district, Daphne Lagon of the sixth district, and Cong. Cindi Chan of the Lone District of Lapu-Lapu; Board Members and 36 Mayors, including Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, City of Naga Mayor Val Chiong, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, and Bogo City Mayor Carlo Martinez.
Overwhelmed by the support the Cebuano leaders have shown, Sec. Frasco reiterated her promise that she will never let the Cebuanos down.
During her speech, she reported her department's accomplishments and spelled out a list of priority programs which includes the development of cruise tourism, as well as Cebu’s hosting next year of the United Nations World Tourism Organization joint committee meetings.
"Makalaum kamo nga dad-on nako sa akong kasing-kasing ang kaligdong sa usa ka Sugbuanon nga moatubang sa bisag unsang hagit ug kalisod nga moingon, 'Kumbati Sugbo! Kumbati Pilipinas! Kumbati, Love The Philippines!'" the Secretary said.
Speaking as a mother, Governor Gwen Garcia believes that her daughter was a victim of a coordinated demolition job intended to kick her out of the department.
“We remember you, nahibaw mi og kinsa mo, kinsa ka. Cebu will remember, come 2025 (elections),” the governor said in an interview, without dropping names. #