Gov. Gwen Garcia led top government officials and the private sector in showing to the rest of the country that Cebu island's unity is not just in words but also in deed.
In an unprecedented event, the tri-city mayors of the island gathered as one and signified its commitment to a united Cebu during the kick-off ceremony of the month-long celebration of Cebu Province’s 454th Founding Anniversary.
Gov. Garcia, in her speech, highlighted that Cebu “is becoming the model of governance” to other provinces in the country because of the unity of Cebuanos amidst the different challenges it encountered since the Covid-19 pandemic.
She, together with Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, board members, municipal and component city mayors and vice mayors, regional directors and other heads of government agencies, members of the consular corps, and the business community, signed the “Wall of Commitment” to the Department of Tourism’s “Love The Philippines” campaign.
Unity
Speaking before the officials gathered and streamed live for public viewing, Gov. Garcia 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 with several of them visiting Cebu for benchmarking.
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.”
Opening ceremonies
The officials paraded at the Capitol grounds prior to the Flag Raising Ceremony, which was followed by a simultaneous flag raising of all the municipal and component city flags by their mayors and vice mayors during the singing of the Sugbo Hymn.
Gov. Garcia then officially announced the start of the celebration which will showcase different events scattered throughout the month starting with the “Tabo sa Kapitolyo”, followed by the State of the Province, One Cebu Expo, and the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo grand showdown competition towards the end of the month.
During the ceremony, the governor was escorted by the two top officials of the uniformed men and women in the Central Visayas and the Region, led by Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines- Visayas Command and Police Regional Office Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
Tabo sa Kapitolyo
The agro-trade fair has been one of the much-awaited activities of the month-long celebration as it becomes a regular showcase of Cebu’s agri-fisheries produce, famous delicacies, furniture and other artisanal products, which are sold at very low prices.
Gov. Garcia opened the Tabo and tasted some of the products from the different component cities and towns.
The weeklong market fair will open from morning till 8 in the evening.