The 𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 has once again graced Cebu City port, rekindling fond memories of the visit of its sister-vessel, the 𝘔𝘝 𝘓𝘰𝘨𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦, in Cebu 12 years ago when Gov. Gwen Garcia was yet serving her third term as Governor.
𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 was a former cruise ship but is now a vibrant floating library owned by the German charity Gute Bücher für Alle. It docks in Cebu with its vast collection of literature, offering thousands of books across various genres.
Gov. Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia led the inaugural ceremony of the four-week book fair aboard 𝘔𝘝𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 docked at Pier 5 in Cebu City. Board Members Red Duterte and Mike Villamor, as well as Cebu City Councilor Joy Pesguera were also present at the momentous event.
“Here I am once again as Governor of Cebu, and once again opening a ship carrying hope,” Gov. Garcia said, emphasizing the role of the 𝘔𝘝𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 as a source of inspiration for those who are facing challenges.
“That spark, that light at the end of the tunnel enables those who are struggling to reach their goals. I hope that when you leave Cebu after four weeks, you carry that hope in your hearts,” she urged the crew members of 𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦.
Her message of optimism extended beyond the ship, encouraging the multinational crew and volunteers to explore the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Cebu.
“Discover the charming landscapes and vibrant communities of our eight cities and 44 municipalities, where diversity brings us unity,” she added.
𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 is not just a place for reading; it represents a global effort to promote literacy and education. With its extensive collection, the floating library aims to make books accessible to all, encouraging a love for reading among visitors of all ages. Proceeds from book sales will directly support underprivileged children and families around the world, reinforcing the ship’s mission of spreading hope and knowledge.
Open until November 10, the 𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 invites everyone to visit the book fair, which operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1 PM to 8 PM.
This is a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the ship, explore its literary offerings, and support its charitable cause.
With a dedicated crew of 100 members from 30 countries, including a proud Cebuano, the 𝘔𝘝 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 fosters a spirit of international cooperation and understanding. | JMT