The historic unity that Cebu experiences today is due in large part to the vice mayors who have chosen to work with their mayors, supporting executive initiative with appropriate legislative work.
This was the gist of Gov. Gwen Garcia’s message during the year-end general assembly of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VLMP Cebu Chapter) held at the Fili Hotel in Cebu City on December 12.
“Kamo, mga vice mayors, who for the greater part have been most supportive of your mayors. And that is why we have, for the greater part, such a united province, moving in one direction; and we have been able to accomplish so much,” Gov. Gwen said in her speech.
The Governor, alongside Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, was the guest of honor at gathering that also served as an early Christmas party for all of Cebu’s vice mayors. Mayor Garcia, the Governor’s nephew, had served as president of VLMP Cebu Chapter prior to his assumption as mayor of the Queen City of the South.
In her speech, Gov. Gwen announced that the Capitol would allocate P3 million for the infrastructure projects of each vice mayor present. Meanwhile, the VLMP Cebu Chapter, now led by its president and Balamban Vice Mayor Alfie Binghay, is allocated P5 million.
The Governor asked the vice mayors to finish their projects before their current term ends on June 30 next year. She said this is part of their accountability, since some of them may no longer be elected to the same post for various reasons.
There were 48 out of 53 vice mayors from different municipalities, component cities, and highly urbanized cities in Cebu that attended the gathering. This meant that the Capitol would have to shell out ₱149 million for their infrastructure projects as part of the Capitol’s policy of equitably distributing resources to all, regardless of political affiliations.
On behalf of all vice mayors, Cebu City Mayor Garcia thanked Governor Gwen for the Capitol’s continued support, particularly in creating programs that bring lasting benefits to the Cebuanos. | MARM
