SAN FRANCISCO, CEBU — The hugely successful Soli-Soli Festival showcase became more festive when Gov. Gwen Garcia and Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco showed up to grace the highly entertaining and deeply proud socio-cultural showcase held at the Central School here.
DS Frasco, Congressman of Cebu’s fifth legislative district of which Camotes LGUs form a part, set aside P140,000 for the cash prizes of the showcase which was participated in by five clustered contingents.
The senior lawmaker earmarked P50,000 for the first prize winner; P40,000 for the second prize winner; P30,000 for the third prize winner; and P10,000 each for the fourth and fifth prize winners.
For the Capitol, Gov. Gwen announced a subsidy of P300,000 for each of the five participating contingents and another P4 million for the socio-cultural programs of the LGU, headed by Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr.
“Nisulbong ang akong garbo. I have always believed in you bisan sa kaniadto pa,” the Governor said in her speech on March 17.
“Gibalik-balikan na ta mo kay ako nasayod, tagaan lang og higayon kining maong isla, sayod ko kining katawhan mu-excel gyud.”
The Governor also drew at least P200,000 from her own pocket to support an all-contingent outing at the beach, of which San Francisco is famous for.
She allocated P20,000 as reward for the introductory videos of the contingents — a concept taken from the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo where the mayors would introduce their contingents in creative video presentations.
Moreover, another P20,000 was set aside by the Governor for each for the five contingents for them to just bond and enjoy post-fiesta celebration.
“Adto mos dagat kaligo, adtos Santiago Bay,” the Governor said, referring to the town’s famous attraction that boasts of a long, crescent-shaped stretch of powdery white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters.
“Kuyog tanan, mga ginikanan, aron bantayan ninyo, aron maglipay tanan,” she added.
Joining the Governor here were Board Members Red Duterte, Mike Villamor, and Glenn Soco; as well as Ako Bisaya Partylist second nominee Carissa Garcia.
Neighboring mayors also shared in the revelry, including Poro Mayor Gary Rama, Tudela Mayor Jojo Solante, and Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago. | SN