Governor Gwen's SOPA

From the very start of Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia’s “State of the Province Address” to the last word she delivered, we were there listening intently but were apprehensive if this might be her last speech for the province she loves so much, knowing the many beautiful temptations offered her by big politicians to be their running mate. I made my own “tally” or a score card every time the audience applauded. The people who witnessed the address at the elegantly decorated Social Hall applauded 43 times and the applause reverberated throughout the hall.

Gorgeous in an off-white tailored suit with high neckline, Governor Gwen talked about the tremendous conversion of the province now. Where there were no roads before, today roads are available for people to bring their products to the towns; where water was unavailable, now in some areas, it is; and electrical connections is much better than before with the help of CEBECO. The most important services offered now are the hospitals in some towns like Carcar, Balamban in the south and in Danao City. But Madame Governor, we need one in Daanbantayan. The hospital there is almost dilapidated and their instruments are almost obsolete.

As Cebuanos, we are so proud that there is one person, the first woman governor who is so concerned about the needs of the poorest of the poor. “Looy gyud” if you can only go to the far-flung barangays.

But, after all the revelations of the State of the Province Address of the Governor stating that the province of Cebu is so far the richest and the strongest province in the entire country, we can only surmise that she should be there in her seat forever!

Before she had her last statements (grabe ang pakpak mga tawo), she expressed with feeling as she did her last year that “she will stay.” For me this is “One Cebu” and we know how she loves the Cebuanos.

“My fellow Cebuanos, I have decided to stay – to lead - if the people will it!” And this, my friends, ended her speech as she received the standing ovation and the loudest applause we have ever heard!