Guv to give month's pay to nuns' schools

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will be giving her entire October net salary, amounting to P56,943.00, to the Sisters of Mary as she celebrates her 56th birthday today.

Garcia said the amount will be split between the Girlstown complex in Talisay City and the Boystown complex in Minglanilla.

The said campuses, which are run by nuns, are also recipients of boxes of fish seized by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force.

Garcia’s birthday activities start with a Mass at the Capitol Social Hall at 10 a.m. to be attended by the mayors, vice mayors, her family and friends and a “popular person” she refused to name.

After the Mass, Garcia will visit the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, and the Adoration Convent of the Divine Peace of the Pink Sisters in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City.

Garcia will distribute sacks of rice and fruits to the nuns, including those in the Poor Clare Monastery in Consolacion although she is not scheduled to visit the place tomorrow.

Garcia explained how important the three monasteries have been to her since she launched her first campaign in 2004.

Garcia said in times of stress or when she needs to make decisions she would go to their chapels and pray there.

Garcia will then visit the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center for the annual performance of the dancing inmates for her birthday.

A gathering of family and friends of Garcia will be held tonight at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. — (FREEMAN)