One Cebu woos Malapascua

CEBU, Philippines - One Cebu bets yesterday visited Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town where Governor Gwendolyn Garcia lost in the 2007 and 2010 elections.

Their gubernatorial bet, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, was not around but was represented by Gov. Garcia.

With the group were Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Provincial Board Members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr. along with One Cebu vice gubernatorial bet, former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, Mayor Maria Luisa Loot, Vice Mayor Renato Te and their complete slate for councilors.

The 20 barangay captains from the said town were also present for a meeting with the governor.

The group met the officials of barangay Logon (Mala-pascua Island) led by captain Rex Novabos, barangay health workers, tanods, senior citizens and some residents.

“Daku kaayo ang kalipay sa mga taga Logon nga gibisita pagbalik ni Gov. Gwen. (The people of Logon are very happy that Gov. Gwen visited them again),” Novabos said.

Novabos asked his leaders to deliver the victory of One Cebu candidates led by Pablo John down to the local slates.He said that Logon has yet to give straight votes for the party which he is allied with.

Salimbangon, who is beloved by the people of Mala-pascua Island as well as the entire municipality of Daanbantayan, also asked for the support for Pablo John and Durano.

“Hinaut modaug na gyud ang Garcia diri sa Logon ug sa Daanbantayan. (I hope Garcia will finally win here in Logon and Daanbantayan),” said Gov. Garcia in her speech.

Garcia also lost in the entire Daanbantayan to Hilario Davide III in the 2010 elections.

Garcia turned over yesterday P100,000 worth of financial assistance for beautification projects and another P50,000 from the Legislative Assistance Fund of Shimura for the Malapascua Summer Festival.

The main purpose of Garcia’s visit was to review the Malapascua Island Eco-tourism Development Plan (MIEDP) that was stalled for three years when she and Loot was in conflict.

Loot thanked Garcia for coming back after they reconciled last August 30 during the Haladaya Festival.

“I treat her as my best friend, not just politics,” Loot said.

Loot asked the officials of barangay Logon in Malapascua Island to support Pablo John and Durano and said she will campaign not just for herself. — (FREEMAN)