Cebu needs an honest but decisive and dynamic governor
Cebu has always been one of the top three provinces in Philippines in terms of economic development and population. No one else can catch up with Cebu, except perhaps, albeit to a lesser extent, Pampanga and Bulacan in Luzon, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in the Visayas, and Davao and Cotabato in Mindanao before both of these last two were subdivided. Thus, our premier province needs a governor with the caliber of Don Sergio Osmeña and Dr. Osmundo Rama, combined with the passionate aggressiveness and dynamic action-orientation of Lito Osmeña and Rene Espina. Just as we are about to adopt a federal system of government, where most of the decisions are going to be made locally, it is important for the next governor to be a perfect combination of dynamism and integrity. The only perfect example that I could think of, (although he would again reprimand me for saying this) is former governor Eddie Gullas.
Cebu has tremendous potentials for economic growth and cultural development. Its location is very strategic, it has an international airport that, when finally upgraded, can be much better than that of Manila. This airport can bring in millions of tourists from all over the world. Tourists already fed up with the traffic and garbage of Metro Manila, whose crime rates are alarming. They would prefer Cebu has leaders who can unite all other local government heads and come up with a comprehensive development plan that can take advantage of the immense potentials for growth. Tourism and micro- and medium-scale enterprise development presents so much opportunity for growth. We need a governor who understands the interactive dynamics among the socio-economic components, and who has the competence and commitment to maximize Cebu's readiness to take advantage of all these potentials.
Cebu should not be led by a politician whose integrity has been put in serious doubt. We see a lot of dynamism among some trapos in Cebu, just like in any other province in the country. Some politicians who are members of political dynasties believe it is only their family who has the divine right to rule the province. Many are tainted with cases of alleged dishonesty and questionable transactions using public funds. While these cases are not yet decided with finality the fact remains that their image is already tainted. Cebu cannot entrust the next few years to such trapos. On the other hand, we have honest, clean and unblemished politicians but who are too laid back, timid, and unwilling to take risks. Perhaps, Cebu also deserves a very proactive, action-oriented, decisive, and daring leader. Integrity without action produces no achievements.
Lito Osmeña, Rene Espina, Don Sergio Osmeña, and Dr. Osmundo Rama; these are our models, and to my best recollection, only governor Eddie Gullas fits into that mold. If we add to that the wisdom and intellectual gifts of Don Mariano Jesus Cuenco and Pablo Garcia, then we shall have a perfect governor for 2019 and onward. We do not need a controversial, arrogant, or abrasive leader. We need the diplomatic and gentle persuasion of governor Gullas. We do not need an armchair or ivory tower governor. Only Eddiegul was the governor who visited all the barangays in Cebu. He even visited my mountain village in Langin, Ronda, Cebu, very approachable, humble and peace-loving. But he makes things happen, he achieve results and he is well-loved by the people.
The next governor should have a long talk with the Talisay City mayor. He or she has a lot to learn from Eddiegul.
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