Tingali

From where I am in Carigara, Leyte, where I have been on an extended, weather-induced stay, I got a jolt that, on hindsight, did not really come as a complete surprise. It came by way of a Facebook post by my friend Mitch and shown me by the wife.

Actually a video, it had former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia announcing at what appeared to be a birthday party of Rep. Benhur Salimbangon that “tingali” she will be running again for governor. Gwen is presently serving out a second term as congresswoman.

Why Gwen said “tingali” is probably just her way of teasing and titillating the public, which may consist of both supporters and critics. But there it is and I do not think any politician would ever say “tingali” unless he or she at least partially means it.

And from where I have followed her political career and seeing her to be a most resolute woman, I do not think there is any “tingali” in Gwen’s “tingali.” And so, with certain legal circumstances permitting, it would be good to have Gwen back at the Capitol.

For Cebu has certainly lost stride under the present leadership. It has failed to keep the momentum that was set during Gwen’s time and consistently maintained during her term until lethargy and lack of consequence took over when Junjun Davide took over.

Sure, Cebu continues to be up there among the top provinces of the country. But that is not because of anything Junjun has done. Rather, it is because you simply cannot put a good province down.

That Cebu continues to surge is due largely to the dynamism of the Cebuanos themselves. The Cebuanos did not allow lack of leadership and direction to impede their growth and continued development.

On their own the Cebuanos moved forward, letting common sense, hard work, and determination carve their paths forward. It is such a character like this that, given and matched with a real leader, can restore Cebu to its place of excellence.