Two Garcias among “Garbo” awardees

The Capitol has chosen two Garcias as among this year’s recipients of the annual “Garbo sa Sugbu” Awards in line with the province’s 439th founding anniversary.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s father, former governor and now Deputy Speaker and Second District Rep. Pablo P. Garcia and the governor’s brother, Government Service Insurance System president Winston F. Garcia, are among the awardees.

But before the selection of the two Garcias hatches another controversy, the governor yesterday was quick to defend the process, saying her father and brother have met the criteria.

“It would be controversial if they do not deserve it. It’s just so happened that their family name is Garcia,” the governor said, adding, that the award is for the “really, really outstanding Cebuanos.”

Elizabeth Francia, the governor’s executive secretary, also defended the result of the selection, saying the awardees underwent a stringent evaluation process by the award committee. Afterwards, draft list of the nominees was submitted to the governor for final screening, she said.

“All of them truly deserve the “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo” award for bringing pride to the Cebuanos,” said Francia.

The other awardees include Tourism Sec. Joseph “Ace” Durano, Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde, former Philippine Air Force commanding general Pedrito Cadungog, former UP President Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, and Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc., owned by Pete Delantar and Sun.Star Cebu Editor-in-Chief Pachico Seares.

The awardees will receive a Plaque of Appreciation during the Governor’s Ball Friday.

The provincial government will also give special commendations to several businessmen, business group and private firms for their relentless help in the development of the province. — Garry B. Lao/JMO