Garcia, mayor set aside politics

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Pinamungajan town Mayor Geraldine Yapha share common direction for the benefit of the people as they set aside their political affiliations.

Garcia and the mayor’s father, former third district representative Antonio Yapha, are political rivals in the 2007 gubernatorial elections.

The mayor’s mother, former Provincial Board member Estrella Yapha, ran for Congress but lost to the governor’s brother, Pablo John.

Yesterday morning, Garcia inaugurated two classrooms in barangay Anapog and turned over a mini-dump truck, a mini-ambulance, a fire truck, a police jeep and multicabs, and cements and health equipment in the town.

In her speech during a short program held at the town’s plaza, Mayor Yapha said she and the governor share a common vision of helping and reaching out to the people despite their different political affiliations.

Mayor Yapha even told the governor that she and many people were surprised as to why she supported Garcia’s administration.

But she said she supported the governor because they share the common goal that “service goes beyond politics” and that she owes the service to the people who voted for her.

“Hinaut nga kamo makasabot. Dili kini para kanako o para kaniya (Governor Garcia) kun dili para kaninyong tanan,” Yapha said, drawing applause from the public.

The ceremony was also attended by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Yapha, town councilors, department heads, barangay officials and workers.

Before she ended her speech, Yapha urged her supporters to support the administration of Garcia.

When Garcia’s turn to give her message, the governor expressed her gratitude to Yapha for the support of her administration.

“Sama sa ubang lungsod, aduna usab kamo’y lugar sa akong kasing-kasing. Ang akong pagpangalagad, wala’y lugar ang politika sa pagserbisyo sa katawhan,” Garcia said.

The governor again renewed her call to those who are aiming for the 2010 elections to momentarily set aside their political ambitions.

“This is my last statement, let us set aside our own political agenda. Let us set aside our political color, let us unite,” the governor said.

“Akong ipalanog sa Pinamungajan nga usa lang ang gobernador, usa lamang ang mayor. I will work duly well to the elected officials of Pinamungajan,” she added. — Garry B. Lao/LPM