Guv spends Valentine's in Naga, 2 towns

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia spent Valentine’s Day yesterday by launching projects in Naga City and the towns of Moalboal and Pinamungajan.

In barangay Balili, Naga City where she distributed banana plantlets and goats to farmers, Garcia said she did not have to spend Valentine’s Day with one person because her heart belongs to all Cebuanos.

“Dili nako mangita ug laing Valentino. Kung buksan man ang akong dughan karon, nagpitik-pitok ang akong kasing-kasing kay wala na’y luna alang sa bisan kinsa pa kay kini gi-angkon sa tanang Sugbuanon,” Garcia said, eliciting applause from residents in the barangay.

Before going to Naga City, Garcia first went to Moalboal where she inaugurated a P7.7 million water system augmentation project and turned over 1,000 sets of toilet bowls and a mini-dump truck.

Wearing a red blouse with a heart-shaped pin bearing her name, Garcia had to walk a one-kilometer muddy slope to barangay Tumonoy where the project was inaugurated.

With her were Board Members Wenceslao Gakit, Julian Daan, Peter John Calderon, Wilfredo Caminero and Teresita Celis.

It was the first time in the history of the barangay that the governor visited there.

Later in Pinamungajan, Garcia led the launching of the Supplemental Feeding Program.

The town is the first recipient of the program in the third district. 

At the sports complex filled with at least a thousand residents, Garcia said love should not only be extended to one person but to everybody around you.

“Love becomes truly meaningful when it extends its hands,” she said. 

In 2006, Garcia launched a project to propagate bananas, with the theme, “Bisag saging basta loving.”

In previous interviews, Garcia said it would be difficult for her to be romantically linked to someone because of her “huge responsibilities.”

She said other men may even get intimidated with her position.

Heading back to Cebu City yesterday, Garcia said spending Valentine’s Day with her constituents was the greatest gift she ever received on the day of hearts.

She said she was very touched upon seeing her constituents greet her “Happy Valentine’s” with placards, flowers, and heart-shaped cardboards.

Garcia got married in 1978 at the age of 22 but got separated in 2000. Her marriage was annulled in 2002. — Garry B. Lao/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)