CEBU, Philippines - At least six individuals coming from the business, government service, arts and culture and a scientist, were nominated for this year’s “Garbo sa Sugbo” (Pride of Cebu) that will be given as part of the province’s 440th founding anniversary celebration during the Governor’s Night on Wednesday.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the provincial government will recognize individuals who made significant contributions to Cebu’s progress and development.
“Very select not by the dozens,” Garcia said, referring to the numbers of the recipients of the Garbo sa Sugbo.
Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo, chairman of the awards committee, told The Freeman that they have ten nominees but later it was trimmed down to five to six individuals.
Bolo, however, opted not to reveal the names of the nominees as it will be revealed during the Governor’s Ball this Wednesday, the eve of the province’s founding anniversary.
Last year, among the awardees were the governor’s father, second district Rep. Pablo Garcia and brother, Government Services and Insurance System general manager Winston Garcia.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and then Presidential Management Staff (PMS) now Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, together with Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog, former University of the Philippines (UP) president Francisco Nemenzo, the Nature’s Legacy furniture company, and Pachico Seares, editor-in-chief of Sun.Star Daily also received the award. Several companies were also given citation for their help to the province.
On July 26, 1999, through the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 8952, August 6 of every year was declared special non-working holiday in Cebu province.
RA 8952 amended Republic Act 7698, the original Charter of the Cebu Province and with the amendment, the holiday now expressly covers the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay and the component cities of Lapulapu, Danao and Toledo.
Mayors will join Garcia and the Capitol employees in the flag raising ceremonies on the Capitol grounds today.
This will be followed by the raising of the flags of the province’s towns and component cities and opening of the agro-fair at the back of the Capitol building will follow. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)