Tom twits province for low Development Index rating

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he feels sorry that Cebu is only ranked 21 in the Human Development Index.

He said this just shows how Governor Gwen Garcia is very consistent on her being “anti-poor”.

“Cebu is number 21 in the Human Development Index, and what is that, you know programs on education, longevity of life, economic standards of living. Nauwaw gyud ko kay mura’g naapil gyud ang ciudad. Can you imagine Batanes beat Cebu?! It could be forgiven if Manila beat Cebu, but Batanes?” the Mayor said.

He said Cebuanos already had two decades of Cebuano leadership but this has not gotten the province anywhere.

Osmeña added that in terms of domestic tourism, Camarines Sur beat Cebu —and he doesn’t even know where Camarines is.

“You know its all publicity to her Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, tourists, three buses, mas daghan pa ang participants and dancers kumpara sa audience. I don’t know, I hope it works,” he said.

The mayor said he has been fighting the governor because of the plight of the 5,000 city residents who are living in lots owned by the province.

“She doesn’t help the senior citizens because that is not her job, she has no hospital, the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is a failure, it all focuses on her. They don’t even have a CR, I keep on getting this request from Barili, whatever, can we please borrow portalets? They don’t even know where to get weewee, no. Basic kaayo na, their horse is treated better,” Osmeña said.

“I really feel sorry for the people in the province, she might get elected again so it’s their problem,” he said.

The mayor said he tries everything to solve any deficiency like in the case of malnutrition.

Although Cebu City was already awarded for having the best anti-malnutrition program in the Philippines he acknowledges that it still exists.

“Its not so much on the mistake, its your focus on being anti-poor, their energy is all focused on showmanship, politics, that’s what I am sorry about,” Osmeña said.

Garcia keeps on bragging they have money, Osmeña said with all the investments there are rarely call centers in the province. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)