Gwen's daughter now part of city beautification council

CEBU, Philippines – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's daughter, Ma. Esperanza Christina Frasco, has volunteered to be part of the Cebu City's super beautification council that will rehabilitate Osmeña Boulevard and the rest of the city.

The move of Frasco to be part of the team, which is headed by philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, was welcomed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who said that he sees nothing wrong with the entry of the governor's daughter.

"As long as the heart and thinking is for Cebu City, wala'y problema," Rama said.

Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña also said he is not against the entry of Frasco.

But Osmeña reminded the super beautification council not to ignore the Parks and Playgrounds Commission.

"Anyone can help beautify the city without belittling and ignoring our parks and playground commission. Anyone who understands English knows that the word "super" means above all else, superior, etc.," Osmeña said.

Yeung is a close friend of Garcia.

Garcia and Osmeña have been at odds with each other since 2005 after the province backed out from the land swap proposal that was almost successful had Rama, who was then the council presiding officer, not accused the province of passing the burden of collecting rent on to them.

Rama raised his objection to the deal, saying that it was very disadvantageous to the city government.

The mayor opted not to comment whether his move is part of the healing process between the city and provincial government. Instead, Rama said that Frasco's willingness to help the city should not be denied.

Aside from Yeung, businesswoman Marguerite Lhuillier and architect Tessie Javier will also be in the team that will rehabilitate Osmeña Blvd.

"I volunteered to help Tita Mariquita Yeung. A sense of volunteerism to do something positive, whether from a Cebuano from the city or the province is good for Cebu. I'm happy to be part of this worthwhile endeavor," Frasco said.

The super beautification council plans to have Paris-inspired improvements along Osmeña Blvd. (THE FREEMAN)