Frasco laments Magpale’s lack of support for town contingent

CEBU, Philippines - Lilo-an Mayor Duke Frasco on the other hand was disheartened by the statement of Acting Governor Agnes Magpale that the municipality has to go to her office to ask for assistance for the town’s Sinulog contingent.

Frasco was emotional as he shared his sentiments when asked if their contingent from the municipality would push through as guest performer during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 20.

The Rosquillos Festival of Lilo-an won the grand prize in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, festival of festivals, last year.

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo grand prize winner normally represents the Province of Cebu in the Sinulog. Magpale earlier said that Frasco should come to her office if he needs cash assistance for their contingent.

But Frasco said Magpale’s statement was puzzling.

“It’s quite confusing. The Rosquillos Festival won during the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and we were the grand champion. It seems that instead of the prize of being able to represent the Province of Cebu sa Sinulog, mahulog na hi-nuon na punishment.”

Frasco said that he does not understand why they are made to ask for help when in fact it should be one of their benefits as the winner of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo to get help and support from the Province.

Regardless, Frasco said that he has instructed his committee to proceed as planned. He said though that whichever way, it would only be Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that would be dancing with their contingent.

He said that the children to participate in the Sinulog festival have already been practicing with the hope to continue to represent the province with their Rosquillos Festival.

Garcia who is under six months suspension said she is seriously contemplating on whether she would dance in the upcoming Sinulog Grand Festival on January 20.

In an interview with the media yesterday, Garcia said that for the past eight years, she has danced during the Sinulog as her way of thanksgiving to Sto. Niño for the continued protection.

She said that this year would be her 9th year, if ever if she would be dancing as Governor of Cebu.

“I am seriously considering dancing the Sinulog regardless of the risks,” Garcia said.

Garcia said that right now, they are praying that the Temporary Restraining Order would be granted so that it would clear their path and things would be restored back to normal.

Frasco said though that he hopes politics would not risk the development of the province, especially the aid due for the public.He explained that so far, the ‘politicking’ have not only affected their families but the local government units as well.

As an example, he said that last Christmas, the province was to give backpacks to the children of Lilo-an. He said that due to politics, Acting Governor Magpale allegedly barred the distribution.

“Ako lang is unsa man labut sa mga bata? Makabotar ba na sila sa election. She’s hurting not only me but the kids of Lilo-an. That’s beyond politics.”

Frasco added that in Magpale’s short-lived role as acting governor, she will do what she wants to do. “Ang amo lang ipakita sa Liloan, na ang amo ikabaws niya didto sa May election 2013.” —/FPL (FREEMAN)