EDITORIAL - Beso-besos and photo ops

As far as Cebuanos can remember, the recent celebration of Cebu's founding anniversary has been one of the most memorable. It was highlighted by the appearances of different politicians and celebrities from around the country.

A visit by former first lady Imelda Marcos and her daughter Imee, now the Ilocos Norte governor, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Manny Villar, officials of Albay and South Cotabato, key tourism stakeholders, among others, made the celebration a huge one.

Aside from the provincial government, the true star of the show was obviously Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. That is because she was the main force behind the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, the main attraction of the celebration.

Well, politically, Garcia knows how to play the game. Using the celebration to invite political leaders from other provinces, she began to significantly enjoy national prominence.

The reason for the invitation was, of course, to forge sisterhood agreements with other provinces. Yes building ties - even with provinces of other countries - has already become a trend and a normal recourse for Cebu if it wants to survive in the world of cutthroat competitions.

But through the beso-besos and the photo opportunities surrounding the forging of every agreement, the lady governor also wisely exposes herself to the national politics. Incidentally, that is also the trademark of Jejomar Binay.

Before becoming vice president, Binay has already perfected the art of entering into sisterhood agreements with other local officials in his decades as mayor of Makati City. Makati even signed sisterhood pact with Carmen town, which holds a very tiny amount of clout in the economic and political affairs of Cebu.

It seems Garcia is doing the same thing. Of course, those sisterhood ties are very vital to Cebu's economic survival.

But it also became a vehicle for Garcia's national prominence, which she can use if ever she decides to run for senator or vice president. Remember, it only takes a celebrity status to win a national seat.