Cebu's 455th anniversary celebration: Visayas execs support Marcos Jr.

CEBU, Philippines —  In a symbolic celebration of Cebu Province’s 455th anniversary, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, along with governors from neighboring regions, plus Capitol officials, and majority of Cebu Province’s mayors pledged their support and commitment to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his call for unity.

During the opening ceremony of the 455th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu yesterday, August 5, 2024, Garcia announced the support to President Marcos in front of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

“This is a statement and a commitment as well as a challenge to my fellow governors. Now more than ever let our voices ring out in the entire Philippines. As leaders, as chief executives, who understand the burdens that we must face, multiplied a thousand times for the President himself,” said Garcia.

The governors in the provinces of Aklan, Siquijor, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras then signed the manifesto of support for the Bagong Pilipinas move, accepting Garcia’s challenge to lead their respective provinces to support the administration.

"For and on behalf of the regions 6,7, and 8, we are here to affirm in unequivocal terms, our support to the president of the republic philippines Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Bagong Pilipinas," said Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardon.

Garcia emphasized that the country can move forward with unity, believing that it is in the hands of her fellow governors to also push for unity in their respective provinces as she did in Cebu.

“…if we move forward and we must move forward we can only do this with a united country and it is in the hands of the governors who will lead each province to rally all political leaders of your respective provinces for and in support of the man we chose to lead us, no other than President Bongbong Marcos,” said Garcia.

“Challenge given is a challenge accepted. May this, what we have witnessed, snowball into a countrywide show of support as I challenge all of our 82 governors to lead the way,” Garcia added.

Further, the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter led by Mayor Sun Shimura, also signed the manifesto, as well as the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter led by Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia; president of the Association of Barangay Captains in the Province of Cebu led PB Celestino Martinez; Philippine Councilors League president PB Ricardo Pepito, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Cebu Province led by Loren Singco.

Garcia, together with Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, the Provincial Board Members, Cebuano lawmakers, and the mayors of the tri-cities—Jonas Cortes of Mandaue, Junard “Ahong” Chan of Lapu-Lapu, and Raymond Alvin Garcia of Cebu City, showed the signed manifesto to the first lady.

The ceremonial signing of the manifesto and the presentation of approved resolutions was meant to surprise the first lady.

Araneta-Marcos, who was emotional in her speech, expressed her gratitude for Cebu Province's gesture for the President.

“You made me cry, so touching what you did, daghang salamat. I wish my husband is here, I wish my husband is here to feel the love and support that you gave him, I know I did, and that’s why you make this important,” said the first lady in her speech.

“Today what you did. I mean the showing of unity it’s like, it’s really so touching. You know it’s not perfect, my husband is really trying and sometimes I feel bad when people see all the negative and not the positive, it’s not easy what he’s doing, but unity has a lot do with it like in Cebu, in fairness to you governor, she really united the province,” she added.

Aside from accepting the support of the province, the first lady also planted a tree in the Capitol grounds, which was named after her.

She also graced the ribbon-cutting of the Tabo sa Kapitolyo, which showcased agriculture and fisheries products from the towns and cities of Cebu.

Araneta-Marcos and Garcia walked together through the booths of the fair, which will be open until August 10.

“What a day, I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. It started with a tree planting, and there’s a tree named after me so all of a sudden, I feel important. And we went through all the booths, ang galing ng Cebu, you guys what you’ve done,” said Araneta-Marcos.

CEBU’S UNITY

In her speech, Garcia recalled how unity in Cebu began, starting off with her and Vice Governor Davide.

“We had been at odds for more than 6 years and yet I was surprised he was asking for an appointment and said ‘yes please, inform him that I can receive him in the office’ he did come” Garcia narrated in her speech.

The governor added that when Davide “humbly” told her of his support to her term, she felt the end of the “political fighting”, “bickering”, and “antagonism”.

Garcia also said that she decided to cast aside the conflict and assured Davide of respect for his office.

“I alone cannot achieve unity, it takes fierceness, it takes a strong will, but more than that it takes humility,” Garcia shared.

The governor said that was the beginning of an “unprecedented” unity of the government of Cebu.

“That is how unity is achieved, and that is how unity can continue,” said Garcia.

Meanwhile, the mayors of the major cities in Cebu also shared their support to the Provincial Government.

Cebu City acting Mayor Garcia in his speech emphasized renewing commitment with the province.

“My dear friends, as we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us renew our commitment to Cebu. Let us work together to build upon the solid foundation laid by our predecessors and continue to shape a brighter future for generations to come,” said the acting mayor.

Meanwhile, Chan emphasized that Lapu-Lapu City supports the Capitol in keeping Cebu as the number 1 province.

“The bridge, the airport, and the processing zone is one way or another, helped shape Cebu as the number 1 in terms of trade, commerce, trade, and industry. The city of lapu-lapu to have done its part, kay lagi ang dakbayan sa Lapu-Lapu dili man iglahi sa kinatibuk-ang probinsya sa sugbo kay kaming mgaoponganon mapasigarbuhon usab sa among pagkasugboanon ug kini tungod kay padayon namong nabati ang pagpangga ug paghigugma ni Governor Gwen Garcia diri kanamo,” Chan said.

Meanwhile, Mandaue Mayor Cortes emphasized in his speech that unity is a shared responsibility and encouraged everyone to champion it regardless of one’s status to create a strong community.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas governance is a shared responsibility. No matter who you are, whether you're rich, old or young, you can make a difference. Let us remember that if you want to build a strong republic, we have to build strong communities. Together, as one Cebu, we will continue to rise, ensuring a prosperous and united future for all,” said Cortes.

On behalf of the city mayors in the province, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas emphasized that Cebu is united because Garcia is a great leader that can easily unite them.

Gov. Garcia further announced that the mayors and Vice Mayors who attended the opening will get an incentive from the Capitol.

The governor said Vice Mayors will get P3 million each while the mayors will receive P5 million each. This incentive will be used to fund their various infrastructure projects.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herboso, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, officials from national line agencies, congressmen, and other officials. (CEBU NEWS)