Gwen’s legacy
GOV. Gwen Garcia wants two of her centerpiece programs--the SuroySuroy sa Sugbo and Expanding Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (e-Gwen)--to be institutionalized. This means the next governor will be forced to continue implementing these programs. This can only be done through legislative action. A committee chaired by Provincial Board Member Teddy Ouano is currently conducting a public hearing on the proposed ordinance that will institutionalize the e-Gwen program. The Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo ordinance is also pending before the PB as there are concerns raised by several town mayors that need to be fine-tuned.
The so-called environmentalist and some nongovernment organizations sent an official communication to Ouano opposing the move to adopt the e-Gwen program as it allegedly violates government policies. They claim it violates a circular against public officials taking personal credit for government projects or programs. They also fear that the highways all over the province will be named “e-Gwen.”
But Gwen’s rah-rah boy, a certain lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, defended the move. He said the opponents’ apprehensions to rename Cebu’s highways to “e-Gwen” is far from reality. Sepulveda said e-Gwen is a laudable project with components that benefit the communities. Ah, never mind, Jong. He is a lapdog of the governor. Right or wrong, he should defend his “boss.”
I also oppose this move, not on the basis of the government circulars but on the issue of delicadeza on the part of the governor. If she knows the meaning of delica- deza, she should not pursue this move. Like any politicians, Gwen has also this “lapida” mentality. I think everybody knows what a “lapida (gravestone).” It’s where the name of the dead person, that person’s birth and death dates are enshrined with a big inscription of “RIP (rest in peace).”
In project sites, politicians want to put their names in big billboards and tarpaulins claiming they initiated the project. They want to shout to the whole community that they are the ones responsible for the project and they want to grab the credit. And we know already their intentions. For reelection, for those who are still in power. And for “legacy,” for those who are set to retire.
Why is Gwen pushing to have her programs institutionalized? Well, maybe she thinks her programs were welcomed by majority of town mayors and Cebuanos. As far as the Suroy-Suroy is concerned, not all local officials welcome it. Hosting the event gives them headaches. The Provincial Government only gives them a little subsidy that is not even enough to offset the expenses for the food and entertainment of the delegation. Ask the town mayors who are now with the Liberal Party and they can share their sentiments. Gwen is using this program to promote her personal interest.
As for the e-Gwen program, if the governor doesn’t have a “lapida” mentality, or is publicity-conscious or is a narcissist, why does her name appear in the project? Why not use another acronym? You mean that the next governor, either her brother Pablo John Garcia or Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, will implement the program that is called e-Gwen? Oh come on, Madam Governor. After your term ends, you will become a “has been” governor. So don’t push your way to the next administration. Even if Pablo John wins, let him do his own thing. Past governors like Lito Osmeña, Tingting dela Serna and even your father Pabling did not adopt that.
There is a saying in Tagalog, “Ibang hari, ibang ugali.” Who knows? Maybe Pablo John or Junjun will change SuroySuroy sa Sugbo to “Tagay-tagay sa Sugbo” or “Lakwatsa sa Sugbo.” Leave that to the next administration. Anyway, whether Suroy-Suroy or e-Gwen will continue to be implemented, Cebuanos will always remember Gwen’s legacy. And I know history will be kind to her because some of her friends will write about it. Was it Winston Churchill who said, “History will be kind to me because I will write it.” Di ba, Madam Governor?