Local official makes a reappearance, advocates for homegrown goods
Rewritten Article:
gio Cebu's very own Gwen Garcia, our outgoing governor, started her comeback to the public eye with a bang, leading the promotion of local products from the 2nd and 6th Districts at the R' Cebu Expo. This event took place at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, right in the heart of the North Reclamation Area.
After her close loss to political newbie Pamela Baricuatro in the May 12 midterm elections, this occasion marked Garcia's first public appearance since the polls. In her usual no-nonsense style, she emphasized her unwavering support for small businesses in her speech.
"R' Cebu's history has never been about giving up, not even during the tough times of Covid-19 and Typhoon Odette," Garcia declared. "We're all just trying to put food on the table, and R' Cebu continues to provide opportunities for this, even when the going gets tough."
The R' Cebu Expo, now in its fourth year, transforms mall spaces into a free venue for vendors from Cebu's rural towns to bring their products closer to the Metro Cebu consumer market. A variety of items, such as handwoven bags, artisanal food, and household goods, were on display during the event.
Joining Garcia were Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco and mayors from her stronghold areas, including Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Boljoon Mayor Joie Derama, Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo, Santander Mayor Monique Buscato, and Samboan Mayor Tito Calderon. Some notable absentees were mayors from Alcoy, Dalaguete, and Oslob, all from the 2nd District.
Second District Board Members Stanley Caminero and Raymond Joseph Calderon, as well as Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano, were also in attendance.
The expo runs until Sunday, May 18, offering Garcia a last chance to rally her supporters before her term officially ends on June 30.
In response to the success of the event, Soco hinted at the continuation of the R' Cebu program under the administration of Baricuatro. He emphasized that the program was not designed for any single individual or administration, but rather for all Cebuanos.
"R' Cebu signifies our ongoing commitment to supporting our fellow citizens trying to make a living," Soco stated.
Garcia herself views the R' Cebu Expo as more than just a market—it's a symbol of the Province's dedication to empowering local entrepreneurs. Vendors at the event do not have to pay rental fees, thanks to an arrangement with Robinsons management, which Garcia genuinely appreciated.
All in all, the R' Cebu Expo stands as a testament to Cebu's unwavering support for its entrepreneurs, and its continuation under Pamela Baricuatro's administration could mean a promising future for small businesses in the region.
- Gwen Garcia, the outgoing governor of Cebu, expressed her ongoing support for small businesses, particularly in the districts of Cebu, at the R' Cebu Expo.
- The R' Cebu Expo, now in its fourth year, has become a free platform for small-business owners from rural towns in Cebu to showcase their products and reach the Metro Cebu consumer market.
- As the province recovers from challenges such as COVID-19 and Typhoon Odette, Garcia emphasized the need to support small businesses, stating that they are all struggling to put food on the table.
- In a nod to the future, Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco hinted at the continuation of the R' Cebu program under the administration of political newcomer Pamela Baricuatro, stressing that it's not a personal or political initiative but a commitment to the people of Cebu.
- Understanding the value of this event, Garcia appreciated the arrangement with Robinsons management that waived rental fees for vendors, labeling the R' Cebu Expo as a symbol of the Province's dedication to empowering local entrepreneurs.
