Guv returns to public eye, promotes local products

OUTGOING Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday, May 16, 2025, led the promotion of products from the 2nd and 6th Districts at the R’ Cebu Expo held at a mall in the North Reclamation Area.

The event marked Garcia’s first public appearance after her loss to political newcomer Pamela Baricuatro by over 300,000 votes in the midterm elections last Monday, May 12.

In her speech, Garcia affirmed her continued support for the small business sector.

“We know the history of R’ Cebu and it has continued not even those dark times but now as we survive and prevail over Covid-19 as well as (Typhoon) Odette, this R’ Cebu has continued to expand, to reach higher level and ultimately kay nagpadayon og tabang sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga nangita lang og panginabuhi

(it continues to help our fellow citizens who are simply trying to earn a living),” Garcia said.

The R’ Cebu Expo is now in its fourth year. It transforms mall spaces into a cost-free venue for vendors — many from Cebu’s rural towns — to bring their products closer to Metro Cebu’s consumer market.

Items such as handwoven bags, artisanal food and household goods were on display.

Garcia was joined by Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco and mayors from her political stronghold, 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.

Notably absent were mayors from Alcoy, Dalaguete and Oslob, all from the 2nd District.

The event was also attended by 2nd District Board Members Stanley Caminero and Raymond Joseph Calderon, as well as Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano.

The expo runs until Sunday, May 18, offering a final platform for Garcia to rally her base before her term officially ends on June 30.

Soco, who will lead the incoming Provincial Board, said during the event that the R’ Cebu program has to be continued in the administration of Baricuatro, citing that the PB has already institutionalized it.

He said the program was not made for an individual or an administration but for all Cebuanos.

“Kining R’ Cebu tipik lang kini sa atong nahimo sa pipila ka tuig nga pagtabang sa mga atoang gagmay’ng magpapatigayun,” Soco said.

Garcia said R’ Cebu is more than a market — it is a symbol of the Province’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.

Vendors pay no rental fees, a benefit made possible by Robinsons management, which she thanked during her remarks. / EHP