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Monday, January 16, 2006
Capitol executives hit streets for offering
It was the first time for all 18 Capitol department heads to dance before a mammoth crowd, but the beat of the drums and their devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño chased their nervousness away.
It was also proof that Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who led the contingent from the Cebu Provincial Government, is capable of leading everyone, said Glenn Baricuatro of the Provincial Environment Natural Resources Office.
“When I was in elementary school, I escaped from playground demonstrations.
During high school, I evaded them. But now I feel it is our responsibility to join.
Naghago gani ug nagpainit ang gobernador, kami pa (If the governor can bear the heat and hard work, so should we),” he said.
Garcia had already danced at the sports complex in last year’s Sinulog, when she joined the San Diego Dancers, but yesterday was the first time a governor joined the five-kilometer street parade.
Security
Her consultants advised her against it because of the heat and security concerns, but she wanted to be in the streets “where most Ce-buanos are.”
“I want to feel what they will feel,” she said.
True enough, like the rest of the contingents and the bored spectators near the Sto. Rosario Church at the start of the parade, she was stuck for three hours in one place. She was not only exposed to the heat, without any cover over her head, but also experienced the rainshowers.
Garcia said this may be a yearly pledge for her, to show thanks for the blessings and to seek guidance.
Like Garcia, Provincial Health Office Chief Cristina Giango and Provincial Social Welfare Officer Marivic Garces also wore gowns and rode with the Capitol float for the first time.
They practiced their dance for nine evenings, after work.
Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre said he has witnessed the Sinulog every year, but he never thought he would have the opportunity to be one of the performers on the streets.
“I have since longed for this, and I had thought I would grow old without having the chance to be here,” said Pelayre.
Strength
Provincial Assessor Anthony Sususco and Provincial Veterinarian Necias Vicoy have both worked for the Capitol for more than 30 years.
They said that in spite of their age, they felt it was the Sto. Niño who gave them the strength to stand and dance the whole day at the parade and the grandstand.
Whatever their individual reasons for joining the first time, they had a common prayer: good health and for Cebu to construct the Cebu International Convention Center in time for the Asean summit.
And since it is every Monday that the governor scrutinizes them closely on targets met or failed, they laughingly said they also pray for a smaller number of “calamities” on Mondays. (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 16, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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