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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Gwen impresses Eatof founder
Members of the nine-country East Asia Tourism Forum (Eatof) see Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia as the “emerging new leader who breathes life into what could have been a dying organization,” said Provincial Board (PB) Member Agnes Magpale.
Magpale is chairperson of the PB committee on tourism. She was one of those who worked with other countries when Eatof was formed in 1998, or six years ago.
Magpale and Garcia arrived last Sunday from Sarawak, Malaysia along with other PB members and tourism players who attended the Eatof gathering.
In an interview with Capitol reporters, Magpale said the “father of Eatof bequeathed” the organization to Garcia.
Gangwon Korea Gov. Kim Jun Sun, who founded the organization, appealed to Garcia to help keep the group alive.
Passion
“I saw and I heard the passion in you and I know that Eatof will be in good hands...Before Eatof dies, lead the way,” Magpale quoted Kim Jun Sun as saying.
The Korean governor, who is on his third term and is reportedly being groomed for a national seat in Korea, is coming to Cebu to discuss the details.
Magpale said she was apprehensive with what was in store for Eatof when they flew to Malaysia. After six years, Eatof projects still have to take off because of the absence of a body to follow up on agreements made.
During the gathering, Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong disclosed that Garcia was “very active” in leading the discussion and “giving direction” to the organization.
They came up with a secretariat, a “working-level committee” to take charge of the implementation and continuity of projects, and for the first time, on Garcia’s assertion, set timetables for accomplishments.
“Now everyone is optimistic. She stirred a hornet’s nest and passed on the passion that she has to other members,” Magpale said of the governor.
All Eatof delegates “acknowledged” the Cebu governor’s “dynamism,” added Magpale.
Because of the reluctance of the next host, Chiang Mai Thailand, Garcia even announced that Cebu is willing to host the next Eatof, said Maambong.
This, Maambong said, probably challenged Chiang Mai officials, who changed their mind and agreed to be the next host. (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 19, 2006 issue)
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