Friday, July 13, 2007 Editorials: Something worth watching for
HOSANNAS that issued from the lips of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on the resolution of the fourth congressional district election deadlock highlighted the political “unification” of the island’s political enclaves.
In the past, political unity in the province has not always been achieved through a leader’s friendship with another as fellow Cebuano.
Political unity here was often formed through a central unifying force at the national level.
That common denominator was symbolized by the president as head of the administration political party.
On their own
The result of the last elections showed the politicization of Cebu as a distinct political organism able to move and survive on its own without “sponging” or getting support from national politicians.
In the last campaign, candidates for provincial offices and district representatives were perceptibly moving on their own steam.
If any of them received assistance from outside sources, it wasn’t obvious.
The point is that when the governor talked about Cebu’s political leaders as sharing political goals and aspirations with her, she must have felt that the province’s political playing field has entered “interesting times.”
Common dream
Indeed, it now seems that the local leaders’ unity is anchored on their sharing a common idea and a common goal, without having to pay obeisance to any national issue, cause, or politics.
They share a common vision and a collective dream for Cebu.
This can result in Cebu becoming a political and economic force to be reckoned with.
From a very fractious setup, there is now consolidation of forces.
As the governor said, “with all congressmen and almost all local executives supportive” of her goals, there is reason to be optimistic.
Helping hand
There is reason, therefore, for Cebuanos to settle down and watch and be ready to lend a helping hand if it becomes necessary.
After all, at no time in the history of Cebu has political unity been forged without the compulsion from a political force outside and beyond, the moral sanction of the individual Cebuanos’ political will.
