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Saturday, May 08, 2004
Glo breezes through 3 cities in Cebu sorties
By Linette C. Ramos
CEBU -- Gloria candies, posters and caps literally flew from cars in public markets Friday afternoon when President Arroyo wooed the urban poor in a three-hour motorcade in Cebu.
After asking residents of three key cities in Cebu not to forget her in this Monday's presidential elections, Arroyo also asked for the blessings of St. Joseph on the eve of his feast.
The President made an unscheduled stop at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, where she prayed to the patron and paid homage to the shrine's Seņor de Cena images.
Arroyo, who is seeking a full term as president, arrived at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base past 2 p.m. Friday for her motorcade in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu and Mandaue and the municipality of Consolacion.
Aside from her brief chat with the welcome party led by Cebu Gov. Pablo Garcia, the President had no other speaking engagements. Members of the media were also not allowed to interview the President.
With the help of talk show host Kris Aquino, housing czar Mike Defensor, Gina de Venecia and presidential daughter Luli, the President greeted the crowd from a white coaster and asked for the support of the residents and vendors at the Lapu-Lapu City public market.
"Ayaw gyud ko kalimti karong election ha, palihug sigurado-a," the President exhorted the crowd.
Those who gathered in the market were surprised to see Arroyo since her itinerary was not disclosed even to the media.
Administration K4 candidates Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeņa and Vice Mayor Michael Rama later joined Arroyo inside the coaster when the caravan reached Barangay Pasil, Cebu City shortly before 4 p.m.
No other K4 national candidates joined the President in her third visit to Cebu in less than a month. Arroyo was also here last April 17 and 27.
The President remained inside the coaster as the motorcade made its way through the crowd that gathered along the caravan route.
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano said the President's visit in his city on the final days of the campaign means a lot to the Mandauehanons, especially when they are celebrating their patron's feast today.
The President's stop at the shrine also surprised the residents who converged at the Mandaue City Hall to catch a glimpse of Kris Aquino and the President's party.
Some of Mandauehanons said they came out to see the President even without knowing that Aquino, a popular TV host, was in her entourage.
"She (Arroyo) just wanted to pay homage to the patron and ask for his blessings and she also asked the parish priest to pray for her," said Cerge Remonde, Arroyo's campaign media bureau chief.
Parish priest Msgr. Adelito Abella said he assured the President of his prayers during the celebration of their parish feast.
Because of time constraints, Arroyo was not able to attend the distribution of land titles to the residents of Barangay Apas in Cebu City.
City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said the land title distribution at the Barangay Apas Sports Complex went on as scheduled even without the President.
(May 8, 2004 issue)
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