OUTGOING Cebu Governor Gwendolyn "Gwen" Garcia delivered a farewell speech on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during the Gabii sa Pasalamat at the Capitol Social Hall. She officially closed her final term as the province's top official.
Garcia, ending her fifth term as governor, spoke to an audience of political allies, department heads, and loyal supporters. She reflected on the May 12 election results and hinted at a future outside of politics.
"I had fought the good fight, I had stayed the course, I have kept the faith and these words continue to ripped in my mind," Garcia said, recalling her 2013 turnover to Hilario Davide III.
Davide defeated the Garcia family's gubernatorial bid in the 2013 Cebu local elections, triumphing over Pablo John Garcia, Gwen's brother. This ended the family's 18-year hold on the province.
Garcia assured the crowd her departure was not permanent.
"Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. It simply means I’ll be missing you until we meet again," she said, concluding her speech on a hopeful and heartfelt note.
She ended with a quote inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger: "Hasta la vista, baby," a Spanish phrase meaning, "until the next time we see each other." (CDF)