One Cebu party upholds unity as it kicks off 2-day convention

CEBU CITY – Cebu province’s dominant local political party, One Cebu, on Wednesday, kicked off its two-day convention, as it pitched its main vision of making the province stay united in facing future developments and challenges.

The party introduced local candidates for the May 9 elections, but the party leaders have yet to announce their presidential bet as well as aspirants for vice president and senator.

Cebu’s 3rd District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, secretary-general of One Cebu, said in his opening message the party will remain adherent to its mission to unify all 44 municipalities and six component cities.

He cited how the party president, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, his older sister, fuses the initiatives in fighting against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the Typhoon Odette response, which signify the party's desire for fast and relevant actions toward challenges.

The lawmaker recalled how the party was organized15 years ago to oppose and successfully stop the idea by some quarters to divide Cebu into four provinces to accommodate political families.

He also said the constituencies have favored the way the party principles influenced the affairs of the Cebu provincial government, citing the mayors’ approval of the governor’s policy initiatives.

“Threat of Covid-19 and quarantines and lockdowns are one of the factors seen in Cebu and seen in One Cebu. Unity in policies, in protocols, and in the implementation of these policies and protocols in towns and cities in Cebu,” the congressman said.

Before the plenary, the party introduced to the new members the standard bearers and their slate in different localities in seven legislative districts of Cebu province and the lone district of Mandaue City.

As the convention was organized to thresh out concerns and issues among candidates who, although belonging to One Cebu Party, run against each other, Gov. Garcia said in her speech the activity will adhere to its philosophy of unity.

She said despite many of Cebu localities having opposing camps, the aspirants for different local elective posts in the May 9 elections “are all supporting One Cebu Party”.

“Perhaps some may ask why not choose just one. Why not just one. Perhaps, that’s the easiest solution. But if that’s the way how to decide, then that contradicts our party principles that no one should be left behind and those who want to come and join can join, because that is what unity is all about,” she said. (PNA)