Cordova festival turns political

Politicians made their presence known during the 13th Dinagat Festival of Cordova town.

Yesterday at the town’s sports complex, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, former Las Piñas representative Cynthia Villar, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd district of Cebu graced the festivity.

Other political figures like Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Board Member Thadeo Ouano, 6th Dist. Congressman Luigi Quisumbing were also there.

Mayor Adelino Sitoy in his speech urged Cordovanhons to stay united in supporting the town’s projects and cooperate with each other to achieve real progress, “Dili kita molambo kon dili maghiusa, timan-i nga ako naglataw sa kaayohan sa mga taga-Cordova kay ako usa usab ka Cordovanhon.” Sitoy said.

(We will not progress if we are not united. Always remember that I am always looking for the welfare of Cordova because, like you, I am a native of Cordova.)

Pablo John, who gave a short speech, assured that he will always be coming back to Cordova town.

Gov. Garcia, in her speech after Pablo John, did not mince words when she asked the people to vote for her when she runs for senator next year.

“Dili usab gyud ako makatalikod sa Cordova… Magpadayon ang pagpangga kaninyo bisan ug matapos na akong termino (I can’t turn my back on Cordova… My love and affection for Cordova will remain in spite of the fact that my term is ending),” she said.

“Kana ug mobotar mo nako…ug motabang mo nako nga mamahimong Senador (It would happen if you will vote for me… and you will help me in being elected as senator),” she added.

Cynthia Villar introduced herself as the wife of Sen. Manny Villar.

She also lauded Cordova for staging the festival since it also promotes local industries.

She described the Dinagat Festival as similar to the Water Lily Festival that  promotes the products made out of water lily.

While this went on, the officials were already giving out fans and leaflets with their image and their profile printed on it.

They also have tarpaulins with greetings of “Happy Fiesta” printed.

Although others may perceive it as early campaigning, Commission Elections (Comelec) Provincial Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said there isn’t any violation yet since no candidacies have yet been filed.

In an interview, Castillano said the officials are doing voters a service by giving the public a chance to familiarize themselves with whom they would vote for. /Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent

With reports from Norman V. Mendoza