The decision to scrap the Pasigarbo, an annual event of festival dancing, in Cebu province’s founding anniversary reflects the the management style of the Capitol’s main tenant, Gov. Hilario Davide III.
The no-frills approach means less opportunity for free-wheeling spending or self-promotion of the boss.
Several towns will feel let down without the annual contest, which offered cash prizes of almost P1 million each for the dance showdown which the province, touted as its own version of the “Sinulog.”
If it was former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s brother Pablo John Garcia who won in the May elections, there’s no doubt the event would proceed as scheduled, perhaps even more grandiose than in previous years as PJ’s own motto of “Padayunon Jud (Continue it)” meant carrying on the programs of his sister including the Pasigarbo.
The change in scale appears to be a shift in focus as well from the persona of a single leader on top, to the needs of the public first.
Instead of a Pasigarbo and One Cebu expo in a month-long celebration, activities will be held in one week.
This includes an agriculture fair, a Governors Night, which is likely a low-key version of the Governor’s Ball, and a raffle draw for Capitol employees who can go home with a loot bag of rice and canned goodies.
A blood-letting campaign and medical outreach programs sends the clear signal that the new administration is about sober service and less hooplah.
What Davide has to remember, however, is that simplicity shouldn’t be the same as blah.
The founding anniversary is an opportunity for thanksgiving, an occasion to raise the spirit.
What he removes in glitter, he will have to replace with genuine inspiration.
The sudden sea change in Capitol events may also be disorienting to the business sector.
The cancellation of the One Cebu expo, which has exporters displaying their wares, is one less opporutunity to make a sale and promotion.
It’s good to see that the scaled down celebration sets the tone for fiscal priorities.
With payables of almost P300 million for the Capitol to settle, there’s no excuse for careless spending.
For each program that Governor Davide removes from the menu of the Garcia administration, he will have to run a better one.
He faces the challenge of offering programs that develop unique talents, enterprise and the pride of Cebu’s 50 towns and component cities.
Cebu’s value is more than that of a tourist destination, a showcase for visitors or an investment haven. Davide has three years to bring out the best of Cebu province.