Gwen prepares to visit Chile, Argentina, Brazil this month

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia is set to head a trade mission to three Latin American countries this month.

The governor will be leaving for a working visit for two weeks on Nov. 22.

She has been invited by Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Roberto Mayorga to head the mission to Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

This trip is organized by Philippines-Chile Business Council together with Gov. Garcia and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI).

Last September during the celebration of the 201 years of Independence of Chile, Mayorga outlined his plans for future bilateral relations between the two countries during his speech delivered at the National Day reception held at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Garcia said some members of the business sectors might join the trip.

“This all started when the Chilean ambassador Mayorga hosted a dinner reception for me in his Forbes Park home,” she said on Friday.

“He asked me to head this delegation in order to improve and further strengthening of ties between Cebu and the Latin American countries,” she said.

Aside from the business sectors, Provincial Board (PB) members Peter John Calderon and Willie Caminero will also be going during the trip since a sisterhood agreement may be inked between Cebu province and Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is the second biggest region in Chile.

It is known for its most important seaports and increasing number of cultural centers.

“Its going to be a hectic working visit that is probably why dili kaayo gusto manguyog ang daghan kay kapoy,” she said.

The governor is set to be back by Dec. 6 at 3 p.m.

While on this trip, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale will be designated as acting governor. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus