Newsbriefs

Garcia mum on plans

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she will keep her options open as far as the 2013 elections are concerned.

In last week’s tour of 20 students of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU- IIT), the governor told students that she would run to “either strengthen their political party” One Cebu  or quit politics altogether.

Garcia received endorsements to run for higher office from the Marcoses and visiting Ilocos Norte officials who visited Cebu in last month’s annual observance of the province’s anniversary.

The governor also presented to the students her administration’s economic programs for the next years.

Dr. Anne Orejana, one of the MSU-IIT teachers, said they picked Cebu due to the province’s economic development.

Governor Garcia told the students that she wants to keep the province debt-free and to generate profits from their programs.

She also cited the Ciudad Project in Cebu City, saying this will become a model of a public-private partnership (PPP) being promoted by the Aquino administration. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus

’Follow St. Augustine’s example’

THOUSANDS of devotees flocked to the St. Augustine Parish Church in barangay Sta. Rosa, Olango Island of Lapu-Lapu City for Mass as part of the barangay’s fiesta activities yesterday morning.

In his homily, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma thanked the parishioners for their unwavering faith and devotion to their patron saint.

The 61-year-old prelate rode a boat from the Lapu-Lapu mainland to Olango island to officiate the mass.

“St. Augustine was an example of a great servant. Augustine’s priestly life was fruitful, consisting of administration of church business, tending to the poor, preaching and writing and acting as judge for civil and ecclesiastical cases,” Palma said.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, who rode with Palma, said St. Augustine’s message should inspire and uplift Olango residents to lead fruitful lives.

Radaza said many visitors flocked to Sta. Rosa for its seafood which is among the province’s best.  Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza