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Sunday, Jun 01, 2025
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Cebu Governor Promotes Local Products at R’ Cebu Expo Following Election Loss
Outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia appears at a local product expo, expressing continued support for small businesses amid political transitions.
Outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia made her first public appearance following a significant electoral defeat, leading the promotion of products from the 2nd and 6th Districts at the R’ Cebu Expo held at a mall in the North Reclamation Area on May 16, 2025. Garcia lost to political newcomer Pamela Baricuatro by more than 300,000 votes in the midterm elections held on May 12.
During the event, Governor Garcia reiterated her support for the small business sector, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the R’ Cebu Expo in fostering economic resilience.
In her address, she reflected on the history and growth of R’ Cebu, recognizing its role in helping local entrepreneurs navigate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
The R’ Cebu Expo, now in its fourth year, transforms mall spaces into venues for local vendors, primarily hailing from Cebu’s rural areas.
This year’s event showcased a variety of products, including handwoven bags, artisanal food items, and household goods, allowing vendors to connect with a broader consumer market in Metro Cebu without incurring rental fees.
Garcia was accompanied by Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco, as well as mayors from her political stronghold, including those from Consolacion, Cordova, Boljoon, Argao, Santander, and Samboan.
However, mayors from Alcoy, Dalaguete, and Oslob of the 2nd District did not attend the event.
Board Members Stanley Caminero and Raymond Joseph Calderon from the 2nd District, along with Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano, were also present.
The expo is scheduled to continue until May 18, providing Garcia a final platform to engage with her supporters before her term concludes on June 30.
Vice Governor-elect Soco, set to lead the incoming Provincial Board, emphasized the importance of continuing the R’ Cebu program under Baricuatro’s administration, stating that it is a collective initiative for all Cebuanos rather than the legacy of a single individual.
He articulated the program’s significance in supporting local entrepreneurs.
Garcia reiterated that R’ Cebu is not merely a marketplace but a testament to the province’s commitment to empowering local business owners.
She expressed gratitude to Robinsons management for facilitating the event without rental fees for vendors.
During the event, Governor Garcia reiterated her support for the small business sector, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the R’ Cebu Expo in fostering economic resilience.
In her address, she reflected on the history and growth of R’ Cebu, recognizing its role in helping local entrepreneurs navigate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
The R’ Cebu Expo, now in its fourth year, transforms mall spaces into venues for local vendors, primarily hailing from Cebu’s rural areas.
This year’s event showcased a variety of products, including handwoven bags, artisanal food items, and household goods, allowing vendors to connect with a broader consumer market in Metro Cebu without incurring rental fees.
Garcia was accompanied by Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco, as well as mayors from her political stronghold, including those from Consolacion, Cordova, Boljoon, Argao, Santander, and Samboan.
However, mayors from Alcoy, Dalaguete, and Oslob of the 2nd District did not attend the event.
Board Members Stanley Caminero and Raymond Joseph Calderon from the 2nd District, along with Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano, were also present.
The expo is scheduled to continue until May 18, providing Garcia a final platform to engage with her supporters before her term concludes on June 30.
Vice Governor-elect Soco, set to lead the incoming Provincial Board, emphasized the importance of continuing the R’ Cebu program under Baricuatro’s administration, stating that it is a collective initiative for all Cebuanos rather than the legacy of a single individual.
He articulated the program’s significance in supporting local entrepreneurs.
Garcia reiterated that R’ Cebu is not merely a marketplace but a testament to the province’s commitment to empowering local business owners.
She expressed gratitude to Robinsons management for facilitating the event without rental fees for vendors.
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