One Visayas opening salvo turn into a political sortie
ROXAS CITY – The 2nd One Visayas, One Destiny celebration slated March 11-14 was used as venue of political sorties by different parties particularly during the opening salvo on Thursday last week.
Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro during the opening day said that the Capiz gymnasium “was a haven, refuge from the heated atmosphere outside”, which apparently, he was referring to the intense political tension brought about by the May 10 elections.
Teodoro, who represented President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the opening ceremonies of the celebration which highlights the culture, arts, heritage and festivals of the three Visayan regions, was introduced by Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar-Perez, who managed to lace her speech with politics when, referring to the green dress she was wearing, she told the crowd that “you know where my political sentiments belong.”
Not contented, she even went further by saying that Teodoro was requested by President Arroyo to be her successor and that Teodoro’s “success to the presidency begins today and will continue until the May 10 elections.”
And when Perez introduced Teodoro as her “one and only Gibo,” the crowd roared in agreement and gave the administration standard-bearer a thunderous applause. Observers said it reinforced once again Teodoro’s popularity with the young as the audience was composed mostly of students.
Talking about the celebration, Teodoro said it encourages people in the region to accept the differences between and among adverse groups like the linguistic roots and cultural fervors and practices, among others. Likewise, the celebration also promotes positive cultural exchanges among regions 6, 7, and 8.
It was his wish, Teodoro said, that activities like the One Visayas would spur genuine national reconciliation among cultural groups in the Visayas, in the South and the most Northern part of the country.
Noting that the Visayan region is at the center of the country, Teodoro said this was not by coincidence but a blessing from God. The region, he said, has become a natural convergence point politically, culturally and logistically.
The One Visayas celebration which was attended by thousands of spectators coming from different places was also graced by Cebu Gov. Gwedolyn Garcia, Aklan Gov. Lito Marquez, Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, 2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro, several mayors of Capiz, as well mayors of participating provinces and Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Edwin Trompeta.
Earlier, Trompeta said that the celebration of One Visayas would be spared from politics.
