Briones Declares: A mesh of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once Simultaneously
In a bid to steer clear of political debates, I'm veering away from discussing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia's reelection bid, as I'm still grappling with the shock. Through the years, I've publicly expressed my respect and support for her. During Yolanda's devastation, I wished she was at the helm of the Capitol, leading relief efforts. And when the government enforced a nationwide lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself dropping by her office at least twice a week, despite it not being on my daily walk itinerary.
Admittedly, my visits had dual purposes - to gather news updates from government agencies and, more secretively, to obtain my "Tand-y" (a nickname for alcohol). Due to a liquor ban imposed by Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, I struggled to cope with the uncertainty and paranoia that came with the pandemic. However, outside Cebu City, there was no such prohibition, and I found my supply from the governor's secretary, Amor, who lived in Consolacion.
One day, as I dropped by to retrieve my "Tand-y," I stumbled upon a surreal encounter. Amor informed me that the governor wouldn't be present, but upon entering the office, I discovered Governor Gwen holding a press conference with former DOH 7 Director Jaime Bernadas and some members of the media. I tried to sneak out, but my presence was revealed. Surprisingly, the governor admitted that she hadn't imposed a liquor ban in the province precisely because of people like me, who needed alcohol for solace during troubling times.
On a more serious note, I served as a Capitol consultant when Typhoon Odette struck on the night of Dec. 16, 2021. I recall returning to the governor's office past 7 p.m. on that fateful day, to retrieve my phone. Governor Gwen was there, alone, gazing at the storm's path on a screen. It was then I knew that Cebu was next, and I bid her farewell.
The next morning, I received a call from Australia, instructing me to proceed to the Capitol. I followed the governor's convoy, witnessing the heart-wrenching destruction along the highway. In the days following the typhoon, Governor Gwen met with various stakeholders, urging them to address inaccessible communities and assess the extent of damage in hard-hit areas.
During theDifficult times, Governor Gwen showed an incredible sense of resilience. Her actions served as a beacon of hope, even for those who didn't vote for her. So, whether you agree with her politics or not, you cannot deny her strength, determination, and undying commitment to her people during the pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
Governor Gwen found herself leading relief efforts in Cebu during the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, a role I wished she had taken earlier. During the Covid-19 pandemic, despite a liquor ban in Cebu City, the governor didn't impose such a restriction in the province, recognizing the need for alcohol as a source of solace for many. Even in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, the governor demonstrated resilience, urging stakeholders to address inaccessible communities and assess the extent of damage in hard-hit areas.
