FORMER Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia dodged media questions about her political plans for the 2028 elections, choosing instead to prioritize educational initiatives over premature campaign discussions.
"My mantra: 'buhat ang pasultion', magsige ta og istorya sa 2028, daghan pa kaayo og mahitabo gikan karon," Garcia said.
Inviting members of the media to her Mandaue City office for the first time since September 2025, Garcia primarily introduced her recent work with the GFG Assessment and Training Center.
She emphasized that her immediate focus remains on addressing local challenges through the institution, which offers free technical vocational courses, rather than engaging in early political positioning.
When pressed by reporters regarding prospective 2028 gubernatorial candidates, Garcia responded with "next question" and "no comment."
She declined to comment on a potential endorsement for Ako Bisaya Party-list Representative Sonny Lagon.
She also offered no comment regarding a possible gubernatorial run by her brother, former Cebu Third District representative Pablo John "PJ" Garcia, following his recent interview with vlogger Jason Monteclar on August 12.
"Ang ako ba, layo pa kaayo. Pila pa man, there’s so much that you’ll be wasting on intrigue," Garcia added.
While withholding formal political endorsements, Garcia acknowledged Lagon's past assistance to her administration, noting that the lawmaker allowed her to use his helicopter during an official visit to Ormoc, Leyte.
"I have to be thankful to Sonny. He’s been very, very supportive," Garcia said. "When I visited Ormoc, gipahuwam intawn ko niya sa iyang chopper."
However, she stopped short of linking that personal gratitude to a political alliance for the 2028 race.
Rather than navigating political intrigue, Garcia urged supporters to shift their focus toward educational advancement and economic opportunities.
She highlighted current efforts to expand practical programs through the GFG Institute, including upcoming branches in Cordova, Cebu, and Ormoc, Leyte.
"Unsay atong mahimo karon tungod sa kalisod nga giatubang? Padayon nga adunay aguman sa atong mga kaigsuonan, unsa may atong mahimo pagtabang nila karon. Karon, dili sa 2028," she said.
She called on community members to support these educational pathways for local youth instead of monitoring early election developments. (CDF)
