CEBU — Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia is refusing to get drawn into the growing speculation over the 2028 gubernatorial race, saying there is still plenty of time before voters return to the polls.
Instead, Garcia is putting the spotlight on education, skills training and livelihood opportunities—particularly programs aimed at helping Cebuanos gain practical skills and better economic opportunities.
During a media interview in Mandaue City on August 24, Garcia was repeatedly asked about the political developments surrounding the 2028 Cebu gubernatorial race. Her response was essentially: not yet.
Her message was consistent: let actions speak first.
“Buhat ang pasultion,” Garcia said, emphasizing her long-standing approach of allowing her work to speak for itself.
She also cautioned against making definitive political declarations this early, noting that many things could still change before the 2028 elections.
NO ANSWER ON LAGON, NO ANSWER ON PJ
Garcia declined to say whether she would support Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon should he pursue the Cebu governorship in 2028.
She acknowledged Lagon’s past support, including allowing her to use his helicopter during an official trip to Ormoc, Leyte. But Garcia stopped short of turning that personal gratitude into a political endorsement.
She was similarly tight-lipped about the possibility of her brother, former Cebu 3rd District representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, seeking the governorship.
PJ Garcia himself said in an August 12 interview that he was considering another gubernatorial run. He also said he had not independently confirmed reports concerning his sister’s supposed preference for Lagon.
That leaves one of Cebu’s biggest political questions unanswered: where will the Garcia political machinery ultimately stand when the 2028 race takes shape?
For now, Gwen Garcia isn’t saying.
FROM CAMPAIGN TALK TO CLASSROOMS AND SKILLS TRAINING
Rather than spend time on early election maneuvering, Garcia is promoting the GFG Institute and its education and training programs.
The initiative is being developed in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with plans to provide two-year diploma opportunities to underserved communities.
SunStar separately reported that the GFG Assessment and Training Center has been offering free technical-vocational courses, including programs in computer systems servicing, data analytics, cyber-threat monitoring and social-media content creation. More than 100 trainees were recognized during a recent completion ceremony.
Garcia has also pointed to plans to expand the institute’s reach, including upcoming branches in Cordova, Cebu, and Ormoc, Leyte.
The emphasis is clear: provide people with skills they can use—not simply promises for a future election.
A BIGGER EDUCATION PUSH IN CEBU
The focus on education also comes amid broader efforts in Cebu to strengthen scholarships and technical training.
Earlier this year, SunStar reported that 1,019 scholars graduated from the Cebu Province–Grants Intended for Tertiary Students (CP-GIFTS) program for school year 2025–2026. The program had 1,700 beneficiaries in that batch, while the next academic year was set to expand scholarship opportunities further.
Cebu is also strengthening technical and workforce-oriented education. TESDA and Cebu’s creative-industry groups launched a regional industry TVET board in April to expand specialized training in areas such as animation and game development—fields linked to the growing demand for Filipino digital talent.
That broader environment makes Garcia’s emphasis on skills development particularly significant as Cebu faces changing employment demands and the need for workers to acquire new technical competencies.
“NOT 2028—NOW”
Garcia’s message to her supporters was direct: don’t wait for a political announcement before helping people.
Her priority, she said, is what can be done now to assist Cebuanos dealing with economic difficulties.
She urged supporters to encourage their children, relatives and fellow residents to take advantage of the educational opportunities being developed through the institute.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Garcia has ruled out a political comeback.
It means she is not committing herself publicly to one yet.
And that distinction matters.
With incumbent Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro now holding the province’s top post and potential 2028 contenders beginning to emerge, speculation surrounding the Garcia camp is unlikely to disappear. But Garcia’s latest remarks suggest she wants her current work—not early campaign calculations—to dominate the conversation.
For now, the former governor is choosing classrooms, training centers and livelihood opportunities over campaign stages.
The 2028 question remains open. But Gwen Garcia’s message for 2026 is unmistakable: there is work to do first.
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