CEBU, Philippines - The 16 provinces of the three regions in the Visayas will be coming together for a showcase that will feature the best of Visayan architecture, dance, theater, music, visual arts, literature and film, arts and crafts, tourism products, festivals and culinary.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu Province, the host province of the project, said the “One Visayas, One People, One Destiny” is the first historic activity that will unite all provinces in the Visayas.
In yesterday’s press conference at the Capitol Social Hall, Garcia said they decided to establish the One Visayas after agreeing that it is time Visayans acknowledge the cultural bond that connects the islands, despite being separated by the sea.
Last August 2008, the three regional development chairpersons, Garcia of RDC-7, Antique Governor Salvacion Perez of RDC-6, and Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento of RDC-8, expressed enthusiasm for the newfound unity.
“Unsa ma’y common natong tanan? Culture and arts because whether we like it or not, gitawag tang Bisaya,” Garcia said yesterday’s press conference.
Ian Fresnido, one of the Capitol consultants and in-charge of One Visayas, said the activity will be staged from March 1 to 8 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.
The exhibition is a week-long event which will feature exhibits, lectures, forums, workshops and interactions to be participated in by the 16 provinces in the Visayas.
Provincial artistic director Junjet Primor said the One Visayas will be opened with a Mass at 9 a.m. on March 1 followed by a presentation of the region’s symbols to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Contingents will dance in the streets from the Mandaue City Hall to the CICC in the afternoon. Each province will send at least one festival contingent.
The festival showdown will start at 7 p.m.
For the exhibits, each province will be provided a booth to showcase the best it can offer in terms of practices, tourism, products, services and others and another designated area is set to feature works of the provinces’ artists.
Siquijor Governor Orlando Fua Jr. has been very enthusiastic about this project and has made a series of consultations and meetings with concerned agencies. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)