“One Visayas” execs pledge support to Marcos admin

CEBU, Philippines — In a powerful display of commitment, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, alongside 11 Visayas governors and officials, personally handed over signed manifestos of support to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. yesterday, January 30, 2025, reaffirming their allegiance to the administration’s vision of progress and development.

This pledge of support echoes a similar moment from August last year, when Cebu Province celebrated its 455th anniversary. During that event, Governor Garcia—joined by governors from neighboring regions, Capitol officials, and the majority of Cebu Province’s mayors—publicly declared their support for President Marcos, in the presence of the first lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Present yesterday were Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, and Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado.

Now framed on a formal document, the Manifesto of Support from the governors of the Visayas Islands was presented by Garcia and her fellow governors to the President.

Leyte Governor Petilla, speaking on behalf of the Visayas governors, emphasized that their unity as “One Visayas” is a commitment to fully support the President and contribute to his administration’s goals.

“Let me assure you that on behalf of the Visayas governors, we are supporting you, and you have 100 percent of the support of everybody here in One Visayas,” said Petilla.

Meanwhile, the presidents of their respective leagues, Provincial Board Member Loren Singco of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation in Cebu; Provincial Board Member Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito of the Philippine Councilors League Cebu Chapter; and Provincial Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III of the Association of Barangay Captains also presented their signed Manifestos of Support to the President.

In addition, Balamban Vice Mayor Alfie Binghay, president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines Cebu Chapter; Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; and Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas on behalf of the city mayors in Cebu Island likewise presented their Manifestos of Support to President Marcos Jr.

The President also received a Manifesto of Support from Deputy Speaker and Fifth District Representative Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco on behalf of the Cebuano Members of the House of Representatives.

In his speech, Frasco highlighted that the Cebuano lawmakers stand united in their support for the President and his administration in their service to the Filipino people.

“You can count on the full support of the Cebu and Visayas congressmen as we work hand in hand with you to push for meaningful legislation and economic initiatives that will bring lasting and positive change to our people,” said Frasco.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Cebu Provincial Government, Governor Garcia and Vice Governor Hilario Davide III presented a provincial resolution expressing support for the administration of President Marcos.

In his welcome address, Vice Governor Davide assured President Marcos that Cebu officials stand united in turning the administration’s goals into tangible outcomes for the people.

“With three more years of your administration, please know that we here in Cebu, led by our indefatigable Chief Executive Governor Gwen Garcia, remain committed to supporting your administration’s programs and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of our citizens,” said Davide.

Also present during the luncheon was Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who expressed gratitude to the President for his understanding of the challenges faced by local government units, acknowledging his efforts in addressing concerns at both the national and local levels.

“I would like, on behalf of the Cebuanos and the City of Cebu, to thank you and, more importantly, to welcome you to the City of Cebu and Cebu Province. We look forward to working hand in hand with you for the betterment and progress of our beloved city, province, and country,” said Mayor Garcia.

Further, Governor Garcia, joined by Vice Governor Davide and members of the Cebu Provincial Board, presented a token—a revered image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu—to President Marcos Jr.

In his message, President Marcos lauded Cebu and its local leaders for their unwavering support, emphasizing the region's major contributions to the country’s growth.

“I appreciate your expressions of appreciation and your trust, confidence, and support for this administration,” President Marcos said during the luncheon at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

President Marcos noted how this collaboration has driven development across various industries, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for many Filipinos. Central Visayas was reported as the fastest-growing region in the country in 2023, with an expansion rate of 7.3 percent. Western Visayas followed with a 7.2 percent growth rate, while Eastern Visayas recorded a 6.4 percent growth. Both Western and Eastern Visayas surpassed the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the same year.

The President also acknowledged Tourism Secretary and Cebuana Christina Frasco for her continuous efforts in enticing tourists to visit the Visayas region.

“Patuloy ang panghihikayat natin sa mga turista na bisitahin ang mga mala-paraisong isla sa Cebu, sa Aklan, sa Bohol, Iloilo, Samar Island, Leyte, Southern Leyte at iba pang mga magagandang lugar nandito sa Visayas,” said President Marcos Jr.

Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable progress, the President highlighted major infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity and drive economic development in the Visayas. These include the ongoing Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, the new Cebu-Mactan (4th) bridge and coastal road, the Consolacion-Liloan bypass road set for 2025, and the Metro Cebu Expressway and New Cebu International Container Port beyond 2025.

Other priority projects in Bohol and Negros Oriental include the Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center, the Panglao-Tagbilaran Offshore Bridge Connector, the new Dumaguete Airport development, and the expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Siquijor Airport.

Airport improvements are also underway in Iloilo, Antique, and Tacloban, along with road and bridge projects to enhance connectivity in Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Siquijor, Biliran, and the Samar and Leyte provinces.

While celebrating these milestones, President Marcos stressed the need for continued efforts to surpass achievements and reach new goals.

“That is why we are not stopping here. We are doing more, we will do more. Our duties as public servants are never-ending, so we must continuously push not only to maintain this growth but also to leverage this momentum,” he said.

The President also urged fellow leaders to prioritize development initiatives, eliminate distractions, and focus on delivering results for the Filipino people.

“Our effectiveness as elected public officials is defined by how we remain true to our mandate to serve, lead, and empower our fellow Filipinos,” he added. — /ATO (FREEMAN)