President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened with Visayas governors and ‘One Cebu’ officials at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, emphasizing the critical role of unity in driving the nation’s development forward. Despite acknowledging the inevitability of political discord, Marcos stressed the importance of collaboration to fulfill their collective mandate to serve and empower Filipinos.
Marcos highlighted that the effectiveness of public officials is measured by their dedication to their duties, urging them to focus on the greater good rather than being sidetracked by divisive issues. He expressed his honor in serving as president and the fulfillment derived from working alongside committed public servants to build a more efficient and compassionate government.
The President acknowledged the ambitious nature of his administration’s development plans but expressed confidence in the strong partnership between national and local governments to turn these plans into action. He urged local officials to act swiftly in implementing necessary reforms, emphasizing the need for integrity and passion in their service.
Marcos criticized the notion of wealth trickling down from big corporations without active intervention, stating that it requires initiatives from local government officials and public servants to ensure equitable distribution of wealth. He credited collaborative efforts for driving development across various sectors, which have led to increased job and livelihood opportunities.
He praised the local governments in the Visayas for their contributions to making Central Visayas the fastest-growing region in the country, with a 7.3 percent growth rate in 2023, and noted Eastern Visayas’ impressive 6.4 percent growth, surpassing the national GDP growth for the same year.
Despite these achievements, Marcos emphasized the ongoing need for development in industries such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, committing to continuous efforts to not only sustain but also enhance the current growth momentum.