In a show of solidarity, leaders from the Visayas region have publicly reaffirmed their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The declaration came during a unity lunch hosted by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who also leads the ‘One Visayas Bloc’. At the event, all 16 governors from the region, including those from Cebu, Aklan, Guimaras, Bohol, Antique, Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Siquijor, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte, signed a manifesto pledging their allegiance to Marcos and his agenda for national advancement.
The manifesto, which was read aloud, stated that the governors, representing the millions of Filipinos in the Visayas, are firmly behind the Marcos administration. The gathering was not limited to governors; it also included mayors, vice mayors, councilors, provincial board members, and representatives from the Provincial Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu.
Separate endorsements from various groups within the Visayas region highlighted Marcos’ dedication to nation-building. The League of Municipalities in Cebu commended Marcos for his efforts to position the Philippines as a significant economic player in Asia, noting that his focus on safety and security has drawn foreign investments, benefiting the nation. Similarly, the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Cebu Chapter praised the administration’s efforts in promoting general welfare and contributing to the country’s development. The PCL-Cebu Chapter’s manifesto, signed by its president Ricardo Pepito and 16 members, along with seven members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, lauded Marcos’ leadership for its progressive and responsive nature.
The SK Federation also expressed support for Marcos’ ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ governance vision, emphasizing their commitment to better governance based on justice, equality, accountability, unity, and integrity. This recent endorsement echoes a similar event in August 2024, where First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos accepted Manifestos of Support from Cebu leaders on behalf of the President.