President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded local leaders on Thursday for Cebu’s contributions to the nation’s progress and their strong commitment to collaboration in achieving the shared objective of “building a more efficient and reliable government.”
“It is fine that we do it all here today in Cebu solidified by our collective role as partners in service to the Filipino people. So, I appreciate your expressions of appreciation and your trust, your confidence, and support to this administration,” President Marcos said during his lunch with Visayas governors and One Cebu officials 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 noted as the fastest-growing region in the country in 2023, with an expansion rate of 7.3 percent. It was followed closely by Western Visayas, which grew by 7.2 percent, and Eastern Visayas, which experienced a growth of 6.4 percent.
The President said that Western and Eastern Visayas surpassed the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the same year.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable progress, particularly in major infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and drive economic development, particularly in the Visayas region.
Key infrastructure projects
Among the government’s priorities are the New Cebu International Container Port, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project to improve urban mobility and public transportation, and the construction of the fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge and the coastal road project.
Also being undertaken are airport improvements in Bohol, Dumaguete City, Iloilo, Antique, Siquijor, and Tacloban, as well as road and bridge projects to enhance connectivity in Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Bohol, Siquijor, Biliran, and the Samar and Leyte provinces.
While celebrating these milestones, President Marcos pointed out 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 on this momentum that it has given us,” he said.
Unity and good governance
During the same event, the President urged fellow leaders to prioritize development initiatives, eliminate distractions, and concentrate on delivering results for the Filipino people.
“Our effectivity as elected public officials is defined by how we remain true to our mandate to serve, to lead, and empower our fellow Filipinos,” the President said.
“I cannot stress this enough but let us always, let us always serve with integrity, with responsibility, and passion in our hearts. I know that If we are guided by the highest ideals of good governance, we will never go astray,” he added. | PND
