Apart from signing a manifesto of support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, nine governors from the Visayas regions also proposed the formation of a “One Visayas” bloc.
This coalition aims to unite the 16 Visayas provinces under a cohesive voice to address common regional issues and advocate for the region’s interests at the national stage.
The proposal was made during a luncheon Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia prepared at the Capitol on August 5, as part of the opening salvo of Cebu’s monthlong 455th founding anniversary celebration.
It was attended by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.; Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado; Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone; Siquijor Governor Jake Villa; Guimaras Governor Joaquin Carlos “JC” Nava; Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores; Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson; and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado
“Para mas malakas tayo na makahingi ng tulong, mas maigi nalang kung at least may isang boses din tayong mga Bisaya,” Aklan Governor Miraflores told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
“We’ll do the coordination first and then siguro we go from there, maybe solidify the Visayas,” Siquijor Governor Villa told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
“Of course we want, we emulate Cebu, One Cebu. Who does not want unity? Everybody wants unity. We will have a very strong, united voice for the Visayas,” Eastern Samar Governor Evardone told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
“We look forward to further collaboration work with Cebu and other provinces of the Visayas. Ang people exchange din natin dito sa Visayas, alam naman natin yan and if we work together, we can maximize that,” Iloilo Governor Defensor told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
When asked who would lead the One Visayas group if it will be realized, the governors unanimously pointed to Gov. Gwen as their leader, who would bring their collective voice to the national level.
“She’ll be our unanimous, unopposed leader of the Visayas,” Eastern Samar Governor Evardone added.