DUMANJUG, CEBU – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended Cebu for its unity and remarkable economic progress during a campaign rally on Monday, underscoring the province’s pivotal role in the Central Visayas region.
Speaking at the One Cebu People's Rally, President Marcos credited Cebu’s achievements to the cohesive leadership of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, lauding her effective governance and valuable counsel to the national government.
"I see in Cebu the embodiment of our national goal: Unity," the President remarked in Filipino, pointing out the province's impressive 97.1 percent employment rate and a 5.7 percent economic growth rate, surpassing the national average.
He attributed this success to the collaborative atmosphere fostered by Gov. Garcia’s administration.
Marcos also announced major infrastructure initiatives for Cebu, including the construction of the fourth Lapu-Lapu-Mandaue bridge and connecting road, which will cut travel time from the Cebu-Mactan International Airport to the port area down to 20 minutes.
Further, he revealed plans for a 25-hectare Cebu International Container Port, intended to ease congestion, lower logistics costs, and position Cebu as a key logistics hub in the future.
The President highlighted the significance of the upcoming May 12 midterm elections, describing them as a referendum on his administration’s path forward.
He voiced strong support for the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial lineup, comprising seasoned politicians and former Cabinet officials, emphasizing their experience and dedication to public service.
The Alyansa slate includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino; former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III; and Representatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
Among them, only Abalos was present at the rally, while Revilla was represented by his wife, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla.
Marcos underscored the candidates' diverse experience in both national and local government, asserting their readiness to advance his administration’s agenda. He specifically cited the local government backgrounds of Lapid, Revilla, Abalos, Tolentino, and Binay, and highlighted Sotto’s Cebuano heritage.
Abalos pledged to reduce electricity costs if elected, while Rep. Revilla highlighted her husband's legislative accomplishments, including the removal of expiration dates on birth and marriage certificates.
The President also called for support for the local candidates of the One Cebu Party, led by Garcia and her running mate, Board Member Glenn Soco, stressing the importance of unified leadership at both national and local levels to sustain Cebu’s growth.
In turn, Gov. Garcia thanked Marcos for launching the "P20 Bente Bigas Meron Na" program in Cebu on May 1, praising him for delivering on his promise to lower rice prices.
"Let us thank the President for fulfilling his promise to make rice more affordable," the governor said in Visayan. (with reports from PNA)