House Speaker Martin Romualdez during his keynote address at the opening of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Sultan Kudarat (Speaker's Office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez says the presence of 45 Mindanao lawmakers during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Sultan Kudarat is proof that Mindanao is committed to the “ideals of a united Philippines” under the leadership of President Marcos.

“It sends a powerful message that despite our diverse backgrounds and regional differences, we stand together as one nation, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all Filipinos,” said Romualdez in a statement Sunday, Feb. 25.

“The significant participation of lawmakers from across the political spectrum at the BPSF underscores our unwavering dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations of every Filipino, regardless of geographical location,” he added.

The Speaker said the strong presence of the lawmakers should serve as the final response to calls for a Mindanao secession.

“By coming together in solidarity, we demonstrate our steadfast rejection of any attempts to undermine the unity and integrity of our nation. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of peace, unity and nation-building,” he expressed.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is among the proponents of a separate and independent Mindanao. He even proposed using the People’s Initiative (PI) to facilitate the secession.

“As we continue to work towards the advancement and development of our nation, let us draw inspiration from the unity and solidarity displayed at events like the BPSF,” the House leader noted.

In his keynote address during the opening of the service fair, Romualdez said the BPSF will grant a total of P1.2 billion in government aid in cash and other forms of assistance to an estimated 150,000 Mindanaons.

“Ito po ay hindi lamang katuparan ng pangako ng pagkakaisa, kundi isa pang dagdag-patunay na malapit ang Mindanao sa puso at isipan ng inyong mga pinuno,” he stressed.

(This is not only the fulfillment of the promise of unity, but another proof that Mindanao is close to the hearts and minds of your leaders.)

“This is the President’s vision, and we are all here to implement it,” he said. “Sa loob ng Bagong Pilipinas ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, wala pong maiiwan—lahat kasama sa pag-unlad”.

(Within the New Philippines of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, no one will be left behind—everyone is included in the pursuit of progress.)

A total of P200 million worth of cash assistance was given to Sultan Kudarat beneficiaries in 12 payouts under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Alongside the lawmakers from Mindanao, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., and 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos were also present to support the Sultan Kudarat BPSF. 

On Wednesday, 57 members of the House of Representatives signed a Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development rejecting the calls for an independent Mindanao. 

The manifesto was signed by 53 lawmakers from Mindanao, three party-list representatives, and one representative from Visayas.