Busy day for PBBM in Cebu City; 11 governors reaffirm support


CEBU CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was very busy during his visit here on Thursday, Jan. 30.

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attends the Regional Development Council-Central Visayas Meeting at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on Thursday, Jan. 30. (Pool photo)

Eleven out of the 16 Visayas governors reaffirmed support for the President’s during a luncheon meeting – Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and members of the One Visayas Bloc Jose Enrique Miraflores (Aklan), JC Rahman Nava (Guimaras), Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol), Eugenio Jose Lacson (Negros Occidental), Manuel Sagarbarria (Negros Oriental), Jake Vincent Villa (Siquijor), Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Jericho Petilla (Leyte), Sharee Ann Tan (Samar), and Damian Mercado (Southern Leyte).

They handed a signed manifesto to Marcos affirming their commitment to his administration’s programs and policies.

“Recognizing the remarkable progress the Marcos administration has achieved in advancing national development, driving economic recovery, and fostering regional growth, we wholeheartedly affirm our commitment to his leadership and vision for a 'Bagong Pilipinas' (New Philippines) – a government rooted in principles, accountability, and reliability, strengthened by unified societal institutions working toward a stronger, more prosperous, and united nation," they said.

The governors also emphasized the importance of unity in ensuring continued progress.  “The new era of good governance demands collective effort to build a progressive nation, strengthen our economy, and secure a better future for Filipinos,” they added.

The luncheon was among the four events that Marcos and his Special Assistant, Anton Lagdameo,  attended as part of his first visit to Cebu in 2025.

The President attended the Regional Development Council-Central Visayas meeting at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug. In the meeting, Marcos led discussions that focused on economic development, infrastructure, and regional growth strategies.

Marcos proceeded to the 20th National Convention of Lawyers at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. It was in front of close to 4,000 lawyers and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo that Marcos briefly discussed the controversial 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The President insisted that the GAA is above-board, saying that he thoroughly examined it.

“I had to read 4,057 pages of the General Appropriations Act for 2025. Because I reviewed it, analyzed it, and yes, in parts vetoed it. Up to now, I cannot find those damned blank items. We’ll keep looking,” the President said. “For those who think the Presidency is just handshakes and photo ops, I assure you, that fine print is alive in my office as well,” he added.

Garcia and the provincial board gifted Marcos an image of Senor Santo Niño de Cebu as a token of appreciation.

Marcos capped his hectic Cebu visit by gracing the inauguration of the newly completed 2.56-kilometer parallel runway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). 

“Naunahan na naman ng Cebu ang Manila,” Marcos said of the new infrastructure project. (Cebu has once again overtaken Manila)

The parallel runway will be utilized once the main runway of MCIA undergoes repairs this May.

The new runway will ensure uninterrupted services at MCIA as it will serve as an alternative during emergencies, runway closures, surface overlay, and maintenance. “This parallel runway represents our unrelenting drive to connect, grow, and lead,” Marcos said.