There will be no Philippines without the Visayas - Mar Roxas

Senator Mar Roxas was in Cebu to grace the opening program of the 1^st One Visayas Culture and Arts Festival in the Cebu International Convention Center together with the governors and local officials of the 16 provinces of Visayas. The event showcases the bests of the Visayan provinces from their products to tourist destinations.

Senator Mar Roxas shares a laugh with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia (center) and Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano (right). Photo courtesy of Cebu Online News

Roxas, being the guest speaker for the event, praised the Visayan officials for their unity. Visayas, composed of 16 provinces namely Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in Region 6 (Western Visayas), Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar and Southern Leyte in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), has played a major role in the development of the country.

"...a fabric that will cradle each and every Filipino in the Visayas as well as in the Philippines, because even as Visayas still exists without the rest of the Philippines, there will be no Philippines without the Visayas.", Roxas said referring to the importance of the event.

Roxas was also impressed by the presence of governors and other high-ranking government officials during the launching and said that the celebration "is a sign of oneness that will definitely result to economic benefits in Central Philippines", as the effort will connect the Visayas provinces in terms of trade and transportation.