Cebu City: Political differences could not be avoided, but strong collaboration among government officials is key to attaining the development agenda, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday. Speaking before the Visayas governors and 'One Cebu' officials at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City, Marcos advised his fellow government officials not to be distracted by issues 'that would only deter our work and affect the people who are counting on us.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that the effectiveness of elected public officials is defined by their commitment to serving, leading, and empowering Filipinos. He acknowledged that disagreements and contradicting views are inevitable but stressed that a shared commitment to the greater good must be the unifying force.

Despite prevailing political differences, Marcos expressed no regrets in being elected president, considering it the greatest honor and privilege granted by the people. He noted that public service becomes fulfilling when like-minded public servants are committed to building a more reliable, efficient, and compassionate government.

Marcos recognized his administration's development initiatives as ambitious, yet he expressed confidence that strong collaboration between national and local governments will transform these plans into reality. He urged local officials not to waste time in delivering necessary reforms and to serve with integrity, responsibility, and passion.

He highlighted the importance of mechanisms for wealth distribution, asserting that economic growth must translate into improved services, modern infrastructure, and better livelihoods. Initiatives by local government officials and public servants are essential for this process, as wealth does not trickle down on its own.

Marcos pointed to collaboration as a driving force for development across industries, creating job and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. He commended local governments in the Visayas for making Central Visayas the fastest-growing region in the country, with a 7.3 percent growth rate in 2023, and noted Eastern Visayas' impressive 6.4 percent growth.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for continued development in industries such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, asserting that public servants must continuously strive to maintain and leverage the momentum of growth.