‘One Visayas’ opens in Cebu today

Let me share something which I got from the Manila Bulletin website. It's Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr's report for today's edition of the Manila Bulletin.

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Representatives from 16 provinces in the Visayas will gather at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) starting today for the week-long, first-ever comprehensive exposition of tourism products, arts and crafts products, delicacies and specialties and cultural presentation in the event dubbed "One Visayas."

The event is aimed at further promoting the close partnership among the three Central Philippines regions, namely Region 6 (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Guimaras), Region 7 (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental), and Region 8 (Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte).

"One Visayas," a brainchild of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, was launched in October last year when the heads of the three Regional Development Councils met in Cebu and began threshing out details to bring together the offerings of the 16 provinces under one roof.

The leaders of the three regions decided to establish "One Visayas" to acknowledge the cultural bond that connects the islands, despite being separated by sea waters.

The event, which carries the theme "One People, One Destiny," will feature the Visayas seven arts namely, architecture, dance, theater, music, visual arts, literature and film; arts and craft; tourism products, festivals and culinary arts.

The ambitious gathering was envisioned when Antique Gov. Salvador Perez, chairman of the RDC in Region 6, and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, chairman of the RDC in Region 8, and their tourism council officers met with Garcia at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to discuss "One Visayas."

"Let us make the Visayas a shining star in the entire archipelago," said Garcia, who also heads the RDC in Central Visayas.

Garcia said unity among residents in the Visayas can be achieved if the people themselves are aware of their heritage and appreciate their culture.

"When we are united and instill a sense of pride among our people that could turn to passion, it will make us aim for greater heights and development," Garcia said.

Sarmiento, for his part, said cultural tourism is an asset of the Visayas that should be enhanced. He used to head the arts and culture office of his town.

"I think Visayas should strengthen this, because we are fed up with always having to go to Manila. It’s very expensive, and people from Luzon have the tendency to be bias for Manila," he said.