President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a last-minute trip to Cebu on Monday to rally support for the administration-backed senatorial candidates, highlighting the province’s importance in the country’s future.

Marcos said he often visits Cebu more than his hometown in Ilocos Norte because many of his friends live there, and he sees Cebu as an example of the future he envisions for the entire country.

“The truth is I see in Cebu our goal for the whole Philippines — and that is unity,” he said.

He emphasized that unity is essential for a better future, pointing out that Cebu, with its three million voters, plays a key role in this vision.

He also credited Cebu with driving the economic growth of Central Visayas, calling it a model of unity led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, his close ally.

“And this is where we always see the economy thriving. Why? Why is this happening? Why is Cebu becoming like this? Cebu becomes like this because you are united, because you are shoulder to shoulder, and you have a leader who gives you good guidance, who thinks only about helping you. That’s our good governor, Governor Gwen,” Marcos said.

He praised Garcia for her leadership, highlighting her ability to provide strong political advice and her willingness to test new programs, like selling rice at P20 per kilo in Cebu.

“You cannot get better political advice than from Governor Gwen. That’s why she was able to transform Cebu into One Cebu,” Marcos said.

Cebu’s impressive 97.1 percent employment rate, with just 2.9 percent of the population seeking work, was another point Marcos highlighted, along with the province’s 5.7 percent increase in GDP, which has attracted investors and positioned Cebu as a prime business hub.