Visayas Caucus Unites Lawmakers for Stronger Voice
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez recently convened the Visayas Caucus, gathering lawmakers from four key regions to ensure the Visayas has a stronger voice in national policymaking. This initiative aims to unite representatives from Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and the Negros Island Region to better address their constituents’ concerns in Congress.
Romualdez stressed that the caucus is more than just a meeting; it is a coming together of hearts and hopes. “Each of us carries the hopes of our kababayans back home. The Visayas Caucus is our way of making sure their voices are heard and felt in the halls of Congress,” he said. He emphasized that the Visayas is not only rich in natural resources but also in the resilience, intelligence, and hardworking spirit of its people.
Focused Regional Priorities and Collaboration
The caucus aims to transcend political affiliations, allowing lawmakers from different parties to collaborate on pushing legislation that addresses the unique needs of their regions. Attendees met at the Speaker’s Office within the Batasang Pambansa complex to discuss how to fast-track key projects and programs that will benefit their constituents directly.
“We want to focus on the top priorities per region. As Speaker, I want to work closely with you to accelerate these priority initiatives,” Romualdez said. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties and shared experiences among the regions, drawing parallels to a recent Mindanao agenda meeting. “Just like Mindanao, we now want to advance the Visayan agenda through this caucus,” he added.
Visayas Caucus: Not a Political Bloc
Romualdez clarified that the Visayas Caucus is not about political blocs but rather a platform for representatives to raise constituent concerns effectively. The caucus focuses on crafting responsive policies and securing funding for vital infrastructure and social programs that benefit the Visayas.
“Our goal is simple: a more resilient, connected, and empowered Visayas. This involves building better roads and ports, bringing services closer to island communities, modernizing agriculture, and ensuring no Visayan is left behind in the country’s progress,” Romualdez explained. “This is not politics — this is standing up for our regions. Each island has a voice, each community has a representative, and each dream has a chance to be fulfilled.”
Leadership of the Visayas Caucus
- Ferdinand Martin Romualdez – Lead Convener
- Deputy Speaker Janette Garin – Western Visayas Chairperson
- Mandaue City Rep. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon – Central Visayas Chairperson
- Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez – Eastern Visayas Chairperson
- Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Jeff Ferrer – Negros Island Region Chairperson
- Aklan 2nd District Rep. Joeben Miraflores – Deputy Chairperson
- Cebu City 2nd District Rep. Edu Rama – Deputy Chairperson
- Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Javier – Deputy Chairperson
- Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez – Deputy Chairperson
Next Steps and Ongoing Commitment
The caucus plans to establish sectoral working groups and engage closely with government agencies such as the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Agriculture, and the Interior and Local Government. These collaborations aim to tackle pressing regional issues and ensure efficient delivery of services.
“This is just the beginning,” Romualdez said. “What we launched is a commitment to stand together, speak louder, and act faster for the future of the Visayas.” This event follows Romualdez’s earlier consultations with Mindanao lawmakers, showing a consistent effort to synchronize regional priorities with the national legislative agenda.
Last July, Romualdez met with lawmakers from various political parties to discuss regional concerns and the administration’s legislative plans. He also welcomed new and returning legislators for the 20th Congress, expressing optimism about surpassing the accomplishments of the previous House.
For more news and updates on Visayas Caucus, visit Filipinokami.com.
