Manila, Jan. 30 -- 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."

"Our effectivity as elected public officials is defined by how we remain true to our mandate to serve, to lead, and empower our fellow Filipinos," Marcos said.

"It cannot be discounted that disagreements and contradicting views are inevitable, but let us be reminded that ...