The title is a favorite expression that implies the existence of separate acts which we want to be united because the acts are related and affect each other.

The phrase also implies that more benefits will be derived from being united.

This is not to say that we must not entertain contrary opinions. What it means is that we can achieve our objectives if we coordinate our actions and that it is wasteful not to.

There can be diversity of opinions in the beginning but once an objective is agreed upon then all efforts must be made to achieve it.

Often, the diversity of actions is made because of inability to resolve them and agree on what we want. This leads to duplication, gaps, and even actions diametrically opposed to each other. The result is that the objective is not met and a lot of time and effort and even frayed nerves –
are wasted.

The existence of diverse interests is a sad reality in society. Applying this principle, the ability to reconcile such interests and to strike a balance often determines whether or not we can make this region – Eastern Visayas – move forward, stay put, or move backward.

The ability to resolve conflicts and get everybody on board, so to speak, is a primary task of the Regional Development Council. And the recently approved Regional Development Plan for 2004-2010 is a document that tries to unite the policies, programs and projects of different groups and
institutions.

The plan is an attempt to make decisive steps forward.

It is an expression of the desire of our leaders to avert any backward movement. It contains strategies that would provide for a much better climate for investments resulting in more jobs and less people falling below the poverty line.

It is a document which if implemented properly, will put our acts together.