A confederation of Bicolano associations worldwide has been formed for the purpose of uniting Bicolanos outside the region in order to effectively help in the amelioration of the six provinces of the region. In a meeting of some prominent Bicolanos in Metro Manila recently, the need for unity and action with regards to the region’s progress and development, have been emphasized.

Led by Former Senator Eddie Ilarde, the confederation is called “Sararo’’ meaning “to be united,” to be participated in by numerous associations of Bicolanos living outside the region here and abroad where Filipinos live and work.

“Our survey shows that there are at least five million Bicolanos outside the region,’’ Ilarde said. “Bicol is one of the poorest regions in the country and through unity of purpose, we can make our call for progress and development heard and acted upon by the government, and the time for action is now,” Ilarde said. Meanwhile, retired Gen. Salvador Mison, one of the organizers of Sararo, said that “this year, the eve of the 300th year of the Lady of Peñafrancia, Bicol’s miraculous patroness, our clarion call for renewal of our devotion and love for our region must be answered by all patriotic Bicolanos.”