A significant leadership transition has taken place at the heart of Cebuano cultural preservation. Jesus "Sonny" Garcia Jr. has officially retired from his position as chairman of the Akademiyang Bisaya (Akabi), also known as the Visayan Academy of Arts and Letters Foundation, Inc.
A Retirement and a Succession
The changing of the guard was formally announced during the board's Christmas meeting and party held on December 23, 2025, at the Casino Español on Jakosalem Street in Cebu City. After three years as chairman and decades of involvement, the 80-year-old Garcia cited his age and his current residence in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, as primary reasons for stepping down.
The distance from the academy's base in Cebu made regular attendance at monthly board meetings increasingly challenging, he explained during the gathering.
In a unanimous decision by the attending board members, former Deputy House Speaker Pablo John "PJ" Garcia was appointed as the new chairman. He accepted the role, recognizing the critical mission of the institution founded in 1994 by the late congressman and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Adelino "Addy" Sitoy.
A Modern Vision for a Living Language
In his new capacity, PJ Garcia outlined a forward-looking philosophy for the academy's core advocacy of preserving and promoting Sinugbuanong Binisaya (Cebuano Visayan). He emphasized that the goal is not mere preservation but ensuring the language remains vibrant and relevant.
"The Cebuano language will stay alive as long as people use it. That's why we need to listen to the changes, to how the new generation uses Binisaya. We need to be open to changes," Garcia stated. He warned that being overly strict with traditional rules and standards could lead to the language's stagnation.
His approach is not new; as a former lawmaker for Cebu's third district, he frequently engaged Bisaya rock (bisrock) artists and bands for constituency events, demonstrating support for the modern use of the language. The central challenge, he noted, is ensuring Cebuano thrives for future generations, adapting to remain useful for its speakers.
Experience and Future Projects
The Akabi board expressed confidence that PJ Garcia's extensive experience as a national legislator will be a significant asset. His background is expected to greatly benefit the academy's planned projects and help advance its advocacy on a broader scale.
This leadership handover marks a new chapter for the academy. The first chairman of the Board of Directors was the late congressman Jesus P. Garcia, Sr., father of the now-retired Sonny Garcia, Jr., highlighting the family's long-standing commitment to this cultural cause.
