Gov’t leaders, lawmakers convene to shape dev’t direction of Central Visayas

CEBU CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Visayas convened the members of the Joint RDC Executive and Advisory Committees, regional line agencies, local chief executives, and district representatives from across the region, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on February 9 for a high-level consultation and technical review of the region’s annual development budget alignment for presentation for the proposed national budget for 2027.

“We gather today not only to review numbers and proposals, but more importantly, to shape the development direction of Central Visayas for FY 2027 and beyond.   This consultation provides a vital platform for aligning our local and regional priorities with the national budget, ensuring that our plans translate into real, tangible outcomes for the people we serve,” Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro said, in her opening message as RDC-7 chair.

This is the first time that the House of Representatives conducted such high-level consultation to align regional projects with the national budget in coordination with the DepDev and RDC-7, which are now working to institutionalize this process.

Governor Baricuatro stressed that the consultation went beyond reviewing figures and proposals, framing it instead as a decisive moment for the region’s long-term direction, underscoring the need to align all local and regional priorities with the national budget so that government planning would produce real and measurable gains for communities.

Regional line agencies presented their respective priority programs, activities, and projects, highlighting both persistent development challenges and emerging opportunities across Central Visayas.  Baricuatro called on the region’s lawmakers to help move these priority investments forward, from proposal to funding and full implementation.

“By speaking with one strong regional voice and rallying behind a clear set of priorities, we strengthen our case for national support,” adding that unity and preparedness would demonstrate Central Visayas’ resolve to pursue development interventions with the greatest impact on people’s lives, Baricuatro stated.

Among those present at the consultative meeting, with Baricuatro as RDC-7 chair, were Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, RDC Co-Chairperson Melanie Ng, DEPDev Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Mandue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano, as well as Central Visayas lawmakers, including Cebu City North District Representative Edu Rama, who hosted the event.

According to DEPDev-7 regional director, Jennifer Bretana that the consultation forms part of the RDC’s continuing effort to deepen coordination between regional agencies and national policymakers, reinforcing collaborative planning as a foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth in Central Visayas. (Photos: Cebu Capitol PIO)