CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro has formally assumed her role as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7, immediately charting a clear three-year roadmap focused on critical recovery and growth for Central Visayas.
A Three-Pillar Agenda for Regional Progress
During her inaugural address on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol's Social Hall, Governor Baricuatro outlined her core priorities. She emphasized that her administration will stand on three central pillars: major infrastructure development, fostering inclusive economic growth, and strengthening the region's health systems.
"We must stand, pick up the pieces, build and continue to strive for a better and livable community not only as Cebu but as SugBohol," Baricuatro stated. She explained that these priorities are a direct response to recent challenges and reflect the shared aspirations of Central Visayas for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future.
Responding to Calamities with Strategic Planning
The governor directly linked her agenda to the twin disasters that recently struck the region. She cited the devastating impact of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu last September and the widespread flooding caused by typhoon Tino in November.
These calamities resulted in significant damage to key economic drivers for Central Visayas, particularly affecting the tourism, trade, and manufacturing sectors. Baricuatro's plan is designed to not only rebuild but to build back stronger and more sustainably.
Collaboration and Evidence-Based Leadership
Beyond the specific focus areas, Governor Baricuatro pledged to foster deeper collaboration across all sectors and provinces within the region. She aims to promote evidence-based planning and decision-making as the standard for the RDC 7's work.
The governor was appointed to lead the RDC 7 in late October by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. The council serves as the primary policy-making and coordinating body for regional development in Central Visayas, bringing together national and local government units, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders.
The formal transition of leadership occurred during the RDC 7 meeting on Thursday. In a symbolic gesture, former RDC 7 chairman and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado handed over the RDC flag to Baricuatro, marking the official start of her three-year term at the helm of the region's development planning.
