In her inaugural address as the new chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas (Region 7), Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro laid out a clear and focused roadmap for the next three years. The address was delivered on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Social Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
A Tri-Pillar Agenda for Regional Progress
Governor Baricuatro identified three main pillars that will form the cornerstone of her leadership at the RDC 7. These are infrastructure development, inclusive economic growth, and the strengthening of the health system. She emphasized that these priorities are a direct response to the region's most pressing needs and shared aspirations for a more connected and resilient community.
"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 during her speech. This reference to "SugBohol" underscores her vision for a collaborative and unified development approach encompassing both Cebu and Bohol.
Responding to Recent Calamities
The governor directly linked her administration's focus to the recent natural disasters that have impacted the region. She pointed to the devastating effects of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu and Typhoon Tino, which caused severe flooding and resulted in significant damage to key economic sectors.
Tourism, commerce, and manufacturing were among the sectors hardest hit, highlighting the urgent need for rebuilding and creating more disaster-resilient infrastructure and economies. Baricuatro's agenda aims to not only recover from these setbacks but to build back stronger and more sustainably.
A Commitment to Collaborative, Evidence-Based Governance
Beyond outlining specific sectors for development, Governor Baricuatro pledged a new style of leadership for the RDC. She promised to foster partnerships across all sectors and within the region itself to enhance planning and decision-making processes.
Central to this promise is a commitment to evidence-based decision-making. This approach suggests that future projects and policies under her chairmanship will be grounded in data and thorough research, aiming for more effective and targeted outcomes for the people of Central Visayas.
Her inaugural address marks the beginning of a three-year term where the coordination of regional development efforts will be crucial for the recovery and long-term prosperity of SugBohol and the entire Region 7.
