Baricuatro to report RDC accomplishments today

CEBU, Philippines — Eight months into her chairmanship of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7), Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is set to deliver her first State of the Region Address (SORA) today, outlining her administration’s vision and development priorities for the region.

The SORA will be held in Danao City in conjunction with the RDC’s second-quarter full council meeting.

The address would provide an opportunity to assess the region’s accomplishments, challenges, and priorities as Central Visayas pursues “a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.”

Since taking the helm of the RDC, Baricuatro has overseen the endorsement and deliberation of several priority development projects across the region.

During recent Regional-National Investment Programming discussions, Central Visayas proposed the inclusion of 30 priority programs worth nearly P1.8 trillion for the 2026-2027 investment cycle.

The proposed projects cover infrastructure, social services, agriculture, environmental management, and development administration, reflecting the region’s effort to secure a larger share of national government investments after years of relatively limited funding for major development initiatives.

Among the flagship projects endorsed by Baricuatro to the Office of the President are the Metro Cebu Expressway, the Naga-Minglanilla-Talisay bypass road network, an integrated flood control and dam development program, the proposed Innovation Hub in Balamban, and waste-to-energy facilities in the City of Naga and Danao City.

Also included is the proposed Talisay-Naga coastal diversion road, a major infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion along the heavily traveled southern corridor linking Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Naga City.

The project’s feasibility study has already been approved, with Baricuatro previously expressing her commitment to pushing for its implementation.

Transportation infrastructure remains one of the council’s key concerns, with the Metro Cebu Expressway among its top priorities. The proposed expressway is envisioned to connect City of Naga in southern Cebu to Danao City in the north, significantly improving metro mobility.

The RDC has likewise identified the construction of additional diversion roads and road network upgrades across Cebu to strengthen connectivity among local government units and improve the movement of people and goods.

Water security is also expected to figure prominently in Baricuatro’s address, particularly the proposed expansion of bulk water supply systems in western Cebu through projects in Tabuelan and Tuburan.

The governor has consistently advocated long-term solutions to address the region’s growing water demand amid rapid urbanization and sustained economic growth.

Baricuatro assumed the RDC chairmanship in October 2025 following her appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The appointment came as a surprise to Baricuatro, who earlier revealed that she had withdrawn from the nomination process before ultimately being selected by the administration — /FPL (FREEMAN)