RDC-7 okays P97 billion budget

CEBU, Philippines — A total of P97.21 billion worth of budget proposals for 2027 from 40 regional agencies has officially been approved by the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC)-7, which comprises big-ticket projects aimed at fostering economic growth, social development, and infrastructure expansion.

This was concluded during the most recent First Quarter Full Council Meeting, which was presided over by RDC-7 chairperson, Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro.

For 2027, the proposed budgets were allocated as follows: Economic Development – P4.78B, Social Development – P69.67B, Infrastructure – P19.90B, Development Administration – ?1.61B, and Environment and Natural Resources – P1.25B.

In their public post, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)-7 said these proposals will now be submitted to central agencies for consolidation into the national budget.

“The RDC Full Council remains one of our strongest platforms for alignment and convergence. Here, we harmonize priorities, strengthen partnerships, and advance a shared regional agenda,” said Baricuatro in her opening message.

“If we remain focused and united, we significantly improve the likelihood that our proposed priority interventions will secure support and be reflected in the FY (Fiscal year) 2027 General Appropriations Act and beyond," she added.

Under Executive Order No. 82 s. 2025 and National Budget Memorandum 156, RDCs are mandated to review and endorse the annual budgets of regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and special development authorities to ensure alignment with the Regional Development Plan.

Endorsed projects, reforms

The RDC-7 also endorsed major projects for approval by the Economy and Development Council – Investment Coordination Committee, including the Lapu-Lapu City Coastal Road Project and the relocation of the Regional TVET Innovation Center.

In addition, RDC-7 passed resolutions supporting policy reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, such as House Bill No. 4018 or the Equitable Regional Share from the national budget.

The council urged Congress to expedite the enactment of key laws, including the Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, the creation of the Independent People’s Commission, amendments to the Party-list System, the institutionalization of the Local Housing Board, and the full implementation of the Safe Spaces Act.

DOTR regional hub in Cebu eyed

On top of this, the RDC-7 also approved the creation of a Regional Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee to endorse local PPP projects that require national government support.

It also supported the establishment of a Department of Transportation (DOTr) regional office for the Visayas to oversee major transport initiatives in the region, to be based in Cebu.

The proposal for the creation of a DOTr regional office in Cebu aims to streamline transport governance and oversee flagship projects, including the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system, the New Cebu International Container Port, and the upgrade of Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

During the meeting, the RDC-7 also assessed the status of other DOTr projects currently in the pre-project stage, such as the Cebu BRT Operations and Maintenance, the Cebu Public Transport Modernization Program, Cebu Urban MRT Central Line, and Panglao-Tagbilaran BRT.

RDC-7 to DPWH: submit reports

Additionally, the council approved the committee’s recommendation urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office to submit the Lapu-Lapu Coastal Road Project to the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) for approval.

The RDC-7 also resolved to request the DPWH Central Office to provide supporting documentation such as the feasibility study, the Gender and Development (GAD) report, and the Resettlement Action Plan to ensure transparency and readiness.

In a Facebook post, Cebu Province announced that RDC-7 has likewise approved several priority infrastructure projects, including a P6.5 million street lighting project in Medellin, which will be funded by the Cebu Provincial Government through the Regional Share from the Enhanced Energy Regulations (ER 1-94) Program.

The project, they added, is aimed at providing benefits to host communities of energy facilities.

MOA on resilience efforts, inked

In the same meeting, the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the convergence of the Regional Inter-Agency Council under the “Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP)” was also held.

It is said to formalize the commitment of national and local government agencies to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihood programs across Central Visayas.

Gov. Baricuatro and Bohol Governor Aristotle Aumentado led the MOA signing, joined by officials from DILG, DENR, DOH, DA, DSWD, and other key agencies.

The agreement aims to bolster disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and livelihood opportunities while enhancing inter-agency coordination and PPPs to ensure service continuity in the region.

In response to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, the RDC-7 approved the creation of the Regional Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee, designed to consolidate mitigating measures for Region 7.

The committee will include representatives from national agencies, local government units, and the private sector.

The DEPDev Central Office, through Director Desiree Joy O. Narvaez, briefed the council on the potential economic impacts of the crisis, including effects on fuel prices, inflation, OFW remittances, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

She also presented short- and long-term strategies such as targeted digitalized subsidies, staggered price adjustments, energy conservation, and stricter monitoring against hoarding and profiteering.

For the medium- to long-term plans, Narvaez said that the government aims to strengthen supply chains through strategic stockpiles, promote active mobility, expand renewable energy use, and incentivize energy-efficient innovations.

DEPDev-7 also presented the projected impacts in the region, particularly on inflation, construction, manufacturing, tourism, and domestic and foreign trade.

Other key agencies also presented their assessments, mitigating measures being undertaken, policy recommendations, and ways forward.

“The decisions we make today will shape the future of Central Visayas. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment and united in purpose as we move forward as one region,” emphasized Gov. Baricuatro, as suggestions and strategies have been substantial during the forum.

The Central Visayas Regional UPLIFT Committee (RUC) aims to consolidate and coordinate action to ensure service continuity and address sectoral needs. (CEBU NEWS)