Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has vowed to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure projects across Cebu and the entire Central Visayas region as she assumes her new role as chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7.
“I am really committed to bring big programs and projects to Cebu,” said Gov. Baricuatro during her regular media briefing held on October 29 at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), where she also inspected the terminal’s readiness for the expected influx of passengers for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Among her priority initiatives is the Talisay–Naga Diversion Road, a coastal project designed to ease traffic congestion along the southern corridor passing through Talisay City, Minglanilla, and the City of Naga. The feasibility study for the project has been approved, and the governor is pushing for its completion within her term.
Other key projects include improvements in water systems, the Metro Cebu Expressway connecting Naga City in the south to Danao City in the north, and the development of additional diversion roads across the province to enhance mobility and connectivity.
While reaffirming her commitment to Cebu, Gov. Baricuatro underscored the broader responsibility that comes with her new post.
“As committed as I am to deliver the best programs for Cebu, I will also do my best for the whole Region 7,” she said.
“Kon unsa akong gidala sa Kapitolyo — governance that listens, with integrity and transparency — mao gyud na ang atong dalhon sa RDC.”
Gov. Baricuatro is set to take her oath before the President in November at Malacañang, where she plans to present the region’s top infrastructure priorities and discuss ways to align local projects with national development goals.
“I would like to talk to him about my flagship infrastructure projects. We will discuss work and nothing political,” she emphasized.
The Regional Development Council is the highest policy-making body in the region and serves as the subnational counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board. It coordinates and harmonizes economic and social development efforts, ensuring that regional priorities are aligned with national objectives.
With Gov. Baricuatro at the helm, Central Visayas is poised for stronger, more inclusive growth driven by responsive governance and strategic infrastructure investments. (Photos: Cebu Province)
