𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓: 𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝟕, 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓
In a landmark gathering at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Central Visayas leaders convened on Monday, February 9, for a high-level consultation and technical budget review with members of the House of Representatives designed to align regional priorities with the proposed national budget for next year.
The meeting, led by Regional Development Council Central Visayas (RDC 7) Chairperson and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, gathered members of the Joint RDC Executive and Advisory Committees, regional line agencies, local chief executives, and district representatives from across the region—a historic first for the RDC 7.
Among those present were Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, RDC Co-Chairperson Melanie Ng, DEPDev Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Mandue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano, as well as Central Visayas lawmakers, including Cebu City South Representative Edu Rama, who hosted the event.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬
In her opening message, Governor Baricuatro stressed that the consultation went beyond reviewing figures and proposals, framing it instead as a decisive moment for the region’s long-term direction.
“We gather today not only to review numbers and proposals, but more importantly, to shape the development direction of Central Visayas for FY 2027 and beyond,” she said.
She underscored the need to align local and regional priorities with the national budget so that government planning would produce real and measurable gains for communities. She said DePDev and RDC 7 are now working to institutionalize the process.
“This consultation provides a vital platform for aligning our local and regional priorities with the national budget, ensuring that our plans translate into real, tangible outcomes for the people we serve,” she said.
During the forum, regional line agencies presented their priority programs, activities, and projects, highlighting both persistent development challenges and emerging opportunities across Central Visayas.
Governor Baricuatro called on the region’s lawmakers to help move these priority investments forward—from proposal to funding and full implementation.
“By speaking with one strong regional voice and rallying behind a clear set of priorities, we strengthen our case for national support,” she said.
She added that unity and preparedness would demonstrate Central Visayas’ resolve to pursue development interventions with the greatest impact on people’s lives.
The consultation forms part of the RDC’s continuing effort to deepen coordination between regional agencies and national policymakers, reinforcing collaborative planning as a foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth in Central Visayas. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬
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