Stronger power supply, expanded tourism opportunities and better inter-island connections are among the priorities Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro wants the national government to address to sustain economic growth across the Visayas.
Baricuatro presented the region’s development agenda during the first meeting of the reconstituted Economy and Development Council-Regional Development Committee (EDC-RDCom) in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 4.
As chair of the Visayas Area Cluster of the Regional Development Committee, she brought the proposed priorities before representatives of national government agencies and the chairpersons of the Luzon and Mindanao clusters.
The agenda covered four regions: Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.
Baricuatro said these areas needed a coordinated development strategy to maximize their economic potential, emphasizing that energy security, tourism and connectivity were closely linked rather than separate concerns.
“These pillars are mutually reinforcing,” she said, explaining that progress in one sector could strengthen the others.
Reliable electricity was among the major concerns raised, with Baricuatro stressing the need to protect the Visayas’ energy resources and maintain a sufficient and dependable power supply for industries, businesses and communities.
She also identified tourism as a key driver of employment, investments and livelihood opportunities, saying the region could further develop its tourism assets to increase its contribution to the national economy.
The third priority involves improving transportation and infrastructure links among islands and economic centers across the Visayas.
Baricuatro cited the PrIME Support Fund as a possible financing mechanism for feasibility studies, engineering designs and other technical preparations for proposed inter-island infrastructure projects and essential linkages.
She said stronger connections would help ensure that economic opportunities extend beyond major urban centers and reach communities in smaller islands.
“Reliable power supports tourism and industry; thriving tourism creates local opportunities; and robust connectivity ensures those opportunities reach every corner of our region,” Baricuatro said.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the expected super El Niño, with the cluster chairpersons calling for early coordination between national government agencies and Regional Development Councils.
They stressed the importance of translating interventions being prepared by the Super El Niño task force into localized measures that consider the varying conditions and vulnerabilities of communities across the country.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan presided over the meeting.
DepDev 7 Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario Castro and Cebu Provincial Planning and Development Office head Elizar Sabinay Jr. also attended.
📷 Capitol PIO
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