Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, chairperson of the Regional Development Council Central Visayas (RDC 7), delivered her first State of the Region Address (Sora) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Danao City Civic Center. She outlined ambitious statistical targets for the region by 2028, including reducing poverty incidence and accelerating economic growth.
Poverty and Economic Targets
The RDC aims to lower poverty incidence in Central Visayas to 10.5 percent by 2028, down from 17.3 percent in 2023. Additional targets include accelerating Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth to between 6.3 percent and 7.5 percent by 2028, up from 3.7 percent in 2025.
The 2025 inflation rate stood at 2.5 percent, remaining within the region's target range of two to four percent. The 2025 unemployment rate was recorded at 3.8 percent, with a 2028 target of 4.5 to five percent.
Commitment to Inclusive Growth
“These are not merely targets on paper,” Baricuatro said. “They are commitments to every Central Visayan that growth will be felt more broadly, opportunities will be more accessible, and progress will translate into a better quality of life for all,” she added.
