Central Visayas sets key priorities for next 3 years

Local

CENTRAL Visayas is shifting gears toward a more sustainable and heritage-centered tourism model as part of its renewed development direction.

The Regional Development Council- Central Visayas (RDC-7) has revised its 2023–2028 Regional Development Plan (RDP) to emphasize sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction as key priorities to drive the region’s progress over the next three years.

The midterm review showed strong economic performance, with Central Visayas posting a 7.3 percent gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth in 2024, within its target range of 6.3 to 7.5 percent through 2028.

Neil Andrew Mejares, Chief of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development 7, said during the RDC 7 Orientation of Full Council Members, that the strategy framework now emphasizes transformative tourism.

“The biggest change, the only change in fact, for the strategy framework is that, instead of reinvigorating tourism, it is now driving transformative tourism. A strategic shift that emphasizes sustainability, heritage, and global dependability,” he said.

The updated plan also highlights infrastructure developments, including completed airport and port upgrades, expanded public Wi-Fi access, and improvements to energy transmission networks.

Social indicators showed progress as well, with declines in poverty and unemployment, lower infant mortality, and stronger disaster-preparedness programs in local governments.

The RDP underwent consultations with provincial governments, local chief executives, private sector representatives, and regional agencies to ensure strategies remain relevant and responsive.

Its goals are aligned with the country’s long-term vision for 2040, promoting a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” for all Filipinos.

RDC 7 noted that recent natural calamities could affect some targets, particularly reducing poverty incidence to single digits by 2028.

The updated RDP will be published on the RDC website by November 2025 and will guide the region for the remainder of the plan period.(MyTVCebu)