Malacañang appoints Baricuatro as RDC-7 chair

Local

DESPITE stepping aside from the nomination, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has officially been appointed chairperson of the Regional Development Council- Central Visayas (RDC-7).

Malacañang confirmed her appointment through a letter dated October 24, 2025, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and addressed to Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

The appointment grants Baricuatro a three-year term that will coincide with her tenure as a local elective official.

In an interview on Tuesday, she said her appointment symbolizes development and renewed confidence in the region’s leadership.

“It’s a welcome surprise. Because you know what happened right? I gave up the nomination and yet I’ve been appointed so it’s really a vote of confidence from the administration, so I am grateful for this and I’ll do my best to give back to the trust that they gave me now,” Baricuatro said.

“Of course, it is development right? So we expect development,” she added.

Baricuatro said the council would still need to review its plans once it convenes.

“We will still have to review it because we just got the news also. We had plans before, but since I did not join the nomination, we have not really discussed our priority project. So definitely there is a board and there is a council, so I will be the facilitator,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude for the trust shown by the national government.

“So we are really happy with this vote of confidence from Malacañang,” she added.

Baricuatro previously withdrew from the nomination for RDC-7 chair during the organizational meeting on August 28.

At that time, she was nominated alongside Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.

She said she gave way to promote unity among local leaders, prioritizing collaboration over competition.

The RDC chairpersonship is one of the most influential regional posts, shaping infrastructure priorities, economic policies, and social development programs.

The council serves as the highest policy-making body for Central Visayas and as the regional counterpart of the Department of Development, formerly known as NEDA.(MyTVCebu)