NEWLY-appointed Regional Development Council (RDC) Central Visayas Chairperson, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has vowed to focus on accelerating infrastructure and economic growth in Cebu, assuring that her leadership will rise above political affiliations.
Baricuatro issued the statement in her personal Facebook account on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, following mixed reactions from Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) after her appointment on Tuesday, Oct. 28 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
She stressed her appointment was based on Cebu’s development needs, not political alignment, saying Malacañang was fully aware of her political background before choosing her for the post.
“This isn’t about them being partisan; it’s about what’s best for Cebu,” Baricuatro said.
“If the DDS community sees partisan bias here, I ask you to judge by results and by the outcomes for our people, not by slogans,” she added.
Baricuatro said key infrastructure projects will be prioritized, including the Metro Cebu Expressway, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity, diversion road projects to enhance mobility and water security.
She said the RDC chairmanship would allow Cebu to have a “louder, more coordinated voice” in national programs, aligning local needs with government resources while reducing bureaucratic delays.
“This is not about politics as usual,” she said. “It’s about Cebu getting a unified, national-backed plan that brings real benefits — jobs, healthcare, roads, and schools.”
Baricuatro also pledged accountability and transparency, promising to keep the public informed about project plans, timelines, and progress.
“I will invite scrutiny from all sectors — DDS, other political groups, business, civil society — because only through honest checks do we protect the people we vowed to serve,” she added.
She urged Cebuanos to set aside partisan divides and work together for the region’s progress.
“Let’s channel our energy into constructive actions that uplift Cebu and the Visayas — without letting partisan noise derail meaningful progress,” Baricuatro said. / CDF