June 24, 2026 —  Danao City hosts the 2nd Quarter 2026 Regional Development Council (RDC-7) Full Council Meeting at the Danao City Civic Center, bringing together government leaders, development stakeholders, and private sector partners from across Central Visayas to discuss priorities and strategies aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term growth and resilience.

The meeting is facilitated by the RDC-7 Full Council Secretariat together with the Development of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDEV) and is attended by RDC Full Council members and guests from sectoral committee members, the private sector, Regional Directors of Regional Line Agencies, local chief executives, district representatives, and development partners across Central Visayas.

As the highest planning and policy-making body in the region, the Regional Development Council serves as a platform for aligning national and local development priorities and strengthening coordination among stakeholders to ensure inclusive and sustainable regional growth.

Regional Collaboration and Development Planning

The activity begins with collaborative discussions and committee engagements, including the Regional Uplift Committee (RUC) meeting, a special committee of the RDC that examines current economic conditions such as inflation and prices of basic commodities and recommends responsive measures and policy actions that address public concerns.

The afternoon session proceeds with the RDC Full Council Meeting where members discuss major regional concerns and agenda items, including Regional Development Reports,  Top 30 Priority Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs) for Fiscal Year 2028, road development plans, food safety and security initiatives, science, technology and innovation, climate mitigation strategies, education, enterprise education and training, infrastructure development, land use planning, mass transportation systems, and policy responses related to developments in the Middle East.

State of the Region Address Highlights Regional Priorities

One of the highlights of the gathering is the delivery of the 2026 State of the Region Address (SORA) by Cebu Governor and RDC-7 Chairperson Pamela Baricuatro.

In her address, Baricuatro outlines the region’s current condition, progress, and development direction while acknowledging the challenges experienced by Central Visayas over the past year.

She cites the impact of major calamities that affect the region, including Typhoon Tino and the September 2025 earthquake, which affect economic and social development efforts. Despite these challenges, she notes that infrastructure investments continue to serve as important drivers of growth while rehabilitation initiatives restore critical networks and facilities affected in recent months.

Baricuatro also emphasizes that RDC-7 continues to prioritize programs focused on improving food security, reducing poverty, and sustaining regional development.

Mayor Nito Presents Danao City’s Development Agenda

As host city, Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III is given the opportunity to present Danao City’s ongoing developments and future priority initiatives before the council.

In his presentation, Mayor Durano shares Danao City’s development direction centered on resilience, strong governance, connectivity, and opportunities for growth.

“Connectivity goes beyond roads and infrastructure; it means connecting people to opportunities, services, and progress. Through stronger partnerships and shared development efforts, we continue to ensure that no Danawanon is left behind as Danao City moves forward,” Mayor Durano says.

Among the developments highlighted is the continuing construction of the city’s modern and smart Merkado sa Danao which is currently at 80 percent structural completion.

The project aims to improve market services while creating a more organized and efficient environment for vendors and consumers.

Mayor Durano also cites major investments contributing to the city’s growing economy, including Jollibee’s multi-brand commissary and Mitsumi’s upcoming facility, which are expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities for Cebuanos and further stimulate economic activity.

He likewise informs the council of Danao City’s official nomination to the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards and presents future initiatives including a proposed world-class Sports Complex and Convention Center, a modern solid waste management facility, reclamation projects for commercial and industrial expansion, and riverbank protection initiatives that support community safety and environmental resilience.

Strengthening Connectivity from Local to National Development

Mayor Durano also underscores the city’s continuing implementation of its 5-Point Connectivity Agenda, which seeks to strengthen links between programs, services, opportunities, and communities to ensure that development reaches all sectors.

The hosting of the RDC-7 Full Council Meeting also reflects the growing importance of connectivity beyond infrastructure. Stronger connections among local, provincial, regional, and national institutions help improve coordination, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that policies and programs become more responsive to the needs of communities.

As Danao City continues to position itself as a gateway of opportunities in northern Cebu, hosting regional discussions and development platforms reinforces its role in creating partnerships and encouraging collaboration that can lead to meaningful outcomes for local communities.

Moving Toward a More Resilient and Progressive Region

Beyond serving as a venue for policy discussions, gatherings such as the RDC-7 Full Council Meeting help establish stronger commitments and collaborative actions that contribute to improved infrastructure, economic growth, employment opportunities, and better public services for Danawanons and the wider Central Visayas community.

While the discussions continue beyond the meeting itself, the shared initiatives and development priorities identified during the gathering support continuing efforts toward a more resilient, connected, and progressive Central Visayas.