Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, the Regional Development Council 8 chairperson, led the RDC Full Council 1st Quarter Meeting on March 27. The meeting discussed key development initiatives and strategic plans aimed at driving progress across Eastern Visayas. (Photo courtesy of City Government of Ormoc)
ORMOC CITY (PIA) — A proposed bridge linking the provinces of Biliran and Leyte is among the top priority projects included in the P238.5-billion package of programs, projects and activities endorsed by the Regional Development Council in Eastern Visayas for 2026 funding.
The council’s first quarter meeting outlined investments intended to bolster infrastructure, economic growth and public services across the region.
The proposed budget allocates P177.45 billion for infrastructure and utilities development, P28.35 billion for economic development, 28.28 billion pesos for social development, and 4.4 billion pesos for development administration.
Key projects included in the endorsement are the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center, the Visayas Sports and Tourism Complex, the new Biliran Bridge, and the establishment of the Philippine Public Safety College.
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, RDC-8 chairperson, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged his commitment to accelerating regional development during a recent visit.
Gomez said the president’s focus included major infrastructure projects like the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Phase I, the Hibulangan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, the Tacloban Airport Development Project, the Daang Maharlika Improvement, and the Second San Juanico Bridge.
“The president told cabinet members to work closely with the council to address regional challenges,” Gomez said.
The council identified significant regional challenges, including chronic water shortages, declining agricultural and fishery production, and high power costs.
Marcos emphasized the need for resilient infrastructure to withstand climate challenges and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expand access to public services and economic opportunities through investments in road construction and rehabilitation.
The RDC-8 also released figures on the success rate of its project endorsements for 2024 and 2025.
For the 2024 fiscal year, of 233 billion pesos in endorsed projects, 52.52 billion pesos were included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and 41.99 billion pesos were funded in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
For the 2025 fiscal year, of 157 billion pesos in endorsed projects, 44.7 billion pesos were included in the NEP, and 29.2 billion pesos were funded in the GAA. Both years saw approximately 18 percent of the endorsed projects ultimately funded. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
