Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro was elected Monday as the chairperson of the Regional Development Committee (RDC)-Visayas Area Committee, a body tasked with aligning central Philippine interests with national economic goals.

The election, which took place during a meeting of all four Visayas regional governors, places Baricuatro at the head of the committee for the 2026-2028 term.

She succeeds former Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez.

Joining the leadership team as co-chairpersons are Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Villaflores, who chairs the Western Visayas council; Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria, head of the Negros Island Region council; and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, who leads the Eastern Visayas council.

The committee functions as a primary coordinating link between regional development councils and the national government. Its mandate is to ensure that priorities across the Visayas are consolidated and elevated to the National Economic and Development Authority for policy support and funding.

In her new role, Baricuatro will oversee the harmonization of development plans across the different regions.

She is expected to represent the Visayas in high-level discussions with national agencies, advocating for cross-regional projects focused on infrastructure, investment, tourism, and sustainable growth.