The Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC‑7) now favors setting up a dedicated Department of Transportation (DOTr) regional office for the Visayas. The ooffice could speed delivery of projects serving visitors and commuters alike.
During its first quarter full council meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026, presided by RDC‑7 Chair and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the council approved a recommendation requesting the national government to establish the regional DOTr office, to be based in Cebu.
For the tourism sector, a regional office means faster implementation of key projects, including:
Bohol‑Panglao International Airport – Alongside structural enhancements come updates to daily functioning routines. Instead of outdated systems, new protocols guide airfield management tasks.
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – This system could help visitors reach hotels without delays. Movement through historic landmarks may become smoother over time. Business areas might see more predictable travel patterns. Efficiency in city transit is expected to shift gradually.
New Cebu International Container Port – While primarily a cargo facility. Improved port efficiency here connects indirectly to travel comfort, linking smoother shipping workflows to services travelers rely on.
Cebu Urban MRT Central Line – Designed to ease heavy movement through key areas. Travel times may drop sharply once operations begin near the airport hub. Movement into downtown gains efficiency without relying on current road networks. Access expands toward developing visitor districts, though full integration awaits construction progress.
The council also assessed pre‑preparation projects such as the Panglao‑Tagbilaran BRT, linking Tagbilaran City with its nearby airport on Bohol island.
Meanwhile, the RDC‑7 urged the DPWH to fast‑track the Lapu‑Lapu Coastal Road Project, a vital link to Mactan‑Cebu International Airport—a key gateway for tourists.
A street lighting project in Medellin costing 6.5 million pesos, gained approval within northern Cebu. Backed financially by the by the provincial government through the ER 1‑94 Program. The initiative aims to improve safety and nighttime visibility should rise across remote zones.
With these moves, RDC‑7 is laying the groundwork for a more visitor‑friendly transportation network across Central Visayas—bridging national policy with the needs of one of the country’s top tourism destinations.
