RDC aims to cut poverty by 2028

"The journey ahead is clear. By 2028, we aim to restore stronger economic growth, keep inflation within the target range of 2% to 4% and create more opportunities for equal employment," she added.

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Although unemployment in Central Visayas fell to 3.8 percent in 2025, Baricuatro acknowledged that poverty remains the region’s most pressing challenge.

"Our greatest challenge remains reducing poverty among the population to 10.5 percent in 2028 from 17.3 percent in 2023," she said.

Baricuatro described 2025 as a challenging year for Central Visayas despite its strong economic performance in previous years.

The region entered the year after posting two consecutive years as the country’s fastest-growing economy. However, a magnitude-6.9 earthquake, flooding, pressures on agriculture and tourism, and various domestic and international developments tested the region's resilience.

"This year, our story carries a different tone. After all, true strength is not measured when everything is easy. It is revealed in the face of challenges," she said.

Despite the setbacks, the governor emphasized that the region continued to make progress.

"Not only did we endure—we moved forward,” she said.

ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW