The Eastern Visayas (Region 8) Regional Development Council, during a meeting on Thursday, endorsed P238.5 billion worth of projects for 2026.
The proposed value of projects for next year is higher than the P157.4 billion projects approved by the body for this year.
In a press briefing at the city hall, RDC officials said the body endorsed some 4,445 proposed programs, projects, and activities strategically distributed across key development sectors.
“The RDC endorsement underscores the commitment of the council to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas. The proposed budget, once approved, is expected to support vital infrastructure, economic, social, and administrative initiatives,” RDC chairperson and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez told reporters.
About 74 percent of the projects, amounting to around P177.45 billion, is for infrastructure projects in the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.
Among the key projects for budget considerations are the Tacloban Airport Development; the international seaport in Babatngon, Leyte; the Tacloban Causeway project; the Tacloban Bypass Road extension; the Basey-Maydolong Road that links Samar and Eastern Samar; the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center in Tacloban; and the upgrading of the region’s major highway from Northern Samar to Southern Leyte.
Other proposed projects are under the economic development sector with P28.35 billion funding requirement, the social development sector with P28.28 billion proposed outlay, and the development administration sector with a P4.4 billion needed budget.