- 16 minutes ago
CENTRAL VISAYAS ECONOMY: GROWTH, INFLATION AND JOBS
Central Visayas continues to face economic challenges, from rising prices and employment concerns to food production, investments and regional development.
What is the current state of the region’s economy, and what steps are being taken to address these challenges and sustain growth?
On Beyond the Headlines, we sit down with Mr. Neil Andrew U. Menjares, Chief Economic Development Specialist, to discuss Central Visayas’ economy, development priorities and the road ahead.
Beyond the Headlines — Look Deeper. Think Deeper.
Central Visayas continues to face economic challenges, from rising prices and employment concerns to food production, investments and regional development.
What is the current state of the region’s economy, and what steps are being taken to address these challenges and sustain growth?
On Beyond the Headlines, we sit down with Mr. Neil Andrew U. Menjares, Chief Economic Development Specialist, to discuss Central Visayas’ economy, development priorities and the road ahead.
Beyond the Headlines — Look Deeper. Think Deeper.
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NewsTranscript
00:27It starts with a fresh shot of espresso.
00:31Bold, rich, bold just right.
00:36Then comes the milk, steamed smooth, creamy, and balanced.
00:42The perfect latte is not brushed.
00:45It is crafted, one cup at a time.
00:48Your perfect latte is ready.
00:51Coffee first, then everything else.
00:56Where are we now and where are we headed?
01:00What must be done to ensure that economic growth is truly felt by every Cebuano.
01:05Good afternoon and welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:08I'm DJ Moises and today's conversation is brought to us by Coffee First.
01:12Central Visayas posted 3.7% economic growth.
01:18But 2026 also brought high inflation, employment pressures, and concerns over food and energy costs.
01:27Let's look deeper and think better.
01:30Joining us is the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, or DEPDEV's Chief Economic Development Specialist.
01:39We have Mr. Neil Andrew Mejares.
01:41Hello, Neil. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:44Good afternoon, DJ.
01:45And on behalf of our Regional Director, Jennifer Britannia, thank you for inviting DEPDEV7 to Beyond the Headlines.
01:51And also good afternoon to our viewers.
01:52Yes, and we're also grateful to have you and DEPDEV here because we've been hearing a lot of economic indicators
02:00such as like GDP, inflation, unemployment.
02:06But we also wish that everyday Cebuanos like me will have a better appreciation of what those numbers truly mean.
02:13So, we're just as grateful.
02:15So, let's start with inflation.
02:17Wow, wala siya ganyang quiz.
02:21So, let's start with inflation.
02:26If we look at the numbers in Central Visayas, inflation appears to be rising.
02:32The latest that I have is 10.8%.
02:35And this is an increase from 7.4% previous month.
02:41So, nag-sakagid siya.
02:42And then, the other observation, which we, by the way, discussed offline, is Central Visayas also has the highest inflation
02:52among the regions also in the country.
02:56And it's been going on for some time.
02:58Can you tell us more about this and how this is impacting everyday Cebuano?
03:05Yes.
03:06Everyday Cebuanos.
03:07Inflation, actually, for this year, inflation peaked in April, as you mentioned earlier, 10.8%.
03:12It has decelerated since then, but it's still quite elevated.
03:16Supposedly, our target is 2-4%.
03:18We're nowhere there yet.
03:20It's still very high.
03:21So, as you mentioned, the inflation in Central Visayas has been the highest among all the regions for the past
03:28year already.
03:29So, what's driving very high inflation in Central Visayas?
03:33It largely is caused by our archipelagic nature, the archipelagic nature of the region.
03:40So, we have to ship our goods from outside the region, especially our food supply.
03:46So, we may have self-sufficiency in livestock, but for everything else, we have to import our food from outside
03:55the region.
03:56And when you transport goods, then that will entail transportation cost.
04:00And our transportation cost is high lately because of the high fuel costs because of the Middle East crisis.
04:10So, the primary driver of our inflation for the past few months has really been food and transport.
04:17So, both interrelated and also connected to the Middle East crisis.
04:23And to a certain extent, those are also considered essentials.
04:27Yes, they are essentials.
04:28They are definitely essentials.
04:29People don't have any choice, no?
04:31Yes, so we have to get our food elsewhere.
04:33And also, Cebu is a transshipment hub.
04:35And so, when you have to transport anything that is affected by high fuel costs, then that's the inflation that
04:43we saw since April.
04:45Actually, by the start of this year, 2026, we already started the year with relatively higher inflation also.
04:53So, because of the typhoon Tino and the earthquakes in fourth quarter last year, that also impacted our food supply.
05:02So, we started the year with low food supply.
05:05And then, we had sinulog and the start of the ASEAN activity.
05:10So, we started the year with high elevation.
05:13And then, towards the end of February, the Middle East conflict, that's where inflation exploded.
05:19So, now, if we look at inflation, which is high, and then we couple that with growth of the economy.
05:30So, when we say growth, at least it's growing.
05:34But the growth that we have been seeing also for the country, and that also includes the region, is smaller
05:40compared to other major ASEAN countries.
05:44And also, slower compared to our previous GDP growth that we've been seeing through the years.
05:51So, if we add that together with inflation, so that means the economy is not expanding so much, but the
05:59prices are actually higher.
06:01How is that combination impacting, again, the everyday Sabuano?
06:09Yes, inflation erodes purchasing power.
06:12We're very concerned with inflation.
06:14So, at least at the national level, we saw just last week the BSP raise interest rates, although that will
06:19have an adverse impact on business expansion because loans have become more expensive.
06:24So, just to give context as to why inflation was so high in Central Visayas, and at least in 2025,
06:33our GDP growth rate was not as high as it used to be.
06:36We see the Central Visayas economy as highly leveraged because our economy, aside from catering to local demand, we also
06:46take it to external demand.
06:48So, mostly whether exports in goods or exports in services, especially through ITBPM.
06:56During good economic times, our economic growth is impressive.
07:02So, in 2023, we grew 7.3%.
07:04In 2024, we grew 7.4%.
07:07And then 2025, 3.7%.
07:10We had a tough year in 2025.
07:12We started the year with the tariffs imposed by the US.
07:16We also had low tourist arrivals.
07:19We had, of course, the flood control scandal last year.
07:22It affected overall confidence.
07:24The persistence of African swine fever, which has also impacted our livestock.
07:29And, of course, the Northern Cebu earthquake and the flash floods with Typhoon Tino.
07:33So, all of those things, we were actually expecting worse.
07:36But the region managed to grow in 2025, although slower, 3.7% slower.
07:44And then, yes, that one.
07:48Our regional economy is leveraged.
07:50During good times, we register impressive growth.
07:54But during global shocks, the adverse impacts are also more pronounced.
07:59So, now let's complicate it further.
08:01So, inflation is increasing.
08:04The economy is not growing as much as we wanted it to.
08:09Plus, unemployment also rose to 5.8%.
08:13So, mas nidaghansad ang walay trabaho.
08:18And even underemployment also is high.
08:22So, kung i-add na nato ning duha.
08:25So, my question now is, are we doing well?
08:28Are we struggling?
08:30Or are we somewhere in between?
08:33We're getting by.
08:35Okay.
08:36We're getting by.
08:37Well, for unemployment, well, the figure you mentioned, 5.8% unemployment, that was in January.
08:44We already had figures in April.
08:45It's likely lower to 4.5%.
08:48Okay.
08:48So, for the January figure, 5.8%, I think we were still reeling from the impacts of the typhoon, or
08:57the flash floods, and the northern Cebu earthquakes.
08:59So, that may have really, those disasters caused disruption to our enterprises.
09:06And, of course, with disruption, that also caused an adverse impact on our employment.
09:10So, hopefully, we will continue to see improvement throughout the year.
09:14So, we're still awaiting.
09:15The next data for employment will be for July.
09:19Probably, it will be released next month, or later this month.
09:22So, we'll see.
09:23And then, the other thing lang that, correct me if I'm wrong, that worries me, it's because if we look
09:29at the number of people belonging to the working age, and this is 15 and above, no?
09:36It's also increasing.
09:38Yes.
09:38So, that means mas daghan ang mga tao nang itag-trabaho.
09:42But, it looks like the jobs that are available for them are also not that many.
09:49And, for the benefit of our viewers, the reason why I'm also interested, even for underemployment, because these are also
09:55the type of work that whoever is doing them are still looking for another work.
10:02Meaning, they are not compensated, or at least their employment, compensation, or benefit experience is less than what we call
10:12as the regular work.
10:14So, at least from the standpoint of kind of dev, how are we also working on expanding opportunities for people?
10:25So, that's in the form of productivity, or quality of jobs, or whatnot.
10:29Okay. Recently, just last week, the Regional Development Council actually organized a forum on academe skills industry alignment.
10:40And, we did this in partnership with World Vision.
10:44And, most of the stakeholders we engaged with during that forum, from government, from academe, from the tech box sector,
10:52from the private sector, we all agree that there are actually many jobs.
10:58The problem is many job seekers are not qualified.
11:02So, the skills industry mismatch.
11:05So, at least some of the things that we would want to work into coming out of that regional forum
11:13last week was,
11:13we will need to revisit our regulations so that higher education institutions can be more agile in updating their curricula.
11:21So, Chad has a direct role in that.
11:25And, also, the Department of Labor and Employment, they are now promoting enterprise-based education and training, or ABET.
11:34And, the industry stakeholders who would want to participate in that, they can actually avail of tax incentives under that
11:42program.
11:42So, at least for DOLA, they're actively promoting that.
11:45That will help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
11:49So, when students or graduates have their internship or apprenticeship under this program, then, hopefully, they can be readily absorbed
11:58by the industry.
11:59And, I have been, and I don't want to put you on the spot because DepDev is not the only
12:07agency, as what you've mentioned, that have an important role on this.
12:13But, the industry-academic partnership, I've been hearing that, actually, for quite some time.
12:19For decades already.
12:21But, I think, and you can or may or may not comment on this, because your answer just reminded me
12:28about the reality also of,
12:31if you're back, these are the labor market, they go back to college, that's when we would identify misalignment of
12:40the curriculum.
12:41But, if you move down deeper, we're also seeing issues of functional literacy.
12:48Yes.
12:48The data show that, actually.
12:49Correct.
12:50So, that means, for the benefit of those who are watching, it means that we have less and less people
12:56who can read, write, and function effectively.
13:01And, then, if you move down deeper, that's why, at least for the benefit of those who are watching, they
13:05can have better appreciation.
13:06This requires more than just this.
13:08Because, if you move down deeper, it also has something to do with nutrition.
13:13Yes.
13:13Because, if a child or a baby is not properly nourished, particularly on the first 1,000 days,
13:22ang iyong brain development is not optimized.
13:26Stunting.
13:26Stunting.
13:27So, that means, before pa siya ni-enroll, na na'y problema ang brain development.
13:33Ya, pag-enroll pag-in niya, and that's when we would talk about the number of classrooms,
13:38and the teacher ratio, et cetera, so, there's a compromise na in terms of the quality of the education,
13:46and then, pasaka na na yun niya siya.
13:48So, at least from where you are, because I know it has to be multiple agencies working on this,
13:57do you see ka nang a significant movement in terms of solving these issues?
14:05Not just on DepDev's standpoint, but how this is also addressed in the overall.
14:12Where should I start?
14:16Okay, the first 1,000 days, the National Nutrition Council, NNC, they've been working on that,
14:22especially in the first 1,000 days.
14:24There's a law for that, actually.
14:25Actually, for many of these agencies, National Nutrition Council, DepEd,
14:31they're strong partners on these programs, are really the local government units.
14:36So, we're actually glad to see that, especially fairly recently,
14:39that the local government units are now participating more in the school-based feeding program,
14:46because really, learners cannot learn when their stomachs are empty.
14:49And I'm not yet aware as to how this will be translated at the regional level,
14:56but at the national level, the DepEd Central Office is now working on a school-building program
15:02using the public-private partnership.
15:05This was actually done before decades ago, and I think they've revisited this just recently.
15:10What happens with school-building under a PPP arrangement is that the government will involve a private partner
15:18for a build-lease-operate scheme.
15:21So, the private partner will build the classrooms.
15:24Once classrooms are built and being used, then the government will pay lease payments to the private partner.
15:31And that's one of the projects that they're exploring.
15:35They're now doing that for Luzon.
15:36Hopefully, they'll also do the same here in our region.
15:41So, that's for DepEd, working with LGUs for school-based feeding programs.
15:46And then also, they are now, DepEd, I think just last year,
15:50they now started implementing reforms for the senior high school.
15:53So, hopefully, there's better alignment there.
15:56And then, at the technical vocational level, there's TESDA.
16:00At the higher education level, there's CHED.
16:02So, it's a matter of having these agencies, as they say, have a group chat.
16:10Yes, they have a group chat.
16:12And try to harmonize everything with the local government units.
16:16And for the appreciation of our viewers, and the reason why, because my intent is not to put you or
16:24DepEd on the spot,
16:25but with your explanation, it's already clear to us that it takes more than the surface.
16:31Because the problem really is starting as early as a child's first 1,000 days.
16:37Now, let's talk about, sounds like I'm emotional, but no, it's just a voice thing.
16:43But let's go back.
16:44Now, so, if we go back then to Region 7 and DepEd, for this year, given the challenges also that
16:52you've mentioned,
16:52and in the coming months, are we anticipating that the economy and the business in Cebu and Central Visayas
17:04would be more vibrant?
17:06Or do you see people now more of just status quo and wait and see?
17:12Actually, we've been seeing the status quo, wait and see stand since late last year.
17:18And we actually had a good start in 2026 until the Middle East conflict erupted.
17:24So, I think…
17:25It complicated the situation.
17:26It complicated many things.
17:27And I think our inflation outlook will largely depend on the developments around the Middle East conflict.
17:34So, right now, the government has the Regional Uplift Program.
17:40So, there's a targeted relief under that program.
17:44In fact, the various government agencies were asked to return 20% of their MOE to fund that program.
17:52But, yeah, so, right now, it's very volatile.
17:57Inflation has been easing since April.
18:00We hope that…
18:01Slightly.
18:02We hope it will continue to improve for the rest of the year because I think everything will hinge on
18:09the inflation outlook.
18:10With high inflation, it's difficult for…
18:12Interest rates will have been elevated.
18:14It's difficult to expand businesses.
18:16It's also difficult to increase over productivity.
18:19And so, yeah, it will really largely depend on the developments in the Middle East.
18:25And then, this is education also for me and Everyday Sabuanos leading to my next question, which is on construction.
18:33Because not many, at least from people within my circle, their appreciation that if funding, government spending specific to infrastructure
18:44are put on hold, and let's say for a good reason, because of the flood control scandal, but not many
18:51actually realize that if that fund is also put on hold, it will also impact consumption.
18:58Yes.
18:59And the overall economy, so I'm not an economist, so can you explain that further to our viewers?
19:05Okay, morag di kay nila ma-connect, morag na lang sila sa flood control, i-hold na to ang fund.
19:10But they don't realize that while it may be a good measure, but it also has economic implication.
19:16Yes, if you can recall, economics 101, I don't know if you've ever came across that formula or that equation
19:23of what constitutes an economy.
19:27Government spending is one of them.
19:28Of course, no, including domestic consumption, exports, that's part of the equation of what comprises an economy.
19:37But for, and government spending is part of that equation, especially with what happened last year with the flood control
19:44scandal.
19:44Well, all of a sudden, government spending for big infrastructure projects were put on hold.
19:50That actually contributed to the slowdown of our growth, of our economic growth, not only for Central Visayas, but also
19:57nationwide.
19:58And that also impacted overall confidence.
20:00So, when government spending is slow, that's why many economists actually look into government spending.
20:05Because when government spending slows down, that's one important equation of our economy that gets affected.
20:11So, when government spending is low, then that will have a negative impact on our economic growth.
20:17So, hopefully, this year, although there are some safeguards put in place, we can talk about more of it later
20:25at the regional level.
20:28Hopefully, the government can, well, of course, with uplift, that's government spending for the targeted relief programs.
20:36But hopefully, we can get back on track as far as government spending is concerned.
20:40And so, now, I'm moving towards construction.
20:43Because aside from government spending, and correct me if I'm wrong, but my research actually would also tell me that
20:50while there are more built, indicators would say that there are more building permits.
20:57So, this is now more on the private sector that are approved.
21:01But the spending, the actual spending is actually less, meaning it looks like mas naghan ang mga building permits or
21:10plans that are approved, but the actual construction is low.
21:16So, is this also another indicator na our businesses and our entrepreneurs are holding on?
21:24Is this a wise assumption or analysis or conclusion looking at this number?
21:31And what do you think, if ever they are, because I can anticipate your answer, what are the reasons, Mansad,
21:39that why they are holding on instead of actually implementing what they thought they should implement?
21:45Yes, right now, it's very volatile conditions.
21:50First, again, the Middle East conflict. Aside from food, we also import much of our construction materials.
21:56And construction materials have been really expensive.
22:00My architect colleagues are already complaining.
22:03Construction materials have really gone up since the Middle East conflict.
22:06So, that's one.
22:08Also, as I mentioned earlier, the Banco Central has been increasing interest rates.
22:14And that would also affect the interest rates of business loans.
22:19And when interest rates are high, then that will disincentivize businesses to take out a loan because interest rates are
22:25higher.
22:25So, that's also one.
22:27And the lower total construction value, by the way, the data you cited, that's for the private sector.
22:34The lower construction value, it can also, although we don't have clear connection or evidence of this now,
22:41we can only imply that perhaps this can also tell us about the kind of structures that are being built.
22:49So, when we say construction value, we would usually relate that to high-end developments like resorts, hotels, maybe high
23:00-end residential.
23:01Maybe the lower construction costs can also imply that many of our builders are into mid-tier or low-end
23:09construction.
23:10So, that would mean perhaps warehouses, mid-tier residential, perhaps offices, because they're not as intensive in finishes as accommodation.
23:23So, that could be another reason.
23:25So, you've mentioned earlier public-private partnership, PPP.
23:31And I noticed that there's a qualifier or a description on PPP, and that's bankable PPP.
23:42Can you articulate better and explain it to me and our viewers?
23:45What does bankable PPP mean?
23:49Okay.
23:50Bankable.
23:51Okay.
23:53I think two things that come to mind on the bankable term.
23:57First is the implementation readiness of the project.
24:01So, ideally, especially if, it doesn't matter if it's the national government or at the local government level,
24:07if you are selling a project to a potential private partner, then it should be, the details are already set.
24:15Okay.
24:15The detail engineering is already there.
24:17The feasibility is already proven.
24:19There is a way for the private partner to actually gain from the project,
24:23because that will incentivize a private partner to participate in that scheme.
24:27So, that's one, the implementation readiness of the project.
24:32And then the other one is, I actually mentioned it already, the feasibility.
24:37The private partner should see, or the potential private partners should see that they can recoup their investment.
24:46Because in APPP, we are utilizing the capacity of the private sector.
24:53It will be the private partner who will foot the bill for the upfront cost, especially for the CAPEX, for
24:59the capital expenditure.
25:00For example, in a typical infrastructure project for under APPP, it will be the private partner who will spend for
25:08the construction.
25:08And that's a lot of money.
25:11And the private partner should be able to see that there will be a way for them to recoup their
25:16investment.
25:17So, that's part of the bankable criteria.
25:20And then the public part is to cut the ribbon.
25:23No, I'm just kidding.
25:25One of the things, there are also responsibilities, the public side.
25:33Okay, so you've mentioned earlier, speaking of PPP, I know that you've mentioned this earlier also about classrooms.
25:41Yes.
25:41As potential bankable PPPs that the government could also engage more.
25:48Aside from classrooms, can you also tell us more about other bankable PPPs, which DepDev is encouraging LGUs to or
25:58the national government to pursue?
26:01Okay.
26:02Where should I start?
26:04Of course, for infrastructure projects, of course, a consequence of that would be there will be a collection of toll.
26:12That's part of the business model for the connectivity infrastructure projects.
26:16Actually, this is the first time I know that it's really part of.
26:20But I just see the pattern.
26:21Yes.
26:22I see the pattern of their toll collection.
26:24But that's really part of it, Gideon.
26:25Yes, because that's the way of the private partner to recoup their investment.
26:30For as long as bankable, for as long as there's demand for it, the project can actually earn from it,
26:37then PPP.
26:40Our former, now DepDev, former NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia, he said that for, of course, the primary responsibility of government
26:51is really for social development.
26:54It's not possible in the private sector.
26:57For infrastructure, though, because of the potential for the private sector to actually earn from it and also using their
27:10capacity to build the infrastructure, then perhaps this is the kind of projects that the LGUs can look into.
27:17So, not just connectivity, so we talk of roads, bridges, but also bulk water supply, solar power.
27:27Actually, our provincial governments are actively pursuing them, especially for bulk water supply as well as for solar power.
27:34Some of it solely by the provincial governments, others through PPP.
27:40It really depends on what they're comfortable with.
27:42So, definitely, those are the kinds of projects that they can consider.
27:47Although you've mentioned already classrooms and also this type of projects, but I'm looking now on infrastructure specific to mobility
27:56and infrastructure specific to mitigating flood.
28:01Are there projects in the pipeline?
28:04Because I can hear versions of it, but maybe I will have to hear this straight from the horse's mouth.
28:11You're not a horse.
28:12I'm ahead of course.
28:14But seriously, speaking, what would be these type of projects also that Sabu and Central Visayas should be looking forward
28:25as well?
28:26Because aside from these being PPPs and bankable, they will also have, for me, an impact to an everyday Sabuano.
28:36Okay, maybe we can start with connectivity infrastructure.
28:39Okay.
28:39So, some of it, and not all of them are PPPs.
28:43The national government categorizes them as infrastructure flagship projects.
28:48Not all of them are PPPs.
28:50Some are through official development assistance.
28:52Some are solely by the Philippine government.
28:56So, of course, the urban mass transit projects, we have a plan for that already.
29:04That's one of the legacies of the Metro-Cebu Development Coordinating Board.
29:08So, there's a roadmap for that already.
29:10It's just a matter of pursuing the feasibility studies.
29:13And once we have the feasibility study results, then we can base our design and project cost of those urban
29:21mass transit projects based on those results.
29:25Can you share, before we proceed to another project, what kind of urban mass transit project is this?
29:32Just give us a preview.
29:33The proposal is rail.
29:35It's rail-based.
29:36We don't know yet if it's LRT or MRT.
29:38But it's rail-based.
29:39Across the province?
29:41Across the metropolitan area.
29:43So, from as far south as Karkar all the way to as north as Danau.
29:49Wow.
29:50Yeah, that's the plan.
29:52But at least, no?
29:53And then, we are now on the pre-feasibility phase, no?
29:58Yes.
29:58If I capture it correctly.
30:00So, that's for this.
30:02Sorry, Langham.
30:03Because I have a vested interest and I'm sure a lot of the viewers know.
30:06And how is this progressing?
30:09Oh, it's still a feasibility study.
30:11Okay.
30:12But the important thing right now is it's flagged as a flagship project by the national government.
30:19So, hopefully, they can really allocate the funds for the feasibility study to already start.
30:25Yeah, because the reasons, again, let's move to the other project.
30:29I interrupted you there.
30:30But for the benefit of the viewers, I'm just tying this to the previous interview.
30:33Now, one of the analysis that was given to us, Cebu is a vertical island.
30:41Yes.
30:41So, the reason why the development, unfortunately, pushed it towards the mountain because the lack of mobility from north to
30:51south and south to north.
30:53So, they're going to take it towards the tri-cities or Cebu.
30:57First of all, because people are crowding within Cebu.
31:00It's like the SACA and the SABUKID.
31:03You can't even add it to the sea.
31:05Yes.
31:05So, that's why the development's upland push the development upland.
31:09And that's why I'm excited to this.
31:11Because if our viewers remember that this is a vertical mobility development.
31:16This is from CAR CAR to the now, no?
31:18That's the plan.
31:19That's the plan.
31:20Yet to be subjected to a feasibility study.
31:23Yes.
31:23But at least this will improve the vertical mobility.
31:28Yes.
31:28Sige, continue.
31:29Other projects?
31:30I'm excited now.
31:31Other projects?
31:31Well, this is already ongoing.
31:33The new Cebu International Container Port.
31:35So, that will definitely add capacity because our…
31:38This is going to be located in…
31:42Consolacion.
31:43Consolacion.
31:43Sige.
31:44Okay, continue.
31:44Consolacion.
31:45So, this will definitely add capacity to our cargo and handling capacity.
31:50Because right now, our Cebu International Port is congested.
31:54Is this an addition of the current?
31:57Or this is going to be the new international port?
32:00From what we know, it will be an addition.
32:04Continue.
32:04Okay.
32:05Again, that's as of what we know.
32:07There could be changes.
32:09But that's as of what we know.
32:10It will be an addition.
32:11So, at which pace said it was?
32:13Construction?
32:14I'm just kidding.
32:17The project broke ground last year.
32:19So, it's really ongoing.
32:20Ongoing.
32:21So, it's not that it was construction.
32:23It's been construction.
32:23It's been construction.
32:24Very good.
32:25Continue.
32:25Sige.
32:26And then, that's one.
32:26And then, hopefully…
32:28Sorry for putting it on the spot.
32:29This is really excitement rather than putting it on the spot.
32:32What's the possible timeline, man, Aninia?
32:35We got to see this.
32:37I'm not sure if it's 2028 or 2030.
32:39I'm not sure.
32:41No.
32:41I'm actually happy.
32:43I'm just a timeline.
32:45At least we have something to look forward by 2028 or if ever by 2030.
32:50Then we're going to see more of this.
32:52Sige.
32:53Continue.
32:53So, Cebu International Port.
32:54What else?
32:55Yes.
32:55What else?
32:55Okay.
32:58The fourth, Mactaan-Cebu Bridge.
33:00And together with that is the coastal road development.
33:04This is somewhere Paklaan kind?
33:06No.
33:06Yes.
33:06Okay.
33:07Continue.
33:07It will connect.
33:08I think on the Mandawe side, it will be on the…
33:12What's that road?
33:13Oh, gosh.
33:14Kansaga.
33:15Kansaga.
33:15Okay.
33:16And then connecting to the airport access road.
33:20Yeah.
33:20Somewhere there.
33:21Sorry.
33:22There will also be…
33:23And by the way, where is this, Naman, said, from?
33:25At what stage of development is this?
33:28Because I heard about this.
33:30Yes.
33:30I think DPWH is currently working on the road right-of-way acquisition.
33:36Oh, okay.
33:37So, at least it's beyond visibility na.
33:39Yeah.
33:40So, we're now on the acquisition phase.
33:43Yes.
33:43Okay.
33:44We'll not ask you na lang on the timeline because at least it's moving na.
33:47It is moving.
33:48It is moving.
33:50Beyond visibility.
33:51Sige.
33:51What else?
33:53By the way, this rumor ba?
33:55So, I think because we also don't subscribe to fake news.
33:58So, I'm sure rumor ni akong gisulti.
34:00Is this rumor about Mandani to Airport?
34:03Is that true or not?
34:04Mandani to Airport?
34:05False gisulti, no?
34:06Because, Murag, this one is the one that will give…
34:09Isn't that the fourth bridge?
34:11Maybe this.
34:11I think it's part of the fourth bridge.
34:13So, it's rumored to siya.
34:14So, at least we close na to nato as rumored.
34:16No?
34:18Because a part of the fourth bridge is actually coastal road on the Mandawi side.
34:21Ah, okay.
34:22So, maybe they're referring to that.
34:23Maybe.
34:24So, potentially…
34:25Not because I have a property.
34:28No, but…
34:29But, ang ako lang is, ang connectivity man good from IT Park.
34:32You cross the reclamation.
34:34Ah, okay.
34:34And then, you go to the…
34:36Coastal road na.
34:38Maybe, no?
34:38We're not sure if that's part of the coin.
34:40Okay.
34:41Okay.
34:41They said, manguing, that will cut the travel time to the airport from IT Park.
34:46Hindi na kung masuti sa exact minutes.
34:47But, very short na lang yun.
34:49Anyway, continue.
34:50Okay.
34:50What else?
34:51How about the dams?
34:53Okay.
34:53I'm also hearing about dams.
34:54Ah, the dams.
34:55Okay.
34:55This has something to do with flooding, sad, no?
34:58Yes.
34:59It's actually DPWH that proposed these dams.
35:03Of course, no?
35:05Feasibility studies first.
35:07Okay.
35:07Actually, we…
35:09The National Expenditure Program actually allocated funding for this.
35:13Of course…
35:14How many dams are these?
35:15Okay.
35:15I'm also hearing numbers.
35:18That's also not definite yet.
35:20Because that will be part of the feasibility study.
35:22Okay.
35:23Ah, so…
35:24Just like the rail.
35:26Yes.
35:27It's in pre-feasibility phase.
35:30So, right now, at least the last time we checked the National Expenditure Program for 2027,
35:35there's funding for the feasibility study.
35:37So, we'll see if this will go through Congress and finally in the General Appropriations Act,
35:43the actual budget.
35:44And what about this road put somewhere in the south?
35:48Is it going to be passing Naga, going to Talisay, man siguro na?
35:54Are you hearing something about that or you're not?
35:57I'm not sure.
35:59Looks like it's also fake.
36:02Oh, no?
36:03So, in terms of mobility, Murag na atas sa katong rail lang, no?
36:07For now.
36:08Kay, Murag na man go to siya bypass parallel roads somewhere.
36:11Ah, okay.
36:11What we do know is not in the south, but in the north.
36:15Ah, north.
36:16Yeah, it's actually proposed by Congressman Shimura.
36:19So, this is from?
36:22To?
36:24From what we know, from Dan Bantayan to Metro Cebu.
36:28Ah, so that's potentially the…
36:31The potential route.
36:33Yes, parallel road.
36:35Again, we don't have the details yet.
36:36This is still a proposal.
36:37Yes.
36:37So, very far from visibility pa siya.
36:40Yes.
36:41Okay, sige.
36:41But at least, there are other projects also that we can be excited.
36:46And this is official.
36:47What else pa gani before we move to the next episode?
36:49Ikon kung na excited ko about the info project.
36:53I'm trying to recall the list.
36:55Ah, of course, no.
36:58Because we're monitoring projects at the regional level,
37:02there are also some, aside from Cebu, there are also some in Bohol.
37:04So, if you've gone through the Tagbilaran City port,
37:09there's the bridge connector, but not the actual bridge to Panglao Island.
37:14That is supposed to be the…
37:15I think that would be the third or the fourth connection already
37:18between Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island.
37:21So, the national government is, I think, working with the French government,
37:27I think, for the funding, for the possible funding of the actual bridge
37:31connecting Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island.
37:34So, that's one.
37:35And of course, the Galiaris Hospital, it's a big hospital in Bohol.
37:40That's also ongoing.
37:42And for the benefit of our viewers, lang, before we move na,
37:45thank you for indulging us at least on the projects on the pipeline
37:49that we can look forward.
37:51If we connect that to the conversation earlier about how infrastructure spending
37:55or government spending can also positively impact the economy,
38:00there are also positive effects on everyday city dweller or municipality dweller experience
38:10because of the quality of infrastructure also that we will be seeing in the coming days.
38:14That's why I got so excited.
38:17So, now you've mentioned this earlier about social development.
38:20So, I'll allow you to expand on this because I've also seen that for 2027,
38:29RDC7 endorsed a total of $97.21 billion proposed regional budgets for 40 agencies
38:37in a huge amount, and you can tell them the amount,
38:42it's really on social development.
38:44So, could you tell us more about this?
38:46There are many programs under social development that are, I don't know,
38:52medjo-dago-dago-scope.
38:53Of course, for example, through DSW-D7, that's your four-piece.
38:58And also, of course, the school-based feeding program.
39:03The Dole also has the Tupad program.
39:07And of course, also the various programs under the Department of Health.
39:11So, those are all under social development.
39:14So, medjo-dago-dago-dago-dago.
39:15So, for infrastructure, again, it doesn't only use the resources of the government
39:22because there's PPP already.
39:24And of course, for the funding to be shouldered by the private part,
39:29it's not included here.
39:30This is just really for the government budget.
39:32So, that's why it's not as big as social development.
39:35So, I think this is just the importance of investing in our human capital
39:41because you explained lengthily earlier about starting from the first 1,000 days
39:46and how that will have lifelong impacts later on as to what kind of jobs
39:50can we actually have by the time we enter the workforce.
39:55So, yeah, that's part of our investments in human capital.
39:57Now, in terms of, can we move now towards agriculture?
40:05Because agriculture supposedly is the strength of the Philippines in general.
40:11But sadly, it's not an area also that I think from my perspective,
40:17a strength for the country.
40:19But specifically for Cebu, in the first quarter of this year,
40:23and correct me if I'm wrong if my numbers are correct,
40:25ang palay production fell both in Cebu and Bohol
40:31and then hog production also fell in Cebu and Bohol.
40:39You've mentioned this earlier about how vulnerable the region is
40:43in terms of food supply.
40:44But can you tell us why this is happening and how we can reverse this?
40:51Okay. Where should I start?
40:55Well, at least specifically for Cebu,
40:57our land is not really fit for palay production.
41:01Okay. That's why we tend to move it from other,
41:03we quote-unquote import it.
41:06It's more expensive than when it comes to palay production.
41:09So, yes.
41:12Livestock, that seems to be the competitive advantage of,
41:17specifically for Cebu.
41:18In fact, during the pandemic, we were exporting port to Metro Manila.
41:22Yeah, it got to that point.
41:23But ASF continues to be a concern.
41:26And so, we have yet to...
41:28Is there going to be...
41:30I know this is not under DepDev,
41:32but is there an end to this?
41:33Because I'm also hearing about this for many years already.
41:37Yes.
41:38We do know there are current trials for the vaccine.
41:42Okay.
41:42Undertaken by the Department of Agriculture Central Office.
41:45There are LGUs that express interest to participate in the trial program.
41:50There are just some biohazard requirements they need to comply with.
41:53So, that's what we do know so far.
41:55There are ongoing trials for the ASF vaccine.
41:57And hopefully, we get to see the end of this.
42:00Yeah, we hope so too.
42:01We're going to be a business as usual.
42:03It's me, yeah.
42:04Okay, anyway.
42:06Sorry.
42:07Now, let's talk about tourism, Nasad.
42:09I hope this is an area that we can be excited.
42:12Because I also attended a forum months ago,
42:15and this was organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
42:18And then, there were quite a number of promising talks about mice.
42:22And then, somebody even suggested that it should be MICE plus S, which is sports.
42:28So, are there any sections also that we can be excited on specific to tourism and specific to MICE?
42:36Aside from the MOA Arena.
42:41Before you will say it.
42:43Well, before the arena at SRP,
42:48there's also one in Lapu-Lapu City that opened before that.
42:50Yeah, the one in Newtown.
42:52Yes, and ASEAN activities actually took advantage of those facilities.
42:57So, actually, again, it's a double-edged sword.
43:00Yes, we can invite more delegates and more economic activity.
43:04But then again, the food supply, inflation, and all that.
43:06So, again, it's a double-edged sword.
43:08So, I think we need to be prepared for that additional demand.
43:13Of course, that's additional economic activity.
43:15But it will also entail additional demand for food.
43:18Primarily for food.
43:19And for accommodation, we have the supply already.
43:22Again, it goes back to food supply.
43:25And then, given the economic indicators that we discussed previously,
43:33are we also, and given the new venue also,
43:37that at least that are being developed or they're even useful as of this time,
43:45are we seeing a better outlook in terms of tourism and MICE?
43:51We have a better outlook specific for MICE simply because we have the capacity already.
43:57Again, what's weighing down the outlook is the Middle East crisis and the high fuel costs that also contributed to
44:04high costs of flights.
44:06So, that's another drag to our tourist arrival.
44:09So, again, the Middle East conflict.
44:12So, in relation to that, I just would like to mention, there was a law passed earlier this year that
44:21actually gave the president the authority to either reduce or temporarily suspend excise taxes on fuel.
44:29So, at least he has that authority until the end of the year.
44:32So, what we see is that if the situation gets worse, although, again, it's a very volatile situation.
44:42But, if the situation does get very worse, then the president has that option because there's a law already authorizing
44:49him to do it, at least until the end of this year.
44:52And, I also don't like to put you on the spot, but I think the rule of thumb is really
44:58to prepare for the worst while we hope for the best.
45:01Yes.
45:03So, now we're on the last part of the conversation.
45:09Let's, this is now more of, in a nutshell, what does DepDev intend to do on the next months of
45:18this year?
45:20And then, hopefully, we get to see more and more impact also beyond this year also for Everyday Cebuanos.
45:28Okay.
45:28For DepDev is primarily an oversight agency.
45:32So, what, the most that we can do is inter-agency coordination, and we do that as secretariat of the
45:39Regional Development Council.
45:40So, this is a platform for the agencies to come together.
45:44It's their version of the GC.
45:47So, hopefully, and that's also what's happening to the Regional Uplift Committee.
45:51So, harmonizing programs.
45:52By the way, tell us more about this there.
45:53Yes.
45:54Yes, it's more really of harmonizing programs of the various agencies, making sure na wala nag-overlap ang beneficiaries ng
46:02DSWD,
46:03o gang beneficiaries ni Dole.
46:04So, that's one of the things happening actually sa Regional Uplift Committee.
46:08So, just to cite another example lang no of how we are maximizing this inter-agency coordination.
46:18Going back to agriculture, so, through the Economic Development Committee, we are facilitating the, of course, so, this is led
46:28by the Department of Agriculture,
46:30the preparation of the food security plan for the region, and part of that plan would be to identify commodity
46:35routes.
46:36Where are the commodities flowing into and out of the region so that we can identify spatially where investments should
46:43be in logistics infrastructure,
46:45cold chain, cold storage.
46:48So, hopefully, we will…
46:49The DA is working on it.
46:51Just last week, they presented updates to that plan.
46:53So, hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll see progress there.
46:57And, again, coordination in terms of diling mag-overlap ang beneficiaries sa mga agencies.
47:03Which is important.
47:04Yeah, which is important.
47:06The DSWD already using data from the community-based monitoring system, no longer from the listahan.
47:13The community-based monitoring system has more updated data.
47:16This was…
47:17The data for this was taken together with the census back in 2024.
47:21And then, because this is now on the overall climate for the Philippines, and you can comment on this from
47:32whatever vantage point you are seeing this.
47:37But, di ba, Murag, the reason why the SONA was important because it actually sounded like that's already the last
47:45opportunity for the president to tell the rest of the Filipinos on where the country is going.
47:50Kay ang 2027 SONA kay pasalamat naman na in preparation for 2028.
47:55So, at least from what you are seeing on the ground, what do you think are the positive changes that
48:02you can say that leading towards 2028, there are already aspects learning from the first years now of the country
48:15that we are now doing differently to improve the situation of the Philippines and even the region leading to 2028.
48:24Okay, as much as the, like a specific example, as much as the flood control scandal was painful, it also
48:34taught valuable lessons, especially in government.
48:38So, I would like to cite a specific example in the Regional Development Council.
48:42So, the role of the RDC is to essentially evaluate the projects, at least the projects that are submitted to
48:50us by the different agencies, of course, including DPWH.
48:53And we already tightened the evaluation metrics.
48:58So, we're now making sure that these proposed projects are not within hazardous locations.
49:07We now want to make sure that the project is implementation ready.
49:14Okay, because many projects that were subject of the scandal last year, they were not implementation ready when they were
49:22included in the government budget.
49:24So, we are now putting systems in place for that.
49:28But, in fact, agencies to comply with, as part of the evaluation, there is now a stronger call at the
49:35national level that all projects should go through the Regional Development Council, of which the local chief executives are also
49:42ex-official members.
49:43So, and the RDC itself required that projects should also undergo the local development councils where the mayors are.
49:51So, they would be aware already as to what these projects are that are being proposed by the national government
49:59agencies.
49:59So, as far as improvements are concerned, it's more incremental.
50:07Of course, unfortunately, it stemmed from the scandal last year and also from the disasters last year.
50:14That's also the reason why we're now looking into climate resilience aspect of the proposed projects.
50:20So, yeah, as far as how things are being done differently now, at least in the part of DepDev through
50:32the Regional Development Council, it's through that evaluation process of the projects proposed by regional government agencies that the RDC
50:42endorses to the national government agencies.
50:44And finally, given everything that we have discussed on economic growth, inflation, employment, underemployment, bankable PPP, promising infrastructure, and also
50:59uplift, etc., should we be worried or should everyday Cebuanos be hopeful?
51:07We should be hopeful.
51:10The Cebuano spirit is...
51:14How should I describe it?
51:16I'm afraid you will use the word resilient.
51:18No, no, no, no.
51:19I'm not going to say anything.
51:22I'm not going to say anything.
51:24It's a flood victim.
51:28We have a fighting spirit.
51:31We recovered well after Odette.
51:34In fact, despite that, we registered impressive growth.
51:37Of course, the challenge this year has been...
51:40The last year and this year has been more intense.
51:44But the Cebuano is a fighting spirit.
51:46Whether, of course, from the private sector, taking initiatives, and even in the public sector, especially for LGUs that are
51:55fortunately led by enterprising local chief executives that are aggressively looking into PPPs to pursue projects that they cannot pursue
52:04on their own.
52:05So, we have a fighting spirit.
52:07And I think that's enough cause for us to stay hopeful for the rest of the year.
52:12So, thank you very much, Neil.
52:13Thank you, DJ.
52:14I think this is the first time, at least since I am on the show, that we guested somebody from
52:19DepDev.
52:20So, we're truly grateful to have you here.
52:23At least you were able to walk us through the economic indicators and how this can and will be felt
52:30by everyday Cebuano.
52:31So, thank you.
52:32Thank you, DJ.
52:32And thank you for having us.
52:33So, how do we turn growth into progress that people can actually feel?
52:39Economic growth is about jobs, affordable food, better services, opportunities, and a better quality of life for everyday Cebuano.
52:49So, I'm DJ Moises.
52:50Shout out to Coffee First for supporting conversations that matter.
52:53This is Beyond the Headlines.
52:55Let's continue to look deeper and think better.
52:59Have a good afternoon.
53:00Okay.
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