Miraflores, Peñaflorida lead Western Visayas development

Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida has been appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Chairperson and Co-Chairperson, respectively, of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas for the 2025–2028 term.

The appointments were confirmed during the RDC’s 4th Full Council Meeting on Dec. 12, 2026.

Governor Miraflores presented a six-point regional development plan aimed at building a more inclusive and resilient Region 6.

The agenda focuses on:

• Food security through modern agriculture and fisheries,
• Better connectivity across Western Visayas,
• Stronger and sustainable tourism,
• More investments and industry development,
• Reliable and secure energy supply, and
• Addressing flooding and climate change.

“We are committed to building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Western Visayas,” said Miraflores.

Peñaflorida, who is the incoming Vice President for the Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), pledged continued private sector support for the RDC’s goals.

“The private sector is ready to fully support the continued development and progress of the region,” he said.

Peñaflorida previously served as RDC Co-Chairperson from 2022 to 2025.

The Western Visayas RDC serves as the region’s highest policy-making body, bringing together a diverse membership.

It includes the governors of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo; the mayors of Iloilo City, Roxas City, Passi City, and the capital towns of Jordan, Kalibo, and San Jose de Buenavista; provincial presidents of the League of Municipalities; regional directors of national agencies; and representatives from accredited business, civic, and community organizations.

Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr. of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) serves as RDC Vice-Chairperson, while Assistant Regional Director Alex Aquio is the Council Secretary.

With both public and private sector leadership aligned, the RDC is poised to steer Western Visayas toward sustainable growth and investment in the years ahead.