Tacloban: Newly appointed Regional Development Council (RDC) - Eastern Visayas chairperson Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla has laid out a governance agenda centered on digitalization, transparency, and data-driven planning.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the RDC secretariat, stated that Petilla's digital-driven governance seeks to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas. A key focus of his agenda is the full rollout of the RDC Eastern Visayas Investment Management System (IMS), one of the first systems of its kind among regional development councils nationwide. The IMS aims to streamline investment tracking, enhance the submission and evaluation of budget proposals, and widen public access to information on regional development programs and projects.

Petilla also highlighted the importance of sustaining the gains of previous Councils, noting that digital tools will help institutionalize reforms and preserve development momentum. "His leadership will prioritize innovation, collaboration, and measurable outcomes to ensure alignment between regional policies, national development goals, and local priorities," DEPDev added.

The DEPDev regional office expressed full support for Petilla's leadership, affirming that digitalization and transparency will continue to anchor the RDC's planning and policy coordination efforts moving forward. Petilla's appointment on Oct. 16 marks his return to the regional policy-making body, having previously chaired the RDC from 2011 to 2012, before serving as Energy Secretary from 2012 to 2015.

He will serve as RDC chairperson for a three-year term, coinciding with his tenure as a local elective official. As RDC chairperson, Petilla will lead in coordinating development efforts among local government units, national government agencies, and private sector representatives.