PBBM names Albay gov as RDC chair over CamSur gov

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Albay Governor Noel Rosal as the new chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Bicol on October 22, 2025, selecting him over Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte.

In an appointment letter dated October 16, 2025, President Marcos confirmed Rosal’s three-year term as RDC chair, which will coincide with his regular term as a local elective official. The letter instructs Rosal to furnish copies of his oath of office to both the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission.

“Pursuant to the provision of existing laws, you are hereby appointed as chairperson of Regional Development Council, Region V, Development of Economy, Planning and Development, for a term of three years, which shall coincide with your regular term as local elective official,” the letter stated.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also transmitted Rosal’s appointment to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, urging the immediate notification and furnishing of the appointment letter to Rosal.

The RDC serves as the highest policymaking body in the region, tasked with coordinating and overseeing regional development efforts.

Governor Rosal replaces Camarines Norte Governor Dong Padilla, who is currently suspended for one year. Notably, Rosal was previously appointed as RDC chairman during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration when he was Mayor of Legazpi City and again after winning the Albay gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections. However, he was briefly removed due to disqualification cases filed by political rival Joseph Armogilla.

In a recent interview, former vice president and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo expressed her intent to work with Governor Rosal to address flooding issues in Naga City once he assumes his role as RDC chairman.