The Regional Development Council 1 (RDC-1) unveils the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022, the blueprint for the region’s development anchored on the O to 10 Point Agenda of the Duterte Administration, geared towards the attainment of Ambisyon Natin 2040 and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals at San Fernando City, La union on July 12, 2017. The Ilocos Region’s RDP complemented the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) in promoting inclusive growth, as it focused on the region’s opportunities and challenges across sectors of development.
Honorable Juan Carlo S. Medina, the RDC-1 Chairperson together with NEDA RO1 Director and RDC Vice Chairperson, Nestor G. Rillon led the unveiling of the plan.
The event featured talks from resource speakers who shared their insights on the plan’s three pillars: Malasakit (Enhancing the Social Fabric), Pagbabago (Inequality-Reducing Transformation), and Patuloy na Pag-unlad (Increasing Growth Potential).
On Malasakit, Hon. Francisco Emmanuel R.Ortega III, La Union Governor shared the experiences of the province along good governance. He emphasized that transformational governance has made La Union a haven for business, tourism, and leisure. Likewise, Ortega came up with his personal manifestation of malasakit thru the “ I Love La Union” program to show his love for the province and for its people. The program aims to bring services of the provincial government through the help of partners and concerned government agencies.
Dr. Armando Q. Ganal of DOST talked on Patuloy na Pag-unlad and the contribution of science and technology in the attainment of national and regional development priorities and the growth of Philippine enterprises by providing innovative solutions using ICT and electronics technologies.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Director Cherrie Melanie Diego of
Commission on Higher education (CHED) shared as she gave her insights about the pillar on Pagbabago. In addition, she said that programs and mechanisms are being implemented to ensure affordable or free quality higher education accessible to all.
With the plan in place, Medina expects growth on the region’s economy; industry and services shall stay as growth drivers while the agriculture sector shall remain as the backbone of the region’s economic activities. Also, the region aims to reduce poverty incidence among families and underemployment rate. “The plan remains to be a document if we do not take our part in its realization,” Medina added.
The unveiling of the RDP 2017-22 was witnessed by participants from different government agencies and departments, Local Government Units (LGUs), Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), Philippine National Police (PNP), academe and the media. A motorcade around the city was also conducted by RDC-1 prior to the event. (By: Marvin N. Balloging)
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