P50-M NEDA-IX building to rise in Pagadian

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) - - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P50 million to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-IX for the construction of its building at the regional government center in Barangay Balintawak this city.

This was disclosed by NEDA-IX Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos before a group of government officials and employees from the different line agencies based in this city who joined NEDA’s 40^th anniversary celebration recently.

Ramos also said the city government has donated 3,000-square-meter lot on which the permanent building of NEDA-IX will be constructed.

“It seems that the place is too far but once you are there, as if you own the world,” said Ramos in describing the location reserved for the regional offices of the different national government agencies (NGAs).

Region 9’s regional center had been transferred from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City by virtue of Executive Order No. 429 dated October 12, 1990 issued by former President Corazon C. Aquino.

“In Pagadian City, we are beginning a new life, building new relationships and putting the welfare of our constituents above our own, personal interest,” Ramos pointed out.

Ramos also urged all government agencies to actively support NEDA-IX’s mission of bringing development in the whole Zamboanga Peninsula which is composed of three provinces and four cities.

Joining NEDA-IX in commemorating NEDA’s 40^th anniversary were officials and personnel from the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Public works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Statistics Office, Department of Health, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture and local government units.  (FPG/PIA9)