DIPOLOG CITY - “RDC is the highest policy-making in the region. We are not here just
to present our budget but we are here to contribute to the regional
development.”
This was the gist of the
message aired by Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-IX during the 143rd
Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting held recently at the Top Plaza Hotel
this city.
The council has endorsed a
total of P47.43 billion budget for fiscal year 2014, which is 140 percent higher
than the P19.83 billion budget for 2013 in the General Appropriations Act
(GAA).
The P47.43 billion for
2014 represents the total proposed budget submitted by the regional offices of
the different government agencies and state universities and colleges in
Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen).
Sectoral issues and
concerns affecting the regional growth and development were also tackled during
the meeting, leading to the passage of resolutions involving the “Family Health
Improved” project of the Department of Health (DOH), “Public-Private
Partnership School Infrastructure Project Phase II (PSIP II) of the Department
of Education (DepED), and the request for assistance and funding from the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the dredging of Palomoc
River and Titay Valley flood control project all in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
In
the same gathering, a memorandum of agreement between NEDA-IX and DPWH-IX has
been signed for the construction of NEDA’s office building worth P50 million in
Pagadian City. The DPWH has to assist in the detailed engineering and technical
supervision of the project.
The RDC is tasked with
coordinating the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
short and long-term regional development plans and investment programs,
regional physical framework plan and special development plans, including the
formulation of policy recommendations.
It also integrates
approved development plans of provinces and cities, line agencies, state
universities and colleges, government owned and controlled corporations and
special development authorities in the region into the regional development plan.
(PIA9)