The NEDA Regional Office in Western Visayas (NRO VI) conducted an orientation for professors and students of Yeungnam University (YU), in South Korea about the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 and the region’s major programs and projects on July 9 at Jalaur Conference Room, NRO VI Building, Iloilo City.
A total of 25 participants from the YU Department of Saemaul Studies and International Development (DSSID), composed of five officers and 20 college students attended the orientation. The YU-DSSID team was led by Project Team Leader Professor Lee Jeong Ju, together with Research Professor Yoo Ho Woong, Senior Researchers Dr. Lee Ho Hyun and Dr. Kim Ji In, and Coordinator Kim Minjeong.
The participants were welcomed by OIC-Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Gilberto A. Altura, Ms. Ma. Teresa G. Guadalupe, chief of the Development Research Division (DRD), and Ms. Ma. Isabel B. Blancia, chief of the Project Development, Investment Programming and Budget Division (PDIPBD).
In his welcome remarks, OIC-ARD Altura expressed his appreciation to YU for choosing NRO VI as one of their identified offices for their learning visit in Iloilo. Professor Lee, on the other hand, talked about the Saemaul and International Development Cooperation Program of YU while Research Professor Yoo introduced the YU-DSSID team members.
To provide basic knowledge on regional development planning and investment programming, the NRO VI through Mr. Raimer Gel G. Caspillo of DRD, presented an overview of the NEDA mandates and functions and the salient points of the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan 2017-2022. Meanwhile, the Western Visayas 2017-2022 major programs and projects was presented by Ms. Moonyeen E. Bolivar of PDIPBD.
An open forum followed the presentations moderated by Ms. August Melody Andong of DRD. Meanwhile, inquiries on how Saemaul Undong principles can be applied in the development plan, programs and projects in the region were responded to by OIC-ARD Altura.
The orientation was part of the 2018 KOICA-Yeungnam University Program for university and graduate students aimed to raise awareness on international development cooperation during the Saemaul and International Development Experiential Learning Visit in the Philippines.
Ms. Guadalupe, DRD division chief, delivered the closing remarks. In response, YU-DSSID Student President Mr. Jeong Wonjae and Mr. Shin Yohan expressed their gratitude to NEDA for hosting the activity. As a way of saying “thank you”, the delegates presented their dance rendition of Tunog ng Progreso.
DRD-NEDA Western Visayas
Photos by NEDA Western Visayas