The NEDA and Ateneo de Naga University–Knowledge Development Community (ADNU-KDC) conducted a public forum on the Ambisyon Natin 2040 last October 6 at the Madrigal Amphitheatre, ADNU in Naga City, Bicol.
NEDA Regional Office (NRO) V Assistant Regional Director and OIC Edna Cynthia Berces presented the Ambisyon Natin 2040 to participants from the government and private institutions, youth and civil society organizations, and the academe. Marie Jeanette Cordero of the NEDA Development Information Staff, on the other hand, presented the Ambisyon Natin 2040 Communication and Advocacy Plan and its next steps.
To gather support and commitment from regional development actors and stakeholders, the NRO V will be conducting a regional launch and youth forum on the Ambisyon Natin 2040 in November.
In his welcome remarks, ADNU President Primitivo Viray, Jr. lauded the NEDA for initiating the long-term visioning exercise and acknowledged the need for support and commitment from the country’s leaders in the four political administrations until 2040.
Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon of the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools, Fr. Rex Paul Arjona of the Social Action Center – Diocese of Legazpi, Vice Mayor Michelle Garchitorena of the Naga City Youth Council, and Mr. Nicolas Beda Priela of the Naga City People’s Council served as panel discussants. The panel generally shared the same vision and agreed that Filipinos should all unite to achieve the vision.
Some of the important reforms, programs, or projects discussed that should be institutionalized to achieve the vision are the following: (a) widening opportunities for people’s participation and empowerment; (b) good governance; (c) agriculture development; (d) sustainable livelihood; (e) education and skills development; (f) infrastructure development; (g) environmental protection; and (h) community resiliency.
During the event, participants were divided into four workshop groups and agreed on their aspirations for the community and the country with respect to socioeconomic aspects on education, health, employment, among others. They also discussed the constraints and possible ways in achieving the vision and their roles as individuals or groups to achieve their aspirations. In general, their common aspirations are aligned with the Ambisyon Natin 2040.
Anna Liz B. Bellen/NRO V
Photos by Paul Cyril Torrente