The Regional Development Council (RDC) III convened the members of the Central Luzon Bloc (CLB), which serves as the RDC Advisory Committee (AdCom), for a dialogue with key agency regional offices (AROs) on March 22 at Royce Hotel and Casino.
The event gathered major stockholders and discussed the region’s progress as well as the opportunities and challenges that confront Central Luzon.
The region’s socioeconomic status was presented at the event while discussions on the following issues were also held: (a) regional budgeting and investment programming for 2018; (b) K-12 implementation, and (c) thrusts and priorities of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the medium term.
After the discussion, cluster meetings were held to discuss issues and concerns by districts. The meetings were participated by 14 congressmen representing the region’s 14 legislative districts, four party-list representatives, and 16 AROs.
In her address, Congressperson Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, representative of the 4th District of Bulacan and president of the CLB, said that CLB recognized the occasion as a crucial exercise in shaping a better economic landscape for Central Luzon. “The dialogue provides a vehicle for constructive exchanges which aid in the fulfillment of our legislatives tasks and constituent responsibilities. It sets a platform for synergistic engagements that allow all levels of government to work for the best interest of the people”, Cong. Villarica added.
RDC III Vice Chairman and Regional Director Severino C. Santos of the NEDA Regional Office (NRO) III, on the other hand, noted that positive developments now loom as major stakeholders draw a vibrant picture of the region. “The Central Luzon RDC will continue to steer and support these kinds of initiatives to sustain the growth momentum that our region is presently enjoying. It will carry on fulfilling its mandate to coordinate all activities that will propel development to take place in all respects”, Santos added.
Jesito M. Ponio, NRO III
Photo by NRO III