The NEDA Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (NEDA X) conducted the Aksyon para sa AmBisyon: Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 Expo on July 18 in Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
The Northern Mindanao RDP 2017-2022 was launched at the event together with the PDP and was led by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, along with Undersecretary Jose Miguel R. De La Rosa, NRO X Regional Director (RD) Leon M. Dacanay Jr., and NRO X Assistant RD Mae Ester T. Guiamadel.
The expo featured talks from resource persons who shared their insights on the plans’ four main themes of Malasakit (Enhancing the Social Fabric), Pagbabago (Inequality-Reducing Transformation), Patuloy na Pag-unlad (Increasing Growth Potential), and Foundations for Sustainable Development.
The PDP and RDP, which serve as development blueprints for the country and the region, are anchored on the 0-10 Socioeconomic Agenda of the Duterte Administration, and are the first of the four medium-term plans that will work towards realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years
“Accordingly, we are here today to fulfill that promise with two development plans in hand. Both the national PDP and the Northern Mindanao Development Plan 2017-2022 were crafted through intensive multisector and multilevel consultations to ensure inclusivity of the people in every aspect of each plan,” said Secretary Pernia during his keynote message. He shared that Northern Mindanao’s development plan framework adopts the national development framework which stands on the pillars of malasakit, pagbabago, at patuloy na pag-unlad.
“This is well expressed in the region’s vision to be a major gateway and leading industrial core and trade center in Southern Philippines, with dynamic men and women enjoying equal opportunities in sustainably harnessing its agricultural and natural resources, in building a decent, harmonious, and safe environment,” he added.
He also said that the country’s spatial strategy expects Metro CDO to become the fourth metropolitan center by 2025, next to Manila, Cebu and Davao. This is based on its projected population growth, functional role as a principal gateway and trans-shipment hub in Northern Mindanao, and as a key educational center in the region.
In his message, RD Dacanay said that while the region has already traversed the higher growth path, the continuing challenge is to make this growth inclusive and sustainable.
“Cognizant to this, our plan outlines major strategic thrusts and priorities that shall address poverty and increase incomes, create resilient and sustainable communities, and build vibrant industries and businesses,” he said.
The RDP expects the region’s economy to grow at an average by 5.8-7.6 percent annually over the plan period, and to as high as 8.2 percent by 2022. Industry and services shall stay as growth drivers while the agriculture sector shall remain as the backbone of the region’s economic activities. The region also aims to reduce poverty incidence among families to as low as 22 percent by 2022, and underemployment rate to below 20 percent.
The unveiling of the two plans capped the activity witnessed by over 300 participants from national government agencies, local government units, business, youth and nongovernment organizations, academe and the media.
Side events included a motorcade around the city, and a press conference graced by Secretary Pernia and the NEDA officials.
The plans are available online via pdp.neda.gov.ph and nro10.neda.gov.ph.
Tricia Marie L. Antivo, DRD- NEDA Northern Mindanao
Photos by NEDA Northern Mindanao