The region of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultran Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) supports the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022.
“For our region, we commit to put our best efforts and take our roles and responsibilities in the successful implementation of the PDP 2017-2022,” said Regional Development Council in SOCCSKSARGEN (RDC XII) Chairperson and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, in his opening message at the Aksyon para sa AmBisyon PDP 2017-2022 Forum held in The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City on July 11, 2017.
Moreover, Rivera said he is hopeful that everyone who attended the activity is one with the government in the attainment of the PDP and AmBisyon Natin 2040.
Meanwhile, Regional Development Council in SOCCSKSARGEN (RDC VII) Vice Chairperson and Regional Director of the NEDA SOCCSKSARGEN (NRO XII) talked about the PDP and Ambisyon including the highlights of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan wherein video presentations were shown during the forum. Like the PDP, The SOCCSKSARGEN RDP also has 21 chapters and is anchored on the three pillars: Malasakit, Pagbabago, at Patuloy na Pag-unlad just like the PDP.
In her keynote message, NEDA Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla congratulated the participants who attended the event and for coming up with the RDP that complements and supports the PDP strategies.
The PDP is anchored on the President’s 0-10 point socioeconomic agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and is geared toward the realization of the country’s long-term vision or AmBisyon Natin 2040.
After the event, an open forum was conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in SOCCSKSARGEN (PIA XII) wherein its Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Danilo Doguiles was the moderator. One of the questions raised during the forum was on the plight of overseas Filipino workers who have returned to the country but could not find a job to sustain their family needs. Asec Sombilla replied that one of the chapters in the Plan is about reducing vulnerability of individuals and families and the government is geared towards coming up with a program to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth to benefit all households.
Moreover, the following sector representatives gave their commitment of support in the achievement of the PDP and RDP: President of Notre Dame of Marbel University Brother Wilfredo E. Lubrico, FMS, (academe); Regional Governor of Greater Midsayap Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mario Cacabelos (business); 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteer-Youth Awardee John Oliver M. Tablazon (youth); Ms. Jovita Felongco (basic sector); and South Cotabato Vice Governor Vicente R. de Jesus (local government unit or LGU).
South Cotabato Vice Governor Vicente de Jesus, who delivered the closing message, thanked the participants for attending the event and for visiting the region. He also thanked the representatives of different sectors for their commitment and support.
The event aimed to increase awareness and influence the paradigm of SOCCSKSARGEN stakeholders in coming up with socioeconomic programs and activities, to achieve the Plan and attain the hopes and aspirations of Filipinos. It was attended by 250 people from the different sectors of society including LGUs, regional line agencies, and local media.
Apollo Y. Manlawe, DRD, NEDA SOCCSKSARGEN
Photo by NEDA SOCCSKSARGEN