Gidoemaly T. Romero (Catanduanes Tribune)
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has urged local government units and line agencies, the academe, youth and students, civil society organizations, non-government organizations and other sectors in the province to support AmBisyon Natin 2040, a 25-year vision of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, as well as the Bicol regional development plan.
In the provincial roadshow held last Wednesday (July 19), officials from NEDA regional office and the provincial government, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), explained the rationale behind the vision in a forum held after the kick-off motorcade around Virac poblacion.
At the Catanduanes State University Little Theater, NEDA’s Felix Lositaño pointed out that the roadshow was aimed at increasing awareness regarding the vision and the plans as well as encouraging participation to achieve the strategies and be able to put the vision into action.
On the other hand, Gwendolyn Bitare said AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a long-term vision which would be the anchor for the development planning and serve to unify the Filipino people pursuant to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Administrative Order No. 5.
“Matatag, maginhawa, at Panatag na buhay para sa lahat” is the shortest form of AmBisyon 2040 that was crafted through surveys and focus group discussions undertaken by NEDA, Bitare added.
Every plan, program and project that will be implemented is expected to align with the vision as it is also anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Philippines, she stressed.
Meanwhile, the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022, is the first medium-term plan that is anchored on the same long-term vision under Pres. Duterte.
Engr. Eliezer Adan said there are four planning periods that will span four administrations, with the next administration expected to commit to the same vision and continue the plans to ensure that it becomes a reality.
The RDP, which has the three pillars of “Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad,” has strategies that will serve as the action plan of the LGUs and implementing agencies including CSOs to attain the AmBisyon 2040. He pointed out that the LGUs will have to think of programs to effectively implement the strategies in the RDP.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks read by Provincial Administrator Lemuel Surtida, Governor Joseph C. Cua stressed that the provincial roadshow is an opportunity for everybody to enhance their knowledge on the goals of the national government for the development and sustainability of the country.
“I have high hopes that this activity will be an avenue for us to render the kind of life we always wanted for our fellowmen,” he said adding that everyone must work hand in hand to achieve the vision of the government for the country’s future.
CSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lily P. Custodio, who represented CSU President Minerva I. Morales, highlighted in her welcome message the role of the academe in advocating to their every student and pupil to follow the rules and regulations and see to it that they are in the right way where the Philippines is going by 2040. Furthermore, she said, the youth will greatly benefit from the said vision if it will be attained.