The NEDA Regional Office in Calabarzon (NRO IV-A) spearheaded the conduct of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 roadshow in the region and the launch of the Calabarzon Regional Development Plan (RDP), in coordination with the Provincial Government of Batangas on July 28.
At the RDP launch, Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon, in her Keynote message, emphasized the important role of local government units (LGUs) for the country to achieve inclusive growth, a high-trust society and a globally competitive knowledge economy. She pointed out how LGU projects can help regain people’s trust in public institutions, expand access to economic opportunities, enhance human capital development through quality healthcare and education, accelerate strategic infrastructure development, and ensure peace and order including a healthy environment, among others.
Meanwhile, Regional Development Council (RD) officials led by RDC Chairperson Governor Hermilando Mandanas presented the Calabarzon RDP to Usec Edillon and Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes F. Hernandez. Mandanas, in return, received a copy of the PDP. Hernandez for his part, called for team work among agencies, to achieve the goals and objectives of the PDP and Calabarzon RDP. The RDP is the region’s response to the challenges posed by the PDP.
Meanwhile, the roadshow with the theme “Tayo Nang Abutin Ang Ambisyon Natin” featured different events which started with a parade at 7:00 AM joined by employees and students from public schools in Batangas City, agencies, LGUs, the academe and civil society organizations. It was then followed by other activities such as the opening plenary program, press conference, symposia on the PDP pillars, youth symposium and entertainment, and high-school poster making contest.
Moreover, free public services were conducted simultaneously by regional line agencies and the Batangas provincial government throughout the day. The Department of Health IV-A, Batangas Provincial Health Office and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command provided medical and dental services.
Other agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Justice, Public Attorney’s Office, Department of Labor and Employment, Batangas Province Provincial Employment Service, Philippine Statistics Authority, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Information Agency, and state universities and colleges in the region also provided free services and informed the public about their activities.
Theresa Jane Cajarte, NEDA Calabarzon
Photos by NEDA Calabarzon