BAGUIO CITY – Development plans can sit on paper for years, but for Regional Development Council-Cordillera (RDC-CAR) Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., what matters is making them work where it counts – on the ground.
Speaking before regional leaders, council members, agency heads, and private sector representatives at the first quarter RDC meeting, Gov. Bulut set the tone early: the work ahead will not be moved by a single hand, nor will progress come from mere policy discussions. “The work that lies ahead is not the task of one individual or one sector alone. It is through our unity, shared vision, and collaborative effort that we can drive real and lasting change,” he told the council.
With regional priorities up for deliberation, the meeting focused on important budget proposals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 such as funding allocations for Cordillera’s state universities, national line agencies, and local government development programs. Infrastructure development was also a primary agenda, with the endorsement of farm-to-market roads, bridge construction projects, and rural electrification projects in order to improve accessibility and economic mobility in remote areas. The council also reviewed the 2024 Cordillera Regional Development Report, which outlined accomplishments in governance, economic growth, disaster resilience, and social services while identifying gaps that require immediate policy intervention.
“These discussions and approvals go beyond mere procedural matters. They represent our collective resolve to push forward and ensure that every initiative contributes to a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Cordillera,” Gov. Bulut emphasized.
Earlier in the program, the council recognized individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to regional progress. Bulut applauded the honorees, calling their efforts proof that meaningful change is driven by those who go beyond duty.
Likewise, Bulut made it clear that vision without execution means nothing. “Progress is built through collaboration, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said.
With policies aligned and priorities set, the challenge now shifts from hall discussions to actual implementation. “Each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our region,” he reminded the council. By Jess Christley Marquez
