On 28-29 April 2021, Private Sector Representatives (PSR) from the Regional Development Council-Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) along with other PSRs from across the country convened virtually for the 12th RDC-PSRs’ National Convention with the theme “Private Sector Representatives’ Role in the Regions’ Recovery and Resiliency”. The event aimed to enlighten the PSRs of the different regions in their role in the country’s recovery and resiliency efforts.
“The private sector’s support, assistance, and ideas as experts in their own fields are very much needed by the government. I believe that the synergy created by the RDC PSRs can make a difference and create significant change in the society,” remarked Agusan Del Del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera during his opening speech as the chairperson of this year’s national convention host region, CARAGA.
In his keynote speech, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua shared the government’s road map for economic development, citing that the promise of lifting 6 million Filipinos out of poverty by 2022 was achieved in 2018. Chua also mentioned that the administration’s 0-to-10-point Socioeconomic Agenda are advancing strongly despite the global pandemic. “Without doubt, this pandemic is testing us like never before. But unlike our historical experience, the Philippines today has solid fundamentals to address this pandemic. In order to recover we will need to do three things: 1) reopen the economy to MGCQ or better at the appropriate time and expand the age group allowed to go out all with safeguards; 2) timely implement the recovery package; and 3) timely implement the vaccination program,” Chua added.
Key resource speakers for the convention included: DOH- Field Implementation and Coordination Director Napoleon L. Arevalo, who discussed the topic “National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan”; Philippine Institute for Development Study (PIDS) Director Francis Mark A. Quimba, who shared his expertise on Resiliency through Digital Transformation; Dr. Feliciano G. Calora, Jr. of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources Research and Development, who imparted on Innovations in the Agriculture Sector; and Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Sherina A. Alvarez, who delivered the topic on Climate Change Mitigation through Carbon Pricing and Taxation.
Discussions focused on highlighting the challenges and opportunities for the private sector, especially the vital role of PSRs in regional economic development and in the post-pandemic recovery of the country. The PSRs proposed that they be included as members of the Regional Task Force on CoVid-19 and that their representation in the Regional Development Council be increased.
In her inspirational message, NEDA Undersecretary Mercedita A. Sombilla stressed the importance of continuous partnership of the private sector and the government in ensuring national and regional economic development. She encouraged the PSRs of the different RDCs of the country to proactively advocate more platforms for innovation, leveraging support, cooperation to further empower pandemic response and recovery, improving social service delivery, and creating more opportunities for all Filipinos.
The 13th RDC-PSRs national convention will be hosted by the RDC-Ilocos Region. By Bob Lyndon B. Daroya
