BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) affirmed the list of local government units (LGUs) that excelled in governance and participated in RDC-related initiatives through the Forwarding Local Autonomy Medal of Excellence (FLAME) Awards during its meeting on June 8, 2023. The awardees will be receiving their well-deserved recognition and awards during the next RDC Meeting in September.
The award has six categories, with the top scorer for every category awarded as the champion. Baguio City was named as the champion in the category for provinces and highly urbanized cities, La Trinidad for 1st class municipalities and component cities, Luna, Apayao for 2nd class municipalities, Tadian, Mountain Province for 4th class municipalities, and Tublay, Benguet for 5th – 6th class municipalities. There were no qualified LGUs for the category of 3rd class municipalities, nevertheless, the municipalities of Buguias, Benguet, Flora, Apayao, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, and Balbalan, Kalinga were given special awards.
In the same meeting, the Council endorsed 144 road projects from various government programs such as the DA’s FMR Development Program, the DTI-DPWH ROLL-IT 2.0, and the DOT-DPWH TRIP. These projects, totaling 943.18 kilometers, are expected to improve connectivity and access to farms, industries, and tourist destinations.
It also approved the Regional Development Investment Program serves as a guide in prioritizing projects and investments in the region within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Other plans and reports approved and adopted were the Annual Regional Development Report, the Cordillera Bamboo Industry Development Plan 2023-2025, the Cordillera Cacao Industry Roadmap 2023-2025, and the Cordillera Processed Fruits and Nuts Industry Cluster Strategic Plan 2023-2029.
RDC Chair and Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. led the Council in welcoming Asst. Secretary Ana Carmela Ventura-Remigio, the newly installed Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon. In her message, she encouraged those present to work hand-in-hand to create a more empowered, equitable, and progressive region that would lead to the prosperity of the entire nation. She also thanked those who participated in the crafting of the Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 and aligning these with the priorities of the Marcos Administration as well as the geographical, social, and cultural aspects, which are crucial to the success of plan implementation.
The Council also welcomed two geographic private sector representatives, namely, Dr. Corazon D. Claveria, president of Karagawan Indigenous Women Association, and Mr. Leonardo B. Bun-as, president of Payngachachomas Peace and Development Advocate Association, as the geographic PSRs of the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga, respectively. Their inclusion completes the roster of RDC-CAR PSRs. By Victor Eugene Caccam
