Fourteen resolutions on regional and inter-regional matters and various proposed projects were discussed and approved during the Cordillera Regional Development Council’s (RDC-CAR) Second Quarter Meeting on June 13, 2024. These resolutions included support for plans and policies, and project endorsements for review and consideration by the Investment Coordinating Committee of the NEDA Board and funding agencies.
The Council approved the Cordillera Renewable Energy Master Plan 2024-2033, which will serve as the region’s roadmap for developing its estimated 7,548.94 megawatts of renewable energy potential. Notably, 94 percent of this energy is expected to be generated through hydropower.
It also endorsed 75 proposed road projects, including 62 farm-to-market roads (FMRs) for funding under the Department of Agriculture’s FMR Development Program. Additionally, 14 roads for industry development through the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DPWH-DTI) convergence program, Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade–Logistics Efficiency and Transport Seamlessness to Enhance Agribusiness and Trade (ROLL IT-LETS EAT). Moreover, one road project in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.
On health sector projects, the Council endorsed the proposed Health System Resilience Project of the Department of Health and the Accelerating Expansion and Sustainability of Health Services for Universal Health Care project to the NEDA-Board ICC, for review.
The ACCESS UHC project aims to enhance the capacity of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) in providing multi-specialty healthcare through state-of-the-art equipment. With a project cost of PHP 2.17 billion, this initiative is expected to significantly improve BGHMC’s capacity to serve patients across North and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, the HSRP is focused on strengthening the health systems of Mountain Province and Kalinga.
Additionally, Baguio Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Chairperson of the RDC-CAR Sectoral Committee on Development Administration and Good Governance, presented the planned activities for the upcoming Cordillera Month in July. He highlighted the major events commemorating the founding anniversary of the Cordillera Region, including a kick-off event on July 1 at the Baguio Convention Center and the celebration of Cordillera Day in Bangued, Abra, the host LGU for the year. The celebrations will also feature a biking activity named, Cordillera Fun Bike: Cycling Towards Unity and Heritage.
The RDC honored the late Dr. Paulina D. Sawadan, RDC-CAR Geographic Private Sector Representative for Abra in recognition of her significant contributions to the Council’s development advocacies, especially for Cordillera autonomy. Led by Co-Chairperson Edna C. Tabanda, RDC-CAR officials and PSRs presented plaques of appreciation to Dr. Sawadan’s family for her active participation in RDC-led activities and for being an Autonomy Speakers’ Bureau member.
Ms. Tabanda presided over the meeting and was assisted by RDC-CAR Vice-Chairperson and NEDA-CAR Dir. Susan A. Sumbeling. By Victor Eugene Caccam