The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) firmed up its development priorities for this year during its Planning Conference on January 26, 2023. These were translated in its Annual Work and Financial Plan and was approved in the special meeting held on the same day.
Said work plan highlights the committees’ banner programs and the continuing push for regional autonomy through the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program.
Notably, the Council is embarking on updating of the energy master plan and the crafting of the road conversion master plan of the Cordillera. Both respond to the call of RDC Chair, Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., to focus on renewable energy and infrastructure support and development. During the first meeting of the newly organized Council in December last year, he said that developing renewable energy will ensure fiscal stability in the region as it prepares toward self-governance.
Council Vice-Chair, Dir. Susan A. Sumbeling of NEDA emphasized that the work plan ensured support to the directions of the current RDC. She added that the preparation of the WFP observed considerations such as encouraging resource sharing and complementation, ensuring equity and promoting the RDC’s local presence in the provinces, among others.
The Committees also ensured that their work programs are aligned to the goals embodied in Cordillera and the country’s development plans in the current administration.
Governor Bulut emphasized this saying that, “this is a special year, considering that we are also crafting plans that will lead us to where the region will be in the next six years”.
The work plan also features the completion of the Regional Investment Development Plan for 2023-2025 and updating the Cordillera Coffee Industry Development Plan.
Council Secretary, NEDA Asst. Dir. Stephanie F. Christiansen presented the work program for the region’s autonomy advocacy. The Council will focus its information campaigns in the provinces and maximizing social media, among others. It will lead the regional unity gong relay, Cordillera Month celebration, and continue its alliance building activities to generate support and identify autonomy speakers and champions.
The new set of Private Sector Representatives presented their work program that supports their goal of being effective and responsive partners of the Council in regional development and autonomy.
Organized by the NEDA as the Council Secretariat, the planning conference is an annual event of the RDC which aims to review its performance in the previous year and plans for the current year.
