BAGUIO CITY – Apayao Governor and Regional Development Council–Cordillera (RDC–CAR) Chairperson Elias C. Bulut, Jr. set the tone for forward-thinking and collaborative governance as he led the 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting and 2024 Panagyaman of the RDC–CAR on Thursday, December 12 in Baguio City.
In his message, Gov. Bulut opened the session by lauding the resilience of the Cordillerans in the face of recent typhoons which left huge impacts on lives and livelihoods in the region. He likewise commended the Council’s dedication, calling it a “cornerstone for progress and development” envisioned for the Cordillera.
“The resilience displayed by our people during these trying times is a testament to the strength of our shared purpose. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment not only to rebuilding but also to strengthening our preparedness and adaptability for the future,” he said.
Farming the meeting as an important juncture for laying the footing for a “more robust and sustainable future” for the Cordillera, Bulut underscored two key physical framework plans were deliberated – the Regional Physical Framework Plan and the Luzon Spatial Development Framework.
Gov. Bulut reiterated their significance as blueprints for sustainable development in the Cordillera and Luzon, urging the RDC to implement these effectively.
‘These plans will align our resources and efforts towards creating resilient, inclusive, and progressive communities,” he noted while calling for a collective action to advance these agenda.
The meeting likewise tackled infrastructure development, social services enhancement, and environmental conservation strategies, all intended to improve the quality of life in the Cordillera.
Bulut then encouraged members of the council to bring their “vigor and dedication” to the discussions and aimed for a meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions. By Jess Christley Marquez
