LUNA, Apayao – Apayao Governor and Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC), Elias C. Bulut, Jr., thanked the regional and provincial leaders for their collective efforts in achieving substantial milestones, including a notable reduction in poverty levels in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
This message came during the third quarter RDC Full Council Meeting held in Hotel Grande, Outlook Drive, Baguio City on September 12, 2024.
“We renew our collective commitment to driving sustainable development and inclusive progress in our region. Your dedication and hard work remain vital in shaping the future of our communities,” Bulut said while highlighting the importance of continued partnership between public and private sectors.
Bulut underscored that it is through collective efforts that Cordillera region has achieved a noteworthy accomplishment. “I am pleased to share that, thanks to our collective efforts, from the public and private sectors, our region has achieved a significant milestone – reaching a record low in poverty levels, as reported earlier this quarter,” he added.
In 2023, Cordillera was described as the fourth fastest growing regional economy in the country with a Gross Regional Domestic Product of 6.9 percent. This improved performance should convince President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Congress that the region is prepared for autonomy.
Bulut further encouraged his fellow Cordilleran leaders to take pride in this achievement and continue to build on the gains.
“I am confident that the policies we craft in the RDC will help us sustain and further these successes,” he said.
Bulut likewise emphasized the council’s ongoing commitment to a people-centered approach in governance. “To ensure that participative and responsive governance results in the implementation of development plans and programs for the benefit of all, the RDC vigorously advocates for the just share of our region from national government resources and, in partnership with all sectors, continues to lead the struggle for regional autonomy,” he stated.
Moreover, Bulut administered the oath of office to Jose Alangwawi, a new RDC member representing the Basic Sector for Senior Citizens.
The RDC 3rd quarter full council meeting served as a platform for provincial leaders, regional heads, and representatives from national line agencies, and civil society organizations to review the progress and discuss the continued advancement of CAR’s development objectives. The chair reaffirmed that the council has long functioned as an avenue for consultation and coordination of the ultimate goal of a one Cordillera – aligning regional goals with the aspirations of its people.
During the meeting, the RDC approved several plans including the Sustainable Development Goals Catch-up Plan for CAR and the region’s Population and Development Plan of Action for 2023-2028. Additionally, resolutions for farm-to-market roads under the Department of Agriculture’s FMR Development Program were endorsed.
Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela Remegio, RDC Co-Chairperson Edna Tabanda, and RDC Vice Chairperson and NEDA–CAR Regional Director Susan Sumbeling were present in the event and contributed to the discussions on sustainable growth and autonomy efforts. By Jess Christley Marquez
