BAGUIO CITY – Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) along with the National Economic Development Authority-CAR (NEDA-CAR) challenged volunteers from the region to take part in the fulfilment of the Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 and the AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision during the Forum on Volunteers organized in Baguio, July 5.
The Cordillera Regional Development Plan (CRDP) 2017-2022 is a comprehensive medium-term plan that is anchored on the long-term vision of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Philippine Development Plan, which envisions a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” for all Filipinos by the year 2040.
Six Regional Development Goals are named in the CRDP– Social and Human development, Sustained economic growth, Environmental Quality and sustainable use of resources, Cultural integrity and Cultural Identity, Regional integration, and Regional autonomy.
The CRDP, which has the three pillars of “Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad,” has strategies that will serve as the action plan of Local Government Units and wire agencies to attain the AmBisyon 2040.
Ms. Antonette Anaban, Senior Economic Development Specialist of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division of NEDA-CAR, mentioned some of the strategies that has to be implemented in the region to attain the visions of the said comprehensive plan.
Some of the strategies mentioned are: Full implementation of local anti-criminality action plans, Fast-track completion of Cordillera Roads Improvement Project (CRIP), Improvement of LGU competitiveness, Push for increase in the region’s share in the National Budget, Advocate full recognition of Indigenous Justice Systems, and Making health services accessible.
Considering the comprehensive experiences of volunteers in CAR, PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera said the forum will serve as an appropriate venue for the different sectors to discuss substantial volunteering strategies to sustain the government and private sector efforts in regional development.
Around 60 people from the region participated in the discussion and workshops that took place in the said forum.
“By 2040, the Philippines shall be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor. Our peoples will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative, and will live in a high-trust society” This was the stated vision of the Filipinos for the country according to NEDA’s long-term comprehensive plan.
AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a 25-year vision having the goals to lay down the foundation for “inclusive growth, a high-trust and resilient society, and a globally-competitive knowledge economy.”
According to the data provided by NEDA, by 2040, majority of Filipinos aspire for a simple and comfortable life (79%), followed by a smaller segment of the population who want an affluent life (16.9%) while a very small portion aspires for the life of the rich (3.9%).
All future Philippine development plans to be implemented until 2040 will be anchored on AmBisyon Natin 2040 plan to ensure that government strategies, programs and projects will be sustainable and consistent across political administrations.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order on 11 October 2016 adopting the 25-year long-term vision for the country.
Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2018 Meanwhile, Kenneth C. Siruelo from the PNVSCA invited the participants to send in nominations for the 2018 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV).
The SOV aims to highlight the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in helping people and communities, and recognize the role of volunteerism in development and nation-building.
Filipino Volunteers are acknowledged by the law as enshrined in the RA 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 which is an act institutionalizing a strategy for Rural Development, Strenghtening Volunteerism, and for other purposes. BY JAPHETH TOBIAS
