The Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 serves as the guiding force for the region's development, steering Zamboanga Peninsula towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Comprised of local government leaders, heads of regional agencies, and individuals from various organizations within the area, RDC-9 plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's destiny.

RDC-9 has a bold vision for ZamPen, aiming to establish it as the center of agri-fisheries in the Philippines. This vision goes beyond simply improving the region's agricultural and fisheries sectors; it strives to create a lively and self-sustaining economy that benefits all its residents.

Now, in the year 2023, as this exceptional region aspires to transform itself into something even more remarkable, the RDC week celebration stands as a testament to their shared vision.

The week-long celebration is more than just a series of events; it is a reflection of the region's commitment to becoming a vibrant Zamboanga Peninsula. Various activities and forums are lined up, each with a specific purpose: to foster unity, to inspire innovation, and to build a stronger and more resilient community.

The spotlight of this celebration will be the Agri-Industrial Summit, set to grace Zamboanga on September 29. Adding to the excitement, the event features thrilling sports competitions that unite communities in friendly rivalry, as well as a captivating photography contest designed to capture the region's natural beauty and cultural essence.

Meredel Fullo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 shared her impressions to the celebration. “I think this event lives up to its theme na “Kayang-kaya basta nagkahiusa. Indeed, as tough as the competition may be, there is also a camaraderie built on each team because we’re coming from different agencies," she said.

In essence, the 2023 RDC Week Celebration is not just an event but a declaration of Zamboanga Peninsula's commitment to its vision of being a vibrant community. It also gives premium to human resources, the people, the government workers as key element in moving ZamPen to the vision it desires. It embodies the belief that by coming together, this region can overcome challenges, leverage its strengths, and emerge as a shining example of progress and unity in the Philippines.

The week's festivities are more than a spectacle; they are a testament to the region's potential, boundless as the seas that surround it, and as resilient as the hearts of its inhabitants. Zamboanga Peninsula, with its dreams of becoming a vibrant haven, is not just a geographical location but is also a beacon of hope for a more promising future. (RVC/HTB/PIA9- Zamboanga del Sur)