BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Cordillera Regional Development Council put into motion the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023 – 2028  with the  regional launching held at the Benguet Electric Cooperative here in  June 15.

RDC Chairperson Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. , National Economic Development Authority  Regional Director Susan Sumbelling with Presidential Adviser for North Luzon Ana Carmela Remigio led other RDC officials in  the launching of the new six-year  regional development roadmap.

The Cordillera RDP 2023 – 2028 outlines the development targets and strategies of the region as guided by the Philippine Development Plan and is generally  geared  towards the national vision of Ambisyon 2040 - Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat ng Pilipino.

The Cordillera is on its road to recovery from the COVID – 19 pandemic with a Gross Regional Domestic Product  (GRDP) of P337.7 billion that shows an 8.7 percent economic growth rate compared to that of 2021.

With the RDP 2023 – 2028 as the development roadmap, the Cordillera RDC aims to sustain the economic growth and targets a 5.5 – 7 percent growth rate by 2028.

Moreover,  to maintain  low level of unemployment rate average through job generation, and sustained percentage of wage and salaried workers in private establishments,   improve  food inflation and lower poverty incidence among population, among others.

The Cordillera RDP also focuses on the attainment of regional autonomy status .With the unique topography and culture of the region, an autonomous Cordillera is also   vital  in achieving  inclusive regional development.

“This is our development plan. Our plan will pave the way for the region’s sustained  recovery from the pandemic and other disasters,  and to have an accelerated socio – economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Cordillera, and most importantly, our prayer for a Cordillera Autonomous Region”;

“Together, let us seize this opportunity to create a future that is brighter, more inclusive and bringing in endless possibilities,” Bulut stressed. 

The Cordillera lawmaker represented by Mountain Province Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr.  also affirmed their support to the RDP 2023 – 2028.

The provincial governors of the six Cordillera provinces   and Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City, in their respective statements, also asserted their  support to the Cordillera RDP.

To ensure an inclusive and participatory development plans programs and actions, Bulut  has appointed the provincial governors and Baguio City Mayor to chair  the RDC Sectoral Committees. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)