CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga (PIA) -- Regional Development Council (RDC) is calling for collective efforts on the execution of the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan (CL RDP) 2023-2028.
CL RDP is the region’s development framework, envisioning Central Luzon as a vibrant agri-industrial heartland and global gateway supported by balanced ecosystems where people enjoy a comfortable quality of life.
Now that the plan was set forth, RDC Chairperson and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said the challenge is for the region to address the identified gaps, apply the strategies, accomplish the targets, and implement the programs and projects laid down.
“Over the years, we have seen and experienced that a plan, as ambitious and encompassing as this one, is not a solo, do-it-yourself, mind your own business. It is a venture into a desired destination. Just like a dragon boat race, it will take all of us, all line agencies present today, working and paddling together in sync, to steer the boat towards our destination of choice,” she stated.
She also pressed that challenges may interrupt the implementation of the plan, including health and political disruptions, but collective efforts and shared aspirations will enable the region to reach the endpoint of a resilient and prosperous Central Luzon where no one is left behind.
In addition, Yap emphasized that the CL RDP is based on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s eight-point socio-economic agenda that tackles immediate, and on the ground concerns such as inflation, economic and social scarring due to the pandemic, and other disturbances.
“The CL RDP translates the goals of the PDP [Philippine Development Plan] 2023-2028 into the context and the physical and institutional landscape of Central Luzon. It prioritizes the achievement of economic and social transformation by re-invigorating job generation, accelerating poverty alleviation, and steering the economy back to its high growth trajectory,” she mentioned.
RDC is currently formulating the accompanying document of the CL RDP which is the Central Luzon Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028 which will translate the development goals and objectives identified in the plan into viable public sector programs and projects.
Meanwhile, RDC Vice-Chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Nerrisa Esguerra underscored that the robust measure and implementation of the CL RDP is necessary but will not be easy.
“We need to continue cross-agency partnerships and synchronize efforts, multiply reach, and create significant impacts,” she added.
She explained that there is a need to strengthen collaboration with the private sector, and explore opportunities for complementation to advance the region’s performance.
RDC must continue to find ways to engage the citizens actively by inspiring and enabling them to contribute and participate in governance and development. (CLJD/JLDC-PIA 3)
