Filipinos continue to thrive and become resilient despite life’s challenges and trials, as the government never ceases to provide them with necessary interventions and assistance by ensuring that the various programs and services are readily available and accessible for everyone.
These socio-economic programs are being enacted through the Philippine Development Plan and Regional Development Plan.
With the attainment of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028, which was launched recently by the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Butuan City, the Caraganons have high hopes that their aspirations will be realized and be able to contribute to the progress of the region.
The Caraga RDP 2023-2028 is geared towards the attainment of the country’s long-term vision of a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay Para sa Lahat,” leaving no one left behind.
The event aimed to achieve the following: 1) Advocate the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 and i2FAME strategy to the RDC's primary and secondary audiences; and 2) Secure support of the Caraganons to the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 and i2FAME strategy [strategy of developing its fishery, agro-forestry, mining, and eco-tourism].
Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo C. Abad-Santos, planning secretary of the Regional Development Group (RDG) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), emphasized that the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 translated the concrete strategies of the different sectors of the region in achieving the aspirations of the Caraganons to achieve the "Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay Para sa Lahat," by laying down the foundation for sustained economic transformation, recovery, and creation of green and decent jobs at the regional level.
Usec. Santos further elaborated that the i2FAME strategies are aligned with the national vision of Ambisyon Natin 2040 as well as the Development Goals strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
“The formulation of the RDP involved an intensive and inclusive consultation process to ensure that the concerns and priorities of all stakeholders were taken into account. The completion of this plan does not mark the end of our journey, hence, it is merely the beginning of the crucial phase of translating our strategies into actions and continuously evaluating their effectiveness,” he said.
Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. of the Province of Dinagat Islands, who chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga, stressed that the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 represents a collective vision of the region, communities and the people, and a plan that puts Caraganons in front and center of development. It serves as the blueprint of development in the region in the next six years.
“We envisioned to become sustainably developed, culturally responsive, and globally competitive. Our unique development strategy, the i2FAME will leverage and capitalize on our competitive advantages to boost overall productivity and drive economic growth. It is crucial for this plan to be implemented and acted upon by our key stakeholders, and our people to support this strategy. Our coordinated efforts and synergy will bring development in the region," he underscored.
Vice chairperson of Caraga RDC and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, Priscilla Sonido, highlighted that this plan represents a collective vision, an unwavering commitment, and the shared aspiration to build a better future for Caraga and its people.
“As we embark on this journey, we are driven by our desired outcome of creating a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Caraga region,” she said.
“Our roadmap, the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 is not just a set of strategies and targets; it is a testament to our steadfast resolve to contribute to the attainment of our country’s long-term vision. Through this plan, we lay the groundwork for sustained economic transformation, recovery, and the creation of quality jobs in Caraga,” Sonido emphasized.
Dir. Sonido also said that the RDP is comprised of 18 chapters, with total of 342 core indicators, and a total of 2,830 programs and activities to be implemented in the region with a budget requirement of P920.4 billion spread in six years, making it more inclusive and accessible thus, leaving no one behind.
As one of the chairpersons of the committees under the RDC, Mayor Judy Chin Amante of Cabadbaran City, who chairs the Social Development Committee (SDC), recalled that in the previous planning periods, Caraga region has capitalized on its abundant national resource endowments and adopted the fishery, agro-forestry, mining and eco-tourism strategy as its development framework.
“The Caraga RDP shall establish our foundation to sustain economic transformation, recovery, and create quality jobs in the region,” bared Amante.
On behalf of Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, Vice Governor Enrico Corvera addressed his message to all the participating sectors and stressed that this plan is the summation of everyone’s dreams and aspirations of all the plans of the Caraganons, which is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"The Caraga RDP also reflects the tireless efforts of everyone who have shared their expertise, wisdom, and passion in crafting the development of the Caraga road map. As we unveil the Caraga road map for 2023-2028, we recognized that its success hinges the unity and determination of all. Caraga is home of diverse array of talents, industries, cultures, and landscape. Hence, it is a manifestation that the different sectors are working together towards achieving an inclusive and progressive quality of life for all," he said.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao, delivered the message of support of Secretary Leo Magno of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao during the launching.
"I commit to ensuring that the Regional Development Council and our Office will sustain collaborations with other sectors in the region and to align our efforts with the administration in fulfilling the plan that will benefit everyone through a whole of government and society approach. With our unwavering support to the Caraga RDP 2023-2028, our region will become more competitive and sustainable," he relayed.
Also, Engr. Noel Ajoc, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, shared his high trust in the region, with its rich resources that will make it become one of the most prosperous regions in the country.
"By aligning our science and technology efforts, the DOST commits to embrace innovation and development in the region and its people," he said.
Meanwhile, a deep dive on the 18 chapters of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 also took place during the regional launch of the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 in Butuan City, where participating regional directors of the different regional line agencies and chiefs of offices, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), private sectors, youth and other stakeholders joined the momentous gallery walk with fruitful discussions and learnings from every chapter of the RDP.
Caraganons commitment in the realization of the Caraga RDP
In support of the implementation of the Caraga RDP, various sectors expressed their approval to the plans of the government.
Hawudon Tandawon Armando Una II, representing the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, expressed that all the IP tribes will unite and contribute to the realization of the Caraga RDP.
“With unity comes progress and surely, the IP community supports this endeavor that will elevate the culture and tradition of the IPs," he said.
Ranita Castro, Caraga League of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Officer and concurrent Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) designate, expressed her optimism that this concrete plan, the programs are more inclusive and open more doors for development for the sector and leave no one behind.
“We strongly support the Caraga RDP and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the various sectors to realize our dreams for the Caraga region,” she said.
Being a single mom, Ormela Figura of Barangay Bancasi, Butuan City, anticipates more livelihood skills trainings that will enhance her capabilities and help sustain the needs of her family.
“I am committed to help these programs be known to our community so that more could benefit and will have better appreciation for the efforts of the government,” assured Figura.
Relevance of RDC in Caraga
The RDC was created by Presidential Decree No. 1 issued in September 1972. It was formally established by virtue of Letter of Implementation No. 22 issued on 31 December 1972 pursuant to the implementation of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of 1972.
The RDC is jointly headed by a Chairperson and a Co-Chairperson appointed by the President of the Philippines. If the Chairperson comes from the government, the Co-Chairperson must come from the private sector, or vice-versa. Only elective officials are appointed as Chair or Co-Chairperson.
The NEDA Regional Director is the ex-officio Vice-Chairperson of the RDC, while the NEDA Assistant Regional Director is the ex-officio Secretary.
The same officials serve as the ex-officio Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary of the RDC Executive and Advisory Committees.
The Sectoral Committees act as clearinghouses of the Council. Thus, all matters needing RDC action has to be deliberated first by the concerned Sectoral Committee. Recommendation/s must be made by the SecCom concerned before the matter can be presented to the RDC.
The following are the Sectoral Committees under the RDC which shall be jointly headed by a Chairperson and a Co-Chairperson:
* Development Administration Committee;
* Economic Development Committee;
* Infrastructure Development Committee; and
* Social Development Committee.
The Caraga RDC’s initiated RDP to establish the foundation to sustain economic transformation, recovery, and creating quality jobs at the regional level.
Consistent with the PDP 2023-2028, the strategies under the Caraga RDP are grounded on the President’s 8-Point Socio-economic Agenda focused on addressing immediate, on-the-ground concerns such as high inflation, scarring due to COVID-19, and tight fiscal space; resolving long-standing, critical constraints to generating more jobs, quality jobs and green jobs over the medium-term; and providing the necessary enabling environment characterized by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, disaster-resilient infrastructure, inclusive financial system, and lasting peace and security. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)
