ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The city government, business sector, national government agencies, and other stakeholders pledged their commitment to fully support the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) for the period 2023–2028.
The NMRDP outlines a comprehensive strategy for regional growth and development. Under this blueprint, Iligan is set to benefit from various transformative projects, including the enhancement of tourism roads, the construction of a coastal road bypass, the implementation of flood control projects along the Mandulog River and Iligan River, the development of water resources and social infrastructure, and more.
The plan envisions Iligan as a globally competitive and resilient industrial hub that fosters peaceful and prosperous communities in a safe, adaptable, and clean environment under the direction of accountable, inclusive, and innovative governance.
The NMRDP also aims to strengthen Iligan's economy, aiming for a growth rate of 4.5% to 6.5% by 2028 while also addressing poverty and unemployment challenges.
During the NMRDP roadshow, City Administrator Darwin Manubag expressed strong support for the NMRDP, emphasizing the strategic nature of their initiatives. He shared that Mayor Frederick Siao emphasized the importance of demonstrating unwavering commitment to ensuring that some of these plans yield positive outcomes in the coming years.
“We firmly believe that this plan is essential for future growth and prosperity, benefiting not only the region but also Iligan City,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-10 Regional Director and Regional Development Council-10 Vice Chairperson Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño stressed the importance of united efforts among provinces and cities.
“Ang kinahanglan is ang united effort on the part of the provinces and cities, and of course, alignment nga kung mao ni siya ang commitment sa region, ang mga provinces and cities would also have to contribute because, at the end, ang mudevelop dili man lang ang region but all the provinces, cities, and municipalities in the region [What is needed is a united effort on the part of the provinces and cities, and of course, alignment with the commitment to the region. Provinces and cities should also contribute because, in the end, development does not only benefit the region but all the provinces, cities, and municipalities in the region],” she said.
According to her, the NMRDP roadshow aims to report to the people that the plan has been crafted and that their suggestions during consultations have been considered. Consultations were conducted last year, involving presentations of the draft plan and seeking input from provinces and cities to ensure that the plan reflects their perspectives and needs.
