GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Sarangani’s Provincial Planning and Development Office earlier held a harmonization forum to update the Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) of the province.

The PDIP is a six-year planning document which outlines the provincial government unit’s thrusts and objectives and ranks priority projects, programs, and activities (PPAs) identified in the provincial government unit’s draft Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) and the Executive and Legislative Agenda.

The forum, conducted on April 19 to 20, brought together representatives from Sarangani’s seven component municipalities, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other development partners.

According to Jelyn E. Apura, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, the forum was to facilitate convergence and sharing of resources since “we have the same location, same beneficiaries, same target on poverty reduction, same target on achieving the Philippine development plan, thrusts, and priorities, as well as in achieving the sustainable development goals.”

Representatives from the seven municipal local government units, and national government agencies were made to present their major PPAs. Sectoral consultation then followed for the harmonization of said PPAs.  

The investment plan, according to Apura, will also check the direction of the province particularly on “poverty reduction, vision, as well as the thrust of the current administration especially on achieving the development agenda of Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao towards resilient, dynamic, and progressive Sarangani.” (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)