New Bicol dev’t chair rejects projects outside master plan

By Ernie Delgado and Marlon Atun

LEGAZPI CITY --- Projects not aligned with the Bicol region’s master plan will not receive support from the newly appointed chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

“Bakit ka pupunta sa mga unprogrammed eh hindi pa natatapos ang master plan mo,” said RDC Chair and Albay Governor Noel Rosal during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.

(Why pursue unprogrammed items when your master plan is not yet fully implemented?)

Rosal was discussing the direction of the region’s highest policy-making body, which coordinates all socio-economic development efforts of local governments to ensure alignment with national goals.

He emphasized that projects essential to barangays, municipalities, and cities that remain unfunded, despite being included in the Regional Development Investment Plan (RDIP), should be prioritized.

“Ang RDIP talaga ang susi na magkaroon tayo ng growth sa baba. Yung talagang dire needs ang mapopondohan ng ating national government,” he said.

(The RDIP is really the key to ensuring that we have growth at the grassroots level. Only dire needs should be funded by our national government.)

“Meron tayong far-flung barangays, na kailangan nila ang infrastructures para mailabas nila ang kanilang mga produkto at makaangkat sila,” he added.

(We have far-flung barangays that need infrastructure improvements to help them transport their products to urban markets and import goods that are not available in those villages.)

Projects funded by unprogrammed budgets in the country are facing criticism due to the lack of public oversight.

Nonetheless, Rosal approved the road openings being undertaken by congressional districts and the Department of Public Works and Highways, saying, “Kailangan lang talaga na matatapos (They just really need to be completed).” –PIA Bicol/Masbate