Toward a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Bicolandia: RDC 5 officially launches Bicol Regional D

In a landmark effort that promises to shape the future of Region 5, the Regional Plan Advocacy Committee (RPAC) of the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) officially launched the Bicol Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 on July 18, 2023, at SM City in Legazpi City. The launch was also live-streamed via Zoom Videoconference and Facebook Live.

NEDA Assistant Secretary Greg L. Pineda keynoted the regional launch, emphasizing the importance of the Bicol RDP in the region’s pursuit of sustainable development.

“It serves as a guide in formulating policies and implementing development programs, projects, and activities that will steer our economy back to a high growth path that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other calamities such as tropical cyclones Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses for the next six years.” ASec. Pineda added. He further commended the RDC planning committees and the NEDA Region 5’s initiative to adopt the “futures thinking” and strategic foresight in the planning process, making the Bicol Region one of the pioneers to adopt the new approach in development planning.

NEDA ASec. Sarah Lynne S. Daway-Ducanes, RDC Vice Chair and NEDA 5 Regional Director Engr. Luis G. Banua, RPAC Chair and PIA 5 Director Ramil A. Marianito, RPAC Vice Chair and DILG 5 Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., represented by LGOO VII Rico E. Gaurino, and NEDA 5 Assistant Regional Director Edna Cynthia S. Berces joined ASec. Pineda onstage for the ceremonial unveiling of the Bicol RDP 2023-2028. The unveiling marks the beginning of the region’s action for deep economic and social transformation, a new chapter in the region’s journey towards achieving AmBisyon Natin 2040.

Shedding light on the region’s next steps in achieving economic and social transformation, RD Banua called for everyone’s participation in the holistic development process, adding that an Operational Plan will be prepared to highlight the specific programs, activities, and projects that will be implemented by the regional line agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, LGUs, private and civil society organizations, and the academe.

The attendees from themember agencies of the Bicol RDC, local government units, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and partners from the business sector expressed commitment through a ceremonial pledge wall signing – a manifestation of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in the implementation of the Bicol RDP 2023-2028.

Adopting the Philippine Development Plan strategy framework, the Bicol RDP 20203-2028 is the second medium-term plan anchored on the long-term vision, the AmBisyon Natin 2040 of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat. Consistent with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the eight-point socioeconomic agenda of the current administration, the Bicol RDP 2023-2028 serves as the blueprint for regional development in the next six years.