The five-year regional plan will boost the economy

CEBU, Philippines – The Regional Development Council (RDC)-7, together with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), recently launched the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028, an eight-point socio-economic agenda of the administration and the Philippines. Development Plan 2023-2028.

NEDA-7 Regional Director Jennifer Brettana said the CVRDP 2023-2028 will serve as their guiding light and their north star that will guide them back to the high growth path they started in the region before the local challenges they faced in the central region. things.

The RDP includes various strategies and approaches implemented locally to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, increase employment rates and combat inflation.

Bretaña urged officials to „translate the plan into action” and participate in upcoming organizational activities for the RDP to reverse the impact of the pandemic.

In a press release, the RDP 2023-2028 was approved on March 16, 2023 to make Central Visayas a premier tourism destination, logistics hub, hub for trade and industry, science and technology and innovation.

The overall objective of the plan is to accelerate employment renewal and poverty reduction by returning the economy to a higher growth path and lifting the Covid-19 restrictions, targeting 6.8 to 8.5 percent of the region’s gross domestic product. Product (GRDP).

NEDA Regional Development Committee Application. Carlos Abad Santos, in his keynote address, said, “RTC represents a significant milestone driven by the ambition to promote economic and social transformation in Central Visayas.

Central Visayas was one of the first regions to complete RTP, he said.

Santos said there is a lot of potential for agribusiness expansion with the provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental, leading the region’s agricultural sector with the potential integration of industrial and manufacturing sectors.

„We have demonstrated our strength and resilience as the people of Central Visayas who have come together to create a plan that will serve as our guide and road map in achieving our collective aspiration and goal, which will enable rapid economic and social transformation. We will rise above local and global challenges,” said RDC Chairman and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Amentodo in his said in his welcome address.

Aumentado added that all members of the council will meet for a strategic action planning workshop to identify key projects and strategies to be implemented for the next five years.

Economic Development Committee (EDC) RDC Sectoral Committee Chair Melanie Ng said the EDC will continue to support a regional food map, a regional economic cycle map and a cross-working group on zero hunger and reducing food waste.

In terms of tourism, EDC will advocate for permanent positions for tourism officers in LGUs and support the buy local to go local policy.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 Regional Director Shaline Marie Lucero, speaking on behalf of the Social Development Committee Dr. Prophetisa Lim, assured that the implementation of social sector strategies is the focus of the group.

Lucero said they are focusing on these strategies because they have desired outputs in the areas of improving health and nutrition, improving education, establishing livable communities, expanding skills and training improvements and strengthening social security.

Kenneth Copenbeau of the Infrastructure Development Group also shared that the group is continuing their efforts to address infrastructure gaps in the region, including flood control and transportation.

Other local authorities joining the event have also expressed their support for the implementation of the CVRDP 2023-2028. – (Freeman)