Cauayan City, Isabela—Gov. Rodolfo T. Albano III was unanimously endorsed to lead the Regional Development Council for Cagayan Valley as it held its 115th Regional Business Meeting at the Marco Paulo Hotel here.
Albano, a first-term governor, will lead RDC-2 for three years until 2022.
“I’d like to thank the Council for your trust and confidence, and I will try my best to become a real chairman. Let us continually promote and sustain the socio-economic growth in the region,” he said.
Former Tourism Regional Director Blessida Diwa from the private sector was endorsed by the Council as its co-chairman.
The names of Sy and Diwa will be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, who will confirm their appointment.
The council also confirmed 14 new private sector representatives who will all serve three-year terms.
They are Protacio D. Laguinday and Rev. Ferdinand Valdez for Agriculture and Fisheries; Cloyd C. Velasco for Trade, Industry and Services; engineer Gilbert E. Acdal for Environment and Natural Resources; engineer Bonifacio B. Carag for Social Welfare and Marginalized Sector; Christian R. Guzman for Health, Education and Manpower Development; Diwa for Tourism; lawyer Melchor A. Battung for Labor; and Napoleon P. Baltazar for Indigenous People and Cultural Communities.
RDC2 Secretary Engr. Ferdinand Tumaliuan administered the oath-taking ceremony.
As representatives of the private sector, PSRs are expected to attend and participate in RDC meetings, as well as meetings of sectoral committees on development administration, social development, infrastructure development, economic development, environmental management, and indigenous peoples’ concerns.
Also confirmed are several government agencies who will sit as Special Non-Voting Members. Their participation and membership, according to Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Purita Licas, are deemed necessary by the council.
The Regional Development Council is the highest planning and policy-making body in the region. It serves as the counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority Board at the sub-national level.
The RDC is the primary institution that manages and sets the direction of all economic and social development effort in ensuring sustainable, participatory and equitable development in the region.
It also serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with regional and national development initiatives, and tasked with coordinating the government’s plans and programs.
