President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order reorganizing regional development councils (RDCs) to strengthen economic planning and implementation across the country.
Executive Order No. 82, signed on Jan. 28, mandates RDCs to serve as the top planning and policymaking bodies for socio-economic development in their respective regions.
The move is aimed at accelerating economic and social progress by ensuring better coordination between local and national government agencies.
Under the new directive, RDCs will be composed of provincial governors, city mayors, and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society.
The order also introduces new guidelines for private sector representatives (PSRs), requiring them to be Filipino citizens with expertise in socio-economic development.
President Marcos emphasized that RDCs will play a critical role in achieving the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which prioritizes regional growth and sustainability.
“Regional development councils must be restructured to respond effectively to the country’s economic challenges and ensure a better alignment of national and local priorities,” the executive order said.
The EO also strengthens the role of RDCs in overseeing the implementation of regional investment programs and budget allocations.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are tasked with guiding RDCs in prioritizing key projects.
Each RDC will be chaired by a local government official and co-chaired by a private sector representative.
The term for both will last three years. RDCs will also create executive committees to handle urgent matters requiring immediate action.
The executive order takes effect immediately and does not apply to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.