BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera RDC-RPOC held its final quarterly joint meeting on June 24 where members in 2016-2019 were recognized for their efforts towards regional development and pursuit of Cordillera autonomy. In recognition of their contributions Cordillera development, the outgoing RDC outgoing Chairman, then-Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and sectoral committee chairs and co-chairs were presented with tokens of appreciation during the joint RDC-RPOC meeting.
The major accomplishments of the 2016-2019 Council included setting the region’s development direction through the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022, advancement of the region’s coffee industry through the creation of the Coffee Development Plan, the identification and targeting of poverty-stricken areas in the region through the Social Convergence Program, fast-tracking of the Minahang Bayan process, and improvement of trade and connectivity by supporting the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) and Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) convergence projects.
Aside from these accomplishments, the RDC-CAR has also relentlessly pursued Cordillera autonomy in accordance with Section 15 Article X of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Through the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program, the RDC continues to raise awareness, gain support, and capacitate Cordillerans for Cordillera autonomy.
Under the leadership of 2017-2019 RDC Chair and former Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the RDC engaged the Office of the President and both Houses of the 16th and 17th Congress for support to Cordillera’s pursuit of regional autonomy. With the support of LGUs and various regional line agencies and its private sector representatives, the RDC engaged Cordillerans down to the grassroots sector to support regional autonomy.
The RDC is the highest policy-making body in the region. It coordinates and sets the direction for social and economic development in the region. It also leads in the renewed pursuit of Cordillera autonomy which aims to enhance Cordilleran identity, formulate responsive policies, and attain progress for all Cordillerans.
As secretariat of the RDC and home of the SPCAR Program, NEDA-CAR aims to continue coordinating with RLAs, LGUs, and PSRs in advancing the development and advocacy gains achieved with the previous members of the RDC towards prosperous and autonomous Cordillera.
The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) will meet with its new members from the newly-elected local chief executives and Private Sector Representatives on August 8. The RDC’s reorganization coincides with the 3-year terms of the local chief executives and the RDC PSRs.
By NEDA-CAR