Consistently pushing for the long-term and sustainable development of the entire Davao Region, the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI members have recently converged for the RDC’s First Quarter Full Council Meeting.
The high-level meeting on March 25, held at Don Paco Rocamora Golf Clubhouse, Mati City, in Davao Oriental, the home province of RDC Chairperson Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, drew a large crowd from different government agencies, Local Government Units, and the private sector in the region, discussing the region’s economic situation and development priorities.
𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Among the meeting’s many highlights was the Mati Airport, which sought RDC endorsement for budget allocation, specifically for its development and expansion.
Infrastructure Development Committee Chairperson PSR Ricardo F. Lagdameo reported on the proposed investment programs, both on the air side and land side of the airport, which are scheduled up to 2026. He underscored the need to push Mati Airport to be developed as a redundancy to Davao International Airport, noting the region’s need to accommodate more flights.
Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who has been keen to operationalize the airport the soonest time possible, said the local government is eager to fast-track the airport’s development, considering that the flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, has already expressed interest in scheduling flights to the province. She said opening the airport would greatly benefit the province’s tourism promotion and economic recovery.
“We take this opportunity to promote our province, the city of Mati, as the next tourist destination in the region and the country,” she said.
Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat backed Governor Malanyaon’s sentiments, noting that PAL does not just want to explore Mati but the whole of the province because of its many beautiful sites.
She said many guests had frequented the province. Most recently, visitors from the United Philippine Surfers Association with Presidential son William Vinny Marcos explored Mati City and other places in the province as potential surfing destinations. She said tourists’ interest in visiting the province is already a great opportunity to take advantage of. With the airport as the primary gateway for travelers, more tourists would visit and help boost the local economy.
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, who has been officially included as a special member of the RDC XI, vowed his commitment to helping the province and the region in any way he could to lobby proposed programs and projects directly to the President.
“I have seen your passion. I take seriously what is being asked of me, which is to monitor the implementation of national programs and projects and regularly report on their progress to the President, coordinate with concerned government agencies, LGUs, and, as may be applicable, the private sector to strengthen private and public collaboration in matters affecting eastern Mindanao. So, RDC Chairman, do not thank me, demand from me because it is my job. Trabaho ko po yan kung ano ang pangangailangan ng Region Eleven. So, please, I am a willing servant for RDC XI,” remarked Sec. Magno, gaining resounding applause from the council members.
Through Sec. Magno’s membership to the RDC, Presidential actions on concerns affecting the Davao region will be easily facilitated. His inclusion in the council will also strengthen the regional and national government’s convergence and coordination.
𝗗𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗖’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
On the provincial government’s proposed renationalization of the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC), Department of Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Achilles Gerard Bravo reported that the DBM has already evaluated the proposed bill filed by Second District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario.
He said the agency is set to submit the proposal to Congress for final deliberation. “We hope that this be approved before Congress ends to avoid refiling,” he said, noting that it needs the approval of both Congress and the Senate before it becomes final.
As to the manpower, Asec. Bravo said the agency would create hospital positions and provide for its corresponding budget.
Should the bill be passed into law, Asec. Bravo said it would free the local government of more or less P350 to P450 million, which the provincial government can utilize for other development programs and projects.
Governor Malanyaon expressed her high hopes to have the bill approved as it would help the hospital improve its facilities and services and help cut costs for the province, which is currently recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic.
Aside from these priority developments, the RDC Full Council Meeting also discussed updates on the Samal Island -Davao Connector Project, Davao Airport, and budget proposals in Davao Region for 2024, among many others.
Furthermore, the council approved several resolutions, including the endorsement of the proposed budget for the DOPMC and Mati Airport.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the regional offices, private sector, civil society organizations, and national government agencies.
Also present is the newly installed regional director of the Philippine National Police, Brigadier General Alden Delvo, and the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Major General Jose Eriel Niembra. ʙʏ ᴋʟᴅ-ᴘɪᴏ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
