PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-9 tackled various issues raised by stakeholders and development partners across the region during the provincial leg of the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 roadshow held in this city.
Muhaiya Pua, a stakeholder, highlighted poverty as one of the region’s pressing issues, forcing children to work alongside their parents instead of pursuing education.
“Sa kapobrehon ug kalisod sa katawhan, unsa may pwede nato mahimo sa government ug CSO unitedly nga kung dili man mapakgang at least maminimize?,” (With poverty and the difficulties faced by the people, what can we do collaboratively with the government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to minimize if not eradicate it?) Pua asked.
NEDA emphasized that each Local Government Unit (LGU) has a local poverty reduction plan and expressed hope that every LGU’s poverty reduction planning committee includes a CSO representative. NEDA aims to reduce the region’s poverty rate from 30.1 percent in 2021 to 21.7 percent by the end of the 2023–2028 medium-term plan. Additionally, it will monitor food inflation to ensure it does not exceed 3 percent.
Another concern was raised by Registered Sign Language Interpreter Lucina Yrog Irog regarding the shortage of sign language interpreters, in compliance with Republic Act 11106 or The Filipino Sign Language Act. This act mandates every LGU to have at least one sign language interpreter as part of the indicators for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
“Naa bay plano ang NEDA para sa mga deaf nga gakinahanglan ug interpreter? unya naay ubang mga deaf nga naay kapasidad, gi-eskwelahan, unya sa mga government agencies walay maka interpret nila, unsa may mga posibilidad nga mabuhat sa atong gobyerno para sa ilaha?” (Is there any plan by NEDA for deaf individuals who need interpreters, especially those who are capable and educated, yet lack interpreters in government agencies? What possibilities does our government have for them?) she inquired.
According to Maria Felicidad R. Guerero, NEDA9 OIC Regional Director, any concerns should be raised with the relevant agencies for appropriate action. “However, the Regional Development Council will pursue the enactment of laws addressing these issues and concerns, provided they are based on scientific evidence and cover a significant number of marginalized people,” she stated.
The ZamPen RDP 2023–2028 aims to achieve the country’s long-term vision, where all Filipinos enjoy secure, comfortable lives. (JPA/HTB/KPC-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
