ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-9 spearheaded a roadshow in Isabela City de Basilan recently to introduce to the different sectors in the Zamboanga Peninsula its five-year regional development plan.
The event took off with a welcome message by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, who shared the collective efforts that have propelled Isabela City towards growth and advancement.
The mayor reflected on the city’s journey from relative obscurity to its current trajectory of growth, emphasizing that Isabela City no longer remains in the shadows of other areas but is a rising city in the region.
“I am grateful for the collective efforts that have propelled Isabela City to its current state of accomplishment. We have witnessed a remarkable transformation from being a relatively unknown entity in Region IX to a beacon of progress and development. Isabela City is no longer in the shadows; we are on the rise,” said Mayor Hataman.
As a symbol of solidarity and support, the mayor led the signing of the pledge of support, committing to align Isabela City’s aspirations with the overarching goals of the regional development plan.
Meanwhile, Leticia Lobren, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-9, shared insights on the strategic initiatives and action plans outlined in the regional development plan. She emphasized the importance of unity and collective action, urging the community to work together to realize the shared vision of a prosperous and resilient Zamboanga Peninsula.
“Advocating for this ZamPen RDP 2023-2028 is crucial to garner support and rally your stakeholders around the recognition of the region. That’s why NEDA IX and RDC IX shall continue promoting the plan in our future activities and initiatives,” she said.
The ZamPen RDP 2023–2028 is an economic and social transformation strategy to create more jobs and speed up poverty reduction by steering the region’s economy back on a high-growth path. This growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.
The Regional Development Plan (RDP) also outlines the development direction of Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) within the medium-term 2023-2028 towards the attainment of the region’s vision to become “The Center of Sustainable Agri-Fishery Industries of the Philippines.” The ZamPen RDP also focuses on the region’s contribution to the attainment of the country’s goal of economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society as enunciated in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 towards the Philippines’ Long-Term Vision 2040 or AmBisyon Natin 2040.
Furthermore, the event also highlights the ceremonial turnover of the comprehensive regional development plan to the city government of Isabela de Basilan.
The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 aims to promote sustainable economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection in the region. With its implementation, the plan aims to create a more prosperous and resilient ZamPen. (EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan)
