BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Various stakeholders in the province of Agusan del Sur expressed support for the implementation of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028, as it will boost the economy of the province and open vast engagement opportunities for the locals. 

The RDP is seen to transform Caraga region towards prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience and is anchored on a strategy dubbed i2FAME. i2 stands for industrialization and innovation, while FAME represents the fishery, agroforestry, mining, and ecotourism sectors in the region.

As host of the second provincial caravan of Caraga RDP 2023-2028, at the D.O. Plaza government covered court in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. warmly welcomed all the participating sectors and appealed that everyone unite for the attainment of the plan.

"This RDP will only succeed if all of us will cooperate. Everyone should take part from the planning stage until its implementation from 2023 to 2028. With the formulation of this RDP, it is hoped that this will have a great impact on the lives of the Caraganons," he said.

It can be recalled that the first leg was hosted by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and held in Butuan City.

Cane also expressed appreciation to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga for being the secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC), especially headed by a Caraganon herself,  OIC Regional Director Gemima Olam. 

“We are very fortunate that the head of office of NEDA Caraga is from Caraga region, and with this, we are assured that we will have more engagements and innovations for the benefit of not only the Agsurnons but also the Caraganons in general,” added Cane.

The governor further highlighted that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has been true to its commitment to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people, leaving no one behind, by continuously creating significant programs that will directly address the concerns of the different sectors, especially the marginalized.

"Since the onset of the current administration, President Marcos, Jr., laid down his 8-point agenda, and consistent with his directive, the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) was formulated covering five years from 2023 to 2028, which is expected to elevate the lives and economy of Caraga," he said.

During this event, Cane also took the chance to visit the different booths installed inside the venue that showcased their local products and machinery and urged the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue to innovate, expand, and gear up efforts in theirpartnership with other sectors.

He also promoted the wooden spoon and fork as one of the new locally produced materials inthe province. 

"This innovation will help us remove the use of single-use plastic, including the usual plastic spoon and fork used during events. It is promising to the economy of the province because we are surrounded with Falcata trees as the raw material of this product. We can promote it not only locally but also internationally," he said. 

OIC Regional Director Gemima Olam of NEDA Caraga, reiterated the significance of the Caraga RDP 2023-2028, stating, "The  RDP 2023-2028 contributes to the attainment of the country’s long-term vision of a 'Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay Para sa Lahat.” 

“The plan establishes the foundation to sustain economic transformation, recovery, and creating quality jobs at the regional level. Consistent with the PDP 2023-2028, the strategies under the Caraga RDP are grounded on the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda focused on addressing immediate, on-the-ground concerns such as high inflation, scarring due to COVID-19, and tight fiscal space; resolving long-standing, critical constraints to generating more jobs, quality jobs, and green jobs over the medium-term; and providing the necessary enabling environment characterized by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, disaster-resilient infrastructure, inclusive financial system, and lasting peace and security," Olam said.

"Each one of us has a role to play; therefore, I call everyone to join hands and commit ourselves to the realization of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028. It is our collective plan for the people and by the people. Let us remain passionate, proactive, and resilient in advancing our goals for all the Caraganons. Let us act now, because together, we can," she added.

While representing the academic sector, Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, president of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture (ASSCAT), gave emphasis in her speech that the province of Agusan del Sur is a promising venue for industrialized and innovative fisheries, agroforestry mining, and eco-tourism, which she vowed that their institution will engage in and promote.

"As part of the academe sector, we are committed to molding the young generation to participate in the realization of this Regional Development Plan," she said. 

It was also learned that the next series of Caraga RDP caravans are scheduled forApril 16 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, and April 19 in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands. (JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)