ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos calls for the private sector representatives to support advocating national development policies among their organization and networks.

He made the call during the 15th National Congress (NatCon) for the Regional Development Council - Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSR) with a theme, “GIVE for a Stronger Philippines: Greening the Economy, Inspiring Innovation, Vitalizing Vibrant Spaces, and Ensuring Transformative Development through Private Sector-Government Collaboration.”

“Let us be inspired by the call to GIVE for a stronger Philippines. Let us continue our journey towards achieving our shared vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay for all Filipinos, and towards our path to a Bagong Pilipinas,” USec Santos said.

This year’s theme embodies the call for the PSRs’ commitment for a holistic economic and social transformation, intertwining green economy, innovation, and the vitalization of vibrant spaces.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's directive to increase the presence of Regional Development Councils (RDCs) at the local level and bring government programs closer to the people, NEDA is spearheading the amendment of Executive Order No. 325, s. 1996 or the Reorganization of the Regional Development Councils. This amendment will strengthen RDCs' ability to identify projects and enhance their chances of funding and implementation. NEDA is working closely with the Office of the President for the EO's approval this year.

NEDA is implementing the Regional-National Investment Programming Process (RNIP) to link regional and national investment programs. The RNIP ensures that regional priorities are considered in the national sectoral priorities, enhancing PSRs' participation in identifying and advocating key projects.

Moreover, the implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11966, the Public-Private Partnership Code, have been issued. This will bolster the country's investment ecosystem by leveraging the private sector's experiences, expertise, and financial resources to advance socioeconomic agendas and development initiatives.

The National Congress for the Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSR) is held annually to provide an opportunity for the PSRs to discuss various national development concerns, solicit ideas and recommendations, strengthen their capacity, and keep them abreast of recent development trends.

Mercedes Lourdes S. Quisumbing, private sector representative from the region, initially expressed skepticism towards the Maharlika Fund. However, after hearing insights from the speaker during the discussion on greening the economy, she found enlightenment and gained a better understanding of the matter.

“I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce; I will be sharing to them the idea about the Maharlika fund and the importance of research and development for (the innovation of) new products,” she said.

Meanwhile, Labor Sector Representative Dr. Nelly Suan underscores the transformative potential of good governance for the workforce in Zamboanga Peninsula.

“We are happy that there are still people who are still hoping for good governance. I believe that this (NatCon) is a big help to augment unemployment to our present problem that our government is facing. Bringing more employment, welcoming more industries like inviting more enterprises for us to invest,” Dr. Suan said.

Zamboanga City was chosen to host this year's annual convention, where 211 participants from 16 regions all across the country show eagerness to partake in the discussion on improving the lives of Filipinos. (NBE/EDT/CCP/PIA9)