PALO, Leyte – A total of Six private sector representatives (PSRs) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII, accompanied by four members of the Secretariat, participated in the 15th RDC PSRs National Convention (NatCon) hosted by RDC IX at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City on 24-25 April 2024.
Regional Development Council VIII (RDC VIII) delegates during the banner presentation at the 15th RDC PSRs NatCon, led by the Lead
Convenor, RDC VIII-DAC Co-Chairperson and PSR for Disaster Resiliency, Judah S. Aliposa (3rd from left) and RDC VIII Vice-Chairperson and NEDA VIII Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales (4th from left). (Photo by NRO IX)
With the theme, “GIVE for a Stronger Philippines: Greening the Economy, Inspiring Innovation, Vitalizing Vibrant Spaces, and Ensuring Transformative Development through Private Sector-Government Collaboration,” the NatCon provided a vital platform for RDC PSRs nationwide to engage with one another and esteemed keynote speakers. Together, they explored innovative solutions and collaborative strategies towards sustainable development both at the national and regional levels.
During the sectoral breakout sessions, the Eastern Visayas PSRs presented impactful proposals unanimously approved by the delegates. In the economic development group, PSR Buenaventura C. Go-Soco Jr., critically analyzed current greening initiatives and advocated for a balanced approach that integrates poverty alleviation with sustainable practices tailored to regional contexts. PSR Mario Ian S. Mosquisa, for his part, campaigned for the recognition of the rights of nature, urging to put an end to the exploitation of natural resources within economic and socio-cultural frameworks.
In the social development group, PSR Imelda Angulo-Andales championed the alignment of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) courses with the demands of the digital age through the inclusion of online selling and digital skills training in all TESDA programs, receiving strong backing from the participants.
National Convention delegates gather for a commemorative photo with the
keynote speakers in front, namely: Palafox Associates Founder and Principal Architect-Urban Planner Felino A. Palafox Jr. (leftmost), Good Governance Champion and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong (2nd from left), Maharlika Investment Corporation President and CEO Rafael Jose D. Consing Jr. (3rd from right), NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon (2nd from right), and NEDA Undersecretary for Regional
Development Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos (rightmost). (Photo by NRO IX)
Meanwhile, in the infrastructure development group, PSR Judah S. Aliposa, who was the lead convenor for the RDC VIII delegation, emphasized the importance of prioritizing affordable, renewable, and just energy share in procuring aggregated baseload demand from various distribution utilities, while PSR Allan L. Laniba pushed for total electrification in the countryside.
During his keynote speech, NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Carlos Bernardo O. Abad-Santos urged participants to integrate insights from the NatCon into regional development initiatives and the updating of their respective Regional Development Plans.
The three-day event culminated in a tour that showcased Zamboanga City's vibrant sardine canning industry, underscoring its title as the Canned Sardines Capital of the Philippines. Delegates also explored the rich history and culture of Asia’s Latin City, another moniker for the host city, through visits to iconic landmarks such as Fort Pilar, R.T. Lim Boulevard, and Paseo del Mar.
National Convention delegates share radiant smiles at the RT Lim Boulevard, one
of the toured sites, while passionately echoing the theme: “GIVE for a
Stronger Philippines." (Photo by NRO IX)
The proactive engagement and substantive contributions of RDC VIII PSRs throughout the convention epitomized their commitment to advancing regional development initiatives and fostering collaborative partnerships for a stronger Philippines. (Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano and Gladys Sobrio/RDC VIII)
