RDC XII to focus on doable, high impact priorities

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 29, 2009) – The induction of Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez as new chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC XII) on March 31 “ushers in a fresh perspective for the Council,” a regional official said, with a team that would “focus on doable, high impact priorities in the next 15 months.”

RDC XII vice chairperson Teresita Socorro Ramos said Governor Dominguez has pointed out that RDC XII “need only to focus on poverty reduction, improving education and health, access to basic services and adequate infrastructure, for meaningful regional development.”

“He emphasized the need for synergistic action among the development actors and stakeholders, to promote a socially inclusive RDC XII,” said Ramos, who is also regional director of the National Economic Development Authority.

As an initial step, a consultative meeting initiated by Governor Dominguez was conducted March 20 among regional directors of key government agencies and the Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) to elicit their ideas and insights on the relevance of the role of RDC XII in improving the quality of life of the people in the region and contribute to the crafting of the development agenda for the next 15 months of his term.

PSR Bronx Hebrona supported the RDC chairperson’s view on harnessing the private sector to participate actively in development efforts of government.

Ramos co-facilitated the consultative meeting by providing focused subjects for the discussion that included the identification of areas for improvement of the Council taking into consideration its capabilities and potentials; key and urgent development concerns; and action steps or development agenda in the next 15 months.

Ramos said RDC XII shall focus on its effective roles such as acting as champion of development projects, lobby/advocate for more resources and projects with regional impact, and integrate all development plans and programs that are people-centered; market-driven with high impact; and product of meaningful stakeholders’ consultation.

“In the next 15 months, RDC XII will strive for quality meetings by increasing LCEs’ attendance, effective time management, adopting leaner agenda items, integrating PSR agenda that are generated from local counterparts,” Ramos said.

The RDC XII will hold its 26th Regular Meeting on March 31 at Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)