The province of Cavite played host to the first provincial roadshow of the CALABARZON Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 on April 23, 2024 at the International Convention Center of Cavite State University (CvSU) – Indang Campus. Spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office IV-A in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cavite and CVSU, the event gathered various stakeholders in the aim to improve public awareness, support and participation in the regional and provincial level development plans.
The CALABARZON RDP 2023-2028 is the regional counterpart of the Philippine Development Plan and serves as CALABARZON’s blueprint for development until 2028. Ms. Revy Ann Grace Jolongbayan, OIC Chief Economic Development Specialist, NEDA IV-A, further explained that the RDP is a six-year investment programming document which contains priority programs and projects for the region. It also serves as an instrument to monitor targets and commitments, and a reference document to channel resources.
For the provincial level, Cavite has its Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP). These plans assessed the socio-economic performance of key sectors in the economy as well as the development challenges, and identified the targets, strategies and legislative agenda to attain economic and social transformation towards prosperous, inclusive and resilient region and province.
Governor Jonvic Remulla noted Cavite as one the fast-developing provinces in the country with its vibrant economy and strategic location. Nevertheless, the governor pointed out that geography alone does not spell the province’s success adding that its strength lies in its people. He describes the integration of people coming in from the different parts of the country as high breed vigor which propels the development in the province. He also shared the current and upcoming development projects that will further bolster the province’s economy including the major road infrastructures, heightened peace and order, better education and other innovations.
NEDA Regional Director Agnes Tolentino emphasized that the RDP is not the plan of NEDA alone but is a product of a multi-stakeholder assessment and target-setting; and encouraged the participants to take part in ensuring that the programs are implemented, and strategies are carried out to see the realization of the shared vision for progress.
A short but insightful talk show during the program elicited ideas and recommendations from the participants and the panelists composed of Board Members Shernan Jaro and Irene Bencito, and Engr. Lorna Leyran from the PGC, Ms. Agnes Nuestro and Engr. Orlando Delos Reyes from CvSU, Ternate Mayor Bambao, and RD Agnes Tolentino for NEDA IV-A. Among the areas tackled were agriculture and food security, education and employment, to name a few.
