The National Economic and Development Authority-Regional Office VI (NEDA VI) presented the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan (WV RDP) 2023-2028 in the three-day Strategic Planning Workshop of Central Philippines State University (CPSU) on September 13 to 15, 2023, at Resorts Negrense, Bacolod City.
Ms. Joyalita B. Tigres, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division of NEDA 6, discussed the highlights of PDP 2023-2028 and WV RDP 2028 before the Vice Presidents, Campus Directors, Administrators, Deans and other officials of CPSU led by University President Dr. Aladino Moraca. Key strategies and approaches of the Plans were discussed focusing on promoting human and social development, particularly on the Chapter “Improve Education and Lifelong Learning”.
Ms. Tigres also tackled the Ambisyon Natin 2040, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of the Marcos administration, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the major Infrastructure Flagship Projects in the region, including the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges and Negros Expressway, to ensure the alignment and consistency of programs and projects of the University with the regional and national priorities.
The participants were updated on the SDG indicators concerning higher education and education-related targets set in the PDP and WV RDP. With more than 40 programs offered in the main campus and nine external campuses, the enrolment reached almost 15,000 in the current academic year. The lack of teachers and insufficient budget for the improvement/upgrading of basic facilities were among the challenges of the University, thus, the most significant obstacle to achieve SDG 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030, as well targets of the higher education in both PDP and RDP.
On the bright side, Dr. Moraca committed to fully utilize their incomes to finance their operations in realizing their vision of becoming a leading technology-driven multi-disciplinary University by 2030 with the mission of producing competent graduates who can generate and extend leading technologies beneficial to the community.
After the presentation, a copy of the WV RDP 2023-2028 was officially turned-over to Dr. Moraca and other officials. The document serves as the region’s blueprint in development planning for the next six years. Launched on July 14, 2023, it reflects the government’s policies, strategies, programs, and legislative priorities in support of and is consistent with the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. (JBTigres/PFPD)
