In accordance with Executive Order No. 325 which calls for private sector representation in the Regional Development Council, a PSR Convention was held on August 6, 2019 at the RDC VI Conference Hall, NEDA Building, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City where 21 out of 24 accredited private sector organizations were present.
NEDA-VI Regional Director and Acting RDC VI Chairperson Ro-Ann A. Bacal welcomed the PSRs and oriented them on the mandate, functions and organizational structure of the Council and the role of the PSRs as indispensable partners in regional and local development. Assistant Regional Director and RDC VI Secretary Arecio A. Casing, Jr. discussed the election guidelines and, together with the ad hoc election committee, supervised the conduct of the election.
The Ad Hoc Election Committee is composed of RD Ariel Iglesia of DILG-6, RD Ma. Evelyn Macapobre of DSWD-6; ARD Emelyn Flores of DOST-6, and Ms. Marilou Zamora of DPWH-6.
The PSRs, after choosing their preferred sector committee, elected who among them will sit in the Council Proper representing the four (4) major sectors, namely: Development Administration, Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, and Social Development. Each sector elected three (3) PSRs, except for the DAC which elected two more representatives, after the representative from the labor sector was earlier selected from among accredited federated labor groups.
The following PSRs were elected during the convention:
Development Administration Committee: Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter; Mr. Rayjand Gellamucho – Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.; and Ms. Ma. Teresita S. Balgos – University of San Agustin Employees Association (labor sector representative).
Economic Development Committee: Mr. Franciso Gentoral, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc.; Ms. Donna Rose Ratilla, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Region VI; Mr. Ramon Cua Locsin – Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation.
Infrastructure Development Committee: Ms. Maria Luisa C. Segovia – Iloilo Business Club; Mr. Dale Bernas – Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Melvin Perizuelo – Green Forum, Western Visayas.
Social Development Committee: Ms. Febie Ibojos – SignPost Philippines, Inc.; Ms. Heidi Foulc –Cameleon Association, Inc.; Ms. Ma. Cecilia Detablan – Anti-trafficking in Persons Advocates’ Network, Inc.
The RDC-VI awaits the geographic PSRs that will soon be endorsed by the Provincial Development Councils of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. All in all, there are 18 PSRs that make up 25% of the members of the RDC-VI. (NEDA-VI RDC)
