The Regional Development Council-VI (RDC-VI) convened its Advisory Committee (AdCom) meeting at the Speaker’s Social Hall, Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City on May 29, 2018. The meeting was presided by the RDC-VI Chairperson Rhodora J. Cadiao. Aklan’s lone Representative Carlito Marquez hosted the meeting, with Representatives Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWWA Party and Mercedes Alvarez of Negros Occidental 6th District as convenors.
Fourteen, out of the region’s 18 Congressional Representatives attended the meeting together with the RDC-VI officials composed of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, the provincial governors, city mayors of Iloilo City and Bacolod City, and the chair and co-chairpersons of the four sector committees.
NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal presented the RDC-VI endorsed programs and projects for FY 2019 budget allocation by sector and congressional district. She appealed to the legislators to vigorously support the RDC-endorsed budgets, especially during the caucuses with agency central offices where Tier 2 projects will be deliberated.
DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo presented the major on-going projects and proposed projects in Region VI and a video on the agency’s initiatives for the rehabilitation of Boracay highlighting the high impact Boracay Circumferential Road with provisions for drainage, lighting system, pedestrian and bike lanes. The AdCom passed a resolution for DPWH to provide for the full funding of the Boracay Circumferential Road starting with the FY 2019 budget allocation.
DOTr Director for Planning Services, Raphael Lavidez presented the status of ports and airports development in Region VI. The Congressional Representatives from Negros Occidental raised the issue of poor facilities at the Bacolod-Silay Airport. The AdCom passed a resolution for the CAAP to set aside funds, particularly from terminal fees generated by the airports. for repair and maintenance particularly those requiring immediate attention, e.g., repair of air conditioning units, elevators, and equipment.
NEDA ASEC Mercedita Sombilla presented the updates on the preparation of the Boracay Action Plan as mandated by Executive Order No. 53 dated May 8, 2018. She discussed the functions and composition of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, the role of NEDA in the formulation of the Boracay Action Plan, and updates on work already done leading to the completion of the Plan for submission by August 8, 2018.
The Congressional Representatives congratulated NEDA for leading the activity which will serve as a model for other areas in the country with similar problems in tourist destinations. (DRD)
