RDC-7 committees support measures for development

CEBU, Philippines — Two key sectoral committees of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC - 7) recently concluded their separate second-quarter meetings, with commitments to advancing inclusive growth through human capital development and economic innovation.

The two committees are the Social Development Committee (SDC) and the Economic Development Committee (EDC).

The SDC said it had convened on May 22, with a theme, “Enhancing Human Capital Development.”

The committee reported it adopted two key resolutions aimed at strengthening education and local skills development.

First, the SDC endorsed the Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization (PLUS-D) for consideration by the RDC Full Council and further endorsement to the Economic Development Council – Investment Coordination Committee.

The P38.274-billion initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Education, seeks to boost functional literacy and numeracy among primary learners and improve reading and math proficiency in lower secondary education.

It is expected to benefit more than 1.6 million K–10 learners and over 60,000 teachers across Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region.

Second, the SDC is calling for RDC's support in institutionalizing community-based training for enterprise developmentat in the local level.

This would include the creation of plantilla positions for community training and employment coordinators (CTECs) in local government units and the formation of city/municipal technical education and skills development committees.

The initiative aligned with the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan’s thrust to boost income-earning capacities through technical and vocational education.

The recommendations will be deliberated during the RDC Full Council meeting set in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on June 11.

Meanwhile, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) reported significant progress in all 10 strategies of its Priority Action Agenda, which is grounded in the economic and environment chapters of the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023–2028.

Since 2024, the EDC has conducted quarterly meetings centered around strategic themes, with hosting responsibilities rotated among member agencies.

The committee’s initiatives have supported regional priorities in food security, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development, innovation, sustainable tourism, environmental sustainability, and digital port modernization.

Among the notable commitments from the most recent meeting were: Support for the Bluer Central Visayas Science, Technology, and Innovation Development Plan 2025–2028; Endorsement of the Industry-Government Alliance for Enhanced Technology Transfer, Utilization, and Commercialization Mechanism; and Adoption of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Bateria Watershed in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The EDC also lauded the upcoming implementation of an online passenger ticketing system for inter-island liner ships in Central Visayas. It is expected to bring greater transparency and convenience to maritime travel.

EDC chairperson Melanie Ng, in her closing address for the term, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration.

“We have achieved much by working together. Let us continue this momentum and remain committed to building a more resilient and prosperous future for Cebu, Bohol, and the rest of the region,” said Ng. —/JG (FREEMAN)