The Regional Development Council (RDC X) of Northern Mindanao endorsed on March 19, a total of PhP83.189 billion worth of programs and projects proposed for implementation in 2016 by 24 agencies and eight state universities and colleges (SUC) in the region. This is 26 percent higher than the PhP65.926 billion worth of proposals approved for implementation in 2015.
Budget allocation was highest for the Social Sector (47%) followed by Infrastructure (46%); Economy (5.0%); and the Macro Sector (2%).
RDC X Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo led the Council’s review and endorsement of the proposed budgets. Mayor Nelieta Noval, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee (SDC) asked the Body’s endorsement of the Social Development Sector’s requirement of PhP 39.019 billion for the following agencies: CHED, DepED, DOH, DSWD, NCIP, NHA, TESDA, BSU, CMU, CPSC, NMSC, MOSCAT, MUST, MSU-IIT, and MSU-Naawan.
Dr. Modesto Babaylan, Co-Chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee, requested the endorsement of the PhP38.468 billion requirement of the Infrastructure and Utilities Sector agencies such as the DPWH, LTFRB, LTO, MARINA, NIA, and NTC. Ms. Emma Nieva, Co-Chair of the Economic Development Committee, on the other hand, sought support for the PhP4.309 billion requirement of the Economic Development sector such as the DA, BFAR, DAR, DENR, EMB, MGB, DOT, DTI, and DOST. Meanwhile, the Macro Sector’s requirement of PhP1.393billion for DOLE and DILG was presented by Director Rene Burdeos, Vice-Chair of the Macro and Development Administration Committee.
Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. of the NEDA Regional Office (NRO X), assured the Body that the agencies and SUCs proposed budgets have passed technical review by the sector committees on March 10 to ensure that the proposed programs and projects are consistent with the President’s Social Contract, the region’s priorities and the sectoral outcomes indicated in the Regional Development Plan and Investment Program for 2013-2016. The proposed budgets for 2016 of the RLAs and SUCs will be endorsed to their respective agency central offices. The proposals will also be presented to the RDC X Advisory Committee (RAC) on March 23 for support.
Also endorsed were the Rehabilitation of Pulangui IV Hydro Electric Power Reservoir-Phase II (Selective Dredging); Philippine Ports Authority’s Port Development Projects; Complementary Food Technologies-Solution to Malnutrition; and Tangub City’s Eco-Tourism Development Project.
The following matters were also discussed: (a) the formulation of the Mindanao Development Corridors presented by Honorable Luwalhati R. Antonino, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA); (b) holding of the Pasundayag Northern Mindanao on May 11-17 in Angeles City, Pampanga; (c) continuous adoption of Industry Cluster Approach for MSME Development; and (d) list of assistance needed by the RDC-private sector representatives (PSR) from the local government units and regional line agencies in the conduct of the 6th RDC-PSR National Convention that will be hosted by RDC-X on October 14-16.
