(Davao City, 22 February 2023). NEDA Davao Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim, CESO II presented the highlights of the DRDP, 2023-2028 and priority policy areas during the Kapihan sa PIA XI on February 17, 2023 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza, Davao City. The Kapihan was also participated in by personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao, and partners from the local media.
In her opening message, RD Lim shared that the DRDP, 2023-2028 was approved by the Regional Development Council XI during its 4th quarter meeting on December 13, 2022, through Resolution No. 139, s. 2022.
RD Lim emphasized that the DRDP, 2023-2028 Strategy Framework is anchored on the long-term vision or Ambisyon Natin 2040 of “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat.” She added that the DRDP aims to reinvigorate job creation and hasten poverty reduction by steering the Region’s economy back to its high growth trajectory, and maintaining national position as among the five fastest growing regional economies in the country.
Director Lim presented the spatial and development frameworks, and the outcomes and strategies for the following sectors as contained in the Plan: economic and production, infrastructure, social and human development, and enabling the environment. She said that for the period 2023-2028, Davao Region shall continue to implement its main spatial development strategy that involves the expansion of Metropolitan Davao into a Comprehensive Outcomes for Rural Empowerment (C.O.R.E.) Growth Triangle that focuses on the growth centers along the Davao Gulf and Metropolitan Davao.
Director Lim also highlighted a strategy unique to the Region which is to transform Davao Region as an international logistics hub for Southern Philippines focused on harnessing the potentials and opportunities of the Davao Gulf.
During the open forum, Lim entertained questions from the media partners and those raised by the public in the PIA XI FB live streaming which covered topics on the status of some major infrastructure projects in Davao Region and the constitution of the Davao International Airport Authority Board; status of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority; and efforts to promote creative industries in Davao Region.
In closing, the NEDA Davao Regional Director underscored the responsibility of the Regional Development Council XI in the effective implementation of the Plan, to coordinate and solicit the active participation of its members and partners from the national line agencies, local government units, and the private sector to implement the planned strategies and Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs), including the priority legislative and research agenda to attain the desired economic transformation for the current planning period.
The call for active participation of the media partners was expressed by RD Lim to help advocate and implement the Plan over the next six years and to achieve the medium-term vision to accelerate Davao Region’s transformation as a more progressive, broad-based and strong Region.