The Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC2) commemorated its founding anniversary with the conduct of series of activities, celebrating its vital role in socio-economic development and marking its 53rd year of unrelenting commitment and service in the region. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev2) spearheaded the observance of the RDC Week from September 22 to 26.

The celebration kicked off with the conduct of the “Tipon-Tipan sa PIA” featuring the reorganization of the RDC, its processes on budget and program and project endorsements, the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan (CVRDP) 2023-2028 Midterm-Update, and current undertakings of the RDC sectoral committees.

DEPDev2, as the Secretariat of the RDC2, facilitated the action planning among its newly-elected Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) on 23 September in Tuguegarao City. Other activities include PSRs briefing on their roles and functions, committee designations, and commitment setting for the next three years. During the action planning activity, the PSRs were tasked to identify two flagship projects or banner activities that they will implement or conduct during their term. This will ensure a proactive participation in fulfilling their roles in the RDC and the sector they represent. The Action Plan will be presented in their respective sectoral committees for discussion, and if necessary, will be elevated to the RDC.

The RDC 2 also conducted the Annual Planners Convention on 24 September. The event equipped the RDC members and local planners from the local government units on the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan (CVRDP) 2023-2028 Midterm Update, Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP). A total of 91 participants attended the activity.

The week-long celebration culminated with the conduct of a Youth Forum cum RDC Quiz Bee spearheaded by the DEPDev on 25 September in Tuguegarao City. This brought together 288 students all over the region. The topics discussed focused on the CVRDP 2023-2028 Midterm Update, Philippine Youth Development Plan 2023-2028, and several government programs for the youth shared by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The activity aims to encourage the youth’s participation and involvement in Plan implementation, and provide a platform to hear their voices and sentiments.

The RDC Quiz Bee also served as an avenue for students to increase their awareness of the RDC, the Republic Act 12145 or the reorganization of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and the country’s long-term vision, the Ambisyon Natin 2040. Ms. Joana Mae S. Turingan from the Cagayan State University prevailed as the Champion of the RDC Quiz Bee. Ms. Karla Lourdes B. Articulo and Ms. Rosiel Pauline C. Callueng, both from the Saint Paul University Philippines, bagged the second and third place, respectively.

Moreover, the DTI’s Bamboo month celebration and the 𝑃𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑎 𝐿𝑖𝑚𝑎 Trade Fair was also highlighted as part of the RDC week celebration.

Simultaneous advocacy efforts and press releases on the development initiatives of the RDC2 were conducted and complemented by postings on the official social media accounts of DEPDev2 and RDC2 and media plug in radio programs through PIA2, and RDC2 website.

The adopted theme for this year’s RDC Week Celebration is “Accelerating Socio-Economic Development in all Regions, Strengthening Regional Development Councils.” #𝐷𝐸𝑃𝐷𝑒𝑣-𝐷𝑅𝐶𝐴𝐷