Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) converged for RDC 6 orientation
Private sector representatives coming from the different sectors and provinces of Western Visayas gathered for an orientation on the mandate and functions of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the role and responsibilities of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 6 on June 8, 2010 at the Jalaur Conference Room, NEDA Building, Iloilo City. The orientation was also held to inform PSRs on the accreditation process necessary for joining the RDC and its sectoral committees as members.
Dubbed as the “primus interpares”, or first among equals, the RDC is the highest policy-making body of the region and is equivalent to the NEDA Board at the national level. The orientation is a prelude to the upcoming PSR convention on July 15, 2010 that would select PSR nominees to the Council. Executive Order 325, entitled “Reorganization of the Regional Development Council”, provides that 25 percent of the membership of the RDC will come from the private sector. Wilfredo Homicillada, Co-Chair of the RDC and a PSR representative himself, pointed out in his welcome remarks that there will be new ranks of PSRs joining the RDC who will be as supportive to the development thrust of the region.
The RDC, in preparation for the assumption of the new administration, is set to reorganize and elect nominees for the new Chair and Co-Chair to be appointed by the new President, tentatively on July 23, 2010. Meanwhile, the last RDC meeting for the present set of members headed by its outgoing chair, Antique Governor Sally Perez, will be on June 18, 2010 at the One MgM Hotel in Boracay Island.
“The RDC is the primary institution which coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region,” NEDA 6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal stressed. “This is an opportunity for the PSRs to know and participate on what the government is doing in the region”, she added. Bacal encouraged the private sectors to share their rich experience in their respective fields with the RDC to resolve regional development issues and make Western Visayas a place attractive to investors.
The functions, structure and the on-going programs of the sectoral committees of the RDC were also discussed by their respective technical coordinators. They are the following: Development Administration, Economic Development, Infrastructure Development and Social Development, as well as, the special committees of the RDC on Regional Land Use, Regional Project Monitoring, Regional KALAHI Convergence Group, Regional Statistics and the Regional Gender and Development.
To be accredited, the PSR must be an active member of any of the following private sector organizations (PSOs) which are: non-profit and voluntary organizations, business groups, cooperatives and professional organizations and civic clubs. He/she must have a legal personality and must at least have three years track record in socio-economic development work.
The deadline set for the submission of applications for accreditation of the PSRs is on June 25, 2010. The application will then be evaluated and validated by the RDC VI Secretariat. (Cynthia C. Lumampao, NEDA 6)
