State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
April 30, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened with the Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairpersons to discuss the proposed amendments on Executive Order (E.O.) No. 325 of 1996 and the RDC Priority Programs and Projects (PAPs) in a meeting at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos presented the proposed amendments to E.O. No. 325 of 1996 which aims to enhance the influence of local government units (LGUs) in local investments and bolster the RDC’s collaboration with the national government. These amendments include updates on membership, additional RDC functions, improved regional investment programming and budgeting, and Presidential appointments for the RDC Chairperson and Co-Chairperson, among other significant improvements.

Regarding the RDC’s Priority Programs and Projects (PAPs), the Regional Chairpersons discussed their project proposals for their respective areas, aiming to obtain the President’s endorsement and the support of all relevant agencies, to incorporate RDC’s initiatives into the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 or FY 2026 budget.

In response, President Marcos Jr. affirmed that several proposed projects have already been consolidated by the concerned departments. These include road improvements, agricultural development, infrastructure, transportation enhancements, hospital construction and connectivity, among others.

Furthermore, he underscored the significance of collaboration between NEDA and RDC in effectively overseeing top priority projects, as it is a crucial requirement.

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