Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario, the newly-appointed chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-XI, said he will focus on increasing the budget to fund the priority projects in the Davao region.
“We will push for bigger budget. It is important for us to really ensure that all our priority projects in the region are adequately funded,” the governor said.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in a letter signed February 21, 2017, declared the appointment of del Rosario for the term of three years starting 2016 until 2019.
Grateful for the confidence given him by the president, the new RDC-XI chair vowed to fulfill his mandate to secure Davao Region’s lead role in national development, with greater emphasis on attaining sustainable development and engendering a more empowered and more resilient Dabawenyos.
The former decorated lawmaker set his sights on priority projects that are aligned with Pthe socio-economic agenda of the president, particularly in strengthening the connectivity of the region.
He batted for the implementation of some big-ticket infrastructure projects included in the Regional Deveploment Plan, which aim to turn the economy of the region around.
These include the urban mass transport for Metro Davao, Panabo City, Tagum City, Digos City and Sta. Cruz; Bypass Road Project from Toril, Davao City to Tagum City; the Davao-Samal Bridge; Davao City Coastal Road Project and the food terminal in Toril.
The official is also very much optimistic about the construction of the Mindanao Railway System, which is identified as among the priority projects of the Duterte administration.
He asked the government to start the first phase of the project in the Davao Region.
“We are hopeful that these projects will be funded within the term of President Duterte,” he said.
Del Rosario assured the continued prominence of Davao City in the advancement of the region, since the home city of President Duterte keeps its big role as the regional hub and important gateway to Southern Philippines.
RDC-XI, which is composed of the local government units, regional line agencies and the private sector, is the highest policy-making body and primary institution that sets the direction of all the economic and social development efforts in Davao Region.
Presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte, who served as chairperson of the RDC-XI for the period 2010-2013, became the first lady chair of the Council and the first to be appointed from the government sector since the reorganization of the RDC XI in 1986.
