NEDA: P8.3 trillion fund allotted for CL in 6 yrs

CLARK FREEPORT National Economic and Development Authority Region III (NEDA-3) Director Severino Santos announced the other day that a total of P8.3 trillion has been allotted for Central Luzon in the next six years based on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP)

during the Central Luzon Bloc (CLB) conference with agency regional officers held here.

It was learned that the PDP is the first of four development plans crafted until 2040 and coincides with the term of the President and contains the advancement priorities for the said coming years.

The NEDA director said the framework of the development plan is based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s 0+ 10 Point Socio Economic Agenda and the Sustainable Economic Agenda with the 2040 long term vision.

Santos also mentioned that through the aid of various national agencies, the funds will be utilized for regional development plans such as lifting the quality of agriculture and fishery, convergence programs that aim to construct and maintain roadways and universal health care programs.

CLB President and Bulacan Fourth District Representative Linabelle Ruth Villarica acknowledged former President and now Pampanga Second District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for initiating the conference to surface possible “impact projects” in each province of the region.

“This is a good venue for us to look at the challenges and problems of the region and to initiate interventions to address these challenges,” Villarica added.

Budgetary strategies and procedures were also discussed by Department of Budget and Management Assistant Regional Director Rosalie Abesamis, highlighting the 2018 budget preparation guidelines for high priority proposals and for expansion of existing programs.

— Ma. Reina Len Luna/ Pampanga PIO