Ramos-era development body abolished

Malacañang has ordered the abolition of a Ramos-era body tasked to spur development in parts of Camarines Sur, citing its failure to address poverty in the areas it covered.

The abolition of the Partido Development Administration (PDA) is contained in Memorandum Circular 29 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last Sept. 25.

The PDA was formed during the presidency of Fidel Ramos in 1994 pursuant to Republic Act 7820 as amended by RA 8989.

The body was tasked to accelerate development in the towns of Sagnay, Tigaon, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Presentacion, Garchitorena and Caramoan, areas under the 4th district of the province.

“Despite the operation of the PDA for almost 20 years, the 4th district of Camarines Sur has the highest poverty incidence level compared to other districts of the province and has a higher poverty incidence compared to the average for the entire Bicol region,” the memorandum read.

Medialdea said the PDA and its operating units have also been consistently operating at a loss for several years, requiring the national government to provide subsidies.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur has issued a resolution urging President Duterte and the Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) to immediately abolish the PDA, citing its failure to serve its purpose.