PDC approves P457M development projects
THE Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Negros Occidental has approved the proposed development programs and projects for funding under the 2019 20 percent Provincial Development Fund (PDF) worth P457,300,000 during the PDC regular meeting held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, Tuesday.
The meeting was presided by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and was attended by the council members that include the city and municipal mayors, non-government organizations, national government agencies, city and municipal planning coordinators, and Capitol department and office heads.
The proposed projects include the establishment of Negros First Global Institute worth P135 million, construction of Hinoba-an seaport worth P70 million, additional fund for the transfer of Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI) with P15 million, establishment of Cold Chains with P80 million, establishment of slaughterhouse for cattle, carabao and large ruminants with P40 million, construction of NFA Rice Trading Operation Center with P50 million, establishment of Integrated Laboratory with P24 million, and on-farm mechanization (support to Operation of Negros Rice Processing Center) at P43,300,000.
The council has also approved the proposed programs and projects for funding by the Provincial Government worth P434,518,506.50 upon the availability of funds.
Marañon said that the primary aim of the provincial government is the diversification of the province’s economy from a monocrop sugarcane industry to other industries such as swine, poultry, and IT/BPO, among others, which are answers to the problem on poverty.
He also said that NOCHP, which is the health program flagship of the province, has been successful in its implementation with 1.2 million members presently enrolled.
The governor also said that the scholarship program of the province has been helping more students, and the Negros Occidental Language and IT Center has been providing more employment opportunities to skilled workers while mechanization of the sugar and rice industries in the province is starting to benefit more farmers.
The council has also unanimously approved the Declaration of Support to a proposed provincial ordinance declaring the entire Negros Occidental as coal-free, clean energy and environmentally-friendly province.
All approved agenda will also be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal presented to the council an update on the Comprehensive Development Plan Formulation and Review.
The council has also approved to support the implementation of Marina Circular No. 2016-02 that states the revised rules on the phase-out of wooden-hulled ships carrying passengers in domestic shipping in Western Visayas.
The program aims to enhance passenger safety and encourages the use of modern ship design and technologically improved alternative hulled materials which are safe, resilient and environment-friendly.
Also present in the meeting were Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr. and Acting Provincial Administrator Lucille Gelvolea, and others./pr