The Regional Development Council (RDC)-1 conducted the Priority Legislative Agenda Briefing at the Capitol Auditorium, Capitol Building, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on February 16, 2024. The activity aims to brief the RDC-1 members on the enacted and pending bills at the 19th Congress of the Philippines focusing on bills relevant to the development thrusts of Region 1.
RDC-1 Chair Governor Manotoc urged the attendees to actively participate in the discussions to ensure that the concerns of the region along the various dimensions of development are taken in the review of legislative measures.
Meanwhile, NEDA Regional Director Stephanie F. Christiansen emphasized that the bills are aligned and consistent with the legislative agenda considered in the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 of Region 1. She also said that the undertaking is timely and relevant as the bills have impact on the region’s development and would immensely contribute to the achievement of the region’s vision of a REsilient, All-Inclusive, Competitive and Healthy Region 1.
The legislative measures discussed include: 1) Revitalizing the Salt Industry; 2) Regional Specialty Hospitals; 3) Automatic Income Classification of LGUs; 4) Creation of Department of Water; 5) Open Access in Data Transmission; 6) Right-of-Way Amendments; and, 7) Real Property Valuation Assessment Reforms.
Attorney Rae M. Reposar and Atty. Rica Rae C. Gamboa from Office of the Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, NEDA Central Office, presented the salient features of the seven legislative measures. The participants provided their inputs on the legislative measures which will be discussed thoroughly in the various RDC Sectoral Committees.
In his closing message, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Mayor and League of Municipalities – Ilocos Norte Chapter President Joefrey Saguid underscored the importance of linking and aligning the legislative priorities at the national, regional and local levels so that the real development needs on the ground are addressed to foster a unified and coherent policy direction.
The briefing was hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. Representatives from the regional line agencies, local government units, and the private sector participated in the briefing.
(Source: NEDA Regional Office 1 – Ilocos Facebook page)