Agusan Sur stakeholders seek economic stability, social transformation initiatives
By
Jennifer Gaitano
The RDP
is seen to transform Caraga region towards prosperity, inclusivity, and
resilience and is anchored on a strategy dubbed i2FAME. i2 stands for
industrialization and innovation, while FAME represents the fishery,
agroforestry, mining, and ecotourism sectors in the region.
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| The provincial government of Agusan del Sur, led by Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr., hosted the second provincial caravan of Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 at the D.O. Plaza Government Covered Court in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Photo by PIA-Agusan del Sur. |
As host
of the second provincial caravan of Caraga RDP 2023-2028, at the D.O. Plaza government
covered court in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr.
warmly welcomed all the participating sectors and appealed that everyone unite
for the attainment of the plan.
"This
RDP will only succeed if all of us will cooperate. Everyone should take part
from the planning stage until its implementation from 2023 to 2028. With the
formulation of this RDP, it is hoped that this will have a great impact on the
lives of the Caraganons," he said.
It can be
recalled that the first leg was hosted by the provincial government of Agusan
del Norte and held in Butuan City.
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| Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. assured the different stakeholders in the province that the provincial government will do its best to contribute to the realization of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 in support of the Regional Development Council (RDC). Photo by PIA-Agusan del Sur. |
Cane also expressed appreciation to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga for being the secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC), especially headed by a Caraganon herself, OIC Regional Director Gemima Olam.
“We are
very fortunate that the head of office of NEDA Caraga is from Caraga region,
and with this, we are assured that we will have more engagements and
innovations for the benefit of not only the Agsurnons but also the Caraganons
in general,” added Cane.
The
governor further highlighted that the administration of President Ferdinand R.
Marcos, Jr. has been true to its commitment to help uplift the lives of the
Filipino people, leaving no one behind, by continuously creating significant
programs that will directly address the concerns of the different sectors,
especially the marginalized.
"Since
the onset of the current administration, President Marcos, Jr., laid down his
8-point agenda, and consistent with his directive, the Caraga Regional
Development Plan (RDP) was formulated covering five years from 2023 to 2028,
which is expected to elevate the lives and economy of Caraga," he said.
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| Alongside the conduct of the second leg of the provincial caravan of Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 was the exhibition of the locally-made products in the province of Agusan del Sur, as well as the Science and Technology and Innovations of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), among others. Photos by PIA-Agusan del Sur. |
During this event, Cane also took the chance to visit the different booths installed inside the venue that showcased their local products and machinery and urged the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue to innovate, expand, and gear up efforts in theirpartnership with other sectors.
He also
promoted the wooden spoon and fork as one of the new locally produced materials
inthe province.
"This
innovation will help us remove the use of single-use plastic, including the
usual plastic spoon and fork used during events. It is promising to the economy
of the province because we are surrounded with Falcata trees as the raw
material of this product. We can promote it not only locally but also
internationally," he said.
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| The wooden spoon and fork product by one of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Agusan del Sur was highlighted during the provincial caravan of Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 by the Regional Development Council (RDC). The provincial government that served as host of the provincial caravan emphasized the use of wooden products during gatherings and events instead of single-use plastics. Photo by PIA-Agusan del Sur. |
OIC
Regional Director Gemima Olam of NEDA Caraga, reiterated the significance of
the Caraga RDP 2023-2028, stating, "The RDP 2023-2028 contributes to
the attainment of the country’s long-term vision of a 'Matatag, Maginhawa, at
Panatag na Buhay Para sa Lahat.”
“The plan
establishes the foundation to sustain economic transformation, recovery, and
creating quality jobs at the regional level. Consistent with the PDP 2023-2028,
the strategies under the Caraga RDP are grounded on the President’s 8-Point
Socioeconomic Agenda focused on addressing immediate, on-the-ground concerns
such as high inflation, scarring due to COVID-19, and tight fiscal space;
resolving long-standing, critical constraints to generating more jobs, quality
jobs, and green jobs over the medium-term; and providing the necessary enabling
environment characterized by robust macroeconomic fundamentals,
disaster-resilient infrastructure, inclusive financial system, and lasting
peace and security," Olam said.
"Each
one of us has a role to play; therefore, I call everyone to join hands and
commit ourselves to the realization of the Caraga Regional Development Plan
2023-2028. It is our collective plan for the people and by the people. Let us
remain passionate, proactive, and resilient in advancing our goals for all the
Caraganons. Let us act now, because together, we can," she added.
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| The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Agusan del Sur Information Center, together with the Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO)-Agusan del Sur, facilitated an interview with Vice Governor Samuel Tortor and Regional Director Gemima Olam of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga during the second Provincial Caravan of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 hosted by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur. Other members of the local media also joined on interview. Photo by PIA-Agusan del Sur. |
While
representing the academic sector, Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, president of Agusan
del Sur State College of Agriculture (ASSCAT), gave emphasis in her speech that
the province of Agusan del Sur is a promising venue for industrialized and
innovative fisheries, agroforestry mining, and eco-tourism, which she vowed
that their institution will engage in and promote.
"As
part of the academe sector, we are committed to molding the young generation to
participate in the realization of this Regional Development Plan," she
said.
It was also learned that the next series of Caraga RDP caravans are scheduled forApril 16 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, and April 19 in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands. (JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
