Published on: June 29, 2023 | Written By: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon
Isabela City, Basilan – The Joint Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IX and Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Meeting took place on June 23, 2023, at the Kasinahan Hotel in Isabela City, Province of Basilan. The primary objective of this meeting was to tackle the peace and order situation in the region and engage in discussions regarding the development needs for the second quarter. Notable attendees from the RPOC-IX and RDC-IX consist of LCEs and Representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs), Uniformed Personnel from the Army and Police, Regional Line Agencies’ Heads, and Private Sector Representatives.
Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer of the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the RPOC-IX Chairperson, and Mayor John M. Dalipe of Zamboanga City, the RDC IX Chairperson, jointly presided the discussions aimed at achieving inclusive peace and sustainable development in Zamboanga Peninsula and the City of Isabela.
Governor Hofer shared her vision of transforming the region from a place plagued by extremism into a safe and thriving tourist destination. Mayor John M. Dalipe, expressing gratitude to the members for their attendance, encouraged them to draw inspiration from Philippine heroes as they work towards sustainable and inclusive development in Zamboanga Peninsula.The meeting aimed to foster a greater sense of community between the government and the private sector and empower the participants to pursue these goals with renewed determination.
The meeting commenced with a sequence of innovative presentations, which were followed by thorough discussions and careful deliberations. RPOC IX focused on addressing diverse concerns pertaining to peace and order. Major Alexander Palacio of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division provided updates on the ongoing anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaigns. Police Colonel Ricky Delelis from PNP-PRO IX presented updates on peace, order, and public safety in the region, while IA III Aldous Restor of PDEA IX shared the current status of anti-illegal drug operations. RD Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III of DILG IX, delivered a presentation on the 2023 Support to Barangay Development Program.
The RDC IX centered its attention on advancing the regional development agenda, wherein presentations were delivered by notable individuals. Susan C. Valerio, Secretary of the Development Administration Committee (DevAdCom) IX, presented the 2022 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Report. Ardi Abril T. Layugue, Secretary of the Economic Development Committee (EDCom) IX, shared insights on the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Investment Program spanning from 2023 to 2028. Additionally, various committees, including the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC), Infrastructure Development Committee (InfraCom), Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), Regional Population and Development Coordinating Committee (RPDCC), Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), Special Regional Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SRC-SDGs), and Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC), contributed in-depth reports pertaining to their respective areas of focus.
