Written and Photos by: P. Amantiad

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX participated in the 187th Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Full Council Meeting held on June 5, 2025, at Skyview, Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.

As Chair of the Development Administration Committee (DevAdCom), DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil presented key outcomes from the committee’s May 14, 2025, meeting. His presentation centered on strengthening local governance and advancing efforts to reduce poverty across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Among the highlights was the Capacity Development (CapDev) Profile of the region, which assessed the competency and institutional needs of local government units (LGUs). The CapDev Profile serves as a guide for targeted interventions to help LGUs improve service delivery and implement development programs more effectively.

Other critical discussions included improving local government planning and fiscal management, promoting participatory governance, and addressing systemic issues that hinder poverty alleviation efforts in the region.

The RDC meeting also tackled the salient provisions of Executive Order No. 82, which reconstitutes the regional development councils (RDCs) to accelerate socio-economic development in all regions.

Through its active participation, DILG IX reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance mechanisms and supporting collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes for the region.