| Gov
LRay bags 2nd term RDC Chairmanship, calls for united leadership
THE
OVERWHELMING show of support by the general membership of
the Bicol Region’s Regional Development Council (RDC-Bicol)
for Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr.,
assured him of another term in the post as incumbent Chair
of the Council.
The RDC Full Council Meeting was held recently at the NEDA
Regional Office V in Legaspi City presided over by NEDA Regional
Director Romeo Escandor. The election for the RDC Chairmanship
and Co-Chairmanship both for both government and private sector
representatives, as well as for the chairmanships for the
four committees created for the RDC development structure,
generally went along successfully, except for the supposed
withdrawal of Governor Joey Salceda of Albay after having
felt that he will be outmanuevered by the overwhelming number
of votes favoring Gov. LRay Villafuerte as Chairman of RDC
and the former to Co-Chairman instead.
Right before this, incumbent chairman Villafuerte was nominated
by no less than Masbate Governor Elisa Kho and seconded by
Camarines Norte Governor Jesus Typoco that triggered the hesitation
for the Albay Governor, who was also nominated for the Chairmanship
position, to agree on with the proposed electoral ballot-counting
being pushed by the CamSur governor to reflect the real sentiments
and choice of the general membership as to who among the two
nominated governors shall hold leadership of the council.
To
resolve, the general membership decided, through the division
of the house by viva voce, to put into the ballot their real
choice as Chairman of the Council. As expected, over 90% of
the body voted in favor of Governor Villafuerte who garnered
an overwhelming 38 votes compared to the Albay Governor who
was left away with only 6 votes.
Results of the elections shall be presented to President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo revealing the tally of votes in favor of
Gov. Villafuerte. The CamSur Governor explained that in keeping
with the usual procedure that the RDC applies during elections,
a vote is necessary in order to determine the choice of the
body before it is finally submitted for PGMA’s appointment
as to who shall head the Council.
Following the result, the RDC Chairman also articulated his
gratitude for the cooperation the council has consistently
accorded him as he pledged to renew his commitment of service
in advancing the development agenda of the region.
“I am extremely grateful for the support the council
has given me.” He said, “the 90% vote I garnered
indicated an overwhelming support and confidence in my performance
as the council’s chairman largely because of the accomplishments
I made during my incumbency, and this I really intend to continue.”
The
Regional Development Council, a special body tasked to push
for the development programs and projects in all regions nationwide,
works together with the NEDA in drafting blueprints for the
regional development across the country that shall guarantee
to keep the economy of the regions, particularly in the Bicol
Region, towards the growth track.
The Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP), a Bicol
Development blueprint that covers the term plan from 2004
to 2010 is currently being updated by the NEDA, the technical
secretariat of RDC.
The Development framework of the plan takes into consideration
the rehabilitation efforts for typhoon damages, creation of
a super region as tourism center, and the 8 by 8 key areas
for action by the national government - job creation, better
cost of living, strong peso, more investments, pro-poor education/pro
poor health care, housing/ food security, green Philippines
and anti-terrorism.
The governor was a picture of exuberance and enthusiasm as
he expressed optimism over the emerging growth opportunities
that abound in the region. As a parting shot, he called on
the local leaders to create a united front in pursuing the
challenges of progress, and enjoined the Council in upholding
his advocacy for Bicol to carry the torch and lead the way
towards the vision he aptly proclaims “Bicol in Beacon”.
KayleeSanJose/TrebbzGomez
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