The City of Zamboanga through the Regional Development Council (RDC) Zamboanga Peninsula Region chaired by Mayor John Dalipe is currently hosting the 15th RDC-Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSRs) National Convention from April 23 to 25 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Anchored on the theme “GIVE for a stronger Philippines: Greening the Economy, Inspiring Innovation, Vitalizing Vibrant Spaces, and Ensuring Transformative Development through Private Sector-Government Collaboration,” the three-day event is being attended by RDC-PSRs from all over the country, including for the first time the Bangsamoro Region.

Mayor Dalipe formally welcomed the delegates during the convention proper on Wednesday, April 24, with NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos as keynote speaker. In his welcome remarks, Dalipe underscored social and economic transformation consistent with the goal of the Philippine Development Plan.

He said the word GIVE serves as a call to action, enjoining each participant to offer and contribute time, knowledge and resources towards nation building and improving the lives of fellow Filipinos.

For his part, Usec. Santos stressed that this year’s theme embodies the call for PSRs’s commitment to a holistic economic and social transformation, intertwining green economy, innovation, and vitalization of vibrant spaces.

He said the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 highlights the strategic growth of the private sector in research and development, and technology in pursuit of economic and social transformation.

The convention focuses on key areas for creating solutions to further vitalize the economy through greater collaboration and cooperation with the private sector.

Furthermore, Santos acknowledged the support and contributions of the PSRs in reinvigorating job creation and addressing poverty even as he also emphasized the importance of RDCs in steering the economic and social transformation of the regions across the country.

Also present as resource speakers were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Architect-Urban Planner Felino A. Palafox Jr., Maharlika Investment Corp. President and CEO Rafael Jose D. Consing Jr., and NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon, among other guests.—(Vic Larato)