The Regional Development Council in the region (RDC-1) prepares for the Medium Term Regional Development Plan for 2011-2015 through a series of pre-planning activities for the next three months (May to July), which will include the following: a) research utilization fora for poverty reduction related studies, b) conduct of focused group discussions (FGD), and c) vision validation workshop.  

The research utilization fora was conducted last May 6, 2010, which was participated by the member agencies of the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG).  Results of a number of researches were presented and utilized as references in the workshop.  The fora resulted in the formulation of a set of guidelines to ensure the full integration of poverty reduction agenda in the Successor MTRDP.  The guidelines revolve around three major areas, namely: 1) Organization and Management, 2) Convergence Strategies, and 3) Major Programs and Projects.

The validation of the Development Vision and Key Trends and Projections was undertaken last May 18, 2010 with select member agencies of the RDC-1.  This activity validated the key trends and projections of key socio-economic indicators as input to the Successor MTRDP.  It also elaborated and validated the Development Vision contained in the Regional Development Agenda (RDA), CY 2010-2020 as the directional guide in the preparation of the successor plan.  

The FGDs will likewise take-off from the RDA, CY 2010-2020, which was primarily crafted by NEDA as the road map for the region’s development in the next ten years.  The RDA have five development thrusts or themes, namely: 1) More Vibrant Agribusiness, 2) More Competitive Trade, Industry and Tourism, 3) More Inclusive Growth, 4) Sustainably-Managed Environment, and 5) Knowledge and Technology-Driven Development.  

The desired outputs of all of these activities are the following: 1) validated vision, growth drivers, challenges and opportunities in the RDA, 2) generated additional inputs from stakeholders, and 3) identified policy gaps and issues that can be the subject of policy research in aid of planning. (rta)