ALABEL, Sarangani (March 16, 2023) – Various government agencies, the business sector, civil society, and sectoral groups manifested on March 13 their collective commitment to support Sarangani’s development thrusts and priorities.

This happened during the public hearing and consultation on the province’s draft Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA)-enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2023-2034 held as mandated by Memorandum Circular 2021-009 of the Department of Housing, Settlements and Urban Development.

The plan, as Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao cited, is consistent with his administration’s thrust towards “a more transparent, accountable, and people-centered governance.”

He said this will “strengthen the climate and disaster risk readiness” of the province while the land use framework and sectoral development plan is expected to “accelerate the growth of our local economy, as means to combat poverty and promote human development.”

The proposed CDRA-enhanced PDPFP, according to Board Member Evelyn Alegario, is the primary input in the preparation of public investment programs, budgeting, and policy development to ensure a “resilient, dynamic, and progressive Sarangani.” Alegario chairs the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Zoning, Land Use, and Housing.

In the spatial framework, Sarangani is positioned as the front door of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, or BIMP-EAGA.

With this significant location and with the natural resources, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr.  Alain Alcala believed, these “will make the province as an important economic player in the years to come.”

In the public hearing, Board Member Joseph Calanao recognized the acceptance of the stakeholders on the draft PDPFP which, he deemed important in directing the provincial government on efforts to remove Sarangani from the list of poorest provinces in the country. Calanao chairs the SP Committee on Disaster and Climate Change Adaptation.

In terms of jurisdiction, Board Member Ephraim Galzote said that since the provincial government does not have a specific land area of jurisdiction as it is owned by the municipalities, “the Province of Sarangani is then trying to craft a comprehensive plan para sa pito ka municipyo aron ang probinsya adunay basehan kung unsa man ang iyang angay nga suportahan alang sa paghatag og pondo alang sa mga programa sa gobyerno.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, Engr. Gerald Faciol, conveyed the full support of the congressman and expressed hopes for the plan to be finally approved during the administration of Governor Pacquiao.

“Mao g’yud ni ang atong bibliya alang sa atong mga pangandoy sa kalamboan and to address the issue on poverty,” Faciol said.

Alcala explained, they began crafting the plan way back in Solon’s term as governor. However, Covid restrictions deferred the process as they could not conduct workshops and public hearings which are requirements for the approval of the CDRA-enhanced PDPFP.

Alcala said the plan will soon be subjected to another consultation in the Regional Land Use Committee then “finally to the National Land Use Committee.”

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), represented by Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Romel Patrick Tanghal, committed to facilitate the process for the approval of the CDRA-enhanced PDPFP.

NEDA is the oversight agency which also provides direction of the spatial framework of the plan. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)