Regional Development Council IX

𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐈𝐗 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬

Various national government agencies actively participated in the disposal of unserviceable government records from September 22 to 26, 2025. The activity was part of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Week Celebration. It was carried out in close partnership with the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), the agency responsible for safeguarding and regulating the management and disposal of government records.
The participating agencies included the: (a) National Meat Inspection Service IX; (b) Commission on Audit (COA) of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; (c) Philippine National Police Western Mindanao Command; (d) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Engineering Office; (e) Office of Civil Defense IX; (f) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency IX; (g) Professional Regulation Commission IX; and (h) Department of Economy, Planning, and Development IX.
Over the course of five days, the participating agencies collectively disposed of an estimated 180 cubic meters of unserviceable records. The activity was facilitated by Mr. Omar Mohktar M. Umag, Archivist 1 of the NAP, which was duly witnessed by an official representative from COA for each participating agency to ensure accountability and compliance. The unserviceable government records were disposed of through burying or landfill in accordance with Republic Act No. 9470 (National Archives of the Philippines Act of 2007), its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), related NAP circulars, and COA rules.
The successful conduct of the activity showcased the value of inter-agency cooperation. It reaffirmed RDC IX’s commitment to fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public service.

𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐈𝐗 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

The Regional Development Council IX (RDC IX), through its Secretariat, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) IX, successfully conducted the Development Planning and Research Forum on September 26, 2025, via Zoom Video Conference. The activity was part of the RDC IX Week Celebration, observed from September 22 to 26, 2025, under the theme “RDC IX @ Work: Strengthening Capacities, Sustaining Progress.” The forum provided a venue for knowledge sharing and capacity building, and enhancing participants’ understanding of key development processes and the vital role of applying research findings in policy and program formulation.

In her welcome message, RD Maria Felicidad R. Guerrero, OIC–Regional Director of DEPDev IX and Acting Chairperson of RDC IX, highlighted the forum’s importance in promoting evidence-based planning and research within the region.

The forum featured a presentation on the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) Process under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), by Engr. Catrin Rose M. Indo of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples IX. FPIC is a rights-based principle and procedure ensuring Indigenous Peoples' meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lands, territories, resources, and lives. The process involves information disclosure, capacity building, consultations, community deliberation, documentation of decisions, and monitoring.

Additionally, Mr. Dennis R. Marcelino of the Western Mindanao State University presented the Impact Assessment of the DOST–Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) on the Horticulture/Agriculture Sector. The findings revealed that technology adoption led to an 18 percent improvement in product quality, a 15 percent increase in productivity and income, higher labor demand, and reduction in methane gas emissions, water consumption, and tillage practices.

In her closing message, OIC-ARD Karyl Kristal M. Villejo encouraged the stakeholders to carry forward the lessons and insights gained and transform them into actions that will benefit communities and future generations.

The activity gathered more than 100 planning officers and representatives from various agencies and institutions who actively engaged in the open forum and knowledge exchange.

𝐃𝐅𝐀 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐈𝐗 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐬

The Regional Development Council IX successfully conducted a capacity development activity on Basic Diplomatic and Government Protocols on September 25, 2025, at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Regional Office IX, Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City. Over 80 participants from regional line agencies, local government units, and the private sector attended in person and via online. The seminar was one of the activities of the ZamPen RDC Week Celebration, with the theme “RDC IX @ Work: Strengthening Capacities, Sustaining Progress.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Protocol, headed by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda along with two colleagues served as the resource person. The topics covered the (a) History, Principles and Discipline of Protocol, (b) Order of Precedence and Hierarchy, (c) Flag Protocol and Symbolic Observances, (d) Protocol in Practice: Official Engagements and Visits, (e) Advance Work and Protocol Ex*****on, (f) Cultural Sensitivity and Political Dynamics, and (g) Social Graces and Etiquette. The participants were able to apply the knowledge gained in practical scenarios during the simulation exercises.

The activity is expected to enhance the Council's and its members' capacity to perform their mandate with greater diplomacy and professionalism, commensurate with its status as the region's highest policy-making body.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗣𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺
𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲

The 2025 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Council (RDC) Week Celebration emphasized the spirit of volunteerism through a bloodletting drive on September 26, 2025 at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office IX, Pagadian City. In support of the Council’s effort to promote blood donation, community welfare, and life-saving public service, the activity was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Zamboanga del Sur – Pagadian City Chapter and the Department of Health IX.

The bloodletting drive was participated in by the sectoral committee members of RDC IX and the DEPDev IX as its secretariat. This year’s celebration bears the theme, “RDC IX @ Work: Strengthening Capacities, Sustaining Progress.”

The RDC IX secretariat extends its gratitude to all donors and partner agencies who supported the activity. The Council continues to encourage the public and its stakeholders to participate in similar health and civic initiatives that promote the well-being of the people of Zamboanga Peninsula.

🎉𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴! 🛶✨

Join us from 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟮–𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 as RDC IX showcases its commitment to progress and capacity-building across Region IX. From quiz bees and bloodletting drives to forums and training sessions, it's a week of learning, service, and collaboration.

📌Theme: "𝙍𝘿𝘾 𝙄𝙓 @ 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆: 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨"

Let’s celebrate development in action! 💪

𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐈𝐗 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖, 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌

Six Local Chief Executives were endorsed to the Office of the President as official nominees for Chairperson of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Council, namely: Sulu Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer, Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN) Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy, Zamboanga del Sur (ZDS) Governor Divina Grace C. Yu, Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co, and Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso. Meanwhile, Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) Rev. Fr. Enrico V. Montano, Pedro Rufo N. Soliven, Nelly G. Suan, and Steven Wee were endorsed as nominees for Co-Chairperson.

Furthermore, the Philippine Information Agency IX, the National Youth Commission - Zamboanga Area Office, and the 1st Infantry Tabak Division were confirmed as new regular members of the Council. Meanwhile, the Commission on Population and Development IX is to serve as special non-voting member.

Per Executive Order No. 82, series of 2025, the regular members of the fully constituted RDC IX are as follows: Provincial Governors of ZDN, ZDS, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Sulu, Mayors of the Cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian, and Zamboanga, Mayors of the Municipality of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Jolo, Sulu, Presidents of League of Municipalities in ZDN, ZDS, and Zamboanga Sibugay; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas- Zamboanga, Bureau of Local Government Finance IX, Commission on Higher Education IX, Cooperative Development Authority IX, Department of Agrarian Reform IX, Department of Agriculture IX, Department of Budget and Management IX, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development IX, Department of Education IX, Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX, Department of Foreign Affairs IX, Department of Health- Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health and Development, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development IX, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Labor and Employment IX, Department of Migrant Workers IX, Department of Public Works and Highways IX, Department of Science and Technology IX, Department of Social Welfare and Development IX, Department of the Interior and Local Government IX, Department of Tourism IX, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation IX, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples IX, Office of Civil Defense IX, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority IX, and 13 PSRs.

𝐑𝐒𝐃𝐂 𝐈𝐗 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐌𝐏-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐬, 𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐈𝐗 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

The Regional Social Development Committee IX held its third-quarter meeting and reorganization on August 27, 2025, at the Kalikasan Assembly Hall, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development IX Building, Balintawak, Pagadian City, to elect its Chair and Co-Chair for the period 2025-2028. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives from local government units, regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and private sector representatives (PSRs), to strengthen the committee's strategic direction in addressing key social and human development issues in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Mr. Nestor L. Carbonera, PSR for the health sector, was elected as the new Chairperson of the Committee. Meanwhile, Regional Director Jeff Y. Fuentes of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) IX was chosen as the new Co-Chairperson.

The Committee accepted and welcomed the membership of the National Museum of the Philippines-Mindanao National Museums, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos IX for 2025-2028. The inclusion of both agencies in the Committee will forge linkages, strengthen collaboration, and ensure inclusivity by integrating cultural sensitivity into the region’s development plan, projects, and activities.

The Committee also endorsed the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX and the National Youth Commission (NYC) - Zamboanga Area Office as regular members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) X. Both agencies are active and committed members of RSDC IX. PIA IX supports the committee through effective advocacy and public awareness campaigns that promote the programs of RSDC member agencies. Similarly, NYC IX makes significant contributions to the development of youth-focused policies and initiatives.

Furthermore, the Committee endorsed CPD IX as a special non-voting member of RDC IX. The membership of CPD IX in the Council ensures that population and development concerns are consistently integrated and aligned with the region's development priorities.

Lastly, the Committee deliberated and endorsed the social sector chapters of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 Midterm Update, covering health and nutrition, education, housing, labor welfare, and social protection.

𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗔𝗱𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗫 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗖𝗗 𝗜𝗫 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗦𝗥 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗮 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗼-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗗𝗣 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

To ensure continued leadership and coordination in advancing governance and development priorities in Region IX, the Development Administration Committee (DevAdCom) IX selected its new officers for 2025-2028. Atty. Ruel S. Halanes, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense IX, was elected as Chairperson, and Engr. Rolando A. Soliva, Private Sector Representative for Governance and Development Administration, as Co-Chairperson.

The Committee deliberated several agenda items critical to the region’s development, particularly the chapters of the State of the Economy: Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 Midterm Update, which outline strategies and regional development priorities for the advancement of the development administration sector in the region.

The DevAdCom IX also discussed the importance and implications of the Regional Development Council (RDC) II Resolution No. 02-55, series of 2025, which proposed to request the Department of Budget and Management to increase the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) of Government Employees from PHP2,000 to PHP5,000. The Committee recognized the potential impact of the proposal on public servants' welfare and expressed its support, noting that the adjustments could contribute to addressing poverty concerns in the region. DevAdCom IX will also request the Congresspersons of Region IX to support the passage of the relevant house bills related to PERA.

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: 𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗜𝗫-𝗘𝗗𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗥𝗗𝗣, 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴

The Economic Development Committee (EDCom) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX conducted its CY 2025 Third Quarter Regular and Reorganizational Meeting on August 12, 2025, at Cait’s Hall, Chandler Suites, Pagadian City.

Among the main agenda of the meeting was the review of the economic development chapters of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 Midterm Update. The members provided input on the enhancement of the economic development chapters of the plan.

The committee also selected its officials for the term 2025-2028. Following the selection process, EDCom IX chose Rev. Fr. Enrico V. Montano, RDC IX Private Sector Representative for Environment Sector, as the Chairperson, and Regional Director Dara May L. Cataluña of the Department of Tourism IX as the Co-Chairperson. The results of the selection will be confirmed during the upcoming 188th RDC IX meeting on September 4, 2025.

The EDCom is one of the sectoral committees of RDC IX that tackles concerns of the agriculture and fishery, agrarian reform, natural resources and environmental protection, cooperative development, science technology and innovation, trade and industry, and tourism development, among others.

𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗜𝗫 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻

The Regional Development Council (RDC) IX convened its Sectoral Planning Committees on August 6, 2025, at the Chandler Suites Hotel, Pagadian City, to kick off the Mid-Term Update of the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023–2028.

The consultation workshop marked a critical step in recalibrating regional development strategies to align with emerging challenges, evolving national priorities, and local aspirations. It brought together stakeholders, including government officials, regional line agencies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and women’s groups. The participants reviewed the region’s progress toward its development targets and identified forward-looking strategies to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth over the remaining medium-term period.

During the plenary session, the Guidelines for the Formulation of the State of the Economy Report were presented to set the direction for the Mid-Term Update process. OIC-Regional Director Maria Felicidad R. Guerrero of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) IX reported on the region’s accomplishments in achieving the RDP’s headline targets. While progress was noted, with the region achieving about half of its development goal, Director Guerrero emphasized that the Zamboanga Peninsula is still short of fully realizing its vision of becoming the “Center of Sustainable Agri-Fishery Industries of the Philippines.”

Following the plenary, the participants proceeded to breakout workshops by sectoral committee, where they assessed key implementation issues and challenges, revisited regional targets, and refined strategies, legislative priorities, and key programs and projects.

A significant highlight of the workshop was Director Guerrero’s expression of support to the return of the Province of Sulu to Region IX, in accordance with Executive Order No. 91, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 30, 2025. The EO formally declares Sulu as part of Region IX and mandates its inclusion in all regional planning, budgeting, and administrative processes. Representatives from the province and its congressional district actively participated in the consultation—a positive indication of inclusive regional development moving forward.

Around 160 participants from the regional line agencies, local government units, congressional representatives, and private sector organizations, including women’s groups, attended the activity, ensuring robust public and private sector engagement in the development process.

The draft updated RDP will be presented to the RDC IX Sectoral Committees during their third quarter meetings in August 2025, with final endorsement and approval expected during the RDC IX Regular and Reorganization Meeting on September 4, 2025.