The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsed, for the Council’s approval, the North Luzon Growth Corridor Strategic Plan (NLGCSP), during its second quarter virtual meeting on June 24.

The NLGCSP will make the North Luzon Growth Corridor, comprising of CAR, Regions 1 and 2, into a cohesive and integrated location for industry, agriculture and tourism. A technical working group earlier convened to ensure the consistency of the Plan with existing industry plans and the inclusion of the region’s priority projects.

The Committee also supported the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) and the proposed creation of a Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) office in the region. MARINA Policy and Planning Services Director Arsenio Lingad highlighted how the establishment of a Regional Office could boost the maritime share in the gross regional domestic product and improve access to services offered by MARINA.

Mr. Dennis Andres, Philippine Coconut Authority Regional Manager for Regions CAR, I, II and III, presented the Regional Coconut Industry Development Plan (RCIDP) 2022-2026. The EDC offered suggestions for the RCIDP’s enhancement before its elevation to the RDC. EDC Chairperson Governor Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino emphasized the need to identify strategies to entice farmers to venture into coconut planting and make the industry more sustainable.

The three plans are expected to help improve the economic situation of the region in the long-term.#NEDA2-PFPD