The Special Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle (NLGQ) chaired by Congressman Ramon V. Guico,III of Pangasinan 5^th District conducted a consultation meeting on August 3, 2020 via video conferencing to discuss development plans and programs in North Luzon.

The meeting started with a briefer of the Regional Development Council (RDC) by NEDA OIC-Undersecretary Mercedita A. Sombilla through Director Cynthia A. Villena. The presentation focused on the mandate, the key functions and the organizational structure of the RDC. This presentation was requested by the committee to inform them on the participation of District Representatives and Local Government Units in the RDC.

On the committee members’ interest to be involved in the entire development coordination process, it was explained that representatives are members of the Advisory Committee (AdCom) of the RDC.  Its function is to advise, assist, and support the RDC in discharging its functions, and likewise support policy recommendations that need legislation or action of the President or the Cabinet. On planning, NEDA CAR Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando further explained that NEDA assumes responsibility in linkage between regional and provincial/city plans while the DILG assumes the role in ensuring linkage of province and municipal/barangay plans.

Another item discussed is the priority inter-regional connectivity programs and projects of Regions I, II and CAR, which was presented by Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando. For region 2, the top four priority projects are the following: (1) Northeastern Luzon Expressway (NELEX), (2) Dalton Pass East Alternate, (3) Cagayan Valley Eastern Seaboard Highway, and (4) Cagayan Valley Railway system.

The committee also requested information on priority industries to be promoted in the region and the whole of the North Luzon as their guide on the directions for agriculture and industry development in the area.  For Region 02, NEDA Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr. informed the committee on the region’s thrusts along agro-processing, IT-based industries, manufacturing and nature and culture tourism.

Aside from the Chair, also present during the meeting were Committee Vice Chairperson and Cagayan 3^rd District’s Joseph Lara, Baguio City Lone District’s Mark Go, Pangasinan 4^th District’s Christopher De Venecia, Ilocos Norte 2^nd District’s Eugenio Barba, Ilocos Sur 2^nd District’s Kristine Signson-Meehan, Isabela 1^st District’s Antonio Albano, Batanes Lone District’s Ciriaco Gato, Jr. and Nueva Vizcaya Lone District’s Luisa Cuaresma. Also present during the meeting are the Regional Directors of NEDA Regions I, II, and CAR.

The NLGQ Committee is in-charge of matters relating to all policies and programs concerning the development of provinces, municipalities, cities and other local communities and expand avenues of economic cooperation in northwest Luzon. #NEDA2 -DRD