The Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC2), during its 122^nd Joint RDC Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on March 30, endorsed measures to help farmers in the region cope with the rising fertilizer prices and approved the creation of a task force to ensure the safe reopening of schools.

RDC2 Chairperson and Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III assured the members that the RDC2 is poised for a full post-pandemic rebound. “Amidst what seems to be a never-ending crisis, there are concerted efforts to work together and to move forward,” he said.

On the hike in fertilizer prices, the Council endorsed the measures recommended by the Economic Development Committee (EDC). These include increase in fertilizer subsidies to farmers, balanced fertilization, proposed suspension of fertilizers tariffs, and the creation of the Fertilizer Industry Roadmap, among others.  The EDC was tasked in December last year to study and identify measures following the surge in fertilizer prices, particularly phosphates and urea.

In preparation for the full face-to-face classes in schools, the Council approved the creation of a regional task force to monitor boarding houses and the safety-readiness of the higher education institutes (HEIs).

The Council also endorsed the proposed irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Authority and the establishment of new research and learning center of the regional gender and development committee.

The RDC2 Chair also led the awarding of the Outstanding Gender and Development Champions of Cagayan Valley. Jhamie Tetz Mateo of the Isabela State University received the individual category award (under government sector) while the City Government of Santiago bagged the same under the organization category.#