The Regional Development Council (RDC) 2 has recently formally confirmed its new set of 11 special non-voting members (SNVMs) and 12 Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) during its 107th regular business meeting held on August 24, 2016 in Santiago City.

For the term 2016-2019, the regional heads of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Irrigation Administration, and Philippine Information Agency will be participating in all the activities of the RDC 2.

As mandated by Executive Order No. 325, SNVMs are an integral part of the RDCs in each respective region to optimize representation and to ensure that development planning covers all sectors.

Meanwhile, the 12 newly-confirmed PSRs representing various sectors were Engr. Romeo R. Vasquez and Elpidio B. Tortoza for Agriculture and Fisheries; Engr. Gilbert L. Cumila, Cecile M. Dy, and Charles T. Lim for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Services; Corona C. Borja for Education and Manpower; Emelito C. Gonzales for Health and Social Welfare; Roger B. Whigan for Indigenous Peoples; Cristina G. Reyes for Labor; Engr. Gilbert E. Acdal for Infrastructure and Facilities; Geronimo T. Zapata for Development Administration; and Protacio D. Laguinday for Environment and Natural Resources.

Both the SNVMs and the PSRs shall be sitting as members of the RDC 2 for three years beginning July 1, 2016, coinciding with the regular term of local elective officials.

During the same business meeting, the RDC 2 members have also endorsed the nomination of two provincial governors and two PSRs for RDC 2 Chairperson and Co-Chairperson. None other than President Rodrigo R. Duterte shall select and appoint from among this list the most deserving officials to lead the RDC 2 for the next three years.#