Law Summary
Reorganization and Composition of the Regional Development Council (RDC)
- The RDC is the primary regional body for setting economic and social development directions.
- Membership includes:
- All provincial governors, mayors of chartered cities and regional centers.
- Regional Directors of agencies represented on the NEDA Board (one per department/agency).
- Private sector and NGO representatives, limited to one-fourth of the membership, selected by ex-officio members.
Functions and Responsibilities of the RDC
- Coordinate formulation of long-term, medium-term, and annual socio-economic development plans and policies at regional and subregional levels.
- Coordinate medium-term and annual public investment programs.
- Appraise and prioritize socio-economic programs and projects based on NEDA standards.
- Promote and monitor private investment allocation consistent with development goals.
- Coordinate multisectoral program implementation.
- Monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements for development plans.
- Approve regional development plans and investment programs.
- Review and endorse regional budget proposals.
- Ensure local development plans align with regional priorities through coordination with provincial and municipal councils.
- Meet at least quarterly; may establish an Executive Committee for daily operations.
- Report to the President through the NEDA Board.
Sectoral Committees
- Created to assist the RDC with:
- Collating sectoral data and preparing annual regional development reports.
- Translating national goals into sectoral objectives.
- Coordinating sectoral planning among local governments and agencies.
Regional Consultative Assembly
- A consultative body to assist and advise the RDC.
- Membership includes RDC members, sectoral committees, heads of other national agencies, and invited representatives from NGOs, sectarian groups, and academe.
- Functions include:
- Providing a forum for ideas and recommendations on regional development.
- Indicating sectoral development requirements.
- Advising on regional development plans and budgets.
- Supporting approved plans and helping secure congressional backing.
- Meets at least twice a year.
Chairmanship of the Council
- RDC nominates three members; the President appoints the Chairman.
- The Regional Director of the NEDA Secretariat acts as Vice-Chairman.
- Chairman and Vice-Chairman also head the Regional Consultative Assembly.
Chairperson’s Powers and Duties
- Presides over meetings of the RDC and Assembly.
- Requests performance of necessary functions from Council members and committees.
- Accepts donations and grants relevant to regional development coordination.
- Addresses implementation problems with agencies and supervises progress monitoring.
- Represents the region in national Cabinet meetings and budget reviews when required.
- Directs comprehensive regional planning and investment programming.
- Submits plans and reports to the President via the NEDA Board.
- May create ad hoc committees and perform tasks as directed by the President.
Exemptions
- The Executive Order does not apply to the autonomous regions of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.
Planning and Budgeting Procedures
- The Development Budget Coordination Committee of the NEDA Board will adjust budgeting processes to grant the RDC greater autonomy aligned with regional and national priorities.
Technical Support
- The NEDA Regional Office serves as principal technical staff for the RDC and the Assembly.
- Other national government agency regional offices may provide technical assistance upon request.
Implementation
- The NEDA Board is empowered to issue rules and regulations necessary for the order's implementation.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.