The Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA7) hosted the Economic Development Committee (EDC) of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting today, February 13, 2025 at a venue in Cebu City.
In her welcome message, DA7 Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez, highlighted the crucial role of the agriculture sector being the key driver of the economy, as she shared the strategic goals of the agency. She also highlighted the region’s accomplishments, showcasing its different initiatives and developments.
Director Enriquez also reaffirmed the agency’s dedication in advancing the national goals of an accessible, affordable, and profitable agriculture. “We are guided by the vision of ‘Masaganang Agrikultura, Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ we remain committed in delivering sustainable agricultural growth,” Director Enriquez said.
“By embracing the ONE DA approach and focusing on collaboration, cooperation, and coordination, we believe that teamwork truly makes the dream work. As we move forward, we are inspired to aim higher for 2025″, she added.
EDC Chairperson Melanie Ng extended gratitude to DA7 for hosting the activity and emphasized the importance of collaboration for regional economic development. “We must ensure strong partnerships between industry and government to achieve our goals,” she said.
On the other hand, Virgilio Brigido Espelata, a Private Sector Representative from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PSR-CCCI) emphasized the importance of collaboration and volunteerism in driving regional development initiatives.
“We will be able to work together—the National Government Agency, Local Government Units, private sector, and businesses. We, in the private sector are volunteers,” Espelata said.
To enhance agricultural productivity, the members affirmed the need for integrated area development through collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs).
Discussions focused on uplifting the lives of the farmers and improving productivity through practical, on-the-ground solutions. The group also encouraged agricultural diversification and stressed the importance of aligning data with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Carood Watershed project was tagged as a successful model convergence and the Daanbantayan Corn Techno-demo farm as a product of consolidation and clustering approach, showcasing sustainable agricultural growth.
In addition, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Mario Ruinata shared BFAR 7’s goals, projects, and milestones for 2024, highlighting the region’s Fisheries Production Profile and the Fisheries Development Plan.
The EDC- RDC Central Visayas discussed economic issues, policies, and strategies to drive regional growth. It brings together government, private sector, and stakeholders to promote sustainable development and boost key sectors like agriculture, fisheries, trade, tourism, industry, etc.
Present in the meeting were 44 EDC members and representatives from government and private sectors. For DA7, present were the two Regional Technical Directors (RTDs), together with the Execom members.