Bataan hosts 15th RDC meeting

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Bataan became host to the 15th full council meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the highest planning and policy-making body in the region which serves as the counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board at the sub-national level.

The council members, composed of governors, city mayors, president of mayors’ league, regional directors and representatives of the private sectors in Region 3, first assembled at the 1Bataan Command Center in Orani for a short program. Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA), General Manager Charlie Pizarro warmly welcomed them.

 Governor Abet Garcia explained that the 1Bataan Command Center, with all its modern communication facilities has not only served as a tool during disaster operations but it also serves as an investment tool, because investors, locators and tourists who visit the command center, are ensured of a safe travel and peaceful stay in the province. The Governor added that the Command Center will soon be a platform for Smart City Solutions, as LTFRB is now studying the feasibility of giving the LGU the big responsibility in the franchise of different means of transportation, also the operation of the rapid bus transit in the Roman Expressway.

 On their way to the Oriental Hotel in Mariveles, the venue of the RDC meeting, the guests and participants were treated to a “rolling tour”, which became a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the developments in the province of Bataan, foremost is the “Bunker Building” which will be the Bataan Government Center and business hub, the concept of which is a government One-Stop-Shop; the GN Power Coal Plant, which according to the Governor, gives the people of Bataan lower energy rate and a prominent factory in AFAB, maker of the famous “Michael Kors and Coach” Bags.

 At the Oriental Hotel, which is located at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Governor Garcia, in his formal welcome remarks, said that he chose this venue because he wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the council who supported him when he was lobbying for the  creation of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), and to show them what has now become of AFAB, being one of the most progressive ecozones in the country, with 40 thousand workers, employed in 140 locators and living a good life.

The RDC Chairman, Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan presided over the meeting; their agenda properly deliberated upon and approved.

The council members and guests were one in saying that they always have a good time in Bataan – the warm welcome, the places visited, the food, the amazing progress of the province and the good officials who accompanied them.