Project Epanaw–A Major Contribution to the Fulfillment of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022!

SAN FERNANDO CITY–Director Agustin Mendoza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 3 and Director Roland Calde of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 3 shared a brief but important discussion over NCIP’s Project Epanaw. The three (3) books were turned over to NEDA as a gesture of an even stronger partnership between the two agencies.
NEDA R3’s keen interest in the Ancestral Domain security (CADT), and sustainable development (ADSDPP) sparked the discussion on the status of delineation and titling of ADs in the region in which the Director Calde gave brief updates. Director Calde also gave updates on key development areas overlapped by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in Pampanga. The discussion, later on, focused on the importance of striking a balance between pursuing economic development in the region while respecting the rights and keeping the traditions of our indigenous cultural communities vibrant.
Director Mendoza vowed to continuously support the Indigenous Peoples agenda citing the timeliness and relevance of Project Epanaw in the fulfillment of the “Malasakit” Pillar of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. Under this pillar is the promotion of Philippine Culture and Values which aims to instill among Filipinos a greater awareness of our diverse cultures and values. NEDA, being the lead agency in the implementation of the PDP, and NCIP’s through its Project Epanaw, can work hand-in-hand in creating and strengthening culture-sensitive governance and development in Central Luzon.
For its part, Director Calde reaffirmed NCIP R3’s commitment to the development goals of the region and to actively engage in every socio-economic policy formulation and relevant undertakings through the Regional Development Council (RDC).