• Bicol River Basin Watershed Management Project (BRWMP), which will be submitted to the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) for review, approval and funding;

• Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) Phase III, which is scheduled for NEDA-ICC deliberation for possible funding under the 27th Yen Loan Package; and

• Rehabilitation of the Libmanan Water Supply System and the Ragay Water Supply System, both to be submitted to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for inclusion under the Kredinstalt Fur Weideraubau (KFW) Credit Loan Package.

The RDC5 also approved the composition and functions of the Bicol Project Development Committee (BPDC), which was created during the Council's regular meeting last January 31. The BPDC will be chaired by the RDC Chairman/Co-Chairman with the following as members: the Sectoral Committee Chairpersons (EDC, IDC, SDC, DAC); the Regional Directors of NEDA, DBM, and DILG; and two Private Sector Representatives.

The Committee's functions are:

1. to improve project development capability in the region;

2. to access fund sources to finance project development;

3. to coordinate and/or promote the preparation of feasibility studies;

4. to facilitate endorsement and approval of completed studies;

5. to follow-up with concerned entities the support and approval of proposed projects; and

6. to facilitate the funding and implementation of proposed projects.

The Project Development Assistance Center (PDAC) of the NEDA5 will serve as the technical secretariat of the Committee.

Responding to environmental concerns and recent developments in the mining sector, the Council stressed the need for concerned government agencies and local governments to monitor the implementation of critical development projects. This is to ensure sustainable development and economic growth without compromising the environment.

Source: Bicol Development Updates,
              Regional Development Council, NEDA, Region V