Officials Unveil 2023-2025 Soccsksargen Development Plan for Peace and Economic Progress
Photo: John Unson
COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Sun Times Online) — In a bid to foster peace and economic advancement in Region 12, government officials launched the 2023-2025 Soccsksargen Development Plan on Thursday. This comprehensive framework aims to revitalize areas that have rebounded from conflicts and the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Emmylou Mendoza of Cotabato, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. of South Cotabato, and Teresita Socorro Ramos, director of the National Economic Development Authority-12 (NEDA-12), jointly revealed the five-year development plan during a morning program at a local cultural center. The event drew esteemed guests from across the region.
Region 12, also referred to as Soccsksargen or Administrative Region 12, encompasses the provinces of Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as the cities of Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and General Santos. Over the past two years, these areas have experienced a visible surge in both foreign and local investments.
“The 2023-2025 Soccsksargen Development Plan encompasses peace, security, and socio-economic objectives achievable through collaborative efforts among all sectors in the region,” stated Governor Mendoza. She was appointed chairperson of the Regional Development Council-12 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year.
Both Ramos and Mendoza emphasized that the five-year regional development plan aligns with the development and humanitarian goals set by Malacañang. Part of these goals includes continuing the peace process in areas dominated by the Moro people and reintegrating former members of the New People’s Army into mainstream society. The police and military now label them as a “communist terrorist group.”
Officials from the Bangsamoro region, including Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, the 6th Infantry Division, and the Police Regional Office-12 led by Army Major General Alex Rillera and Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg, have expressed their support for all programs outlined in the newly formulated regional development plan from 2022 to 2028.
Sinarimbo confirmed that the 63 barangays of the Bangsamoro region, located in various towns within Governor Mendoza’s province, will benefit from the positive outcomes generated by the 2023-2025 Soccsksargen Development Plan. Although no longer under her administration, these areas will still enjoy the plan’s gains.
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