The Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) VIII and Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP)-Technical Planning Group (TPG) members conducted a learning visit to Central Luzon on September 17-21, 2018. It was participated in by its member-agencies, namely: DOST VIII, DENR VIII, HLURB Central Visayas, MGB VIII and NEDA VIII; and the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte and Biliran.

The activity was conducted to learn from Central Luzon’s experience and best practices in mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) into regional/subnational plans, and to enhance learning and appreciation in the development and management of successful development projects.

The learning visit was in line with the preparation of the successor RPFP for Eastern Visayas as approved by the RLUC VIII and Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII through RLUC VIII Resolution No. 14, Series of 2015, and RDC VIII Resolution No. 42, Series of 2015 entitled, “Approving the Preparation of the Successor Eastern Visayas RPFP 2015-2045 and its Guidelines.”

Among the places visited were the Metro Clark and Waste Management Corporation (MCWM) Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Kalangitan, Capas, Tarlac, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in Zambales and Bataan Province, the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Development Corporation in Clark, Pampanga, the local government unit of Bacolor and San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Pampanga.

A learning interaction with the NEDA Regional Office III officials and staff in San Fernando, Pampanga was also held. NEDA III Assistant Regional Director Agustin C. Mendoza presented the highlights of the Luzon Spatial Development Plan (LSDF) 2015-2045, Central Luzon RPFP 2005-2030, Central Luzon Regional Development Plan (RDP) and Climate-Responsive Integrated Master Plan for Pampanga River Basin.

Article by Grace A. Arteche, PFPD, NEDA VIII