RDC 8 includes media among private sectors represented at region’s highest policy-making body

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 27, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Regional Development Council of Eastern Visayas has included the private media in the Region among the private sectors which will be represented in the policy-making body for regional development from 2010 to 2013.

RDC Eastern Visayas, during its quarterly meeting held at the NEDA Conference Hall on June 23, discussed the guidelines for the selection of private sector representatives who will comprise about 15% of the RDC membership.

DBM Director Imelda Laceras who is the Development Administration Committee chairperson suggested the inclusion of the private media among the private sector representatives.

Asked about her opinion regarding the suggestion, PIA 8 Director Olive Tiu remarked that hers is a bias opinion because she has always been advocating the inclusion of information and communication in planning and implementation processes.

The PIA Director added that the inclusion of the private media in the highest planning body in the region is an acknowledgement of the crucial role the media plays in nation building and development.

Since there was no objection from the RDC members present, the private media sector will already be included in the PSRs list. As to who among the bonafide media practitioners will seat at the RDC, this will only be known after the election from among the nominees who will meet the qualifications required.

Pursuant to Section D of Executive Order No. 325 series of 1996 as amended, membership of the reorganized Regional Development Council shall include representatives of the accredited private sector and non-government organizations based in the region and their total representation shall comprise one-fourth of the members of the fully constituted council.

Of the 15 PSRs needed, 8 slots will be territorial PSRs representing the 6 province and one each for Tacloban City and Ormoc City. The province of Leyte will be represented by one from the sector of the Academe; Southern Leyte from the Environment sector; Biliran, from the Cooperatives sector; Samar, from the Fishery sector; Easter Samar, from the Tourism Sector; Northern Samar, Agri-Business; Tacloban City, Banking sector; and Ormoc City, Energy sector.