Development councils urged to resolve issues at community level

ZAMBALES Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. urged private sector representatives (PSRs) to the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) to take the initiative in resolving issues at the community level, saying they are more in a position to provide the best solutions to local concerns.

Addressing participants in the 4th National Convention of Private Sector Representatives to the Regional Development Council, Ebdane said it would be in the best interest of all when resolutions are formulated at the lowest level and when those directly concerned could participate.

“There is no need to take matters to higher offices if you have the answer at hand,” Ebdane told RDC representatives.

“In my years of experience as a police officer and a government employee, I find that solutions are best made on the ground, not inside air-conditioned offices,” the governor added.

Ebdane was among the key speakers during the second leg of the three-day convention organized by the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) at the White Rock Resort Hotel in Subic.

The RDCs are the highest policy-making body in the regions and serve as the counterpart of the Neda Board at the sub-national level.

“That way, realistic solutions could be approved at the top because of realistic assessments made at the community level,” he said.

“I have observed that this is really a working group and very well represented from all the regions in the country, unlike some conventions that I attended where people are more interested in the arranged tours,” the governor noted half in jest.

According to the Neda, the three-day convention served as a venue for the exchange of views among PSRs in relation to their functions in their respective councils. (Anthony Bayarong)