THE Regional Development Council (RDC) has passed resolutions endorsing and adopting two master plans.
These are the Master Plan for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Olongapo City and its Immediate Environs and Master Plan for the Integrated Infrastructure and Investment Development for the Investment Corridors of Central Luzon.
"The Master Plan for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Olongapo City and its Immediate Environs intends to develop sound infrastructure base in the study area that will guide decision-makers in the implementation of policies, program, projects, and activities that are consistent with national, regional and local development plans, to improve the competitiveness and connectivity of Greater Olongapo City and reduce its vulnerability to risks and hazards," Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson and Bataan Governor Albert Raymond Garcia said during Wednesday's virtual Full Council meeting.
It comes with three business cases, namely, Waste-to-Energy Project in Olongapo City, Central Transport Terminal in Layac, Dinalupihan in Bataan and Castillejos Agri-Fisheries Park.
Master Plan for the Integrated Infrastructure and Investment Development for the Investment Corridors of Central Luzon, on the other hand, aims to come up with a master plan that will promote the growth of investments in Central Luzon as well as the identification and development of the needed infrastructures in support of said investment growth.
"Otherwise known as 3IDP, this master plan intends to provide a strategic framework for identifying the industries best fitted to locate in the various parts of the region, as well as the infrastructure requirements, which will guide national government agencies and local government units in the preparation and approval of plans, policies, programs, projects and activities," Garcia said.
The plan proposed the following corridors that could serve as springboards of economic growth when the full recovery under the new normal environment begins: Agri-Fishery Development and Value Chains Growth Corridor; Central Luzon Industrial Corridor; Innovation, Learning and Research Network Corridor; Sun, Beach and Cultural Heritage Network Corridor; and Wonderful Aurora Nature Diving/ Surfing and Eco-tourism Network Corridor.
"The plan comes with five business cases which aim to expand our infrastructure base, accelerate connectivity and linkages, ensure food security, advance human capital development, promote industrial growth, and effect sound urban development," Garcia said.
Business cases include Metropolitan Septage Management Project, Bulk Water Supply Project for Major Urban Centers in Central Luzon, Sub-Regional Agri-Commodities Exchange Center, Regional Integrated Transport and Processing Center for Agri-producing Areas in Central Luzon, and Western Seaboard Expressway.
"Indeed, these master plans represent two of the region's means to tackle many predicaments in order to keep the economy strong and afloat," Garcia said. (PIA)