CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led the launching of Central Luzon's 2023-2028 regional development plan (RDP).
Representatives from national government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and the private sector gathered on Wednesday for the launch and unveiling of the RDP at Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport.
NEDA said the plan, formulated through extensive research and collaboration, will serve as the roadmap of development under the Marcos, Jr. administration.
It envisions Central Luzon as a vibrant agri-industrial heartland and global gateway supported by balanced ecosystems where people enjoy a comfortable quality of life.
The RDP includes short, medium, and long-term development strategies which complement the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 while remaining committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and "Ambisyon Natin 2040."
The plan is vital to the development of Central Luzon with the region's 14 flagship infrastructure projects including the North-South Commuter Railway, as embodied in its objectives, strategies, and priority programs designed to foster economic and social transformation.
NEDA data shows that in 2022, Central Luzon remained as the country’s top contributor to the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, accounting for some 14 percent of the country's total output.
It is also the third largest contributor to the industry sector, and services sector, accounting to 15.7 percent and 8.3 percent of the total outputs, respectively among 17 regions.
Central Luzon's economy expanded by 8.1 percent during the period which surpassed the 2019 pre-pandemic gross regional domestic product of 5.9 percent.
Central Luzon is composed of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.