By Aerol John Pateña/PNA
MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has launched a development plan for the National Capital Region (NCR) that seeks to transform Metro Manila into a competitive metropolis in the East Asian region.
In a statement on Friday, the MMDA said the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for the National Capital Region 2017-2022 will serve as the region’s framework for socioeconomic development in the next four years, in line with the Duterte administration’s 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, Ambisyon 2040; and the 2030 Agenda for Social Development.
“This is a milestone activity for Metro Manila. We celebrate the completion of a regional development plan for NCR, our own contribution in support of the Philippine Development Plan of the current administration of our President,” said MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, who also chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC) – NCR.
Lim said the plan will identify indicators that will be the basis for monitoring the implementation of programs that will help ensure inclusive and resilient economic growth in Metro Manila.
The programs and projects to be implemented under the 2017-2022 RDP seeks to address poverty alleviation, expand economic opportunities in industry and services, continue the provision of free basic education and improvement of technical education, implement modern, seamless and effective transportation, ensure water security, protect lives and property from floods, among others.
“Let us use this plan to direct our policy decisions, as well as our programs and project development interventions to ensure consistency with the PDP’s strategic framework,” he said.
Metro Manila is considered as the country’s premier region being the center of political, cultural and economic activities, as well as being the key driver of urban development in the Philippines.
It ranks 14th among the world’s largest urban cities and 18th among the world’s largest metropolitan areas with a population of about 13 million.
