RDC Chair Bulut Jr. underscores socio-economic transformation in 2nd SORA; highlights accomplishments, quest for autonomy

Luna, Apayao -  Cordillera Regional Director Council (RDC-CAR) Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. delivered his second State of the Region Address (SORA) on July 31, 2024, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, underscoring the importance of socio-economic transformation in the region along with notable accomplishments.

In previous talks, the Governor pushed for strengthening the regional economy as a precursor to autonomy as a robust local economy is needed to ensure that government services, projects, and programs will be delivered to the people.

During his second SORA, he attributed the achievements of the region to the collective efforts of the provinces, emphasizing all helped in improving its economy reaching 6.9% growth in 2023, exceeding the 5% target.

Additionally, there was an increase in the employment rate in the region from 96.3% in 2022 to 96.7% in 2023.

With this, a positive result was reported by PSA with the decline of poverty incidence among Cordilleran families from 12.1% in 2021 to 9.4% in the first semester of 2023.

Bulut Jr. explained that all these are a result of the policy direction that the RDC took and the concerted work of the government, private sector, and civil society organizations.

The governor, however, said much is still needed to be done, challenging officials and stakeholders in the region to take part in improving the healthcare industry, advancing education and continuous education, generating high-quality employment opportunities, carrying on with social protection and welfare program implementation, guaranteeing food security and nutritional needs, updating agriculture and agricultural business, and backing socioeconomic endeavors, among other pursuits.

Bulut Jr. expressed hope that “…with the Philippine and Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 as our guiding frameworks, we are steadfast in resolving immediate challenges in our quest towards socio-economic transformation. “  

Relative to the regional plans, Gov. Bulut likewise reiterated the Council's dedication to promoting and urging Cordillera Autonomy, stressing the significance of actively engaging all parties in driving massive developments, thus striving for regional autonomy and economic transformation across the region.