(Davao City, 24 November 2023) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XI convened the RDC XI Special Committee on Culture, Heritage, and the Arts (RSCCHA) for its organizational meeting on 24 November 2023, at the NEDA-RDC XI Center, Davao City. The organizational meeting marks the first activity of the RSCCHA since the approval of its creation through RDC XI Resolution No. 152, series of 2023, passed during the RDC XI’s CY 2023 3^rd Quarter Regular Meeting conducted on 15 September 2023.

The organizational meeting was a venue to discuss the details on the creation of the RSCCHA in Davao Region, including the adoption of the organizational structure and responsibilities of the Committee as provided in the RDC XI-approved Terms of Reference of the RSCCHA. The RSCCHA’s primary function is to formulate regional policies to address issues and concerns on the preservation and conservation of culture, heritage, and the arts. The RSCCHA shall also ensure that the local government units shall conduct the cultural mapping of their respective jurisdictions to identify and locate region’s tangible, intangible, and natural heritage assets.

In his opening message, NEDA XI Assistant Regional Director Gilberto A. Altura emphasized the RDC XI’s initiative to organize the RSCCHA as a venue for development partners to pursue actions towards preserving Davao Region’s rich heritage. “Our cultural heritage is a reflection of our shared history, values and creative expression.”, ARD Altura said.

The organizational meeting was presided by Ms. Marichu G. Tellano, Deputy Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, representing Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay, Co-Chairperson of the RSCCHA Davao. On the election of the RSCCHA’s Chairperson, the Terms of Reference specifies that a Chairperson shall be selected every 3 years coinciding with the term of RDC XI officials/members, and must come from the pool of Private Sector Representatives in the RDC XI. The Committee then elected PSR Rommel F. Momo, RDC XI Private Sector Representative for the Academe Sector, to be its Chairperson for the remainder of the 2022-2025.

Representatives of Davao Region LGUs, SUCs, selected government agencies, and the RDC XI Private Sector Representatives participated in the said meeting. The meeting was facilitated by the RDC XI Secretariat, in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

 

Laurence Gido, NEDA XI
Photo by NEDA XI