(DAVAO CITY, May 31) The Davao Social Development Committee (SDC), during its CY 2023 2nd quarter meeting on May 31 via hybrid setup, endorsed the creation of a Sub-Committee on Culture, Heritage, and Arts, under the SDC.
Sec 13a of Republic Act No. 7536 or the Law creating the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) provides that “the Commission shall encourage and facilitate the organization of a network of regional and local councils for culture and the arts to ensure a broad nationwide, people-based participation in the formulation of plans, the enforcement of culture-related laws and regulations, the implementation of programs/projects and the review of funding requirements.”
NCCA Commissioner Dr. Arvin M. Villalon cited that the creation of the said Sub-Committee is timely with the anticipated completion of the NEDA Research and Development Project titled “Roadmap for the Development of Davao Region’s Creative Industries.” The Sub-Committee on Culture, Heritage, and Arts will serve as a regional policy-making body in Davao Region that will formulate enabling policies on preserving, conserving, and promoting the region’s culture, heritage and the arts, and to maximize its full socioeconomic potential to achieve sustainable development for the region and the country.
The Davao SDC also tackled matters related to boosting the Region’s health such as the Department of Health (DOH) XI’s proactive Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio vaccination campaign for children and National Nutrition Council (NNC) XI’s 2023 Nutrition Month Campaign.
Enhancing the measures in place to protect and promote workers’ rights and welfare was also discussed as Ms. Suzette A. Antiveros of DOLE XI presented the agency’s latest report on labor inspection and employment situation in the Region.
On strengthening social protection, Atty. Lindsey Atienza of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presented the Internally Displaced People (IDP) Protection Bill, which the Committee also supported for endorsement to the RDC XI.
Further, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) XI’s request to become a member of the SDC XI was also discussed and endorsed for the RDC XI’s approval.
Finally, Dr. Abigail Amores of the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro presented the proposed renationalization of Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Montevista. Dr. Marian Frances Ysaac of the DOH XI conveyed the DOH XI’s evaluation and recommendations on the said proposal.
The actions of this Committee that emanated from this meeting shall be presented for consideration and appropriate action of the RDC XI during its Full Council Meeting on June 26, 2023.
–Katrina M. Sanchez, NEDA XI