(Davao City, 6 October 2023) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and USeP Student Government, organized a Campus Tour for the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP), 2023-2028 to mobilize the academe and youth sector in driving affirmative actions that would contribute to the successful implementation of the Region’s development agenda. The Campus Tour is among the advocacy activities lined up in support of the DRDP, 2023-2028 implementation and part of the RDC XI’s function of promoting multisectoral collaboration towards socioeconomic development in Davao Region. The event was conducted at the USeP Gymnasium on October 6, 2023.

Participants to the event were representatives of the academe and youth sector, particularly from the student governments of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and various community-based youth organizations.

In his opening message, RDC XI Acting Chairperson Arturo M. Milan encouraged the youth and academe sectors to help Davao Region sustain its high level of economic growth and maintain its position as among the five fastest growing regional economies in the country. “It is essential for you, as ambassadors of economic and social transformation among your peers, to have a clear understanding of how we intend to achieve these goals, by knowing the strategies and programs that we have identified in this Plan document”, Milan said.

A Digital Poster Making Contest which bears the theme “Youth in Action: Leading Inclusive Transformation for a Sustainable Davao Region #LeTSDaRe” was initiated by the RDC XI to further advocate a commitment of support for the DRDP, 2023-2028. First place for the Digital Poster Making Contest was awarded to Ms. Apple Mae B. Chan of the Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. with her entry entitled “Paglambo”. Second and Third place were awarded to Ms. Cassey Lorraine J. Manguerra of Digos City National High School and Ms. Ermelyn C. Padalapat of Davao Oriental State University, respectively. An impromptu quiz on topics presented was facilitated by the emcees that added excitement during the program.

Representatives from the RDC XI, major government agencies, and the National Youth Commission were also able to engage with the youth and academe during the event’s open forum session.

-Laurence Gido, NEDA XI