Gov. Ebdane named chair of Central Luzon Regional Development Council

By HENRY EMPEÑO

IBA, Zambales — Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. has taken on a new additional role: chairperson of the Regional Development Council for Central Luzon (RDC-III), the highest policy-making body that sets the direction for socio-economic development in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the appointment in a memorandum dated October 16, 2025, through the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

Gov. Ebdane, who will serve as RDC-III chair for a term of three years, coinciding with his regular term as Zambales governor, was formally sworn in as RDC chairman on October 29, with RTC Executive Judge Santiago M. Beltran Jr. administering his oath of office at the Balin Sambali here.

DEVDep-III Regional Director Nerissa T. Esguerra and other agency officials witnessed the oathtaking.

As head of RDC-III, Ebdane will steer the government body tasked with planning and coordination, programs prioritization and recommendation, policy-making, and oversight.

Key functions of the RDC include:

• Preparing, implementing, and evaluating regional development plans;

• Coordinating efforts and integrating plans from different provinces, cities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

• Reviewing and prioritizing regional investment programs and projects;

• Endorsing regional investment programs and the annual budgets of agency regional offices to the national government for funding;

• Promoting the inflow of private investments to support the region’s development goals;

• Reviewing and endorsing national plans, programs, and projects proposed for implementation within the region;

• Acting as a forum for relating and integrating local development efforts with national activities; and

• Performing other functions necessary to promote and sustain the region’s socio-economic development. 

Following his appointment, Gov. Ebdane thanked Pres. Marcos for his trust and confidence, and vowed to give his best in strengthening socio-economic programs and projects that would uplift communities and boost economic opportunities in Central Luzon.

“My appointment as RDC chairperson is not just an honor, but another challenge that I accept wholeheartedly for the sake of our people, especially the Zambaleños,” he added.

After the oathtaking, DEVDep officials met with Gov. Ebdane to discuss how economic development, infrastructure and social services programs in Region III would henceforth be planned, coordinated, and implemented.

Region III covers the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. 