IBA, Zambales — Top officials of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) led by Regional Director Nerissa T. Esguerra consulted with Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and key Zambales officials on October 29 to discuss details of the Midterm Update of the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan (CLRDP) 2023-2028.

The consultative meeting took place days after Gov. Edbane was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as chairman of the Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC-III) until the end of his current term. DEPDev-III serves as the technical secretariat of RDC III.

In the meeting, Economic Development Specialist (EDS) II Roi Francis A. Sagum presented the salient features of the draft Central Luzon Investment Plan (CLIP) Midterm Update, while Senior EDS Hazel M. Dizon discussed the Zambales Priority Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) for CY 2027-2028.

Following these, Supervising EDS Carmela Anne F. Manalo presented the CLRDP 2023-2028 Midterm Update, while Chief EDS Jesito M. Ponio Jr. led the Way Forward Discussion.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ebdane pledged his full support to development efforts in the region and urged DEPDev officials to always take into consideration the welfare of local communities.

“As the your new RDC Chairman, I will be your primary observer,” Ebdane said. “You can count on my help in further developing our region,” he added.

The CLRDP 2023-2028 Midterm Update was officially endorsed and adopted by RDC-III on September 30, 2025, and is scheduled for official release this November.

According to DEPDev-III, the updated plan introduces a comprehensive set of enhanced strategies, policies, targets, programs, and projects designed to accelerate regional development and inclusive growth.

Anchored on three core pillars—empowering individuals and families, transforming production sectors to generate quality employment and globally competitive products, and cultivating an enabling environment for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society—the CLRDP reflects the region’s renewed commitment to sustainable progress.

To present the salient features of the plan, DEPDev-III officials conducted a series of consultative meetings with local chief executives and officials of the seven provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Central Luzon.

The meetings were convened on Oct. 15 in Angeles City, Oct. 16 in Pampanga, Oct. 21 in Tarlac, Oct. 24 in Bataan, Oct. 27 in Bulacan, Oct. 28 in Nueva Ecija, Oct. 29 in Zambales, and Oct. 30 in Olongapo City. The province of Aurora has been set for a November 6 schedule. – Jena Rajni A. Empeño