By HENRY EMPEÑO | March 31, 2026

IBA, Zambales — The Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC III) has approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Tier 2 budget worth a total of P197.64 billion proposed by 32 regional line agencies of the government and 12 state universities and colleges in the region.

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who chairs RDC III, said the council approved the budget proposals during a full-council meeting on March 23, and following meticulous consultations with concerned parties.

The Tier 2 programs and projects are expected to accelerate inclusive economic growth, strengthen social services, enhance governance systems, promote environmental sustainability, and modernize infrastructure across Central Luzon.

Ebdane said the final budget proposals hewed closely to the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan (CL-RDP) for 2023-2028, which was recently updated, and reflected regional aspirations for an efficient, more inclusive, and progressive development program.

“We didn’t just approve the budget; we set the direction for growth,” Ebdane said, adding that he has emphasized that regional priorities must be lean, responsive, and high-impact.

“Our goal is not just to spend but invest wisely, efficiently, and equitably when it matters the most,” he added.

Among the important budget items approved by RDC III are those from the economic development sector that covered regional thrust to ensure food security, promote trade and investments, modernize agriculture and agribusiness, revitalize industry and services sectors, and advance research and development, technology, and innovation.

Meanwhile, proposals from the environment sector pushed for key interventions in ecosystem protection, environmental management, natural resources governance, and climate-resilient development.

A key item adopted under this sector is the five-year strategic roadmap developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) for the commercialization of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), a flowering tree known for medicinal properties.

This project “presents significant opportunities for rural enterprise development, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive growth in local communities,” proponents said.

RDC III also approved budget proposals previously vetted by its Social Development Committee chaired by Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda, which pressed for priority programs in education, health, employment, housing, and social protection.

In the March 23 meeting, RDC III also signified support to DILG’s Local Government Code of 1991 Review and Amendment Program (ReVamP) and the BSP’s Paleng-QR PH Plus Program; designated the DOST III and DTI III as regional representatives to the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards National Selection Committee; and reconstituted the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC III) as a special committee under RDC III to strengthen land use and spatial planning coordination. ▲