President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 82 to reorganize regional development councils (RDCs) and accelerate socio-economic growth across the country.
Signed on January 28, the order adds 12 government agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Energy, and Office of Civil Defense, to strengthen regional governance.
EO 82 directs the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to issue guidelines for improving regional investment programming and budgeting.
Government agencies are required to prioritize RDC-endorsed programs in their budgets and provide feedback on their implementation.
The order excludes Metro Manila and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and mandates NEDA to finalize implementation guidelines within 60 days.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 2, 2025
