DAVAO CITY — To ensure alignment of local government efforts and development plans with national and broader goals, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) participated in the 3rd phase of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan Workshop conducted by the Provincial and Planning Development Office (PPDO) from July 1-5 at the Acacia Hotel, Davao City.

The event allows the participants to revisit the vision, mission, and objectives of their development plans to identify gaps in current strategies and pinpoint areas needing adjustment to achieve desired outcomes such as sustainable development, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

Key officials and participants included personnel from MENRE, such as Chief Al-Montazer Mandong, Forester Bairaiya U. Salipada, Abdul Mojeer Akmad, and Forester Yunoz Lumna from the PENRE Office, Maguindanao. Municipal Planning and Development Officers from Maguindanao del Norte also participated. Additionally, Planning Officer V of the Bangsamoro Development and Planning Authority presented the Spatial Development Framework Plan of BARMM for 2024-2050.

Professor Rene Paraba, an environmental planner, presented the VMGO of Maguindanao del Norte and discussed development thrusts and spatial strategies. Participants engaged in strategy workshops to refine the VMGO of each municipality. MENRE personnel collaborated within the highland and marshland clusters, specifically including Datu Odin Sinsuat, Upi, and Datu Blah Sinsuat clusters.

MENRE representatives also shared ongoing projects, integrating these initiatives into the strategic plans and VMGO of the participating municipalities. This collaborative approach aims to enhance local planning efforts, ensuring they contribute to regional and national development objectives.

The workshop successfully brought together various stakeholders to align local development plans with broader national and regional goals, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth in Maguindanao del Norte.