LA UNION. Philippines — Mobilizing key regional initiatives to propel national development toward transformative growth, the Regional Development Council-1 (RDC-1) approved 30 priority projects for the Ilocos Region with an estimated P5.497-billion investment requirement for Fiscal Year 2028 during its third quarter meeting recently at City of San Fernando, La Union.

RDC Chairperson La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega led the meeting as the council endorsed projects aimed at strengthening key development sectors covering health, transport and connectivity, agriculture and irrigation, education, social protection, science and technology, innovation, and water security for possible inclusion in the updated Public Investment Program and the 2028 national budget.

Harmonizing multi-sectoral synergies for regional development, Gov. Mario stressed the importance of a unified framework to guide national agencies and local governments to align their programs, investments, and policies.

The council also approved the P116.125-billion FY 2028 Annual Investment Program of the region and acted on key proposals, including the La Union Medical Hub, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Bridges Projects, proposed projects to be funded under the Enhanced ER1-94, and local infrastructure initiatives.

RDC-1 also expanded its development efforts through measures that support local enterprises, strengthen the textile industry, protect natural resources, and streamline government permitting processes.