Cavite – Despite the rough road paved by the ongoing health crisis and the limitations on program implementation, the NCI-SRD continues to move forward and solidify its commitment towards stringent project execution without compromising protocols.

Last November 16 to 19, 2021, the NCI-SRD held its annual assessment to present, deliberate and finalize the FY 2021 Year-end Accomplishment, FY 2022 Operational Plans and FY 2023 Plans and Budget Proposals. The four-day workshop was held at The Bayleaf Hotel, General Trias, Cavite and was graced by the presence of the Permanent Alternate Chairperson of the NCI-SRD National Steering Committee (NSC) DA Undersecretary Waldo R. Carpio. “We may come from different government houses with different mandates but we assemble as one because all of us are geared towards the development and uplifting of the living condition of rural communities,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Carpio.

Messages of support were also delivered online by all members of the NSC including DAR Undersecretary Ranibai D. Dilangalen, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones and DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan. The NSC members impressed on the unrelenting efforts of the prime movers of the Convergence Strategy.

The year-end assessment intends to collate regional accomplishment, plans and forward budgets in order to conduct a nationwide progress review and to prune out points at issue that needs to be addressed immediately. This year, the focal point of discussion is on the involvement of other national government agencies and groups apart from the four member-agencies. The contributions of other agencies are deemed vital not just in the identification of further interventions but also in the development of cross-cutting measures and interconnectivity plans.

As it inches forward to another fiscal year, the NCI-SRD envisions achieving the One-Convergence-Area-Per-Region goal in 2022. All main factors considered, it shall continue to be steadfast in its aim to cater to the needs of rural areas and communities. ###