City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The presentation of AmBisyon Natin 2040 continues in SOCCSKSARGEN as Engr. Judd Nichol L. Leonar, Economic Development Specialist (EDS) I of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII explained the long-term vision of Filipinos for self and for the country in the next 24 years to the estimated 200 student leaders of South Cotabato during the ASEAN Youth Forum at Protech Center, Koronadal City on July 28, 2017.

Engr. Leonar reminded the youth leaders that if they want to change their future, they have to have a vision for the future of what kind of life they want.

To put this vision into action, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2017-2022 was crafted.

The PDP 2017-2022 is guided by the Duterte administration’s 0-10 Point Socioeconomic Agenda, taking into account the country’s international commitment specifically the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals towards the realization of the long term vision.

Other speakers of the forum included Mr. Gerardo B. Reynaldo of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Director Flora P. Gabunales of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – South Cotabato.

Mr. Reynaldo of MinDA oriented the student leaders on the potentials of Mindanao as part of the BIMP-EAGA and the ASEAN, and informed the youth of the role of MinDA in accelerating development in Mindanao, while Director Gabunales described how ASEAN opens economic opportunities for the Filipinos.

The activity was conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XII in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – South Cotabato Division in line with the continuing efforts of PIA to promote ASEAN to different sectors in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. (Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD)