DEPDev Region 5

BPDC LEADS DISCUSSION ON KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION

The Bicol Project Development Committee (BPDC) convened a multi-agency consultation on May 18, 2026 via Zoom videoconference to discuss the region’s development projects eligible for proposal preparation, reinforcing efforts to translate broad policy and plan goals into high-impact, critical, and implementable projects.

The consultation brought together representatives from key regional line agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Irrigation Administration, and Department of Transportation. Selected provincial and city local government units (LGUs) also participated in the activity.

During the consultation, participating agencies provided inputs, reviewed and validated proposed projects, including implementation timeline and cost. All proposed initiatives were assessed in terms of alignment with the Bicol Regional Development Plan and Regional Development Investment Program. The BPDC facilitates coordination between agencies and LGUs in clarifying issues and concerns, ensuring that proposed projects demonstrate critical and high impact value. This process helps establish the necessity of including these projects in the priority list for 2028 for the 4th Regional National Investment Programming Dialogue.

The activity highlighted the importance of strengthened inter-agency collaboration in streamlining the identification and prioritization of development projects. Ms. Pamela May V. Lovendino of DEPDev Region 5 presented the initial list of project proposals submitted by the agencies, covering key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education. These initiatives are expected to support the region’s development agenda and contribute to sustained and inclusive growth in Bicol.

As ways forward, the BPDC shall conduct a Project Development Training to subject the projects for proposal preparation to increase the viability of these projects for funding under the General Appropriations Act 2028.

PDIPBD/moa

April 2026 REGIONAL INFLATION REPORT

The region's headline inflation accelerated to 7.6 percent in April 2026, from 4.1 percent in March 2026 and 1.6 percent in April 2025. This brings the average inflation rate to 4.0 percent, within the Bicol Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent for the Bicol Region. However, the April inflation rate of 7.6 percent is above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast range of 5.6 to 6.4 percent and is also the highest inflation rate since February 2023 (8.8 percent).

MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO THE APRIL 2026 INFLATION

The main driver of inflation in April 2026 was Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages at 5.6 percent, accounting for 47.0 percent of the overall rate. This was primarily driven by price movements in cereals and cereal products, which posted an inflation rate of 10.0 percent, higher than the 1.5 percent in March 2026. This was followed by Transport, which accounts for 26.1 percent share of the overall rate, driven by increase in gasoline, other passenger transport by road, and diesel. Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, with 23.6 percent share, was driven by higher costs of liquefied petroleum gas.

At the commodity level, the top contributors were rice, with 17.1 percent share in inflation; followed by gasoline, with 9.9 percent share in inflation; and Restaurants, Café, and the Like, with 9.2 percent contribution to inflation.

MAIN SOURCES OF ACCELERATION OF THE INFLATION RATE FROM MARCH 2026 TO APRIL 2026

The uptrend in overall inflation from March 2026 to April 2026 was primarily driven by the faster annual increase in the heavily weighted Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages index at 5.6 percent during the month from 2.2 percent in March 2026. Higher inflation rates were noted in the indices of the following commodity groups in April 2026: (1) Food Alcoholic Beverages and To***co, 6.9 percent from 4.9 percent; (2) Clothing and Footwear, 2.6 percent from 2.3 percent; (3) Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels, 11.0 percent from 6.8 percent; and (4) Health, 4.3 percent from 4.2 percent.

WATCH: April Bicol Inflation Report Press Conference: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NhiFZnE7a/

BICOL IDC BACKS RDC-X’S CALL FOR SYSTEMIC REFORMS IN INFRA DEV’T

The Bicol Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) backed RDC-X Resolution No. 142 (s. 2025) during its second quarter meeting on May 6, 2026, via a hybrid setup. The said resolution urges the Economy and Development Council–Infrastructure Development Committee (InfraCom) to implement systemic reforms in infrastructure development and establish regular National-Regional (Nat-Reg) Consultative Meetings.

Ms. Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, Regional Director of DEPDev Region X and Regional Development Council (RDC) X Vice Chairperson highlighted that the necessity to enhance coordination mechanisms among national government agencies, regional authorities, and local government units to address persistent infrastructure implementation challenges was the focal point of the resolution. Further, she emphasized the significance of integrated, transparent, responsive, and accountable governance processes in infrastructure development as key drivers of economic growth under the Philippine and Regional Development Plans 2023–2028. Additionally, significant public investments have not eliminated implementation challenges across regions. Governance issues include disconnected project implementation, siloed planning approaches, limited engagement with local government, slow information flow, and recurrent inefficiencies due to weak coordination mechanisms.

To address these concerns, RDC-X recommended systemic reforms, including the adoption of integrated and systems-based planning, the conduct of regular InfraCom Nat-Reg Consultative Meetings, and the establishment of clearer feedback mechanisms on RDC recommendations. It also proposes better information access and greater transparency for major infrastructure projects.

During the discussion, Bicol IDC members acknowledged the importance of institutionalizing a regular consultation mechanism between national agencies and regional stakeholders. The proposed Nat-Reg Consultative Meetings are viewed as a platform to improve vertical coordination, increase responsiveness to regional concerns, and facilitate faster resolution of implementation bottlenecks for infrastructure projects. Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, IDC Co-Chairperson, expressed support for the initiative, stressing the need for transparency, coordination, and active participation of the national agencies and local governments in the planning and implementation of infrastructure.

The Committee also recognized that challenges to infrastructure implementation continue to affect regional development outcomes, especially in areas that require strong coordination among agencies and support from local governments. The reforms being proposed will improve communication and alignment across the levels of governance and are expected to contribute to more efficient project implementation and better delivery of infrastructure services. The discussion also emphasized the importance of considering local concerns and realities as early as possible in the planning process in order to help prevent delays and implementation issues on the ground.

Similar consultative mechanisms are being undertaken in other sectors and could serve as a model for strengthening infrastructure governance. The proposed reforms will create more consistent coordination channels through which regional bodies can raise implementation concerns and national agencies can offer timely responses and updates.

Recognizing the importance of collaborative governance approaches, the Bicol IDC endorsed RDC-X Resolution No. 142 (s. 2025) to the Bicol RDC for support. The action underscores the Committee’s commitment to improving infrastructure coordination mechanisms and strengthening more responsive and effective infrastructure development processes in the regions.

PMED/tnr