President Marcos has met with key members of the Bicol's Regional Development Council (RDC) to discuss the region's development progress, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.

The meeting, which took place in Pili, Camarines Sur, on Friday, March 7, focused on key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic and social growth in the region.

During the meeting, President Marcos raised the importance of crafting a new masterplan to mitigate flooding risks and enhance the resilience of local communities.

This likewise aims to ensure that infrastructure developments are aligned with comprehensive flood management strategies, ultimately safeguarding lives and property in the region.

"The most critical issue in your region is the flooding in the Bicol River Basin. We really have to find a solution through the upgraded Master Plan of the Bicol River Basin," he said.

"We have to make more adjustments. We have to do it differently," he added.

In a Facebook post, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office said that despite the progress reported, the meeting addressed several ongoing challenges in the Bicol Region.

"Among the top priorities were infrastructure issues, particularly in the wake of perennial flooding, poor inter- and intra-regional connectivity, and deteriorating highways like Andaya and Daang Maharlika," it said.

"The President was briefed on these challenges, and discussions focused on how national and local governments can collaborate effectively to resolve them," it added.

Provincial leaders, led by Camarines Norte Governor and Bicol RDC chairperson Ricarte Padilla, raised issues facing the provinces, seeking presidential support and action.

"They raised concerns ranging from inadequate infrastructure and limited education and healthcare facilities, among others," the NEDA Regional Office 5 said.

"The President listened attentively to their grievances and assured them that their issues would be prioritized in the administration's ongoing efforts to promote regional development," it added.

Meanwhile, the NEDA said President Marcos highlighted the need to improve healthcare services through amendments to existing policies.

"He stressed that enhancing healthcare access and quality would be essential in responding to the needs of the Bicolanos, particularly in light of ongoing public health challenges," it said.

Marcos likewise underscored the importance of collaboration between the national agencies and local government units (LGUs).

Last month, President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 82, reinforcing the RDCs to accelerate socioeconomic growth across all regions.

Under the EO, RDCs will serve as the highest planning and policymaking bodies for regional development. The RDC is tasked with coordinating and overseeing regional socio-economic development efforts.

Its other key responsibilities include prioritizing and reviewing investment programs for funding approval, facilitating private sector participation in development projects, and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of regional plans.