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DEPDev Region 5, Arimbay, Legazpi (2026)

25/05/2026

BICOL DAC REVIEWS LPRAP COMPLIANCE; HIGHLIGHTS PH-OGP UPDATES

During its second quarter meeting, the Bicol Development Administration Committee (DAC) reviewed the status of Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) compliance across local government units (LGUs) in the region. The National Anti-Poverty Commission reported that 61 of 113 LGUs (54%) have already established Local Poverty Reduction Action Committees (LPRACs), with Sorsogon posting the highest compliance with 14 out of 16 LGUs (93%). Provincial rollouts have been completed, while city and municipal LPRAP workshops are scheduled from May to July 2026.

Key challenges include the absence of provincial executive orders, competing local priorities, and uneven technical capacity among LGUs. The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 5 committed to reiterating the policy guidance to support the LGUs and complete the LPRAPs within the year.

On the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) localization, 15 LGUs in Bicol have documented open government practices, including eight pilot areas. Moving forward, the region will organize a regional technical team, designate LGU focal persons, and participate in the Open Government Week on May 18-22, 2026.

PFPD/aar

25/05/2026

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

25/05/2026

DEPDEV BICOL STRENGTHENS WORKPLACE PREPAREDNESS THRU FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION, SIMULATION DRILL

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development ( DEPDev) Region 5 conducted a fire safety orientation and fire drill on May 11, 2026, at the DEPDev 5 Office, Arimbay, Legazpi City.

Republic Act No. 9514, also known as the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, mandates the conduct of regular drills and that all buildings—including government offices—are to comply with fire safety measures.

Resource persons from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), SFO1 Ryan Irris C. Lodana and FO1 Marvin R. Peñarubia, were invited to share their expertise on the topic. They presented the causes of building fires, the 3Ps of fire safety (prevent, protect, and prepare), and the correct procedures to follow during emergencies. They advised that fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year or semi-annually.

After the orientation, a fire drill was conducted to simulate an emergency situation, highlighting the proper protocols and response procedures for an onset of fire in the office vicinity. These include the quick response of personnel in informing everyone in the office about the fire, coordinating with the BFP, proper evacuation procedures, and the manual operation and proper use of a fire extinguisher. The resource persons from the BFP monitored the drill to evaluate the effectiveness of the evacuation process. While the participants were able to properly execute the drill, it was recommended that further familiarization with the roles and procedures during a fire drill is still needed.

The activities served as an opportunity for the participants to be aware of fire hazards, ways to avoid them, and to learn about fire emergency protocols and response procedures.

DEPDev Region 5 is committed to conducting the prescribed semi-annual fire drills, acknowledging that continuous hands-on training is vital for protecting lives and property.

FAD/mmla

20/05/2026

DEPDev Region 5 proudly joins the 2026 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month!

In line with Proclamation No. 818 s. 2025, we celebrate with ARTA under the theme “Achieving Results Through Transparency and Accountability: Towards a More Productive Bagong Pilipinas".

Through sustained reforms, innovation, and responsive governance, DEPDev remains committed to building a government that is transparent, efficient, and people‑centered—a government that empowers communities and drives inclusive growth across the Bicol Region.

ng

19/05/2026

BICOL RGADC BROADENS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK WITH PIA REGION 5 INCLUSION

The Bicol Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) approved through Resolution No. 2-04, s. 2026 the membership of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 5 to the committee during its second quarter meeting on May 14, 2026.

The inclusion of PIA Region 5 will bolster the committee’s information dissemination and advocacy efforts, particularly in advancing gender-responsive programs, policies, and development initiatives throughout the Bicol Region. As the government’s public information and communications arm, PIA plays a pivotal role in strengthening public awareness, encouraging informed community participation, and amplifying key regional development priorities and concerns.

PIA Region 5 conveyed its commitment to actively support the committee’s programs, projects, and activities as its newest GAD partner.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 5 provided updates on the local government units’ (LGUs) compliance with various GAD mechanisms, including GAD Specialist appointments, GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Functionality Assessment Tool (GFAsT) employment, and GAD Code implementation.

Critical issues, including low to zero compliance rates and persistent implementation gaps, were likewise deliberated, alongside proposed interventions aimed at strengthening LGU compliance, enhancing institutional functionality, and ensuring more effective GAD mainstreaming across local governance structures.

Other matters discussed include the Philippine Commission on Women’s proposed levelling session on GAD Agenda formulation, as well as updates on regional activities and initiatives conducted in line with the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration.

DRD/kbtl

15/05/2026

BICOL SDC ENDORSES SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORT, INCLUSION IN RDIP 2023-2028

The Bicol Social Development Committee (SDC), during its second quarter meeting on May 7, 2026, endorsed to the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC), through SDC Resolution No. 2-26 and 32, s. 2026, two social protection measures for support.

These are (1) the 16th RDC-Private Sector Representatives’ National Convention Resolution No. 08, s. 2025, requesting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to review Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11861 and consider the expansion of discounted goods and services for solo parents; and (2) the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integration Livelihood Program–Graduation Approach.

The first measure seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act by broadening the range of essential goods and services covered by discounts granted to qualified solo parents, thereby enhancing their access to basic needs and easing financial burdens. Meanwhile, the DOLE Integration Livelihood Program–Graduation Approach aims to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged workers with sustainable livelihood opportunities through a convergence of employment facilitation, capacity-building, and social protection interventions designed to help beneficiaries transition from subsistence conditions toward self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

PHP552.19 million worth of proposed programs, projects, and activities from the Department of Education, Department of Migrant Workers, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Sorsogon State University were also endorsed to the RDC, through SDC Resolutions 2-26 to 30, s. 2026, for inclusion in the Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028, subject to compliance with the Secretariat’s recommendations in accordance with the updated Comprehensive Investment Programming Guidelines.

The endorsed proposals cover initiatives aimed at strengthening education, workforce development, and institutional capacity-building in the region. These include programs intended to improve access to quality education and training, enhance support services for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, and upgrade academic and research facilities of state universities and colleges.

Other SDC matters discussed were DSWD’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, 2025 Bicol Gross Regional Domestic Product, and 2026 Innovation Grant Boot Camp.

DRD/kbtl

14/05/2026

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/

13/05/2026

The Economic and Financial Literacy (EFL) is now on Facebook!

Be part of the family! Click the link below to follow EFL Pilipinas on Facebook and stay updated on the latest news, activities, and insights on Economic and Financial Literacy.

https://www.facebook.com/EFLPilipinas

13/05/2026

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

DEPDev Region 5

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

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