28/08/2026
๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐๐! โ
The NCI-SRD conducted the National Convergence Strategy for Sustainable Rural Development (NCS-SRD) Bill Advocacy: Luzon Cluster on August 26, 2026 in Laguna. The activity aimed to gather support on the passage of the bill this 20th Congress to institutionalize the convergence strategy for rural development.
Engr. Redelliza Gruezo, DA RFO CALABARZON Regional Executive Director and Chairperson of the Regional Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (RCI TWG) CALABARZON welcomed the participants. She highlighted that this activity is about establishing a common understanding and a stronger collective support for the institutionalization of the convergence approach. RED Gruezo thanked the DA, DAR, DENR, DILG, and Local Government Units (LGU) and hoped that the activity will ultimately build a unified voice in support of the proposed NCS-SRD Bill.
In addition, Maria Ella Cecilia Obligado, DA RFO CALABARZON Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, and Focal Person of the RCI TWG CALABARZON presented an overview of the existing Convergence Area Development Plans (CADP) in CALABARZON namely the Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife (TANAW) de Rizal in Rizal, Laguna; Siniloan CADP in Siniloan, Laguna; Adyo CADP in Paete, Laguna; Marilag CADP in Santa Maria, Laguna; and the Mt. Kamhantik Archaeo-Ecological Tourism Site CADP in Mulanay, Quezon.
Further, statements of support for the NCS-SRD Bill were given by the following legislators and local chief executives:
1.Senator Erwin Tulfo
2. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri
3. Congressman Wilton T. Kho
4. Mayor Aristotle Aguirre of Mulanay Quezon
5. Mayor Ronald Cosico of Paete, Laguna
6. Mayor Patrick Ellis Z. Go, PhD of Siniloan, Laguna
7. Mayor Ma. Rocelle V. Carolino of Santa Maria, Laguna
8. Vice Mayor Antonino Aurelio of Rizal, Laguna
9. Dr. Ana Clarissa Mariano from the Provincial LGU of Quezon on behalf of Governor Angelina DL. Tan
Additional statements of support were also provided by DENR Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy of Policy, Planning, International Affairs, and Climate Change, DILG CALABARZON Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, CESO III, and DENR CALABARZON Assistant Technical Director for Technical Services For. Eriberto Saรฑos.
A signed Manifesto of Support was produced at the end of the bill advocacy which reflects commitment to support the legislative passage of the NCS-SRD. The participants gathered and affixed their signatures signifying their support for the legislative passage of the bill.
Department of Agriculture - Philippines
Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippines
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
DILG Philippines