CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) called on Central Luzon stakeholders to step up collective action in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), citing the need for stronger coordination and more urgent interventions as the 2030 deadline draws closer.
The call was made during a learning session conducted by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Special Regional Committee on the SDGs to deepen understanding of the region’s progress and challenges in achieving the global goals.
DepDev Regional Director Nerrisa Esguerra said the session was organized after recognizing that while the SDGs are widely discussed, there remains a gap in understanding where the region stands in terms of actual progress.
“Everyone talks about the SDGs, but parang kulang pa rin ang pagkakaintindi natin kung ano talaga ang SDGs at kung nasaan na ba tayo in terms of progress,” Esguerra emphasized.
She added that the gathering was not meant to be a routine discussion but a call for the RDC to play a more active role in addressing persistent challenges.
“As we move closer to 2030, our accelerated action is no longer optional but imperative. While we have registered gains across several goals, there are lagging indicators that require more coordinated and urgent intervention,” the official furthered.
Esguerra explained that these gaps are not merely technical concerns but reflect issues in planning, investment alignment, institutional coordination, and resource mobilization.
She cited the role of the RDC as a platform for convergence where SDGs should be fully integrated into regional plans, priority programs, and budget processes.
“Our task now is to ensure that the SDGs are not treated as parallel commitments, but are fully embedded in all regional plans,” she said.
Anchored on the theme ‘Driving SDG Progress in Central Luzon: From Stronger Coordination to Accelerated Action’, the learning session tackled key topics such as SDG mechanisms in the region, and the pace of regional progress.
There were also updates on the SDG Catch-Up Plan, and discussion on the Regional Investment Program as a tool to fast-track development outcomes. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
