30-year CAR spatial framework approved

July 7, 2019 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) approved the Cordillera Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) 2019-2049 during RDC’s 2nd quarter joint meeting with the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) here on Monday, June 24, 2019.
Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) chair and National Economic and Development Authority- Cordillera (NEDA-CAR) regional director Milagros Rimando said in a statement on Monday, July 1, 2019, that the framework serves as a development planning guide for agencies and local government units in the region to rationalize the growth of settlements, aside from linking growth centers and enhancing disaster resiliency in the region.
The RSDF is a 30-year framework prepared by RLUC which includes updated maps of the Cordillera region showing various data from population density; forestland cover; hierarchy of settlements; status of the Cordillera Roads Improvements Project (CRIP); and status of roads and areas prone to rain-induced landslides, among many others.
Data and maps gathered for RSDF are sourced from several regional line agencies and local government units.
The RSDF is consistent with the Luzon Spatial Development Framework 2015-2045 and the National Spatial Strategy 2015-2045, the statement said.
In the statement, Rimando also said that CAR adopts two primary regional growth centers namely the BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay); and TRiPT (Tabuk, Rizal, Pinukpuk, Tanudan).
RSDF integrates the RDC-approved Declaration of Principles on Environmental Governance which seriously considers CAR’s unique topography and culture.
RSDF’s legislative agenda included seeking the exemption of the whole region from PD 705 which limits development to areas under 18% in slope. Benguet and Cebu are currently exempted from PD 705.
An expansion of alienable and disposable land is expected in CAR with its exemption from PD 705, as only 15% of the region’s land area is alienable and disposable, the statement said.
The passage of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera Organic Law is also included in the legislative agenda to cover watersheds and mining areas in ensuring self-determined management of natural resources in the region.
 
Merriam del Rosario-ABN