The National Economic and Development Authority Region 2 (NEDA2) recently convened key infrastructure agencies for a two-day dialogue focused on the preparation of fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposals to ensure alignment with the region’s development plan and investment program. This was held on February 11-12, 2025 at the NEDA2, Carig Sur in Tuguegarao City.

Participating agencies include the Departments of Agriculture, Health, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, the National Irrigation Administration, and the Philippine Ports Authority Northern Luzon Office. They were briefed on the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan (RDP) and Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 2023-2028, which outline the region’s development framework, strategies, programs, and projects (PAPs).

The agencies provided updates of their approved budget as contained in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and likewise presented their FY 2026 budget proposals. The dialogue emphasized the region’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Build-Better-More program under the current administration and the long-term goal represented by Ambisyon Natin 2040. The dialogue conveyed the importance of aligning proposed budgets with regional thrusts and priorities through the identification and prioritization of implementation-ready PAPs for FY 2026 funding.

Key outcomes of the meeting include a reiteration of agencies’ commitment to regional priorities, an agreement to ensure equitable allocation of PAPs to all congressional districts, and secure enrollment of the same in the RDIP and the Public Investment Program Online System. This collaborative effort hopes to fast-track infrastructure development and maximize the impact of public investments in Cagayan Valley by increasing the likelihood of funding proposed PAPs under the annual GAA.

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