President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. as the new chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region III.

Ebdane was designated as RDC 3 chairperson by President Marcos after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin informed DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan about Marcos’ approval of the Zambales governor’s appointment in a letter dated 16 October 2025.

The document states that Ebdane will serve as RDC 3 chairperson for a three-year term, coinciding with his tenure as a local elective official.

Ebdane expressed his gratitude to President Marcos, saying it is an honor and privilege to take the helm of the RDC 3, which operates under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

As RDC chairperson, Ebdane will lead the region’s highest policymaking and planning body in coordinating development efforts among local government units, national government agencies, and private sector representatives.

“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa tiwalang ibinigay sa akin upang patuloy na makapaglingkod sa ating rehiyon,” he said.

He added, “Sisikapin kong higit pang mapaigting ang mga programa at proyekto para sa pag-unlad ng Central Luzon—mula sa ekonomiya, imprastraktura, hanggang sa pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.”

Ebdane was officially nominated as the chairperson of RDC 3 in September and replaces the previous chairperson, Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap.

The RDC is the highest planning and policymaking body for an administrative region, tasked with coordinating regional development efforts and setting the direction for economic and social growth.

Its functions include creating development plans, coordinating with government agencies and private sectors, and approving investment programs for the region.