RDC III, World Bank push stronger regional collaboration for inclusive growth

The Regional Development Council in Central Luzon (RDC III) and the World Bank convened in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on 4 November 2025, to discuss strengthened cooperation among regional stakeholders in support of the country’s inclusive growth agenda.

The meeting, held at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDEV) Region 3 office, was led by RDC III Chairperson and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and World Bank Senior Urban Consultant Anirudh Rajashekar. The session carried the theme, “Towards Spatial Convergence: Harnessing Cities’ Economic Potential for National and Regional Growth.”

The dialogue served as a platform for presenting key insights from the Philippines Urban Diagnostic Report and identifying strategic areas for collaboration between the World Bank and Central Luzon.

Ebdane said that the ongoing partnership aims to identify regional development priorities and potential World Bank support for key initiatives. He underscored that the discussions aligned the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan (RDP) and the Central Luzon Regional Investment Program (CRIP) with the national Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

“The World Bank's Country Partnership Framework for the Philippines (2025-2031) is also aligned with the national plan, indicating a top-down strategic consistency that facilitates regional-level cooperation,” Ebdane said.

One of the projects highlighted was the Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control, Coastal Defense, and Expressway Project (MBIFCCDEP), a major infrastructure initiative supported by RDC III. The project may potentially tap World Bank expertise or funding, given its focus on climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.

Central Luzon has also benefitted from World Bank-supported national programs such as the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which aims to boost rural incomes and enhance farm and fishery productivity.

The World Bank continues to support efforts to strengthen the planning and implementation capacities of local government units — a priority that aligns with RDC III’s role in fostering collaborative and coordinated regional development.