To meet the 2030 deadline, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) has urged stakeholders in Region 3 to accelerate their collective action in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The DepDev cited the need for stronger coordination and more urgent interventions 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 pointed a gap in understanding where Central Luzon stands in terms of actual progress despite SDGs are being discussed in the whole region.

“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 said.

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.

The official said that the accelerated action is imperative as the year 2030 nears, adding that while the region has registered gains across several goals, there are lagging indicators that require more coordinated and urgent intervention.

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.