Participants observe a moment of reverence at Aurora’s January 28 PDC meeting, where 2026 inclusive development plans were approved. PGA
NATION

Aurora PDC approves youth, civil society-focused plans for 2026

Franco Regala

Aurora’s Provincial Development Council (PDC) has approved a slate of plans for 2026 that place youth empowerment and civil society participation at the center of the province’s development agenda, Governor Isidro P. Galban said Tuesday.

Galban, who chairs the PDC, said resolutions approved during the council’s full meeting include the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Plan of Action for 2026–2028, which will be integrated into the Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) 2023–2028 and the Annual Investment Program (AIP) 2026 to ensure sectoral voices help shape provincial projects.

The council also approved the Aurora Youth Development Plan (AYDP) 2026–2028, along with new programs and activities to be incorporated into the PDIP and AIP. In addition, members finalized the realignment of priority projects under the 2026 20% Development Fund and endorsed the Capacity Development Agenda 2026–2028 for final approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“Our development plans are built on the principle that progress must reach every sector – especially our youth, who are the future of Aurora, and our civil society partners who ground our work in the needs of the people,” the governor said.

“By aligning our investments, programs, and partnerships, we are ensuring that growth is not just sustainable, but meaningful for all Aurorans,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Vice Gov. Patrick Alexis Angara, provincial department heads, and representatives from various sectors and agencies. The council also confirmed the vice governor as a special non-voting member and regular guest of the PDC for the 2025–2028 term.

Separately, during the Provincial Local School Board (PLSB) meeting, officials finalized measures to improve education quality, including the setting of the 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF) budget, the establishment of the Aurora Provincial Education Council under Ordinance No. 590, and the formation of a Technical Working Group for Department of Education projects.

Galban assured full provincial government support for strengthening partnerships among agencies and sectors to ensure effective planning and implementation of education programs that benefit Aurora’s students and communities.