RDC XI Creates Committee on Migration and Development

To ensure coordination in promoting policies, programs, and projects related to migration and development, the primary institution that sets the direction of Davao Region’s economic and social development, the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI,approved the creation of a Sub-Committee on Migration and Development under its Social Development Committee (SDC) during its first quarter meeting on 19 March 2015 at the NEDA-RDC XI Center, Bangkal, Davao City.This is in response to the call of the NEDA Board-Social Development Committee for the regional SDCs to adopt a structure that will address migration issues, mirrored from the Sub-Committees on International and Internal Migration which were established at the national level last year.Migration has become a social phenomenon and a global concern, thus, the need for a well-coordinated approach.

The Sub-Committee on Migration and Development or SCMD is intended to provide a mechanism to respond to the varied migration-related issues in Davao Region, both on internal and international migration. This is to advance the Region’s pursuit of inclusive growth by further strengthening coordination efforts among the public and private sectorsrelative to migration, promote full, decent and productive employment regarding policies, programs, and projects related to migration and development.

The newly created SCMD shall be composed of NEDA as Chair, DOLE as Co-Chair on International Migration, POPCOM as Co-Chair on Internal Migration, with the following as members: DFA, POEA, OWWA, DILG, NAPC, DOH, DepED, DSWD, HUDCC, DAR, DENR, NYC, PSA and other agencies and organizations which may be invited to be part of the Sub-Committee.

The United Nation’s Commission on Population and Development has urged its member states to consider efforts towards addressing the effects of internal migratory flows.   The Aquino Administration has likewise committed, through its Social Contract with the Filipino People, to prioritize the welfare and protection of its citizens. (Mia Glenda G. Aracid-DRD)