Governor Petilla eyes RDC chair

By Provincial Media Relations Center (PMRC Leyte)
July 6, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla is eyeing his first seat of nomination for the chairmanship of the Regional Development Council in the region (RDC-8).

This after the reign of incumbent RDC Chairman Rosette Lerias of Southern Leyte province which ended on June 30 following the term of local elective officials.

“Yes I am interested in being nominated. An iba nga mga governors siring nira ha akon, ako nala it madalagan,” Gov. Petilla said after he formally took of office for his second term.

Gov. Petilla said that his bid is also being pushed for by fellow governors in the Eastern Visayas province saying his chairmanship is more practical than the other governors.

For one, Gov. Petilla revealed the other governors are saying that Leyte is the biggest province in the region and that the RDC office is located here in the province of Leyte, particularly at the NEDA Building at the Government Center in Palo, Leyte.

The RDC will nominate to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at least two nominees for Chairman and Co-Chairman. The President will choose the RDC Chairman and Co-Chairman from among those nominated to her by the RDC.

Since the RDC existed, a governor has held its chairmanship except for two instance when a Private Sectoral Representative (PSR) and a City Mayor headed it.

The seat Gov. Petilla is eyeing with the RDC was the same seat that his mother held when then Gov. Remedios “Matin” Petilla was Leyte governor.

The Regional Development Council is the primary institution in the region that sets the direction of socio-economic development in the region and through which regional development efforts are being coordinated.