World-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue (right) leads the newly-elected private sector representatives to the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7) in elections held on Aug. 20, 2019. Also elected are (left to right) Gordon Alan Joseph of Cebu Business Club; Abundio Gultiano Jr. of the Central Cebu Board of Realtors; Robert Go of Philippine Retailers Association Inc. Cebu chapter; Virgilio Brigido Espeleta of the Philippine Business for Social Progress; Fe Walag of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc.; and Evelyn Nacario Castro of Options Inc. |CDND photo/ Irene R. Sino Cruz)
CEBU CITY, Philippines–World-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue has rejoined as one of the seven private sector representatives to the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7).
Cobonpue had assumed as the RDC chairman from 2016-2019 after he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. He became the only RDC chairman who came from the private sector.
Virgilio Brigido Espeleta, who was nominated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Business for Social Progress, received the highest number of votes during the election held Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
The five other elected representatives are Robert Go, representing the Philippine Retailers Association Inc.-Cebu Chapter; Abundio Gultiano Jr., of the Central Cebu Board of Realtors; Gordon Alan Joseph, of the Cebu Business Club Inc.; Fe Walag, of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc.; and Evelyn Nacario-Castro, of Options Inc.
There were 27 nominees from 32 registered organizations.
Speaking on behalf of the newly-elected private sector representatives, Espeleta said urged for the support of various sectoral organizations.
“Together, the private sector will have a strong voice in terms of governance in terms of development agenda for Region 7,” he said.
According to Espeleta,, a very strong and vibrant private sector would become a strong influence in governance, in policy making and legislation.
Meanwhile, Regional Director Efren Carreon of the National Economic Development Authority in Central Visayas said that sectoral organizations would be requested to participate in the creation of the RDC sectoral committees. /elb