Not a single centavo will be spent from the funds of the provincial government for the assistance of development planners from the University of the Philippines in crafting Catanduanes’ Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP).
This was stressed by businessman Victor C. Valledor to the Tribune in a message several days after he accompanied Dr. Engr. Tabassam Raza and Environmental Planner Carmelita R.E.U. Liwag of the UP Planning and Development Research Foundation Inc. (PLANADES), together with Dr. Aida A. Dianela and Atty. Renato Quintana to the island last Sept. 25, 2025.
“They are very upbeat about what they saw and heard, so far,” Valledor said when asked about the first impressions the UP experts had during the initial visit.
The group paid a courtesy visit on Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza and expressed the PLANADES’ intent to assist the province in initiating a comprehensive study and consultation process to establish a long-term development roadmap.
The plan aims to promote sustainability, prioritize people-centered strategies, and respond effectively to both present challenges and future opportunities.
Among the key points raised was the need to strengthen and safeguard the abaca industry, which remains one of the main sources of livelihood for many Catandunganon families.
As the Abaca Capital of the Philippines, Catanduanes seeks to not only preserve its heritage but also harness its potential to uplift the quality of life in the province, it was emphasized.
This direction aligns with Governor Azanza’s vision of transitioning Catanduanes toward agro-eco tourism, where abaca plays a central role in both economic development and cultural identity.
The PLANADES representatives also emphasized that the abaca industry, natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage of Catanduanes may be at risk of decline if not planned and managed sustainably.
“This is about helping Catanduanes realize the vision of a better quality of life in the province through sound planning, strong local participation, and sustainable investment priorities, while also ensuring that the province’s plans are anchored and aligned with national guidelines,” said EnP. Liwag during the meeting.