Development in the Cordillera Region would be fast-tracked under the "super region" plan of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

This was disclosed by Juan Ngalob, vice chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in the Cordillera.

Ngalob said that the primary role of the "super region" is to coordinate development efforts among Regions I, II, the Cordillera and some parts of Region III.

He also said that the objective of the "super region" concept of the President is to harmonize development efforts of more than one region.

The NEDA official said that far-flung communities of the region would be given priority in terms of development because efforts would be made to improve vital road networks linking the Cordillera to other parts of the Ilocos and Region II.

Earlier, the President proposed the creation of four super regions in the country. These are North Luzon covering Regions I, II and the Cordillera and the provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija of Region III; Metro Luzon, composed of Regions III and IV-A, IV-B and Metro Manila; Central Philippines, the Visayas regions; and Mindanao, comprised of the Mindanao regions.

The super regions are envisioned to make the country to a first world-class status in 20 years.

But Ngalob said that the concept is still being perfected on the Cabinet level.
He said that it may take time before a R500-million allocation is released.

It was reported that the President had allocated R500 million for the use of the four super regions in three years to jumpstart the economies of their areas.

Ngalob also said that the economic strategy is not entirely new because developed countries such as Japan, Canada, and Germany have similar regional municipalities which are models not only of progress and development but also of simplified governance and cutting huge expenditures.

The NEDA official said it is high time the government adopt a renewed approach to economic development instead of concentrating efforts and resources in urban areas and government should make countryside development a priority.

Ngalob said that the creation of super regions will allow the speedy development of the 10 poorest provinces in the country and make them functional administrations and that the spirit of cooperation and unity is strengthened as the local government units work with synergy towards achieving common national goals.

The Cordillera Region is a primary beneficiary of the plan, he added.