Jubahib is new RDC-XI Chair

DAVAO CITY (October 26) —President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI for the term 2025–2028.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the RDC-XI congratulated and welcomed the appointment of Governor Jubahib on Friday morning, October 24, 2025, saying, “Your leadership marks a new chapter in advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Davao Region.”

The RDC-XI serves as the highest policy-making body at the regional level. It coordinates and sets the direction for all socio-economic development efforts in the Davao Region, ensuring that local priorities align with national goals. The council is composed of local government officials, regional heads of national government agencies, and Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) nominated by NGOs and civil society organizations.

As RDC Chair, Jubahib is expected to lead the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of comprehensive regional plans and investment programs, review and approve development policies, and represent the Davao Region in national-level discussions—particularly in the NEDA Board Regional Development Committee for Mindanao.

Transformative leadership in Davao del Norte

Now on his third and final term as governor, Jubahib has earned recognition for transforming Davao del Norte into one of the most dynamic provinces in Mindanao through pragmatic governance, infrastructure expansion, and people-centered programs.

Under his administration, Davao del Norte recorded one of the lowest poverty incidences in the Davao Region and maintained a stable inflation rate, balancing economic growth with social protection. Despite nationwide fiscal strains and climate disruptions last year, the province posted the highest economic growth rate in Region XI, registering a 5.4 percent increase, equivalent to ₱9.71 billion in additional Gross Domestic Product—from ₱178.75 billion in 2023 to ₱188 billion in 2024.

Key achievements and programs

Jubahib’s leadership is anchored on five flagship priorities that have reshaped Davao del Norte’s governance landscape:

1. Infrastructure Modernization – Through his “Build, Better, Norte” initiative, Jubahib spearheaded the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometers of provincial roads, farm-to-market routes, bridges, and flood control projects, enhancing connectivity across the province and linking remote barangays to growth centers.
2. Economic Empowerment and Investment Promotion – The establishment of the Davao del Norte Investment Code and the creation of a business-friendly environment attracted agribusiness and light manufacturing ventures. The province also boosted local tourism through sustainable ecotourism programs that highlight inland resorts and agri-tourism destinations.
3. Social Protection and Health Services – Jubahib expanded healthcare infrastructure, including modernizing the Davao del Norte Hospital System and opening additional dialysis centers. His administration also increased funding for scholarship and livelihood programs, benefiting thousands of students and small entrepreneurs.
4. Agriculture Revitalization – Recognizing farmers as the backbone of local development, Jubahib invested in farm mechanization, irrigation systems, and marketing assistance to increase productivity and stabilize food supply chains.
5. Peace, Order, and Good Governance – Jubahib strengthened partnerships with the military, police, and community-based peace advocates, resulting in the sustained decline of insurgency-related incidents. The province was among the first in Mindanao declared insurgency-free, marking a major peace milestone.

Towards a unified Davao Region

As RDC-XI Chair, Jubahib’s new mandate places him at the helm of Mindanao’s most vibrant regional economy. He is expected to rally the provinces and cities of Davao Region—Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao de Oro—toward cohesive, inclusive growth.

Observers note that Jubahib’s blend of grassroots experience, results-based leadership, and political independence could bring fresh dynamism to the RDC-XI, particularly in pushing for regional projects such as inter-province road connectivity, flood control management, and digital infrastructure expansion.

With his proven track record, Jubahib’s appointment as RDC-XI Chair symbolizes both a recognition of local excellence and a challenge to elevate the entire Davao Region’s development agenda to national prominence.