PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has abolished the Partido Development Administration (PDA), a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) created to boost development in lagging regions, “for consistently operating at a loss for several years.” Signed on Sept. 25, Mr. Duterte’s Memorandum Order No. 29 directs the abolition of the PDA after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur, through a resolution, urged the President and the Governance Commission for GOCCs to cause its “immediate abolition” for failing to “serve the lawful purpose for which it was created.” The PDA, established in 1994 through Republic Act 7820, was intended to assist the CamSur 4th District towns of Sagnay, Tigaon, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Presentacion, Garchitorena, and Caramoan. The memorandum notes that “despite the operation of the PDA for almost 20 years,” the district has “the highest poverty incidence level compared to other districts, and has a higher poverty incidence compared to the average for the entire Bicol Region.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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