GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao has endorsed a request for additional national funding by at least 27 regional line agencies to facilitate their immediate transfer to the new regional administrative center in Koronadal City.

Teresita Socorro Ramos, RDC 12 vice chair, said the council specifically approved the budget proposals submitted by the 27 regional line agencies to their central offices for the construction of new buildings or offices and other relocation costs from their present locations.

She said the proposed funding covered the relocation allowances for the affected employees, hauling fees and other related expenses.

“The (RDC) is targeting that by next year, all regional offices will all be based in Koronadal,” she said.

Region 12’s regional seat and center was transferred to Koronadal City from Cotabato City based on a new regional configuration mandated by Executive Order (EO) 304 issued on March 30, 2004 by President Arroyo.

The reorganized region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal and Tacurong.

Ramos, who is also acting director of the Region 12 office of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA 12), noted in a report that at least 38 regional offices have so far completed their transfer to Koronadal City.

She said the 27 other regional offices are either based in Cotabato City, General Santos City, Kidapawan or Midsayap town in North Cotabato.

Among the major regional offices that have yet to transfer to Koronadal City are the departments of Tourism, Agrarian Reform, Health and the Science and Technology.

Of the regional agencies and bureaus that have fully transferred to Koronadal City, Ramos said five already own the office buildings that they are occupying.