With the Cordillera region’s major infrastructure projects nearing completion, the focus is now shifting toward economic and financial development, according to Apayao Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Elias Bulut Jr.

In an interview on Friday, Bulut said most key infrastructure needs have already been addressed, leaving space for investments and economic activity to take center stage.

“We’ve already completed most of the big projects. What’s left are smaller ones like farm-to-market roads connecting small farmlands of two to five hectares, and linkage roads,” he said in Filipino.

As of January 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways–Cordillera reported that 98 percent of the region’s 2,323 km. of national roads have been paved.

Of the 350 national bridges, only two remain under construction, while 68,528 linear meters of flood control structures have already been built.

Following these developments, the region is turning its attention to sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable mining, and the development of economic zones, especially in areas with large tracts of land available for responsible investment.

In Apayao, Bulut shared that several renewable energy companies are already in the process of securing permits to begin hydropower projects.

“We are just ensuring that out Indigenous Peoples are not disadvantaged in terms of shares and benefits,” Bulut said.

He said the shift to investments will usher in new revenue streams for the province and the entire Cordillera region, strengthening local economies and enabling inclusive growth.

“Our goal is to realize true inclusive development,” Bulut added.

It can be recalled that Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan who is also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development Secretary for Cordillera (CORDS) said that the region is endowed with rich natural resources.

“Our rivers can provide electricity for the whole of Luzon. Our energy potential is 6,600 megawatts of electricity but we are only currently producing more than 350 megawatts,” he said in a recorded message during the recent 38th Cordillera Day celebration in Baguio City.

He urged the region to carefully explore its resources with the right partners to prevent them from being wasted or degraded through harmful practices.

“We are pro-people. Let’s work together to build a better community and a better Cordillera. Let’s not bring down initiatives that can uplift the region and its people,” he said. (PNA)