The inception meeting marked the launch of the project to support the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) in formulating its Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) using the ridge-to-reef/ecosystem management (R2R/WEM) approach. Led by Dr Rex Cruz, the session introduced the project’s rationale, objectives, outputs, methodology, and work plan. Roles and responsibilities of the Planning Team—comprising the Core Group of Experts, Planning Core Group, Support Group, and Technical Working Group—were clarified in alignment with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2023-001 of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Discussions emphasised the importance of harmonising existing sectoral and environmental plans, strengthening mapping and GIS capacities at provincial and local government unit (LGU) levels, and ensuring active participation of indigenous peoples and federal agencies in the planning process. Agencies committed support through data provision, training, ICT and infrastructure expertise, and policy inputs, underscoring the need for collaboration to institutionalise the R2R approach in sustainable provincial development planning.