Caraga Today January-March 2015

today caraga

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20 PAGE 22

January - March 2015 Vol. XVIII, Issue 1

PAGE 18

Q3 2014 Regional Economic Situationer PAGE 24

Q4 2014 Regional Project Monitoring Report

caraga today Volume XVIII Issue 1 January-March 2015

On this issue PAGE 4 Caraga Regional Development Council through the years PAGE 10 Caraga Regional Development Council reports 2014 accomplishments PAGE 22 Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20 PAGE 23 Caraga Regional Development Council, GIZ hold first Regional Land Use Forum PAGE 24 Caraga Regional Development Council steers FY 2016 regional budget review PAGE 36 Seniang affected farmers get support from the Department of Agriculture-Caraga

FEATURE With a market of over 600 million consumers and combined GDP of nearly US$3 trillion, ASEAN is offering a future of prosperity and stability. Know more about the ASEAN Economic Integration from the following pages.

PAGE 18 12 things about ASEAN Economic Community PAGE 19 ASEAN Economic Community Key Messages CENTERFOLD Timeline of the ASEAN Economic Community Integration

HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 34 Highlights: 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Results for Caraga Region PAGE 35 Highlights: 8th National Nutrition Survey Results for Caraga Region PAGE 40 Highlights: Millennium Development Goals Status for Caraga Region

PAGE 37 TESDA-Caraga gets scholarship fund hike, PhP11.9M skills training PAGE 38 Department of Trade and Industry, city chamber hold tariff elimination, ASEAN economic integration session PAGE 39 IN PHOTOS: Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20

Published quarterly by the Caraga Regional Development Council with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority-Caraga, Nimfa Tiu Building I, JP Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.

For questions, comments, and suggestions email us at neda13caraga@yahoo.com or call (085) 341-4195.

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Editor’s Note Jazmin D. Berido

This year, Caraga Region and the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) celebrate their 20th year anniversary.

On this issue we feature the platinum year celebration of Caraga and the achievements of the Caraga RDC. Also, this year the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) starts its integration. To understand how the integration would benefit the ASEAN region, we feature introductory articles about the AEC. We begin with the 12 things that we should know about the AEC. We follow it with the key messages to enhance understanding of the

concept. At the centerfold, we draw the timeline to illustrate how the integration evolved.

We highlight in this issue the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) for Caraga Region. NDHS aims to measure levels and trends in demographic, family planning, and health indicators for monitoring, evaluating, and designing population and health policies and programs of the government. Meanwhile the NNS aims to assess and monitor nutrition and health status and food consumption; identify

nutritional problems of public health significance; and determine and monitor utilization of nutrition and related programs.

More importantly, we feature the status of the Millennium Development Goals’ (MDG) targets for Caraga Region. The MDGs were established in 2000 following the United Nations Millennium Declaration to achieve eight goals by 2015.

Finally, we present the region’s economic situation for the third quarter of 2014 and the projects monitored by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee for the fourth quarter of 2014.

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido Writers Sherwin E. Verdun Michelle P. Dela Calzada Mirasol P. Montenegro Graziella C. Harting Paris Raymond S. Gaballo Rhea Mae C. Mendez Design Editor Sherwin E. Verdun Contributors DA, DTI, TESDA Adviser RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño

caraga today

4 Tandag - The first capital. The Spaniards formed Caraga by creating a military garrison in 1609 to reinforce their invasion of Tandag. Later on the Provincia de Caraga was born with Tandag as capital.

The Moros re-occupied Tandag and the capital moved to Surigao. But not long ago, the Moros were driven out in 1848 with an expanded territory.

Caraga Regional Development Council through the years

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

Caraga Region was created 20 years ago. But unknown to most of us, the name Caraga already existed for more than 400 years when the Spaniards formed a military garrison in 1609 in Tandag. Provincia de Caraga was born with Tandag as capital.

At the dawn of the 20th century, the name Caraga drowned in oblivion when Provincia de Caraga became Provincia de Surigao; more so, when Surigao and Agusan provinces were sub-divided and formed part of Region 10 while Surigao del Sur became part of Region 11.

Years passed, underdevelopment plagued the provinces of Surigao and Agusan. Cognizant of this concern, seven valiant congressional representatives decided to unite the Surigaos and Agusans into one region and give this erstwhile neglected area the government’s attention and focus.

Representatives Charito Plaza, Eduardo Rama, Sr., Ceferino Paredes, Jr., Glenda

Ecleo, Robert Barbers, Mario Ty, and Jesnar Falcon successfully labored for the passage of RA 7901. Thus, Caraga marched to a new dawn and began writing its own history as a new region of the Philippines.

At the outset, the road was bumpy for the new region as it had to grapple with many issues like persistent poverty, slow economic growth, unemployment, malnutrition, environmental degradation, and others. But Caraga as a region believes that meaningful development can come only from convergence of efforts of different sectors of society. Subsequently, the Caraga Regional Development Council was convened to steer the region towards

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5 The Women of Caraga.

Former Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Charito Plaza (left) lobbied for the passage of RA 7901 which makes Caraga a region. (Right) Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante became the first Caraga RDC chairperson.

progress. Twenty years later, Caraga RDC has passed many milestones for the region.

For twenty years, five chairpersons guided the Caraga RDC and pushed for continued progress for the region.

Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, then Governor of the Province of Agusan del Norte, became the first Caraga RDC chair from 1995-1998 with Mr. Felix Villacastin as her co-Chair.

During this period, the Caraga RDC:  Endorsed the first set of proposed budgets of the regional line agencies; and the initial protected area plan for the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) in the Province of Surigao del Norte;  Endorsed the following: the Lower Agusan Development Project (LADP) – Flood Control Component Phase II for the construction of flood control facilities for the lower Agusan River; the construction/improvement of Loreto-Dinagat-Cagdianao road, and the proposed Butuan City Circumferential Road Project The Commission on Population-Caraga became a special non-voting member of the Caraga RDC; and Mario Viñas, Elsa Sobrecaray, Felix Villacastin, Engr. Leonel

Santos, Engr. Epimaco Galero II, Cecilio Corvera, Edna Hontiveros, and Rogelio Fabe became the first set of Private Sector Representatives.

Hon. Valentina Plaza, then Governor of the Province of Agusan del Sur, succeeded as the second Caraga RDC chair from 1998-2001 with Engr.

Epimaco Galero Jr. as her co-Chair.

During this time, the Caraga RDC membership grew with the addition of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as regular members; and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as special nonvoting members.

The Gender and Development Coordinating Committee was created to handle and advocate GAD-related issues and concerns.

The quarterly Caraga RDC newsletter was born to provide a regular medium for information dissemination about RDC matters and activities. And, it continues to fulfill its purpose after twenty years and is now known as the Caraga Today.

Caraga RDC officially recognized the Lake Mainit Development Alliance headed

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6 Siargao Islands are low -lying islands that rise to a maximum altitude of only 290 m. There are very extensive mangrove forests on the island, which cover a total of c. 8,700 ha.

There are large areas of old growth lowland dipterocarp forest (reported to cover 12% of the island) and secondary or residual forest (reported to cover 33% of the island), and areas of grassland (reported to cover 12% of the island). Source: http://www.birdlife.org/

by then Gov. Francisco Matugas.

The Caraga RDC endorsed the following: proposed Bayugan Water District Development Program for funding under the Local Water Utilities Authority; conduct of counterpart feasibility study and detailed engineering preparation of the Adgaoan-Umayam River Irrigation Project between the Agusan del Sur and NIA; concreting of the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road for funding and improvement and development of the Loreto – Cagdianao National Road Network in Dinagat Island; improvement of the Siargao Island Circumferential Road; middle Agusan River Development Project and the Surigao City Sanitary Landfill Project.

In 2001, the Caraga RDC adopted the Regional Tourism Master Plan 2002-2030 that outlines the various prospects for promotion like natural resource endowments, rich historical and cultural heritage and strategic location of the region.

In 2001-2004, Hon. Lyndon Barbers, then Governor of the Province of Surigao del Norte, chaired the Caraga RDC. Mainstreaming GAD efforts in the region was pushed and the Caraga RDC

adopted the industry clustering approach as a strategy for Caraga’s regional development.

During this time, the Caraga RDC membership again grew when the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (QUEDANCOR) were confirmed as special non-voting members of the Council. Likewise, the membership of the Private Sector Representatives was expanded.

The Caraga RDC supported the following: Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2002, the Child Friendly Movement, and the KALAHI-CIDSS as the government’s strategy for convergence in fighting poverty. It likewise endorsed the 2nd Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project, and the proposed watershed/forest reserve areas in Caraga Region for presidential proclamation under NIPAS Law of 1992.

The RDC mounted the Caraga Roads and Bridges Forum, supported the 11th Mindanao Business Conference, and the conduct of the 1st Regional Cooperative Congress, the Mindanao-wide GIS Conference-Workshop, the 9th Caraga

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7 Millennium Development Goals.

The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 – form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and all the world’s leading development institutions.

They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

Business Conference, and the Mindanao Environment and Watershed Summit.

It created an Oversight Committee to assist DENR in managing the production forest within the Caraga forest plantation corridor and in monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the implementation of the community-based resource management agreement.

On its 10th year, the Caraga RDC was chaired by the late Hon. Democrito Plaza II, Mayor of Butuan City, from 2004-2007 with Engr. Leonel Santos as his co-Chair.

The Caraga RDC supported tourism initiatives to boost Caraga’s tourism potential such as the conduct of WOW Caraga: Madyaw Karajao Roadshow Presentation in Caraga and Madyaw Karajao 2005 in Manila. It also supported the implementation of One Town One Product Philippines (OTOP Philippines) program, the implementation of RA 8980 or the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act and the institutionalization of the ECCD Programme at the Regional and Local levels.

This term endorsed critical infrastructure projects such as the Butuan-

Malaybalay Road, Butuan-Tandag Road, Second Magsaysay Bridge, and Butuan City Bypass Road Project, expansion of the runway of the Butuan City Bancasi Airport and Umayam Irrigation Project.

At the provincial level, the governors were requested to formulate watershed management and development plans.

The Caraga RDC fervently promoted and supported the mainstreaming of the Millennium Development Goals concerning children in the planning process at the regional and local levels and the mainstreaming of the Millennium Development Goals in local development alongside the request for the establishment of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and local investment boards in all local government units.

The National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) was created to support the government policy of providing necessary strategic economic and business information and research assistance to speed up the process and encourage the growth of entrepreneurship.

In 2009, the coconut and moringa industries were recognized and adopted as part of the Caraga Region’s industry

caraga today

8 The Regional Geographic Information Network Center. A project with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Initially, KOICA deployed three Korean volunteers with expertise on GIS and computer programming. It also funded the project for US$50,000. Later, the Caraga RDC institutionalized the Regional Geographic Information Network with 38 members through RDC Resolution 23, series of 2009 to provide quality and up-to-date spatial information and GIS services in Caraga Region for effective planning, resource allocation, and management. The Regional Geographic Information Center was launched March 22, 2011.

Later, the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) supported the project by providing funds for the procurement of equipment and capacity building worth PhP1.2 million.

clusters.

The Regional Geographic Information System Network (RGISN) was established to support the effective physical planning, decision-making, policy making, investment programming, monitoring and evaluation of socioeconomic development and environmental-related programs, projects and policies for sustainable development.

Hon. Sol Matugas, Governor of the Province of Surigao del Norte, became the fifth chairperson of the Caraga RDC and the first to serve two consecutive terms. She chaired the Caraga RDC together with Mr. Marlon Advincula as her co-Chair from 2010-2013 and again from 2013 to present.

In 2010, the conceptual framework of the Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM) Programme was endorsed. Likewise, Caraga RDC published the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Enhanced Regional Physical Framework Plan for the years 2004-2030. The Regional Physical Framework Plan serves as the reference in the advocacy and mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the regional and sub-

regional development plans, programs, and policy initiatives.

Subsequently, the Caraga RDC requested support from all local government units for the mainstreaming of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) in local development planning and decisionmaking processes.

The Caraga RDC:  Supported the enforcement of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons;  Launched the Regional GIS Center and the Regional GIS Network and its website with funding support from the Korean Government;  Improved the RGIS Center and provided training to the RGISN members with funding support from GIZ;  Coordinated the research project on the perceptions of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Beneficiaries in 2013;  Endorsed the Reconstruction for Socioeconomic Enhancement (RISE) Plan for Tropical Depression Agatonaffected areas in Caraga Region as Caraga’s strategic roadmap for recovery and reconstruction ; and  Created the Committee on Indigenous

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9 An initiative of the Caraga RDC Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns, the Caraga 18th anniversary hosted a forum with different IP groups in Caraga.

Peoples Concerns. Only Caraga and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have such bodies to give importance to IP concerns.

In 2012, Caraga’s poverty incidence among families declined and Caraga’s GRDP growth rate emerged as one of the highest in the country.

Under Chairperson Matugas’ leadership, the Caraga RDC achieved many firsts:  In 2013, the Caraga RDC’s Regional Project Monitoring Committee became the first to apply geo-tagging technology in project monitoring among all the RPMCs in the country.

Geo-tagging is the process of adding geographical information to photographs of projects monitored.

Because of these trailblazing efforts, the Caraga Regional Project Monitoring Team serve as resource persons on geo-tagging to other RPMCs in the country.  In 2014, the Caraga RDC became the first RDC to go paperless by using tablets during meetings.  Also in 2014, the Caraga RDC was the first to implement projects for the communication of the Revised Caraga

Regional Development Plan. It conducted:  Agents of Change and the Corporate Partners’ For a; and  Be the Agent of Change contests on jingle making, canvas painting, and photography.

After 20 years, the quest for economic and social progress continues to challenge the Caraganons to do great feats and create groundbreaking ideas for the region.

Everyone has to work harder to further reduce poverty incidence so that everyone will live better lives as well as fulfill the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

For an economically and socially progressive region, the Caraga RDC continues to position Caraga as the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mining, and Eco-Tourism center of the country, or the FAME center of the Philippines. Everyone should continue to labor until this dream is realized. It is a daunting task but it is possible.

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The Caraga RDC In Numbers

FY 2015 Caraga RDC Endorsed Budget

4 - Full Council Meetings 1 - Special Council Meeting 2 - Executive Committee Meeting 4 - Development Administration Committee Meetings 4 - Economic Development Committee Meetings 4 - Infrastructure Development Committee Meetings 4 - Social Development Committee Meetings

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11 Launching of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 ASEAN Economic Community 2015 Integration Forum

Caraga Regional Development Council reports 2014 accomplishments

by Michelle P. Dela Calzada, NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) started the year 2014 with the launching of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016 on January 15, 2014 in Butuan City. It was followed by the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 Integration Forum on January 24, 2014 also in Butuan City.

A Special RDC Meeting with Sec. Florencio Abad of the Department of Budget and Management was held on February 28, 2014 in Butuan City. In the said meeting, the RDC apprised the Secretary on the recent developments in Caraga three years after his first visit to the region. Budget

related concerns of the region which need the action of the Secretary were also presented to during the meeting.

During the 78th RDC Full Council Meeting on March 20, 2014, the Council endorsed the Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budgets of regional line agencies (RLAs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) amounting to PhP 55.9 billion. The RDC endorsed proposed budget is for the 23 RLAs, 12 attached agencies/bureaus and four SUCs. The budgets underwent a rigorous process of consultation with different stakeholders including civil society before securing the

endorsement of the RDC. The selection of Mayor Dale Corvera (Cabadbaran City) as the new RDCDevelopment Administration Committee (DAC) Chairperson and Mayor Shiela Mae Cebedo as the new Local Chief Executives’ (LCE) representative to the RDCExecutive Committee (ExeCom) were confirmed by the Council.

To chart the direction and priorities of the Council in the next three years, the RDC’s Direction for 20142016 was formulated.

During the 3rd quarter RDC Meeting, the Council shifted from paper to digital agenda kits as an initiative to further improve the

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Resolutions passed Development Administration Committee  Endorsing to the RDC the Results Matrices of the Good

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Governance and the Rule of Law and Peace and Security Chapters of the Revised RDP 2013-2016 Endorsing to the RDC the Communication Plan for the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 Endorsing to the RDC the Election of Mayor Dale B. Corvera of Cabadbaran City as the New RDC-DAC Chairperson Endorsing to the RDC the Request for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to Equip the Surigao City PNP with Additional Three Mobile Vehicle for Operations Endorsing to the RDC the Request for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to Disaggregate Data of Province of Dinagat Islands from Surigao del Norte Endorsing to the RDC the Proposed Institutionalization of the Regional Development Budgeting Process Framework to the Office of the President, DBM, NEDA Board – Regional Development Committee (RDCom), and other RDCs Requesting the RDC to request the Office of the President through the Permanent Committee (DOF, DFA, DBM) to adopt the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) and Commission on Audit (COA) Resolutions Providing for the Increase of Government Personnel Daily Travel Allowance for Local Travels from P800 to P1,500

Economic Development Committee  Endorsing the Regional Ecotourism Committee

Resolution No. 2013-20, “A Resolution Requesting the Regional Development Council to Pass a Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Develop a Specialized Information, Education and Communication Module Integrating Tourism Concepts and Highlighting Local Ecotourism Destinations in Caraga Region, in Order to Promote a Culture of Tourism Especially Among the Youth

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13 Special Caraga RDC Meeting with Sec. Florencio Abad Second Quarter 2014 Caraga RDC Meeting and Oath Taking Ceremony of Gov. Sol Matugas as Caraga RDC Chair

efficiency of RDC meetings.

This initiative is the first among RDCs nationwide.

As part of the region’s effort to fast track the rehabilitation of Tropical Depression Agaton affected areas, the RDC endorsed the Reconstruction Intervention for Socioeconomic Enhancement (RISE) for Tropical Depression Agaton -Affected Areas. This paved the way for securing the budget for the implementation of the needed rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.

Moreover, the inclusion of rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the RLAs’ proposed budgets was a requirement in securing RDC endorsement.

The Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program 20132016 which contains the priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of the agencies, LGUs, state colleges and universities and the private sector was also updated. This is to ensure that the priority PPAs are responsive to the needs and priorities of the

region. This document serves as a reference of the Council in evaluating the FY 2015 proposed budgets of the RLAs and SUCs. To ensure that there is horizontal and vertical linkage of targets, the Results Matrices (RM), one of the companion documents of the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016 was adopted. The RM establishes the desired development results that the region intends to achieve by the end of the plan implementation period. To ensure that the targets set in the RM are realistic, attainable and vertically linked to the programs and projects of various stakeholders, the RDC Secretariat validated with the stakeholders the indicators and targets identified in the RM then these were presented and endorsed by the concerned Sectoral Committees. The adoption of the RMs by the Council is a concrete move to ensure that government deliver results.

The Caraga RDC conducted four Full Council

meetings and passed 68 resolutions. During these meetings, a total of 40 projects/programs were endorsed by the Council to the appropriate agencies/ funding institutions. A number of these projects have been funded for implementation.

Endorsement of projects that support tourism development, improve access to tourism destinations and production areas and mainstream DRRCCA measures in the region has been a key agenda of the Council in 2014. The Council also supported 13 policy reforms including the proposal to institutionalize the regional development budgeting process framework into the existing Philippine budgeting process. Another policy reform endorsed by the Council is the adoption of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) and COA Resolutions Providing for the Increase of Government Personnel Daily Travel Allowance for Local Travels from Php 800.00 to Php 1,500.00.

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Resolutions passed Infrastructure Development Committee  Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Proposed Strategic Road  

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Links of Surigao Del Norte Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the projects for Feasibility Studies and Detailed Engineering Proposals for NEDA Funding Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Unfunded Tourism-Related Road projects of Agusan Del Norte, Butuan City and Agusan Del Sur Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Proposed Butuan City Flood Control Project and Construction of Drainage System Along national Roads Resolution Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Three FSDE Proposals of Surigao Del Sue namely; Sedimentation and Flooding Control of Cantilan Irrigation System, Completion of Tago River Irrigation System and Flood Protection Works, Slope Stabilization of Tandag Riverbank and Diversion Dam of Sta. Felomina CIS

Social Development Committee  Endorsing to the RDC the Proposed Priority Courses

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Representing 3% of the Total Number of Scholarships for Caraga Region Endorsing to the Regional Development Council the request to strongly urge the Local Government Units (LGUs) to Create Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the provincial, municipal and city levels of Caraga Region Endorsing to the RDC the request for LGUs to include a Person with Disability as a regular member of the City/ Municipal Building Inspectorate Team in monitoring the compliance of government and business establishments with Accessibility Law Endorsing to the RDC the request for the inclusion of Municipal Population Officers (MPOs) in the Municipal Development Councils (MDC)’s Sectoral Committees Endorsing to the RDC the request for the Department of Education to Develop a Specialized IEC Module Integrating Tourism Concepts and Highlighting Local Eco-Tourism Destinations in Caraga Region to Promote a Culture of Tourism Especially Among the Youth Endorsing to the RDC the request to encourage the LGUs to pass an ordinance requiring boarding house operators to secure business permits Endorsing to the RDC the request to encourage the LGUs to pass an ordinance regulating access of teenagers to motels, hotels and beach cottages

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15 Simulation of the Digital Caraga RDC Meeting during the Second Quarter Caraga RDC-Social Development Committee Meeting Agent of Change Forum

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee conducted a total of six monitoring activities including two special monitoring activities of rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in areas affected by Tropical Depression Pablo and Agaton. The Committee was able to monitor a total of 262 projects. The monitored projects include roads and bridges, slope and river bank protection, irrigation, school building projects, and health facilities enhancement.

Since the organization of the Caraga RPMC, the region hosted for the first time a National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC) Meeting on May 14-15, 2014 in Tandag City.

All the RPMCs all over the country were represented during the said meeting.

The RDC Executive Committee (ExeCom) conducted two meetings and passed 11 resolutions. A milestone resolution passed by the RDC ExeCom is Resolution No. 6, S. 2014 “Supporting the Celebration

of the International Men’s Day in Caraga Region.”

Thus, on November 19, the region celebrated for the first time International Men’s Day making Caraga Region the first to celebrate the event. The celebration is aimed at improving gender relations, highlighting positive male role models and celebrating men’s achievement and contributions, particularly to the community, family and child care.

The Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee met twice in 2014. A milestone resolution passed by the Committee is the resolution supporting the reactivation and strengthening of the Ports Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) at Nasipit Port which resulted in the activation of PICO and allocation of budget for its Office. With the enforcement of EO 23, the Committee participated in the conduct of anti-illegal logging operations and apprehended/seized/ confiscated a total of 1931303.84 board feet of

forest products.

The Council also closely monitored the advance implementation of the Senior High School in the region and provided avenues such as Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on April 8, 2014 and a Forum on Senior High School Advance Implementation to discuss operational issues and gaps and come up with appropriate actions.

The Regional Land Use Committee geared up for the updating of the Regional Physical Framework Plan.

Thus, series of trainingworkshops were conducted to capacitate the RLUC and the technical working group members in physical planning. Among these training-workshops are: 1. Orientation on Land Administration and Management Policies in the Physical Framework Planning Process (July 17-18, 2014); 2. Integrating Conflict Sensitivity in the Regional Physical Framework Planning Process (Aug 4-6);

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Major outputs and activities of RDC Sectoral Committees Planning

Investment Programming

The Sectoral Committees updated the Results Matrices of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 20132016 and was approved by the Council.

The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees updated the Regional Development Investment Program 2013-2016.

Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Mindanao Spatial Strategy/Development Framework.

Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Communication Plan (ComPlan) of the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016 was approved.

The Caraga RDC endorsed 40 projects/ programs. These projects would help boost the tourism industry, improve access to tourism sites and production areas in the region and Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) projects.

Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Reconstruction Intervention for Socioeconomic Enhancement (RISE) for Tropical Depression Agaton-Affected Areas.

Budgeting

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees conducted Regional Budget Consultation and consultation with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the proposed agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) budgets. The Caraga RDC endorsed the FY 2015 Agency and SUCs Budget Proposals.

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) conducted quarterly monitoring of programs and projects in the region. Two special monitoring activities for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects were also conducted.

Advocacy

Other RDC Initiatives

To engender support for the implementation of the Revised Caraga RDP Plan 20132016, the following activities were conducted:

The Caraga RDC is the first to prepare a Communication Plan for the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016 and the first to implement a paperless RDC meeting.

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Agents of Change Forum; Be the Agent of Change Photography, Canvas Painting and Jingle Making Contests; Corporate Partners Forum; and 2014 Agents of Change Awards

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17 Geographic Information System Training for Beginners

3. Integrating Gender and Development Concerns in the Regional Physical Framework Planning Process (Aug 18-20); 4. Training on Geographic Information System for Beginners (Oct 13-17); 5. Training Workshop on the Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Sub-National Physical Planning Processes cum Training on Map Generation (Sept 29-Oct 3, 2014); and 6. Training Workshop on the Regional Physical Framework Planning (Dec 1-5, 2014).

As a result, the Planning Environment Chapter of Gender and Conflict Sensitive, DRR-CCAEnhanced Caraga Regional Physical Framework Plan has been drawn.

The Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) continues to take the lead in implementing gender and development initiatives in the region. During the Women’s Month Celebration, the RDC-

GADCC conducted a Forum on Reproductive Health Bill, jail visitation and Kalandrakas X. The region’s call to end violence was highlighted with the conduct of the 18 day campaign to end violence against women where various activities were conducted.

The successful implementation of the Revised RDP relies on the effective communication of the Revised RDP’s vision, goals, objectives and targets and the support and participation of the regional stakeholders. During the 79th RDC Full Council Meeting on June 29, 2014, the Communication Plan for the Revised RDP 2013-2016 (ComPlan) was approved.

The ComPlan contains communication strategies and various activities to communicate and advocate the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 (Plan) to the different stakeholders. The call to action message of the Communication Plan is “Be the agent of change” – a call for everyone to do relevant

and strategic actions for the region and become agents of positive change.

As contained in the ComPlan, the RDC conducted the Agents of Change Forum, Corporate Partners Forum, Agents of Change Photography, Canvass Painting and Jingle Making Competitions and 2014 Agents of Change Awards. All these initiatives are aimed at engendering support for the implementation of the RDP and popularizing the call for everyone to be agents of positive change.

With these accomplishments in 2014, the RDC remains true to its commitment to forge strong partnership and be a hallmark of unity and cooperation. The Caraga RDC will continue to blaze trails that will bring into fruition a development that is high and sustainable, generates mass employment that draws the majority of Caraganons into the economic and social mainstream and facilitates the reduction of poverty.

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ASEAN Economic Community: 12 Things to Know Source: Asian Development Bank, 2014

PROS/CONS + Dynamic growth region + Growing regional integration + Excellent production conditions - Market fragmentation - Infrastructure problems in some areas - Environmental challenges Source: www.bdgasia.com/asean/

TOP EXPORTS Electrical machinery and equipment Mineral fuels, oils and products

1

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is intensifying efforts to realize by 2015 the ASEAN Economic Community and implement the initiatives to achieve a single market and production base, allowing the free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled labor, and the freer movement of capital across the region.

2

If ASEAN were one economy, it would be seventh largest in the world with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.4 trillion in 2013. It could be fourth largest by 2050 if growth trends continue.

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With over 600 million people, ASEAN's potential market is larger than the European Union or North America. Next to the People's Republic of China and India, ASEAN has the world's third largest labor force that remains relatively young.

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ASEAN is one of the most open economic regions in the world, with total merchandise exports of over $1.2 trillion - nearly 54% of total ASEAN GDP and 7% of global exports.

5

Created in 1967 mainly for political and security reasons, ASEAN is today a successful model for regionalism, widely recognized globally.

6

On its 40th anniversary in 2007, ASEAN adopted the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint, which advanced the completion target to 2015 from 2020.

7

The ASEAN Economic Community is defined by four pillars: (i) creating a single market and production base, (ii) increasing competitiveness, (iii) promoting equitable economic development, and (iv) further integrating ASEAN with the global economy.

8

In November 2007, ASEAN leaders also approved the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Strategic Framework and Work Plan (2009-15), which is meant to bridge the perceived "development divide" between the older and economically more advanced members - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, known as the ASEAN-6, and the four newer ones - Cambodia (1999), Lao People's Democratic Republic (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Viet Nam (1995).

9

As of October 2013, 279 measures (79.7%) of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint have been implemented.

10

Under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, the Common Effective Preferential Tariff scheme has brought down tariff rates on goods coming from ASEAN members to virtually zero for ASEAN-6. The four new ASEAN members have until 2015 to reduce their tariff.

11

While progress has been made in lowering tariffs and some behind-the-border economic hurdles, non-tariff barriers remain as major impediments to achieving a single market by 2015. The liberalization of trade in services has also been slow despite the industry's growing importance in the region.

12

An ADB Institute study finds that that the ASEAN Economic Community should be considered a stepping stone to deeper integration. With the appropriate policy mix, ASEAN could triple per capita income by 2030, raising its citizens' quality of life to levels enjoyed today by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Animal and vegetable oils Rubber and rubber products Personal vehicles Plastics and plastic products Source: www.bdgasia.com/asean/

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ASEAN Economic Community Key Messages Source: ASEAN

“SHARED MARKET, SHARED BENEFITS” “FROM TEN to ONE” With reduced barriers to trade and investment, investors can move more freely in the region, have greater access to capital and benefit from moving goods easily across borders.

“SIMPLIFIED RULES, GREATER ACCESS” “TRADING ON A BIGGER STAGE” Trade in the region will be facilitated through simple, harmonized and streamlined trade and customs documentation as well as rules and procedures.

“ASEAN: HOME FOR YOUR INVESTMENT” “PARTNERS IN BUSINESS” A more conducive business environment will encourage investors who are not yet in

ASEAN to do business in the region, provide greater confidence among current investors and increase intra- ASEAN investment.

“MAKING CAPITAL WORK FOR YOU” “EXPANDING ACCESS TO FINANCE” A more robust financial sector translates into stronger financial intermediation, capacity and risk management to support growth, and stronger cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities to external shocks and volatility.

“ASEAN PROFESSIONALS ON THE MOVE” “BEST PEOPLE AND BEST PRACTICES” The diversity of talent found in the ten Member States is a major benefit for ASEAN employers as they build regional companies.

The ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint The AEC aims to transform ASEAN into a stable, prosperous and highly competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities.

Specifically, it comprises four key pillars: (1) a single market and production base; (2) a highly competitive economic region; (3) a region of equitable economic development; and (4) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

Pillar 1 Single market and production base       

Free flow of goods Free flow of services Free flow of investment Freer flow of capital Free flow of skilled labor Priority integration sectors Food, agriculture and forestry

Pillar 2 Competitive economic region   

Competition policy Consumer protection Intellectual property rights  Infrastructure development  Taxation  E-commerce

Pillar 3 Equitable economic development  

SME development Initiative for ASEAN integration

Pillar 4 Integration into the global economy 

Coherent approach towards external economic relations  Enhanced participation in global supply networks

1976

First ASEAN Summit convenes in Bali, Indonesia Declaration of ASEAN Concord Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

1967 ASEAN established through the Bangkok Declaration by the five original member countries: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand

Indonesia: 870.275

1978 1971 Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality Declaration

Malaysia: 312.433

First ASEANEuropean Economic Community ministerial meeting held in Brussels, Belgium

1984 Brunei joins ASEAN

Philippines: 272.018

2013 Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in millions of USD

Singapore: 295.744 Thailand: 387.156

6

Timeline of the ASEAN Economic Community Integration 600+ million

53%

$2.3 trillion

people live in ASEAN countries

of Southeast Asia’s population is under 30

approximate GDP of ASEAN counties in 2012, with growth exceeding 5% on average

1992 Agreement on the Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme for the ASEAN Free Trade Area

1994

1995 Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear WeaponFree Zone Adoption of ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services in Bangkok

Brunei: 16.214

2006

2011

ASEAN granted observer status at United Nations General Assembly

Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in A Global of Nations “Bali Concord III”

2003

ASEAN establishes the ASEAN Regional Forum

Viet Nam joins ASEAN

2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

1997 Laos and Myanmar join ASEAN

ASEAN signs the Bali Concord II which is the catalyst for the creation of a single market and elimination of tariff and non-tariff roadblocks within the region, as well as the promotion of a democratic peacemaking process

ASEAN Vision 2020

1998 Adoption of ASEAN Investment Area

1999 Cambodia joins ASEAN

2005 First meeting of the ASEAN Plus Six comprising the ASEAN countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand

Viet Nam: 170.565

Laos: 10.002

2007

2012

ASEAN signs charter giving its 10 member states a legal identity, a first step towards its aim towards a free trade area by 2015.

21st ASEAN Summit held in Cambodia

2008 ASEAN leaders met and addressed the need to turn ASEAN into a legal entity that will create a single free-trade area

2009 Free Trade Agreement with Australia and New Zealand signed

2013 Negotiations start on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Trade zone between ASEAN, and 6 major trading partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea

2015 Launch of the ASEAN Economic Community

Myanmar: 56.408

Cambodia: 15.659

Sources: BDG-Asia, ASEAN, Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd, Inside Investor, East Cube

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Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20

by Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA-Caraga

Turning over a new leaf. “Caraga at 20” is symbolized by a leaf logo, which denotes prosperity as a result of diligence. The number of leaves represent the 20 years of Caraga as a region, and the leaf colors are the colors of FAME. Caraga Region positions itself as the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral, and EcoTourism (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

The Caraga Region, created through Republic Act 7901 on February 23, 1995, is now 20 years old!

The region during its platinum anniversary is recognizing various milestones. The occasion, dubbed as “Caraga at 20,” was celebrated with a parade participated by regional line agencies (RLAs), local government units (LGUs) and other partners.

A Thanksgiving Mass and Opening Programme followed highlighting the first ever State of the Regional Address (SORA)

by Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Sol Matugas.

Authors of RA 7901 as well as other distinguished officials were feted during the programme. The

winners of the Be the Agent of Change Jingle-Making Contest performed their winning piece.

There was a 2-day Caraga Through the Years Exhibit and Trade Fair at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort and Convention Center. A Forum on Land Use Planning and a press conference followed in the afternoon. The festivities for the day was capped by a Fellowship Night organized by the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE).

Aside from this whole-day event, other anniversary activities were: Caraga Regional Meet Tandag City February 23-27 led by DepEd and the Provincial Government of

Surigao del Sur Local Overseas Job Fair Claver, Surigao del Norte and Butuan City February 25 and 27 led by DOLE Partners’ Forum of COSERAM Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City February 25-27 led by GIZ Caraga Culinary Show Bayugan City February 26-27 led by DOT Free National Competency Assessment Services TESDA Regional & Provincial Offices February 23-27 led by TESDA

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Caraga Regional Development Council, GIZ hold first Regional Land Use Forum

by Graziella C. Harting, NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) in partnership with GIZ held the first ever Regional Land Use Forum on February 23-24, 2015 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Atty. Linda MalenabHornilla, Commissioner-InCharge for Planning of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) was the Keynote Speaker.

Hornilla cited Section 6, Article 12 of the Philippine Constitution that states, “the use of property bears a social function and all economic agents shall contribute for the common good.” Along this line, she underscored the critical role of government in balancing the effects of two contradicting but important functions of land for the good of the society as a whole and for personal gains. She explained that land has always been regarded as a shared natural resource (much like water and air), which should be conserved and cared for with due consideration for its effect on the society as a whole and for the condition in which it will be passed on to the future generation.

On the other hand, land is viewed as a property and private commodity, which can be owned and used, bought and sold for personal comfort and profit. She challenged the local government units (LGUs) to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in the preparation of their respective

Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs).

RD Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, RLUC Chairperson and Caraga RDC Vice Chairperson, presented the Policy Paper on Land Use/ Rights Conflicts in Caraga Region. The policy paper provided the analysis of issues and concerns pertaining to land rights/resource use conflict and the suggested alternative courses of actions to be implemented at the local, regional and national levels to promote good governance of natural resources.

As a resource-based economy, the region’s biggest challenge is to strike a balance between production and conservation in order to have a development that guarantees not only economic growth but also the preservation of culture and integrity of environment.

After the presentation, representatives from DENR 13 and Central Offices of DAR, NCIP and BSWM provided their responses to the issues

concerning their respective agencies.

Land use resource persons talked about the land management regimes in the Philippines, application of the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Approach, Climate Change Adaptation Framework in the Philippines and its Implications to Local Planning, EnhancedGuidelines on the Preparation of Comprehensive Land and Use Plans (CLUPs) and integration of disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation in local land use/ physical planning processes.

During the Forum there were presentations on best practices of selected development efforts on natural resources management within and outside Caraga Region.

Among those invited speakers was Datu Lumad Samuel Behing II, Chairperson of Wawa Sektor Tribal Council in Sibagat, who shared their continued on page 38

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Caraga Regional Development Council steers FY 2016 regional budget review

by Graziella C. Harting, NEDA-Caraga

The National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 123 dated January 28, 2015 recognizes the critical role of the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) in the FY 2016 National Budget Preparation.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1996, the RDC is tasked to conduct a regional budget review to ensure alignment and harmonization of the programs, projects and activities of the national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units for greater impact at the grassroots level.

The Caraga RDC issued a Regional Budget Call for FY 2016 parallel to the NBM to ensure that the budget proposals

of the agency regional offices (AROs), state universities and colleges (SUCs) and other government instrumentalities consider the development thrusts and priorities of the region.

Moreover, this year’s budget process broadens the participation of civil society organizations and the private sector in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, partnership, consultation and mutual empowerment, respect for internal processes, sustainability and national interests.

Regional Budget Review Process Calendar of Activities: Activities

Schedule

Regional Budget Forum

March 3, 2015

Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Consultation

March 6, 2015

RDC Sectoral Committee Budget Review  Economic Development Committee

March 16, 2015

 Development Administration Committee

March 16, 2015

 Social Development Committee

March 17, 2015

 Infrastructure Development Committee

March 19, 2015

RDC Full Council Budget Consultation

March 26, 2015

RDC-Advisory Committee Budget Consultation

March 27, 2015

RDC Consultation/Dialogue with Selected ACOs

March 30-31, 2015

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Criteria for Budget Assessment 1. Focuses on the five (5) key result areas (KRAs) of the President’s Contract to the Filipino people:  Transparent, accountable and participatory governance  Poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable  Rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth  Just and lasting peace and the rule of law  Integrity of the environment and climate change adaptation and mitigation 2. Contributes to the realization of the region’s development thrusts and priorities.

3. Supports the realization of the regional targets under the Millennium Development Goals:  Goal 1: Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger  Goal 2: Achieving universal primary education  Goal 3: Promoting gender equality and empowering women  Goal 4: Reducing child mortality  Goal 5: Improving maternal health  Goal 6: Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases  Goal 7: Ensuring environmental sustainability  Goal 8: Developing global partnerships for development 4. Provides allocation for Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) related programs, projects and activities.

5. Ensures allocation of at least 5 percent for gender and development (GAD) related programs, projects and activities.

6. Strengthens the region’s resiliency to natural and man-made disasters through allocation of budgets for DRR/CCArelated programs, projects and activities.

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3rd Quarter 2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer Overview of the Economy Key Labor Statistics, Caraga, 2013-2014 Labor Force Participation Rate Employment Rate Unemployment Rate Underemployment Rate Source: PSA-NSO

Oct 2013 67.10 96.10 3.90 19.90

Oct 2014 64.80 95.80 4.20 22.00

The labor force participation and employment rates in October 2014 improved compared to the same period last year with 67.1% and 64.8%, respectively. However, employment rate contracted by 0.31% from 96.1% to 95.80%. Underemployment rate increased by 9.55%, from 19.90% in October 2013 to 22% in October 2014.

Inflation rates in all provinces in the third quarter of 2014 increased by an average of 5.17%.

In Agriculture and Fishery, a minimal growth was recorded. The increase was attributed to higher crop and poultry yields.

Agricultural crops grew by 1.71%, from 430,358.74 MT in the third quarter of 2013 to Inflation Rate, Third Quarter 2013-2014 (%)

437,730.87 MT in the same quarter of 2014 because of increments in fruit, vegetable and non-food and industrial crops production. Livestock and poultry production increased by 2.90% in the second quarter 2014, from 14,211.89 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 14,623.33 MT in the third quarter 2014.

Similarly, the fishery subsector improved by 3.63% reaching a total production of 23,676 MT, which was attributed to municipal fishing and aquaculture.

Log production decreased because of lower private land’s timber production. Log production reached 155,326.28 m3 in the third quarter 2014 from the 231,820.93 m3 level in the

third quarter 2013.

For mining and quarrying, shipments of gold bullion and nickel increased in the third quarter of 2014 resulting in more royalty taxes earned at PhP1.2 billion.

Total number of flights reached 1,800; higher by 19.36% in the third quarter 2014 from 1,508 during the third quarter 2013. This was due to the reopening of the Tandag City Airport which started its operation on June 30, 2015.

About 6,247shipcalls in the third quarter 2014 was recorded, higher by 137% from 2,630 in the third quarter 2013. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising 95% of the total shipcalls.

Consumer Price Index, Third Quarter 2013-2014 (PhP)

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Macroeconomic Performance

19.90% in October 2013 to 22% in October 2014.

Labor and Employment The region’s labor force increased by 1.27% from 1,738,000 in October 2013 to 1,760 in October 2014. On the contrary, labor force participation rate declined by 2.30 percentage points, from 67.1% in October 2013 to 64.8% in October 2014.

Employment rate contracted by 0.31% from 96.1% in October 2013 to 95.80% in October 2014.

Consequently, unemployment rate increased by 7.69%, from 3.9% in October 2013 to 4.20% in October 2014. Likewise, underemployment rate increased by 10.55%, from

Inflation and Consumer Price Index The average inflation rate reached 5.17% in the third quarter 2014, higher by 65.78% than the 3.12% registered in the third quarter 2013. Agusan del Sur recorded the highest increase of 105% while only Agusan del Norte decreased by 21%.

The Consumer Price Index averaged at PhP155.20 in the third quarter 2014. This is 5.28% higher than the same period last year at PhP147.42. Consequently, the purchasing power of peso decreased at the average of 4.65%, from 0.68 in the third quarter 2013 to 0.65 in the

third quarter 2014.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Crops Palay production in the third quarter 2014 reached 35,426 metric tons (MT), lower by 9.25% compared to third quarter 2013. The decrease in production was attributed to the decrease in area planted.

Surigao del Sur is the biggest producer of palay among the provinces, contributing 43% to total regional production in the third quarter 2014. Surigao del Norte follows with 32% contribution.

Corn production increased by 4.25%, from

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44,613 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 46,511 MT in the third quarter 2014. The increase was due to higher yields and more area harvested for both white corn and yellow corn in the third quarter 2014. The province of Agusan del Sur was the top corn producer, contributing 71% of the total production in the third quarter 2014.

Fruits Fruit Production increased by 16.92% from 69,899.76 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 81,713.42 MT in the third quarter 2014. Banana contributed 85% of the total fruit production thus increasing the total fruit production despite the

Issue 1

decrease in production of other fruits (i.e. pineapple, papaya, orange).

Vegetables Vegetable production increased by 10.86% from 21,130.75 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 32,059.35 MT in the third quarter 2014.

Most of the major crops, i.e. camote, cassava, gabi, and squash fruits registered higher yields. Camote registered the highest production with 39% to the region’s production.

Non-Food and Industrial Crops Non-Food and Industrial Crops (NFICs) declined by 2.07% from 259,299.23 MT during the third quarter of

29

2013 to 253,932.85 MT in the third quarter 2014. The decrease was caused by fewer coconut produced from Typhoon Yolanda affected areas. Coconut has the highest contribution with 83 % of the region’s NFICs production.

Livestock and Poultry Livestock production increased by 0.92% from 10,245 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 10,339 MT in the third quarter of 2014 due to more disposal of carabao, cattle and goat.

Likewise, poultry production registered an increase of 8%, from 3,966.89 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 4,284.33 MT in the third quarter 2014. All

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poultry products increased led by chicken contributing 74% of the total production.

Fishery Fish production increased by 3.63% from 22,847.49 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 23,676.07 MT in the third quarter 2014. The increase was driven by both municipal fishing and aquaculture that increased by 5.78% and 0.48%, respectively. Municipal fisheries contributes 71% while aquaculture shares 24% to the total fishery production.

More catch of Skipjack, Frigate tuna, Indian mackerel, Fimbriated sardines, Porgies and Squid (Barawan), freshwater goby and tilapia contributed to the production increment of the municipal fishery. The increase in the aquaculture production was attributed to seaweeds and more yields in brackish water fishponds due to high stocking and feed support from LGU-BFAR. On the contrary, commercial production

declined by 7.68% from 1,383.76 MT in the third quarter 2013 to 1,277.47 Mt in the third quarter 2014.

This was caused by the prohibition of danish seine and “basing� in Surigao del Norte.

Forestry Log production was estimated at 155,326.28 m3 in the third quarter 2014, posting a decrease of 33% from the 231,820.93 m3 level in the third quarter 2013. A huge portion of the growth was generated from the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC) production which decreased by 32%. The PTPOC accounted for 99.0% of the total log production.

Trade and Industry Trade In the third quarter 2014, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XIII recorded aggregate domestic sales of PhP188.3 million, which is 19.02% higher than the PhP158.2 million sales recorded in the third quarter

2013. Among the provinces, Agusan del Norte had the biggest share with 31% which increased by 112.10%.

On new business names registration, DTI recorded 1,375 in the third quarter 2014. This represents a decrease of 12.25% from the third quarter 2013 figure of 1,567. Agusan del Norte contributed the biggest share of 40%, followed by Surigao del Norte with 27%. All provinces incurred a decrease in new business names registered.

Services Air Transport Total number of flights in the region during the third quarter 2014 reached 1,800.

Both incoming and outgoing flights registered an increase of 19.36% from 1,508 in the third quarter 2013. This was due to reopening of Tandag City Airport in June 30, 2015.

Total incoming passengers reached 81,342 in the third quarter 2014, signifying an increase of 9.74% from 74,124 in the

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third quarter 2013. Total outgoing passengers reached 86,323 in the third quarter 2014 indicating an increase of 9.14% from 79,093 passengers in the third quarter 2013.

Total cargoes recorded in the third quarter 2014 reached 1,632.59 MT, lower by 19.94% from 2,038.28 MT during the third quarter 2013. Both incoming and outgoing cargoes registered a decrease of 23.03% and 15.37%, respectively.

Shipping and Cargoes Total number of shipcalls in the third quarter 2014 reached a total of 6,247, higher by 137% from 2,630 in the third quarter 2013.

Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising 95% of the total shipcalls.

Both domestic and foreign shipcalls increased by 149.8% and 27.5%, respectively.

Inbound domestic cargo throughput increased by 9.40% from 440.2 MT during the third quarter 2013 to 481.6 MT in the third quarter 2014. On the

Issue 1

contrary, outbound domestic cargo decreased by 6.46% from 194.7 MT to 182.1 MT in the same period.

Foreign export throughput reached 14,751

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MT in the 1st semester 2014, indicating an increase of 1,708% from last year’s 815 MT due to the increase in shipment of nickel and chromite ores.

Development Prospects

Banking RCBC Savings Bank (RSB) opened its first branch in March 2015 along J.C. Aquino Avenue Butuan City. RSB is a wholly owned subsidiary of one of the country's top universal banks, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC).

Transport Services The Tigerair Philippines Manila -Butuan -Manila launched its first night flight through Butuan City’s Bancasi airport on December 16, 2014. This presents many opportunities and may boost the city’s economy and tourism industry, with Butuan City

being the regional center of Caraga region.

Malls and Hotels Two branches of Gaisano Malls opened in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in December 2014 and March 2015. The Gaisanos provide opportunities for employment in San Francisco and the rest of Agusan del Sur. Gaisano also plans to build malls in Bayugan City and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Go Hotel in Robinson's Place Butuan opened in February 2015. Go hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers in the city/ region.

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4th Quarter 2014 Regional Project Monitoring Report Name of Project Construction of 4-Classroom New Israel Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom San Miguel Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom Sta. Maria Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom Cebolin Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom San Ignacio Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom San Jose Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom Singapore Elementary School Construction of 5-Classroom Pag-asa Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom Dao Primary School Construction of 2-Classroom Trento Central SPED Construction of 2-Classroom Trento National High School Construction of 4-Classroom Kapatungan Elementary School Construction of 3-Classroom Tagyago Primary School Construction of 2-Storey, 4-Classroom La Paz Central Elementary School Construction of 3-Classroom Sagunto Elementary School Construction of 2-Storey, 10o-Classroom Do単a Adela Central Elementary School Construction of 1-Classroom Waloe Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom Bacay Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom Don Mateo Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom, East Bunawan Central Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom Bonifacio Central Elementary School Construction of 2-Classroom Cuevas Elementary School Construction of 4-Classroom Patrocenio Elementary School

Location

Cost in Million (PhP)

Brgy. Sta. Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur Brgy. Sta. Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur Brgy. Sta. Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur Trento, Agusan del Sur

3.44

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of October 24, 2014 Status Slippage Planned (%) Actual (%) (%) 100.00 100.00 Completed

1.72

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

3.44

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

2.94

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Trento, Agusan del Sur

3.15

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur Brgy. Sta. Maria, Agusan del Sur Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur Trento I, Agusan del Sur

1.32

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

3.43

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

1.69

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

1.25

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

1.65

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Trento I, Agusan del Sur

1.64

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Trento I, Agusan del Sur

3.36

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

La Paz, Agusan del Sur

2.02

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Brgy. Poblacion, La Paz, Agusan del Sur La Paz, Agusan del Sur

3.62

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

2.02

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Panagangan, La Paz, Agusan del Sur Loreto, Agusan del Sur

9.09

100.00

80.00

(20.00)

Completed

0.63

100.00

94.80

(5.20)

Completed

Veruela, Agusan del Sur

1.68

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Veruela, Agusan del Sur

3.33

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Brgy. San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Brgy. Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur Trento, Agusan del Sur

3.14

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

1.59

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

1.51

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur

1.36

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

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Rehabilitation of Union Communal Irrigation System Union, Lingig, Surigao del Sur

Name of Project Widening and Clearing of Landslide Prone Section along NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Road Emergency Repair/Restoration of Calamity Damaged Roadway along Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Road), Brgy. Tabon-tabon to Brgy. Mahayahay Construction of 1-Storey, 3-Classroom San Roque Elementary School Construction of 1-Storey, 4-Classroom Pagtilaan Elementary School Road Slip Protection along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (K1474+489 - K1474+531) Road Slip Protection along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (K1474+958 - K1474+972.2)

Repair of Road Slip along Surigao-Agusan Road Poblacion Sison, Surigao del Norte

Location Agusan del Sur

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of October 24, 2014 Cost in Million Status (PhP) Slippage Planned (%) Actual (%) (%) 19.70 15.25 61.20 45.95 Completed

Sibagat, Agusan del Sur

10.95

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

San Roque, Lingig, Surigao del Sur Pagtilaan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur Brgy. Mahayahay, Lingig, Surigao del Sur Sitio Paradise, Brgy.

Tagpoporan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur San Luis, Agusan del Sur

2.24

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

2.57

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

10.65

0.57

1.09

0.52

Completed

5.24

0.97

1.28

0.31

Completed

19.40

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

9.70

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

9.70

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

2.02

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

0.91

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

3.00

100.00

100.00

-

Completed

970m Rehabilitation along Butuan CityTalacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road (K1325+500 - K1332+800) Laminga-Zillovia Section 500m Rehabilitation along Butuan CityTalacogon, Agusan del Talacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road Sur (K1336+304 - K1342+770) Marbon Section 500m Rehabilitation along Butuan CityTalacogon, Agusan del Talacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road Sur (K1349+336 - K1353+114) Desamparados Section Replacement of Classroom, La Flora Talacogon, Agusan del Elementary School Sur Construction of 3-Classroom Magsaysay Veruela, Agusan del Sur Elementary School Guinabsan CIS in Buenavista, Agusan del Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Norte

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Highlights: 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Results for Caraga Region On Fertility, Fertility Preferences and Family Planning

3.6 births per woman

4.4 children

92 percent of married women with 6 or more living children want no more children

born to women 40-49 years old

60 percent of married women age 15-49 want no more children

14 percent

54 percent

of currently married women have an unmet need for family planning service of 5.9 percent for spacing, and 7.8 percent for limiting births

of married women use contraception (39 percent modern method, 15.2 percent use traditional method)

46 percent

68 percent

are not currently using any contraception

total demand for family planning

Maternal and Child Health

9 in 10 women

84 percent

55.5 percent

received antenatal care from a skilled health provider (doctor, nurse and midwife)

women age 15-49 with a live birth had their last live birth protected against neonatal tetanus

of births are delivered in a health facility

3 in 5 births were assisted by a medically-trained provider (doctor, nurse or midwife)

95 percent of children received the BCG vaccine

93 percent of children received the dose of DPT

93 percent Marriage and Sexual Behavior

20.8 years

of children received the first dose of polio vaccine

median age of first marriage

92 percent

19.7 years

of children received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine

first sexual intercourse of women age 2529, younger than the other age groups

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Highlights: 8th National Nutrition Survey Results for Caraga Region 2 in every 10 0-5 years old children are underweight

3 in every 10 0-5 years old children are stunted

8 in every 100 0-5 years old children are underweight for their height

3 in every 10

1 in every 4

school-age children are stunted

school-age children are underweight for their age

3.7 percent

7.7 percent

0-5 years old children are overweight

adults had chronic energy deficiency

6.8 percent

35 percent

adolescents are overweight

adults are overweight and obese

24.6 percent

18.3 percent

prevalence of overweight and obese lactating women

prevalence of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women

35 percent

9.6 percent

adult pregnant women are overweight and obese

prevalence of underweight lactating women

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Seniang affected farmers get support from the Department of Agriculture-Caraga

by Rhea Abao, DA-Caraga

Tropical Storm Seniang destroyed PhP32 million worth of cereals, PhP3.5 million other crops, and PhP3.5 million livestock as of January 16, 2015.

Regional Director Edna Mabeza committed that DACaraga will distribute initial buffer stocks to local government units with validated damage reports.

A total of 3,047 bags of certified seeds will be distributed to Agusan del Sur (1,645 bags), Surigao

del Sur (1,200 bags), Agusan del Norte (250 bags), Butuan City (750 bags), and Taganaan, Surigao del Norte (20 bags).

Also, Tago, Surigao del Sur will receive 80 ducklings and Barobo, Marihatag, and Tago, Surigao del Sur will receive 200 chickens each.

In addition, Butuan City; Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; and Barobo and Tagbina, Surigao del Sur will receive 45 kilos of assorted

vegetable seeds each.

Bayugan City and the rest of Agusan del Sur will receive 10 bags of corn each.

DA-Caraga is also committed to procure more seeds and provide other interventions to fully rehabilitate affected farmers once the final validation and assessment is done. This will ensure that food sufficiency program of the department will be sustained even with the occurrence of floods and other calamities.

Tandag’s Municipal Food Terminal – a marketing hub for farmers, fisherfolks

by Aurell P. Arais, DA-Caraga

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga launched its second Municipal Food Terminal (MFT) in Bongtud, Tandag City last January 30, 2015.

The MFT is managed by the Tandag Boholano Fishermen Association (TANBOFISA), the winner of the Regional Search for Best Barangay Bagsakan in 2014. It ranked third at the national level.

DA-Caraga granted TANBOFISA an additional capital of PhP1 million to become a municipal food terminal.

Lucita Solis, President of TANBOFISA, said that they would use the fund for rice trading. But to ensure steady supply of rice and rootcrops, the first MFT under the Maitom Farmers Association inked a marketing agreement with TANBOFISA. Under the agreement, Maitom MFT will supply TANBOFISA 200 bags of rice and other alternative food staples while TANBOFISA will supply Maitom MFT with aqua marine products.

Maitom Farmers Association President

Ricardo Fernandez said that both fisherfolks and farmers could directly benefit from the project since they now have sure market for their produce.

To date, DA Caraga had launched a total of 57 Barangay Food Terminals and nine Municipal Food Terminals strategically located across the region.

Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel directed the City Agriculture Office to closely monitor the project to ensure its success.

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TESDA-Caraga gets scholarship fund hike, PhP11.9M skills training

by Robert E. Roperos, TESDA-Caraga

Scholarship Fund Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. announced the increase of scholarship fund for 2015 in a press conference.

The Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) has increased by 92% from PhP21 million to PhP40 million. Sunico explained that TWSP budget will benefit 4,268 scholars regionwide.

Under the TWSP, the budget allocation for the Agriculture sector is P5,913,000; Tourism – P10,925,000; IT-BPM – P2,948,000; Semi-conductor and Electronics – P673,000; Automotive – P796,000; General Infrastructure/ Construction/Housing – P6,033,000; Manufacturing – P7,653,000; Logistics – P255,000; New and Emerging Sectors – P405,000; Trainers’ Methodology/Skills Upgrading – P2,960,000; Language and Culture – P450,000; and the National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) – P1,533,000.

Skills Training A total of P11,941,171

worth of skills training under the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) has been approved for Caraga Region in 2015.

For Agusan del Norte, a project worth PhP2,840,171 with a total of PhP500,000 counterpart from the local government units will cater 194 beneficiaries from Butuan City, Jabonga and Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

Also, 83 beneficiaries from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur will benefit from a PhP1,089,000 project. The provincial government will contribute PhP99,000 to the project amount.

Further, 319 beneficiaries from Surigao City, Dapa, and Bacuag, Surigao del Norte will benefit from a PhP4,350,000 project. The provincial government will counterpart PhP540,000 to

the project amount.

Furthermore, some 144 beneficiaries from Lanuza, San Miguel, and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur will have training opportunities from a PhP2,050,000 project. The provincial government will contribute PhP335,700 to the project amount.

Finally, 125 beneficiaries from Cagdianao and Libjo, Dinagat Islands will benefit from a PhP1,612,000 project with PhP112,000 counterpart from the provincial government.

The BUB implementation in Caraga Region is a mechanism of TESDA to mold the youth to become world-class skilled workers.

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. (center) shows the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between TESDA and the local government unit of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte represented by Mayor Carlos Egay, Jr. (left) during the MOA-signing of the Bottom-Up Budgeting (formerly Grassroots Participatory Budgeting) last year.

Also in photo is TESDA-Caraga Regional Operations Division (ROD) Chief Liza Budtan.

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Department of Trade and Industry, city chamber hold tariff elimination, ASEAN economic integration session

by Rodrigo R. Matabaran, DTI-Caraga

The Department of Trade and Industry-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-SDN), in coordination with the Surigao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a “Session on Doing Business in Free Trade Areas and ASEAN Economic Integration,” Friday, February 20, 2015 at Parkway Hotel, Surigao City.

The participants were exporters, importers,

members of academe and students in business management or international marketing, business support organizations, trade associations, chamber of commerce and industry leaders, business clubs, customs brokers, freight forwarders, NGOs and private organizations involved in assisting exporters.

The activity aims to increase awareness as well

as foster appreciation of the benefits of tariff elimination or reduction within the 10member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other free trade areas. It also covered discussions on market opportunities with focus on products with zero or reduced tariffs under existing free trade agreements.

Caraga Regional Development Council, GIZ hold first... from page 23

experience in harmonizing their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) in the municipality of Sibagat under the Conflict Sensitive Resources and Asset Management (COSERAM) Program funded by the German International Cooperation (GIZ). Mr. John Francisco Pontillas, Planning Development Officer V of PCSD presented the Palawan experience on mining, ecotourism and conservation development. Forester Edgardo Agbayani, Deputy Protected Area Superintendent of Mt. Kitanglad PAMB shared their experience on the management of protected area within the ancestral domain.

Other invited speakers were representatives from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and Municipal Government of Malimono on building capacities in land use planning and ridge-to-reef project, respectively.

At the end of the Forum, a Pledge of Commitment was signed by the different stakeholders, which was an appeal to the national government to take actions on the issues and concerns confronting the region’s land and natural resources utilization and management.

The participants included local chief executives (LCEs), local planning and development coordinators

(LPDCs) and representatives from regional line agencies (RLAs), selected agency central offices, civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectors and bilateral partners.

Dr. Stephanie SchellFaucon of GIZ expressed her gratitude to all partners who supported the COSERAM Program implementation. As a major partner in conflict transformation efforts in Caraga Region, the Caraga RDC Vice Chairperson Cariño gave Faucon a Manobo doll as a sign of the region’s recognition of her invaluable contributions in conflict transformation undertakings.

Vol. XVIII

Issue 1

IN PHOTOS: Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20

39

caraga today

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Highlights: Millennium Development Goals Status for Caraga Region Goals/Indicators

Probability of Attaining the Targets

Baseline

Current Level

Target

2003

2012

2015

below subsistence threshold

21.70

23.00

10.85

Very Low

below poverty threshold

44.70

42.00

22.35

Very Low

2003

2012

below subsistence threshold

16.60

16.90

8.30

Very Low

below poverty threshold

37.60

34.10

18.80

Very Low

23.12

9.80

11.56

High

1995-1996

2012-2013

Elementary participation rate

93.01

97.20

100.00

High

Elementary cohort survival rate

68.43

72.00

82.25

Low

Elementary completion rate

66.79

71.30

81.27

Low

2000-2001

2011-2012

Male

86.78

96.50

100.00

High

Female

93.27

97.90

100.00

High

Male

50.54

62.00

100.00

Very Low

Female

57.23

72.10

100.00

Very Low

2000

2013

26

7.00

8.70

High

1991

2013

17.37

4.76

5.80

High

1991

2013

161.00

135.00

54.00

Very Low

1999

2011

37.96

56.14

75.92

Low

1995

2011

Malaria morbidity rate (per 100,000 population)

154.98

1.65

31.00

High

TB morbidity rate

231.1

13.23

46.22

High

2001

2011

70.61

93.00

87.00

High

Eradicate Extreme Poverty Proportion of population

Proportion of families

Prevalence of malnutrition among 0-5 years old (% underweight) Achievement of Universal Primary Education

Promote gender equality and women empowerment Elementary participation rate

Secondary participation rate

Reduce child mortality Under-five mortality rate (per 1,000 livebirths)

Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 livebirths) Improve maternal health Maternal mortality rate (per 1,000 livebirths) Increase access to reproductive health services Contraceptive prevalence rate Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases Halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other diseases

Ensure Environmental Sustainability Provide basic amenities Proportion of families with access to safe drinking water