Caraga Today January-March 2016

24|Q3 2015 Regional Economic Situationer 32|Q4 2015 Regional Project Monitoring Report 4|Caraga Regional Development Council reports 2015 accomplishments

today caraga

January-March 2016 Vol. XIX, Issue 1

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

CENTERFOLD

In brief

The Sustainable Development Goals In this brief, we feature the basics of the Sustainable Development Goals

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What is sustainable development?

Are the Sustainable Development Goals legally binding?

How will the Sustainable Development Goals be implemented?

How will the Sustainable Development Goals be monitored?

How much will the implementation of this new sustainable development agenda cost?

How does climate change relate to sustainable development?

How are the Sustainable Development Goals different from the MDGs?

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January-March 2016

On this issue

HIGHLIGHT Sustainable Development Goals The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) took effect on January 1, 2016 after they were adopted by world leaders in September 2015 during the United Nations (UN) Summit. In the next fifteen years, countries around the world will mobilize efforts to fulfill the 17 SDGs, 169 targets, and 304 indicators.

On this issue, we feature the basics of SDGs.

NEWS Regional Development 12 Caraga Council spearheads Regional Budget Review for FY 2017 earns over 13 DSWD-Caraga ISO 9001:2008 certification Communication Plan: 14 HIV/AIDS Increase knowledge, attitudes, practices del Norte, Butuan City get 16 Surigao monitoring plum

technology offers eco-friendly way 17 New of treating sewage Regional Development Council 18 Caraga conducts training on Policy Analysis Regional Development Council 19 Caraga conducts training on Writing Resolutions the NEDA Board Way del Norte gears up for 39 Surigao transparent, accountable public financial management

FEATURES 22 Enhanced local development planning: A step towards safer communities 36 Improving livability through open spaces 38 Earth Hour: Shine a light on climate action 40 Highlights: Millennium Development Goals Status for Caraga Region

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Editor’s Note Jazmin D. Berido

This issue introduces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - the successor of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Officially known as Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDGs are composed of intergovernmental set of 17 aspiration goals with 169 targets and 304 indicators. This document was adopted by 193 countries of the UN General Assembly during the UN Sustainable Development Summit on September 25, 2015 in New York, USA. In the next 15 years, governments around the world will be looking into the following issues—poverty, food, health, education, women, water, energy, economy, infrastructure, inequality, habitation, consumption, climate, marineecosystems, ecosystems, institutions, and sustainability.

At the centerfold you will find answers to questions about the SDGs. In the succeeding issues, we will elaborate on the goals and targets.

In line with SD Goals 1-7, we highlight the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals for the region in 2014.

For SD Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), we feature the endorsement of the Caraga HIV/ AIDS Strategic Communication Plan 2016-2020 that primarily aims to increase knowledge, attitudes, and practices of target

audience by the end of the plan period. The Communication Plan was crafted to increase peoples‘ awareness and combat the increasing trend of HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines particularly in the Caraga Region.

The continued rise in HIV incidence prompted the Caraga Regional Development Council to mobilize key government agencies and private sector partners to prevent the further spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS on individuals, families and communities.

For SD Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), we feature the Johkasou System that offers ecofriendly wastewater treatment technology from Japan. Based on the estimates of the Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation of the UNICEF and the World Health Organization, in 2015, water

availability will be marginal in most cities and in 8 of the 19 major river basins in the country.

Water-borne diseases will persist as a severe public health concern in the country. About 4,200 people die each year due to contaminated drinking water. Hence, this system would be crucial to the attainment of the goal for water.

For SD Goal 11, we feature the enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) of the five provinces of the region that were launched on December 8, 2015. These plans are crucial since the threats brought by climate change and global warming and the risks of natural disasters pose dramatic impacts on physical and human development. Hence, these plans are crafted to mitigate the threats that could potentially reverse the gains achieved over the years on human development.

Further, we feature the urban design concept on open spaces that espouses livability. This feature includes observation made in The Netherlands, France, and Belgium.

For SD Goal 13, we feature the conduct of Earth Hour on March 19, 2016 with the theme ―Shine a light on climate action.‖ Finally, we elaborate the achievements of the Caraga Regional Development Council for 2015 in the areas of planning, investment programming, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, and advocacy.

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Caraga Regional Development Council reports 2015 accomplishments

by Michelle P. dela Calzada, NEDA-Caraga

The year 2015 is a rather year of innovation and of forging strategic partnerships for the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) as it ushers the region towards its goal of becoming the Fishery Agro-forestry Mineral and Eco-Tourism (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

The year started with a meeting of the RDC Executive Committee where the 2015 RDC Work and Financial Plan was approved. This plan was later confirmed by the Full Council during its first quarter meeting on March 26, 2015.

Caraga RDC Initiatives The Council spearheaded the week -long celebration of Caraga‘s 20th Founding Anniversary. On February 23, 2015 a parade was held, which was followed by a Thanksgiving Mass and Opening Program. During the Opening Program, persons who have been instrumental in the creation of Caraga as a region and also those who have contributed to the efforts of pursuing inclusive development were recognized. A Caraga Through the Years Exhibit and a Trade Fair were set-up during the celebration.

During Caraga‘s founding anniversary, the 1st State of the Region Address (SORA) was delivered by the RDC Chairperson, Hon. Sol Matugas.

The SORA highlighted the development gains of the region

for the past three years including the high economic growth and the reduction of poverty in Caraga. A two-day Regional Land Use Forum was conducted on February 23-24, 2015 participated by various stakeholders to discuss land use issues. The said Forum was supported of the GIZ. During the 82nd RDC Meeting on March 26, 2015, the Council endorsed the Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budgets of regional line agencies (RLAs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) amounting to Php 87.392 billion.

The RDC endorsed the proposed budgets of 19 RLAs, 13 attached agencies/bureaus and four SUCs. The proposed budgets underwent a rigorous process of consultation with different stakeholders including civil society organizations (CSOs) and the sectoral committees before securing the endorsement of the RDC. A meeting with the Congressional Representatives in Caraga Region was also held where selected regional line agencies presented their RDC-

endorsed FY 2016 proposed budgets to ensure alignment of priorities between the RDC and the Congresspersons.

The Caraga RDC in coordination with the Province of Surigao del Norte conducted a Teambuilding and Leadership Training last April 6-7, 2015 in Cebu City participated by 22 RDC members led by Governor Sol F. Matugas, four department heads of LGU Surigao del Norte and selected NEDA-Caraga personnel.

The activity was aimed at strengthening the leadership capacities of the RDC members as well as fostering camaraderie between and among the members.

Recognizing the contributions of science and technology in advancing regional development goals, the RDC also supported the conduct of Science and Technology Forum on May 27, 2015 with the theme “Ramdam na Agham” with Secretary Mario G. Montejo as the guest of honor.

As approved through RDC ExeCom Resolution Number 16, Series of 2015 and confirmed by

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RDC Resolution No. 21, Series of 2015 the RDC conducted the Mindanao Stakeholder‘s Responsible Mining Forum on July 14-15, 2015 in partnership with the Caraga State University and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIERRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The Forum paved the way for the discussions of issues confronting the mining industry and provided opportunity to share researches and good practices on responsible mining.

Cognizant of the crucial role that research plays in improving plan formulation, investment programming, budgeting and monitoring and evaluation, the Council spearheaded the conduct of a series of activities for the formulation of the Caraga Research Agenda. The Caraga Regional Research Agenda covers a broad spectrum of research activities in five categories – measuring the problem; understanding causes, elaborating solutions; translating the solutions or evidence into policy, practice, and products; and evaluating the effectiveness of solutions that corresponds to the goal of the region to become the FAME Center of the Country.

To track the socio-economic progress of the region, the 2014

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Regional Development Report was prepared and adopted by the Council. This report assesses the performance of the region in implementing the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 20132016. The 2014 Annual Regional Economic Situationer and Quarterly Regional Economic Situationers were also prepared which featured the economic performance of the region on an annual and quarterly basis including Caraga‘s development prospects.

The 2013 and 2014 Progress Reports on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were also prepared and adopted by the RDC. The MDG Updates tracks the progress of the region in attaining the targets under the eight goals of the MDG. Four issues of the Caraga Today were released with a total of 440 copies distributed to the RDC members and other regional stakeholders.

With the increasing trend on HIV-AIDS prevalence, the urgency to mobilize key government agencies to prevent the further spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS on individuals, families, and communities was recognized by the Council. Thus, it passed a resolution creating the HIV-AIDS Technical Working Group. This group spearheaded the formulation

of the HIV-AIDS Strategic Communication Plan 2016-2020, which was subsequently endorsed by the Council through RDC Resolution No. 45-B, S. 2015.

A milestone initiative of the RDC last year was the preparation of the Roads and Bridges Investment Program (RBIP). The formulation of the Caraga RBIP is a hallmark contribution of the RDC in strengthening its strategic role of mobilizing investments for roads and bridges. It is a product of the concerted efforts of the five provinces with the support The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Embassy. The conduct of InterProvincial Harmonization Workshop on October 5, 2015 was a key activity in the preparation of the RBIP 2016-2022. Further, the Caraga RDC Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 17, Series of 2015 ―Approving the Conduct of the Caraga Roads and Bridges Summit 2015‖. The said Summit took place on October 20, 2015 with the presence of key partners from the Central Offices of DPWH, DBM, DAR and NEDA. As part of the pilot testing of the Ex-Post Evaluation Reference Manual drafted by the NEDA Monitoring and Evaluation Staff, the RDC supported the conduct of Ex-Post Evaluation on Second Women‘s Health and Safe

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Resolutions passed Development Administration Sector th

 Approving the Calendar of Activities for the 20 Caraga

Anniversary Celebration  Endorsing Proposed Budget for FY 2016 of the Agency Regional

Offices (AROs) under the RDC-Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC)  Approving the 2015 Caraga RDC Sportsfest  Endorsing to the Regional Line Agencies the Unfunded Peacebuilding Interventions in PAMANA Areas in its FY 2016 Budget and Subsequent Budgets  Adopting the FY 2017 Regional Budget Call

Economic Development Sector  Endorsing to the RDC the Request of the Philippine Chamber of

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Commerce and Industry (PCCI) - Eastern Mindanao Region to Appoint the Regional Governor of the PCCI as a Non-Voting Member of the RDC Supporting the Conduct of the National Caving Congress in Caraga on April 20-25, 2015 Endorsing Proposed Budget for FY 2016 of the Agency Regional Offices (AROs) under the RDC-Economic Development Committee (RDC-EDC) Approving the Special Non-voting Membership of the Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and IndustryEastern Mindanao Region in the Caraga Regional Development Council Supporting the Conduct of the 20th Caraga Business Conference in June 2015 in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Endorsing the Mindanao Development Corridors Endorsing the Establishment of the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center for Mindanao in the Caraga State University Endorsing the Creation of a Technical Working Group to Assess the Status and Performance of the Existing RDC-Recognized Industry Clusters Adopting Cacao as One of the Priority Industry Clusters in Caraga Endorsing the Request of Philippine Coconut Authority to Establish a Coconut Estate Plantation in the PCA Reserved Area in Agusan Valley, Agusan del Sur

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Motherhood Project (SWHSMP) in Bislig City. The said ex-post evaluation was conducted by NEDA and the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU).

In 2014, the use of digital agenda kits during RDC and RDC sectoral committee meetings was launched. Proving to be a more efficient and cost effective way, this was sustained in 2015.

The Regional Geographic Information System Network provided technical assistance to the five provinces in the preparation of vulnerability assessment per hazard. A total of 40 maps were edited and used in the DRR/CCA-Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans. Forty maps were also printed and used in the exhibit during the Launching of the DRR/CCA-Enhanced PDPFPs last December 18, 2015.

Anchored on the theme “Promoting Wellness, Building Camaraderie and Strengthening Partnership”, the 1st Caraga RDC Sportsfest was held on November 10-13, 2015 starting with a Parade and Opening Ceremony attended by a total of 552 personnel from various regional line agencies, academic institutions and local government units. The RDCInfrastructure Development Committee emerged as the overall champion; the RDC-Economic Development Committee clinched the 2nd place while the RDCDevelopment Administration Committee placed 3rd.

Several capability building interventions were also conducted for the Secretariat and RDC members. Policy Analysis and Project Development Trainings were conducted last year participated by the RDC

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Secretariat, selected RDC members and local government units.

The RDC and Its Committees The Caraga RDC conducted four Full Council meetings and passed 93 resolutions. During these meetings, a total of 17 programs/ projects 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 improve agricultural productivity, improve access to tourism destinations and production areas and DRR-CCA measures in the region has been a key agenda of the Council in 2015. The Council also passed 23 policy related resolutions which include endorsement of the designation/ declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted River as Critical Habitats, institutionalization of the 4Ps, request for CHED to add more courses under the 3% other priority courses for Caraga Region, support and endorsement to House Bill No. 5612 ―An Act Providing for the Construction of Concrete Barangay Roads/Multipurpose Pavements in All Barangays and for Other Purposes‖ and endorsed a number of recommended amendments to the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program.

The RDC Executive Committee (ExeCom) conducted two meetings and passed 11 resolutions. Milestone resolutions passed by the ExeCom include those that approve or support the conduct of key activities such as the 20th Caraga Anniversary Celebration, National Caving Congress, Responsible Mining

The Caraga RDC passed Resolution No. 35 series of 2015, “Approving the Caraga Research Agenda” on September 18, 2015.

The Caraga RDC passed Resolution No. 45-B series of 2015, “Endorsing the Caraga HIV/AIDS Strategic Communication Plan” on December 8, 2015.

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Resolutions passed Infrastructure Development Sector  Expressing Support for Hon. Amante’s Efforts in Addressing the Butuan City    

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Water Crisis Endorsing Proposed Budget for FY 2016 of the Agency Regional Offices (AROs) under the RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee (RDC-IDC Endorsing the Proposed Irrigation Projects in the Municipality of Jabonga, Agusan Del Norte Endorsing the Proposed Acquisition of Rapidly Deployable Communications (RDC) Equipment Reiterating RDC Resolution No. 9-D, S. 2013 Endorsing the Proposed National Telecommunications Commission Building in the amount of Php30 Million Approving the Conduct of Caraga Roads and Bridges Summit Re-Endorsing to the DPWH the Proposed Roads Leading to Tourism Sites in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands for FY 2016 Funding Supporting the Conduct of EX-Post Evaluation on Second Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project Endorsing the Proposed Farm-to-Market Roads in the Municipality of Tago, Surigao del Sur Endorsing the Proposed Construction of Land Nieves Bridge and Road Approaches in the Municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte Endorsing the Proposed By-Pass Road along Dulag-Simbalan Section with Bridge and NRJ Daang Maharlika (Taguibo Section)- Masao Port Road with Bridge Supporting the Proposal of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) to establish the Mindanao Power Corporation (MINPOCOR) Endorsing the Rehabilitation of Andanan-Wawa River Irrigation System Bayugan City and Esperanza Agusan Del Sur Endorsing the Conduct of a Feasibility Study for the Construction of a Bridge that will Connect Hayanggabon, Claver to Bucas Grande Islands Endorsing the Surigao Del Norte Proposed Irrigation Projects Endorsing the Strategic Roads and Infrastructure Investments (SRII) of the Provinces through the Coordinating Road Investment for Development (CRID) Project Endorsing the Flood Control Projects for the Agusan River Basin in Butuan City Endorsing the RDC Task Force on Power Development Resolutions Endorsing RDC IX Resolution No. 61, Series of 2015 “Enjoining the DPWH and the DOE to fast Track the Issuance of the IRR of Department Circular 2013-07-0015 Endorsing the Recommended Amendments to the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) Enjoining all the LGUs and Housing/ Subdivision/ Condominium Developers to Establish a Sewerage and Septage System Introducing the JOHKASOU System of the Phil-Japan Worldwide Management Services, Inc. (PJW) as One of the Viable Technologies in Wastewater and Sewage Treatment

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The men and women instrumental to the founding of Caraga and contributed to its inclusive development led the opening of the Caraga Through the Years Exhibit during the region’s 20th Year Anniversary. Left to right: RD Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, Gov. Sol Matugas, Atty. Ceferino Paredes, Jr., former Rep. Charito Plaza and Gov. Angel Matba.

Forum and Roads and Bridges Summit.

The RDC sectoral committees namely, RDC- Development Administration Committee, Economic Development Committee, Infrastructure Development Committee and Social Development Committee conducted its quarterly meetings and passed a total of 38 resolutions The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) conducted four meetings, four technical working group (TWG) meetings and four problem solving sessions. It has also forged a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Civil Defense to include in its monitoring activities those National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRM) funded rehabilitation projects. With its four regular and one special/joint monitoring visits, the Committee was able to monitor a total of 127 projects. Last year, the first ever Search for Outstanding Local

Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) for Caraga Region was conducted to recognize the best performing LPMCs. The Province of Surigao Del Norte for Provincial Category and Butuan City for City Category were declared as winners. Other initiatives of the Committee include the conduct of training on Applied Geotagging Technology as a Project Monitoring Tool for RMPC V and conduct of Gender Responsive-Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (GR-RPMES) and Harmonized GAD Guidelines Orientation for the Province of Agusan Del Sur. Lastly, the 3rd Tourism Infrastructure Assessment Visit was conducted on May 21-23, 2015 in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands.

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

the RDC-GADCC conducted a Press Conference, Color Fun Walk, Kalandrakas XI, and Women‘s Consultation. A Short Film Making Contest on violence against women and children dubbed as Salida Film Festival was also initiated by the GADCC. The region‘s call to end violence was highlighted with the conduct of the 18 day campaign to end violence against women and children where various activities were conducted including the Simultaneous Salida Showing/ Caravan featuring the winning entries of the Salida Festival.

While the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) conducted only one meeting, it passed two milestone resolutions namely, Resolution No. 03, S. 2015 ―Endorsing to the RDC the Request of the Regional Ecotourism Council for Endorsement of Support to Excise the 10 Proposed Conservation Areas in the Province of Dinagat Islands‖ and Resolution No. 04. S. 2015, ―Requesting the RDC to Support the Declaration of the Hinatuan Bay and the Enchanted River as Critical Habitat‖. Lastly, on December 18, 2015 the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaption (DRR-CCA) – Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans of the five provinces in the region were launched.

With these accomplishments in 2015, the RDC remains true to its commitment to be a hallmark of unity and strong partnership in implementing meaningful reforms for the benefit of every Caraganon.

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Resolutions passed Social Development Sector  Expressing Support for Hon. Amante’s Efforts in Addressing the Butuan City

Water Crisis  Endorsing Proposed Budget for FY 2016 of the Agency Regional Offices

(AROs) under the RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee (RDC-IDC  Endorsing the Proposed Irrigation Projects in the Municipality of Jabonga,

Agusan Del Norte  Endorsing the Proposed Acquisition of Rapidly Deployable Communications

(RDC) Equipment  Reiterating RDC Resolution No. 9-D, S. 2013 Endorsing the Proposed

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National Telecommunications Commission Building in the amount of Php30 Million Approving the Conduct of Caraga Roads and Bridges Summit Re-Endorsing to the DPWH the Proposed Roads Leading to Tourism Sites in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands for FY 2016 Funding Supporting the Conduct of EX-Post Evaluation on Second Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project Endorsing the Proposed Farm-to-Market Roads in the Municipality of Tago, Surigao del Sur Endorsing the Proposed Construction of Land Nieves Bridge and Road Approaches in the Municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte Endorsing the Proposed By-Pass Road along Dulag-Simbalan Section with Bridge and NRJ Daang Maharlika (Taguibo Section)-Masao Port Road with Bridge Supporting the Proposal of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) to establish the Mindanao Power Corporation (MINPOCOR) Endorsing the Rehabilitation of Andanan-Wawa River Irrigation System Bayugan City and Esperanza Agusan Del Sur Endorsing the Conduct of a Feasibility Study for the Construction of a Bridge that will Connect Hayanggabon, Claver to Bucas Grande Islands Endorsing the Surigao Del Norte Proposed Irrigation Projects Endorsing the Strategic Roads and Infrastructure Investments (SRII) of the Provinces through the Coordinating Road Investment for Development (CRID) Project Endorsing the Flood Control Projects for the Agusan River Basin in Butuan City

Land Use Related  Endorsing the Designation/Declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted

River as Critical Habitats  Endorsing the Ten (10) Proposed Conservation Areas in the Province of

Dinagat Islands to be excised from Presidential Proclamation No. 391, Series of 1939

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Major outputs and activities of RDC Sectoral Committees Planning

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Sectoral Committees updated the Results Matrices of the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016.

The RPMC conducted four regular monitoring activities of programs and projects in the region.

One special/joint monitoring activity for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects was also conducted. A total 127 PPAs were monitored.

The RDC launched the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFPs) of the five provinces.

Investment Programming

Budgeting

The RDC endorsed a total of 17 projects/ programs. The endorsed projects would help boost the tourism industry, improve access to tourism sites and production areas in the region and improve the resiliency of communities against disasters and the adverse effects of climate change.

The Caraga RDC Budget Review process started with a Budget Call. A total of 19 regional line agencies, 13 attached agencies and bureaus and four SUCs presented their budgets before the RDC Sectoral Committees and the RDC. A CSO Budget Consultation was also held to give CSOs opportunity to review the proposed budgets of agencies and provide comments and recommendations. The budget review ended with the presentation of the RDC-endorsed proposed FY 2016 budgets of selected regional line agencies to the Caraga Congressional Representatives.

An Inter-Provincial Roads and Bridges Harmonization Workshop and Roads and Bridges Summit were conducted which resulted in the crafting of the Caraga Roads and Bridges Investment Program that was subsequently endorsed to the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the National Economic and Development Authority.

Advocacy

Other RDC Initiatives

The RDC approved the HIV-AIDS Strategic Communication Plan 2016-2020 as well as the Caraga Regional Research Agenda.

The First Caraga RDC Sportsfest was conducted on November 10-13, 2015 with 33 agencies, 1 higher education institution and 6 LGUs participating. The RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee was declared as the overall champion of the Sportsfest.

Advocacy activities were conducted on the ASEAN Economic Community Integration, the result of the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2013, the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS), Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) 2013, the Universal High Impact Five (Hi5), and the Race to Universal Health.

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Caraga Regional Development Council spearheads Regional Budget Review for FY 2017

by Mirasol P. Montenegro, NEDA-Caraga

The National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 125 dated 15 January 2016 recognizes the critical role of the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) in the preparation of FY 2017 national budget. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1996, the RDCs are tasked to conduct regional budget reviews to ensure alignment and harmonization of the programs, projects and activities of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units for greater impact at the grassroots level.

Specifically, NBM 125 aims to broaden the participation of civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the budget preparation process to promote transparency in the delivery of government‘s key public services.

The Caraga RDC issued a Regional Budget Call for FY

2017 parallel to the NBM 125 to ensure that the budget proposals of agency regional offices (AROs), state universities and colleges (SUCs) and other government instrumentalities consider the development thrusts and priorities of the region.

This year‘s regional budget call recognizes the need to allocate at least 1% of total budget for programs/projects for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD), pursuant to DBM-DSWD JMC No. 2003-01 dated April 28, 2003.

Consistent with the prescribed timelines of the NBM, the RDC conducted a series of activities relating to the regional budget review process for FY 2017.

Caraga RDC Regional Budget Review Process Calendar of Activities Activities Regional Budget Forum RDC Sectoral Committee Budget Review Social Development Committee Economic Development Committee Development Administration Committee Infrastructure Development Committee Civil Society Organization (CSO) Consultation RDC Full Council Budget Consultation Budget Consultation with Congresspersons Consultation/Dialogue with Selected ACOs

Schedule 01 February 2016 16 February 2016 17 February 2016 18 February 2016 19 February 2016 24 February 2016 02 March 2016 07 March 2016 March 2016

Regional Budget Call for FY 2017 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 Sustainable Development Goals; 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. Ensures Allocation of at least 1% for programs/projects related to senior citizens and the disabled (DBMDSWD JMC No. 2003-01 dated April 28, 2003); and 7. Strengthens the region’s resiliency to natural and man-made disasters through allocation of budgets for DRR/CCA-related programs, projects and activities.

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga celebrates as the regional office hurdled the last stage for the ISO 9001:2008 Certification after the Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars conducted an audit on the agency‘s programs and processes on December 10-12, 2015.

Undersecretary Angelita Y. Gregorio-Medel graced the closing meeting and congratulated the DSWD-Caraga employees for passing the audit. ―I am confident that Field Office Caraga will make it because you are such a good team,‖ USec Medel exclaimed.

Regional Director Minda Brigoli with pride and gratitude to the workers of the DSWDCaraga, shared: ―our journey for the ISO started last February 2015. The journey was not easy,

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Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga earns over ISO 9001:2008 certification

by Eunice G. Montaos, DSWD-Caraga

but everyone moved fast because we claimed as early as February that we will be ISO certified before the year ends… this certification is the concrete proof

of how we work. This achievement is history setting for DSWD as the first DSWD Field Office among the 17 regions to be ISO certified.‖

An auditor from AJA Registrars checks the document evidences while auditing the top management of DSWD-Caraga on December 12, 2015.

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HIV/AIDS Communication Plan: Increase knowledge, attitudes, practices

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

By 2020, knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support will increase.

This is the communication objective of the 2016-2020 HIV/ AIDS Strategic Communication Plan (ComPlan) of Caraga Region that was approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) through Resolution No. 35, Series of 2015 during the 85th RDC Meeting last December 8, 2015.

The ComPlan was crafted to increase peoples‘ awareness and combat the increasing trend of HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines and the Caraga Region, despite the decreasing trend worldwide. The continued rise in HIV incidence prompted the Caraga RDC to mobilize key government agencies and private sector partners to prevent the further spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS on individuals, families and communities.

One of the communication challenges of HIV is stigma, which weakens the ability of individuals and communities to protect themselves from HIV and to stay healthy if they are living with HIV. Thus, this communication plan primarily aims to gather support especially

from local government units to advocate for awareness of the disease and to put in place policies, facilities and services for HIV/AIDS. The ComPlan‘s framework is inspired by four sets of ideas, namely: 1. UNAIDS Communication Framework that espouses the contextual focus of communication intervention rather than the individual; 2. Socio-Ecological Model that emphasizes the importance of social and physical environments surrounding a person; 3. States of Behavior Change which postulates that people usually move through several

transitional steps in the behavior change process; and 4. Behavior Change Theories which serve as guide in analyzing target audiences and how to best influence their behaviors.

The ComPlan targets the following segments as primary audience, namely: men having sex with men (MSM), freelance sex workers (FSW), registered sex workers (RSW), people who inject drugs (PWID) and their clients. For prevention, the ComPlan will also reach out to students, teachers, employees, employers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and tourists.

To help the primary audience in understanding the extent of communication activities, the ComPlan identifies owners of motels, hotels, resorts, spas and bars, private sector, nongovernment organizations, local government officials, school authorities, government-owned and controlled corporations, government funding institutions, and regional line agencies as providers of policy mechanisms.

Identified activities for the five years of implementation include production and dissemination of multi-media materials; conduct of assemblies, seminars, fora, behaviorenhancing contests, capacitybuilding activities; and other campaign and promotion activities.

The ComPlan includes a monitoring and evaluation mechanism with indicators to ensure achievement of the communication objective.

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BACKGROUND The observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) started as early as the 20th century. Between 1909 and 1917, women in the United States and Europe participated in rallies and strikes to demand for the recognition of women’s rights and issues, in particular, the right to vote and to hold public office; the right to work, and to vocational training and to end discrimination on the job; and inhumane working conditions. Women also held rallies either to protest the war (World War I) or to express solidarity with fellow women.

LEGAL MANDATES The 2016 Women’s Month/Day Celebration is pursuant to:  Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988, “Declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day”;  Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988, “Providing for the Observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month”; and  Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990, “Declaring March 8 of Every Year as National Women’s Day”.

THEME The theme calls for gender balance in leadership and decision making positions both in the public and private sectors; inclusion of women’s concerns in leadership platforms and the government’s development agenda; and capacitating and preparing women and girls to reach their ambitions.

The Local Government Units (LGUs) as well as regional and field offices of national government agencies may opt to use their local language in producing their National Women’s Month advocacy materials and collaterals. In Cebuano, this year’s theme is: “Kaayuhan ni Juana, I-apil sa Adyenda!”

OBJECTIVES This year’s celebration aims to:  Create an avenue for women and women advocates to celebrate the gains of the current administration with regards to closing gender gap, as well as to call on the next administration to continue supporting the advocacy and prioritize women’s issues in various agenda;  Present the achievements of the Aquino administration in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, through the Report on the State of the Filipino Women;  Gather public perception on what women’s issues should be prioritized by the next administration through crowdsourcing of “agenda ni Juana”; and  Strengthen public advocacy on National Women’s Month, with emphasis on women’s issues that still need to be addressed.

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Schedule of Activities February 23 Press Conference Venue: Bureau of Treasury March 1 Opening Ceremony: Fun Walk Venue: Guingona Park to Agusan del Norte Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City Time: 3PM March 8: Women’s Day Kalandrakas XII Venue: Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City Time: Whole Day March 29 Culmination Activity Venue: Agusan del Norte Capitol Covered Court Time: Whole Day

Ms. Wilma Doesn’t delivered the Key Note message during the 2015 Kalandrakas. She is seen here with participants to the Women’s Day activity.

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Surigao del Norte, Butuan City get monitoring plum

by Ian G. Miculob, NEDA-Caraga

Efforts paid off for Surigao del Norte and Butuan City after the two local government units emerged as Winners in the Provincial and City Categories, respectively of the Caraga region‘s first-ever Search for Outstanding Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) for CY 2014. The announcement of winners took place during the 84th Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) Meeting on December 8, 2016 in Butuan City. These winners each received a trophy and cash prize.

The contest guidelines used three criteria. First, organization and planning of the LPMC, attendance and conduct of roll-out trainings on Gender ResponsiveRegional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System. Second, operation and implementation which refers to the functionality of the LPMC and includes conduct of quarterly meetings, field monitoring visits and submission of quarterly monitoring reports. Lastly, project facilitation which refers to the effectiveness of the LPMC on project facilitation and covers resolution of implementation problems/issues and the positive action/response of implementing agencies to the recommendations of the LPMC. LPMCs that participated in the contest submitted documents,

(Left to right) Caraga RPMC Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora CariĂąo, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Arsenio Balisacan and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas during the awarding of the Outstanding LPMCs for CY 2014.

minutes of meetings, reports and other documentation to the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) Secretariat.

These documents were then validated by the Evaluation Committee composed of the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Presidential Management Staff.

For CY 2015, the evaluation committee will adopt a revised set of guidelines.

The contest aims to motivate, strengthen and sustain the LPMCs in monitoring development

projects. It also serves as an avenue to identify model LPMCs and their best practices in project monitoring.

Under Executive Order No. 308, RDCs are tasked to coordinate project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The creation of Project Monitoring Committees at the provincial/city and municipal levels to monitor local government projects funded by national and local governments is sanctioned by Memorandum Order No. 175 issued on May 23, 1988.

Vol. XIX Issue 1

Think about wastewater and sewage from commercial establishments and households simply draining out to our rivers and seas without the benefit of purification or treatment.

Pollution is at its highest in our bodies of water worldwide and the pollutants are ingested by fish we eat.

The implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 proves to be yet another test on the country‘s and citizen‘s resolve to seriously address water pollution. Available data show that only 10 percent of wastewater is treated while 58 percent of the groundwater is contaminated. Domestic wastewater is the principal cause of organic pollution of our water bodies. Some estimates point to household wastewater as contributing to as much as 60% of water pollution and that about 80% of water provided to households becomes wastewater.

The negative health impact of polluted waters accounted for 31 percent of all illness in the country.

However, only three percent of investments in water supply and sanitation go to sanitation and sewage treatment. In a community, only five percent of the population is connected to a sewer network. The vast majority use flush toilets connected to septic tanks. Since sludge treatment and disposal facilities are rare, domestic wastewater is discharged without treatment.

The Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation of the UNICEF and the World Health Organization

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Japenese technology offers ecofriendly way of treating sewage

by Ian G. Miculob, NEDA-Caraga

estimates that in 2015, water availability will be marginal in most cities and in 8 of the 19 major river basins in the country.

Water-borne diseases will persist as a severe public health concern in the country. About 4,200 people die each year due to contaminated drinking water.

Given these realities, the Johkasou System offers an ecofriendly wastewater treatment technology from Japan. Johkasou means an integrated sewage water treatment and it is marketed by the Phil-Japan Worldwide Management Services, Inc. (PJW), which plans to set-up a manufacturing facility in the country. PJW forged a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines to put up an evaluation center at the campus.

Johkasou system comes in small and large scales and is tailored-fit to the needs of the establishment. Inside the small

potable sewerage treatment are the disinfection tank, sedimentation tank, contact aeration tank, and anaerobic filter tank. In Butuan City, establishments with installed Johkasou system include the Butuan Airport, Butuan City Polysports Complex, and Butuan City South Market.

During the 85th Caraga Regional Development Council Meeting, the body passed Resolution No. 46-E, S. 2015 introducing the Johkasou System to all the local government units (LGUs) for possible adoption.

This provides a feasible solution to the LGUs as forerunner in implementing the sewerage and septage system in their areas.

Whether LGUs take it or leave it, the issue of polluted water lingers.

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Caraga Regional Development Council conducts training on Policy Analysis

by Ann B. Jaquilmac, NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) conducted a Training on Policy Analysis on December 15-16, 2016 at the NEDA Caraga Building, J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City with seven (7) partners from the regional line agencies (RLAs), seven (7) representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and 19 NEDA Caraga Staff participating.

The Training on Policy Analysis was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the participants on public policy and in applying tools and techniques in policy analysis.

ARD Roy Kantuna of NEDA opened the activity with his welcome remarks saying that the activity is the first training on

policy analysis for the NEDA staff and a retooling activity for the partners from the RLAs and LGUs. Assistant Director-General (ADG) Rosemarie Edillon of the National Development OfficePlanning of NEDA Central Office together with Assistant Director Bien A. Ganapin and Ms. Ivee L. Cabading of the National Policy and Planning Staff (NPPS), NEDA Central Office served as resource persons of the training.

Lectures on Policy Analysis using the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Framework, National Income Account/Inflation, and Employment and Poverty Data were provided.

During the lectures, the participants‘ understanding on

public policy were enriched with a short history of economic thought, basic economic concepts involving macroeconomics and labor economics, social policy, PDP Results Framework, macroeconomics data and application , and labor force and poverty statistics.

ADG Edillon also gave a short lecture on how to write a memo which served as a guide for the participants during the workshop which concluded the knowledge sharing on policy analysis.

PCInsp. Ramil Tersona considered the training as an opportunity for him to enhance his knowledge on economics and statistics. Mr. Uriel Correos of LGU Surigao City also expressed his appreciation for being part of the training and further stated that, ―With the learnings we gained from the training, I realized that it is easier to be a political adviser than an economic policy adviser.‖ Ms. Jazmin Berido of NEDA was also very grateful for the two -day training because it gave her the chance as a NEDA staff to communicate more effectively with clients given the inputs she gained from the training.

The activity ended with the closing message of RD Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño expressing her gratitude to ADG Edillon and company for taking time to come to Caraga to share their knowledge and expertise.

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The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) conducted a Training on Writing Resolutions the NEDA Board Way on February 2, 2016 at the NEDA Caraga Building, J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.

The one day activity was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the participants in writing legal documents such as resolutions. Director Jocelyn P. Reyes of the NEDA-Legal Staff was the resource person of the training.

A total of 34 staff from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)Caraga and the Planning and Development Offices of Cities and Provinces in the Caraga Region participated in the training. The training was expected to enhance the quality of secretariat services of the NEDA staff to the RDC and the

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Caraga Regional Development Council conducts training on Writing Resolutions the NEDA Board Way

by Paul Edward B. Castillo, NEDA-Caraga

representatives of Local Planning and Development Offices to their Local Development Councils particularly in drafting resolutions.

The training consisted of a lecture on preparing agenda, the documentation cycle of a meeting and drafting the minutes of the meeting. Furthermore, Director Reyes discussed the different parts of a resolution and their purposes and some tips on preparing resolutions.

After the lecture, the

participants were divided into three groups for the workshop and were tasked to draft resolutions on pre-selected topics/area of concern. Selected participants presented their outputs and the resource person then commented on the draft resolutions.

Participants of the Training on Writing Resolutions the NEDA Board Way were given a photo opportunity with the resource person, Dir. Jocelyn Reyes (center) of NEDA Legal Staff accompanied by the NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cari単o (on her left) and NEDA ARD Roy Kantuna (second from her right).

304 In brief

The Sustainable Developm What is sustainable development?

It is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this, the three core elements should be harmonized: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

Are the Sustainable Development Goals legally binding?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not legally binding. Nevertheless, countries are expected to take ownership and establish a national framework for achieving the 17 Goals.

How will the Sustainable Development Goals be implemented?

Implementation and success will rely on the countries’ own sustainable development policies, plans and programs, and will be led by countries. The SDGs will be a compass for aligning countries’ plans with their global commitments.

How will the Sustainable Development Goals be monitored?

At the global level, the 17 goals and 169 targets of the new agenda will be monitored and reviewed using a set of global indicators. The global indicator framework, to be developed by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEA-SDGs), will be agreed on by the UN Statistical Commission by March 2016. The Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly will then adopt these indicators.

17 goals 169 targets 4 indicators

ment Goals Governments will also develop their own national indicators to assist in monitoring progress made on the goals and targets.

How much will the implementation of this new sustainable development agenda cost?

The achievement of the goals requires substantial investment and mobilization of significant resources— in the trillions of dollars. Resources need to be mobilized from domestic and international sources, as well as from the public and private sectors.

How does climate change relate to sustainable development?

Climate change is already impacting public health, food and water security, migration, peace and security.

Climate change, left unchecked, will roll back the development gains we have made over the last decades and will make further gains impossible. Hence, investments in sustainable development will help address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience.

How are the Sustainable Development Goals different from the MDGs? The SDGs are broader in scope and go further than the MDGs by addressing the root causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people. The goals cover the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga launched the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA)Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) of the five provinces of Caraga Region at the NEDA Caraga Conference Hall on December 18, 2015.

The event was graced by Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, Provincial Board Members, Provincial Planning and Development Officers, representatives of various government line agencies and private sector partners. One of the highlights of the launching was the signing of “A Covenant for Effecting Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Caraga Region‖ by the five provinces, namely: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands.

In 2004, NEDA, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, implemented

Enhanced local development planning: A step towards safer communities

by Gladys C. Giberson, NEDA-Caraga

the Provincial/Local Planning and Expenditure Management (PLEM) which gave birth to the formulation of the PDPFPs in the Philippines.

The preparation of PDPFPs is anchored on the NEDA–DILG– DBM–DOF Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2007 which sets the Guidelines on the Harmonization of Local Planning, Investment Programming, Revenue Administration, Budgeting and Expenditure Management.

To carry out the requirements of Republic Act No 10121, also known as ―Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,‖ DRR/CCA is mainstreamed in the enhanced PDPFPs. The revised plans

contain DRR/CCA-enhanced Planning Environment Chapter and DRR-CCA programs and projects.

Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation The threats brought by climate change and global warming and the risks of natural disasters confronting the region and the country as a whole posed dramatic impacts on physical and human development. Without mitigation and effective planning, the effects could potentially reverse the gains achieved over the years on human development.

From July 2009 to June 2014, NEDA and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

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Cutting of Ribbon: (Left to Right) Regional Irrigation Manager Tzar Sulaik, Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Rosedell Matba, DOH-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr. and NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora CariĂąo

partnered for the project, Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Local Development Planning and Decision-Making Process. The project focused on mainstreaming the concerns of DRR/CCA into the PDPFPs. In September 17, 2010, Administrative Order No. 01 was issued urging the Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly the provinces to adopt and use the 2008 Guidelines for Mainstreaming DRR in Subnational Development and Land Use/Physical Planning formulated by NEDA and UNDP. Several capability-building activities for planning offices at the local and regional levels were carried out, which led to the completion of the provinces‘ effective integration of DRR and

CCA in their PDPFPs. According to the Global Cimate Risk Index 2015, the Philippines is among the top ten countries most affected by climate risk in the last two decades and identified as the most affected in 2013 alongside Cambodia and India.

The four provinces of Caraga Region (Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands) belong to the top 20 most disaster-prone areas in the country. By identifying natural hazard risks and vulnerabilities of exposed areas and communities in the respective provinces, appropriate programs and projects that will mitigate or prevent the adverse impacts of disasters can be prioritized and successfully implemented.

Effecting DRR/CCA in the Region Effective implementation of the PDPFPs is aimed at reducing the adverse effects of disasters in socioeconomic development. As prime movers of sustainable development in Caraga Region, the five provinces signed a covenant during the launching activity to support the implementation of DRR/CCA initiatives; share relevant information on DRR/CCA to raise awareness; ensure reasonable allocation of resources; foster development ingenuity leading to safety and increased resiliency of local communities; and affirm shared responsibility and renewed commitment in pursuit of better quality and safer lives for all Caraganons.

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3rd Quarter 2015 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer Key Labor Statistics Caraga, July 2014-2015 Province/Region Labor Force (in thousands) Labor force Participation Rate Employment Rate Unemployment Rate Underemployment Rate

July 2014 1,772 66.80 94.40 5.60 29.7

July 2015 1,804 63.40 93.60 6.40 26.20

Percent Change 1.81 (5.09) (0.85) 14.29 13.36

Source: PSA-NSO

Overview of the Economy

Macroeconomic Performance Labor and Employment Caraga‘s employment rate slightly dipped in July 2015 by 0.85 percent compared to the same period in 2014. As a result, unemployment increased by 14.29 percent in the third quarter 2015 compared to the 5.60 recorded in the same period in 2014.

Labor force increased by 1.81 percent. From 1,772,000 in July 2014, it went up to 1,804,000 in July 2015. However, labor force participation rate plunged by 5.09 percent, from 66.80 in July 2014 to 63.40 in July 2015. Retirement and continued deterrence of job seekers in finding stable work incessantly made great impacts on the overall participation rate.

Inflation Rate, 3Q 2014-2015 (%)

Underemployment rate on the other hand climbed by 13.36 percent. From 26.2 in July 2014, it went up to 29.70 in July 2015.

Inflation and Consumer Price Index The average inflation of the region dropped to a record low of 1.9 percent in the third quarter of 2015. This represents a decrease of 66.86 percent from the 5.6 registered inflation rate in the third quarter of 2014. Inflation rate continually show a declining trend since the first quarter of 2015. Moderate price increases for most food items and the continued fall of prices of petroleum products during the period eased inflation for non-

food items.

All provinces exhibited decrease with Surigao del Sur recording the biggest drop of 93.88 percent from its 8.17 inflation rate in the third quarter of 2014 to 0.50 in the third quarter 2015. The province of Agusan del Sur registered the highest rate at 3.90 percent in the third quarter of 2015 while Surigao del Sur has the lowest rate at 0.50.

In the third quarter of 2015, Consumer Price Index (CPI) averaged at PhP 159.57. This is 1.87 percent higher than the CPI of the same period in 2014 which registered at PhP 156.63.

Consequently, the Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) slightly decreased by 2.08 percent from an

Consumer Price Index, 3Q 2014-2015 (PhP)

Source: PSA-NSO

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Source: PSA-BAS

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26 Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate, Purchasing Power of Peso by Province, 3Q 2014-2015 CPI Province

Q3 2014

Q3 2015

Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur

147.73 149.53 143.30 180.23

150.57 155.40 144.80 181.13

Inflation Rate Percent Change 1.92 3.92 1.05 0.50

Q3 2014 2.60 5.53 4.37 8.17

Q3 2015 1.93 3.90 1.75 0.50

PPP Percent Change (25.64) (29.52) (59.92) (93.88)

average of 0.64 in the third quarter 2014 to 0.63 in the third quarter of 2015.

Agriculture, Forestry And Fishery Crops Palay Palay production fell by 26.39 percent from 32,149 metric tons (MT) in the third quarter 2014 to 23,666 MT in the third quarter of 2015. The decrease in production is attributed to the drop in area harvested and yield per hectare across all ecosystems which were affected by the inadequate supply of irrigation water and non-repair of damaged main canal in Andanan River Irrigation System,

Q3 2015

0.68 0.67 0.70 0.55

0.66 0.64 0.69 0.55

Percent Change (2.45) (3.98) (0.96) (0.60)

Source: PSA-NSO

Purchasing Power of Peso, 3Q 2014-2015

Source: PSA-NSO

Q3 2014

Agusan del Sur. In the third quarter of 2015, Surigao del Sur registered as the highest producer of palay contributing 64.68 percent of the overall output for the quarter or a total of 15,307 MT. Surigao del Norte followed with 6,103 MT contributing 25.79 percent.

Agusan del Sur which is considered as the rice hub of the region merely produced a total of 823 MT contributing only 3.48 percent of the total output.

Corn Corn production in the region was estimated at 34,288 metric tons (MT) in the third quarter of 2015 posting a decrease of 26.28 percent compared to the 46,511 MT output for the same period in 2014.

The decrease in corn production is attributed to the decrease in area and yield per hectare. Moreover, land preparation and planting were hampered by lesser rains and insufficient soil moisture especially in Agusan provinces.

Agusan del Sur registered

the highest level of corn production contributing 86.94 percent of the overall output in the third quarter 2015 or a total of 29,811 MT. Other Crops Fruits Overall fruit production in the third quarter of 2015 slightly improved by 1.72 percent reaching an aggregate output of 78,587.45 MT compared to 77,256.29 MT for the same period last year. This growth is largely attributed to the increase of banana Cavendish brought by more bearing hills harvested.

Increments were also noted in mango carabaos and calamansi. Banana contributed 90.08 percent of the total fruit production as it grew by 1.49 percent from a total of 69,748.67 MT in the third quarter of 2014 70,791.27 MT in the third quarter of 2015.

Mango production increased by 19.22 percent with a total estimated output of 4,343.83 MT compared to 3,643.47 MT in the third

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Palay Production, Caraga, by Province, 3Q 2014-2015 (in MT)

Corn Production, Caraga, by Province, 3Q 2014-2015 (in MT)

Source: PSA-BAS

quarter of 2015. More bearing trees induced and more fruits harvested per bearing tree were attributed to sunny weather.

Vegetables Performance of vegetables improved by 5.45 percent in the third quarter of 2015 with a total of 16,519.91 MT compared to the production of 15,666.54 MT for the same period in 2014.

The uptick in the production of major vegetables is largely attributed to the increase in production of cassava, camote and eggplant due to increase in area harvested and the dispersal of eggplant seeds by the Department of Agiculture.

Non-Food and Industrial Crops (NFICs) Non-Food and Industrial Crops increased by 1.06 percent with a total

production of 218,107.89 MT in the third quarter of 2015 compared to last year‘s harvest of 215,814.89 MT. The increase in production is largely attributed to the rise of coconut production brought by more nuts harvested as a result of the salt fertilizer assistance from the Philippine Coconut Authority. Increments were also noted in production of abaca, rubber and coffee.

Coconut remained as the top contributor with 97.12 percentage share or 211,831.49 MT in the third quarter 2015.

Livestock and Poultry Livestock production declined in the third quarter of 2015 compared to its performance in the same period in 2014. Hog production which is the major contributor, decreased

by 6.52 percent producing 8,365 MT in the third quarter of 2015 from a total of 8,948 MT in the third quarter of 2014. Cattle and carabao production likewise fell by 17.95 percent and 5.44 percent, respectively.

The decline of livestock production is attributed to lesser disposal of stocks.

All poultry products also posted decrease in production in third quarter 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 except for chicken eggs. Chicken production dropped by 5.41 percent. From a total of 3,180 MT in third quarter 2014, it went down to 3,008 MT. The decline is most likely due to the decrease in stocking of chicks from commercial broiler farms.

Duck production which fell by 2.22 percent only reached 44 MT in the third quarter 2015 due to lesser

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Major Vegetable Production, 3Q2014-2015, in Metric Tons

Major Fruit Production, 3Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Type of Fruit Banana Calamansi Mango Pineapple Total

Q3 2014

Q3 2015

69,748.67 793.93 5,606.58 1,107.10

70,791.27 884.22 5,920.74 991.22

77,256.29

Percent Change 1.49 11.37 5.60 (10.47)

78,587.45

1.72

Source: PSA-BAS

culling of stocks. The decrease of production of duck eggs by 5.11 percent is attributed to lesser number of laying flock. Chicken eggs on the other hand posted an increase of 29.61 percent from a 922 MT output in the third quarter 2014 it went up to 1,195 MT in 2015. This improvement is due to the increase in the number of layers with good egg laying efficiency ratio.

Fishery The production of majority of fishery subsectors dropped in the third quarter of 2015 except for those species categorized as others.

Tilapia production

Type of Vegetable Mongo Peanut Cabbage Eggplant Tomato Garlic Onion Camote Cassava

Q3 2014

Abaca(dried raw fiber) 1,844.73 Coconut w/ husk 210,691.12 Coffee(dried berries w/ pulp) 589.25 Rubber(coagulated cup lump) 2,689.09 Sugarcane (cane) 0.10 Tobacco(dried leaves) 0.50

87.85 87.21 0.75 1,230.07 134.60 9,059.24 5,066.83

decreased by 18.93 percent from a total of 327.76 MT in the third quarter of 2014 it went down to 265.72 MT in 2015. Roundscad production of 614.66 MT dropped by 0.33 percent compared to the 616.71 MT in 2014 due to lesser appearance. Skipjack and yellow-fin tuna also registered a drop of 9.29 percent and 17.93 percent respectively. From a total of 1,110.87 MT in the third quarter of 2014, skipjack slightly dropped to 1,007.65 for the same period in 2015; while yellow-fin tuna‘s output of 1,347.71 MT in the third quarter of 2014 declined to 1,106.05 MT for the same period in 2015.

Milkfish posted a

Major NFIC, 3Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons NFIC

Q3 2014

Q3 2015 2,470.68 211,831.4 9 709.72 3,095.47 0.10 0.43

Percent Change 33.93 0.54 20.44 15.11 1.94 (14.29)

Q3 2015

Percent Change

90.55 90.12 1.20 1,375.96 89.23 9,296.26 5,576.59

3.07 3.34 60.00 11.86 (33.70) 2.62 10.06

decrease of 16.08 percent with a total output of 610.42 MT in the third quarter 2015 compared to its 727.41 MT production in the same period in 2014.

Tiger prawn production recorded a drop of 40.82 percent. From a total output of 38.46 MT in the third quarter 2014 it went down to 22.76 MT in the same period in 2015 due to decrease in area harvested.

Ice-ice disease continues to affect the production of seaweeds in the region resulting in a decrease of 10.71 percent in the total output; from 4,687.01 MT in the third quarter of 2014 it went down to 4,185.14 MT in the third quarter of 2015.

Livestock Production, 3Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Livestock

Q3 2014

Carabao Cattle Hog Goat Total

753 390 8,948 256 10,347

Source: PSA-BAS

Q3 2015 712 320 8,365 258 9,655

Percent Change (5.44) (17.95) (6.52) 0.78 (6.69)

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Poultry Production, 3Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Poultry Chicken Duck Chicken Eggs Duck Eggs Total

Q3 2014 3,180 45 922 137 4,284

Q3 2015 3,008 44 1,195 130 4,377

Percent Change (5.41) (2.22) 29.61 (5.11) 2.17

Source: PSA-BAS

Services Financial Services Total assets of the region increased by 18.94 percent as of September 2015 with a total of PhP 45.813 Billion compared to PhP 38.519 Billion posted in September 2014. Universal and Commercial Banks accounted for 80.50 percent of the total assets followed

by Rural and Cooperative Banks with 11.27 percent and Thrift Banks with 8.23 percent.

As to provincial

distribution, Agusan del Norte has the biggest contribution of PhP 17.084 Billion or 37.29 percent share followed by Surigao del Norte with PhP12.416 Billion or 27.10 percent share. Surigao del Sur contributed PhP9.032 Billion or 19.72 percent, while Agusan del Sur shared PhP7.188 Billion or 15.69 percent. Lastly, PDI had a share of PhP 91.522 Million or 0.20 percent.

The Operating Income as of September 2015 reached an aggregate of PhP 1.725

Billion. This posts a 13.35 percent increase from the PhP 1.522 Billion registered in September 2014.

Although operating income derived from Rural and Cooperative Banks plunged by 7.39 percent from its PhP736.476 Million figure in 2014 to PhP682.044 Million in 2015, it contributes 39.54 percent of the total operating income of the region. This is followed by Universal and Commercial Banks with 31.70 percent share and Thrift Banks with 28.76 share.

Shipping and Cargo Total number of shipcalls in the third quarter 2015 reached 8,838, higher by 42.16 percent from the 6,217 in the third quarter 2014. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic,

Fishery Production, Caraga, 3rd Quarter 2014-2015, in Metric Tons

Source: PSA-BAS

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30 Total Assets, Provincial Distribution, as of September 2015

Source: BSP

comprising almost 96 percent of the total shipcalls.

Domestic shipcalls increased by 44.11 percent due to increase of shipcalls at Nasipit baseport and other government ports. Foreign shipcalls likewise increased by 8.28 percent due to the increase of foreign vessels loading nickel ore bound for China.

Inbound domestic cargo throughput increased by a whopping 108.21 percent Domestic Cargo Throughput, 3Q 2014-2015

from 481,569 MT during the third quarter 2014 it went up to 1,002,697 MT in the third quarter 2015. The growth is due to the increase in shipment of cement, transport equipment, refined petroleum products and other general cargoes.

Likewise, outbound domestic cargo increased by 47.74 percent from 182,081 MT in the third quarter 2014 to 269,004 MT in the same period in 2015 due to

increase in shipment of fruits and vegetables particularly banana, wood byproducts, plywood, veneer, lawanit, fish, metal scraps, sand and gravel, and other general cargoes.

Meanwhile, foreign export throughput dropped by 5.56 percent in the third quarter 2015, from a sum of 16,302,674 MT in the third quarter 2014 it went down to 15,395,854 in the same period in 2015. On the other hand, foreign import throughput in the third quarter 2015 was recorded at 671,034 MT, higher by 270.34 percent from the 181,192 MT in same period in 2014 owing to the increase in shipment of nickel ore bound for China

by SR Metals Corporation and Agata Mining.

Peace and Security Total crime volume in

Foreign Cargo Throughput, 3Q 2014-2015

Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

Vol. XIX Issue 1

Caraga Region remarkably declined by 70.65 percent.

From a total of 12,704 in the third quarter of 2014, crimes in the region dropped to 3,729 for the same period in 2015. All provinces reflected decreases in crime incidence. Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the biggest drop of 74.77 percent followed by Surigao del Sur with 72.62 percent. Butuan City and Agusan Del Sur followed with 69.85 percent and 67.57 percent, respectively. Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands followed with a decrease of 64.15 percent and 55.03, respectively.

As to percentage share, Butuan City contributes 28.24 percent (1,053) of the region‘s total crime volume followed by Surigao del Norte with 22.47 percent (838), Surigao del Sur with 20.17 percent (752), Agusan del Sur with 17.38 percent

31

(648), Agusan del Norte with 8.15 percent (304) and Dinagat Islands with 3.59 percent (134).

Out of the 3,729 Total Crime Volume recorded in July-September 2015, 1,297 or 34.78 percent of which were index crimes and 2,432 or 65.22 percent were nonindex crimes.

On index crime distribution, records of the Philippine National Police (PNP) show that theft is the most prevalent with 40 percent or 519 incidents.

Further, out of the 1,297 index crimes recorded, 444 or 34 percent were crimes against person while 853 or 66 percent were crimes against property.

PNP records also show that Index Crimes in the region during the third quarter of 2015 is at its peak in the month of September while incidence of nonindex crimes is highest in the month of August.

Total Crime Volume, Caraga, by province, 3Q 2014-2015

Index and Non Index Distribution, Caraga, 3Q 2015

Total Crime Volume, Caraga, 3Q 2014-2015

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4th Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring Name of Project

Location

Road Slip Protection along SDCR Lingig, SDS K1472+633 - K1472+680 Sitio Paradise, Brgy. Tagpoporan, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1474+489 - K1474+531, Sitio Mahogany, Brgy. Tagpoporan, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1474+958 - K1474+975.2, Sitio Paradise, Brgy. Tagpoporan, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1475+433 - K1475+455, Sitio Paradise, Brgy. Tagpoporan, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1475+585 - K1475+647, Brgy.

Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1476+089 - K1476+140, Brgy.

Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1476+341 - K1476+377, Brgy.

Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1478+297 - K1478+420, Sitio Pagbakatan, Brgy. Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1483+815 - K1483+838, Brgy.

Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1484+247 - K1484+301, Brgy.

Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1485+040 - K1485+068, Sitio Hinipaan, Brgy. Mahayahay, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1498+810 - K1498+838, Brgy. Union, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along SDCR K1506+095 - K1506+122, Brgy. San Roque, Lingig, SDS Road Slip Protection along Jct. LingigTrento Road, K1475+402 - K1475+438, Brgy. San Jose, Bislig City, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Cost in Million (PhP) 11,159.34

9,593.10

4,622.78

5,531.10

10,638.36

11,236.63

5,037.54

30,533.16

5,297.08

14,291.98

Lingig, SDS

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of August 27, 2015 Status Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage (%) 100.00 100.00 - Project was completed on February 6, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on March 1, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 20, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 20, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on February 7, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on March 23, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 21, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on October 15, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 17, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on March 4, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 19, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 30, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 3, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on March 23, 2015.

5,145.86

Lingig, SDS 7,940.74 Lingig, SDS 7,504.63 Bislig City 8,005.39

Vol. XIX Issue 1

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Continuation‌ 4th Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring

Name of Project

Location

Road Slip Protection along Jct. LingigTrento Road, K1475+671 - K1475+725, Brgy. San Jose, Bislig City, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Road Slip Protection along Jct. LingigTrento Road, K1480-077 - K1480-109, Brgy. San Jose, Bislig City, SDS Road Slip Protection along Jct. LingigTrento Road, K1482+657 - 1482+685, Brgy. San Jose, Bislig City, SDS Road Slip Protection along Jct. LingigTrento Road, K1483+618 - K1483+645, Brgy. San Jose, Bislig City, SDS Concreting of NRJ-Cumawas-Tinuy-an Falls Road Section with Bridge, Borboanan, Bislig City, SDS

Bislig City

Lingig, SDS

Lingig, SDS

Cost in Million (PhP) 11,717.14

7,192.25

5,148.35

6,041.81

Bislig City, SDS

96,500.00

Bislig City Intergrated Development Project - Irrigation Component (BCIDPIC) LP-5-05-2014

Bislig City, SDS

17,458.10

Bislig City Intergrated Development Project - Irrigation Component (BCIDPIC) LP-01-2015 Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of SDCR (Boundary Surigao del Norte Carrascal Section), K212+941 K1213+000 441 - K1215+401, K1266+959 - K1267+082

Lingig, SDS

Construction/Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Various Infrastructure including Local Projects - Construction of Cabadbaran-Puting Bato-Lanuza Road, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte - Gravel to Paved Widening of Taguibo Bridge

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte

Lingig, SDS

Taguibo, Butuan City

Baleguian Communal Irrigation System Jabonga, ADN (CIS) - Package 1

11,927.33

-

183,000.00

188,800.00

10,850.00

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of August 27, 2015 Status Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage (%) 100.00 100.00 - Project was completed on May 17, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on December 16, 2014.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on January 5, 2015.

100.00

100.00

-

Project was completed on February 10, 2015.

66.79

71.57

4.78

100.00

94.95

(5.05)

9.84

-

98.57

100.00

1.43

68.75

69.88

1.13

37.78

55.96

18.18

100.00

100.00

-

no data

The project is ongoing. Adjacent to the project is an on-going NIA canal project which has been damaged and poses a threat to the structure.

The project is ongoing but delayed. There was a damaged protion of the canal crossing the river which poses a threat to the structure and the Bagnan Bridge (ongoing DPWH Project).

The project is ongoing.

The project is substanitally completed with remaining correction works. Monitors observed the rest area is still under construction. This needs clarification from DPWH if the rest area is included in the project. The DPWH is yet to update the RPMC Secretariat.

The bridge construction is ongoing (launching of girders); construction of sidewalk and PCCP.

The ongoing activities: include installation of concrete structures, RROW issue.

Project is completed for turnover.

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Continuation… 4th Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring

Name of Project Baleguian Communal Irrigation System (CIS) - Package 2

RUPP - PGM-4 Surigao (Lipata) Agusan del Norte Boundary.

K1113+500.00 TO k1237+000.00

Lake Mainit Integrated Area Development Project (LMIADP) CY 2014: Package III ARB Flood Control Project – LADP-FCC Stage I, Phase II – Urban Drainage System in Butuan City (1301-15-F00016)

Rechanelling/Desiltation of LADP Eastbank cut-off channel – Mahay Lemon Creek – LADP cut-off channel to protect Mayor Democrito Plaza II Avenue along Mahay & Lemon Sections

Construction of Overpass along J.C. Aquino Ave. (Robinsons) Wharf Extension Project, Masao Port, Butuan City Construction of Butuan City South Market, Phase II Construction of Butuan City By-Pass Road with Bridge

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of August 27, 2015 Status Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage (%) Jabonga, ADN 100.00 100.00 - Project is completed for turn18,670.00 over. The monitoring team suggested to install warning signs to prevent children from diving into the water.

ADN - SDN 0.46 2.18 1.72 The project is ongoing. The 3,320,000.00 team recommended to install early warning device/signage and to correct wood marking to prevent accident.

Mainit, SDN 62.00 71.00 9.00 The project is ongoing. There is 11,360.00 an ongoing negotiation of embankment materials for dam.

Butuan City 57.31 61.31 4.00 Approved Time Extension No.1, 90,339.20 30 CD additional program (P10M). DPWH requested to consider constructing flood gate in Brgy. Maon to discharge water from drainage channel near COA Office to Agusan River. This will serve as flushing effect for the channel and preventing water stagnation.

Butuan City 70.00 95.00 25.00 Additional projects proposed: 90,000.00 DPWH to consider realigning creek from Taguibo River to enter Ampayon River which contribute to flooding in Mahay/ Lemon and realigning creek from Ampayon by constructing diversion channel to discharge water downstream instead of flowing through Lemon/Mahay creek.

Butuan City 20.38 20.49 0.11 Project is ongoing.

Masao, Butuan 10.37 71.58 61.21 Materials were delivered on site City 130,910.00 ahead of time.

Villa no data no data no data Project is ongoing. Delayed Kanangga, 15,000.00 installation of tiles and louvers.

Butuan City Butuan City 75.11 80.03 4.92 Project is ongoing. Ongoing 117,000.00 bridge construction (launching of girders); construction of sidewalk, & PCCP Location

Cost in Million (PhP)

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Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte receive PhP140M worth of agriculture projects

by Fretcher Magatao, Department of Agriculture-Caraga The provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur received a total of PhP140 million of agriculture projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through Sec. Proceso Alcala On February 19, 2016.

Alcala handed-over farm facilities and projects to 10 farmers‘ and irrigators‘ associations to fulfill the Department‘s commitment to the farmers in the provinces of Agusan del Norte (PhP 66 million) and Surigao del Norte (PhP 74 million).

Equipment such as mini fourwheel drive tractor, rice reaper, floating tillers, pump and engine sets, hand tractors and composting facilities were among the farm facilities given to the farmers.

Moreover, the on-going construction of farm-to-market roads (FMR) in Kitcharao, Tubay and Remedios T. Romualdez, all in Agusan del Norte will be given certificates of fund transfer for its second tranche. Three farmers‘ groups at Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

After four decades, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga is finally assured of an abode for its laboratories through the 37,487 square meter lot donated by the City Government of Butuan.

Located in Barangay Taguibo, the lot was officially transferred to DA-Caraga on January 29, 2016 with Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. signing the deed of donation. DA-Caraga Regional Director Edna Mabeza expressed her gratitude to the City Government as the lot hosts four laboratories, namely: Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), Regional Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RFCAL) and the National Seed Quality Control Services managed by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI-NSQCS). The said laboratories will not only benefit farmers and fisherfolks in Caraga Region but the nearby regions of Visayas as well.

The RADDL is tasked to perform diagnosis of animal diseases through

Butuan City donates lot for Department of Agriculture-Caraga’s lab

will also be given certificates of fund transfer for its first tranche to jumpstart the construction of FMRs. Under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), DA also issued certificates of No Objection Letters (NOL) or Notices to Proceed for FMR projects in Nasipit and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte and Sison and Malimono, in Surigao del Norte.

by Rhea C. Abao, Department of Agriculture-Caraga

examination of animal tissues, blood sample, and fecal sample, sick or unhealthy and dead animals for specific treatment / prevention and control of disease. The RSL provides technical assistance on soil-related problems and fertility preservation.

Specifically, the RSL was established to support agricultural production through proper soil fertility evaluation and to provide technical assistance on proper fertilizer usage based on soil analysis, thus, helping the individual farmer increase crop production towards a higher income.

RFCAL provides laboratory services to individuals or groups who intend to formulate their own feeds, and assists students or researches on the nutrient contents of feeds. The BPI-NSQCS is mandated to

safeguard quality assurance and control services for seed and planting material production, processing, storage and distribution, seed research and training in seed quality control towards sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. It is also tasked to ensure the availability of high quality seeds and improved planting materials in the country. ―It is high time to give what is necessary for the development of the agriculture sector in Butuan and the Caraga region. We never hesitated to give what is due for the people knowing that this will help our farmers and fisherfolk,‖ Mayor Amante said during the turn-over ceremony.

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Improving livability through open spaces

By Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

A clean and beautiful environment.

Vibrant neighborhoods. Access to green space. Lack of traffic.

Accessible public transport. Ability to bike and use alternate modes.

These are some of the features of a livable city.

With the gradual increase in the proportion of people living in cities, livability becomes a concern especially with the parallel spike in diseases, social unrest, and insecurity.

A city has to satisfy its social, economic, and environmental needs with the citizens‘ need at the forefront.

But, what is livability? What are open spaces and how can these improve livability?

Livability is an urban system that contributes to the physical,

social, and mental well being and personal development of all its inhabitants according to the International Centre for Sustainable Cities in Vancouver, Canada.

On the other hand, open spaces are land laid out for public recreation that includes inland bodies of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs that are turned into parks for sport and outdoor recreation.

In The Netherlands, Belgium, and France, one can witness some of the most gorgeous open spaces that literatures have talked about.

Several studies have established the growing significance of open spaces in urban design. In 1998, the group of L. Payne, E. Smith, G. Godbey, and M. Roy concluded that frequent park users have higher perceived health, fewer doctor visits,

lower systolic blood pressure, lower body mass index, and lower cortisol levels. This is also echoed in the review of A.C.K. Lee and R. Maheswaran in 2010 that open spaces encourage physical activity that lowers stroke mortality and increases survival in elderly populations.

In 2001, F. E. Kuo and W. C. Sullivan found that mental fatigue and aggression was higher among urban public housing residents living in buildings without green than those residing in buildings with more ―green.‖ In West Virginia, R. Rosenberger, Y. Sneh, T. Phipps, and R. Gurvitch conducted a statewide survey in 2005 and found that counties with greater recreation opportunities have higher rates of physical activity, lower health care expenditures, and lower obesity rates.

These findings supported the earlier findings that humans are dependent on nature not only for food, water, and shelter, among

KRALINGSE BOS. A 200-hectare forest in the Kralingen District of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. In the middle, occupying half of the forest is an artificial lake. Along the lake are restaurants and at the south side are two wind mills De Ster and De Lelie. De Lelie built in 1740 is now a sailing school. On the west side, there is a sailing harbor and athletic fields. In the forest are deer park, pancake houses, a petting zoo, a climbing forest, a golf course, and a jogging track. This picture shows a community near the southern part of the park. Photo by SE Verdun

Vol. XIX Issue 1

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DUTCH WATERS. (Above left) Another artificial lake in the middle of a community at Kralingen, Rotterdam taken at sunset. (Above upper right) A canal at Amsterdam dug in the 17th century and now listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2010. (Above lower right) The Hofvijver, a pond facing the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament Building) at The Hague.

Photos by SE Verdun

others but perhaps more importantly for psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Open spaces also have environmental benefits. According to US Forest Service study in 2001, a tree of over 50 years generates the following benefits: $31,250 worth of oxygen, $62,000 of pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion.

Also, parks and open space can help reduce the effects of urban ―heat islands‖ according to a study by Ahrens in 2006. In fact, trees are effective cleaning agents. New York Cities trees removed an estimated 1,821 metric tons of air pollution in 1994 according to a study of Nowak in 1995.

People are migrating to cities hoping for a better future. But cities also threaten human health from water and air-related diseases as well as natural and man-made disasters.

The promise of open spaces hopes to lessen the environmental causes of diseases and improve livability.

BELGIAN TREAT. The Minnewater, translated as “Lake of Love” is an elongated lake in Bruges, Belgium part of the Minnewater Park. The park was designed to become a tourist spot and a green zone for passive recreational activities. Photo by SE Verdun

FRENCH GARDEN. The Tuileries Garden is a public garden located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. Created

by Catherine de Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564, it was eventually opened to the public in 1667, and became a public park after the French Revolution. In the 19th and 20th century, it was the place where Parisians celebrated, met, promenaded, and relaxed. Photo by SE Verdun

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What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a global campaign to showcase what can be and is being done all over the world to combat climate change.

Earth Hour is a worldwide initiative showing how individuals, communities, businesses and governments can address the threat of global warming if we resolve to work on it together.

Earth hour unites communities, ushering in a new era of environmental consciousness by encouraging personal accountability and behavioral change to facilitate low-carbon lifestyle.

The highlight of the Earth Hour campaign will see hundreds of millions of people from different races, religions, cultures and socio-demographic turn-off their lights, united in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we have in common--- our planet.

When does Earth Hour take place?

Earth hour 2016 will be held on Saturday, March 19, between 8:30PM and 9:30PM. What does Earth Hour ask people to do?

Earth hour encourages individuals, businesses and governments to show leadership on climate change through their actions, to use Earth Hour as a platform to showcase to the world what measures they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Earth Hour asks everyone to take personal accountability for their climate impact and make behavioral changes to facilitate a low-carbon lifestyle. Taking the first step is as easy as turning off your lights. By switching off your lights for Earth Hour, you are making a statement on the indiscriminate threat of global warming and a commitment to a low-carbon lifestyle.

What can you do as partner?

Switch off or dim their nonessential lights, including streetlights, signage and key monuments, during this global ‗lights out‘ event on Saturday, 19 March at 8:30PM for one hour.

Release a memorandum inviting your constituents to join and be part of Earth Hour 2016.

Promote the Earth Hour 2016 to your officers, staff, employees and constituents.

Pledge to go ―Beyond the Hour‖ and help ―Shine A Light on Climate Action‖ by publicly promoting renewed ways/ practices/programs of initiating change, which can include environmental projects/actions that the offices and individuals are willing to undertake throughout the year.

Log in and register support at the Earth Hour Philippines website via www.wwf.org.ph/ earthhour.

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Surigao del Norte gears up for transparent, accountable public financial management

Colophon

by Melanie A. Maur, NEDA-Caraga

Publisher Caraga Regional Development Council

The Province of Surigao del Norte is moving towards a transparent and accountable public financial management with the technical assistance of the Regional Inter-Agency Team (RIAT) of the Local Government Unit Public Financial Management 2 (LGU-PFM 2) Project. The Project is funded by the European Union, and it seeks to address the key challenges of controlling government spending and making local government units (LGUs) operate efficiently and effectively.

On February 4-5, 2015, the RIAT members conducted a series of workshops with the Provincial LGU-PFM team, the Department Heads and their staffs to strengthen the link between planning, investment programming and budgeting. It has been observed that some of the programs and projects identified in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) were neither included in the Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) nor funded in the Annual Investment Program (AIP). The participants were also given time to update their PDIP, taking into consideration the challenges, strategies, programs and projects identified in the PDPFP. Further, the LGU

Edition Caraga Today Volume XIX Issue 1 January-March 2016

Address NEDA-Caraga Building JP Rosales Avenue, Butuan City 8600 Telephone 085 342-5774 Email caraga.neda@gmail.com Online Versions issuu.com/nedacaraga slideshare.net/NEDACaraga13

participants were taught how to prepare a project brief/proposal.

The sample proposals were presented in the plenary to generate comments and recommendations for enhancement.

The Province of Surigao del Norte is the only provincial local government unit (LGU) participating in the Project across the country. Other regions have cities and municipalities as their target LGU. The RIAT is composed of regional directors and technical staffs from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Bureau of the Local Government Finance (BLGF), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido Associate Editor Melanie A. Maur Managing Editor Sherwin E. Verdun Writers Sherwin E. Verdun Michelle P. dela Calzada Mirasol P. Montenegro Ian G. Miculob Rhea Mae C. Mendez Melanie A. Maur Ann B. Jaquilmac Gladys C. Giberson Paul Edward B. Castillo Contributors Eunice G. Montaos, DSWD-Caraga Fretcher Magatao, DA-Caraga Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga Layout Rhea Mae C. Mendez Advisers RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cari単o ARD Roy B. Kantuna

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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

18.30

10.85

Very Low

below poverty threshold

44.70

40.30

22.35

Very Low

2003

2012

below subsistence threshold

16.60

13.00

8.30

Very Low

below poverty threshold

37.60

31.90

18.80

Very Low

23.12

9.80

11.56

High

1995-1996

2013-2014

Elementary participation rate

93.01

93.40

100.00

High

Elementary cohort survival rate

68.43

82.13

82.25

High

Elementary completion rate

66.79

80.26

81.27

High

2000-2001

2013-2014

Male

86.78

93.78

100.00

High

Female

93.27

94.80

100.00

High

Male

50.54

53.01

100.00

Very Low

Female

57.23

65.33

100.00

Very Low

2000

2014

26

9.19

8.70

High

1991

2014

17.37

6.55

5.80

High

1991

2014

161.00

143.00

54.00

Very Low

1999

2014

37.96

53.00

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

2014

70.61

74.00

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