Caraga Today July-September 2014

today caraga

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

July - September 2014 Vol. XVIII, Issue 3

PAGE 18

Q1 2014 Regional Economic Situationer PAGE 24

Q2 2014 Regional Project Monitoring Report

Going paperless

Caraga Regional Development Council to conduct first paperless meeting PAGE 4

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Volume XVIII Issue 2

caraga today Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido Writers Sherwin E. Verdun Mirasol P. Montenegro Rhea Mae C. Mendez Glenn B. Batincila Paris Raymond S. Gaballo Ian G. Miculob Design Editor Sherwin E. Verdun Contributors DA, DAR, DTI, TESDA, GIZ-COSERAM Adviser RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cari単o

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

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

On this issue PAGE 4 Going paperless Caraga Regional Development Council to conduct first paperless meeting PAGE 5 Agent of Change Forum gathers Caraga Information Officers, partners PAGE 6 Caraga Information Officers undergo writing training PAGE 7 Caraga Private Sector Reps attend 5th National Convention in Iloilo City PAGE 8 Caraga Information Officers attend publications design, evaluation training PAGE 9 Local government units receive PhP1.4M worth veggie seeds from Department of AgricultureCaraga

PAGE 10 5 Surigao del Norte towns receive PhP4.6M grant from the Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga PAGE 12 Farmers receive PhP12.17M worth of projects from Department of Agrarian Reform-Caraga PAGE 13 Surigao del Sur farmers enjoy farming mechanization PAGE 14 Caraga Regional Development Council preps Regional Physical Framework Plan; trains partners PAGE 15 TESDA-Caraga fetes personnel, partners on its 20th Anniversary PAGE 28 Marine Monitoring Team now ready for underwater assessments in Surigao del Norte

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“Today we continue our journey towards a greater Caraga Region” - Gov. Sol Matugas

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

“Today, I stand before you humbled and honored because President Aquino has given me a fresh mandate to lead this esteemed body in steering development in Caraga Region. Today marks the beginning of our continuing journey towards building progressive and resilient communities and in bringing development that matters to every Caraganon. Today we continue our journey towards a greater Caraga Region,” says Gov. Sol Matugas, Caraga Regional Development Council’s new Chairperson.

On her second term, Matugas vowed to continue to take bold actions on issues that matter to Caraganons especially the poor and the marginalized.

(highest) and 10.6% in 20112012 (second highest).

Matugas emphasized that the progress in the region is brought about by unity among Caraganons and its commitment to the vision of One Caraga, One Vision, One Mission.

During her first term, Caraga exhibited strong economic performance. Poverty incidence among families declined from 46% in 2009 to 31.9% in 2012 moving Caraga six notches up to rank 11th among the 17 regions.

Even with the improvements in GRDP and poverty incidence, Matugas reminded everyone that the battle rages on. That everyone has to do more and do better to uplift the living conditions of Caraganons.

To outdo every performance of each year as servant leaders and agents of change.

The GRDP growth rate was among the highest in the country: 8.5% in 2010-2011

Before she called the 79th Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting to order, she

challenged the regional directors, congresspersons, mayors, and guests, “We are the leaders of this region and it is our responsibility to bring into fruition a development that is high and sustainable, generates mass employment that draws the majority of our people into the economic and social mainstream and facilitates the reduction of poverty.

Together let us rise up to the challenge of surpassing our current gains and paving the way for a great Caraga Region.”

“I encourage everyone to dream big and think big on what this Council can do for all Caraganons and what Caraga can become,” Matugas added.

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Going paperless

Caraga Regional Development Council to conduct first paperless meeting

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

In the past, the Caraga Regional Development Council members usually receive printed agenda folder containing scores of material including the agenda sheet, briefs, draft resolutions, and presentation materials.

On its 80th Full Council Meeting, Friday, September 26, 2014, the Caraga RDC will attempt its first paperless meeting, joining other organizations around the world in technology bandwagon.

Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro, Caraga RDC-Social Development Committee Chairperson, reading from the tablet during the third quarter meeting of the Committee.

This time, electronic copies of agenda sheets, briefs, draft resolution, and presentation materials in portable document format will be loaded to tablets that will be distributed during the meeting to voting members of the Caraga RDC. The tablets will be retrieved from the Caraga RDC members after each meeting.

and 16 sectoral meetings every year; utilizing an estimated 56,000 pages of papers or 112 reams.

Meanwhile, the non-voting members and guests will still receive the printed copy of the agenda folder.

The preparation of agenda folders also involves reproduction; spending bottles of ink and toner.

The Caraga RDC conducts four full council meetings

Several staff collates the pages to form the folders

For each Caraga RDC Full Council meeting, the Secretariat prepares 60 agenda folders that contains an average of 75 pages.

During budget consultation, pages reach more than 100 because of budget details.

adding to the cost in terms of time and salary. Often, these agenda folders are no longer used after each meeting.

The Caraga RDC explored options to minimize cost of printing and reproduction by purchasing 50 tablets. These tablets will be loaded with portable document reader software so that electronic documents will be readable.

Caraga RDC’s paperless meeting is supported by Resolution No. 14, series 2014.

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Agent of Change Forum gathers Caraga Information Officers, partners

by Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA-Caraga

The Information Officers signing the pledge of commitment. (Above right) Dr. Stepahnie SchellFaucon, COSERAM Principal Advisor. (Below right) Ms. Nerissa Esguerra, NEDA-Development Information Staff Director.

On July 30, 2014, 112 Information Officers, media, and guests responded to the call to become agents of change.

The Agents of Change Forum convened the Information Officers (IOs) from various government institutions at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort to help realize the Communication Plan (ComPlan) of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016.

NEDA-Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño introduced to the IOs the Revised Caraga RDP and the Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program and emphasized that both documents were crafted in consultation with various

stakeholders to ensure greater participation and ownership.

Jazmin Berido of NEDACaraga presented the ComPlan and its activities. She capped the presentation with the “Be the Agents of Change Contest Ad audio-visual presentation.

Dr. Stepahnie Schell-Faucon, COSERAM Principal Advisor, and Ms. Nerissa Esguerra, NEDA-Development Information Staff Director, graced the event.

Schell-Faucon expressed her confidence in the execution of the ComPlan and urged the IOs to support it as well as NEDA’s initiatives towards gender-responsive and conflict -sensitive regional development.

Esguerra, the keynote speaker, gave pointers on effective communication. She enunciated that an advocacy is useless unless it is well understood and promoted to the right audiences. She dared the IOs and the media to be consistent, always speak the truth and close the feedback loop to ensure a successful two-way communication.

The IOs as well as other guests signed the pledge of commitment as support to the objectives of the ComPlan.

In the afternoon session, the IOs discussed their role in the implementation of the ComPlan.

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Caraga Information Officers undergo writing training

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

“Writing is the most important tool in public relations. Good writing can make up for many other deficiencies; the lack of it is not usually overcome by numerous other strengths.”

Public relations link government agencies to the public through various channels like print, radio, television, and web.

Government agencies disseminate information most commonly through press releases and newsletters.

The advocacy for the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 requires optimum media coverage to achieve the communication objectives. One strategy is to come up with stories in the form of news and features.

Last August 4-8, 2014, 31 Information Officers from different local government units, regional line agencies, and state universities and colleges as well as 14 NEDA-

Caraga staff underwent training on news and feature writing in two batches at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City.

Mr. Mark Ivan C. Roblas of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute, an experienced journalist and outstanding Information Officer, was the resource person.

The training-workshop involved writing news and feature stories from interview scripts, policy papers, and events. After the trainingworkshop, best-written articles from each category were chosen. For batch 1, the best articles were written by Aurelius Arais of the Department of Agriculture (interview script news), Presa Villarina of the Philippine Statistical Authority (policy paper news), Florian Faith Bayawa, Jr of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (event news and

interview feature), Vanessa Sanchez of the Department of Agriculture (policy paper feature), and Janeth Aldover of the National Economic and Development Authority (event feature). For batch 2, the best articles were written by Robert Roperos of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (interview script news), Rhyl Daraman of the Department of Public Works and Highways (policy paper news), Melanie Maur of the National Economic and Development Authority (event news and interview feature), Dinnes Karl Garcia of the Department of Health (policy feature), and Grace Orilla of the Philippine Coconut Authority (event feature).

The training-workshop was sponsored by the Republic of Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

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Caraga Private Sector Reps attend 5th National Convention in Iloilo City

by Mirasol P. Montenegro, NEDA-Caraga

Six Caraga Private Sector Representatives (PSR) from various sectors and provinces in Caraga attended the 5th PSR National Convention in Iloilo City last August 13-15, 2014.

The convention highlighted the vital role of the private sector and civil society organization with the theme, “PSRs: RDC’s crucial partners in the pursuit of inclusive growth and job creation.”

In a message delivered by NEDA Deputy DirectorGeneral Margarita R. Songco, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA DirectorGeneral Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the role of the private sector in creating employment opportunities and better jobs. He cited the contribution of the private sector in realizing the economic growth rate of 7.2% in 2013; improvement of the regions and towns competitiveness; poverty reduction from 20.5% in 2009 to 19.7% in 2012; and employment rate increase from 92.8% in 2012 to 92.9% in 2013.

The 3-day convention involved lectures, workshop, and tour in Iloilo City. The lectures focused on tourism development, jobs creation, private investments, and the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. In the workshop, the PSRs identified major issues

Caraga Private Sector Representatives. (L-R) Mr. Wille Gan (Surigao del Norte); Engr. Vidal Luna (Surigao del Sur); Ms. Concepcion Paqueo (Surigao City); Ms. Ofelia Salde (Dinagat Islands); Dr. Redentor Briones (Labor Sector); and Dr. Epimaco Galero, Jr., (Regional Representative and the Head of Delegation).

and crafted resolutions to the said topics.

The PSRs agreed to: 1) conduct a study on standardizing the honoraria of the RDC-PSRs by RDC 3; 2) file an appeal with the Office of the President to appoint RDC Chair- and CoChairpersons in all regions; 3) amend the RDC Operations Manual; 4) strengthen the role of PSRs in monitoring and evaluation; and 5) share best practices and systems of other regions in project implementation tracking, referrals, and problem-solving.

The convention requested NEDA Central to amend the provisions in identifying the four PSRs in the RDCom

National Committee to ensure PSR representation for each of the three major island groupsLuzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and one from Metro Manila.

The PSRs also proposed some priority agenda that includes a summit between the academe and industry to forecast manpower skills requirements, assistance to small farmers in accessing support from agencies and banks, and support to the amendment of the economic provision of the constitution in attracting investors.

The PSRs agreed to convene annually. The 6th convention will be in 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City and the 7th convention in Bicol in 2016.

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Caraga Information Officers attend publications design, evaluation training

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

Twenty-eight Information Officers and 12 NEDACaraga staff attend a 4day training-workshop on design, production, and evaluation of print communication materials on August 26-29, 2014 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Mr. Jackner John Borja and Mr. Dan Rafael Palis, photographer and publications designer, respectively, were the resource persons.

The training-workshop started with an introduction to graphic design and photojournalism. Graphic design guides the participants on how to use the elements and principles of design properly. While photojournalism taught the participants on how to capture news-worthy photographs and how to use

photo-editing software to enhance photographs.

On the second day, the participants took photographs from places around Butuan City to create photo essays.

During the presentation of photo essays, the participants were tasked to evaluate the output of their co-participants.

On the third day, the participants were introduced to publications design and created their own leaflet, poster, and newsletter as workshop outputs.

The leaflets and posters were made as materials for pretesting in the next lecture on pretesting of print communication materials.

Pretesting allows the implementer to test the effectiveness of any print

communication material before publication on attraction, comprehension, acceptability, selfinvolvement, and persuasion.

The training-workshop aims to capacitate the Information Officers from local government units, regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and the NEDA staff to effectively implement the Communication Plan of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 20132016.

The training-workshop was sponsored by the Republic of Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

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Local government units receive PhP1.4M worth of veggie seeds from Department of AgricultureCaraga

by Vanessa P. Sanchez, Department of Agriculture-Caraga

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) gave 23,731 pouches of various vegetable seeds amounting to PhP1.4 million to Provincial and City Agriculture Offices last August 12, 2014 at the Department of AgricultureCaraga Conference Hall.

The seeds include upland, lowland spices, and indigenous vegetables. The provinces of Agusan del Sur received 6,257 pouches, Surigao del Norte 4,122 pouches, Surigao del Sur 2,381 pouches, Agusan del Norte 5,721 pouches, Dinagat Islands 1,421 pouches, and Butuan City 1,436.

Major production areas of vegetables are the identified beneficiaries, which include Antongalon, Anticala and Pianing for Butuan City; Cabadbaran, Santiago, Buenavista and Jabonga for Agusan del Norte; San Francisco, Bayugan, Esperanza, Trento, Sta. Josefa, Rosario, Talacogon, Prosperidad and Sibagat for Agusan del Sur; Lanuza, Carrascal and Lingig for Surigao del Sur; and Pamaypayan, Burboanan, San Roque and San Isidro for

A recipient’s vegetable garden in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Bislig City. The Provincial and City Agriculture Offices will in turn distribute the seeds to their identified municipalities and NonGovernment Organizations for planting.

Rafael Alba, Chairman of the Bislig Vegetable Growers Association said that he is thankful for the intervention as it gives him one less thing to worry about in his farming.

“Maayo ni nga programa, dako kini nga tabang sa mga mag-uuma,” Alba said.

Seed distribution is a regular intervention under the vegetable production program. It seeks to reinforce

to the shortage of supply of vegetables in the region.

Caraga’s vegetable production is not enough to meet the demands so it relies on the supply coming from Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and other Northern Mindanao areas to reduce the deficit. It also supports the achievement of 1.77% growth rate in highland vegetable production for the country, and the 1.77% and 1.45% growth rates in lowland and spices vegetables respectively. “This intervention aims to lower production cost of farmers as well as provide them access to quality seeds,” Lynn A. Pareñas, HVCDP Regional Coordinator said.

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5 Surigao del Norte towns receive PhP4.6M grant from the Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga

by Ma. Theresa Calang, Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga

Five Surigao del Norte towns received a total of PhP 4,597,000 from the Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) for various projects.

Bamboo development project in Alegria The Municipal Government of Alegria received PhP900,000 for a bamboo development project in partnership with the United Farmers Association of Camp Edward (UFACE) at Barangay Budlingin.

The project is one of two projects of the municipality’s 2014 Local Poverty reduction Action Plan identified for funding by the DTI. Enterprise development projects of Bacuag, Sison The Municipal Government of Bacuag received PhP650,000 for three enterprise development projects.

The projects include the Shared Service Facility for Nipa Sugar Production of the Cabugao First Farmers Consumers Cooperative and the Shared Service Facility for Banana Processing of Payapag Womens Organization for the purchase and installation of common

Alegria Mayor Dominador Esma (third from left) received the check from DTI-SDN Provincial Director Celestino Negapatanin with the other municipal officials and the project beneficiaries.

service equipment worth PhP250,000 and PhP200,000, respectively.

The third project Online Business registration Hub, with project cost of PhP200,000 will be implemented by the municipal government in coordination with DTISurigao del Norte to enable online business name registration right at the Business Permit Licensing Office of Bacuag. The project aims to help local entrepreneurs save on travelling costs to Surigao City just to register their business names at the DTISurigao del Norte Provincial Office.

Likewise, the Municipal

Government of Sison received PhP 807,500 for four enterprise development projects.

A coco sugar processing project will be implemented amounting to PhP237,500 including the establishment of a mini processing plant which will benefit 80 farmers of Barangays Gacepan and Mayag.

Payaw, a native root crop similar to gabi, will be processed into payaw chips by 124 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Barangay Lower Patag, Upper Patag, and San Isidro.

The project costs PhP142,500.

A similar amount was

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released for a mushroom processing project which will benefit 40 of Barangay San Pedro’s women. Mushrooms will be processed by drying and turning them into powder.

ARBs of Barangays Ima Upper and Lower Patag will be implementing a lemon grass (tanglad) processing project where oil extracts will be packaged and sold as a health supplement.

Micro-enterprise projects of Malimono, San Francisco The Municipal Government of Malimono received funds for three micro-enterprise projects worth PhP1,100,000.

The projects include Coco Processing (Coco sugar) of the Malimono Farmers Consumers Cooperative in Barangay Cayawan worth PhP550,000. The Women Livelihood Vision for Tomorrow was granted PhP300,000 for Fish Drying Shared Service Facility in Barangay Cantapoy. Also, the Tinago Eagles Fishermen and Farmers Association was granted PhP250,000 for Bamboo Development in Barangay Tinago.

Sison Mayor Leicester P. Fetalvero (third from left) received the check from DTI-SDN Provincial Director Celestino Negapatanin for the four enterprise development projects.

Barangay Magtangale worth PhP47,000, establishment of Bakery in Barangay Magtangale worth PhP95,000 and Nito Production in Barangay Jubgan worth PhP380,000. All of these will be implemented by women’s organizations in the areas.

Members of the Honrado Farmers Credit Cooperative

in Barangay Honrado will implement a Tableya Processing Project worth PhP142,500.

Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Calamay Makers of Barangay Banbanon will put up a alamay and ginger production project worth PhP380,000.

On the other hand, the Municipal Government of San Francisco received funds for six enterprises worth PhP1,139,500.

The projects consist of Bamboo Sticks Production in Barangay Macopa worth PhP95,000, establishment of Bigasan Ng Bayan in

San Francisco Mayor Simplicia Bacol (third from right) received the check from DTI-SDN Provincial Director Celestino Negapatanin with the project beneficiaries and other municipal officials and employees.

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Farmers receive PhP12.17M worth of projects from Department of Agrarian Reform-Caraga

by Daryll M. Tumbaga and Joie Ceballos, Department of Agrarian Reform-Caraga

received a new Municipal Agrarian Information and Marketing Center (AIMC) on July 4, 2014. The center is worth PhP2.67M.

Tubod, Surigao del Norte irrigation projects, postharvest facility Farmers of Tubod, Surigao del Norte received two irrigation projects and a post -harvest facility amounting to PhP9.5M from the Department of Agrarian Reform-Caraga last August 13, 2014.

The projects include the Tubod Communial Irrigation System, which benefits 102 farmers, to be managed by Tubod Farmers Irrigators Association; the Cawilan Communal Irrigation Project, which serves 60 farmers, to be managed by the Cawilan Farmers Irrigators Association; and the Tubod Post-Harvest Facilities to be managed by the Tubod Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative.

DAR Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong and Tubod Municipal Mayor Cristina Hermady Arcillas, with DAR-Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Project Manager Engr. Helsy Bermudes and PARPO Jamil Amatonding led the ceremonial turn-over of the projects.

Bistoyong challenged the

beneficiaries to maintain and use the infra-projects to its full capacity to achieve the goal of improving quality of life and increasing production of rice.

Mambuay on the other hand affirmed DAR’s existence beyond June 2014 and its commitment to help farmer beneficiaries improve their lives through DAR’s support services.

“These projects are expected to improve productivity and uplift economic well-being of the farmer-beneficiaries in the area,” says Mambuay.

The said projects were implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III cofunded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

RTR new market center On the other hand, farmers in RTR, Agusan del Norte

The 36-square meter building will serve as the farmer’s one-stop market and training center. “The idea is patterned after the success of the AIMC in Butuan City which is run by the Federation of Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperatives (FEDARRCO) of Agusan Norte and Butuan City,” said DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay.

RTR Mayor Ernie Ceniza expressed his gratitude to DAR-Caraga for the support it gave to the farmers of the municipality. In a message through a representative, Agusan Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba vowed the provincial office’s support to the agrarian reform efforts in the province.

Meanwhile, the recipients expressed their gratitude to DAR. “The wait is not in vain. Thank you to DAR who always keeps its eyes open for us,” says Marivic Virtudazo, farmer and leader of the recipient- cluster of organizations.

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Surigao del Sur farmers enjoy farming mechanization

by Menkent Jay Gumapac, Department of Agriculture-Caraga

“The quality of our rice has improved because it (farming process) is now fast growing,” said Mr. Gregorio Climaco, Chairperson of Subangan ng Hubo Kamayo Irrigators Association, Inc. (SHKIA).

Rice farmers of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur no longer have to rely on privately owned machines after availing of the Community Fund for Agricultural Development of the Department of AgricultureMindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) worth PhP1.5M. SHKIA bought

four threshers and five turtle tillers. They also rehabilitated their irrigators building and multi-purpose drying pavement, and extended their mini warehouse to accommodate more palay.

“Before, we had to pay PhP250 per hour for turtle tiller and thresher. Now we only have to pay PhP180 as member-beneficiaries,” said Climaco.

SHKIA has 54 members and 155 hectares of irrigable land in Barangays Poblacion, Otiezea, Kauswagan, Hornasan and Sto. Nino.

After a year of operation, they have bought from their savings additional equipment for carwash, vulcanizing, and welding for the maintenance of equipment and a service vehicle used for transporting goods.

“We are so grateful to the DA -MRDP for identifying us as one of its recipients. The assistance has greatly helped us in our farming. Our income grew, our members increased and we can do our farming activities at a faster pace,” added Climaco.

Farm Service Provider. Department of Agriculture-Caraga Regional Executive Director Edna Mabeza (third from right) turns-over farm equipment worth PhP 976,000 to Antongalon-Agusan Multi -Purpose Cooperative Chairman Gerardo Mag-isa.

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Caraga Regional Development Council updates Regional Physical Framework Plan; trains partners

by Ian G. Miculob, NEDA-Caraga

The Regional Development Council is currently updating its Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) to be more responsive to the realities of the region. To ensure the success of this endeavor, a series of trainings was linedup to build the capacities of the land use planners of the region.

Starting July this year, three workshops and trainings were conducted that were participated by planning officers of the provincial and city local government units in the region, private sector representatives and regional line agencies including the staff of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Office.

The Orientation on Land Administration and Management and Regional Physical Framework Planning Process in the Philippines was held in Butuan City on July 17 -18, 2014. This activity aims to orient the members of the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) and the RLUC Technical Working Group on land administration system, laws and policies, and familiarize them on the physical planning process.

The same participants attended the second training

on Integrating Conflict Sensitivity in the RPFP Process conducted on August 4-6, 2014 in Butuan City. The training oriented them on conflict sensitivity concepts, principles and tools. They also learned how to identify entry points and parameters for integrating GAD concerns in the RPFP, and describe the process for the preparation of GAD plan and budget after attending the third training on Integrating Gender and Development in the RPFP on August 18-20, 2014.

Several experts served as resource persons during the said activities. NEDA 10 Regional Director Engr. Leon Dacanay and former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Elmer Mercado served as the primary resource persons in the July training while independent consultant Cesar

Villanueva provided the participants the CS tools and concepts during the second activity. Meanwhile, former NEDA Region 8 Asst.

Regional Director Ma. Purisima Sanopo was the facilitator and resource person in the GAD training.

The three trainings are part of the project “Strengthening Capabilities in Mainstreaming Conflict Sensitivity and Gender and Development in Regional Physical Development Planning Process and in Engendering Support for the revised Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016.� NEDACaraga partnered with GIZ through its Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM) Program for the implementation of the said project.

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TESDA-Caraga fetes personnel, partners on its 20th Anniversary

by Robert E. Roperos, TESDA-Caraga

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga honored personnel and partners who contributed to the agency’s feats in a ceremony dubbed as “TESDA Service and Institutional Awards Ceremony” held September 8, 2014 at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

The ceremony highlights the 20th Anniversary Celebration of TESDA with the theme “20 Taong World-Class na Pagsasanay Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan at Pamumuhay.”

Rep. Philip Pichay, First District of Surigao del Sur, leads the roster of awardees as the 2014 Regional Kabalikat Awardee for the Legislative Category.

TESDA Kabalikat Award is conferred to partners and stakeholders both in the public and private sectors who supported TESDA programs in the localities.

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico, Jr. awards the Plaque of Recognition to Surigao del Sur First District Representative Philip A. Pichay as the regional winner of TESDA's Kabalikat Awards for Legislative Category.

government unit category.

The Hinatuan Mining Corporation in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte received the award for the Industry Category while AMA Computer Learning Center in Agusan del Sur received the award for the Institution Category.

Pichay who was also the guest of honor said that, “I believe that through the technical and vocational courses, we can make a difference in our respective areas of responsibilities as we move towards training and preparing the youths to become productive citizens of our country.”

Ronnie L. Abao and Jay Letran both from Agusan del Sur were TESDA 2014 Regional Idol winner and first runner-up, respectively. Abao received plaque of recognition from TESDA-Caraga and a trophy from TESDA Central Office and PhP5,000 cash prize.

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the leadership of Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba received the award for local

The Caraga Association of Technical Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) received the outstanding partner award in the Technical

Vocational Education and Training (TVET). CATVII is a major sponsor during the conduct of the 2013 Regional Skills Competition.

TESDA-Caraga also recognized media partners that include the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga Region, The Northern Mindanao Chronicle, 103.9 Radyo Trumpeta, dxBR Bombo Radyo Butuan, ABSCBN Butuan and TV-5 Butuan.

“It’s time for TESDA-Caraga to recognize the efforts and contributions of these individuals and/or organizations.

May our partnership continue as we deliver the services to the Filipino people by training them to be world-class workforce,” TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico, Jr. said.

Be the agent of cha Do you have a flair for music? A gifted hand for Then, Caraga needs you. Be the agent of change.

Jingle making for music lovers

If you are an amateur or a professional jingle writer, help spur development through your music. Write a jingle for Caraga, and be an agent of change. Over 40,000.00 pesos worth of prizes are at stake. Join now and fill Caraga’s air with your music!

Canvas painting for high school students

As Jose Rizal once said, the youth are the hope of the future. So we call on talented high school students. Let your brush paint the future of Caraga! Over 60,000.00 pesos worth of prizes await you.

Open call for photographers

Calling all hobbyist, novices, and professional photographers, let your pictures inspire Caraganons to become agents of change. Over 72,000.00 pesos worth of prizes are at stake and you are entitled to win in all eight categories!

How to

You must be a painting conte student.

Entries shall be

For jingle mak arranged by th not more than and interprete in mp3 format and ends Octo

For canvass pa three by two f on November

For photograp entry in any of August 1 and

What are you waiting for? Be part of this great u agents of change! For details of the mechanics, vi

ange contests painting? Or an eye for photography?

participate?

a certified resident of Caraga. For canvass est, the Schools Division must endorse the

ear the theme “Be the agent of change.�

king contest, entries shall be written and he participants. It should be in English and n 60 seconds long and should be rendered ed in a genre selected by the participants t. Submission of entries starts August 1 ober 31, 2014.

ainting contest, entries shall be painted in feet of canvass. Competition will be held r 20, 2014.

phy contest, participants shall submit one f the eight categories. Submission starts ends October 31, 2014.

Prizes

Jingle making

PhP 20,000.00

plus 4 consolation prizes of 5,000.00 pesos each Photography PhP 4,000.00 (8 categories) First prize PhP 3,000.00 (8 categories) Second prize PhP 2,000.00 (8 categories) Third prize plus 500.00 for the most liked photo in each category Canvas Painting

PhP 10,000.00 First prize

PhP 8,000.00 Second prize

PhP 6,000.00

Third prize plus 2,000.00 consolation prize for the participant and 1,000.00 for the coach

undertaking of inspiring Caraganons to become isit caraga.neda.gov.ph/caraga.

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1st Quarter 2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer Overview of the Economy

Labor and employment record shows slight contraction in the labor force participation and employment rate. In January 2014, labor force participation rate was 64.40% while employment rate was at 92.40%.

However, there is a positive sign on the improvement of job/skills matching in Caraga Region as the underemployment rate decreased to 25.60%.

All provinces in the region experienced an increasing inflation rate during the first quarter of 2014. At the average, inflation rate registered at 5.7 % On the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, a minimal growth was recorded. The increase of the agricultural

Key Labor Statistics, Caraga, 2013-2014 Labor Force Participation Rate Employment Rate Unemployment Rate Underemployment Rate Source: NSO

output was brought about by higher production of crops and poultry sub-sectors.

Agricultural crops grew by 0.58% from 294,759.62 MT in first quarter of 2013 to 296,464.45 MT in first quarter of 2014, mainly attributed to the increase of fruit production specifically banana. Poultry production reached 4,322 MT in first quarter of 2014, higher by 19.39% from first quarter of 2013, due to increased production of both chicken meat and eggs as more disposal of broiler in commercial farms and

Inflation Rate, First Quarter 2013-2014

Jan 2013 64.50 91.70 8.30 27.00

Jan 2014 64.40 92.40 7.60 25.60

increase numbers of layers were observed. Likewise, log production continues to show better performance attributed to the increase in the private land’s timber production. Log production increased by 124.01% from the 83,958.09 m3 in first quarter of 2013 to188,073.88 m3 in first quarter of 2014.

For trade and industry, domestic sales contracted to PhP36.34 million in first quarter of 2014. On the other hand, business names registered increased by 24.05%, from 2,166 to 2,687 for the same period.

Manufactured forest products reached 163,488.19 m3 higher by 56.15% than the first quarter 2013 production of 104,697.51 m3.

As to services, the tourism sub-sector continues to be vibrant. Tourist arrivals grew by 13.30%, from 179,442 in the first quarter of 2013 to 203,314 in first quarter of 2014, of which 93.58% are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

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Macroeconomic Performance Labor and Employment Caraga’s labor force slightly decreased by 1.57% from 1,721,000 in January 2013 to 1,748,000 in January 2014.

Likewise, the labor force participation rate also contracted by 0.1 percentage point, from 64.50% in January 2013 to 64.40% in January 2014.

Employment rate increased by 0.76% from 91.70% in January 2013 to 91.40% in January 2014. Consequently, unemployment rate decreased from 8.30% in January 2013 to 7.60% in January 2014.

better performance attributed to the increase in the private land’s timber production.

Crops Both palay and corn production declined during the first quarter of 2014.

Palay production was only 14,778 MT in the first quarter of 2014, which is 2.27% lower than the 15,122 MT produced in the first quarter of 2013. The said decrement was caused by the movement of planting in irrigated areas due to late harvesting which resulted in lesser area harvested during the quarter.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery

Likewise, corn production was down by 68.45% (165 MT) in the first quarter of 2014 from 523 MT in first quarter of 2013. Both white and yellow corn production registered a decrease due to reduction in area and yield.

The decrease in area was attributed to the damages brought about by Low Pressure Area and Tropical Depression Agaton. There was also a movement of planting within JanuaryMarch particularly of yellow corn. The yield was affected by floods and continuous rains during vegetative and reproductive stages caused by Low Pressure Area and Tropical Depression Agaton.

Total agricultural output slightly increased due to the uptick in the production of agricultural crops and poultry sub-sectors. Likewise, log production continues to show

Surigao del Sur is the highest producer of palay among the provinces, contributing 47% of the region’s total production during the first quarter 2014. Surigao del

Underemployment decreased by 5.19% from 27.0% in January 2013 to 25.60 % in January 2014.

Inflation, Consumer Price Index and Purchasing Power of Peso At the average, inflation rate registered at 5.7%, representing a 1.20 percentage points increase.

All provinces experienced an increase in inflation rate with Surigao del Sur having the highest with an average of 7.07%.

Norte follows with 17% contribution. While for corn production, Agusan del Norte is the highest producer with 82% contribution to the region’s total production.

Fruit production had a total of 50,982 MT in first quarter of 2014, showing an increase of 8.72% from 46,891 MT in first quarter of 2013. The increment was mainly attributed to the increase in banana production due to the additional bearing hills harvested in typhoon Pablo damaged areas.

Banana accounts for the bulk of production which comprises 94% of the total fruit production. Among other fruits, calamansi, durian, lanzones, rambutan, and orange contributed to the positive growth of fruit production.

Non-food and industrial crops declined by 0.37% from 221,430 MT in first quarter of 2013 to 220,621 MT in first quarter of 2014.

Coconut production decreased by 0.86% in the first quarter of 2014 due to typhoon Yolanda, which pushed down the overall nonfood and industrial crops production.

Vegetable production decreased by 8.11% (9,918 MT) in the first quarter of 2014 from 10,794 MT in the first quarter of 2013. The decline was caused by the decrease in root crop production specifically camote, gabi and cassava.

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Smaller area harvested of said commodities and damaged by Tropical Depression Agaton and Basyang caused the contraction in production.

Camote which contributes 38% of the total vegetable production, decreased by 8.34% in the first quarter of 2014. Gabi likewise decreased by 9.86% in the same period and it comprises 22% of the total production.

Cassava which accounts for 19% of the total production decreased by 3.99% in the same period.

Livestock and Poultry Livestock production was estimated at 10,551 MT, recording a decrease of 1.40% in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in production of hog contributed to the overall decrease caused by lesser disposal of stocks.

Poultry production increased by 19.39% from 3,620 MT in the first quarter of 2013 to 4,322 MT in the first quarter of 2014. The increase was due to higher production of both chicken meat and eggs as there were more disposal of broiler in commercial farms and increase in the number of layers.

Fishery The region’s fish production decreased by 7.41% in the first quarter of 2014 from 16,856.09 MT in the same period in 2013. The reduction resulted from fewer fishing days caused by weather

21

disturbances.

Surigao del Norte remains the leading commercial and municipal fisheries producer, contributing 75% and 64% total volume of fish production, respectively.

The aquaculture increased by 6.63% (2,024.60 MT) in the first quarter of 2014 from 1,898.63MT in the same period in 2013. The gain was due to the increase in seaweed production. Surigao del Sur posted the biggest contribution with 63% of the total aquaculture production.

Forestry Log production continues to surge. Log production was estimated at 188,073.88 m3 in the first quarter of 2014, posting an increase of 124.01% from the 83,958.09 m3 in the same period in 2013. The significant increase was attributed to the increase in the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates production which contributed 99% of the 2014 total log production.

Trade and Industry Trade Domestic sales monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry reduced by 79.07% from PhP173.64 million in the first quarter of 2013 to PhP36.34 million in the first quarter of 2014. In contrast, the business names registration increased by 24.05%, from 2,166 to 2,687 in the same period.

Among provinces, Surigao del Sur has the highest domestic sales at 30% of the total sales of the region.

Likewise, Agusan del Norte has highest number of business names registered with 41% of the total registration in the region.

Manufacturing Manufactured forest products reached 163,488.19 m3 in the first quarter of 2014, higher by 56.15% than the first quarter of 2013 production of 104,697.51 m3. Major manufactured products include veneer, plywood, blockboard, and lumber.

Services Tourism In the first quarter of 2014, tourist arrivals reached 203,314, 13.30% higher than the 2013 figure of the same period of 179,442.

Among provinces, Surigao del Norte recorded the highest arrivals which accounted for 30% of the total arrivals. Among cities, Butuan City recorded the highest arrivals with 27% contribution.

Overseas Filipino Workers comprised the bulk of tourists arrivals with 93.58% contribution to the total tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2014.

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Kampac Group is present in 20 countries around the globe, with its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Development Prospects

Energy Dubai-based Kampac Group, a multi-billion international oil and gas conglomerate, is eyeing Surigao del Sur as a potential market for power generation and nickel refinery and smelting plant.

After visiting the mineralrich province, the company pledged to come back with power designers, contractors, project manager, engineers and technical consultants. This would certainly create more employment and economic opportunities for Caraganons.

Agriculture The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Foreign Agricultural Service’s Food for Progress, launched a Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) in Caraga Region to help farmers earn more income by increasing productivity and food safety while reducing losses. Over the course of the four-year

project, PCCP is expected to impact 979,000 people directly. PCCP will work with horticulture, meat, and fish sectors that can benefit from a cold chain, or temperature-controlled, supply system. Upon its completion, PCCP is expected to bring important economic gains to the Caraga Region and be an example for future growth in the Philippines. This project aims to produce higher-quality and highervalue agricultural products that would be able to compete in new markets as businesses and consumers demand products that meet international-quality standards.

A total of PhP125 million worth of new livelihood projects will be implemented between May to October 2014 in various provinces in Mindanao under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component of the Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP). Rubber based farming and crumb rubber processing comprise the bulk of the PhP30million CFAD allocations in Caraga. Other new subprojects in the pipeline for the region include sago flour processing in Agusan del Sur and the establishment of a cold-storage facility in Surigao del Norte.

DPWH completed eight projects for a total of 25.36 kilometers of Farm to Market Roads (FMRs) in the Caraga Region. FMRs provide access to agricultural goods to the market as well as support the establishment of agribusiness enterprises by promoting linkages between

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vessel operation from Surigao City to the Province of Dinagat Islands started on June 2014. The use of RORO vessel is expected to reduce the cost of basic commodities in the Province of Dinagat Islands. and among agrarian communities in the provinces.

The approval of P1.3 billion budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will fund the Umayam River Irrigation Project, an overflow diversion dam across the Umayam River in Agusan Del Sur. The project will involve the construction of 72 kilometers of irrigation canals in the area, along with on-farm facilities, drainage canals and other facilities.

Financial Institution 1st Valley Bank, a multiawarded rural bank in Mindanao and one of the fastest growing financial institutions in the country, has opened its 1st branch in Butuan City along J.P Rosales Avenue in July

2014. 1st Valley Bank provides financial services to its wide based clientele most especially those who are considered as marginal and entrepreneurial poor.

Transport Services Cebu Pacific flew its maiden Cebu-Tandag-Cebu flights on June 30, 2014, making Tandag City more accessible to tourists.

Tandag City, the capital of Surigao del Sur, is the gateway to the Enchanted River, the Britania Group of Islands, Cagwait Beach, Tinuy-an Falls and the Lanuza surfing spot. The thrice weekly service (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) boosts not just tourism-related travels in the province but also opens the province to bigger investment opportunities.

Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO)

Malls and Hotels Two branches of the Cebubased Gaisano clans are racing against each other to open the first mall in San Francisco Agusan del Sur. Construction of Gaisano Grand which is located along the Davao-Butuan National Highway in Barangay 1 and Gaisano Capital-located along the San Francisco-Barobo Highway in Barangay 2, are ongoing. Both target to open before the start of the busy Christmas shopping season.

It also plans to build malls in Bayugan City and in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. The opening of two Gaisanos provides opportunities for employment in San Francisco and the rest of Agusan del Sur.

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2nd Quarter 2014 Regional Project Monitoring Report Cost Physical Accomplishment (in PhP '000) (as of Date of Monitoring) b) Implementing Agency a) Started Program c) Location b) Completion a) Allocation Planned Actual (%) Slippage (%) (%) d) Contractor c) Rev Comp Date b) Project Cost d) Rev Comp Date #2 c) Revised Cost Pandanon Bridge along Butuan City-CDO-Iligan Road (Surigao-Agusan Section) b) ADN DEO a) 2/5/2014 a) 21,600.00 46.03 58.44 12.41 c) Cabadbaran City b) 8/15/2014 b) 19,793.80 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) 10/14/2014 c) Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (KSRIP) b) NIA a) 10/3/2011 a) 77.90 71.04 (6.86) c) Kitcharao, ADN b) 1/31/2015 b) 322,771.6 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) 6/10/2015 c) 325,041.83 a) Project Title

Schedule

Rehabilitation of Tubod Communal Irrigation System (CIS) b) NIA a) 8/22/2011 a) 1,820.95 100.00 100.00 c) Tubod, Surigao del Norte b) 7/15/2014 b) 1,753.69 d) Florianne Const./Forced Account c) c) 1,753.64 Works Surigao Wharf Road (UPSR CY 2014) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 5/21/2014 a) 11,726.00 24.43 21.13 (3.30) c) Surigao City b) 7/12/2014 b) 9,402.20 d) R.F. Varquez Construction c) 8/4/2014 c) Construction of Drainage System along Surigao Wharf Road (UPSR CY 2014) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 3/31/2014 a) 16,050.70 28.11 29.95 1.84 c) Surigao City b) 8/12/2014 b) 15,100.64 d) GICAR Construction c) 9/12/2014 c) Improvement/Widening of Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Section) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 5/29/2014 a) 44,520.00 11.11 11.43 0.32 c) Brgy. Luna, Surigao City b) 11/24/2014 b) 41,684.24 d) C'zarles Construction c) c) Escalon Bridge along Quezon Mapawa-Capalayan-Espina-Navarro Road b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 5/29/2014 a) 40,500.00 3.73 8.15 4.42 c) Surigao City b) 12/6/2014 b) 37,907.20 d) GICAR Construction c) c) Construction of Capalayan Bridge along Jct. Capalayan-Cabongbongan Road (CNBR CY 2014) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 2/26/2014 a) 13,500.00 25.38 18.25 (7.13) c) Surigao City b) 8/10/2014 b) 12,245.90 d) AT Dumlao Construction, Inc. c) 10/8/2014 c) Improvement /Rechanneling of Magtiaco River (Upstream) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 12/18/2013 a) 38,263.00 81.26 89.85 8.59 c) Alegria, Surigao del Norte b) 4/16/2014 b) 34,486.16 d) JV-JMT Const./Square Cube c) 7/16/2014 c) Const.

Completion of Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital (Installation of Fire Alarm, Sprinkler, Medical Oxygen Piping Systems) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 1/13/2014 a) 10,000.00 87.88 89.28 1.40 c) Brgy. Sta Cruz, Placer, SDN b) 5/13/2014 b) 9,350.50 d) JMT Construction c) 6/12/2014 c)

Remarks

As of 15Jul14 Project is suspended due to change of design.

RPMC Team was not able to inspect the project site due to ongoing military operations in the Project is Completed.

Irrigation System passed the test run conducted on 17Jul14. NIA is preparing for turn over activity.

Project is ongoing.

Project is ongoing.

Project is ongoing.

Project is ongoing

Project is ongoing but delayed.

Project is ongoing.

Project is ongoing.

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a) Project Title b) Implementing Agency c) Location d) Contractor

Issue 2

Schedule

25

Cost (in PhP '000) Program a) Allocation b) Project Cost c) Revised Cost

Physical Accomplishment (as of Date of Monitoring)

a) Started b) Completion Planned Actual (%) (%) c) Rev Comp Date d) Rev Comp Date #2 Lipata Port Expansion and Improvement Project b) PPA PMO Surigao a) 9/10/2013 a) 57.56 65.50 c) Lipata, Surigao City b) 10/4/2014 b) 75,531.00 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) c) Widening of Payao Bridge along Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Section, WPBR CY 2014) b) DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 4/16/2014 a) 27,000.00 4.99 6.98 c) Surigao City b) 12/12/2014 b) 24,473.80 d) C'zarles Construction c) 11/12/2014 c) Dredging and Bank Protection of Calinawan River (Santiago-Sta. Ana Section) b) DPWH RO a) 11/21/2014 a) 58,937.00 47.56 40.39 c) Santiago, ADN b) 6/3/2014 b) 54,028.10 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) c) Bank Protection and Dredging of Calinawan River b) DPWH RO a) 1/29/2014 a) 37,927.00 3.77 0.55 c) Santiago, ADN b) 8/11/2014 b) 36,643.00 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) 10/9/2014 c) Road Slip along Butuan City-Pianing-Tandag Road (RCSS CY 2014) b) DPWH BXU DEO a) 3/19/2014 a) 14,000.00 93.91 100.00 c) Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City b) 8/19/2014 b) 12,896.40 d) M. Montesclaros Ent. Inc. c) c) Butuan City-Pianing-Tandag Road (RUSR CY 2014) b) DPWH RO a) 5/15/2014 a) 165,968.00 5.41 11.15 c) Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City b) 3/10/2015 b) 139,107.60 d) Equi-Parco Const. Company c) c) Butuan City-Pianing-Tandag Road (RUSR CY 2014) b) DPWH RO a) 5/15/2014 a) 139,642.00 4.38 6.92 c) Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City b) 2/8/2015 b) 127,286.60 d) ADFIL Construction c) c) Construction of Polysports Complex b) LGU Butuan City a) 3/14/2013 a) 81.48 82.03 c) Tiniwisan, Butuan City b) 10/10/2013 b) 252,939.66 d) Legazpi Construction c) c) Construction of Butuan City South Market b) LGU Butuan City a) 3/6/2013 a) 98.10 89.30 c) Butuan City b) 9/2/2013 b) 49,792.19 d) Madyaw Const. & Devt Corp. c) 3/26/2014 c) Construction of NEDA/RDC Building b) NEDA a) 12/6/2013 a) 47,813.18 46.25 41.41 c) Butuan City b) 11/8/2014 b) 43,848.70 d) Kyros Construction c) c) 48,206.61 Upgrading of Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital b) DOH a) 9/16/2013 a) 26,914.05 100.00 83.94 c) Libertad, Butuan City b) 6/24/2014 b) d) FFJJ Construction c) c)

Remarks

Slippage (%) Project is ongoing.

7.94

Project is ongoing.

1.99

Project is ongoing but (7.17) delayed.

Project is ongoing but (3.23) delayed.

Project is completed.

6.09

Project is ongoing.

5.74

Project is ongoing.

2.54

Project is ongoing.

0.55

Project is ongoing but (8.80) delayed.

Project is ongoing but (4.84) delayed.

Project is ongoing but (16.06) delayed. No data were provided by DOH on planned accomplishment.

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Surigao Wharf Road Schedule Cost Physical Accomplishment Remarks (in PhP '000) a) Started b) Completion Planned Actual (%) Slippage c) Rev Comp Date (%) (%) Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Sect) On-going a) 15 May 2014 b) DPWH 13 58,655.10 74.62 95.11 20.49 c) Equi-Parco Construction Com- b) 11 Sep 2014 pany Construction of Crossing Luna Flood Control, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur 1st LD (FMSD CY - 2014) On-going b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 15,678.70 70.95 72.48 1.53 b) 19 Jun 2014 c) Giovanni Construction c) 18 Sept 2014 Esperanza Bridge Completed a) 23 Feb 2012 b) DPWH- PJHL 336,008.80 For Turn-over b) 08 Feb 2014 c) Ulticon Builders, Inc. Rehabilitation/Replacement of Mapaga Bridge along NRJ Bahbah-Talacogon Rd., Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur On-going b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 25,335.40 48.25 50.60 2.35 b) 18 Aug 2014 c) L. C. Ting Const’n c) 16 Nov 2014 Rehabilitation/Retrofitting of Lucena Bridge along NRJ Bahbah-Talacogon Road, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur On-going b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 15,321.30 65.25 70.10 4.85 b) 17 Jul 2014 c) L. C. Ting Const’n c) 15 Nov 2014 Talacogon Lake Br. Along Butuan City-Talacogon-Loreto-Veruela-Sta Josefa Rd On-going b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 16,869.80 35.25 35.75 0.50 b) 20 Jul 2014 c) L. C. Ting Const’n c) 18 Dec 2014 On-going. Variation Order Rehabilitation/Improvement/ Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) Karaos-Lapag (Mt.Magdiwata) Eco Park-Alegria Road, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, 2nd LD (3.19 km) No. 2 being processed. a) 02 Jul 2013 b) DPWH 13 87,135.90 87.91 83.12 -4.79 b) 26 Feb 2014 c) L. C. Ting Const’n a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

Completion of D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (Phase IV-A) b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 14 Jan 2014 b) 13 May 2014 c) Rey Rose Construction

9,585.80

75.10

89.60

14.50

Completion of D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (Phase IV-B) b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 14 Jan 2014 b) 12 Jun 2014 c) Rey Rose Construction

14,490.30

60.15

68.30

8.15

39,315.46

63.25

66.41

3.16

NRJ Bah-Bah-Talacogon Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 b) 27 Jul 2014 c) ReyRose/ROIM Builders and c) 16 Nov 2014

On-going

On-going

On-going

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Improvement/Widening of Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Section) a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

Schedule a) Started b) Completion

Cost (in PhP '000)

Physical Accomplishment

Remarks

Planned Actual (%) Slippage (%) (%) Replacement of Panagangan Bridge 1 along Butuan City-Talacogon-Loreto-Veruela-Sta Josefa Road,Agusan del All driven piles at abutment “A” settled resulting Sur 2nd DEO b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 24 Jan 2012 17,883.10 100.00 95.01 -4.99 in undesired downsloping of the installed bridge c) Madyaw Const'n and Dev't Cor- b) 30 Jun 2012 superstructure. Cracks c) 17 Jan 2013 poration occurred in slope protection at approach "A". The contractor is now working under liquidated damages. Solution is still sought on how to raise the superstructure according to plan.

Retrofitting/Rehabilitation/Strengthening of Waloe Br. along Butuan City-Talacogon-Loreto-Veruela-Sta Josefa On-going Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 1st DEO a) 06 Feb 2014 24,435.20 80.06 90.03 9.97 c) DIGOS TESSTON Cont'n & Sup- b) 25 Jul 2014 plies Umayam River Irrigation Project (UIP) b) NIA 13-1. UIP Dam Component a) 20 Mar 2014 173,036.65 3.42 6.13 2.71 On-going c) Kyro Builders b) 14 Jul 2016 13-2. UIP Lateral A c) Equi-Parco Const'n a) 14 Mar 2014 14,651.93 13.75 20.76 7.01 On-going b) 22 Jan 2015 13-3. UIP Lateral B a) 14 Mar 2014 25,694.71 2.61 22.52 19.91 On-going c) Equi-Parco Const'n b) 05 Sep 2015 Project suspended as of Construction/replacement of Kinawan Bridge and Approaches in La Paz, Agusan del Sur a) 26 Jul 2013 b) DPWH 13 21,555.90 100.00 79.08 -20.92 July 4, 2014 due to peace and order problem. b) 22 Mar 2014 c) Hi-Tri Dev’t Corp.

Butuan City - Talacogon - Loreto - Veruela - Sta. Josefa Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 06 Feb 2014 45,150.80 58.93 b) 20 Oct 2014 c) Mamsar Const’n Construction/replacement of Mambaus II Bridge and Approaches in Loreto, Agusan del Sur a) 26 Jul 2013 b) DPWH 13 23,490.60 74.81 b) 25 Aug 2014 c) Hi-Tri Dev’t Corp.

On-going 54.11

53.24

-4.82 Project suspended as of -21.57 July 4, 2014 due to peace and order problem

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Completion of Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital Cost Schedule Physical Accomplishment Remarks (in PhP '000) a) Started b) Completion Planned Actual (%) Slippage c) Rev Comp Date (%) (%) Minimal accomplishment Butuan City-Talacogon-Loreto-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road due to insufficient equipb) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 11 Apr 2013 47,443.45 100.00 91.66 -8.34 ments/ materials and b) 25 Sep 2013 workers on site. The conc) 19 Dec 2013 tractor is working uder d) 16 Feb 2014 liquidated damages. c) Madyaw Const'n and Dev't Corp. (for approval) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction / Retrofitting of Sta. Josefa Bridge On-going b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 6 Feb 2014 9,117.28 87.45 85.10 -2.35 b) 16 May 2014 c) DBMR Builders and Supply c) 13 July 2014 Minimal accomplishment Widening of Adlayan Br. along Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Section), 20 lm b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 20 Feb 2014 70.07 61.06 -9.01 due to insufficient construction materials delivb) 19 Aug 2014 c) Andoni T. Dumlao ered on site. DPWH isc) 03 Sep 2014 sued warning to the contractor.

Widening of Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Section), K1307+493 - K1309+138.10 (Intermittent Section), San Francisco, Agusan del Sur 2nd LD b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 19 Mar 2014 36,669.80 49.10 49.75 0.65 b) 30 Oct 2014 c) Giovanni Construction NRJ Blanca- Bunawan Eco-Park Roadleading to Bunawan Eco Park, Brgy. Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur On-going a) 03 Apr 2014 b) DPWH 13 72,476.40 58.43 54.15 -4.28 b) 13 Nov 2014 c) Ronwood Construction a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

Retrofitting/Rehabilitation/ Strenghtening of Salvacion Br. along NRJ Cuevas-Bislig Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 18 Feb 2014 36,655.50 85.23 b) 05 Aug 2014 c) Adfil Corporation Replacement of Sta. Maria Bridge and Approaches in Trento, Agusan del Sur a) 26 Sep 2013 b) DPWH 13 121,859.30 b) 22 Jul 2014 c) Adfil Corporation c) 19 Nov 2014 Concreting of NRJ Cuevas-Bislig Road b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 31 Jan 2013 34,958.10 b) 15 Jun 2013 c) FFJJ Construction

96.08

10.85

80.97

63.42

On-going. Variation Order -17.55 on process with 30 calendar days extension.

100.00

98.9

For completion -1.10

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Road Slip along Butuan City-Pianing-Tandag Road Cost Schedule Physical Accomplishment Remarks (in PhP '000) a) Started b) Completion Planned Actual (%) Slippage c) Rev Comp Date (%) (%) Bislig City Integrated Project - Irrigation Component in Burboanan, Bislig City On-going a) 07 Aug. 2012 b) NIA 13 24,560.66 92.00 c) Victoria Dev't and Construction b) 27 Dec. 2012 c) 30 April 2014 Supply Construction/Rehabilitation of Flood Control Projects, K1462+351-K1464+491, DPWH issued calibrated action pursuant to DO Mancarogo, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 23 Jun 2014 26,843.30 11.74 4.42 -7.32 102 series of 1988. b) 15 Mar 2015 c) Road Edge Trading and Dev’t Services Construction of Flood Control Structure/Drainage along SDCR, Surigao del Sur 2nd LD - K1464 + 491 - K1465 + On-going 960, Bislig City (FMSD CY -2014) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 01 Apr 2014 15,296.00 42.80 48.01 5.21 b) 07 Dec 2014 c) Davao Concrete Products Road Slip Protection along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road -K1449+613 - K1451+270, On-going San Vicente, Bislig City b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 27,099.40 85.32 85.33 0.01 b) 18 Sep 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction Construction/Rehabilitation of Flood Control Projects, K1419+933-K1420-635, Malixi, Tagbina, (Intermittent), Suri- On-going gao del Sur (707 lm) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 23 Jun 2014 22,484.00 9.05 9.23 0.18 c) J. M. Luciano Construction, Inc. b) 20 Dec 2014 Concreting of Dugmanon-Enchanted River- Baculin Road leading to Enchanted River, Talisay,Hinatuan, Surigao Project suspended on July 25, 2014 waiting for del Sur (2.12 km) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 22 Apr 2014 41,965.20 55.32 55.86 0.54 the approval requesting additional funds for the c) J. M. Luciano Construction, Inc. b) 20 Sep 2014 strengthening of Dugmanon Bailey Bridge located a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

Construction of Drainage System along NRJ Barobo-Bahi- Agusan del Sur Boundary, Surigao del Sur 2nd LD On-going (DPNR CY - 2014) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd DEO a) 11 Feb 2014 18,055.88 32.98 27.01 -5.97 b) 18 Sep 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction Retrofitting/Rehabilitation/ Strengthening of Diatagon Br. along Surigao-Davao Coastal Rd in Diatagon, Lianga, Project suspended July 17, 2014 due to nonSurigao del Sur (107 lm) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st DEO a) 05 Mar 2014 36,829.10 45.87 35.70 -10.17 availability of lumber materials to be used in b) 12 Sep 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction the construction of detour bridge

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Construction of Polysports Complex a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

Schedule a) Started b) Completion c) Rev Comp Date Concreting of Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Bayugan Rd b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st DEO a) 18 Mar 2014 b) 21 Jul 2014 c) 19 Aug 2014 (Revised) c) JMT Construction

Cost (in PhP '000)

Physical Accomplishment Planned (%)

25,510.70

85.34

Actual (%)

70.59

Remarks

Slippage (%) Variation Order no. 1 due -14.75 to re- classification of excavation works (hard rock encountered) being processed.

Tago-San Miguel Bridge along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur 1st LD (CNRB CY On-going 2014) a) 17 Mar 2014 b) DPWH 13 19,415.40 19.41 48.15 28.74 b) 11 Dec 2014 c) CBBI Construction of Slope Protection of Tago River Flood Control along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, Magroyong Completed Section, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur (DPHW CY - 2013) a) 12 Dec 2013 b) DPWH 13 13,271.10 100.00 b) 10 May 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction of Triple Barrel Box Culvert of Tago River Basin Flood Control along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, Completed Cagpangi Section, Tago, Surigao del Sur a) 12 Dec 2013 b) DPWH 13 100.00 b) 10 May 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction of Flood Control/Slope Protection of Tago River Basin along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, Tago- On-going a) 15 May 2014 b) 11 Oct 2014 Butuan City - Talacogon - Loreto - Veruela - Sta Josefa Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 06 Feb 2014 b) 01 Aug 2014 c) Dan-Bel Construction c) 31 Aug 2014

Butuan City - Talacogon - Loreto - Veruela - Sta. Josefa Rd b) DPWH Agusan del Sur 2nd DEO a) 06 Feb 2014 b) 20 Jul 2014 c) Mamsar Const’n c) 19 Aug 2014 (proposed revised com-

7,270.50

43,422.30

40,980.10

39.72

75.63

73.13

64.15

75.42

72.15

35.91 On-going. Minimal ac-8.98 complishment due to insufficient construction materials delivered on site. DPWH Issued 2nd Warning to the contractor pursuant to D.O. 102 s of 1988.

On-going -3.27

Vol. XVIII

Issue 2

31

Construction of Butuan City South Market Cost Schedule Physical Accomplishment Remarks (in PhP '000) a) Started b) Completion Planned Actual (%) Slippage c) Rev Comp Date (%) (%) Project suspended as of Construction/replacement of Sayugon Bridge and Approaches b) DPWH 13 17,845.90 100.00 70.46 -29.54 July 4, 2014 due to peace a) 26 Jul 2013 and order problem c) Hi-Tri Dev’t Corp. b) 22 Mar 2014 Project suspended as of Construction/replacement of Maylanan Bridge and Approaches in Loreto, Agusan del Sur b) DPWH 13 18,888.00 100.00 66.47 -33.53 July 4, 2014 due to peace a) 26 Jul 2013 and order problem c) Hi-Tri Dev’t Corp. b) 22 Mar 2014 The contractor submitted Concreting NRJ Cuevas-Bislig Rd a) 27 Feb 2014 b) DPWH 13 93,978.40 59.84 42.3 -17.54 catch-up program showing additional equipment b) 25 Oct 2014 to augment the accomc) Vicente T. Lao Construction plishment and make up for the delay attributed to intermittent heavy rain.

The contractor's quarry operation is partially suspended due to peace and order situation in the area.

On-going but delayed.

Surigao-Davao Coastal Rd (Bislig-Lingig Section) a) 01 Apr 2014 b) DPWH 13 46,710.20 61.65 40.29 -21.36 DPWH R.O. 13 issued 3rd warning letter. Asb) 27 Sep 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction staked plan for approval.

Retrofitting/Rehabilitation/ Strengthening of Mararag Br. along Surigao-Davao Coastal Rd. in Mararag, Marihatag, On-going Surigao del Sur b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st DEO a) 05 Mar 2014 23,053.00 48.97 45.25 -3.72 b) 01 Sep 2014 c) L. C. Ting Construction c) 01 Oct 2014 Tago-La Paz Bridge along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (Alternate Road), Surigao del Sur 1st LD (CNRB CY On-going 2014) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st DEO a) 30 Apr 2014 57,900.00 8.80 16.49 7.69 b) 25 Dec 2014 c) CBBI Widening along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 1st LD, K1295+204 - K1297+261, Tan- On-going dag Bridge, Brgy. Dagocdoc- Jct. Tandag Airport Road & K1295+286.70 to K1296+218.20 (NRJ to Tandag Airport) (2.970 km ) b) DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st DEO a) 18 Mar 2014 42,985.50 51.18 69.95 18.77 b) 25 Oct 2014 c) J&A Pimentel Construction a) Name of Project, Location b) Implementing Agency c) Contractor

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Marine Monitoring Team now ready for underwater assessments in Surigao del Norte

by Virginia Guanzon, GIZ-Senior Advisor to the COSERAM Program

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (GIZCOSERAM) supported local and regional agencies to establish the HIPADA Marine Monitoring Team (HMMT) composed of staff from Surigao City based SUNGCOD, Inc. (an NGO), Municipal Governments of Bacuag and Malimono, and the Management Office of Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA) in Surigao del Norte.

The HMMT was trained on advanced scuba diving, underwater assessment, and marine monitoring skills.

Six HMMT professional divers received full diving equipment from GIZ for the underwater

assessments and monitoring.

These activities are in line with the peaceful and sustainable Ridge-To-Reef approach supported by COSERAM’s conflict sensitive comprehensive land use planning process.

From December 2013 to April 2014, the HMMT conducted underwater assessments in 13 coastal Barangays of Malimono, a HIPADA member. Results of the assessment were presented to stakeholders that became the bases in identifying appropriate interventions for the protection of the remaining natural resources. It also generated discussions to resolve conflicts raised by the locale.

At the close of 2014, the HMMT will assess the current state of marine resources in the remaining HIPADA areas. The

team will also assist the HIPADA members in developing appropriate strategies and interventions to manage sustainable marine resources and resolve resource conflicts.

The HIPADA members appreciated the technical assistance and diving equipment given. They were thankful of COSERAM’s continued support for the protection and management of their remaining natural resources from ridge to reef.

September is Development Policy Research Month September is Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) per Proclamation No. 247, issued by Malacanang in September 2002. It highlights the vast contribution of policy research to the socioeconomic advancement of the Philippines.

public support and wider understanding of the importance of policy research as a tool for national development and of the activities in line with it to advance the quality and standard of policy research in the Philippines.

The Proclamation underscored the “need for promoting, enhancing, instilling, and drawing awareness and appreciation of the importance and necessity of policy research.” Thus, the observance of the DPRM is intended to gain

As a leading think tank in the country, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) was designated as the overall coordinator of all the programs and activities in the observance of the yearly DPRM. Being in the forefront of policy research

in the Philippines, PIDS conducts policy research on socioeconomic issues to assist the government in crafting sound policies for national development.

In the last 11 years, the celebration of the DPRM has focused on areas that the PIDS considers as primary concerns therefore in need of utmost attention and support. This year, the DPRM focuses on addressing the jobs challenge toward inclusive growth.