Caraga Today July-September 2013

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

July-September 2013

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

NEDA Caraga Spearheads Reorganization of the Caraga Regional Development Council

by Elvie C. Ato, NEDA Caraga The RDC is the is the highest policy making body in the region with Local Chief Executives, selected regional line agencies and private sector representatives as members. It coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts of the region and serves as the forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.

NEDA Caraga, as Secretariat of the Caraga RDC, facilitated the reorganization of the Council for the period 20132016 on 14 August 2013 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City, guided by Executive Order 325 (EO 325), series of 1996, as well as, by the Guidelines on the

The nominees. Governors Sol F. Matugas of Surigao del Norte and Johnny T. Pimentel of Surigao del Sur as nominees for Chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development Council.

Selection of Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) as approved by the NEDA Board on August 20, 1996. The highlight of the RDC reorganization is the selection of at least two (2) local chief executives (Governor or Mayor), who are ex-officio members, and two Private

Sector Representatives (PSRs), as nominees for the Chairperson and Cochairperson. The President shall appoint the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson from among these nominees.

Inside this issue: Caraga RDRRMC promotes region-wide awareness on DRRM initiatives

3

Farmers Field School on Corn Production Culminates with 150 Graduates

4

DA’s Barangay Food Terminal Boosts Cooperativism

4

The Regional Development Council In Action

5

DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS Program Wins International Development Award

17

DSWD preps partners for BuB implementation

17

Spain sets dev’t project anew in Caraga

18

Continued on page 2

RDC-Caraga, GIZ Sponsor Basic Quantum GIS Trainings

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA Caraga The Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga Region through its Regional Geographic Information System Network (RGISN) and the GIZ German Development Cooperation jointly sponsored the conduct of two (2) batches

of trainings on Basic Quantum GIS on July 8-12 and August 12-16, 2013. These trainings are part of the project for the enhancement of the capability of the RGISN members on basic map creation. The Quantum GIS is

prioritized because it is a free software and complements popular GIS software in the market.

The 27 participants of the first Continued on page 3

Q2 Regional Project Monitoring Activity See page 6-11

Q1 Regional Economic Situationer See page 12-16

Page 2

NEDA Caraga Spearheads‌ from page 1 Governors Johnny T. Pimentel of Surigao del Sur and Sol F. Matugas of Surigao del Norte were nominated from among the Local Chief Executives while Engr.

Leonel A. Santos and Mr. Omar Joseph O. Andaya from among the PSRs. Nominations were made through secret balloting.

The RDC Secretary, ARD Mylah Faye Aurora B. CariĂąo of NEDA and DILG Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion acted as election officers.

The RDC 13 chairperson and cochairperson shall serve for a fixed term of three (3) years as provided under Executive Order 325. This term shall coincide Name of PSR

with the regular term of the elective officials without prejudice to reappointment. The same EO sets out the condition that if the chair comes from the government sector, the co-chair shall be chosen from the private sector or viceversa.

The Chairpersons and CoChairpersons of the four sectoral committees of the RDC were also selected by the Council. Governor Sol F. Matugas and DILG RD Lilibeth Famacion were selected Chairperson and CoChairperson of the Development Administration Committee (DAC), respectively; Mayor Librado Navarro of Bislig City and

DSWD RD Minda B. Brigoli as Chairperson and Co-Chairperson for the Social Development Committee (SDC); Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante of Butuan City and RDC-PSR Epimaco Galero as Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee (EDC); and Governor Johnny T. Pimentel and DPWH RD Danilo Versola as Chairperson and Co-Chairperson for the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC).

The new set of PSRs was also confirmed during the meeting.

There are two regional and nine geographical PSRS confirmed, namely :

Organization

Representation

Engr. Leonel A. Santos

Surigao Economic Development Foundation (SEDF), Inc.

Regional PSR

Engr. Epimaco M. Galero, Jr.

Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM)

Regional PSR

Dr. Redentor M. Briones

Father Saturnino Urios University Labor Union

Labor Sector

Ms. Helen C. Arellano

BASAK Incorporated

Agusan del Sur

Mr. Willie Gan

Caraga Chamber of Mines

Surigao del Norte

Mr. Vidal Luna

Tago Agro-Industrial Development Cooperative (TAGINDECO)

Surigao del Sur.

Ms. Ofelia Salde

Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr. Foundation, Inc.

Province of Dinagat Islands

Mr. Joseph Omar O. Andaya

Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation

Butuan City

Mr. Melvin Mondido

JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative

Bayugan City.

Mr. Raul Montesclaros

Kabayan Riders Association for a New Cultural Harmony and Order, Inc. (KARANCHO)

Bislig City

Dr. Pazfigurita Ojeda

Love Always Means Benignity (LAMB).

Cabadbaran City

The new Private Sector Representatives. From left to right: Dr. Redentor Briones, Mr Joseph Omar Andaya, Mr. Raul Montesclaros, Mr. Melvin Mondido, Ms. Ofelia Salde, Mr. Epimaco Galero Jr., Dr. Pazfigurita Ojeda, and Mr. Willie Gan.

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 3

RDC-Caraga, GIZ Sponsor… from page 1

Ms. Yvonne Müller (left), GIZ-COSERAM Chief Advisor giving her speech during the opening ceremony of the training. Asst. Prof. Anjillyn Mae Perez (center) and Asst. Prof. Mark Edwin Tupas (right) answering participants’ queries.

batch of training held at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant were from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Governments of Bayugan, Cabadbaran, and Surigao, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Provincial Governments of Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands, and the Surigao Metropolitan Water District.

There were 38 participants during the second batch of training held at Prince Hotel who were from the GIZ-Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM), the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Commission on Population (POPCOM), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department

of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Statistics Office (NSO), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), NEDA, and the Provincial Governments of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. The participants were oriented on the concepts of GIS and open source technology, the functions of different Quantum GIS features, remote sensing, data acquisition, vector and raster analysis, and basic cartography. In general, the trainings were eye-openers for the agencies and capacitated them on generation of GIS data and information, which will ultimately lead them to produce GIS -generated maps. The participants likewise presented their planned actions to be able to contribute to

the realization of the aims of the RGISN for the next six (6) months to two (2) years, which were later presented to the trainers and organizers led by RD Carmencita S. Cochingco.

Asst. Prof. Anjillyn Mae Perez and Asst. Prof. Mark Edwin Tupas of the Department of Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines-Diliman served as the trainers for the two batches. Both Perez and Tupas are outstanding Geodetic Engineers (landed 10th and 5th place in 2007 Geodetic Engineers’ Licensure Examination, respectively) and are GIS practitioners.

Dr. Stephanie Schell-Faucon, Principal Advisor of COSERAM, and Ms. Yvonne Muller, Chief Advisor of COSERAM, graced the first and second batch of trainings, respectively.

Caraga RDRRMC promotes region-wide awareness on DRRM initiatives Butuan City – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga conducted a press conference in celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month with the theme “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan” last July 1, 2013 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office-13.

The said conference, which is aimed at increasing the level of awareness and vigilance among the residents living in disaster-prone areas, is the kickoff activity to mark the month long celebration.

RDRRMC Chairperson, Regional Director Liza

Mazo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) stressed that the council is continuously conducting capability-building activities on disaster preparedness and response to members of the regional and local disaster risk reduction and management councils and hazard-prone communities to improve the region’s adaptive capacity and reduce the communities’ exposure to risks.

The RDRRMC continues to execute disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation efforts with the support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) and partners from the media and private sector.

Participants during laboratory exercise.

Page 4

Farmers Field School on Corn Production Culminates with 150 Graduates Age does not matter in education.

Enrica Miramonte, a 78-year-old corn farmer of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur has proven that indeed age does not matter in education.

The National Year of Rice is part of the Philippine government’s bid to achieve rice-selfsufficiency beginning 2013. It is an advocacy campaign that aims to promote responsible rice consumption for better health and less rice wastage and productive farming through the promotion of efficient rice technologies and inspiring farmers to do better. The year 2013 was proclaimed as the National Year of Rice by President Benigno S. Aquino III under Proclamation no. 494 on October 18, 2012 to enjoin everyone in this advocacy.

Nanay Enrica, along with other 150 farmers received their certificates from Farmers Field School on Corn Production on July 18, 2013 at Esperanza gymn.

Nanay Enrica walks two kilometers every Friday morning for four months to reach the venue of her class.

Nanay Enrica also said that she learned new technologies such as the proper way of land preparation, selection of high yielding seeds, seeding rate and the proper way of applying fertilizer.

Alongside Farmers Field School’s mass graduation was the Integrated Pest Management for Corn Production Training of Trainers attended by 30 agricultural extension workers including the five Barangay extension workers. Esperanza Municipal Mayor Deo Manpatilan Jr. and

Enrica Miramonte (left), 78, received her certificate from Municipal Agriculturist Jose Zaldy Manug of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

other local officials graced the event along with OIC Provincial Agriculturist Jessica Unson of Agusan del Sur, Agri-Pinoy Corn Coordinator Abel F. Wagas of DA RFU 13, and Dr. Nenita Sumile, Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute.

The said activities were geared towards capacitating both LGU

extension workers and farmers to increase their knowledge and learn new approaches in corn production. This is a joint effort of the DA-RFU-13, ATI and LGUs in responding to the goals of the present administration to attain food sufficiency and security. (Aurell P. Arais/RAFID DA Caraga)

DA’s Barangay Food Terminal Boosts Cooperativism The JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (JARBEMCO) was organized on April 5, 1999 by CARP beneficiaries of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

NYR 2013 primarily aims to help achieve rice selfsufficiency through the help of every Filipino - the producers, the policy-makers, and the consumers. Along with that, it also aims to promote better health among rice consumers and improve the income of farmers.

From its 51 original cooperators, JARBEMCO now has 145 beneficiaries composed of the former employees of the defunct JCA Rubber Development Corporation.

Its first operation focused on production-based economic operations on rubber, durian, mangosteen and coconut plantations.

Then it expanded to include 120 hectares of oil palm, 60 hectares rubber, and 6 hectares falcate plantations.

JARBEMCO also ventured into store operations through the Barangay Food Terminal, a Project of the Department of Agriculture.

Through the Barangay Food Terminal Project, DA provided equipment and a cash grant of PhP 100,000.00 as support fund for additional capital.

JARBEMCO provided counter-

part of PhP 100,000.00 to buy meat, poultry products, fish, fruits and vegetables, which opened up a market for local producers.

JARBEMCO’s Barangay Food Terminal offers lower price on goods with patronage refunds and dividends for coop members and also offers credit. It employs three regular employees and two on-call employees during peak season receiving minimum daily wage. It generated a net income of PhP 179,940.53. (Aurell P. Arais/DA CARAGA)

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 5

The Regional Development Council In Action

Launching of the Caraga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2013-2017. On the right is NEDA ARD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cari単o signing the RDRRMC Resolution No. 1 adopting the Caraga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2013-2017.

NEDA Director Carmencita S. Cochingco (left) and OCD Director Liza Mazo (second from right) answering queries during the Press Conference on the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month. In the photo are DILG Director Lilibeth Famacion (second from left) and DSWD Director Minda Brigoli (right).

Members of the Social Development Committee Ms. Graziella Harting discussing with the participants of Technical Working Group exchanging thoughts on the PDPFP and PDIP formation in Dinagat Islands. the revision of the Social Development Chapter of the Regional Development Plan.

Page 6

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

MAP Irrigation Project at Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Improvement of Hinimbangan Potable Watersupply System under MRDPAPL2 Construction of AclanHinandayan RCDG Bridge under MRDP-APL2 Rehabilitation/Construction of Poblacion-MacopaKabayawa FMR Construction of Sangay Bridge and Approaches along Buenavista-Bunaguit Road MAP Irrigation Project Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project Rehab/Const of AclanAlicapawan-Hinandayan FMR Panaytayon Bridge along Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan Section) Widening of ButuanCagayan de Oro-Iligan Road, (Agusan-Misamis Oriental Section), Buenavista Section Buenavista-Bunaguit Road, Agusan del Norte K1259+300 - K1267+360 Buenavista-Bunaguit Road K1272+000 - K1273+500

Location

Implement- Cost in ing PhP Agency ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

Status

Kitcharao

DA

14.47

100.00

Completed

Nasipit

DA

7.75

100.00

Completed

Carmen

DA

10.68

100.00

Completed

Buenavista

DPWH ADN DEO

37.10

100.00

Completed

Las Nieves Kitcharao

NIA NIA

138.23 82.94

Nasipit

DA

8.45

80.00

Ongoing

RTR

DPWH ADN DEO

14.36

65.48

0.98 Ongoing

Buenavista

DPWH ADN DEO

24.87

85.44

1.66 Ongoing

Buenavista

DPWH RO

140.89

9.94

0.02 Ongoing

Buenavista

DPWH ADN DEO

38.02

70.45

(7.58) On-going

DA

8.50

100.00

100.00

- Completed

DA

23.28

100.00

100.00

- Completed

NIA

27.65

Ongoing

NIA NIA NIA

27.65 79.73 82.94

Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

NIA

27.33

Ongoing

NIA LGU

30.80 7.93

Ongoing Ongoing

Ongoing Ongoing

Simulao National Irrigation System at Trento and Bunawan, Agusan del Sur

Gibong right and left banks irrigation system improvement project at Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

Laminga small irrigation project at San Luis, Agusan del Sur

AGUSAN DEL SUR Construction of Sitio NarraRosario Sitio Ocao Farm-to-Market Road Rehabilitation of LangkiTrento laan-Upper Visayas Farmto-Market Road Gibong Right and Left Prosperidad Banks IS Improvement Project Laminga SIP San Luis Kasilayan CIS Extn Talacogon Umayam River Irrigation Loreto and La Project Paz Simulao NIS Trento and Bunawan Bahayan CIS Trento Construction of Akday Esperanza

Continued on page 7

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 7

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Location

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned (%)

AGUSAN DEL SUR Rehabilitation of Crossing Luna Flood Control along NRJ-Bayugan Esperanza Nat'l Road Section 3 Rehabilitation of Crossing Luna Flood Control along NRJ-Bayugan Esperanza Nat'l Road Section 2 Construction of Esperanza Bridge and attendant Items of Work D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, Phase 3 Asphalt Overlay along Daang Maharlika (AgusanDavao Section) K1295+679 - K1298+734 Replacement of Mabagoy Bridge along NRJ BahbahTalacogon Road Replacement of Kibao-an Bridge along NRJ Bahbah-

Actual (%)

Slippage (%)

Bahayan Communal Irrigation System at Trento, Agusan del Sur

Esperanza

DPWH ADS 1st DEO

16.73

74.10

77.15

3.05 Ongoing

Esperanza

DPWH ADS 1st DEO

18.19

70.25

76.25

6.00 Ongoing

Esperanza

DPWH ADS 1st DEO DOH

336.01

97.81

75.84

(21.97) Ongoing

Prosperidad

DPWH ADS 1st DEO

39.44

25.65

36.48

10.83 Ongoing

Prosperidad

DPWH ADS 1st DEO DPWH ADS 1st

8.39

60.25

54.42

(5.83) Ongoing

8.22

64.35

65.83

1.48 Ongoing

DPWH ADS 1st DEO

28.17

55.25

60.50

5.25 Ongoing

DOH

6.33

DPWH ADS 2nd DEO

26.54

DA

46.96

DPWH ADS 2nd DEO

43.23

45.70

35.80

(9.90) Ongoing

DPWH ADS 2nd DEO

23.28

17.19

25.10

7.91 Ongoing

DPWH ADS 2nd DEO DPWH ADS 2nd DEO DPWH ADS 2nd

41.02

42.12

32.45

(9.67) Ongoing

39.20

49.60

35.12

(14.48) Ongoing

34.96

100.00

85.61

(14.39) Ongoing

DPWH ADS 2nd DEO

71.30

4.34

7.22

Prosperidad

Prosperidad

Rehabilitation of NRJ BaProsperidad hbah-Talacogon Road, K1296+000 - K1297+000, K1300+250 - K1300+1049 Talacogon District HospiTalacogon tal, Phase 2 Asphalt Overlay with corSan Francisco rection along NRJ San Francisco-Bahi-Barobo Road K1311+042 K1313+172.5 Construction of Maputi Rosario Potable Water System Concreting of NRJ BlancaBunawan Bunawan Eco Park Road K1342+440 K1345+217.638 Rehabilitation/Construction Trento of Bahayan River Flood Control, K000+000 K000+403.06 Concreting of NRJ Cuevas Trento -Bislig Road K1396+915.5 - K1398+485.5 Concreting of NRJ Cuevas Trento -Bislig Road K1393+300 K1394+979.3 Concreting of NRJ Cuevas Trento -Bislig Road K1387+880 Construction of Sta. Maria Bridge along NRJ CuevasBislig Road, K1382+500 K1382+632

Status

Trento

18.19

20.00 Ongoing

Ongoing 62.82

58.90

(3.92) Ongoing

30.00 Ongoing

2.88 Suspended

Continued on page 8

Page 8

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Daywan CIS at Claver, Surigao del Norte

Campo CIS at Bacuag, Surigao del Norte

Surigao CIS at Sison, Surigao del Norte

SURIGAO DEL NORTE Surigao CIS Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement, Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Road), K1142+512.45 to K1143+641.40 with excepFMR Brgy. Marga-Sitio Hubasan Road with RCDG Bridge FMR Brgy. MotorpoolBrgy. San Isidro Road Campo CIS Lake Mainit IADP (Mainit) Cagbayok Bridge along Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan Section) Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, Surigao del Norte, K1152 + 903.3 - K1160 + 940 Flood Control Protection Works, Mainit Lakewall Mabuhay Bridge along Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan Section) Pungtod Bridge along Daang Maharlika Road (Surigao-Agusan Section), Surigao del Norte Daywan CIS Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Surigao Agusan Road , Sta 1150+375 to Sta 1146+800, with exceptions Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) Junction Gata-Mapaso SURIGAO DEL SUR Tago RIS Improvement Project Construction of Nursery Bridge I & II Gilingan Bridge along SDCR Hubo CIS Hubo CIS Tago RIS Improvement Project Tago RIS Improvement Project Buyaan II CIP Cantilan Irrigation System Improvement Project

Hubo CIS at San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

Location

Implementing Agency

Sison Placer

NIA DPWH SDN 1st DEO

22.65 9.27

100.00

Completed Completed

Tubod

DPWH RO

19.13

100.00

Completed

Tubod

DPWH RO

27.95

100.00

Completed

Bacuag Mainit Sison

NIA NIA DPWH, SDN 1st DEO DPWH RO

13.59 175.77 13.40

72.85

Ongoing Ongoing (9.30) Ongoing

50.94

41.27

1.77 Ongoing

DPWH SDN 1st DEO DPWH SDN 1st DEO DPWH SDN 1st DEO

16.85

86.40

(3.61) Ongoing

15.64

77.06

(12.84) Ongoing

12.70

60.11

(9.99) Ongoing

Claver Tubod

NIA DPWH SDN 1st DEO

11.78 4.74

68.12

Ongoing 2.80 Ongoing

Mainit

DPWH RO

64.00

11.82

0.52 Suspended

Tago

NIA

10.57

Carrascal

DAR

8.43

100.00

100.00

Completed

San Agustin

7.84

100.00

100.00

Completed

San Agustin San Agustin Tago

DPWH SDS 1st DEO NIA NIA NIA

62.06 10.42 53.42

Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Tago

NIA

138.23

Ongoing

Madrid Cantilan

NIA NIA

72.48 23.04

Ongoing Ongoing

Placer

Mainit

Sison

Alegria

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

Status

Completed

Continued on page 9

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 9

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

SURIGAO DEL SUR Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction/Upgrading of damaged paved roads (intermittent section), SDCR Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of SDCR K1213+330-K1214+040 Construction/Improvement of SDCR Sta.K1262+124.70 K1262+322.15 & K1262+592 -

Location

Implementing Agency

Cantilan

DPWH SDS 1st DEO

18.37

98.26

94.65

(3.61) Ongoing

Carrascal

DPWH SDS 1st DEO DPWH SDS 1st DEO

34.86

84.01

79.96

(4.05) Ongoing

9.30

79.94

75.92

(4.02) Ongoing

Lanuza

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

Status

Jct. Lingig-Trento Road (Gravel to Paved), K1483+850 - K1489+000 including San Jose Bridge, K1484+006.5 Jct. Lingig-Trento Road (Gravel to Paved), Brgy.

San Jose, K1478+265 K1483+637.57 Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, K1214+854 -

Lingig

DPWH RO

91.82

79.37

72.00

(7.37) Ongoing

Lingig

DPWH RO

95.64

79.48

73.00

(6.48) Ongoing

Lingig

DPWH RO

55.19

36.15

32.12

(4.03) Ongoing

Road Slip/Protection along East-West Lateral, Junction Lingig Trento Road Section K1485+708 K1485+745 Hubo Bridge along SDCR

Lingig

DPWH SDS 2nd DEO

18.30

87.25

78.75

(8.50) Ongoing

San Agustin

DPWH SDS 1st

9.38

81.76

90.88

9.12 Ongoing

DPWH SDS 1st DEO DPWH SDS 1st

13.80

80.40

90.20

9.80 Ongoing

22.37

22.08

25.20

3.12 Ongoing

9.58

87.61

89.52

1.91 Suspended

24.71

82.15

70.43

(11.72) Suspended

9.58

87.61

89.50

1.89 Suspended

44.53

52.90

39.27

(13.63) Suspended

Sumo-Sumo Bridge along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Construction of Series of Box Culvert at Tago-

Tago

Tago

Repair/Rehabilitation/ Surigao del Sur DPWH RO Improvement, SDCR, Mangagoy-Lingig Section, Km 1469+985 to Km 1470+626 with exceptions Bacolod Bridge along SuriCarrascal DPWH gao-Davao Coastal Road SDS 1st SDCR, Mangagoy-Lingig Surigao del Sur DPWH RO Section, Surigao Del Sur (Km 1468+831 to Km 1469+344 w/ exception) Surigao-Davao Coastal Carrascal DPWH Road, K1208+033 SDS 1st K1210+760 DEO BUTUAN CITY LARPIS Improvement Butuan City NIA Project Upgrading of Butuan Medi- Butuan City DOH cal Center

Cantilan Irrigation System Improvement Project at Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

92.15 8.33

Completed 100.00

Tago River Irrigation System at Tago, Surigao del Sur

Buyaan CIP at Madrid, Surigao del Sur

Completed

Continued on page 10

Page 10

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

LARPIS improvement project at Butuan City

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned (%)

Status

Actual Slippage (%) (%)

BUTUAN CITY Concreting of Butuan CityMasao Port Road, K1250+ (-162) - K1250+188 Seg-

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

6.82

100.00

Butuan City-PianingTandag Road, K1234+902

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

46.33

66.99

19.96 Ongoing

Widening/concreting of additional lane along Daang Maharlika (AgusanSurigao Road), Ampayon Section Construction of Additional Lanes for Ampayon Bridge along Daang Maharlika Road Construction of Butuan City By-Pass Road, (Bonbon-Bancasi Airport Section and Lemon-NRJAntongalon Section), in-

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

37.03

32.07

0.10 Ongoing

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

18.43

61.20

0.81 On-going

Butuan City

DPWH RO

69.09

30.47

0.25 Ongoing

Construction/Improvement - Road to Support River Rhine Cruise, Banza Ruins Construction of Butuan City New Villages Phase 2

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

29.51

75.01

12.01 Ongoing

Butuan City

NHA and LGU of Butuan

36.57

46.68

8.37 Ongoing

Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) - Butuan City - Ma-

Butuan City

DPWH BC DEO

18.39

58.04

0.45 Ongoing

Widening of ButuanCagayan de Oro-Iligan Road, (Agusan-Misamis Oriental Section), Nasipit Section, Sta. 1259+480 to Sta. 1261+253 Widening/concreting of additional lane both directions along Butuan CityCagayan de Oro-Iligan Road BAYUGAN CITY

Butuan City

DPWH ADN DEO

34.55

66.78

1.63 Ongoing

Butuan City

DPWH RO

86.66

54.14

26.54 Ongoing

Bayugan City DPWH RO

159.50

99.94

98.27

(1.67) Completed

Road Upgrading (Gravel to Bayugan City DPWH RO Concrete) of NRJ Bayugan -Calaitan-Tandag Rd, K1281+040 - K1286+722, with exception Road Upgrading (Gravel to Bayugan City DPWH Concrete) of NRJ Bayugan ADS 1st -Calaitan-Tandag Road, DEO K1296+450 - K1298+100

154.21

97.71

97.97

0.25 Ongoing

39.01

25.25

26.27

1.02 Ongoing

Concreting of NRJ Bayugan-Calaitan-Tandag Road, K1273+491.80 -

Andanan River Irrigation System at Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur

Location

Completed

Continued on page 11

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 11

2nd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Location

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of July 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

Status

BAYUGAN CITY Road Upgrading (Gravel to Bayugan City Concrete) of NRJ Bayugan -Calaitan-Tandag Road, K1286+722 - K1287+847.4 Andanan RIS Bayugan City Andanan RIS Bayugan City BISLIG CITY Widening of SurigaoBislig City Davao Coastal Road (SDCR), Km 1462+442 -

DPWH ADS 1st DEO

34.53

NIA NIA

181.20 45.30

DPWH SDS 2nd DEO

16.63

Bislig City

NIA

27.65

Bislig City

8.64

90.53

85.42

Bislig City Bislig City

DPWH SDS 2nd DEO DOH DPWH RO

14.41 9.58

87.61

89.58

Ongoing 1.97 Suspended

Cabadbaran

DA

6.70

100.00

Completed

CABRIS SIP CABTRIS CABTRIS Cabadbaran River Irrigation System Improvement SURIGAO CITY Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement, San Juan Coastal Road, Surigao City, Km 1117+800 to Km 1118.879 w/ exceptions Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) - NRJ Lipata-Punta Bilar and Mabua Quezon-MapawaCapalayan-Espina-Navarro Road, K1133+652 K1134+585 Drainage Facilities along Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan) Construction of Port Integrated Clearance Office

Cabadbaran Cabadbaran Cabadbaran Cabadbaran

NIA NIA NIA NIA

13.59 4.53 1.81 73.72

Surigao City

DPWH SDN 1st DEO

9.49

100.00

Surigao City

DPWH RO

80.62

60.56

21.45 Ongoing

Surigao City

DPWH SDN 1st DEO

23.55

60.01

(14.23) Ongoing

Surigao City

DPWH SDN 1st DEO PPA

17.37

69.02

0.22 Ongoing

5.45

74.11

0.68 Ongoing

Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) Calderon Village-Sitio Tagbasingan (Mamanwa Cultural) Road TANDAG CITY Sta. Felomina CIS

Surigao City

DPWH SDN 1st DEO

27.36

81.20

9.01 Suspended

Tandag City

NIA

36.24

Bislig City Integrated Project Irrigation Component Road Slip/Protection along SDCR, K1478+658 K1478+872 (Intermittent) Bislig District Hospital Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement, SDCR, Mangagoy-Lingig Section, Surigao del Sur, Km 1469+344 to Km 1469+985 w/ excepCABADBARAN CITY Construction of Kauswagan-Sitio Sinunog FMR

Surigao City

15.10

15.60

0.50 Ongoing

Ongoing Ongoing 98.29

92.30

(5.99) Ongoing

Ongoing (5.11) Ongoing

Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Completed

Suspended

Cabadbaran River Irrigation System Improvement at Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte

Page 12

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 1st Quarter 2013 Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry Palay production decreased by 16.02 percent or 2,884 MT. The decrease in production was attributed to lesser area harvested due to movement of planting schedule and also due to the delayed release of irrigation water brought about by the repair works done in the Andanan River Irrigation System.

Surigao del Sur is the highest producer of palay among the provinces in the region, contributing 43.14 percent of the region’s total palay production for this quarter. Surigao del Norte follows at second with 25.28 percent contribution. Both provinces overtook Agusan del Sur, the erstwhile palay producer of the region.

Corn production increased by 19.41 percent or 85 MT. The increase in production was attributed to increase in area harvested due to availability of seeds and financing resources. There was higher yields for both white and yellow corn brought about by fewer pest infestation and diseases and utilization of high-yielding varieties.

Figure No. 5: Selected Crops, Volume of Production (In Metric Tons) (Source: BAS XIII)

Figure No. 1: Caraga Palay Production (In Metric Tons) (Source: BAS XIII)

Figure No. 2: Caraga Palay Production (In Metric Tons, By Province ) (Source: BAS XIII)

The province of Agusan del Norte is the top corn producer of the region for the quarter, with 57.36 percent contribution to the total corn production for this quarter. Its production increased by 17.65 percent.

The production of banana, another major crop, decreased by 8.78 percent or 4,213.06 MT. This is attributed to lesser area harvested from Dole plantations in Tago and Barobo, which were affected by Typhoon Pablo.

Figure No. 6: Caraga Fish Production (In Metric Tons) (Source: BAS XIII)

Figure No. 7: Caraga Fish Production (In Metric Tons, By Type) (Source: BAS XIII)

For non-food and industrial crops (NFIC), coconut production decreased by 9.64 percent or 20,188.90 MT due to the effect of typhoon Pablo. Palm fruit production also decreased by 47.04 percent or 25,485.59 MT due to the effect of the same typhoon.

Forestry Log production decreased by 43.44 percent or 64,489.84 cu. m. Production from the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC) decreased by 41.72 percent or 58,560.29 cu. m. The PTPOC accounted for 97.42 percent of the 1st Quarter 2013 total log production.

Manufactured forest products de-

Figure No. 3: Caraga Corn Production (In Metric Tons) (Source: BAS XIII)

Figure No. 4: Caraga Corn Production (In Metric Tons, By Province ) (Source: BAS XIII)

Continued on page 13

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

creased by 28.52 percent or 42,057.04 cu. m. Major manufactured products include veneer, plywood, blockboard and lumber.

Fishery For the Fishery sector, the total volume of produc-

Figure No. 8: Caraga Exports (By FOB Value, in USD) (Source: NSO XIII)

Figure No. 9: Caraga Exports (By Product) (Source: NSO XIII)

Figure No. 10: Caraga Exports (By Country of Destination) (Source: NSO XIII)

Page 13

tion decreased by 9.68 percent or 1,806.88 MT. Majority of the production comes from municipal fishery, comprising about 81.50 percent of the total volume of production. Municipal production decreased by 12.59 percent or 1,980.51 MT compared to first quarter of last year.

Exports Total exports for the 1st quarter of 2013 was valued at USD 92,841,791.

It grew by 212.20 percent or USD 63,104,227 compared to the same period last year. In terms of value by product, 70.73 percent of total export is comprised of nickel ores and concentrates. In terms of value by country of destination, 67.26 percent of the exports value for the period went to China. In terms of value by province, 66.30 percent of the exports value for the period exited through Surigao del Norte.

Figure No. 13: Total Domestic Cargo Throughput (Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao)

Shipping and Cargoes Total number of ship calls decreased by 9.70 percent compared to the same period last year. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising 99.11 percent of the total number of calls for the quarter. Domestic ship calls decreased by 10.07 percent due to fewer ship calls in government and private ports. Foreign ship calls increased by 64.29 percent due to increase in shipment of mining products especially nickel ores.

Historically, inbound domestic cargo throughput is higher than outbound.

Inbound domestic cargo increased by 36.92 percent or 94,885 MT. This is due to the increase in shipment of prime commodities and refined petroleum products. Outbound domestic cargo decreased by 26.83 percent or 67,726.05 MT. This is due to decrease in shipment of fruits and vegetables and wood by-products.

Foreign export throughput increased by 75.28 percent due to increase in shipment of nickel ores to China.

Total domestic passengers decreased by 0.89 percent. About 51.40 percent of domestic passengers are composed of disembarking passengers. Decrease in total number of passengers is attributed to competition from air travel which has become a cheaper alternative for passengers given the availability of promo fares.

Figure No. 11: Caraga Exports (By Province) (Source: NSO XIII)

Figure No. 12: Number of Ship Calls (Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao)

Continued on page 14

Figure No. 14: Foreign Cargo Throughput (Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao)

Figure No. 15: Total Domestic Passengers (Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao)

Page 14

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 1st Quarter 2013 Mining and Quarrying Mineral exports was valued at Php 33.15 Billion in C.Y. 2012. About 89.39 percent or Php 29.63 Billion of which are nickel ores. The value of the region’s mineral exports grew by 39.70 percent compared to the previous year’s figure.

There was a total of 606 shipments reflecting a 14.77 percent growth. Nickel ore shipments recorded a soaring increase of 66%. This is due to increased market demand from China brought about by increase in production of stainless steel and other metal products.

Mining generated Php 663.04 Million in excise tax and Php 1.35 Billion in royalties. Excise tax grew by 39.68 percent while royalties grew by 39.27 percent compared to the previous year. Direct employment generated from mining industry grew by 2.44%.

In the 1st quarter of 2013, a total of 13 new permits on mineral production were approved as follows: Table No. 2: Approved Mineral Production Permits, 1st Quarter 2013

Contractor/Permit Holder

Date Approved

Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corp.

East Coast Mineral Res. Co., Inc. East Coast Mineral Res. Co., Inc. Vista Buena Mining, Corp.

Jan. 30, 2013

CTP Construction and Mining Corp./ Carrascal Nickel Corp.

Marcventures Mining and Development Corp.

AAM-PHIL Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corp.

Norweah Metals and Min. Co., Inc. Philsaga Mining Corp.

Feb. 7-9, 2013

Jan. 9, 2013

Table No. 1: Mining Key Indicators 2011 No. of shipments Value (Php)

2012

528

606

23.73 B

33.15 B

Royalty (Php)

969.32 M

1.35 B

Excise Tax (Php)

474.67 M

663.04 M

Source: MGB XIII

Table No. 3: Operating Mines in Caraga Region, By Province Province

No. of Mines

Agusan del Norte

1

Agusan del Sur

1

Surigao del Norte

8

Surigao del Sur

4

Dinagat Islands

8

Total

22

Source: MGB XIII

four mineral processing plants in the region. The THPAL is the $1.3 Billion nickel ore processing plant in Taganito, Claver by Sumitomo Metal Mining which was completed in 2013 and has started operations. It is the biggest foreign investment in the Philippine minerals sector to date.

Feb. 27-28, 2013 Feb. 6-7, 2013

Table No. 4: Operating Mines in Caraga Region, By Product Minerals

No. of Mines

Gold

2

Feb. 5-6, 2013

Chromite

1

Feb. 8-9, 2013

Nickel & Chromite

1

Nickel

17

Limestone & Silica

1

Total

22

March 1, 2013 March 13-14, 2013

Source: MGB XIII

Philsaga Mining Corp.

March 14-15, 2013

Concordia Llave

March 12-13, 2013

Minimax Mineral Exploration Corp.

Phigold Metllic Ore, Inc.

March 11-12, 2013

Name of Company

March 20-22, 2013

Pacific Cement Phils., Inc. Greenstone Resources, Corp.

Philsaga Mining, Corp.

Portland Cement Gold

THPAL Nickel Corp.

Nickel and Cobalt Sulfide

Source: MGB XIII

As of May 2013, there are 22 operating mines in the region, most of which are located in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

Table No. 5: Mining Processing Plants Product

Gold

Source: MGB XIII

Seventeen of the operating mines in the region extract nickel ores. As of September 2013, there are

Continued on page 15

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Tourism Tourist arrivals increased by 14.37 percent compared to the same period last year. Of these, 92.88 percent are domestic travelers, 6.85 percent are foreigners and 0.27 percent are overseas Filipinos.

Butuan City posted the highest share with 37.78 percent of the total tourist arrivals for the 1st quarter of 2013.

The number of domestic travelers and foreign travelers increased by 13.84 percent or 20,669 visitors

Page 15

Labor Unemployment rate increased from 6.40 percent to 8.30 percent, higher than the national figure of 7.10 percent. Likewise, underemployment increased from 22.00 percent to 27.00 percent, higher than the national figure of 20.90 percent.

Table No. 6: Caraga Labor Statistics January 2012 -

January 2013 1,721,000

65.30

64.50

93.60

91.70

6.40

8.30

22.00

27.00

Labor Force Labor Force Participation Rate (%) Employment Rate (%) Unemployment Rate (%) Underemployment Rate (%) Source: NSO

Figure No. 16: Number of Tourist Arrivals (Source: DOT XIII)

Figure No. 17: Number of Tourist Arrivals (Source: DOT XIII)

and 28.04 percent or 2,745 visitors, respectively; while the number of overseas Filipino travelers decreased by 45.57 percent or 417 visitors. This shows us that while attracting foreign visitors has its merits, domestic visitors still remain as the region’s main market. Given such, there is a need for tourism stakeholders to take this market seriously and implement strategies and packages that target this group. There is also a need to improve the collection efficiency of tourism data to capture the gains of the region due to the increase in number of flights serving the region.

Figure No. 18: Total Number of Flights (Source: CAAP)

Figure No. 19: Total Number of Air Passengers (Source: CAAP)

Air Transport Total number of flights in the region, both incoming and outgoing, increased by 7.31 percent. Total incoming passengers increased by 5.68 percent, while total outgoing passengers increased by 6.34 percent.

Incoming cargoes decreased by 5.43 percent or 38,732 kg. Outgoing cargoes decreased by 44.08 percent or 285,629 kg.

Figure No. 20: Total Number of Air Cargoes (Source: CAAP)

Page 16

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 1st Quarter 2013

Figure No. 21: Consumer Price Index (Source: NSO)

Prices Inflation rate for the 1st quarter of 2013 averaged 4.50 percent, slightly higher compared to the 4.43 percent average for the 1st quarter of 2012.

Among the provinces, price movement from January to March 2013 was slowest in Agusan del Norte with an average of 2.97 percent inflation rate. On the other hand, Surigao del Sur posted the highest inflation rate at 6.50 percent for the same period.

The CPI levels for the first quarter of this year are higher compared to the same period last year. This tells us that an average basket of goods cost higher this year compared to the same period last year.

Public Order and Safety Total crime volume decreased by 13.12 percent. The highest percentage reduction in crime volume was seen in Surigao del

Figure No. 23: Total Crime Volume (Source: PNP XIII)

Figure No. 22: Inflation Rate (Source: NSO)

Sur at 37.23 percent, followed by Butuan City with 13.37 percent reduction. Of the total crime volume for the quarter, 63.42 percent were index crimes, while 36.58 percent were non-index crimes. Crime volume is seen to be highest in Surigao del Norte which comprise 35.79 percent of the total figure in the region- 35.27 percent share for index crimes and 36.70 percent share for non-index crime. Surigao del Sur follows with 19.80 percent share of the total crime volume in the region.

Crime solution efficiency rate in the region increased by 13.79 percentage points. The highest crime solution efficiency rate is in Dinagat Islands at 87.00 percent, followed

by Agusan del Sur with 44.00 percent.

Development Prospects The Butuan City Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Andinax, a Belgian Company for the establishment of power generation facility using banana grass and solidwaste. The project is expected to open new jobs to the locals at the same time a means to implement proper waster segregation in the city.

The Butuan City Government also entered into a contract with JD Legaspi Construction for the proposed construction of Butuan Polysports Complex to be established in Brgy. Tiniwisan, Butuan City. Phase I of the project will include the city gymnasium, football field and a rubberized track oval. Phase II will include Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wakeboard park and commercial buildings including hotels and boutiques.

The Philippine Science High School Caraga Region located in Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City will formally open on June 2014. This is expected to significantly improve science and math education in the region.

SM City is in the process of acquiring the necessary permits for the establishment of its mall along J.C. Aquino Avenue in Butuan City.

Figure No. 24: Crime Solution Efficiency (Source: PNP XIII)

Puregold Price Club is also establishing a branch in M. Calo St., Butuan City specifically the site of the former Mancao Supermarket.

The VCDU company is opening another housing development project called Eastwood Subdivision in Baan, Butuan City, adding to the private construction uptick in the region.

City Savings Bank will be opening branches in Butuan City and Surigao City.

It is a thrift bank of the Aboitiz Group of Companies. Currently, it is hiring various positions such as Branch Heads, cashiers, loan and collection team leaders, among others.

RCBC Savings Bank will also be opening a branch in Butuan City. It is a thrift bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp of the Yuchengco Group of Companies.

Philippine National Bank has opened a new branch along J.C. Aquino, Butuan City beside McDonalds Gaisano. It used to be Allied Bank, but was renamed following its acquisition by PNB. Asia United Bank, a commercial bank, has also opened a branch along A.D. Curato cor. P. Burgos Sts. in Butuan City. It is the banking arm of the Rebisco group, the famous biscuit manufacturer. It aspires to be among the country’s top 10 banks in terms of resources within the next five years.

Executive Optical, one of the largest eyewear and eye care retailer in the country, will be opening a branch in Butuan City specifically in Robinsons Mall Butuan. On the other hand, Gerry’s Grill, a famous Filipino restaurant with branches abroad, will open a branch in Butuan City specifically in Robinsons Mall Butuan. Meanwhile, the construction of the Robinsons Mall Butuan is in full swing as it is set to open by the end of this year.

Vol. XVII

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Page 17

DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS Program Wins International Development Award Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KalahiCIDSS), one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the World Bank, was chosen as one of the awardees of the U.S. Treasury’s second annual Development Impact Honors Awards, beating over 40 other candidates.

The award will be given on July 25, 2013 at the Main Treasury Building in North Washington, USA. Aside from the awardees, attendants of the event include members of the U.S. Congress and other U.S. government agencies, as well as representatives from the developmental sector.

The Development Impact Awards recognizes the different projects supported by multilateral development banks all over the world. The awards are meant to distinguish development-oriented programs, such as those that fight poverty, hunger, and disease. The entries were judged based on criteria such as quality of results, focus on priority sectors, innovations used, and risk mitigations strategies utilized.

Kalahi-CIDSS was chosen as one as the awardees out of the other entries because it is “especially high-impact and noteworthy,” according to US Secretary of Treasury Jacob J. Lew in his letter to Worldbank President Dr. Jim Kim. Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the three core social protection programs of DSWD in combating poverty.

It uses the community-driven

development (CDD) strategy to empower ordinary citizens to actively and directly participate in local governance by identifying their own community needs, planning, implementing, and monitoring projects together to address local poverty issues.

Some of the results of KalahiCIDSS include improved access of communities to basic services, increased community involvement, and positive impact in household well-being.

The World Bank has been a partner of Kalahi-CIDSS since its inception in 2003. John Roome, World Bank Sustainable Development Director for East Asia Pacific, is pleased with the award, saying, “One of my first field visits was in Kalahi-CIDSS sites. From those early visits, I could see the impact of the project on people’s lives.”

He added that with the advent of the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), which will scale up the CDD strategy utilized by Kalahi-CIDSS, there will be even greater impact to communities in the country.

From the 364 municipalities covered by Kalahi-CIDSS, NCDDP will be targeting 900 of the poorest municipalities in the Philippines. It was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board last January 18, and is set to be launched in late 2013.

DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman was delighted with the recognition.

“We are honored to have KalahiCIDSS chosen as one of the awardees by the U.S. Treasury,” she said. “We are optimistic that with NCDDP, we will be able to help even more families and communities rise from poverty”, she added.

Last year’s awardees of the Development Impact Honors Awards were the African Development Bank for the MaliSenegal Road Project, the Asian Development Bank for the Afghanistan Telecom Development Company Project, the InterAmerican Development Bank for its Basic Nutrition Program, and the World Bank for their Amazon Region Protected Areas Program.

(DSWD-Social Marketing Service).

DSWD preps partners for BuB implementation Butuan City – Twelve local government units (LGUs) in Caraga region recently underwent a technical session as part of the preparation for the Php 24.680M worth of infrastructure projects under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Kalahi-CIDSS Bottom-up Budgeting and Planning (BuB) implementation for this year.

LGU staff from Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte; Bayugan City and Loreto in Agusan del Sur; Basilisa and Dinagat in the Province of Dinagat Islands; Gigaquit and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte; and Barobo, Bislig City, and Tagbina in Surigao del Sur were in attendance in enhancing the formulation of their respective project proposals.

Kalahi-CIDSS BuB may be implemented in one of two ways: through the use of the CDD learning for LGUs that are currently implementing and had implemented Kalahi-CIDSS and through a DSWDassisted, LGU-facilitated implementation of community projects using the CDD approach.

CDD or the community-driven development approach is the strategy employed by DSWD in its implementation of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) for an inclusive participation of all stakeholders in local governance by idenContinued on page 18

Vol. XVII

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Page 18

Spain sets dev’t project anew in Caraga Butuan City – The Spanish government through its international development cooperation agency, the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID), is once again renewing its development endeavors with the Philippine government through its new project called the Local Empowerment and Development towards Governance (LEaDGov), to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga region this year.

In relation to advancing the community-driven development (CDD) processes of DSWD’s anti-poverty project KalahiCIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services), LEadGov aims to strengthen the capacities of local government units (LGUs) in facilitating inclusive and participatory processes that capture and integrate the priority needs of poor communities into local government poverty reduction plans.

According to Kalahi-CIDSS deputy national project director, Camilo G. Gudmalin, LEaDGov picks up from where PODER (Poder y Prosperidad de la Comunidad) the project that AECID and DSWD previously partnered on.

PODER, another CDD project, was implemented in Caraga re-

gion for the past seven years. It built on the success of KalahiCIDSS. “LEadGov, as per the institutionalization framework of KalahiCIDSS, shall now gear our partner LGUs who have graduated from Kalahi-CIDSS in ensuring the sustainability of the CDD principles in the local development processes in the community,” Gudmalin added.

The new project shall address specific needs of LGU staff and representatives in terms of policy development, structural adjustments, systems enhancement, and resource allocation.

Regional social welfare chief, Minda B. Brigoli said that LEaDGov will “consequently complement the capability building and implementation support component of the local poverty reduction action plans (LPRAPs) of LGUs implementing the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program of the government.”

The project will be implemented in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte and Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. Each will receive a grant of PhP 500,000.00.

LEaDGov will be launched in Butuan City on July 19 and will run from July 2013 to March 2014. (Keneath John O. Bolisay/ Social Marketing Unit/DSWD

DSWD preps partners… from page 17

tifying community needs, planning, implementing, and monitoring projects to address local poverty issues.

The areas were identified through criteria set in a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) by DSWD, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The JMC stipulated that in order to qualify for the BuB, the LGU must be a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for 2011 and 2012, must have completed assessment of the LGU’s Public Financial Management (PFM) system, and the municipality must have no unliquidated cash advances from DSWD, regardless of program or project.

(Keneath John O. Bolisay/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Caraga)

Brown rice: The heart-healthier choice Do you know that brown rice or “unpolished rice” is more nutritious than white rice? Rice when polished loses significant amount of calcium, phosphorous and thiamine. Brown rice, with only the husk removed retains its brown color due to the bran layer left intact. This bran layer is also believed to have cholesterol lowering effects. It is rich in dietary fiber which may reduce the risk factors associated with constipa-

tion, hypertension, diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Despite its health benefits, only a few people use brown rice. It is because brown rice has short shelf life. Moreover, it is not usually available in the market due to low supply and consumers are not aware of its health benefits.

In support of the government’s

advocacy to promote brown rice, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST) conducted a study that has been able to extend the shelflife of brown rice from its original one to four months to 4 to 9 months.

The consumption of brown rice Continued on page 20

Vol. XVII

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Page 19

More babies exclusively breastfed, but for shorter period Breastfeeding is the best way of providing infants with the nutrients from the mother’s milk which they crucially need for a healthy headstart at growth and development early in life.

Breastmilk is the ideal and complete food because it contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. It protects babies against common infant diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia. Breastmilk is also readily available, ensuring infants of adequate sustenance. It also promotes sensory and cognitive development among infants.

The 2011 updating survey on infant feeding practices among children 0-23 months old by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST) revealed that among 0-5 month-old infants, about half (or 48.9 percent) are exclusively breastfed.

Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breastmilk and no other liquids or solids are given, not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops and syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicine.

Results of the survey also revealed that among 6-8 month-old infants, only 5.1 percent are exclusively breastfed, while among 9-23 month-old infants; a measly 0.6 percent are exclusively breastfed.

The survey covered 6,653 children 0-23 months old. Of these children 24 percent belongs to the 0-5 month old group, 27.4 percent to the 6-11 month old group and 48.6 percent to the 1223 month age group.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants at least for the first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health for the infant.

The region with the highest percentage of exclusively breastfed

0-5 months old infants is Eastern Visayas with 72.7 percent.

On the other hand, Central Luzon, Cavite-LagunaBatangas-Rizal-Quezon (CALABARZON), National Capital Region (NCR), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cagayan Valley and Central Visayas are the Photo courtesy of http://mymillsbaby.co.uk regions with lower percentages of exclusively breastfed children. These range from 27.8 Breastfeeding likewise benefits to 48.5 percent, which are lower mothers, as it helps to space chilthan the national percentage of dren, reduces the risk of some 48.9 percent. cancers such as ovarian and breast cancers.

The survey also revealed that 51.9 percent or about half of Further, breastfeeding helps mothers start to breastfeed within women return to their prethe recommended one hour after pregnancy weight faster and lowdelivery, followed by 32.3 perers rates of obesity. cent or one-third at less than one day after delivery, and 15.8 perAlthough there have been incent at more than one day after creases in the proportions of delivery. Immediate breastfeedexclusively breastfed infants over ing within an hour after birth is the years, the increases are only crucial because of colostrum, the in small percentages. yellowish, sticky breastmilk produced at the end of pregnancy.

Policies to promote and protect The WHO recommends colosbreastfeeding like providing trums as the perfect food for the nursing stations in the worknewborn due to the antibodies it places, must be seriously implecontains. mented, and should be compatible with women’s work.

According to the 2011 updating survey, the proportion of excluStrict implementation of the sively breastfed 0-5 month-old Mother-and-Baby-Friendly Hosinfants is 46.7 percent, higher pital Initiative (MBFHI), includes compared to the 2008 national giving the infant immediately to nutrition survey result of 35.9 the mother to breastfeed within percent. This reflects an increase the first hour of birth to make of 10.8 percentage points. sure colostrum is consumed by the infant.

Moreover in 2011, the proportion of exclusively breastfed 0-23 Communication and advocacy month-old infants is higher 11. 8 for active involvement in support percent, compared to 8.6 percent of breastfeeding is important in in 2008. increasing the percentage of exExclusive breastfeeding reduces clusively breastfed infants. infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses like diarrhea (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Serand pneumonia and helps the vice: Press Release – IMELDA baby recover during illness.

A. AGDEPPA, Ph.D.)

Vol. XVII

Issue 2

Page 20

What diabetic persons should know about diabetes Recent studies on large numbers of people with diabetes show that those who keep their blood sugar under tight control best avoid the complications of diabetes like heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputations. Experts agree that what works best for people with diabetes – and everyone for that matter – is regular exercise, little saturated and trans fatty acids, and a high–fiber diet. Carbohydrates break quickly during digestion and can raise the blood sugar to dangerous levels.

Glycemic index (GI) ranks foods on how they affect our blood sugar levels. This index measures how much our blood sugar increases after we eat. When diabetic patients make use of the glycemic index to prepare healthy meals, it keeps their blood sugar levels and weight under control. Many carbohydrate-rich foods have high glycemic indexes, and they certainly are not good in any substantial quantity for people with diabetes.

Other carbohydrates like complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber break down more slowly, releasing glucose gradually into our blood streams and are said to have lower glycemic indexes which are good for diabetic patients.

Studies on glycemic indexes by experts showed that many of the starchy foods we eat a lot produce the highest glycemic response. These are white bread, some breakfast cereals, e.g. cornflakes, rice and baked potatoes but complex carbohydrates present in potatoes are digestible. Low glycemic foods include beans, barley, pasta, oats, apples, oranges, peaches, peanuts, strawberries, sweet corn and carrots. Likewise, vinegar, and lemon juice help reduce glycemic load, the amount of carbohydrate in a serving of a particular food.

Many foods have few available carbohydrates in a standard serving. We call these the “free foods” because

they are essentially free of any impact on your blood sugar. These foods contain less than 5 grams of available carbohydrate in a 100-gram portion.

The rest of the portion is protein, fat, fiber, ash and water. Examples of these foods are: (1) vegetables – asparagus, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, okra, mushrooms, tomatoes, radishes, spinach, turnips and peppers; (2) fruits – avocados, raspberries, strawberries; (3) eggs and dairy – cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt plain; (4) beverages – coffee, diet soda, tea and water.

of carbohydrate, the amount and type of fat, and the fiber and salt content are also important. Consider also, that, factors such as variety, cooking, and processing may affect a food’s glycemic index.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) recommends to eat a variety of foods everyday in order to have a well balance diet.

(FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release – IMELDA A. AGDEPPA, Ph.D.)

The glycemic index should not, however, be the only criterion when selecting what to eat. The total amount

Brown rice… from page 18 rice to brown rice?

because of its higher milling recovery and higher satiety value may provide a promising solution to our country’s problem of rice shortage and importation. This may contribute significantly to the realization of the Filipino dream of rice selfsufficiency.

This message is brought to you by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, the government’s lead agency on food and nutrition research and development.

Now that you know that brown rice is good for your health and our economy, isn’t it time to shift from white

(FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Info Bits – MA. SUSANA O. ENCARNACION)

Jazmin D. Berido Editor Caraga Today Volume XVI Issue 2

The Editorial Board Caraga Today National Economic and Development Authority Nimfa Tiu Building I, JP Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

Arven John B. Lumag Elvie C. Ato Mitchell C. Castillon Sherwin E. Verdun Writers DSWD XIII, DA XIII, FNRI Contributors ARD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño RD Carmencita S. Cochingco Advisers