Caraga Today July-September 2015

today caraga

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

July-September 2015 Vol. XVIII, Issue 3 PAGE 20

Q1 2015 Regional Economic Situationer PAGE 28

Q2 2015 Regional Project Monitoring Report

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to avert the further spread of HIV PAGE 4

caraga today Volume XVIII Issue 3 July-September 2015

On this issue PAGE 4 If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to avert the further spread of HIV PAGE 6 RDC13 partners with DOST-PCIEERD, CSU on Responsible Mining Forum PAGE 8 PDI hosts 83rd RDC Full Council Meeting PAGE 9 Caraga RDC endorses the declaration of Hinatuan Bay, Enchanted River as Critical Habitats PAGE 10 RDC-IDC conducts 3rd Infrastructure Assessment in Siargao, Bucas Grande Islands PAGE 11 NEDA, SDSSU evaluate safe motherhood project in Bislig City PAGE 12 Caraga’s economy slows down in 2014

FEATURE PAGE 16 Laying the Policy Infrastructure for Education Reforms

CENTERFOLD All about HIV

HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 14 Breastfeeding at work works PAGE 20 2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer PAGE 28 2nd Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring Report PAGE 31 PSA launches 2015 POPCEN Caraga nominates SIKAP, ANHS-SDRRMC to 2015 SOV

PAGE 35 DA, LGU strengthen regional DRM for Agriculture

PAGE 32 Hypertension, diabetes greatly increase risk to cardiovascular disease

Caraga RPAB endorses P711M worth of subprojects to the PRDP

PAGE 34 ls rice to be blamed for rising diabetes?

PAGE 36 Photo releases

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

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

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Editor’s Note Jazmin D. Berido This quarter’s issue is primarily focused on health and environment concerns in the region.

We highlight one of the significant activities of the Caraga RDC in the second quarter of 2015 which is the formulation of the HIV Communication Plan.

A special HIV infographic spread is also featured to help promote awareness and positive action.

As health advocates, we have included health discussions such as the relation of hypertension and diabetes to cardiovascular diseases, and breastfeeding at work .

We feature equally important activities such as the first Mindanao Responsible Mining Summit as well as the pilot testing of the Ex-Post Evaluation Manual, and the assessment of the tourism road infrastructures in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands.

We documented the Caraga RDC endorsement of the declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted River as Critical Habitats, and the recognition of the 2014 Gawad Kalasag Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance national awardees from the region during the 83rd RDC

Full Council Meeting.

As always, you can catch our quarterly report on the Regional Project Monitoring, and an assessment of the region’s economy.

A bonus feature by TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. rounds up the policy reforms in the education sector .

Finally, a photo release section is added to this issue to draw attention to other RDC-related events.

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido Writers Sherwin E. Verdun Rhea Mae C. Mendez Naomi T. Mission Maria Conception G. Duro Ian G. Miculob Shobie L. Salazar Shiela M. Bermoy Mirasol P. Montenegro Gladys C. Giberson Marx Rev A. Buenavidez Design Editor Sherwin E. Verdun Advisers RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño ARD Roy B. Kantuna

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If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to avert the further spread of HIV

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

Number of new HIV cases by month (2013-2015). Source: DOH-Epidemiology Bureau

HIV/AIDS trends are falling worldwide but it is increasing in the Philippines.

According to UNAIDS, worldwide since 2001, new HIV infections have decreased by 33% and new HIV infections in children have decreased by 52%. AIDSrelated deaths (adults and children) have decreased by 29% since 2005.

However, the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau in the Philippines reported 20 new cases per day in February 2015 from one new case per day in 2008.

The cumulative total reported cases from January 1984 to February 2015 have reached 23,709. Of this number, 21,545 (91%) are males. Around 6,191 (26%) are youth aged 15-24 years old while 11,953 (51%) are between the ages of 25 to 34 years old.

The most common mode of transmission is men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) at 79% (17,012 cases), followed by

male-female sex at 15% (3,150 cases) and sharing of needles at 5% (1,052 cases).

From 2006 (309 cases) to 2014 (6,011 cases), the HIV cases in the Philippines have increased by 95%. Of the current 23,709 diagnosed cases, 19,285 (81%) were reported only in the past five years (January 2010 to February 2015).

In Caraga, from 1995 to 2015, there are now 172 cases with eight reported deaths. Of this number, 161 cases (94%) are males. Around 79 cases (46%) are between 25-34 years old. All cases were acquired through sexual contact with homosexual contact (47%) as the predominant mode of transmission. Butuan City has the highest incidence with 70 cases.

With the continued rise in HIV incidence, the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) recognizes the urgency to mobilize key government

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agencies and private sector partners to prevent the further spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS on individuals, families, and communities.

On June 25, 2015 during the 83rd Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting, the RDC expanded the Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) to form the HIV Technical Working Group (TWG), for the purpose of crafting a strategic communication plan. The HIV TWG is composed of the following: Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The TWG met on August 5, 2015 to come up with the analyses for the communication plan, which will be presented for approval to the Caraga RDC during its 2015 fourth quarter meeting.

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

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gather support especially from local government units to advocate for awareness of the disease and to put in place policies, facilities, and services for HIV/ AIDS. The reluctance to take an HIV test would result in late diagnosis, when the virus may have already progressed to AIDS. Consequently, this makes treatment less effective and increases the likelihood of transmitting HIV to others, and may even cause early death. Thus, promotion of HIV test is crucial especially in areas where people are more conservative.

For the same reason, UNAIDS advocates that HIV should be tackled by dealing with the circumstances surrounding the individual rather than the individual alone such as societal norms; gender and socio-economic status; faith, beliefs, and spiritual values; and the prevailing governmental and policy environment for HIV/AIDS. By then, the individual will be empowered to take precautionary measures for prevention, care, and support.

Like any other disease, HIV is one that needs cooperation from everyone – family, health institutions, and the government. As Helen Keller has said, ―Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.‖ It is hoped that synergies of efforts would change the face of HIV in the future.

OPEN ARMS. The three ribbons with tails of human arms represent the three groups of influence. HIV needs compassion from families represented by the green ribbon that provides unconditional love for others. It needs the determination represented by the red ribbon of health institutions to empower those who lack will power. It also needs the sincerity of the government represented by the blue ribbon to provide policy environment.

Without stigma, represented by the open arms, the ribbons resemble a triangle as a result of harmony among families, health institutions, and government.

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Caraga Regional Development Council partners with DOST-PCIEERD, Caraga State University on Responsible Mining Forum

by Marx Rev A. Buenavides, NEDA-Caraga

In a bid to advocate responsible mining in the region, the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the Caraga State University (CSU) conducted a Stakeholders’ Forum on Responsible Mining last July 14-15, 2015 in Butuan City.

The 2-day Forum aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between the key industry players and partners; present the findings of the research and development (R & D) projects as critical inputs for policy reforms and technological innovation with an end view of achieving responsible mining; and identify activities for the preparation of the Mineral Development Roadmap for Caraga Region.

Representatives and staff from national line agencies, local government units, academe, non-government organizations/civil society organizations and other stakeholders participated in the said activity.

The first day of the Forum highlighted the presentations on various topics by the invited local, national and international speakers. Ms. Helen Langley of International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC) shared about the International Perspective of Mining Development. Engr. Francis Glenn Suante of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Caraga discussed the Mining Performance and Outlooks in the Philippines and Caraga Region. A presentation on the Caraga Regional

Development Framework by RD Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño of NEDA-Caraga followed.

The Caraga RDC recognizes the critical role of R and D in pursuing inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region. Hence, the Forum also featured the Mining and Mineral Research and Development Road Map for 2012-2016 by DOST PCIEERD Executive Director, Dr. Carlos Primo David; the Education and Research as Foundations in Responsible Mining by the CSU President, Dr. Anthony Penaso; the results of several research studies undertaken by selected state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Caraga Region and neighboring regions in Mindanao under the project “Science and Technology for Responsible Mining in Mindanao”; and best practices of selected mining companies. The CSU also launched during the said event its ICT Portal for Responsible Mining.

The second day of the Forum was devoted to parallel workshops on the preparation of the Caraga Mineral Roadmap, which was facilitated by RD Cariño. The outputs of the workshop will serve as valuable inputs in the formulation of the Mineral Development Roadmap for the region. Caraga has been tagged as the ―new mining capital‖ of the country.

Positioning itself as the Fishery, AgriForestry, Mineral and Ecotourism (FAME) Center of the country, the region is confronted with the biggest challenge of striking a balance between production and conservation. Land use conflict is a major bottleneck of the region’s development

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7 Right: Panelists during the 2-day Forum include (from left) NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, DOSTPCIEERD Executive Director Carlos Primo David, IM4DC Program Director Helen Langley, CSU President Anthony Penaso and MESD Chief Francis Glenn Suante of MGB-Caraga.

Below: RD Cariño facilitates the workshop on the preparation of the Caraga Mineral Roadmap.

considering that the areas targeted for mining development are also the same areas considered by the DENR as critical watershed areas, key biodiversity areas (KBAs), habitats of the indigenous peoples and hazard prone areas. Hence, the preparation of a Mineral Development Roadmap is deemed vital in pursuing responsible mining in the region and in attempting to strike a balance in the land use.

Towards the end of the Forum, RD Cariño presented the succeeding activities of the RDC pertaining to the preparation of the Mineral Development Roadmap for the region. The CSU President, Dr. Penaso concluded the said event with a note that responsible mining is achievable if all stakeholders in the region will CARE enough — that is to Commit unwaveringly, Adopt proactively, Respond positively and Engage productively.

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Province of Dinagat Islands hosts the 83rd Regional Development Full Council Meeting

by Shiela M. Bermoy, NEDA-Caraga Gov. Sol Matugas requested Asec. Jesus Lorenzo Mateo of the Department of Education to act on the issue of unfinished classrooms in Surigao del Norte under Private Partnership Project (PPP)

The Province of Dinagat Islands made history as it hosted the 83rd Regional Development Full Council Meeting on June 25, 2015. It was the Province’s first time to host the RDC meeting. Assistant Secretary Jesus Lorenzo R. Mateo of the Department of Education served as keynote speaker during the event and he shared updates on the K to12 implementation in the country.

The meeting was attended by 33 RDC members, 11 regular invitees and 45 guests including Sangguniang Panlalawigan members of Dinagat Islands. The meeting was held at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

To mark the Province’s first hosting of the RDC meeting, trees were planted by the RDC and local officials before the meeting commenced symbolizing the RDC’s and the province’s strong partnership and commitment towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.

In her opening message, Gov. Matugas emphasized that, ―bringing the Council to the mystical Province of Dinagat Islands is an affirmation of the RDC’s commitment to pursue the vision of One Caraga: One Vision, One Mission. It is also a testament that we recognize the contributions and potentials of Dinagat Islands in realizing our goal for Caraga to become the Fishery, Agri-forestry, Mineral and Eco-tourism (FAME) Center of the country.”

During the meeting, the Council tackled issues and development priorities of regional significance including the endorsement of several infrastructure projects to improve connectivity within the region. The body also endorsed to the Department of Education Central Office the funding of priority schools for rehabilitation.

As the host, Gov. Ecleo was given the privilege to raise the development concerns of the Province of Dinagat Islands that require RDC support. One of the significant actions of the Council was to endorse the establishment of a provincial hospital and the conduct of a feasibility study in connecting the Province of Dinagat Islands to the Visayas.

The national awardees of the 2014 Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance were also recognized during the meeting. A plaque of recognition was given to Brgy. San Juan, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (1st in the Rural Barangay Category), Agusan National High School (1st in the Heroic Act/Deed – Group Category), Municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (2nd in the 1st – 3rd Municipal Class Category), Butuan City (2nd in the HUC Category), Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP) Inc. (2nd in the CSO Category), Province of Dinagat Islands (3rd in the Provincial Category) and Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands (3rd in the 4th – 6th Municipal Class Category).

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Caraga Regional Development Council endorses the declaration of Hinatuan Bay, Enchanted River as Critical Habitats

by Rhea Mae C. Mendez , NEDA-Caraga

During its 83rd Full Council Meeting on June 25, 2015 at San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands, the RDC through the recommendation of the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) endorsed the declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted River as Critical Habitats in recognition of the urgent need to institutionalize protective measures over the said areas. The RDC issued Resolution No. 30 series of 2015, ―Endorsing the Designation/ declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted River as Critical Habitats.‖ The said resolution was anchored on the Critical Habitat Assessment of Hinatuan Bay conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office in 2007 which revealed that ―Dugongs and Turtles are already threatened due to the persistent harvesting of turtle eggs, hunting/slaughtering of the said marine creatures and gradual deterioration of their natural habitats due to removal of sea grasses, siltation, marine pollution and destructive fishing practices‖. Thus, the DENR-Caraga recommended the declaration of Hinatuan Bay as a critical habitat.

Republic Act No. 9147 known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act designates areas which are outside the protected areas covered under Republic Act No. 7586 known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) as critical habitats for protection.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga Regional Office as well as the Local Government of Hinatuan supported the recommendation of DENRCaraga. The LGU-Hinutuan even requested the expansion of the proposed critical habitat to include the Enchanted River due to the interconnectivity and interdependency of the two (2) ecosystems.

On 10 February 2015, the Hinatuan Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. VC -610 s. of 2015 to ―Save the Hinatuan Bay‖ and was submitted to the RDC-Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) for support.

On the other hand, Representative Florencio C. Garay of the Second Congressional District of Surigao del Sur sponsored House Bill No. 4865 which proposed the declaration of Enchanted River as protected area under the NIPAS with a category of Natural Park. With the recommendation of DENR-Caraga, the Protected Area Wildlife Bureau (now Biodiversity Management Bureau) considered the expansion of HB No. 4865 to include Hinatuan Bay to be declared as protected area under NIPAS. The approval process for the declaration of a protected area under NIPAS is rigid and will need an Act of Congress. Thus, the RDC opted for the process for the establishment of critical habitat because it is simpler and will require only the issuance of an Administrative Order by the DENR Secretary.

The declaration of Hinatuan Bay and Enchanted River as critical habitats will provide the legal basis for conservation and/or allow special management protection to ensure the survival of the species, increase community awareness on conservation efforts, and thereby improving the income of the fisherfolk in the Municipality of Hinatuan.

The Hinatuan Enchanted River is a lagoon-river In the island of Mindanao. It flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean from Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Suri gao del Sur. It is found between the boundaries of Barangays Talisay and Cambatong. It earned the moniker “enchanted river” from the diplomat Modesto Farolan who described the river in his poem entitled “Rio Encantado.”

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Caraga Regional Development CouncilInfrastructure Development Committee conducts 3rd Infrastructure Assessment in Siargao, Bucas Grande Islands

by Shobie L. Salazar, NEDA-Caraga

Tourism Support Facilities in Surigao del Norte is expected to improve after a regional team validated the infrastructure roads of the potential tourism sites in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands. The Regional Development Council – Infrastructure Development Committee (RDC-IDC) conducted its 3rd Infrastructure Assessment Visit in Sta. Monica, Cabitoonan, Dapa, General Luna (GL), Pilar, Socorro and the new road opening leading to Sohoton Cove on May 21-23, 2015.

As a game fishing and surfing hot spot of the Philippines, Siargao Islands gained extensive popularity among local and foreign tourists. It is also known for the untouched beauty of its beaches, and the allure of the Pilar Magpupungko Tidal Pool. The development of the famed Sohoton Cove and Blue lagoon, located in Bucas Grande Islands, is hampered by accessibility issues. The only means of transportation in and around the area are habal-habal and pump boats.

Under the government program dubbed as Tourism Road Infrastructure

Project Prioritization Criteria (TRIPPC), potential projects for funding are identified to include access to roads, sea ports, airports, Siargao Agri-Ecotourism Nautical Highways and leading to major tourist hubs.

TRIPPC is a national program developed under various agencies including Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Research Education and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation. It aims to ensure that the most urgent and needed infrastructure interventions are prioritized and implemented. It is also anchored on the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act (RA) No. 9593 that declares that tourism will be one of the country’s engine of investment and employment of national development.

This law primarily promotes the tourism industry through the development and integration of tourism concepts, regulation of standards for the operation of the tourism industry and establishment of a tourism infrastructure program.

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NEDA, SDSSU evaluate safe motherhood project in Bislig City

by Ian G. Miculob, NEDA-Caraga

Left: Staff of Bislig District Hospital led by Hospital Director Dr. Elenila Jakosalem (in gray dress) answer questions about the project.

Right: Project beneficiaries gather inside the Bislig City Multi -Purpose Hall during the survey on August 5, 2015.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga Regional Office and the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU) joined hands in evaluating the Second Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project (SWHSMP) implemented in Bislig City.

The reason for evaluating the said project is to pilot-test the Ex-Post Evaluation Reference Manual drafted by the NEDA Monitoring and Evaluation Staff, which will guide future evaluation activities that will be undertaken by the Government of the Philippines.

NEDA and SDSSU researchers interviewed 177 randomly selected respondents who are beneficiaries of the project and conducted focused group discussions among workers in the Rural Health Units - Bislig City, Bislig District Hospital, Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) facilities during the ex-post evaluation of the project on August 56, 2015 in Bislig City.

Using a Cebuano-translated questionnaire during the survey, the respondents answered questions on the four evaluation criteria which include effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and sustainability of the project. The local health workers were also interviewed based on their involvement in the project. The focused group discussions were conducted using the local dialect. Finally, key informants from the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Provincial Health Office and Local Government Unit –Bislig

City were also interviewed to provide relevant information on the project.

Before the ex-post evaluation in Bislig City, the team conducted two runs of pilot testing of the questionnaires in San Agustin on July 14 and Tandag City on July 24-25. The content of the questionnaire was also validated beforehand by the Department of Health, NEDA Regional Office and NEDA Central Office Monitoring and Evaluation Staff.

The results of the study will be used to further enhance the draft Ex-Post Evaluation Reference Manual prepared by NEDA Central Office.

SWHSMP was approved by the World Bank on June 30, 2005 with the amount of US$16.00 million and was implemented in Regions V and XIII specifically in the provinces of Sorsogon and Surigao del Sur. The project was completed on December 11, 2011.

Caraga is one of the pilot areas for ex-post evaluation initiated by the Monitoring and Evaluation Staff of the NEDA Central Office.

An ex-post evaluation is conducted three to five years after the completion of the project to draw lessons and guide policy makers especially on how to improve the design of similar future project.

NEDA contracted the services of Dr. Roxan G. Eupeńa and Dr. Edmundo C. Lopez, both professors of SDSSU to assist NEDA in completing said study.

Earlier, the Regional Development Council passed a resolution approving budget support for the evaluation to go full circle.

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Caraga Region’s economy slows down in 2014

by Mirasol P. Montenegro , NEDA-Caraga

Caraga Region has consistently been in the top five fastest growing economies in the country for the last five (5) years. The region’s economy grew significantly with rates even higher than that of the Philippines. However, the trend in GRDP growth rates is decelerating over the years.

The region experienced a slowdown in its economy in 2014 as indicated in the recently released Annual Economic Performance Report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The region’s economy, as measured in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), reached PhP91.05 Billion in 2014 based on 2000 constant prices. This represents a 7.8 increase from PhP84.44 Billion in 2013.

However, the said growth rate was lower by 0.3 percentage points against the 2013 annual growth rate of 8.1 percent.

The slowdown in the region’s economy was attributed mainly to the downturns in several subsectors’ performance. The biggest slump was noted in the Electricity, Gas and Water Supply (EGWS) of the Industry Sector, which growth rate plummeted from 24.7 percent in 2013 to 6.6 percent in 2014. The performance of the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery (AHFF) was greatly affected by the decline in the Agriculture and Forestry (AF) Subsector’s growth rate by 9.04 percentage points from 10.0 percent in 2013 to only 0.6 percent in 2014. Nevertheless, the significant increase in the Fishery Subsector from -6.1 percent in 2013 to 0.1 percent salvaged the overall performance of the AHFF Sector. For the Services Sector, the Financial Intermediation Subsector expanded but at a lower rate of 6.0 percent, representing a 5.5 percentage point reduction from its growth rate of 11.5 percent in 2013. A decline in the Other

Services Subsector’s growth rate was also observed from 6.5 percent in 2013 to only 1.9 percent last year. The Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities (RSRBA) experienced also a reduction of its growth rate by 1.1 percentage points from 6.5 percent in 2013 to 5.4 percent in 2014.

Among the Sectors, the Industry Sector managed to display a double-digit growth rate of 11.1 percent in 2014 notwithstanding the low performance of the EGWS Subsector. This represents a 2.8 percentage points increase in its growth rate in 2013 of 7.3 percent. The substantial expansion of the Construction, Manufacturing and Mining and Quarrying (M & Q) Subsectors heaved the overall performance of the Sector, which grew by 23.5 percent, 12.7 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively.

GRDP Growth Rates by Region, 2012-2013 and 2013 -2014, At Constant 2000 Prices, in Percent AREA Philippines

GROWTH RATE 2012-13 2013-14 7.1 6.1

NCR

9.2

5.9

CAR

5.4

3.2

Ilocos

6.8

5.7

Cagayan Valley

6.2

6.4

Central Luzon

4.4

9.0

CALABARZON

6.7

5.1

MIMAROPA

1.3

6.5

Bicol

8.1

4.2

Western Visayas

3.4

4.9

Central Visayas

7.4

8.8

Eastern Visayas

4.5

(2.3)

Zamboanga Peninsula

4.1

6.5

Northern Mindanao

5.3

7.2

Davao Region SOCCSKSARGEN

6.7 8.4

9.4 6.4

Caraga

8.1

7.8

ARMM

3.8

3.0

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

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Indeed, the Manufacturing Subsector rebounded from a negative growth rate of 2.2 percent in 2013 to 12.7 percent in 2014.

Despite the drop in its growth rate, the Services Sector continues to account for the biggest share of the region’s economy contributing 45.7 percent in 2014. It is followed by Industry Sector, which contributed 34.7 percent. The AHFF Sector’s contribution is recorded at 19.6 percent.

The region ranked 16th in terms of regional share to the national GRDP by contributing 1.3 percent in 2014. The same share was accounted for in 2013. The National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON and Central Luzon remained as the top three regions with the biggest economies. Caraga Region contributed 0.1 percentage points to the 6.1 percent GDP growth in 2014. NCR was the top contributor to the national growth at 2.1 percentage points followed by CALABARZON at 0.9 percentage points.

13 Gross Regional Domestic Product’s Percentage Share Contribution by Sector, 2013-2014

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Gross Regional Domestic Product (Php’000) by Industrial Origin 2013-2014 and Growth Rates (in Percent) by Industry Caraga Region 2012-2014 at Constant 2000 Prices INDUSTRY I. AGRI., HUNTING, FORESTRY & FISHING a. Agriculture and Forestry b. Fishing II INDUSTRY a. Mining and Quarrying b. Manufacturing c. Construction d. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply III SERVICE a. Transport, Storage & Communication b. Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods c. Financial Intermediation d. Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities e. Public Administration & Defense; Compulsory Social Security f. Other Services GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

2012

2013

2014

2012-13

2013-14

7.2 10.0

0.6 0.6

16,550,414 13,704,534 2,845,880

17,745,607 15,073,313 2,672,294

17,851,146 15,164,891 2,686,255

26,480,210 16,914,312 2,453,057 5,948,514 1,164,327

28,422,904 18,108,320 2,398,531 6,463,944 1,452,110

31,588,408 19,543,433 2,704,152 7,985,040 1,355,783

(6.1) 7.3 7.1 (2.2) 8.7 24.7

0.5 11.1 7.9 12.7 23.5 (6.6)

35,069,677 11,710,061 3,015,601

38,270,050 13,352,497 3,209,720

41,607,398 15,566,468 3,463,587

9.1 14.0 6.4

8.7 16.6 7.9

3,067,164 4,729,272

3,419,304 5,034,567

3,623,393 5,306,439

11.5

6.0

6.5

5.4

4,514,797 8,032,782 78,100,301

4,699,442 8,554,520 84,438,562

4,932,834 8,714,678 91,046,952

4.1

5.0

6.5

1.9

8.1

7.8

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Breastfeeding at work works

by Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA-Caraga

Do you know that mothers can continue nursing their babies even when they are away from home? August is Breastfeeding Month and ―Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s make it work!‖ is this year’s battle cry.

Developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends the "exclusive breastfeeding of infants from birth up to 6 months and provision of appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to more than 2 years to ensure optimum growth and development".

Lactating mothers can express breastmilk into storage bottles and keep them in the refrigerator or in insulated coolers with ice packs . Considered to be the healthiest fast food, breastmilk can last up to 24 hours when stored in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in deep freezer. It can be thawed in room temperature and cup-fed to babies while the mother is away.

While breastmilk provides the best nutrition for human babies, breastfeeding promotes a loving bond between the mother and her baby. It strengthens their immunity by building and exchanging antibodies through the enteromammary pathway during direct latching.

To help ensure breastfeeding at work works, the Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 mandates to ―encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding; protect working women by providing healthful working conditions considering their maternal functions; and provide specific measures that will enable working mothers to continue expressing milk and/or breastfeeding their young child‖.

The Caraga Regional Nutrition Council (RNC) supports this mandate through Resolution No. 02-2012 enjoining regional line agencies (RLAs) and local government units (LGUs) to establish breastfeeding stations where mothers can express breastmilk or

breastfeed in privacy.

Wanting to become a model as the RDC Secretariat, NEDA is setting up a lactation and child-minding room in its newly constructed NEDA Building along J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.

Breastfeeding by the Numbers Philippines 6 months Duration of exclusive breastfeeding* recommended by WHO and UNICEF for optimal infant growth, development and health 24 days Average duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines (2003 National Demographic and Health Survey) 19.2% Percentage of infants exclusively breastfed in Caraga Region (2009 NDHS) 1 out of 4 Filipino children under 5 years old are at risk of infection and death (WHO) 16,000 Number of deaths per year that can be traced to formula-feeding (WHO) 25 Number of times a formula-fed infant is more likely to die of diarrhea, than a breastfed infant. (UNICEF) P55.7 million Amount spent yearly for out-patient treatment of acute respiratory infections due to formulafeeding (WHO) P4,000 Average monthly cost of formula-feeding one infant P0 Cost of mother’s breastmilk *breastmilk alone is the only food and drink given to the infant; not even water.

Source: UNICEF

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The Advantages of Breastfeeding FOR MOTHERS FOR BABIES  Reduces blood loss after birth (early/immediate breastfeeding)  Helps expel the placenta  Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer Breastmilk  Makes night feedings easier  Supplies all necessary  Delays return of fertility nutrients in proper proportion (exclusive and on-demand  Contains long chain polyunfeeding) saturated fatty acids (DHA &  Ensure close physical ARA) not found in other milks contact with the baby that enhances neurological  Saves time and money development  Is available 24 hours a day  Prevents hypoglycemia or  Makes mother calmer and low blood sugar more relaxed  Reduces the risk of developing allergies  Contains bioactive factors that augment the infant’s immature immune system  Provides antibodies that protect against common illnesses  Digests easily to help proper absorption of nutrients without causing constipation and irritation  Protects against diarrhea  Protect against infections including ear infections  Keeps baby well hydrated during illness  Is always ready at the right temperature  Promotes proper jaw, speech and teeth development  Is comforting to colicky, overtired, ill or hurt babies Colostrum  Defends against infection  High in protein  First immunization

FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES           

Is economical Is accessible Needs no preparation Reduces cost for medicines for sick baby Delays new pregnancy Reduces time lost from work to care for a sick child Reduces pollution Reduces poverty Is socially acceptable Less crime/ less theft to buy formula Resources can be used for other needs

Early skin-to-skin contact  Stabilizes baby’s temperature  Promotes a loving bond with the mother Source: Infant and Young Child Feeding, WHO

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Laying the Policy Infrastructure for Education Reforms

by Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., Regional Director, TESDA-Caraga

One of the gains the President cited in his latest and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) were the reforms in the country’s education sector. Indeed, this administration has produced more education related legislations with farreaching impact to the nation than any of its immediate predecessors.

While the Philippines as a country may be ―forced to good‖ to do these reforms amid the inexorable and tradition-altering education innovations occurring across the world, it is the Aquino Administration which really had the political will to initiate. Here’s an inventory of the educational legislations enacted: Enhanced Basic Education Act (RA 10533) Designed to lengthen the present education cycle by two more years and make education system at par with the rest of the world. K to 12 offers, among other features, choices for students in the basic education after they graduate from Senior High School to either continue on to complete college degrees using the various academic strands as their platforms, or those who completed the technicalvocational track and TESDA-certified to pursue employment opportunities. This is an empowering tool that makes education

and training an instrument of poverty alleviation.

Kindergarten Law (RA 10157) The law seeks to make kindergarten a mandatory and compulsory entry-level requirement for basic education prior to Grade 1. This is the lowest rung of the K to 12 continuum, making the Philippine basic education cycle equivalent to a total of 13 years.

Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) (EO 83, series of 2012) The PQF seeks to create a unified education highway where students could move seamlessly from one level of the education system to the next (from basic education on to technical education to higher education) and from the informal (recognition of prior learning and the like) to the formal system. It allows for easier access and flexibility in entry into and exit from the system. Consisting of eight levels, the PQF sets the standards for qualification outcomes and is aligned with international qualifications ―to support the national and international mobility of workers through increased recognition of the value and comparability of Philippine qualifications.‖ The PQF is the Philippines’ our policy and tool for generating Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with ASEAN

Vol. XVIII

Issue 3

17 Far right: On-site training on Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Wheel Loader National Certificate II at TESDA-Agusan del Norte.

Right: TVET on Culinary Arts at the TESDA-Agusan del Norte Training Center in Cabadbaran City

member countries on human resources in the regional labor market.

Ladderized Education Act (RA 10647) Provides for multiple pathways for those in technical vocational education and training (TVET) stream to continue to higher education and obtain college degrees by going through the TVET ladder or socalled access ramps embedded into the higher education degree structure. This allows for easy transition and progression of students to go upward in their career at their own pace and requirements.

Open Distance Learning Act (ODL) (RA 10650) Institutionalizes into a unified framework the current models of alternative learning deliveries, such as online programs, distance learning and blended programs.

This new law will afford school leavers in the tertiary education level to acquire competencies without the rigid requirements of physically going to classrooms and workshops. It offers new opportunities for those intending to pursue graduate education but lacks the time needed to do it.

Rural Farms Act (RA 10618) Revives the dying programs on agriculture and fisheries by bringing the training right

there in the communities. The challenge for agriculture education nowadays is the lack of enrolment and fresh intake of students getting into the programs despite heavy government subsidies and incentives.

Go Negosyo Act (RA 10644) In a way, this can be considered a piece of education legislation as it mandates the integration of entrepreneurship into the curriculum of basic and higher education programs, and is expected to build the infrastructure needed to create, nurture and develop a culture of entrepreneurship among students to prepare them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

President Aquino recognized the convergence efforts of DOLE, CHED, TESDA and DepEd in addressing the perennial issue of job mismatch. He exhorted these agencies to review and analyze the educational curriculum to fit to the requirements of industries, and provide students with informed career choices based on labor market information.

From basic education to TVET to higher education, from informal systems to formal institutional structures, from a domestic application to an internationalized perspective - the Aquino administration has got all policies in the education bases covered.

All About HIV What is HIV?

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life.

HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS.

unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal)

Source: www.cdc.gov

Source: www.who.int

Stages of HIV

Source: Mikael Häggström

Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, you may feel sick with flu-like symptoms During this period of infection, large amounts of HIV are being produced in your body.

transfusion of contaminated blood

sharing contaminated

Source: Thomas Splettstoesser

During this phase, HIV is still reproduces at very low levels any symptoms or get sick dur

Your ability to spread HIV is highest during this stage because the amount of virus in the blood is very high.

Toward the middle and end o load begins to rise and your C to drop. As this happens, you symptoms of HIV infection as becomes too weak to protect

Acute Infection: 2-4 weeks

Clinical latency: up t

of needles

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Others? 

between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

active, but s. You may not have ring this time.

of this period, your viral CD4 cell count begins u may begin to have s your immune system t you.

to 10 years

 

Use a latex condom or square of latex or plastic wrap ("dental dam") each and every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. (If you have a latex allergy, use polyethylene condoms with oil-based lubricants.)

Learn more about how to practice safer sex.

Don't share needles, syringes, or equipment used to prepare injection drugs or to inject them. HIV can stay in syringes for a month or longer. Seek treatment for drug use, but in the meantime, be sure to use a clean

  



needle each time you inject.

See a qualified professional who uses sterile equipment if you plan to get a tattoo or have your body pierced.

Don't share toothbrushes or razors.

Talk to a doctor about getting tested for HIV if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you're HIVpositive, seek counseling and treatment, which can prevent HIV from being passed to a fetus or infant in most cases.

Do not breastfeed if you have a newborn and are HIV-positive.

Source: www.webmd.com

Source: Mikael Häggström

This is the stage of infection that occurs when your immune system is badly damaged and you become vulnerable to infections and infectionrelated cancers called opportunistic illnesses.

Without treatment, people who are diagnosed with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. Once someone has a dangerous opportunistic illness, life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1 year.

People with AIDS need medical treatment to prevent death.

AIDS: up to 3 years

Source: www.cdc.gov

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1st Quarter 2015 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer Overview of the Economy Key Labor Statistics Caraga, January 2014-2015 January January Percent Province/Region 2014 2015 Change Labor Force (in thousands) 1,777 1,748 1.66 % Labor force Participation Rate 65.5 64.4 1.71% Employment Rate 93.5 92.4 1.19% Unemployment Rate 6.5 7.6 -14.47% Underemployment Rate 23.9 25.9 -7.72%

MACRO ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE Inflation and Consumer Price Index The average inflation rate registers at 3.40 percent in the first quarter of 2015.

This represents a decrease of 2.30 percentage points from the 5.70 percent in 2014. All provinces’ rates decrease with Agusan del Norte recording the highest drop of 65.31 percent from its 4.90 inflation rate in the first quarter of 2014 to 1.70 in 2015. The province of Surigao del Sur registered the highest rate at 4.27 percent in the first quarter of 2015.

In the first quarter of 2015, Caraga’s Consumer Inflation Rate, 2014-2015 (%)

Price Index (CPI) averaged at PhP159.27. This is 3.42 percent higher than the CPI of the same period last year which stood at PhP154.00.

Consequently, the Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) decreased by 3.59 percent from an average of 0.65 in the first quarter of 2014 to 0.63 in the first quarter of 2015.

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERY Crops Palay Palay production during the first quarter of 2015 reached 27,812 MT or a decline of 5.90 percent from the

29,556 MT harvested in the same period in 2014. The decline in production is mainly attributed to the decrease in area planted and delayed preparation of the land due to late onset of rains. Moreover, aside from the damage inflicted by Typhoon Seniang, some areas were stricken by blackbug and water stress.

Among the provinces, Surigao del Sur is the highest producer of palay during the period contributing more than half of the total production.

Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte follow with 18 percent and 15 percent contribution, respectively.

Consumer Price Index, 2014-2015 (PhP)

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Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate, Purchasing Power of Peso by Province, 1st Quarter 2014-2015 CPI Province Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur

Inflation Rate

1Q2014

1Q2015

Percent Change

148.03 148.40 141.13 173.87

150.57 153.73 145.83 181.13

1.71% 3.59% 3.33% 4.18%

1Q2014

1Q2015

4.90 5.87 4.00 7.07

1.70 3.60 3.37 4.27

PPP Percent Change -65.31% -38.64% -15.83% -39.62%

1Q2014

1Q2015

Percent Change

0.68 0.67 0.71 0.58

0.67 0.65 0.68 0.55

-1.48% -3.47% -3.76% -4.62%

Purchasing Power of Peso, 2014-2015

As to areas planted, Surigao del Sur topped the five provinces by owning 48 percent of total are a planted. This is followed

by Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte with shares of 19 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

Corn Corn production for the first quarter of 2015 was estimated at 832 MT is 404.24 percent higher compared to last year’s output of 165 MT. The growth is attributed to the increase in area planted and yield. The area planted with corn reached 118 hectares during the first quarter of 2015 compared to 88 hectares for the same period last year. Further, more

farmers were encouraged to plant corn due to high demand and better price in the market. Similarly, they were more inclined to plant white corn for consumption and the increase in yield was attributed to the use of high quality seeds. In addition, financing schemes for yellow corn were also made available.

All provinces posted positive growth with Agusan del Sur as the top corn producer contributing 67 percent to the total production in the first quarter of 2015 followed by Agusan del Norte with a share of 29 percent.

Other Crops Fruits Fruit production posted an increase of 21.97 percent reaching an aggregate yield of 62,180.64 MT in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 50,981.75 MT in same period last year. Banana contributed 95.45 percent of the total fruit production as it grew by 23.52 percent from an output of 48,050.59 MT in the first quarter of 2014 to 59,350.30 MT for

the same period in 2015.

This growth is largely due to the increase of Banana Cavendish production brought about by an increase in area harvested in Tagbina and Barobo, all in Surigao del Sur and more bearing hills harvested in Mindanao Agri Traders Incorporated in Agusan del Norte.

As to share, Major Fruits contributed largely to the total output by a whopping 98.25 percent share with a total of 49,726.08 MT. The output exhibited a 22.85 increase in production compared to the first quarter of 2014. This is followed by the Priority Fruit Group contributing 0.91 percent which represents a decrease of 22.17 percent for a total harvest of 523 MT. The decline is caused by fewer fruits harvested per durian bearing tree. A drop in production of lazones, mangosteen and papaya were also noted. The remaining 0.84 percent of the total production was accounted for by other types of fruits.

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Area Planted, Palay (In Hectares)

Vegetables In the first quarter of 2015, all types of vegetables showed an uptick compared to the production in the first quarter of 2014. From a total production of 9,918.43 MT in 2014, it rose to a total of 11,484.17 MT in 2015 posting a 15.79 percent increase. The growth is largely attributed to the increase in production of cassava, camote, eggplant, squash fruit, okra, pechay native, stringbeans, ampalaya, gabi and gourd brought by increase in area harvested and bigger sizes of tubers harvested for cassava and camote.

Major vegetables contributed 59.91 percent of the total production for the first quarter in 2015, followed by priority vegetables at 31.03 percent.

The remaining 9.05 percent is contributed by other types of vegetables.

23 Area Planted, Corn (In Hectares)

Non-Food and Industrial Crops (NFICs) Non-Food and Industrial Crops declined by 4.67 percent with a total production of 210,325.87 MT in the first quarter of 2015 compared to last year’s harvest of 220,618.02 MT. This drop is largely caused by the decrease in production of coconut due to continuous heavy rains in January and February and fewer nuts harvested per bearing tree. There was also a decrease in the production of rubber (coagulated cup lump) due to the drop in prices in Agusan del Sur and a decrease in production of oil palm brought by smaller sizes of bunch harvested and fewer fruits per tree.

Although coconut production decreased by 4.34 percent in the first quarter, it remained as the top contributor with a share of 85.30 percent .

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Livestock production improved by 4.05 percent from 10,238 MT in the first quarter of 2014 it went up to 10,653 MT in the first quarter of 2015. Although carabao, cattle and goat registered decreases in production, the upturn of the total output is attributed to the 5. 79 percent increase in hog production.

Likewise, poultry increased by 11.02 percent as it went up from 4,346 MT in the first quarter of 2014 to 4,825 MT in first quarter of this year. Chicken and Chicken Eggs also increased by 10.88 percent and 19.98 percent respectively. On the other hand, both Duck and Duck Egg productions slightly declined by 2.44 percent and 19.05 percent respectively.

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Major Vegetable Production, 1Q2014-2015, in Metric Tons

Major Fruit Production, 1Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Type of Fruit Banana Calamansi Mango Pineapple

1Q2014

1Q2015

48,050.59 447.52 1110.17 117.80

59,350.30 451.89 1,165.98 121.64

Percent Change 23.52% 0.98% 5.03% 3.26%

FISHERY Tiger Prawns harvested in the first quarter of 2015 reached 112.26 MT posting an increase of 127.89 percent compared to the level of production in the same period last year.

Milkfish production followed with an increase of 29.70 percent in 2015 due to greater harvest from brackish water cages in Butuan City and Buenavista and marine cages in Nasipit and Carmen. Meanwhile, Yellowfin Tuna appeared more in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 posting a 5.44 percent increase in production. More catch of other species such as indian sardines locally known as

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

Abaca(dried raw fiber) Coconut w/ husk Coffee(dried berries w/ pulp) Rubber(coagulated cup lump) Sugarcane (cane) Tobacco(dried leaves)

1.00 2.23 0.50 210.58 7.19 3,721.67 1,842.87

“tamban” was recorded in the first quarter 2015 with a total of 11,783.48 MT. Tilapia production decreased by 3.78 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the 295.86 MT produced in the same period last year. This drop is attributed to infrequent appearance in Lake Mainit and Baoy River in Gigaquit due to low water level.

Lesser appearances of Roundscad and Skipjack were also recorded in the first quarter of 2015 resulting in decreases in production by 6.71 percent and 7.75 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, seaweed production reached 1,181.32 MT registering a decrease of 19.56 percent compared to

Major NFIC, 1Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons NFIC

1Q2014

1Q2015

Percent Change

1.06 2.31 1.22 254.26 12.01 1.20 4,666.10 1,942.40

6.00% 3.59% 144.00% 20.74% 67.04% 25.38% 5.40%

last year’s 1,468.62 MT as the species was affected by “ice-ice.”

Forestry Log production was estimated at 130,764.27 cubic meters (cu.m.) in the first quarter 2015, posting a decrease of 30.47 percent from the 188,073.88 cu.m. level in the first quarter of 2014. Production from the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC) decreased by 31.65 percent. The PTPOC accounted for 97 percent of the total log production.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY Manufacturing Manufactured forest products reached

Livestock Production, 1Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons 1Q2014 1,026.35 187,554.97 10.88 1,976.44 0.16 -

1Q2015 1,082.71 17,9418.0 1 11.63 1,827.94 0.12 -

Percent Change 5.49% -4.34% 6.89% -7.51% -25.47% -

Livestock Carabao Cattle Hog Goat Total

1Q2014

1Q2015

792 338 8,863 245 10,238

710 337 9,376 230 10,653

Percent Change -10.53% -0.30% 5.79% -6.12% 4.05%

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25

Poultry Production, 1Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Poultry Chicken Duck Chicken Eggs Duck Eggs Total

1Q2014 3,279 41 816 210 4,346

133,045.88 cu.m. duing the first quarter of 2015, which is 18.62 percent lower than the output in first quarter of 2014 at 163,488.19 cu.m.

Major manufactured products include veneer, lumber, blockboard and plywood.

SERVICES Tourism Tourist arrivals increased by 3.65 percent in the first quarter of 2015 with a total of 210,745 arrivals compared to 203,314 during the same period last year.

The aggregate figures in 2015 for domestic tourist arrivals reached 195,739, which is equivalent to 92.88 percent of the total tourist arrivals. This poses an increase of 2.87 percent from last year’s total.

Log Production, 2014-2015

1Q2015 3,636 40 979 170 4,825

Percent Change 10.88% -2.44% 19.98% -19.05% 11.02%

Foreign tourists contribute 6.54 percent; while the remaining 0.58 percent of the total tourists are OFWs or ―balikbayan” which increased by 100.65 percent in the first quarter of 2015 with a total of 1,228 compared to 612 in the same period last year.

Among the provinces, Surigao del Norte registered the highest number of tourist arrivals both in the first quarters of 2014 and 2015. Surigao del Norte is the home to the famous Surfing Capital in the country, the Siargao Islands.

Surigao del Norte was followed closely by Agusan del Sur in both periods.

In the first quarter of 2015, Surigao City recorded a total of 58,833 tourist arrivals. This is followed closely by Butuan City with

Fishery Production, By Species, 1Q 2014-2015, in Metric Tons Species Milkfish Tilapia Tiger Prawn Roundscad SkipJack Yellowfin Tuna Seaweeds Others

a total of 56,837 tourist arrivals or 26.97 percent.

Despite its decrease by 3.06 percent compared to the first quarter 2014 figure, Surigao City still has the most number of tourists contributing to 27.92 percent of the total tourist arrivals in the region.

Shipping and Cargoes Total number of shipcalls in the first quarter of 2015 reached 3,515, higher by 21.25 percent from the 2,910 posted in the first quarter 2014. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising Manufactured Products, 1Q 2014-2015, in Cubic Meters

1Q2014

1Q2015

360.01 295.86 49.26 448.92 852.09 897.1 1,468.62 11,242.93

466.92 284.68 112.26 418.79 786.02 945.88 1,181.32 11,783.48

Percent Change 29.70% -3.78% 127.89% -6.71% -7.75% 5.44% -19.56% 4.81%

Product Lumber Veneer Plywood Blockboard Fiberboard Matches Barecore Match Splints

1Q2014

1Q2015

27,411.77 50,086 49,670 23,422 4,569 7,868 336 126

27,234.57 45,291 24,230 26,936 656 7,868 642 189

Percent Change -0.65% -9.57% -51.22% 15.00% -85.63% 0% 91.00% 50.00%

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26 Tourist Arrivals, By Province, 1Q 2014-2015

Tourist Arrivals, By City, 1Q 2014-2015

Tourist Arrivals, By Type of Tourist, 1Q 2014-2015

MT to 143,214 MT in the same period.

Foreign export throughput reached 941,109 MT in the first quarter 2015, indicating an increase of 70.27 percent from last year’s 552,705 MT due to the entry of Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated which consequently increased the shipment of nickel ore to China.

PEACE AND SECURITY 99 percent of the total shipcalls. Domestic shipcalls increased by 20.79 percent due to an increase in shipment of sand and gravel particulary at Masao Local Government Port. Foreign shipcalls likewise increased by 187.50 percent as Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated commenced its operations.

Inbound domestic cargo throughput increased by 20.36 percent from 178,583 MT during the first quarter of 2014 to 214,944 MT in the first quarter of 2015.

Likewise, outbound domestic cargo increased by 24.24 percent from 115,270

In the first quarter of 2015, Caraga’s crime incidence contracted compared to the figures in the first quarter of 2014. From a total of 4,596 in 2014, it dropped to 3,549 in 2014 posting a decrease of 22.78 percent. All provinces reflected a drop except for the crime incidence in Dinagat Islands which grew by 13.83 percent.

Although Butuan City’s crime incidence decreased by 5.43 percent, the city contributes 35 percent of the region’s total crime rate.

Surigao del Norte registered the most significant drop by

40.61 percent, from 1,406 crime incidence in the first quarter of 2014 it went down to 835 incidences in the same period this year.

However, the province still ranks second in terms of crime occurrence in the region with 24 percent share. Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur followed contributing 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Of the total crime volume, 50.10 percent were index crimes while 49.90 percent were non-index.

Statistics also show that in the first quarter of 2015, both index crimes and nonindex crimes were most rampant in the month of January 2015.

Compared to the figures in the first quarter of 2014, Caraga generally presented an improvement in both Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE) and Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) in 2015.

CCE reached an aggregate of 43.48 percent in the first quarter of 2015 which is 70.06 percent better than the figure in the first quarter 2014. Meanwhile, CSE

Vol. XVIII

Issue 3

Domestic Cargo Throughput, 1Q 2014-2015

averaged at 36.88 percent posting a 56.96 percent decrease from the previous year’s figure.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 13, the number of crimes involving the use of firearms, street crimes and those perpetrated by motorcycle-riding criminals are not alarming relative to other regions. PRO 13 is implementing pro-active measures, such as police visibility, motorcycle tandem police patrol, and

27 Foreign Cargo Throughput, 1Q 2014-2015

checkpoints/chokepoints to prevent and control crimes.

The region through the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) is regularly conducting Criminal Investigation Courses (CIC) to equip investigators with basic skills and techniques in criminal solution and filing of cases in court.

Despite the possible resurgence of crime groups in the region, PRO 13 considers them as nonserious threats to the general

Total Crime Volume per Province, 1Q 2014-2015

peace and order.

PRO 13 initiates innovative pro-active strategies like Patrol 101 and “Operations Tambuli‖ which ensures 24-hour police visibility along National Highways, major thoroughfares and crime prone areas. Generally, Caraga remains peaceful with manageable crime incidents.

Total Index Crime Vs. Total Non-index Crime, 1Q 2015

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2nd Quarter 2015 Caraga RPMC Monitoring Report a) Project Title

Financial (PhP '000) Program a) Started a) Allocation b) Completion b) Proj Cost c) Rev Comp Date c) Rev Cost Schedule

Physical Accomplishment (as of Date of Monitoring)

b) c) d)

Remarks Implementing Agency Location Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%) Contractor Project is ongoing. Remaining Works inNEDA/RDC Building NEDA Caraga a) 12/13/2013 a) 48,206.61 93.17 90.00 (3.17) clude minor corrections, installation of air conditioning units and CCTV System.

Butuan City b) 4/8/2015 b) Kyro Builders c) c) Project is ongoing but delayed. NIA took Baleguian Communal Irrigation System over the project.

ADN-IMO a) 7/17/2014 a) 27,353.00 no data 51.54 no data Baleguian, Jabonga, ADN b) b) 27,353.00 Force Account c) c) Construction of Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital Project is ongoing.

DPWH SDN 1st DEO a) 2/6/2015 a) 60,000.00 10.51 19.38 8.87 Placer, Surigao del Norte b) 1/16/2016 b) Kent Group of Companies c) c) Project was completed on November 21, Lipata Port Expansion Project 2014.

PPA Surigao City a) 9/10/2013 a) no data 100.00 100.00 Lipata, Surigao City b) 11/21/2014 b) no data Equi-Parco Construction c) c) no data NRJ Lipata-Punta Bilar-Looc-Mabua Road leading to War Memorial Building and Pebbles Beach Resort, As of March 23, 2015, the project was Brgys. Lipata, Punta Bilar and Mabua, Surigao City suspended due to RROW issues.

SD 1st DEO a) 5/29/2014 a) 50,000.00 100.00 70.64 (29.36) Brgy. Lipata, Punta Bilar & Ma- b) 5/23/2015 b) 45,305.00 bua, Surigao City GICAR Construction Inc. c) c) As of May 13, 2015, the project was deSurigao Port Improvement Project PPA Surigao City a) no data a) no data 2.85 0.66 (2.19) layed due to non-availability of area for storage of materials.

Surigao City b) no data b) no data EPCC c) no data c) no data Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of Circumferential Road Leading to Lake Mainit (Mainit-PoblacionProject is ongoing. Equipment failure and Tagbuyawan) RROW issues delayed the project.

SDN 1st DEO a) 3/23/2015 a) 150,000.00 19.39 12.34 (7.05) Mainit, SDN b) 12/17/2015 b) 137,508.00 GICAR Construction Inc. c) c) Construction/Improvement of Access Roads Leading to Tourism Destinations Jct Gata-Mapaso (Hot Spring) As of April 30, 2015, variation order for a 130-day extension was issued due to rock Road Leading to Lake Mainit SDN 1st DEO a) 5/26/2014 a) 62.36 59.60 (2.76) excavation.

Brgy. Mapaso, Mainit, SDN b) 5/11/2015 b) 38,451.00 ADFIL Construction c) c) Concreting/Construction of Butuan City Bypass Road (Bancasi Elliptical & Mahay-NRJ Antongalon Section), Project is ongoing as of May 15, 2015. with Bridge, Butuan City DPWH RO a) 2/27/2015 a) 13.02 14.20 1.18 Butuan City b) 11/18/2015 b) 109,195.00 Equi-Parco Construction Co. c) c) Upgrading of NRJ-Butuan City-Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II Ave. Road Leading to Mt. Mayapay (Delta Discov- Project is ongoing. There are portions that need riprap, but riprap was not included in ery Park), Sitio Matin-ao, Bonbon, Butuan City DPWH BCDEO a) 3/3/2015 a) 40,000.00 12.82 25.97 13.15 the project.

Butuan City b) 10/21/2015 b) 36,840.00 ADFIL Construction c) c)

a) b) c) d)

Rechanneling/Desiltation of Langihan Lagoon-Pequeǹo Creek with Bridge DPWH RO a) 2/27/2015 a) Butuan City b) 11/23/2015 b) 134,470.00 Equi-Parco Construction Co. c) c)

b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a)

0.27

0.44

As of May 15, 2015, there are RROW 0.17 issues that need to be resolved since about 200 households need to be relocated.

Vol. XVIII a) Project Title b) Implementing Agency c) Location d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a) b) c) d) a)

Issue 3

Schedule a) Started b) Completion

29 Financial (PhP '000) Program a) Allocation b) Proj Cost

Planned (%)

Actual (%)

a) 3/20/2014

a) 205,996.12

c) La Paz and Loreto, ADS

b) 7/14/2016

b) 173,036.65

d) Kyro Builders Construction

c)

c)

Bislig City Integrated Development Project - Irrigation Component (BCID-IC) NIA SDS PMO a) June 2014 a) 6,047.13 Bislig City, SDS b) Feb 2015 b) JAP Construction & Devt Corp. c) c)

Remarks

Slippage (%)

Contractor c) Rev Comp Date c) Rev Cost Bayugan Riverbank Protection along National Road Junction Bayugan-Esperanza Road DPWH ADS 1st DEO a) 11/28/2014 a) 95.20 96.80 1.60 Bayugan City, ADS b) 3/20/2015 b) 17,586.00 ROIM Builders & Cons. Supply c) 5/19/2015 c) Rechanneling of Wawa River along Crossing Luna (Upstream) k0+000 - k0+340 DPWH ADS 1st DEO a) 11/28/2014 a) 24,381.69 27.61 27.70 0.09 Esperanza, ADS b) 4/2/2015 b) ROIM Builders & Cons. Supply/ c) 6/1/2015 c) Datrebil Cons. and Supply (JV) Rechanneling of Wawa River along Crossing Luna (Downstream) k0+000 - k0+376 DPWH ADS 1st DEO a) 11/28/2014 a) 18,520.68 48.37 49.77 1.40 Esperanza, ADS b) 4/2/2015 b) ROIM Builders & Cons. Supply/ c) 6/1/2015 c) Datrebil Cons. and Supply (JV) Umayam River Irrigation Project (URIP) Construction of Diversion Dam and its Appurtenant Structures

b) NIA-URIP PMO

a) b) c) d)

Physical Accomplishment (as of Date of Monitoring)

31.80

21.11

(10.69)

100.00

no data

no data

Approved Time Extension of 60 CD due to inclement weather. This is a NDRRMCfunded project.

Approved Time Extension of 60 CD due to inclement weather. This is a NDRRMCfunded project.

Approved Time Extension of 60 CD due to inclement weather. This is a NDRRMCfunded project.

Project is delayed. Contractor's PE instructed to implement the agreed catch-up plan and to increase labor and equipment to make-up for the delay.

Project is ongoing. Delayed.

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a) Project Title b) Implementing Agency c) Location

Schedule a) Started b) Completion

Financial (PhP '000) Program a) Allocation b) Proj Cost

Physical Accomplishment (as of Date of Monitoring) Planned (%)

Actual (%)

d) Contractor c) Rev Comp Date c) Rev Cost a) Road Upgrading and Preservation Project - Annual Work Program 2/Preventive Maintenance - 19, Balibadon Tandag Section b) DPWH J-RUPP PMO a) 3/30/2015 a) 164,227.64 3.76 4.79 1.03 c) Tandag City, SDS b) 10/25/2015 b) d) EQUI-PARCO Construction Co. c) c) a) Road Upgrading and Preservation Project - Annual Work Program 2/Preventive Maintenance - 20, TandagTago Section b) DPWH J-RUPP PMO a) 3/30/2015 a) 148,906.15 0.22 7.98 7.76 c) Tandag City, SDS b) 10/25/2015 b) d) M. Montesclaros Ent., Inc. c) c) a) b) c) d)

Construction of Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) Bridge, La Purisima, Prosperidad ADS PEO (PAMANA) a) 12/3/2014 a) 42,000.00 no data La Purisima, Prosperidad, ADS b) 7/30/2015 b) ARQ Builders c) c)

60.50

no data

a) Tagbina Communal Irrigation Project (CIP) b) NIA SDS PMO (ARISP III)

a) 7/5/2013

a) 13,186.40

c) Tagbina, SDS

b) May 2015

b)

d) DECK

c)

c)

a) b) c) d) a)

no data

89.02

no data

Retrofitting/Rehabilitation/Strengthening of Monong Bridge along Surigao Davao Coastal Road (SDCR) DPWH SDS 1st DEO a) 3/10/2015 a) 1,009.00 100.00 100.00 Tandag City, SDS b) 4/30/2015 b) J&A Construction Corp. c) c) Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of Surigao Davao Coastal Road (SDCR) BDRY Surigao del Norte

b) DPWH RO c) Carrascal & Nurcia, SDS d) JM Luciano Construction, Inc.

a) 3/13/2015 b) 10/8/2015 c)

a) 60,815.00 b) c)

7.83

7.36

Remarks

Slippage (%)

(0.47)

Project is ongoing and ahead of schedule.

Employment Generated: 48; 47 Male and 1 Female.

Project is ongoing and ahead of schedule.

Employment Generated: 30; 26 Male and 4 Female.

Construction is ongoing. Through interview, monitors were informed of existing security problems in the area. The Brgy. Captain was recently murdered.

Data provided was aggregate for the three packages of the Project. No data provided for each package.

Project was completed on April 29, 2015.

Project is ongoing.

Vol. XVIII

Issue 3

31

Philippine Statistics Authority launches the 2015 Census of Population

by Naomi T. Mission, NEDA-Caraga

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office 13 launched the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015) on August 3, 2015 in Butuan City.

PSA-Caraga Interim Director Rosalinda Celeste-Apura emphasized the importance of the POPCEN 2015 by explaining that the census will generate statistics on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the population and important housing characteristics. These data will become the bases in the formulation of development plans, policies and programs and in the allocation of resources at various geographic levels.

Spearheaded by the Regional Census Coordination Board (RCCB), the POPCEN 2015 commenced on August 10, 2015 and

will end on September 6, 2015. The reference point of this total enumeration is August 1, 2015, 12:01AM. Based on section 27 of RA 10625, otherwise known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, respondents are obliged to give truthful and complete answers to all statistical inquiries and any individual who refuses or fails to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries shall be imposed a penalty of one (1) year imprisonment and a fine of one hundred thousand pesos (PhP100,000.00).

Given the importance and significance of the POPCEN 2015, Regional Census Coordination Board (RCCB) Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director, Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cari単o, encouraged the public to cooperate responsibly in all census activities.

Caraga nominates SIKAP, ANHS-SDRRMC to 2015 SOV

by Maria Conception G. Duro, NEDA-Caraga

Caraga nominates the Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP) Incorporated, Agusan National High School-School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee (ANHS-SDRRMC), and Respond Incorporated to the 2015 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV).

The SOV is an annual recognition for the unsung and ordinary Filipino organizations and individuals whose small, yet invaluable acts of service contributed towards extraordinary milestones in nationbuilding and national development.

The Regional Search Committee (RSC) evaluated several entries and confirmed that SIKAP and ANHSSDRRMC qualify for the Search. A

national screening will be undertaken before the awardees will be recognized in December 2015.

The SOV is spearheaded by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and coordinated in the regions by the NEDA in partnership with the regional offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). These agencies compose the RSC.

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Hypertension, diabetes greatly increase risk to cardiovascular disease

by Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa, Asst. Scientist, FNRI-DOST

Hypertension or high blood pressure, as defined by the Eighth Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8, 2013), is blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 for persons 60 years old and below and 150/90 for those 60 years old and above.

Known as the ―silent killer‖ because of the lack of warning signs or symptoms, many people do not realize they are already hypertensive.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013), nearly one billion people globally have high blood pressure, two thirds of whom are in developing countries.

Hypertension is also one of the top causes of premature deaths worldwide and the problem is growing.

In 2025, an estimated 1.56 billion adults will be living with hypertension, the WHO (2011) warned.

In the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2013, the single visit blood pressure measurement estimated that about 22.3 percent of Filipino adults were considered hypertensive.

This is a meager decline from the 25.3% hypertension rate in 2008, based on the 7th National Nutrition Survey also of the FNRI. The 2013 survey further revealed that the prevalence of hypertension was highest among the 70 years old and above age group at 43.4% and lowest among the 2029 age group at 7.2%.

Males had a higher hypertension prevalence of 25.1% than females at 19.9% in every age group from 20-70 years old

and above.

Hypertension tended to increase with wealth and was slightly higher among rural dwellers at 19.0% - 24.8% compared with urban residents at 20.0% - 23.4%.

Hypertension exerts significant comorbidity impact on type 2 diabetes, thus leading to cardiovascular diseases.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine (2000), type 2 diabetes is almost 2.5 times likely to occur in persons with hypertension compared to those with normal blood pressure.

Diabetes mellitus, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the inability of the body to produce enough insulin or is ineffective in using the insulin it has produced by being resistant to it.

Type 1 diabetes is deficiency in insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin.

The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known and it is not preventable with current knowledge.

Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.

In the Philippines, the 8th NNS revealed that diabetes prevalence based on the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines (PCPG) was 5.4% in 2013.

This was remarkably higher than the 4.8% prevalence in the 2008 7th NNS. Based on high fasting blood glucose levels, diabetes prevalence peaked at age 60-69 at 12.6%.

Among the rich population, diabetes

Vol. XVIII

Issue 3

prevalence was 6.4 – 8.1% while for urban residents it was 6.3%.

Hypertension among Filipino adults and the escalation of diabetes prevalence rate bring cardiovascular complications.

Strong evidence exists that hypertension and diabetes mostly coexist and serve to exacerbate each other.

High blood glucose levels in uncontrolled diabetes causes injury to the body’s blood vessels, making it more prone to damage from atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Also, both medical conditions worsen at significant and disturbing levels the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypertension has long been recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Likewise, the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association (2014) jointly stated that diabetes is a prime risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Persons with diabetes increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases by two to four times compared with non-diabetics. Moreover, diabetics

33

have two- to three-fold greater risk of heart failure that causes heart attack without them even realizing it.

With hypertension’s and diabetes’s devastating cycle of health impairment and cardiovascular threat, national health programs targeting lifestyle habits and dietary practices should be effected in combating these diseases’ alarming prevalence rates among Filipinos.

The latest nutritional guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by the Technical Working Group (TWG) led by the FNRI is addressing this issue. The latest nutritional guidelines for Filipinos emphasize and recommend useful and easy -to-follow solutions in battling the rise of non-communicable diseases.

The guidelines include eating more fruits, vegetables, and root crops; avoiding excessive salt intake; maintaining a healthy body weight; exercising regularly; and minimizing smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages which all can lead to a healthy lifestyle and better nutriture.

By being more aware of what we do and what we eat, health and nutrition problems can be largely prevented.

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ls rice to be blamed for rising diabetes?

by Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST

Rice consumption and diabetes were the topics of debate in the recently concluded Asia-Pacific conference in clinical Nutrition (APCCN) in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on January 26-29, 2015.

Two clinical nutrition experts served as opposing speakers of the debate.

Yes, it is Dr. Christiani Jeyakumar Henry from the United Kingdom presented the arguments that link white rice consumption to the rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly that Asia is the epicenter of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

He also said that the Asian phenotype or body composition predisposes them to T2D. He then discussed several studies on the high glycemic response of white rice that contributes to T2D. Glycemic response is the change in blood glucose after consuming a carbohydraterich food.

No, its not rice alone Dr. Shigeru Yamamoto from Japan presented opposite arguments saying that even though rice consumption has dramatically decreased, diabetes prevalence is still rising, specifically in their country.

Dr. Yamamoto said that rice cannot be blamed as long as everything is consumed in moderation. lt is the amount of rice that may need monitoring, Yamamoto further reiterated.

The high glycemic index of white rice came from the results of studies on post-prandial glucose or after-meal blood glucose response using a single food.

However, in daily life, people do not eat a single food but in combination with something else.

Moreover, Dr. Yamamoto said that the prevalence of obesity in Japan is low despite high carbohydrate intake and they have the highest life expectancy in the world.

Dr. Henry rebutted that Japan's rice consumption is different from other Asians in the sense that while Japanese eat rice, the amount is nothing compared to how much more their neighboring countries do.

The Philippine scenario In the Philippines, the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2013 showed that the individual rice consumption was 298 grams or about 1.5 cups daily.

Rice consumption in 2013 was lower than the 2008 NNS which was 3.17 grams or a little more than 1.5 cups daily.

Moreover, diabetes prevalence at the national level based on a cut-off of 126 milligrams per deciliter is 5.1 percent in the 2013 NNS. Diabetes prevalence in 2013 was higher than the 2008 prevalence at 4.8 percent. This trend was similar to what is observed in Japan.

Promoting brown rice Going back to the topic of debate: Is rice consumption causing the rise of diabetes in Asia?

In the end, Drs. Henry and Yamamoto concluded that the rising prevalence of diabetes cannot be blamed on a single food. It is not rice per se that is the issue but the kind and amount of rice consumed, they further emphasized.

The FNRI-DOST has been promoting the consumption of brown rice, the kind that is minimally processed, with its bran still intact.

Unlike white rice, which is almost purely carbohydrate, brown rice still contains dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In a previous study by Dr. Trinidad P. Trinidad, former Scientist II at the FNRI-DOST, brown rice has a row glycemic index (GI) of 50 compared to white rice at 75. Dietary fiber content of brown rice also helps make one feel full longer with lesser intake.

These findings support the promotion of brown rice in diabetes management.

The FNRI developed various recipes and food products using brown rice to promote its consumption.

As what experts have said, it is not rice per se but the kind and amount of rice that is important in preventing diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Choose brown rice and refuse "unli" rice.

Vol. XVIII

Issue 3

35

DA, LGUs strengthen Regional Disaster Risk Management for Agriculture

by Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA-Caraga

―We cannot wait for disaster to hit us. Rather, we have to prepare for it.‖ Dr. Roberto Sandoval, Jr. of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said.

The UN FAO in coordination with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13 (DA-RFO 13) conducted a two-day Rehabilitation and Mitigation Planning Workshop and Action Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction for Agriculture on June 2 and 3, 2015.

DA-13 Regional Executive Director Edna M. Mabeza urged the participants to work together so that the needed interventions can be delivered immediately to affected areas. She also emphasized the need to be realistic in submitting damage reports so that those that need immediate assistance can be provided the soonest possible time.

Dr. Sandoval emphasized that Disaster Risk Reduction is not just about inputs or infrastructure but also about changing practices or technologies.

The workshop outputs on Rehabilitation Planning and SWOT Analysis on DRR in Agriculture will be used as basis in addressing the needs of El Niño affected areas and in institutionalizing mitigation measures to reduce the adverse effects of future hazards.

In the midst of the mild El Niño that the country is experiencing, only two provinces in the region, the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, have declared to have been affected, so far. Representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Offices of the region, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices, and DA Caraga participated in the workshop.

Caraga RPAB Endorses P711 Million Worth of Subprojects to PRDP

by Emmylou T. Presilda, DA-Caraga

After a two-day deliberation, the Caraga Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) endorses around P712 Million worth of Infrastructure Projects proposed by different local government units for funding in 2016 under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

PRDP is a P27.5-billion World Bank project implemented by the Department of Agriculture. It is a six-year program that runs from 2013 to 2019 and is designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate -smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector.

Considering the immense demand from LGUs nationwide for funding under the PRDP, the DA Regional Project Coordination Office (DA-RPCO) is assisting Provincial LGUs to fast track submission of project proposals, which are then evaluated on a first come, first serve basis.

Under its infrastructure component, the Intensified Building Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD), Caraga

is endorsing the following sub-projects: two Farm-Market-Roads (FMR) from Surigao del Norte amounting to P272.5 Million; Road concreting of Mabuhay-Bagumbayan FMR, Province of Dinagat Island amounting to P50.5 Million; Concreting of Bay-ang-Mahaba FMR with bridge component in Cabadbaran amounting to P156.1 Million; Surigao del Sur FMR projects in Cortes and in San Agustin amounting to P170 Million and P33.3 Million, respectively; and the rehabilitation of Culit Communal Irrigation Project of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte amounting to P29.3 Million. ―Careful review has been made on the proposed sub-projects because its approval would ultimately lead to the development of the agriculture sector in our region. We have to make sure that every monetary investment of the government through the PRDP would lead to economic gains and sustain agricultural growth even after the project has ended‖, DA Regional Director and RPAB Chair Edna Mabeza said.

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Photo Releases

From left to right: DOST-Caraga RD Dominga D. Mallonga, RDC Vice Chaisperson and NEDA-Caraga RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cari単o, RDC Chairperson and SDN Gov. Sol F. Matugas, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, and DOST Usec. Carol M. Yorobe were the panelists during the Science and Technology Forum sponsored by the RDC and held on May 27, 2015 at Samping Avenue, Butuan City

Advocates and participants pose with PNVSCA Executive Director Lito De Vera during the Volunteers for Information and Development Assistance (VIDA) Program Advocacy Orientation held on April 29, 2015 at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City