Caraga Today October-December 2013

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

October-December 2013

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

Caraga Regional Development Council approves, adopts revised Regional Development Plan, Investment Program

by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) approved and adopted the revised Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016 and the Regional Development Investment Program through RDC Resolutions No. 34 and 35, series of 2013, respectively, during the 76th RDC Full Council Meeting on October 4, 2013 at Butuan City.

The RDP endeavors to make the Caraga Region the Fishery, Agro-Foresty, Mining, and Eco-Tourism (FAME) center of the country by year 2030 by developing the region‟s abundant resources in fishery, agriculture, foresty, mining, and eco-tourism.

These sectors have been observed as growth drivers of the region‟s economy, generating employment for the region.

The improvement of the productivity of the said sectors can translate into improved gross regional domestic product (GRDP).

In 2011, Caraga‟s economy posted the fastest growth among regions with an accelerated rate of 8.5 percent in 2011 from 7.4 percent in 2010, as reported by the NSCB. The RDC hopes to maintain if not improve the GRDP of

the region through the support of every Caraganons with this revised RDP. The Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) on the other hand is the companion document of the RDP. It is the translation ON THE GAVEL. Acting Caraga Regional Development Council Chairperson, NEDA-Caraga of the objectives OIC-Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. and strategies of Cariño. the RDP into concrete programs, posals of AROs, SUCs, projects and activities to be GOCCs/GFIs and at the implemented by the agency same time the RDC‟s basis regional offices (AROs), for review and evaluation of state universities and colthe annual budget proposals leges (SUCs), and the local of these government entities. government units (LGUs).

The RDIP is focused on strategic core investment programs/projects of AROs, SUCs, and LGUs. It also serves as basis for the preparation of annual budget pro-

NEDA-Caraga OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño chaired the 76th RDC Full Council Meeting.

Inside this issue: Team DSWD wins Regional StatQuiz 2013

2

18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women 2013

3

DA Caraga Turns-over Farm Tractor to Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte

4

Caraga bags World Food Day 2013 Best Mosaic Award

4

The Regional Development Council In Action

5

DOH announces new program for elder persons

17

PhilRice sets first ever brown rice day

18

DTI-Agusan del Sur to award engineeredbamboo processing equipment to SAFRAADAP

19

560 Farmers Graduate from University on the Air on White Corn Production

20

Q3 Regional Project Monitoring Activity See page 6-11

Q2 Regional Economic Situationer See page 12-16

Page 2

Team DSWD wins Regional StatQuiz 2013

by Emmilou R. Gonzaga , NEDA-Caraga

THE STATMAN The Head symbolizes the sign 'Sigma (σ)' to denote standard deviation or variations in human endeavors.

The Right Arm symbolizes the sign 'Sigma (Σ)' to denote summation of society's dreams and aspirations.

The Left Arm and Torso, taken altogether, symbolizes the sign 'Chi Square (χ2)' to denote independence and objectivity of one's views and decisions while maintaining harmony with the government.

The use of the symbols as the body parts of STATMAN signifies coherence and unity between statistical theory and their various applications which include, among others, the generation, analysis and interpretation of data.

The picture depicted of the STATMAN in motion signifies the vision for and mission of the Philippine Statistical System, that is, 'Statistics in Action,' which simply means a system that is proactive and responsive to developments affecting the country and its products, in terms of statistical data series, used in governance, and ion the conduct of our daily lives.

The team of Mr. Cale B. Pineda and Ms. Therese Margarette C. Babanto from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWDCaraga) bested 21 other teams during the 7th Inter-Agency/ LGU Stat Quiz on October 29, 2013 at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City.

The winning team accumulated a total score of 30 points in the three-round Regional StatQuiz.

The Team DILG composed of Mr. John Chris Malupa and Mr. Don Manuelo Patrimonio came close with a total score of 29 points while Team TESDA composed of Mr. Robert Roperos and Ms. Lyrette B. Ysalina got 27 points taking the second and third spots, respectively. The top three winning teams received certificates and cash prizes.

In her welcome remarks, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) OIC Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Carino stressed the important uses of statistics in all development –planning and government statistical activities.

Ms. Jazmin D. Berido of NEDA hosted the event and Ms. Bernadeth Bonachita and Ms. Rowena Petate of NSO served as the Quiz Masters.

THE WINNERS. Above, Ms. Therese Margarette C. Babanto (3rd from left) and Mr. Cale B. Pineda (2nd from right) with the judges RD Rosalinda Celeste-Apura (NSO, left), Ms. Venus S. Derequito (NEDA, 2nd from left), Atty. Mara C. Maquiling (DTI, right). Below, Mr. Don Manuelo Patrimonio (left) and Mr. John Chris Malupa (2nd from left) of DILG and Ms. Lyrette B. Ysalina (2nd from right) and Mr. Robert Roperos (right) of TESDA.

The 7th Agency/LGU StatQuiz is the culminating activity of the region‟s National Statistics Month celebration with the theme “Statistics for Every Filipino.” It was spearheaded by the National

Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Statistics Office (NSO) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Jazmin D. Berido Editor Volume XVI Issue 3

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

Arven John B. Lumag Mitchell C. Castillon Sherwin E. Verdun Emmilou R. Gonzaga Writers DTI XIII, DA XIII Contributors OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño Adviser

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 3

18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women 2013 Theme: End VAW Now! It‟s Our Duty!

Monday, November 25, 2013 to Thursday, December 12, 2013 Background of the Campaign Since 2002, the Philippine government has been actively joining the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that is being observed globally from November 25 to December 10.

Said campaign calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women through awareness-raising about gender-based violence, strengthening local work and establishing a clear link between local and international work to end VAW, among other undertakings.

In 2006, through Presidential Proclamation 1172, the Philippine campaign was extended to 18 days, to include December 12, which is known as the AntiTrafficking in Persons Day. This year, the country's commitment to the observance was strengthened as President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Republic Act 10398 declaring November 25 of every year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.”

The law also raises the standard by which this campaign is observed by mandating key agencies to undertake activities designed to raise public awareness on VAW. With the theme: “End VAW Now! It‟s Our Duty!” the call will emphasize the importance of having a functional mechanism, operated by competent and capable duty-bearers with a sense of responsibility and accountability originating from a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of gender-based violence and the provisions of VAW laws.

Violence Against Women (VAW)

VAW is a human rights issue. It strikes at the personhood of women and limits human development.

levels of education and those from wealthier households are less likely to report having experienced physical violence.

VAW is violence that is genderbased. Gender-based violence means that women are subjected to violence or abuse because they are women. Factors such as class, race, educational background, age or even looks are but secondary to the gender factor in this case.

The survey also reported that one -fifth or 18% of women who have ever been married have experienced physical or sexual abuse by a husband. Pushing, shaking, and slapping, according to the survey, are the most commonly reported forms of physical violence. According to NDHS, Women from the poorest households are most likely to experience physical or sexual violence by their spouse. Almost half or 49% of women whose husbands get drunk very often report that they are victims of physical or sexual violence. From January to September 2013, the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) documented a total of 11,158 violations of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the AntiViolence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC) nationwide.

VAW is not limited to physical abuse. VAW can also take the form of emotional, verbal, psychological, economic and sexual abuse.

Domestic violence or VAW in the family is violence that occurs within the private sphere, generally between individuals who are related through intimacy, blood or law.

The Campaign’s Objectives  To increase support and commitment of duty holders particularly government agencies, at the national and local level, in eliminating violence against women and children.  To sustain and improve policies, laws and mechanisms addressing VAW.  To forge partnerships among stakeholders in addressing VAW. Statistics on VAW The 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that one in five women aged 15-49 has experienced physical violence since age 15. It added that four percent of women who have ever been pregnant have experienced physical violence during pregnancy. It also revealed that women with higher

Among the four (4) VAWC categories, Physical Abuse tops the rank with 5,728 (57%) reported cases. It is followed by Psychological Abuse with 2,031 (20%); Economic Abuse with 1,483 (15%) and Sexual Abuse with 743 (7%) reported cases. Among the 16 regions excluding ARMM, Region VII (Central Visayas) is the number one region with the most number of reported VAWC cases at 2,762 (28%). Region VI (Western Visayas) comes in second with 1,704 (17%) followed

by Region XI (Davao Region) in third with 1,123 (11%). This can mean that women in these regions have become more couraContinued on page 19

Page 4

DA Caraga Turns-over Farm Tractor to Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte

by Aurell P. Araiz, RAFID DA-Caraga Butuan City – The Caraga Agri-Pinoy Corn Program further beefed up its farm mechanization component by providing a farm tractor to the municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

One (1) unit of 4-wheeled farm tractor was turned-over to the said municipality last November 5, 2013 at DA Research Outreach Station in Taguibo, Butuan City.

Las Nieves Chief Executive Avelina Rosales (seating) got a chance to try an actual operation of the farm tractor after the turn-over ceremony. With her are (from left to right) DA Caraga Legal Officer Nicandro Navia, SB Timoteo Largo, DA RFO 13 Acting Director IV Edna Mabeza and former Butuan City and Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Jose Aquino II.

Gracing the occasion were DA Caraga‟s Director Edna M. Mabeza, Engr. Rene Morales of RAED and Mayor Avelina Rosales of Las Nieves.

Also attending the turn-over ceremony was former Butuan City and Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Jose

Aquino II who co-funded the project during his term of office.

In his speech, Aquino extended his heartfelt gratitude to DA Regional Field Office for still acknowledging his support for the farmers although he is no longer the congressman of the said district.

“Dako gyud ang akong pasalamat sa DA kay bisan wala nako sa poder giila pa gihapon ang akong paningkamot alang sa kalambuan sa katawhan” (I am so thankful to the DA, that though I am no longer in the office my support to the program for people‟s development is recognized,”) he said.

thanked former Congressman Aquino for various projects undertaken during his administration for her constituents in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

Director Mabeza was also thankful to Aquino for being a partner for the development of the farming community.

Aside from the farm tractor, DA Caraga also turned-over to Las Nieves LGU a rice reaper.

Las Nieves is a major producer of corn in the Province of Agusan del Norte and an awardee of the recent Quality Corn Achievers Awards undertaken by the National Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture.

Mayor Rosales for her part

Caraga bags World Food Day 2013 Best Mosaic Award

by Emmylou T. Presilda, DA-RFU 13/PIA-Caraga BUTUAN CITY (PIA) - For three (3) straight years, Caraga Region took home the Best Mosaic Award during the National On-the-Spot Mosaic Making Contest held at the Diliman, Quezon City last October 11, 2013.

The On-the-Spot Mosaic Making Contest is an annual activity conducted in line with the celebration of World Food Day every 16th of October. This year‟s theme, “Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition” was the subject of every artwork done by the 17 regional representatives who came together to showcase their talent and artistry.

In coordination with the Department of Education, screenings

were conducted in the different levels: school, district, division, and then the regional elimination.

Participated by children in grades IV-VI, each level selected three best mosaics and moved on to the next level. One winner was then chosen during the Regional Elimination and represented the region in the National Contest.

At the national level, five (5) Best Posters were chosen from among the 17 regions and Christian A. Garcia from East Bayugan Central Elementary School, Bayugan City was chosen as one of the five Best Mosaic and received a cash prize amounting of P15,000 from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a trophy, and an allexpense paid tour in Manila

sponsored by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC). Christian was with his coach Richard Obina, a grand slam coach for winning in the last three years in the DA‟s annual poster and mosaic making contest.

“It was so much fun especially the tour and we also met the Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala in the DA who gave additional P10,000 as personal incentive to the winners,” Garcia said after returning from Manila.

Garcia received the award on World Food Day, October 16, at Liwasang Aurora, Quezon City Circle, Diliman, Quezon City together with regions 6, 11, 12, and ARMM.

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 5

The Regional Development Council In Action

7th Regional Inter-Agency/LGU StatQuiz 2013. Participants anticipating the correct answer while holding their placards. On the right, judges carefully record the points on the tally sheets.

18-day Campaign to end Violence Against Women. Volunteers gathered to light a candle and pray for the end of violence against women. On the right, Ms. Irene M. Santiago, Chair and CEO of the Mindanao Commission on Women and Convenor of Mothers for Peace, is giving her inspirational talk for the advocacy.

Joint National Statistics Month, Consumers’ Month, and Cooperative Month Celebration. Memberagencies of the Caraga Regional Development Council gathered at the Agusan del Norte Covered Court on October 1, 2013 to celebrate the National Statistics Month, Consumers’ Month, and the Cooperative Month celebrations. On the right, ARD Cesar C. Cassion of DOH is giving a message on the quality, efficacy, safety, and transparency of health products.

Page 6

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Construction of Esperanza Bridge along Butuan City-Las Nieves-Esperanza-Bayugan Road, Province of Agusan del Sur nears completion The Esperanza Bridge crossing the Agusan River is part of the Butuan City-Las Nieves-EsperanzaBayugan Road which is a commitment project of the National Government to Caraga Region.

The construction of Esperanza Bridge will complete the inter-provincial link connecting the Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur and will serve as a major route in the transport of agricultural crops and products. Areas within the vicinity of the municipality of Las Nieves that are isolated Name of Project

Location

Siargao Islands of Surigao del Norte Construction of Six (6) General Luna classrooms, Two-storey Classroom Building, Gen. Luna Science High School General Luna Rural Health General Luna Unit (Phase II 2010-2012)

General Luna Rural Health General Luna Unit (Upgrading) DOHHFEP 2012 Downloaded to LGU Dapa-Union Gen. Luna Dapa Road (CY 2012 Department of Tourism) Improvement/Upgrading Dapa (Gravel to Concrete) DapaUnion General Luna Road (CY 2013 Tourism) Repair/Maintenance of Dapa DENR, Siargao District Office Building, Brgy 12, Dapa, Surigao del Norte Don E. Navarro Municipal Dapa School Dapa National High School Dapa Siargao District Hospital Dapa (Phase IV) (Upgrading) Junction Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro Road, k039+992 – K043+766 (CY 2013 DPWH Regular Infra) Junction Mabini-Tubajon Road

Del Carmen

Implementing Agency

on the other side of Agusan River will be opened to investment and development by providing a direct link to Pan Philippine Highway, Surigao-Davao Road. Soon it will link the Malaybalay City, Bukidnon-Agusan Road. The Project has an estimated cost of P336,008,777.86 and will soon be open to the commuting public in the 1st Quarter of 2014.

The objective of the project is to support the socioeconomic growth and development of the region especially in agriculture.

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of August 31, 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%) 100.00

73.02

Status

DPWH

6.11

(26.98) Ongoing

DOH/ AECID

2.50

-

-

-

DOH

4.00

-

-

-

DPWH

85.79

68.11

63.75

(4.36) Ongoing

DPWH

88.38

20.53

11.80

(8.73) Ongoing

DPWH

0.35

100.00

53.04

(46.96) Ongoing

DPWH

6.58

100.00

85.00

(15.00) Ongoing

DPWH DOH

12.15 7.00

47.33 -

50.00 -

DPWH

87.69

27.55

27.19

Completed.

Already occupied but the quality of workmanship of the structure is not satisfactory.

Not yet started

2.67 Ongoing Funds not yet downloaded to LGU (0.36) Ongoing

Continued on page 7

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 7

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Location

Siargao Islands of Surigao del Norte Numancia Central Elemen- Del Carmen tary School Siargao DOH-Sub ProvDel Carmen ince Lab/Disaster OpCen (Construction) Del Carmen Hospital Del Carmen

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of August 31, 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

DPWH

6.66

94.98

85.98

DOH

5.00

-

85.00

-

DOH

3.97

-

55.00

-

Status

(9.00) Ongoing Ongoing

Junction Osmeña-Pilar Road (CY 2012 Department of Tourism) Junction Cancohoy-Pilar Road, K029+039 – K030+606, K031+095 – K034+340, K034+921 – K037+000 (CY 2013 DPWH Regular Infra) Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) Junction Osmeña-Pilar Road (CY 2013 – Tourism) Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of JctOsmeña-Pilar Road, Sta. 11+000 – Sta 15+800 with exceptions (CY 2012 MVUC (Fund 151 – Special Road Support Fund)) Pilar District Hospital (Upgrading) Downloaded to LGU

Pilar

DPWH

79.63

81.24

91.77

Abandoned by the contractor 10.53 Ongoing

Pilar

DPWH

150.15

12.62

31.27

18.65 Ongoing

Pilar

DPWH

84.76

22.98

26.81

3.83 Ongoing

Pilar

DPWH

9.51

40.36

35.50

(4.86) Ongoing

Pilar

DOH

3.00

-

-

Pilar RHU (Upgrading)

Pilar

DOH

2.00

-

-

San Isidro

DPWH

50.20

40.12

40.60

San Isidro

DPWH

9.58

15.54

10.64

(4.90) Ongoing

San Isidro Sta. Monica

DPWH DOH

4.23 0.99

100.00 -

90.00 -

San Benito

DOH

2.00

(10.00) Ongoing Abandoned by the contractor Funds not yet downloaded

Improvement/Upgrading (gravel to paved) of Jct Cancohoy-Pilar Road (CY 2013 – Tourism) Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Jct Cancohoy-Pilar, San IsidroCaridad Section, K0026+000 – K0032+000 with exceptions (CY 2012 MVUC (Fund 151 – Special Road Support Fund)) San Isidro CES Sta. Monica RHU (Upgrading) San Benito RHU (Construction)

-

-

Rehabilitation of Road Slip Protection along Dinagat-Loreto Road (Bolod-bolod Section), Libjo

-

The project was turned over to LGU but with reported major defects of the structure.

Funds not yet downloaded to LGU 0.48 Ongoing

Continued on page 8

Dinagat-Loreto Road

Page 8

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Siargao DOH-Sub Province Lab/ Disaster OpCen (Construction) in Del Carmen

Siargao District Hospital (Phase IV) (Upgrading) Downloaded to LGU

Dapa National High School

Repair/Rehabilitation/Improvement of Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro Road, Burgos Baybay Section

Location

Siargao Islands of Surigao del Norte San Isidro RHU Phase II San Isidro 2010-2012

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

DOH/ AECID

2.48

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of August 31, 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%) -

-

Burgos

DPWH

9.49

Burgos RHU Phase II 2010 -2012

Burgos

DOH/ AECID

2.50

Cagdianao

DPWH

31.87

99.34

95.20

(4.14) Ongoing

Cagdianao

DPWH

19.60

93.05

86.11

(6.94) Ongoing

Cagdianao

DPWH

19.60

94.92

88.24

(6.68) Ongoing

Dinagat

DPWH

45.64

100.00

98.78

(1.22) Ongoing

Libjo

DPWH

13.72

100.00

72.67

(27.33) Ongoing

Libjo

DPWH

5.00

100.00

91.47

(8.53) Ongoing

Tubajon

DPWH

19.60

97.95

83.12

(14.83) Ongoing

Kitcharao

NIA

495.00

49.43

53.28

3.85 Ongoing

Las Nieves

NIA

138.23

-

57.46

-

-

93.10

Building occupied but not accepted because of poor quality of the structure.

Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro Road, Burgos Baybay Section (CY 2012 MVUC (Fund 151 – Special Road Support Fund))

Province of Dinagat Islands Junction Magsaysay – Cagdianao Road K0006+050 – K0007+720 (CY 2012 DPWH Regular Infra) Junction MagsaysayCagdianao Road, K0007+720 – K0008+500 (CY 2013 DPWH Regular Infra) Dinagat-Loreto Road, K0002+050 – K0002+850 (CY 2013 Regular Infra) Dinagat-Loreto Road, K0013+050 – K0015+170 (CY 2012 DPWH Regular Infra) Junction Bolod-bolod – Albor Road, K0060+914 – K0061-415 (CY 2013 Regular Infra) Rehabilitation of Road Slip Protection along DinagatLoreto Road (Bolod-bolod Section), Libjo K0061+700 – K0061-900 (CY 2013 Regular Infra) Junction Mabini-Tubajon Road, K0085+(-2362) – K0085+(-1562) (CY 2013 Regular Infra) AGUSAN DEL NORTE Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project MAP CIP - Package 1-7

97.30

-

Status

-

(4.20) Ongoing

-

Completed but not occupied because of poor quality of the structure.

Ongoing

Continued on page 9

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 9

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Location

Implementing Agency

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Rehab Const of AclanBrgys. AclanDA Alicapawan-Hinandayan AlicapawanFMR Nasipit, Agusan del Hinandayan, Norte under DA-MRDPNasipit APL2under MRDP-APL2 Widening of ButuanBuenavista DPWHCagayan de Oro-Iligan ADN Road, (Agusan-Misamis Oriental Section), Buenavista Section, Agusan del Norte Panaytayon Bridge along RTR DPWHDaang Maharlika (SurigaoADN Agusan Section), Agusan del Norte Buenavista-Bunaguit Buenavista DPWH-RO Road, Agusan del Norte K1259+300 - K1267+360 AGUSAN DEL SUR Rehabilitation of Crossing Luna Flood Control along NRJ-Bayugan Esperanza Nat'l Road Section 2, Esperanza Rehabilitation of Crossing Luna Flood Control along NRJ-Bayugan Esperanza Nat'l Road Section 3, Esperanza Rehabilitation/Construction of Bahayan River Flood Control, K000+000 K000+403.06, Trento Concreting of NRJ Cuevas -Bislig Road K1393+300 -

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of October 31, 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%)

Status

8.45

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

24.87

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

14.36

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

140.89

68.50

68.66

0.16 On-going

Esperanza

DPWHADS1

18.19

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

Esperanza

DPWHADS1

16.73

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

Trento

DPWHADS2

23.28

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

Trento

DPWHADS2

41.02

80.01

70.03

(9.98) Ongoing

DPWHRRNDPPMO

336.01

-

89.06

-

Ongoing

NIA

82.94

-

-

-

Ongoing

NIA

1.99

100.00

100.00

NIA

4.16

100.00

96.00

(4.00) Ongoing

NIA

7.67

100.00

98.00

(2.00) Ongoing

NIA

44.63

Construction of Esperanza Esperanza Bridge and Attendant Items of Work along Butuan CityLas Nieves-EsperanzaBayugan Road Umayam River Irrigation Loreto and La Project Paz URIPL-C-1 (Construction La Paz of Project Manager's Office) URIPL-C-2 (Construction La Paz of Office Site Development/Guard House/Power House) URIPL-C-3 (Construction La Paz of Field Office, Duplex Staff Quarter, MultiPurpose Bldg., and Motorpool) Nueva Era SIP Bunawan

-

23.32 (as of Sept.

2013)

Rehabilitation/Construction of Bahayan River Flood Control

0.00 Completed

-

Concreting of NRJ Cuevas-Bislig Road

Ongoing

Continued on page 10

Nueva Era SIP

Page 10

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

Location

Implementing Agency

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment in % (as of October 31, 2013) Planned (%)

Status

Actual Slippage (%) (%)

AGUSAN DEL SUR D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital

Buyaan CIP

D.O. Plaza Memorial Hos- Patin-ay, Prospital, Phase 3, Prosperidad peridad SURIGAO DEL NORTE Lake Mainit Integrated Alegria Area Development Project - Gamuton CIS Lake Mainit Integrated Alegria Area Development Project - San Pedro CIS Lake Mainit Integrated Alegria Area Development Project - Alipao CIP Lake Mainit Integrated Mainit Area Development Project - Magpayang CIS I Flood Control Protection Mainit Works, Mainit Lakewall Pungtod Bridge along Alegria Daang Maharlika Road (Surigao-Agusan Section), Surigao del Norte Mabuhay Bridge along Sison Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan Section) Improvement Upgrading Mainit (Gravel to Concrete) Junction Gata-Mapaso (Hot Spring) Road, Brgy.

Mapaso Cagbayok Bridge along Sison Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan Section) Surigao-Davao Coastal Placer Road, Surigao del Norte, K1152 + 903.3 - K1160 + 940 SURIGAO DEL SUR Construction/Improvement Lanuza of SDCR, K1262+124.70 K1262+322.15 & K1262+592 K1262+021.75, CortesLanuza Section Road Upgrading (Gravel to Carrascal Concrete) of SDCR K1213+330-K1214+040 Tago RIS Improvement Tago Project (Package 1 and 4) Buyaan CIP, Madrid Madrid BAYUGAN CITY NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanBayugan City Tandag Road, K1276+340 NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Rd, K1273+000 K1273+324, K1280+000 -

Cortes-Lanuza Section

DOH

18.19

-

-

-

Ongoing

NIA

18.47

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

NIA

12.78

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

NIA

28.68

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

NIA

21.52

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

DPWH SDN1 DPWH SDN1

16.85

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

12.70

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

DPWH SDN1

15.64

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

DPWH-RO

64.00

17.41

20.04

2.63 Ongoing

DPWH SDN1

14.26

82.00

72.61

(9.39) Ongoing

DPWH RO

50.94

97.09

92.83

(4.26) Ongoing

DPWH-RO

9.30

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

DPWHSDS1

34.86

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

NIA

138.23

-

55.00

-

Ongoing

NIA

72.48

-

80.00

-

Ongoing

DPWH-RO

159.50

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

Bayugan City DPWH-RO

154.21

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

Continued on page 11

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 11

3rd Quarter Regional Project Monitoring Activity Name of Project

NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Rd, K1273+000 K1273+324, K1280+000 K1287+610 NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Road, K1272+944 - K1273+491 NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Road, K1291+500 - K1293+400 NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Road, K1293+533 - K1295+400 NRJ Bayugan-CalaitanTandag Road, K1286+722 - K1288+222 Andanan RIS

Location

Implementing Agency

Bayugan City DPWH-RO

Cost in PhP ('000,000)

Physical Accomplishment Status in % (as of October 31, 2013) Planned Actual Slippage (%) (%) (%) 154.21 100.00 100.00 0.00 Completed Bislig City Integrated Project Irrigation Component

Bayugan City

DPWHADS1

12.75

100.00

100.00

Bayugan City

DPWHADS1

42.25

60.90

56.08

(4.82) Ongoing

Bayugan City

DPWHADS1

39.01

58.50

53.96

(4.54) Ongoing

Bayugan City

DPWHADS1

34.53

57.31

54.80

(2.51) Ongoing

Bayugan City

NIA

181.20

-

75.06 (as of Sept.

2013)

-

Ongoing

27.65

-

59.00

-

Ongoing

BISLIG CITY Bislig City Integrated ProBislig City NIA ject Irrigation Component BUTUAN CITY Construction of Butuan Butuan City DPWH-RO City By-Pass Road, (Bonbon-Bancasi Airport Section and Lemon-NRJAntongalon Section), including ROW Construction of Additional Butuan City DPWH-BC Lanes for Ampayon Bridge in Brgy. Ampayon Construction of Butuan Tiniwisan, BuLGUCity Poly Sports Complex tuan City Butuan City Construction of Butuan Villa Kananga, LGUCity South Market Butuan City Butuan City SURIGAO CITY Quezon-MapawaSurigao City DPWH Capalayan-Espina-Navarro SDN1 Road, K1133+652 -

69.09

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

19.21

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

252.94

-

49.00 59.80

23.55

100.00

100.00

0.00 Completed

0.00 Completed

DPWH SDN1

17.37

100.00

100.00

Surigao City

DPWH-RO

80.62

87.73

84.48

Lipata Port Expansion and Improvement Project TANDAG CITY Sta. Felomina CIS

Surigao City

PPA

75.53

12.50

-

(2.60) On-going

(3.25) Ongoing

Ongoing 6.35

36.24

Tago RIS Improvement Project

On-going

62.40

Surigao City

NIA

-

49.79

Drainage Facilities along Daang Maharlika (SurigaoAgusan) Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) - NRJ Lipata-Punta Bilar and

Tandag City

0.00 Completed

65.00

(6.15) -

Ongoing

Construction/Improvement of SDCR

Page 12

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 2nd Quarter 2013 Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry Palay production increased by 19.55 percent or 49,822 MT. The increase in production was attributed to more area harvested due to adequate water supply brought about by the completion of rehabilitation work of irrigation facilities in Madrid, Carmen and Tago, all in the Province of Surigao del Sur. Agusan del Sur is the highest producer of palay among the provinces in the region, contributing 50.68 percent of the regionâ€&#x;s total palay production for this quarter. Surigao del Sur follows at second with 21.22 percent contribution.

Source: BAS XIII

Corn production increased by 4.45 percent or 591 MT. The increase in production was attributed to increase in area harvested due to fewer infestation of cornborer pests, sufficient rainwater and increased utilization of improved varieties.

The province of Agusan del Sur is the top corn producer of the region for the quarter, with 83.41 percent contribution to the total corn production for this quarter. Its production, however, decreased by 8.82 percent.

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

The production of banana, another major crop, increased by 3.22 percent or 1,652.45 MT. This is attributed to increase in area harvested from Dole and Sumifru Cavendish plantations in Tago and Barobo, Surigao del Sur. The province of Agusan del Norte is the top banana producer of the region for the quarter, with 32.12 percent contribution to the total banana production for this quarter, it is closely followed

by Surigao del Sur with 31.98 percent. Banana production in Surigao del Sur grew by 33.81 percent, while that of Agusan del Norte decreased by 10.68 percent.

For non-food and industrial crops (NFIC), coconut production decreased by 5.64 percent or 12,791.27 MT attributed to less harvesting due to low price of copra. The province of Surigao del Sur is the top coconut producer of

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

Continued on page 13

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

the region for the quarter, with 47.90 percent contribution to the total coconut production for this quarter, followed by Surigao del Norte with 27.59 percent. Coconut production in Surigao del Sur, however, declined by 2.05 percent, while that of Surigao del Norte decreased by 15.54 percent.

Palm fruit production also decreased by 36.56 percent or 19,258.33 MT due to lower buying

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

Source: BAS XIII

Page 13 price. The province of Agusan del Sur is the top palm fruit producer of the region for the quarter, with 98.30 percent contribution to the total production for this quarter. Palm fruit production in Agusan del Sur, however, declined by 36.89 percent.

Forestry Log production increased by 393.67 percent or 154,961.38 cu. m. Production from the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC) increased by 386.52 percent or 152,145.12 cu. m. The PTPOC accounted for 98.55 percent of the total log production for the period. Manufactured forest products decreased by 27.61 percent or 42,866.98 cu. m. Major manufactured products include veneer, plywood, blockboard and lumber.

Fishery For the Fishery sector, the total volume of production decreased by 9.68 percent or 1,806.88 MT. Most of the production comes from municipal fishery, comprising about 53.58 percent of the total volume of production. Municipal production decreased by 8.41 percent or 1,331.03 MT compared to second quarter of last year.

The province of Surigao del Sur is the top fishery producer of the region for the quarter, with 51.14 percent contribution to the total production for this quarter, followed by Surigao del Norte with 39.82 percent contribution. However, both production in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte declined by 10.11 percent and 9.33 percent, respectively.

Services and Industry Sole proprietor investments for the second quarter decreased by 16.19 percent or Php 59.22 million as compared to the same period last year. Domestic sales decreased by 24.83 percent or Php 31.66 million. Jobs generated decreased by 63.06 percent or 3,129 jobs. New business names registration increased by 6.05 percent or 79 registrations. Exports increased by 58.30 percent or USD 2.81 Million.

Among the provinces, Agusan del Sur cornered the biggest share of investments among provinces with 64.33 percent contribution. Suri-

Source: BAS XIII

Investments (in Php M) Domestic Sales (in Php M) Jobs Generated Business Name (New) Exports (in USD M) Source: DTI XIII

Source: DTI XIII

Continued on page 14

2Q 2012 365.88 127.50

2Q 2013 306.66 95.85

4,962 1,306 4.83

1,833 1,385 7.64

Page 14

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 2nd Quarter 2013 gao del Norte follows at second with 31.14 percent share. In terms of growth of investments, Surigao del Norte leads with 157.89 percent growth.

Source: DTI XIII

In terms of domestic sales, Agusan del Sur ranks first with 33.50 percent share, followed by Surigao del Norte with 30.17 percent share. In terms of growth in domestic sales, Agusan del Norte leads with 52.59 percent growth.

Source: DTI XIII

In terms of jobs generated, Agusan del Norte ranks first with 38.46 percent share, followed

by Surigao del Norte with 26.35 percent share.

All provinces displayed negative growth with the biggest contraction coming from Surigao del Sur (81.13%), followed by Agusan del Sur (53.09%).

In terms of new business name registration, Agusan del Norte ranks first with 42.17 percent share, followed by Surigao del Norte with 30.47 percent share. In terms of growth in registrations, Agusan del Norte leads with 21.16 percent growth.

Source: NSO XIII

Source: NSO XIII

Source: NSO XIII

Exports Total exports for the 2nd quarter of 2013 was valued at USD 254,038,913. It grew by 195.93 percent or USD 168,194,173 compared to the same period last year.

In terms of value by product, 91 percent of total export comprised of nickel ores and concentrates. In terms of value by country of destination, 88 percent of the exports value for the period went to China.

In terms of value by province, 51 percent of the exports value for the period exited through Surigao del Norte.

Shipping and Cargoes Total number of ship calls decreased by 2.99 percent compared to the same period last year. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising 96.55 percent of the total number of calls for the

Source: DTI XIII

Source: NSO XIII

Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

Continued on page 15

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 15 In the 2nd quarter of 2013, a total of seven (7) new permits on mineral production were approved as follows:

Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

Contractor/Permit Holder Ludgoron Mining Corp.

Kepha Mining Exploration Company Minahang Bayan ng Dinagat Coop.

Krominco Inc. SR Metals Inc. SR Metals, Inc. Pacific Nickel Phils., Inc.

Date Approved April 3-4, 2013 April 2-3, 2013 April 26-27, 2013 April 24-25, 2013 June 19-20, 2013 June 20-21, 2013 June 2013

Source: MGB XIII

Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

Tourism Tourist arrivals increased by 36 percent compared to the same period last year. Of these, 94 percent comprise of domestic travelers, 5 percent were foreigners and 1 percent were overseas Filipinos. Butuan City posted the highest share with 28 percent of the total tourist arrivals for the 2nd quarter of 2013.

Source: DOT XIII

Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

quarter. Foreign ship calls also decreased by 5.50 percent.

Historically, inbound domestic cargo throughput is higher than outbound. Inbound domestic cargo increased by 62.33 percent or 181,317 MT. This is due to the increase in shipment of general cargoes and refined petroleum products.

Outbound domestic cargo decreased by 26.09 percent or 67,834 MT. This is due to decrease in shipment of fruits and vegetables, wood byproducts and fish preparations.

Foreign export throughput increased by 19.82 percent due to increase in shipment of nickel ores to China. Total domestic passengers increased by 8.80 percent. About 51.74 percent of domestic passengers are composed of disembarking passengers. Increase in total number of passengers is attributed to the entry of MV Filipinas.

Mining and Quarrying

The number of domestic travelers, foreign travelers and overseas Filipino travelers increased by 37 percent or 57,096 visitors, 14 percent or 1,431 visitors, and 97 percent or 790 visitors, respectively.

This shows that while attracting foreign visitors has its merits, domestic visitors still remain as the regionâ€&#x;s main market. Given such, there is a need for tourism stakeholders to take this market seriSource: DOT XIII ously 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.

Labor Unemployment rate increased from 5.00 percent to 6.60 percent, lower than the national figure of 7.50 percent. Likewise, underemployment increased from 23.00 percent to 31.70 percent, higher than the national figure of 19.20 percent.

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

Continued on page 16

April 2012 1,694,000 65.10

April 2013 1,729,000 65.60

95.00

93.40

5.00

6.60

23.00

31.70

Page 16

Caraga Regional Economic Situationer, 2nd Quarter 2013 Prices Inflation rate for the 2nd quarter of 2013 averaged at 3.10 percent, lower compared to the 4.30 percent average for the 2nd quarter of 2012.

Source: NSO XIII

Source: NSO XIII

Among the provinces, price movement from April to June 2013 was slowest in Agusan del Norte with an average of 2.13 percent inflation rate. On the other hand, Surigao del Sur posted the highest inflation rate at 4.27 percent for the same period.

The CPI levels for the second quarter of this year are higher compared to the same period of 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 increased by 132.73 percent. All of the provinces and Butuan City displayed increased crime volume with the highest increase recorded in Agusan del Norte (232%), followed by Butuan City (175%), Agusan del Sur (169%), Dinagat Islands (139%), Surigao del Norte (123%), and Surigao del Sur (69%).

Source: PNP XIII

Of the total crime volume for the quarter, 53 percent were index crimes, while 47 percent were non -index crimes. Crime volume is seen to be highest in Surigao del Norte which comprise 34 percent of the total figure in the region- 34 percent share for index crimes and 35 percent share for non-index crime. Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Butuan City follow have 18 percent share each of the total crime volume in the region.

Average crime solution efficiency rate in the region decreased by 42 percent. The highest crime solution efficiency rate is in Agusan del Norte at 60 percent, followed

by Butuan City with 50 percent.

Source: PNP XIII

Development Prospects The Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD) completed infrastructure projects worth Php 64.13 million located in various parts of Caraga under the Kalahi-CIDSS Anti-Poverty Project. About 53 barangays in nine (9) municipalities of the region received assistance to construct education and health facilities; community production, economic and service facilities; environmental protection and preservation structures; footbridges; water systems; and roads. KalahiCIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services is a community-driven development (CDD) project of the government that aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in community projects that reduce poverty.

The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas finally pushes through with the establishment of a regional office in Caraga. The BSP is constructing a Php 253 Million building in Libertad, Butuan City.

Jollibee companies will be putting up new branches in Butuan City. The fastfood chain Chowking will be establishing three (3) branches in Butuan City, one of which is set to open in November of this year while the other two will be opening in 2014. Jollibee Foods Corporation is also establishing another branch to be located in Robinsons Mall in Butuan City.

Meanwhile, Red Ribbon which is another Jollibee-owned company is also opening a branch in Robinsons.

Another set of national brands, Goldilocks Bakeshop and Classic Savory, will be opening branches in Butuan City. Local brands like Margies and Islands Restaurants are expanding as well by putting up new branches in Butuan City.

With the increasing demand for new housing projects, Camella housing development will be expanding in Butuan City. The real estate company will be developing another 4-hectare property adjacent to their existing property. Camella is the subsidiary catering to the mid-market segment of Vista Land, the countryâ€&#x;s premier homebuilder.

The rubberized track oval of the Butuan Polysports Complex in Brgy. Tiniwisan, Butuan City is pipelined for completion before the year ends.

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 17

DOH announces new program for elder persons The Department of Health (DOH) spearheaded the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week, in coordination with other government agencies, in its efforts to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our elderly population, especially the indigents.

“As a token of the government‟s appreciation for our elderly, PhilHealth is providing our senior citizens free membership after retirement, and we hope to improve on their benefit packages soon,” Secretary of Health Enrique T. Ona declared, adding that the goal is to provide them affordable and quality health care services as well as sustain their function, self esteem as well as life satisfaction.

In the country, the population of 60 years or older was 3.7 million in 1995 or 5.4% of total population. In the 2000 census, this increased to about 4.8 million or almost 6% (National Statistical Coordination Board). At present, there are 7M senior citizens (6.9% of the total population), 1.3M of whom are indigent.

Likewise, the DOH believes that senior citizens can still be economically productive.

As part of the country‟s celebration of Elderly Filipino

Week, the DOH lauded the program that hires senior citizens as part of seasonal workforce.

As part of the corporate social responsibility of a supermarket chain, its pilot program is hiring documented senior citizens, 60-70 years old, medically fit and are residents of communities where there is an existing branch. The senior citizens will be given parttime jobs as ushers or greeters in the malls with four-hour working days twice a week, preferably on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays when there is an influx of customers.

They will work anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

They start work on October 5, 2013.

The Elderly Filipino Week is celebrated every year during the first week of October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 470 issued on September 26, 1994. The annual event aims to increase public awareness on the dif-

ferent issues senior citizens face today. This year‟s theme is: “Nakatatanda: Pagtulungang Isulong Benepisyo‟t Karapatan Tungo sa Maginhawa at Masayang Pamayanan.”

More than 2,000 participants from the 17 Metro Manila chapters of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines, the Regional Senior Citizens Federation, Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Coalition of Older Persons in the Philippines, other government and non-government agencies and organizations joined the event spearheaded by the DOH. “With the latest trend that shows the increasing number of older persons and their longer life expectancy, the DOH‟s goal is to improve their quality of life by continuously developing a progressive older person health program,” Ona concluded.

(Department of Health)

2013 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week: "Make health your new high in life not drugs" The Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week is annually observed simultaneously throughout the country every third week of November. The observance aims to increase awareness among Filipinos about the unfavorable effects of drug and substance abuse not only on the health but also on the social, economic, and even the political development of

the country.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 124 on November 26, 2001, the third week of November has been declared as the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week (DAPC) Week.

(National Youth Commission)

Kalusugang Pangkalahatan is the new slogan adapted by the Department of Health in its implementation of Universal Health Care under the Aquino Health Agenda.

The logo was designed by Lorna B. Ballesteros of Parañaque City. “Like an umbrella, Universal Health Care or KALUSUGANG PANGKALAHATAN offers caring and complete protection, safety and coverage to all Filipinos. Stylized figures are rendered in the colors of the Philippine flag to denote all Filipinos,” she explained in her winning entry.

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 18

PhilRice sets first ever brown rice day The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute in celebration of the National Year of Rice has set November 15 to be the first Brown Rice Day in the country to promote better health to Filipinos.

NYR campaign director Hazel V. Antonio said that the Brown Rice Day aims to encourage the food service industry to serve unpolished rice to increase public awareness on its characteristics and health benefits.

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.

“Other countries eat brown rice but this, we believe, is the first initiative in the world to encourage all food service providers in a country to serve this nutritious rice on the same day,” Antonio said.

Studies show that eating brown rice or unpolished rice may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and stroke. Cancer and diabetes may also be diminished

by eating brown rice.

Polishing brown rice to obtain white rice removes 15 percent of protein; 85 percent, fat; 80 percent, thiamine; 70 percent, riboflavin; 68 percent, niacin; 90 percent calcium; 75 percent, phosphorous; and 60 percent of other minerals.

“We want Filipinos to get these nutrients, which is lost when rice is fully polished. Thus, we encourage the food industry to serve unpolished rice to the public on this unique day so that Filipinos could also experience the nutty flavor and chewiness of brown rice,” she said.

Eating brown rice could also help in achieving the country‟s goal of rice self-sufficiency as it has 10 percent higher milling recovery.

A study showed that if each Filipino would eat brown rice 36 meals a year, our rice importation would shrink by an average of 50,000mt a year.

The Brown Rice Day will highlight exhibits on cheap brown

GMO rice with Vitamin A out in the market by 2015 - PhilRice LEGAZPI CITY - The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has said that the genetically modified (GM) rice called “golden rice” it is developing to address Vitamin A deficiency especially among children will be available in the market by 2015.

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.

“We are now in the final stages of the research and evaluation of this GM rice variety that earned the „golden‟ moniker owing to the yellowish color of its grains,” PhilRice Director and Chief Science Research Specialist Antonio Alfonso said during a recent media seminar on rice and nutrition here.

This color, Alfonso said, comes from the beta carotene content of the rice that becomes Vitamin A when processed by the human

body.

Millions of Filipinos do not get enough of this vital nutrient, so this rice has become the symbol of an idea: that genetically engineered crops can be a tool to improve the lives of the poor, he said.

Vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A deficiency can damage the immune system and decrease the body‟s ability to resist infections, resulting in increase in mortality risk from common diseases especially among young children, he said, warning that such deficiency may also result in impaired vision -- including night blindness that may lead to permanent, partial, or total blindness if left untreated.

Recent data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute gath-

rice at the China Town Mall in Divisoria, feeding program of Jollibee foundation, and brown rice-based food products such as espasol, bibingkang kanin, and palitao.

“Our goal at the Department of Agriculture is to provide Filipinos with affordable brown rice so that more people could enjoy its health benefits. We are hopeful that with this initiative, the demand for brown rice will increase; thus, resulting in lower prices,” Antonio said.

The Brown Rice Day is also supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government, members of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of the Philippines, and concessioners of Megaworld Chain of Malls, and Robinsons Dumaguete.

For price support or for a source of affordable brown rice, malls, restaurants, or fastfood chains can contact the National Year of Rice secretariat at (044) 4565390. (PhilRice)

ered through the 7th National Nutrition Survey in 2008 reveals that 15.2 percent of Filipino children aged six months to five years are affected by Vitamin A deficiency, according to Alfonso.

Alfonso said Vitamin A deficiency remains a serious public health concern in the Philippines, affecting approximately 1.7 million children under the age of five and 500,000 pregnant and nursing women many of whom are living in far-flung areas.

“A rice variety with beta carotene offers a sustainable response to Vitamin A deficiency as rice that is grown in the Philippines is staple food for more than three billion Filipinos,” Alfonso said.

Rice is more accessible than Vitamin A supplements in remote areas, he stressed. (Philippine News Agency)

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 19

DTI-Agusan del Sur to award engineered-bamboo processing equipment to SAFRAADAP Agusan del Sur - The Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office (DTI-ADS) is set to award 2.8 million pesos worth of engineered-bamboo processing and manufacturing equipment to the San Francisco Association of Differently Abled Person (SAFRAADAP) Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The awarding of the said set of equipment is part of the agency‟s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program which provides processing equipment or machineries needed by the various industry clusters to increase their productivity. A cooperator or partner organization (in the case of SAFRAADAP) will receive and manage the operation of the facility for the common or shared use of members and other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the locality for a minimal fee.

The introduction of engineered bamboo offers a new hope to this furniture-making cooperative and other producers dependent on wood who are affected and threatened by the declaration of a total log ban.

With SAFRAADAP management‟s quest for alternatives, the members willingly embraced this new opportunity on bamboo.

In response, DTI-ADS facilitated the conduct of Skills Training on Engineered Bamboo Manufacturing last July 15-17, 2013 attended by 20 participants from SAFRAADAP. Experts from the DTI-Cottage Industry Technology Center (DTI-CITC) taught participants to produce quality bamboo planks for furniture production, floor tiles, door panels, and other construction materials.

This was followed by a Business Opportunity Seminar with Mr. Eduardo Manda of the Philippine Bamboo Foundation as the resource speaker last July 25-26.

The seminar presented the economic benefits of propagating bamboo as a source of materials for furniture and constructionrelated products. It also highlighted the need for community involvement for bamboo propagation.

Manda also pointed out that

bamboo is the logical choice as a possible substitute to timber. It is reportedly the most sustainable resource because of its ability to reproduce regularly throughout the year. Bamboo which is classified as a grass is also recognized for its role in combating climate change and in conserving soil and water.

One hectare of bamboo is expected to yield 1,200 matured poles per year. These poles can be sold at 50 to 100 pesos each, and when processed into bamboo slats, these can be sold at triple the price thus giving more income to the bamboo growers.

DTI‟s SSF project, on the other hand is open to all cooperators or any juridical entity not limited to NGOs, people‟s organizations.

Cooperatives, industry/trade/ business associations and academic institutions that are supporting MSMEs belonging to an identified industry cluster.

18-Day Campaign… from page 3 geous in reporting abuses to authorities.

The least number of reported VAWC cases for the same period was recorded in Region II (Cagayan Valley) with 318 (3%) cases only. It is followed by Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) with 490 (5%) cases and Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN).

The consolidated reports of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as of September 2013 and PNP as of August 2013 also provide information on the different actions taken by concerned agencies on the reported VAWC cases, among

which is the Referred to PNP which ranks first with 3,439 (29%) referrals. It is followed by Referred for Medical Treatment with 3,163 (26%) referrals; Referred to LSWDO with 3,671 (22%) referrals; Issued BPO with 1,744 (15%) issuances; and Referred to Court with 930 (8%) referrals.

Region VII (Central Visayas) is the top region with the most number of actions taken on the reported VAWC cases with 3,220 (27%). Region VI (Western Visayas) is next with 1,960 (16%) actions taken and Region XI (Davao Region) in third with 1,643 (14%) actions taken. The

top three regions with the least number of actions taken on reported VAWC cases were Region X (Northern Mindanao) with only 541 (5%) actions taken followed by Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) with 675 (5.6%) and Region II (Cagayan Valley) with 737 (6.2%) actions taken.

Sources: Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) January-August 2013 Report; Department of the Interior and Local Government- National Barangay Operations Office (DILG-NBOO), January to September 2013 Report, and 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Reprinted from the Philippine Commission on Women

Vol. XVII

Issue 3

Page 20

560 Farmers Graduate from University on the Air on White Corn Production

by Aurell P. Araiz, RAFID DA-Caraga “Translate what you had learned on radio into more production in the field.”

This was one of the challenges posed by Governor Adolph Edward Plaza to the farmer-students who graduated from the 3-month University on the Air on White Corn Production during the graduation rites held recently in the province of Agusan del Sur .

Plaza said that even with the right technology and expertise of the resource person, it would be futile if the participants will not apply their learning in their respective field.

“Hinaut unta nga pinaagi sa inyong nadungog sa radyo mosaka ang inyong abot,” (I hope that what you learned while listening to the radio would boost your production) he said.

Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) indicated

The Caraga FAME Logo The fish represents the fishery sector.

Its blue color represents life for the Caraganons. The fishes are in standing position representing optimism. Superimposed on the fishes are human figures representing the people of Caraga working side-by-side.

The rice stalks and trees represent the agro-forestry sector. Its green color signifies prosperity.

The rig represents the mining sector.

Its purple color means wisdom.

The surfer represents the tourism sector. Its orange color means energy and courage.

The wave represents stream of emotions. Its red color means passion for driving Caraga towards its goal.

that Agusan del Sur for the past four (4) years posted a 1.8 metric tons annual average yield of white corn. This figure is expected to increase considering government interventions for the farmers.

Series of graduation ceremonies for participating LGUs where being held in the region namely, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. A total of 550 farmer-students successfully completed the course , noteworthy to mention were the outstanding farmer - students who received plaques of recognition and some prizes.

The UOA on White Corn Production was aired over DXBC RMN for Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, DXSP One FM for Surigao del Norte and Surigao City, DXVP Sure FM for Surigao del Sur and DXDA Radyo Agusan for Agusan del

Sur. These UOA were anchored

by LGU farmcasters together with their respective corn coordinators and other resource persons who have expertise on corn production.

The UOA on White Corn Production was jointly undertaken by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office Caraga thru the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID), Caraga AgriPinoy Corn Program and the respective local government units.

The program supports the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the present administration and is aimed at promoting white corn for health and as one of the food staples aside from rice.

Other identified food staples are banana (saba), adlai and various root crops.