Caraga Today October-December 2018

5|Caraga Regional Development Council holds first Education Summit 7|29th National Statistics Month features tourism development 15| 2018 Second Quarter Regional Economic Situationer 29|2018 Third Quarter Regional Project Monitoring

today caraga

October-December 2018 Vol. XXI, Issue 4

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

COVER

Caraga Regional Development Council holds first Regional Education Summit

caraga today Volume XXI Issue 4

October-December 2018

On this issue

HIGHLIGHT The Caraga Education Summit Logo Elements: Sustaining the Gains is represented by the learned man (the man reading the book). Closing the Gaps for Quality and Liberating Inclusive Education is represented by the torch which represents DepEd, CHED, TESDA, NCIP, and RDC. Peace and Development is represented by the dove’s wings carrying the book. Torch symbolizes that we will push through with our initiatives for Quality and Liberating Inclusive Education Towards Peace and Development. Butterfly fused with a dove symbolizes the metamorphosis of the education sector geared towards providing quality education for all.

Colors: Blue symbolizes knowledge so the learned man represented by the circle is color blue. Light blue symbolizes education so the book is light blue in color. Blue also symbolizes peace so the dove’s wings are blue. Red symbolizes energy, leadership, and determination. Orange symbolizes change. Yellow symbolizes clarity. Green represents education as a catalyst for environmental sustainability.

NEWS stakeholders oriented on 6 Caraga Public-Private Partnership Regional Development Council 8 Caraga gears up planners on spatial strategies and urban development patterns

9 10

Students, teachers uphold economic and financial literacy Caraga stakeholders join 18-day campaign, vow to end violence against women

on IP Concerns addresses 11 Committee proliferation of non-DepEd accredited

Administration Committee 13 Development champions 2nd Caraga RDC Sportsfest Tilt trains staffs on basic geographic 14 NEDA information system DBM finalize National Evaluation 15 NEDA, Policy Framework parenting advocated in the 26th 18 Positive Children’s Month Celebration Regional Development Council 20 Caraga dawns discourses on federalism

schools

FEATURES 31 How could agencies successfully transition to a cash-based budget? is annual cash based budgeting different from obligation-based 32 How budgeting?

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

3

Editor’s Note Engr. Emmanuel Z. Gidacan Happy holidays!

Christmas time is a great time to look upon our year with gratitude for all we have achieved. In the first quarter 2018 issue of Caraga Today, we highlighted the appointment of Gov. Sol Matugas as the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson effective February 20, 2018. In the second quarter 2018 issue, we introduced the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Knowledge Corner in Caraga while in the third quarter 2018 issue we highlighted the localization and alignment of development plans, and the launching of the Peace and Development Zones (PDZs).

Today’s edition features the first Caraga Education Summit organized by the education subsector of the Caraga RDC which gathered more than 250 stakeholders from the government and civil society last November 13, 2018 at the Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City. The said summit aims to generate strategies and policies as inputs to the crafting of the Caraga Education Roadmap, focusing on the status of the education sector in the Region and the Region’s progress in achieving the education agenda and commitment to sustainable development goal #4 which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

We also highlight various

activities in the celebration of the National Statistics Month spearheaded by the Regional Statistics Committee in October 2018. Further, we include the celebration of the National Children’s Month organized by the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children. The 2018 celebration marks the 26th year of the Children’s Month observed every November by virtue of Republic Act No. 10661.

This issue also presents the nd 2 Caraga RDC Sportsfest participated in by the members of the regional line agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges of the four sectoral committees namely, Development Administration, Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, and Social Development.

At the centerfold, you will find the Philippine Education System along with the logo of the recently-concluded Caraga

Education Summit.

To gain wide support for the fulfillment of the government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence, this issue likewise presents the activities of the 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) observed annually from November 22 to December 12. The RDC-Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) organized the events with the theme, “VAW -free Community Starts with Me”.

The theme upholds the vision of the advocacy for a community free from violence against women and girls.

You also get a glimpse of the 2018 third quarter Regional Economic Situationer and the Regional Project Monitoring updates.

Relevant to the reformed budgeting system, infographics from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will give us information on the difference between annual cashbased budgeting and obligationbased budgeting. Finally, we outline the tips from the DBM on how agencies could successfully transition to cash-based budgeting.

4

caraga today

Photos taken during the Caraga Education Summit

Left to Right: RDC Chairperson Gov. Sol Matugas thanking the stakeholders for their presence as an affirmation of their commitment towards inclusive education. Regional Peace and Order Council Chairperson Gov. Angelica Rosedell Matba gives her hope for the future of our education sector.

Left to Right: BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal presents the situation of peace and development in the context of education sector.

Parallel Session 1 participants discuss on the strategies to ensure access, equity, and inclusiveness to reach the unreached.

Left to Right: RDC Vice Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora CariĂąo advocates for purposive investments that steer career interest towards science, technology, agriculture, fisheries and engineering fundamental of the knowledge economy.

Members of the Technical Working Group of the Education Sub-sector pose in front of the gallery of programs and projects.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

5

Cover Story:

Caraga Regional Development Council holds first Regional Education Summit

by Hazel Fuentes, NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) gathered more than 250 stakeholders from the government and civil society for the first Caraga Education Summit to tackle the pressing concerns of the education sector last November 13, 2018 at the Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

With theme, “Sustaining the gains, closing the gaps for quality and liberating inclusive education towards peace and development,” the speakers presented on the status of the education sector in the Region and the Region’s progress in achieving the education agenda and commitment to sustainable development goal #4 which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The participants during the summit were able to identify and respond to the issues, feedback, aspirations and proposals of relevant stakeholders affecting the education sector; generate strategies and policies as inputs to the crafting of the Caraga Education Roadmap; explore possible convergence in the delivery of education services in the Region; and find platforms for mainstreaming peace and development into the education system.

Caraga RDC Chairperson Gov. Sol Matugas implored, “let us use education as our weapon to steer our ship towards providing our fellow Caraganons a matatag,

maginhawa at panatag na buhay.”

Gov. Matugas also noted the importance of education as a vehicle for peace and development and as a catalyst for ecological integrity and sustainability. Gov. Matugas added, “we give equal importance to research and innovation for technical and social innovations interplay.”

During the summit, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shared their assessment, the agenda and directions they have set for the basic education, higher education and technicalvocational. CHED and TESDA also positioned higher and technical-vocational education as a foundation towards economic competitiveness. CHED presented on Caraga’s performance in terms of access, equity, inclusiveness, quality, relevance and responsiveness, research and innovation initiatives, and greening the higher education.

Further, the agencies advocated the various programs that aimed at providing access to quality

education for students from poor families, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, rebel returnees, among others.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño presented the reforms and development agenda for the education sector based on the Philippine and Regional Development Plans 2017-2022.

Director Cariño said that “the education sector aims to ensure availability of lifelong learning opportunities for all, and enable increase in income-earning ability of the workforce.”

Further, the gallery showcased the banner programs, projects and best practices of the agencies and academe institution. The education sub-sector of the Caraga Regional Development Council is composed of NEDA, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, the 401st and 402nd Brigades of the Philippine Army, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

caraga today

6

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in partnership with the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Center held an orientation on PublicPrivate Partnership at NEDA Conference Hall, Butuan City last October 30, 2018. The members of the Caraga Regional Development Council composed of the regional line agencies, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) along with representatives from the business sector and water districts attended the orientation.

NEDA Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño presented the key points of the Caraga Regional Development Plan to cascade the major development thrusts of the Region. Director Cariño said that it has been the longest plan of the RDC to conduct a PPP orientation to its members. According to her, the RDC wants its members to “consider PPP as a viable option

Caraga stakeholders oriented on Public-Private Partnership

by Shirley C. Torotoro, NEDA-Caraga

for funding key programs and projects in the region knowing that government fund is scarce.”

She hoped that with the orientation, the members will not only be oriented with PPP and its various modalities but would also inspire LGUs and stakeholders to think and dream big for Caraga Region.

PPP Director Feriosa Francisca Concordia of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service introduced the PPP Program, concepts, and procedures. The stakeholders were also acquainted on the PPP processes in terms of project development, approval and procurement, implementation and monitoring. The orientation is

part of the ongoing program to tap stakeholders to take part in the infrastructure development agenda.

PPP is a contractual arrangement between the government and a private partner targeted towards financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining infrastructure facilities and services that is implemented through Republic Act (RA) No. 6957 otherwise known as Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, as amended by RA 7718. PPP is a strategy focused on mitigating infrastructure backlogs and bringing high productive development.

PPP Director Feriosa Francisca Concordia of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service with the participants, NEDA Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna and NEDA Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

7

29th National Statistics Month features tourism development

by Sarah Jane Salga, PSA-Caraga

The Regional Statistical Committee (RSC) organized the 29th National Statistics Month in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga. The month-long celebration gathered support from various stakeholders from the Regional Line Agencies, Non-government Offices, Academe and Private Sectors. This year’s theme, “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development”, reflects the relevance of statistics in identifying potential tourism areas that require interventions to achieve sustainable and progressive tourism growth at the national and sub-national levels.

The activities done during the celebration were aimed to ensure steady generation of timely and relevant tourism-related data to

boost the tourism sector and provide basis for programs that are geared towards the sustainability of Philippine tourism.

During the press conference, series of activities for the month-long celebration were expounded by Lovervelle Olaco of PSA. Acting Deputy Director Reynaldo Macion of BSP reiterated the message from BSP Governor regarding the “Updates and Outlook of the Philippine Inflation”. Furthermore, Jean Camarin of the DOT shared on the progress of Tourism Industry in Caraga and in the Philippines based on the National Tourism Policy (RA 9593 or theTourism Act of 2009)”. She also invited everyone to join and witness the 29th NSM opening ceremony at Robinsons’ Place Butuan.

At the opening ceremony,

DOT Caraga Region initiated the following competitions:  Tourism Statistics logo making contest; and  Infographics contest (Best Display of Agency/ LGU/ Academe Data Thru Infographics) Further, the BSP, DTI, and PSA also conducted the lecture on UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, Inflation and Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship for Students on October 19, 2018.

The Regional Finals for the 4th Inter-High School Statistics Quiz Bowl was conducted on October 19, 2018. The said contest is aimed to assess the proficiency in statistics of junior high school students and to promote appreciation on the significance in the field of statistics.

The top three winners are as follows: 1st Place - Bayugan National Comprehensive High School 2nd Place - Caraga Regional Science High School 3rd Place - Cabadbaran City National High School Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed on September 20, 1990, the month of October of every year was declared as National Statistics Month.

caraga today

8

Caraga Regional Development Council gears up planners on spatial strategies and urban development patterns

by Gemeniano B. Crisante, Jr., NEDA-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Development Council capped off its capacity building initiatives on regional and spatial planning for 2018 by holding the “LectureOrientation Training Workshop on Regional Spatial Strategies and Urban Development Patterns” last November 26-28, 2018 at the NEDA Caraga Conference Room, Butuan City. Technical planning staffs from NEDA and various regional line agencies learned from Dr. Elmer S. Mercado, EnP, former Undersecretary of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources and environmental planning expert.

NEDA Caraga organized the training workshop to provide planners in regional line agencies and the RDC Secretariat technical knowledge and hands-on experience in reviewing and analyzing regional spatial strategies, as well as projecting possible urban development patterns in the region based on existing and emerging urban growth models and concepts through the use of projected regional spatial, demographic and settlement data. This training was also intended to further capacitate NEDA staff as they gear up for the updating of the regional spatial strategy contained in the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2017-2022.

Highlight of the training was

the in-depth discussions on the smart city concept and the spatial integration between transportation and mobility. Dr. Mercado also discussed the following topics through a combination of lectures and group-based workshops: Urban Development Patterns and Sustainable Urban Planning; Spatial Development and Land Use in the Age of the 4th Industrial Revolution; TransportOriented Development and Impacts on Regional and Urban Spatial Patterns/Development; Developing Multi-Criteria Results-Based Decision Support System; Key Regional Demographics and 10-Year Projections; Land Cover Status of Key Regional Landscapes and Biodiversity Areas in Caraga; and Spatial Land Allocation and Demand Analysis and Projections. During the training, NEDA Caraga presented population projections of Caraga Region from 2020 to 2055.

Similarly, DENR Caraga also presented their latest land cover and land use-related data of the region.

The following agencies joined the training-workshop: Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Health, Philippine National Police – Regional Office XIII, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Philippine Army – 402nd Infantry Brigade.

The Regional Spatial Strategies and Urban Development Patterns Training is the last of the four major capacity building initiatives that the RDC lined up for regional planners in 2018.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

9

Students, teachers uphold economic and financial literacy

by Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA-Caraga

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) held a Regional Forum on Economic and Financial Literacy on November 8, 2018 at the NEDA-Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City.

The forum was conducted in line with the annual celebration of the Economic and Financial Literacy Week (EFLW), which is set every second week of November pursuant to Republic Act No. 10922, “An Act Declaring the Second Week of November of Every Year as Economic and Financial Literacy Week.”

This year’s EFLW theme is, “National Identification for Greater Economic and Financial Inclusion: Sa Pag-angat ng Ekonomiya at Pinansya: Lahat Makakasali, Kapag May Pambansang ID.” Around 135 senior high school (SHS) and college students from various higher education institutions (HEIs), teachers and government workers participated in the said forum where economic and finance experts from NEDACaraga discussed basic economic and financial concepts. In

accordance with this year’s theme, an overview on the National Identification System and its role in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was also discussed.

After the lectures, a quiz show participated in by student representatives of nine SHSs and HEIs followed. The Philippine Normal University-Mindanao Campus emerged as the quiz show winners, followed by Butuan City School of Arts and Trades and Philippine Science High School-Caraga Region Campus.

Forum participants were encouraged to share their economic and financial management tips and photos on NEDA-Caraga’s social media account, using the official hashtags: #EFLW2018 #PhilSysEFLW2018 and #NationalID. Prior to the regional forum, an

Orientation on Economic and Financial Literacy for 75 students of Caraga State University was conducted on October 25, 2018.

The orientation was conducted during their school’s Career Fair Week.

The EFL orientation, regional forum and online campaign are all part of the EFLW celebration that aims to achieve the following:  to improve the public’s understanding, particularly youth and workers in the informal sector (WIS), of economic and financial concepts to help them earn sustainably; and  to provide insights and tools that will enable the WIS to make informed and sound financial decisions to help them grow in their fields.

caraga today

10

Caraga stakeholders join 18-day campaign, vow to end violence against women

by Elsie S. Lariba, NEDA-Caraga

The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) is observed annually from November 22 to December 12. For this year, RDC-Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) has set activities for the said event with the theme, “VAW-free Community Starts with Me”. The theme upholds the vision of the advocacy for a community free from violence against women and girls.

In her speech, Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, Regional Director of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reiterated that the 18-Day Campaign aims to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern; and that it supports the Philippine Government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. The committee enjoined the member-agencies to hang 18-Day Campaign to End VAW advocacy banner in their respective offices.

The kick-off for the campaign started on November 26, with the Advocacy Walk from Agusan del Norte Capitol Grounds going to Guingona Park, Butuan City, followed by a short program highlighting the “Kikay Kit Bonanza”, where the VAW

survivors were given cosmetic items. The early morning activity ended with “Color me Zumba” in the same venue.

On the same day, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) held a press conference at Oazis Hotel, where media people were updated on the pressing VAW issues in the region.

On November 27, the “Buntis Congress” was conducted, where 100 pregnant 4Ps beneficiaries and at least 50 husbands were given newborn kits.

A RIACAT-VAWC initiated activity dubbed as “Panagtagbo” was conducted on December 3. Several services were provided to the VAW survivors of a VAW support group in Surigao City. RGADC members also donated “Noche Buena” items for the VAW

survivors.

A community based dialogue was conducted on December 5, focusing on the “Efficiency of Referral System of VAW Cases” in the region. Personnel from the Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Public Attorney’s Office, local government units, government officials and VAW survivors attended the dialogue.

In time also with the International Human Rights Day and 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, the RGADC spearheaded a mass, followed by a short program, along with the Anniversary Walk and Candle Lighting.

As part of the 18-Day Campaign Culminating Activity, the Women’s Summit is also conducted on December 11-12.

During this event, the VAW Desk Officers convened to discuss critical matters and share best practices of relevance to effectively address VAW cases in the region.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

11

Committee on IP Concerns addresses proliferation of non-DepEd accredited schools

by Hazel O. Fuentes, NEDA-Caraga

The Regional Development Council-Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns (RDC-CIPC) held its fourth quarter meeting on October 31, 2018 at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Conference Hall, Butuan City.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)Region 13 Officer-In-Charge Atty. Leslie Mae Plaza presided the meeting.

The agenda included updates on the regional line agencies’ response to the IP issues raised during the Regional IP Summit, and on the proliferation of non-DepEd accredited schools in various areas in the region.

The presentation on the enrolled IPs in non-DepEd accredited schools by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 4Ps Focal Ms. Kristina Magas highlighted the 18 facilities reported as non-DepEd accredited schools. Ms. Magas emphasized the need to come up with a sound policy that compels

the Pantawid Program beneficiaries to enroll their children in DepEdaccredited school facilities. To address the illicit operation of nonDepEd accredited schools, DSWD works closely with DepEd to increase and hasten the establishment of IP schools in the Region and improve the enrolment rate among indigent school-aged children in the far flung indigenous cultural communities.

In the holding of the first Caraga Education Summit as proposed by the Caraga Education Subsector of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the committee came up with strategies to address the lack of IP teachers in IPEd schools and the difficulty in constructing schools in IP communities. The committee also requested the concerned agencies to implement college-bound program for IP learners to better prepare them for college entrance examinations. The problem on schools as possible areas for discrimination was also discussed.

Ms. Elizabeth Yusalan of the Department of Education (DepEd) agreed that “at some point, schools become a venue for discrimination of IPs; but this has changed over time. Schools are becoming inclusive and several policies are already implemented to strengthen indigenous peoples’ education and ensure that programs reach indigenous communities.” Mrs. Yusalan added, “while there are already existing IP teachers, there are still schools within the IP communities that do not have IP teachers.”

Atty. Plaza presented updates on the long-standing issues related to delineation, titling, preparation of Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), and status on the operationalization of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 01 Series of 2012. The JAO refers to “Clarifying, Restating and Interfacing the Respective Jurisdictions, Policies, Programs and Projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Order to Address Jurisdictional and Operational Issues Between and Among the Agencies.”

The CIPC is a special committee under the Caraga RDC providing preferential attention to the IP issues and concerns in the Region.

caraga today

12

2nd Caraga Regional Development Council Sportsfest in photos

Opening Parade

Torch Lighting

Maria Went to Town

Grand Saludo Competition

Dance Sport Competition

Darts Men

Overall Champion: Development Administration Committee

Tug of War-Women

Basketball Men - EDC vs DAC

Grand Saludo-SDC

Volleyball Men - IDC vs DAC

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

13

Development Administration Committee champions 2nd Caraga RDC Sportsfest Tilt

by Paul Edward Castillo, NEDA-Caraga

Development Administration Committee (DAC) team of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) was hailed champion during the 2nd Caraga RDC Sportsfest last 19-21 September 2018 in Butuan City.

The champions already distanced itself from the beginning of the games by securing first place finish in Laro ng Lahi (Kadangkadang) and Best in Saludo during the Opening Ceremony and the team maintained its momentum by placing first in Basketball (Men and Women).

Coupled with first place finishes in other sports events, the victors garnered 228.5 points followed by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) Team as 1st runner-up with 150 points; Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) Team as 2nd runner-up with 148.5 points; and Social Development Committee (SDC) Team as 4th runner-up with 94 points.

The 2nd RDC Sportsfest is in commemoration to the Presidential Proclamation No. 1164, Series of 1998, which declares every fourth week of September as Regional Development Council (RDC) week.

With this year’s theme, “Promoting Wellness and Building Camaraderie Through Partnerships in Sports” the Sportfest was aimed at improving

wellness and enhancing fellowship and camaraderie among RDC members through competitive sports.

The celebration kicked off with a foot parade from the Butuan City Hall grounds to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Gymnasium for the opening ceremony. During the Opening Ceremony, IDC Chairperson Engr. Epimaco M. Galero gave the opening message and highlighted the importance of building partnerships through sports. DepEd OIC-Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Fidela M. Rosas then led the symbolic lighting of the torch to officially open the games.

During the three-day activity, teams competed in the following games:  Grand Saludo (All Players  Laro ng Lahi (Kuliot, Kadang -kadang, Maria Went to

Town) Dart (Men and Women) Badminton (Men and Women)  Chess (Men and Women)  Basketball (Men and Women  Volleyball (Men and Women  Bowling (Men and Women  Dance Sports DepEd Regional Director Dr. Francis Cesar Bringas, CESO IV, together with NEDA Regional Director and Caraga RDC ViceChairperson Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño led the awarding and closing ceremonies of the 2nd Caraga RDC Sportsfest.  

caraga today

14

NEDA trains staffs on basic geographic information system

by Regine Awid, NEDA-Caraga

Trainer from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Mr. Alvin Laurio pose with the participants from the 15 NEDA Regional Offices

The NEDA through the Regional Development Staff trained Regional Offices staffs on basic Geographic Information System (GIS) last November 19-23, 2018 at NAMRIA Geomatics Training Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

With the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the training is packed with fundamental functions of GIS ranging from converting data into GIS format to creating single map layouts. Digesting the concepts

was made easier with Mr. Alvin Laurio as the course instructor.

The training commenced with the introduction of participants and a background on what NAMRIA does through an Audio -Visual Presentation (AVP). After which, discussion on the basics of map creation as well as exercises on map familiarization and map scale were taught.

Participants were also trained to create map documents and tables, georeferencing, digitizing and tracing georeferenced scanned map, and creating simple

spatial overlay and analysis using an open-sourced software called QGIS. At the end of the training, the participants were able to create their own GIS maps.

Among the 31 NRO participants, three came from Caraga Region, namely; Gemeniano Crisante, Jr., Hazel Fuentes, and Regine Awid.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

15

NEDA, DBM finalize National Evaluation Policy Framework

by Ian G. Miculob, NEDA-Caraga

The final National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEPF) is set to be adopted in the country next year after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) spearheaded the review of the evaluation guidelines during the 7th M&E Forum held at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas, Pasig City on November 20-21, 2018.

With the participation of major stakeholders, including the academe, other government agencies, M&E practitioners, and international donor organizations, the participants divided into four groups took a deep dive into the National Evaluation Guidelines.

Each group provided reactions, comments and recommendations to polish and improve the said guidelines.

Major sections in the NEPF presented and discussed during the breakout sessions include the Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities, Planning and Budgeting for Evaluation, Implementing Evaluations, and Assuring Quality and Usefulness of Evaluations.

Initially envisaged to apply to programs and projects being implemented by all government entities or its instrumentalities, the NEDA and DBM prepared the NEPF on July 15, 2015 through a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01. The Policy Framework

NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia welcomes the participants to the 7th M&E Forum at Crowne Plaza, Ortigas, Pasig City on November 20, 2018.

aims to support for evidencebased decisions, ensure program improvement, and ensure accountability.

In the same Forum, NEDA Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, in his opening remarks, emphasizes the need to strengthen the capacity and mainstream the practice of M&E in the Philippines. He said that M&E are indispensable elements of effective, data-driven policymaking, and that the process should not be considered as an afterthought but should be institutionalized in the public sector management cycle.

In his speech, DBM Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno assured that

there will be a continued allocation for M&E Fund under the General Appropriations Act. Aside from local counterparts, international M&E experts and practitioners also shared a wealth of knowledge on M&E. The organizers ensured to bring in those pillars in M&E by utilizing teleconferencing such as Arild Hauge, Deputy Director of the UNDP Independent Evaluation Office; Patricia Rogers of the Australia New Zealand School of Governance and Better Evaluation; and, Ricardo Polastro, Regional Evaluation Adviser for East Asia and the Pacific of the UNICEF.

In brief:

Doctor of Philosophy 3

The Ph

2 1 Masters Degree

LLB, MD, DDM, DO, DVM Note: Not all awards and study patterns in the Higher Education are included.

4 2 1

3

Professional

2

Programs

1

Associa

Bachelors Degree

Legal Basis: Caraga Regional Development Council passed Resolution No. 36-C, Series of 2018, “Approving the Proposed Education Summit and Crafting of the Education Roadmap,� during its 95th Full Council Meeting on 17 September 2018 in Butuan City.

5 4

University,

3

4-Year

2

Commu

College

1

Colleg

National Achievement Test

2 years Senior High School

4 years Junior High School

6 years elementary school

Theme: Sustaining the Gains, Closing the Gaps for Quality and Liberating Inclusive Education Towards Peace and Development

Grade 12 (17 years old)

SENIOR HIGH SCH

Grade 11 (16 years old)

Grade 10 (15 years old) Grade 9 (14 years old) Grade 8 (13 years old) Grade 7 (12 years old)

JUNIOR HIGH SCH

Grade 6 (11 years old) Grade 5 (10 years old) Grade 4 ( 9 years old) Grade 3 (8 years old) Grade 2 (7 years old) Grade 1 (6 years old)

Source:

.

Entrance Ex .

Certificate of Graduatio .

Kindergarten (5 years old)

PRIMARY SCHOOL

hilippine Education System The Commission on Higher Education catalyzes a Philippine higher education system that is locally responsive and globally competitive and serves as a force for lifelong learning, innovation, and social and cultural transformation.

Bachelors Degree Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency, Diploma

ate Degree

4

3

3

unity

2

TechVoc School/

ge

1

Institute

. xam . .n/High School Diploma

HOOL

2 1

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the government agency tasked to manage and supervise technical education and skills development (TESD) in the Philippines. It was created by virtue of Republic Act 7796, otherwise known as the “Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994�.

The said Act integrated the functions of the former National Manpower and Youth Council (NMYC), the Bureau of Technical-Vocational Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (BTVE-DECS) and the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

HOOL

L

The Department of Education (DepEd) formulates, implements, and coordinates policies, plans, programs and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education. It supervises all elementary and secondary education institutions, including alternative learning systems, both public and private; and provides for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development.

caraga today

18

Positive parenting advocated in the 26th Children’s Month Celebration

by Mike Ariel P. Plaza, DSWD-Caraga

The Caraga Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) strengthened its advocacy on providing a safe place to children through encouraging ‘positive parenting’ in line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month (NCM). This initiative was spearheaded to address

the high rate of young Filipinos experiencing violence even at their own homes.

In a kick-off program last 6 November 2018, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted this year’s theme which aimed to advocate building a safe, nurturing and

protective environment for children through positive parenting among parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers. DSWD OIC-Regional Director Mita Lim, Chairperson of the RCWC, stressed that, “we always keep on saying that children are the hope of our future, but children already are tired of being called the

future.

They want to enjoy their childhood and end violence now.”

Director Lim added that the statistics of Violence Against Children (VAC) in the Philippines is very alarming and that people who should be the ones taking care of their children are actually “the ones who are also perpetuators of different forms of violence. “ Further, results of the 2015 Philippine National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children (NBSVAC) revealed that most of Filipino children experience and are vulnerable to physical, psychosocial and sexual violence in any setting.

Reports showed that three in five children experience physical violence, with more than half of this happening at home and that most common cases of violence at home are corporal punishment committed by parents and siblings.

“Our focus today is on positive parenting where we promote positive discipline by changing cultural practices that contribute to VAC, including the elimination of corporal punishment,” Lim stated, adding that parents and caretakers should promote non-violent values, communication and relationship with children through respecting the children and their family, their

dignity and their development.

“The damage of violence in childhood goes far beyond immediate trauma and fear, extending through many aspects of child’s life, affecting the child’s health and education, and restricting future opportunities,” Lim said.

However, Lim stressed that “no violence against children or anyone is justifiable, and all forms of violence is preventable.” She furthered that the RCWC is looking into the implementation of the laws to protect and promote the welfare of children and recommend policies to enhance their capacities. Lim also expressed that “we continue to

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

advocate that children have a right to protection from all forms of violence.”

Parent-teen trail, child-friendly LGUs Noting the number of suicide cases among youths in Caraga, the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) encourages open communication between children and their parents thru the conduct of a parent-teen trail activity facilitated by the Commission on Population (POPCOM)-Caraga last October 6 at Watergate Hotel Function Hall, Butuan City.

The parent-teen trail was

Development Forum cum Knowledge Fair at Dotties Place, Butuan City.

The said recognition is given to LGUs that scored high during the audit of child-related programs and practices. Mainit, Surigao del Norte had the highest percentage among the awardees.

The NCM is an annual event to celebrate and recognize the Filipino children as the most valuable assets of the nation and to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and within Philippine society. Republic Act No. 10661 or the National Children’s Month Act declares every November

19

composed of two separate sessions for children and their parents where “journey to adolescence” and “journey to parenthood” modules were discussed simultaneously.

The activity ended with letterwriting where both children and parents wrote their messages for each other and read those letters personally during the parent-child encounter session.

“Open communication between children and parents will always be a good step in understanding the problems of the youth especially that many of them have problems on dealing with mental health issues,” said Population Officer Angie

Antonio.

Antonio, who served as one of the facilitators of the parent-teen trail, added that “it is always touching to see parents and children opening up with each other most especially that many of our participants have previous issues with their families.”

Also recognizing the efforts of different local government units in providing programs and projects for the benefit and welfare of children, DSWD-Caraga awarded the seal of Child-Friendly Local Government Unit to 68 cities and municipalities in Caraga last November 13 during the Regional Social Welfare and

as the National Children’s Month with the RCWC, DSWD, and the National Youth Commission as lead agencies. This declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989 and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness.

aims to increase awareness on the importance of positive parenting and positive discipline; increase knowledge of parents/caregivers on how to handle or educate their children while in the cyberspace; intensify the advocacy of positive discipline in Classrooms responsive to the needs of the learners; strengthen the integration of appropriate classroom dynamics in daily teaching; provide space for children’s participation in legislative advocacy; push for the passage of the positive discipline bill; and celebrate gains and successes on child rights promotion and protection of the country.

With the theme, “Isulong: Tamang Pag-aaruga para sa lahat ng Bata,” the 26th NCM is celebrated adjacent the Juvenile Justice Welfare and Consciousness Week on November 24-28, 2018.

This year’s celebration specifically

caraga today

20

Caraga Regional Development Council dawns discourses on federalism

by Shiela M. Bermoy

A region-wide forum dubbed as “Federalism in Focus” was held on September 17, 2018 at Almont Hotel Inland Resort, Butuan City, to increase the awareness of regional stakeholders on the proposed constitutional change. A total of 196 regional stakeholders from the local government units, regional line agencies, Private Sector Representatives, State Universities and Colleges, media and Non-Government Organizations participated the Forum.

Mr. Conrado Generoso, the Spokeperson of the Consultative Committee on Charter Change, and Dr. Rosario G. Manasan, a former Senior Research Fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) were the main speakers of the Forum. Mr. Generoso presented

the draft constitutional amendments while Dr. Manasan talked on fiscal federalism including the cost of federalism.

The activity provided avenue for constructive discussion on the implications of federalism in the region, on peace in Mindanao and on sustainable development.

Three participants served as panel of reactors. Attorney Ramie Duropan, a representative of Governor Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of Agusan del Norte, discussed on the impact of federalism on the pursuit of peace in Mindanao and on local governance while Attorney Josefa Sorrera-Ty, Dean of the College of Law of the Father Saturnino Urios University, discoursed about federalism’s implication on justice, people, empowerment and diversity. Lastly,

Dr. Herwig Mayer, the Chief Advisor of the GIZ-ConflictSensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM), presented lessons from international experience on federalism. An open forum followed wherein participants were given the chance to raise their questions or concerns.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

21

2018 Second Quarter Regional Economic Situationer

Inflation Inflation rate is the rate of change in the average price level which is equivalent to the decline in the purchasing power of the peso.

Moreover, the purchasing power of peso shows how much the peso in the base year (2012) is worth in another year. Caraga regional inflation rate climbed by 3.6 percent in June 2018, a 0.5 percentage points higher than the previous month.

Compared to the same month last year, inflation rate widened by 1.5 percentage points. The average inflation rate of the region for the second quarter was at 3.3 percent.

As to inflation rates at the provincial level in the second quarter of 2018, Dinagat Islands posted the highest among other provinces at 6.2 percent. This is followed by Surigao del Norte with 4.1 percent. The high inflation rate in these provinces is fueled by the rising cost of transport due to increasing oil prices which is disadvantageous to island areas that are depended on sea transport. In addition, provinces where major economic driver is agriculture tend to have low inflation rate compared to non-agricultural provinces.

Moreover, inflation rate also hiked on higher excise taxes and weather disturbances that caused economic losses.

Consumer Price Index Consumer Price Index or CPI is an indicator of the change in average prices of goods and services commonly purchased by consumers relative to a base year. On the average, prices of goods and services in Caraga have increased by 116.8 or

Inflation rate increases 3.6 3.2 Caraga

Macroeconomic Performance

3.1

3.8

6.2

4.1 3.0

3.0 1.3

2.3

2.1

April

May 2Q 2017

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.6

1.9

June

Agusan del Norte

Agusan del Sur

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

2017

2Q 2018

Dinagat Islands

2018

Consumer price index increases

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

by 16.8 percent in the second quarter of 2018. This is higher by 3.8 percentage points compared to the same period of last year where the CPI was 113.

As to provinces, all registered increasing CPI in the second period of 2018 compared to the same quarter in 2017. Surigao del Sur registered the highest of CPI as the province is a net importer on personal transport equipment, gas and other fuels for its mining, fishery and forestry sectors. Electricity, gas and other fuels, fish and seafood, and operation of personal transport equipment contributed predominantly to inflation by 0.7 percentage point, 0.6 percentage point and 0.6 percentage point, respectively.

Same with inflation, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte posted the highest change in CPI by 5.8 percentage points and 4.6 percentage points, respectively, in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Palay Palay production, both irrigated and rainfed, improved by 9.87 percent during the second quarter of 2018 compared for the same period in 2017. This resulted to the region’s palay production increased by 24,903 metric tons (MT). Irrigated palay posted an increase of 10.57 percent while rainfed palay climbed 8.84 percent. During the second

caraga today

22

Agriculture Production Palay production improves

Corn production improves

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

quarter of 2018, irrigated palay produced 166,281 MT in 46,608 hectares while rainfed palay yielded 110,938 MT in 37,959 hectares.

All provinces contributed to the positive production of palay. The Province of Surigao del Norte leads with a remarkable 23.52 percent increase followed by the Province of Dinagat Islands which earmarked 19.17 percent. The food basket of the region, Agusan del Sur, only posted 7.08 percent but still managed to be the leading palay producer among other provinces. The province recorded 9,251 MT of palay harvested in 2018 followed by Surigao del Sur with 6,041MT.

Corn Corn production of 31,560 MT in the second quarter of 2018 substantially jumped by 539.90% compared to last year’s output of 4,932 MT. The growth in this quarter is accounted towards increased area planted of 8,615 hectares, an increase of 6,798 hectares or 374.13 percent compared to 1,817 hectares only in the second quarter of 2017. The total production in 2018 is attributed to Agusan del Sur’s high output of 27,707 MT which is 88 percent of the total corn production of the region.

In the second quarter of 2018, the region produced more yellow corn than white corn. The yellow

corn yielded 16,628 MT, an increase of 233.81 percent from the same quarter of last year. On the other hand, 14,932 MT of white corn was harvested which also registered an increase of 305.65 percent.

Agusan del Sur led the region in corn production and area planted with an astonishing 942.40 percent and 762.81 percent increases, respectively, in second quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter last year. This was followed by Surigao del Sur which posted an increase of 105.98% in production and 61.54% upsurge in area planted.

However, Dinagat Islands was not able cope up as its production

Vol. XXI

23

Issue 4

Agriculture Production Q2 2018 Q2 2017

Q2 2018 Q2 2017

501

423

235

4,066

127,837

71,476

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

499

415

192

3,116

81,947

70,124

Carabao

Cattle

Goat

Chicken

195,064

6,589

2,142

9,756

4,040

6,086

▲

▲

▲

▼

▼

▼

190,858

6,443

1,958

9,918

4,050

6,637

Coconut

Cassava

Eggplant

Hog

Mango

Camote

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

decreased by 6.02 percent and the areas planted dwindled by 31.25 percent.

Livestock and Poultry Livestock production contracted by .99 percent, posting a decline of 109 MT from 11,024 MT in the second quarter of 2017 to 10,915 MT in the same quarter of 2018. The decline is attributed primarily on hog production, which accounted for 89.38 percent or 9,756 MT of the total produce. Hog production decreased by 1.63 percent or 162 MT in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter in 2017. Meanwhile, other livestock

recorded growth such as carabao, cattle and goat. Only goat managed to attain double-digit growth of 22.40 percent.

Total poultry production showed a 30.95 percent increase that resulted to additional 971 metric tons in the second quarter of 2018. Chicken comprised 98.9 percent of the region’s total poultry which recorded an increase of 30.50 percent while duck production soared 91.30 percent.

Egg production also expanded by 46.10 percent or by 2,079 MT in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 1,423 MT in the same quarter of last year.

Fishery Data showed in the fishery sector that Caraga Region is a producer of tuna specifically in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Except for Bigeye Tuna, the other top fish caught under commercial fisheries indicated increased in volume in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter in 2017. The fish caught volume of Yellowfin Tuna jumped 31.14 percent followed by Frigate Tuna with 31.14 percent.

Only Bigyeye Tuna declined in volume by 15.92 percent.

caraga today

24

Log production declines

Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Under the municipal fisheries sector, volume accounted for Big-eyed Scad and Indian Sardines which grew at 35.36 percent and 6.95 percent, respectively. The volume for other major fish caught decreased, with Frigate Tuna having the biggest decrease by 28.05 percent.

The volume of Tilapia caught within inland municipal fisheries expanded by 5.42 percent followed

by Freshwater Goby with a slight increase of 0.70 percent. However, the volume of other inland fauna caught and harvested receded by double-digits due to the decreases in the production of carp, mudfish and clams by 16.68 percent, 15.89 percent and 19.72 percent, respectively.

Forestry and Manufactured Forest Products Production of major forest products in the region pegged at 174,253 cubic meters in the second quarter of 2018 posting a mere decrease of 0.41 percent from the 174,970 cubic meters production in the first quarter of 2017.

The lion’s share for forest products is attributed to log production which is at 75.30 percent.

Across the region, log production

rose 8.07% percent which is attributed to increased production in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur by 113.82 percent and 35.75 percent, respectively. Lumber production significantly decreased by 40.04 percent as production in Surigao del Sur declined half-fold.

The provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur contributed with -39.20 percent and 44.61 percent.

The provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur in plywood production significantly improved with an increase of 160.10 percent and 1,818.11 percent, respectively.

However, due to low volume of these provinces compared to Agusan del Norte, the region’s plywood production dropped by 8.95%.

Agusan del Norte produced 20,095 cu.m. of plywood which is 84% of the region’s total production.

Overall, Agusan del Sur still contributed the bulk of forest products in the region with 51 percent share in the second quarter of 2018. Agusan del Sur contributed primarily in log production followed by veneer production. Second on the line is Agusan del Norte with 28 percent share. Agusan del Norte is also the region’s major producer of plywood and lumber. Surigao del Sur chipped in with 18 percent as the

second log producer. With only 3 percent in the share mix, Surigao del Norte only contributed to log production.

In the second quarter of 2018, the DENR Forest Management Bureau released the average Free on Board (FOB) market price of log for the 2nd quarter of 2018 for four (4) regions in Mindanao. The data is based on logs with 60 centimeters and above in diameter and the peso value per cubic meter. In Caraga, the log with highest FOB market price is Falcata which averages PhP 4,132.69 while Gubas only averages PhP 1,500.00. The market price of Falcata in Caraga is higher compared to Region 11 which only cost PhP 2,700.00. On the other hand, Yemane (Gmelina) and A. Mangium averages PhP 2,666.67 and PhP 2,263.89, respectively. Gmelina in Caraga is relatively cheaper compared to Region 12 which cost PhP 5,969.33.

Mineral Caraga Region hosts the largest number of operating mines in the country and is banking its growth in this industry in the short and medium term. Many of these operating mines are extracting nickel while a few are mining gold. After the ores are being

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

25

Mineral Production Actual Gross Value increases

mined, these commodities are then exported to other countries for processing. The region is supplying these ores to other countries mainly by shipment and seldom by air transport.

Based on the ore transport permits issued, the total number of shipments in the region dropped 9.14 percent in the second period of 2018.

The number of shipments in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands decreased by 61.11 percent, 20.00 percent and 13.04 percent, respective. The nonoperation of SR Metals Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Norte contributed to the huge drop in shipments.

Meanwhile, shipments from Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur rose 7.41 percent and 3.85 percent, respectively.

Only Surigao del Norte posted growth in production of nickel ore at 20.10 percent. The provinces of Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur suffered setback in the production of said ore at 58.58 percent, 38.56 percent and 11.95 percent, respectively.The decrease of volume production in Agusan del

Norte was due to the operational shift of SR Metals Inc. into care and maintenance and no extraction/production were

Number of shipments declines

undertaken. Also, the production of gold in Agusan del Sur fell 14.75 percent.

On actual gross value, the region posted positive figures at PhP15.9 Billion or an increase of 25.39 percent in the second quarter of 2018 from the same period of last year. This is accounted to Surigao del Norte’s huge gain at PhP5.96 Billion, up by 101.11 percent, which dwarfed the declined figures of all other provinces. The increase of the actual gross value was due to the favorable foreign exchange rate of the dollar against the peso and the additional production of the nickel-cobalt mixed sulfide from THPAL in Surigao del Norte.

Except for Agusan del Norte, the excise tax on shipments rose across the region. However, the comparison between the figures from the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter of 2018 showed a decline by 45.20 percent. This is attributed to the massive excise tax imposed on mining companies in Agusan del Norte on the second quarter of 2017. For other provinces, excise

tax on mining companies in Agusan del Sur, Dinagat islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur grew by 73.78 percent, 43.86 percent, 81.21 percent and 29.43 percent, respectively. The increase in excise tax contributed was due to the imposition of new excise tax rate of 4 percent pursuant to the TRAIN law.

Trade and Industry Trade Caraga’s total domestic sales expanded by 7.20 percent in the 2nd quarter of 2018 with a total sales of PhP187.61 Million compared to the PhP175.01 Million in the same period of 2017. This is attributed to the improved sales in the abaca sector brought about by the fresh infusion of Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) funds in Agusan del Norte and increased sales from big and new establishments in the Province of Dinagat Islands. Throughout Caraga, business name registration waned by 2.26 percent in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same

caraga today

26

Trade and Industry Domestic Sales increases Job Generation improves Investments increases

Source: Department of Trade and Industry

Source: DTI Source: DTI

quarter last year. Only Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands recorded growth by 14.29 percent and 136.11 percent, respectively.

The vast increase in business name registration in Dinagat Islands is accounted on the constant coordination of DTI-PDI to LGUs and the presence of additional Negosyo Centers in the province. On the other hand, business name registration in Agusan del Sur fell by 30 percent.

On job generation, Caraga posted a double-digit growth of 15.58 percent in the second period of 2018 compared to the same in 2017. The increase is attributed to the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte which registered at 192.86 percent and 238.00 percent, respectively. In Dinagat Islands, the 350 jobs in the second quarter of 2017 further improved to 1,183 which was 833 more jobs generated in the same period of this year.

However, Surigao del Sur registered a decline in its jobs generation by 40.03 percent.

Investments in the region reached PhP 337.6 million during the second quarter of 2018, which is

significantly higher by 289.16 percent than the second quarter of 2017. This is attributed to Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur which portrayed huge increases in investments by 406.06 percent and 1,391.60 percent, respectively.

However, investments in Agusan del Sur plunged by 44.59 percent.

Services Tourism Tourism arrivals in the region plunged 24.21 percent in the second period of 2017 compared to the same period last year. Tandag City tourist arrivals fell significantly by 51.91 percent. However, Cabadbaran City posted the highest growth in tourist arrivals by 65.89 percent.

Butuan City recorded the highest tourist arrivals by 106,849 in the second quarter of 2018, with a growth of 4.80 percent. The tourist arrivals in Butuan City comprised 37.08 percent of the aggregate tourists in the region. Surigao del Norte tourist arrivals gained momentum by achieving 26.59 percent or from 39,827 tourists in 2017 to 50,417 tourists in 2018.

Despite the dropped in domestic tourist arrivals, foreigners flocked the region with a growth rate of 48.55 percent in the second quarter of 2018.

Of these tourist arrivals, 92.33 percent is comprised of domestic patrons which posted a decrease of 27.17 percent while foreign and overseas tourists share 7.53 percent and 0.14 percent in the mix, respectively.

Accredited tourism enterprises (TREs) in the region rose 11.11 percent led by Butuan City and Surigao City which posted with 27 and and 18 accredited TREs in the second quarter of 2018, respectively.

On the other hand, data showed that Surigao del Norte declined its accredited TREs from 16 in the second quarter of 2017 down to 6 in the same quarter of 2018. The rise is attributed to increased accreditation campaigns and orientation conducted which most of the existing accredited TREs were aware that they need to be DOT accredited and renew their accreditation annually.

Air Transport Air transportation contributes to the

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

27

Trade and Industry Tourism enterprises increases Shipcalls increases Domestic Cargo Throughput declines Source: PPA

Source: Department of Tourism Source: Philippine Ports Authority

development in the region as it spurs delivery of people, goods and services. Butuan City Airport exhibited a decline in number of flights by 2.99 percent. This is attributed to the decrease of Tiger Air/Cebgo flights from 327 in the second quarter of 2017 to 183 in the same quarter of 2018. However, the number of passengers and volume of cargoes increased by 11.35 percent and 5.65 percent, respectively. The number of passengers increased across all commercial flights. Cebu Pacific Air’s passengers increased by 13,597 passengers or 23.11 percent.

Also, the volume of cargoes rose by 66,835 kilograms or 5.65%. The increase is attributed mainly from Cebu Pacific Air. The number of inbound and outbound flights and passengers in Surigao City Airport declined by 25.00 percent and 31.76 percent, respectively. This is attributed to the 2017 6.7 magnitude Surigao earthquake that left a portion of airport’s runway cracked open.

However, the volume of cargo transport significantly increased by 127.86 percent, from 2,800 kilograms of cargoes transported in

the second period of 2017 to 6,380 kilograms in the same period of this year.

Transport in Tandag City Airport improved across all sectors. The airport recorded an increase of one flight while the number of passengers rose by 15.26 percent.

The volume of cargo also expanded by 117.84 percent.

Land Transport Despite the country’s slowdown in the automotive industry due to economic headwinds, motor vehicle registration in the region increased by 2.66 percent or 144 new registration in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Also, motor vehicle renewal went up 17.46 percent, an increase of 5,740. The increase is due to the installation of new registration unit and the Tandag District Office.

Butuan City posted an increase of 26.46 percent or by 3,191 new vehicle registration and renewal. On the same note, Tandag City also recorded a surge by an aggregate figure of 2,895 or 114.34 percent.

By classification of new registration, private vehicles pick-up

by 2.79 percent which covered 99.77 percent of the total registered vehicles while government vehicles registration fell 33.90 percent. Still, there was no for hire registration recorded in the second quarter of 2017 and 2018.

Overall, renewal of motor vehicles climbed by 17.46 percent which attributed to the large increase in private vehicles by 6,076 in the second quarter of 2018 against the same period in 2017. However, government vehicle renewal dropped by 11.29 percent.

Shipping and Cargoes The Philippine Ports Authority – Port Management Office of Surigao recorded an increase in shipcalls but recorded a significant decrease in cargo throughput in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same in 2017.

Total shipcalls increased from 4,036 in 2017 to 4,433 in 2018.

Domestic shipcalls rose 10.31 percent on account of new vessel operating at Baseport (MV Precious Ferry) and daily trip schedule bound for Cebu of MV Filipinas Cebu and MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte.

caraga today

28

However, foreign shipcalls declined by 13.59% which is attributed to the decreased operations of the private ports of Cagdianao, Carrascal, Claver, Hinatuan, Taganito and Loreto.

Cargo throughput volume, both domestic and foreign, plunged from 9,874,787 metric tons in 2017 to 8,261,035 metric tons in 2018.

Foreign cargo throughput dominated against domestic which is attributed to the huge imported volume of nickel ore.

Domestic inbound cargo volume dropped by 1.95% in 2018 due to low demand of basic commodities at the terminal port of Dapa and San Jose. For outbound cargo, volume improved by 46.06% due to increase outbound shipment of transport equipment at the private ports of Cagdianao, Carrascal, Claver, HInatuan, Nonoc, Taganito and Tubajon.

On foreign cargo throughput, the volume on export and import fell from 9,475,458 in 2017 to 7,856,425 in 2018. Imports declined by 7.13% due to low importation of sulfuric acid, coal and limestone in Taganito HPAL because of their emergency shutdown. Also, exports dropped by 17.50% due to strong competition with Indonesia which resulted to low demand of nickel ore in the country.

Peace and Security In the first quarter of 2018, index crime in Caraga Region slightly improved by dropping 0.65 percent compared in the same quarter of 2017.Index crime in Dinagat Islands showed a notable decrease of 40.91 percent while Butuan City and Surigao del Norte also exhibited decline with 19.57 percent and 15.20 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Agusan del Norte showed increased in index crime by 34.09 percent. In 2018, Agusan del Sur has the highest crime volume which

Peace and Security Index Crimes declines

Crime Solution Efficiency improves

Source: Philippine National Police

reached 125, mostly on reported physical injuries.

Total non-index crimes increased by 31.63 percent from 566 incidents it went up to 745. The highest number of incidents involved violation of special laws in physical injuries and damage to properties.Agusan del Sur got the highest reported incidents that resulted to an increase of 216.22 percent. Surigao del Sur managed to brought down its non-index crimes down to 10.14 percent.

Generally, Caraga still remains peaceful with no reported incident of serious violence.

Both, Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE) and Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) improved during the period. In the region, CCE

went up by 85.00 percent compared to 68.00 percent in the second quarter of last year. Agusan del Norte remarkably rose its CCE by 23 percentage points followed by Agusan del Sur with 22 percentage points.

Across the region, CSE also climbed from 60.00 percent in 2017 to 78.00 percent in 2018. Topping the list, Agusan del Sur managed to significantly improve its CSE by 28 percentage points. This is followed

by Agusan del Norte with a notable increase of 21 percentage points.

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

29

3rd Quarter 2018 Regional Project Monitoring Location

Fund Utilization (%)

Physical Status (%) as of

Status

Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) for Socorro District Hospital

Socorro, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has already been accepted and operation demonstration was conducted.

Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) for Pilar District Hospital

Pilar, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has already been accepted and operation demonstration was conducted.

Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) for Sta. Monica Municipal Hospital

Poblacion, Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has already been accepted and operation demonstration was conducted by DOH personnel.

Name of Project

Access Road leading to Doña Helene Port, Socorro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte 17N00101

Socorro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has been reported completed though remaining works include coralline shouldering, line canal, head wall on culvert, slope protection and asphalt sealant.

Construction/Improvement of Access Road Leading to Seaports, Dapa Port Consuelo-Corazon -Sta Cruz-Sta. FeLibertad-Cabitoonan –Catangnan – General Luna (Construction Of Bridge 1 And Bridge 2, Surigao Del Norte 1st LD 17N00099

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

76

The project has been reported with accomplishment of 76.23% and has a negative slippage of 17.66.

Construction/Improvement of Access Roads Leading to Siargao AirportCancohoy-Roxas-Sta. Monica Port, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte 1st LD 17N00100

Siargao, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has been reported completed with total disbursements of PhP 83.5 million.

Improvement/Widening of National Roads, Dapa – Jct. Cancohoy RD K0012 +000-K0013 + 500, K0016+000K0018+101 17N00097

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has been completed and has a positive slippage of 3. 54.

Construction Of 1 Unit 3-Classroom School Building (Salog)

Purok 3, Barangay Salog, Socorro, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has been completed on March 9, 2018 and accepted on March 21, 2018.

Construction Of 1 Unit 3-Classroom School Building (Pamosaingan)

Purok 4, Barangay Pamosaingan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

100

The project has been completed on February 28, 2018 and accepted on March 21, 2018.

Land Development Of NHA-Del Carmen Pangarap Village

Brgy. Lobogon, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte

100

95.23

San Benito Port Development

Brgy. Talisay, San Benito, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

52.556

Pilar Port Development

Brgy. Asinan, Pilar, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

(No data)

(No data)

The project is substantially completed.

The project is ongoing with accomplishment on supply and placement of 500 kg and 50-100 kg rocks.

The project was issued Notice to Proceed on July 21, 2017 and suspended on August 01, 2017 with no accomplishment.

caraga today

30

Sewerage Treatment Plant of Socorro District Hospital

Classroom Building in Brgy. Salog, Socorro, Surigao del Norte

Sewerage Treatment Plant of Sta. Monica Municipal Hospital

Access Road leading to DoĂąa Helene Port, Socorro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Land Development of NHA-del Carmen Pangarap Village

Access Road leading to Dapa Port

San Benito Port Development

Sewerage Treatment Plant of Pilar District Hospital

Pilar Port Development

3-classroom Builing of Pamosaingan, Socorro

Widening of Dapa - Jct Cancohoy Road

Vol. XXI

Issue 4

31

How is annual cash-based budgeting different from obligation-based budgeting?

Colophon Edition Caraga Today Volume XXI Issue 4 October-December 2018 Publisher Caraga Regional Development Council

Address NEDA-Caraga Building J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City 8600 Telephone 085 342-5774 085 815-0308 Email caraga.neda@gmail.com

Online Versions issuu.com/nedacaraga slideshare.net/NEDACaraga13 Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel Z. Gidacan Managing Editor Melanie A. Maur Writers Marx Rev A. Buenavidez Ian G. Miculob Rhea Mae C. Mendez Paul Edward B. Castillo Elsie S. Lariba Shirley C. Torotoro Gemeniano B. Crisante, Jr. Shiela M. Bermoy Hazel O. Fuentes Regine Y. Awid Mike Ariel P. Plaza, DSWD-Caraga Sarah Jane Salga, PSA-Caraga Graphics designed by Department of Budget and Management, World Education News (wenr.wes.org), Business World Online Layout Hazel O. Fuentes

Source: DBM

Advisers RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. CariĂąo ARD Roy B. Kantuna

caraga today

32

How could agencies successfully transition to a cash-based budget?

A multi-year planning perspective is even more significant now that the time horizon of the national budget has shortened. Program managers should have a clear plan on their targets in the medium term and the necessary resources to attain these. In addition, agencies are encouraged to practice an increased discipline in managing their budgetary resources, and to carry out forward planning and risk management in proposing and implementing an annual cash-based budget. This includes plotting timelines that are based on the implementation capacity of the agency.

Agencies should only propose projects that are “shovel-ready� and can be fully implemented, delivered, and paid for within the fiscal year. Agencies are urged to complete preparatory works early such as conducting feasibility studies and detailed engineering, and obtaining necessary clearances from local government units and other agencies. If the project is not yet implementation-ready, the proposal should only include expenditures for these preparatory activities.

In order to deliver a 12-month contract within the fiscal year, agencies should prepare budget proposals with a clear intent to conduct Early Procurement after the Executive has submitted the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress. This way, 12-month contracts can be awarded within January of the fiscal year.

Shifting from an obligation-based budget to an annual cash-based budget requires the re-engineering of processes like procurement and payment.

Thus, agencies should formulate a procurement strategy for every category of goods and services that they plan to procure. This also entails properly scoping the market and assessing the requirements of end-users as early as the period of preparation of budget proposals. This ensures that failure of bidding is minimized.

Source: Excerpt from the IEC material of DBM