EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresita Socorro C. Ramos
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
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Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD Renato C. Herrera, PDIPBD Norman Jose E. Ramirez, DRD Manolette Jude M. Mercado, PFPD Leticia O. Lobren, PMED Ronald Von D. Rivera, FAD
PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian
RDC IX members deliberate and discuss on issues and concerns relative to regional development.
RDC IX Approves P47.03 Billion for 2015 Programs and Projects
Regional Development Council (RDC) IX convened its 146th Regular Meeting on March 5, 2014 at Roderic’s Resort, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Almost 100 participants were present, Lloyd E. Duhaylungsod united by the common goal of supporting the vision of Zamboanga Peninsula as the “Southern Michel R. Tulog Agri-Fisheries Corridor of the Philippines.” Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Acting RDC IX Chairperson and NEDA IX Regional Director, CONTRIBUTORS expressed her gratitude to the members for their active participation in all RDC IX activities NEDA 9 supportive of the Regional Development Plan 2014-2016. Likewise, highlighting the celebration Graebert S. Echin of “Women’s Month,” she emphasized the support for Gender and Development as one of the Ceselle C. Harina priorities in the FY 2015 budget of all regional line agencies (RLAs) and state universities and Vilma M. Julian colleges (SUCs). Idzmhar L. Ismael ASec. Earl Pioquinto Saavedra, Commissioner representing Mindanao of the National Youth Jordan B. Sali Commission, gave a short message on the activities being undertaken by the youth, as well as, OTHER AGENCIES its role and contribution to the society for development. MD, DA 9 Prior to the presentation of the Region’s proposed budget to the Council, the various Lowell S. Vallecer, DTI 9 proposals from RLAs and SUCs underwent rigorous review by the Sectoral Committees and Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan, DOLE 9 the Council’s Executive Committee, with the participation of the private sector and the local Maria Luisa S. Lumioan, DOST government units. This effort was undertaken to ensure that resources poured in to the region http://www.fo9.dswd.gov.ph are aligned with the development priorities enunciated in the Zampen Regional Development Plan. The Council approved a total of P47.03 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2015 as proposed by 21 RLAs and 6 SUCs in the region. This is 82% higher than the budget of P25.72 billion for FY The RDC Communicator is pub- 2014. lished quarterly by Regional Sectoral concerns that impede the promising growth of the region’s economy were also Development Council (RDC) IX. discussed. The Council passed a total of 45 resolutions, including the endorsement of DAR The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles IX’s reduction of Local Government Unit counterpart for Agrarian Reform Communities to be published due to space Development Project (ARCDP) II. limitation. Articles and pictures Likewise, the Council deliberated on issues with implications to regional development such will become property of RDC as the creation of the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Authority; conversion of the IX. Comments and suggestions Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources into a Department; compliance with provisions of are welcome. Contact: NCIP AO No. 3 s. 2012 “Revised Guidelines on Free and Prior Informed Consent and Related The Editorial Board Processes;” updates on National Greening Program; Listahanan: National Household Targeting NEDA Regional Office IX Provincial Government Center System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR); Guidelines for Linking Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning with Service Delivery Network; Technical Vocational (TechVoc) Policy implications of Dao, Pagadian City the K-to-12 Enhanced Basic Education; creation of Regional Task Force on ASEAN Integration Tel. No. (062) 945-0049 nedapagadian@yahoo.com 2015; Nego-Tour '14; among others. The Council also agreed on the immediate conduct of a round table discussion to address the issues on disclosure of income and high school fees charged by one of the state universities in the region. (Ceselle C. Harina, NEDA 9) DESIGN AND LAYOUT
RDC IX Confers Recognition to 2013 Bagong Rizal Awardees Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar, together with Acting Chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX and Regional Director of NEDA IX Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, awarded plaques of recognition to Ms. Debra Ann M. Ponce, Ateneo de Zamboanga University high school student and Mr. Adriel Earl A. Toribio, a college student of the same institution. The awarding ceremony was held on February 24, 2014 at Lantaka Hotel, Zamboanga City during the RDC IX Expanded
Executive Committee Meeting. The awards were given in recognition of the exemplary academic achievements and performance of Ms. Ponce and Mr. Toribio as national awardees of the 2013 Search for Mga Bagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan Award. The search is held every two years in commemoration of the works and achievements of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Only seventeen (17) students emerged as National Awardees for 2013. The awardees are recipients of various trainings and capacity building activities being conducted by the organizer, the Philippine Center for Gifted Education Inc., an NGO based in Manila. Ms. Ponce and Mr. Toribio are inspirational models to the youth of Zamboanga Peninsula as they demonstrate Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s academic excellence, patriotism and leadership qualities. (Idzmhar L. Ismael,
Ms. Debra Ann M. Ponce (3-L) receives the Plaque from Dir. Ramos (3-R) and Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar (2-L) with Ponce’s family and Bro. Jeremy of ADZU.
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar (L) congratulates Mr. Adriel Earl A. Toribio (2-L) as witnessed by Dir. Ramos (R) and Toribio’s family.
NEDA 9)
DSWD-NHTU IX conducts household assessment orientation A total of 200 participants all over Zamboanga Peninsula attended the orientation on Listahanan in preparation for the 2nd round nationwide household assessment. The orientation conducted by The National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) or Listahanan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office IX was done from March 10 to 21, 2014. Participants included Local Chief Executives, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators of the different municipalities and cities in the region. The series of orientation kicked off at Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel for Zamboanga del Sur participants, followed at Dipolog City’s Bamboo Garden Hotel for Zamboanga del Norte-Batch 1 and JKC Hotel in Liloy for Zamboanga del Norte-Batch 2 participants respectively. The last leg of the orientation was conducted at Roderic’s Resort in Ipil for the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela to include all municipalities under Zamboanga Sibugay. In his message, Mr.Al-Raschid K. Nandu, Regional Field Coordinator for Listahanan Region IX, expressed his gratitude to the participants in behalf of DSWD IX Regional Director Zenaida L. Arevalo. He requested them to convey his message of thanks to their local chief executives for sending them to the orientation on Listahanan. Municipal Mayors of Kumalarang, Sibutan,Dinas, Tukuran, Mutia, Magasalay and Sergio Osmena also showed support by gracing the event. Mr. Nandu underscored the importance of the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the said project. He discussed the purpose of the orientation to enlighten LGUs on the next family assessment. He also informed them of their duties and functions in the implementation such as to provide the department with municipality spot map, fare matrix and assistance in identifying pockets of poverty in urban areas. He also raised the need to support program partners, and data users particularly the LGUs as they will become the frontliners during the conduct of the assessment. The orientation covered significant and comprehensive topics to strengthen the recall and appeal of Listahanan as the new brand name of National Household Targeting System-Poverty Reduction including its objectives and legal bases, and the utilization of the generated data for identifying clients of poverty reduction and social protection programs, among others. National Project Coordinators Ms. Maria Antonette Lucero and Mr. Euberto Gregorio of the Listahanan -National Project Management Office (NPMO) also joined the NHTU staff in the conduct of the said orientation. They discussed policies, plans, procedures and system for the upcoming assessment and presented some updates. Region IX will have a total assessment coverage of 688,495 households both from rural and urban areas, namely, Dapitan City (15,025 Households); Dipolog City (22,917 households) ; Isabela City (21,250 households); Pagadian City (37,083 households); Zamboanga City (149,253 households) ; Zamboanga del Norte (161,215 households); Zamboanga del Sur (162,113 households) and Zamboanga Sibugay (119, 639 households). DSWD is looking forward to the conduct of the 2nd Nationwide Household Assessment in the 2nd quarter of the year. (http://www.fo9.dswd.gov.ph)
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RDC IX and JRMSU Tackle Issues on Tuition and Other School Fees Regional Development Council (RDC) IX and the Board of Regents (BOR) of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) held a Round Table Discussion (RTD) on March 14, 2014 at Ariana Hotel, Dipolog City. The RTD focused on issues raised by selected RDC IX members on the high tuition and other school fees of JRMSU as well as on the appeal of RDC IX to reduce the said fees. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Minella Alarcon, who is the Chairperson-Designate of JRMSU BOR, expressed her appreciation for the RTD as avenue for ventilating issues and concerns, as well, as identifying measures to resolve these issues. The initiative could also aid in sustaining a good relationship between RDC and JRMSU. Acting RDC IX Chairperson Dir. Teresita Socorro Ramos, stressed the importance of making quality and relevant education available and affordable to students. Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy reiterated RDC IX’s request to reduce the school fees to make higher education less expensive and more accessible especially for students in Zamboanga del Norte, being one of the poorest provinces in the country. Fr. Enrico Montano and Mr. Nestor Carbonera, RDC IX Private Sector Representatives likewise expressed strong support to the reduction of some fees such as the energy fee and development fund, considering that the said fees may be susbsidized by JRMSU from its income on various income-generating projects. JRMSU President Dr. Edgar S. Balbuena responded that high tuition and other fees are imperative to deliver quality education programs to produce globally-competitive graduates in the light of the full implementation of ASEAN Integration in 2015. These fees likewise address the cost of energy and building repairs, faculty development, and sustain the operations of physical plants and facilities of its main campus and its extension service units in Katipunan, Tampilisan, and Siocon. Nevertheless, JRMSU agreed to further study its tuition and other school fees in consideration of the appeal of RDC IX; and find other possible sources of funds to support its goal of levelling up the quality of education that it offers. Also present during the RTD were DOST IX Dir. Brenda Manzano, DBM IX Dir. Annabelle Echavez, CHED IX representative Ms. Teresita Pinili, Mr. Emmanuel De Guia representing Senator Pia Cayetano, Atty. Marlon Mercado representing Cong. Roman Romulo, and Atty. Septon dela Cruz of CHED Central Office as moderator/facilitator. (Vilma M. Julian, NEDA 9)
(L-R) Atty. Septon dela Cruz, Com. Minella Alarcon, Mayor Evelyn Uy, Dir. Teresita Socorro Ramos, Dr. Edgar Balbuena, and Atty. Marlon Mercado, during the RDC/JRMSU Round Table Discussion
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Sec. Baldoz Graces Launching of DOLE’s Programs and Projects in Region IX Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz visited Zamboanga City on March 19, 2014 to personally witness the grand regional launching of DOLE’s programs and projects held at the Convention Center of Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. The launching was attended by more than 300 guests composed of partners from the local government units, Regional Coordinating Committee, national government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, intermediaries, beneficiaries of the livelihood programs, emergency and internship projects, and DOLE staff who witnessed the unveiling of the package of services to be offered by the Department. The grand event paved the way for the Labor Secretary and Labor Communications Office (LCO) Director Nicon F. Fameronag to grace various activities in the region to include the induction of Education Industry Tripartite Council, signing of Voluntary Code of Good Practices in Education, release/awarding of checks for livelihood projects, roll out of approved Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) pledges, signing of Memoranda of Agreement on DOLE-DOST Convergence Program and DOLE-LGU Zamboanga City employment project in support to the emergency employment, signing of Memorandum of Understanding with SRN Fast Seacrafts, Inc. (owner of Weesam Express) and Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., and awarding of certificates of appreciation to the partner agencies that helped in the advocacy of the Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES). In her message, Sec. Baldoz emphasized the need to advocate DOLE’s programs and projects for public awareness. She further stressed that DOLE stands to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises to improve productivity. “May kuwento ang bawat kwenta ng DOLE sa daang matuwid,” she said. During the event, she personally turned over 4 million worth of livelihood grants to 422 beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB), and to 44 grantees under the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO). Sec. Baldoz together with the DOLE 9 officials and family of agencies, witnessed the viewing of the LEES videos at M/V Stephanie Marie, a vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines Inc., plying the route of Isabela City – Zamboanga City and vice versa. The LEES is an infomercial crafted to further intensify the campaign and cascade all the programs and services of DOLE and its family of agencies to the grassroots level. DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano disclosed that a total of P28 million under SPES was already committed by government and private employers to employ 14,000 students. He added that a total amount of more than P7 million was already approved and released to various partners to finance different individual and group livelihood projects of 1,239 beneficiaries composed of women, displaced persons, rural workers, returning and undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers, rank and file workers, and home-based workers. Dir. Cano added that funds for livelihood projects were taken from the General Appropriations, GPB, and NRCO. (Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan/DOLE 9/http://www.ro9.dole.gov.ph)
NEDA IX Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and NEDA X Dir. Leon M. Dacanay together with participants and NEDA X resource persons/staff.
RLUC IX and NEDA X Conduct Training-Workshop on the Formulation of DRR/CCA-Enhanced RPFP The Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) IX and NEDA Regional Office (NRO) IX in coordination with NRO X conducted a three-day Training-Workshop on the Formulation of Disaster Risk Reduction /Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) – Enhanced Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) on 25-27 March 2014 at Chandler Suites, F.S. Pajares Avenue, Pagadian City. As a pilot NRO which already integrated DRR and CCA in their updated RPFP, NRO X personnel were tapped as resource persons. The training team was spearheaded by Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Chair of RLUC X and Regional Director of NRO X, and was joined by his competent staff, ARD Fe D. Domingo, Engr. Rosalyn R. Yparraguirre, Al’Gemregy B. Cuerquez and Engr. Mezlaine Jay S. Pacana. The participants were the technical staff of NRO IX and Technical Working Group members of the Regional Line Agencies and Local Government Units to RLUC IX. They were trained on the concepts and methodologies relative to land use planning, and mainstreaming of DRR / CCA to formulate the DRR/CCA – Enhanced RPFP. The activity culminated with a workshop. The participants were required to craft a vision from 2014-2040. They also worked on the four major components of land use: Settlements, Protection, Production and Infrastructure. ARD Domingo commented that the participants produced quality outputs despite the limited time. NRO IX presented as well the indicative work program for the preparation of updated Zamboanga Peninsula DRR/CCA-Enhanced RPFP. (Graebert S. Echin, NEDA 9)
NEDA X Dir. Dacanay kicks off the 3-day training-workshop with his discussions on DRR mainstreaming and Land Use and Physical Framework to the participants.
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Zamboanga Peninsula: Southern AgriIn 2013, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX with more vigor pursued its mandate to facilitate smooth implementation of programs and projects in the region. Na N ati ati tion on na all Greeen nin ing ng Pr Po og grra am, m DEEN NR IX X
SSmal malll En E teerp rpis pise isse Te Tech ch hno nolo nolo log logy gyy Up pg gra radi din ng g Pro ogr gram ra , Laba Laba asa san-Ba agong Silang g FM F R, MRDP-DA 9 DOST IX DOST
Regular Monitoring Activities The RPMC IX through its Technical Working Group conducted ocular inspection of a total of thirty three (33) programs and projects (PPs) in the region implemented by DPWH, DOST, DENR, DA and NIA among others. Nineteen (19) of these were in Zamboanga del Norte area including Dipolog City, while 14 projects were in Zamboanga Sibugay. RPMC is tasked to monitor programs and projects of different implementing agencies in the region being the monitoring arm of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX. The field Monitoring in Zamboanga del Norte was conducted on June 3-7, 2013. Among the projects monitored were the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program of DOST, National Greening Program of DENR, Mindanao Rural Development Program of DA and Regular InfraProjects of DPWH. Equally significant projects were monitored in Zamboanga Sibugay on December 4-6, 2013 which include farm to market roads under
the Mindanao Rural Development Program of DA, Communal Irrigation System of NIA and Regular Infra Projects of DPWH. Several projects with negative slippage were also followed through and revisited by the Monitoring Team. RPMC Meeting cum Problem Solving Sessions The RPMC IX also conducted quarterly meetings which double as Problem Solving Sessions (PSS). It is a venue where findings and observations as well as issues and concerns of problematic projects are presented to the Committee for resolution and appropriate action. Representatives from the different implementing agencies were required to be present to answer queries relevant to their respective projects during these sessions. Projects with certain issues and concerns that were resolved through PSS were the Zamboanga West Coast Road Project, Siphon Crossing Project, Lower Labrador FMR and Titay-Asuzano CIS, among others.
On specific concerns raised by the members of the RPMC IX, RDC IX or from private individuals or Non Government Organizations (NGOs), special data gathering and monitoring activities were undertaken. Special Monitoring Activities On January 15-16, 2013, a TWG undertook a data gathering activity in regard to the perennial flooding of Titay Valley. The resulting Rapid Assessment report served as the initial effort for the crafting of the Titay Valley Flood Control Masterplan, by DPWH IX. On July 30-31, 2013 a 2-day field inspection and site validation activity of the Zamboanga West Coast Road (ZWCR) Project was undertaken by RPMC IX with the technical assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office IX and its District Engineering Offices in Zamboanga del Norte. The primary purpose of the said visit was not only to inspect and validate the current condition of the ZWCR but also to consider its potential contributions to the economic growth of the
2013 A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR RPMC IX
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Fisheries Corridor of the Philippines Gu uiiillilina nan n Bridge, Tung gaw awan an, DPW DP PWH IX
Tita ayy-As Asuz uzan ano o FM FMR, R, Tit itay
Sibuco-Sirawai-Siocon and Baliguian (Triple SB) area. Findings and recommendations were forwarded to the Committee for appropriate action. For this reason, a Special Meeting on PSS was held on October 10, 2013 to address the issues emanating from the field monitoring activity ZWCR Project. Certain issues and concerns were addressed and cleared. Ways and means were also established to revitalize the economic activities in the Triple SB municipalities. Capacity Building and Retooling Activities To strengthen further its capabilities and technical expertise in monitoring and evaluation, the RPMC IX embarked on a benchmarking visit to NRO VI in Iloilo City on June 17-21, 2013. Sharing of experiences and best practices between regions took place, as well as, actual visits to big ticket projects in Iloilo City such as the Panay Energy Development Corporation Coal-fire Power Plant, FloWater Resource Bulk Water Project, Megaworld-Iloilo Business Park, as well as several DPWH Infrastructure
Zam amb bo oan anga ga West eesst Co Coas ast st R Ro oa ad d Proje rojjeect ro ct, DPW PWH IX X
projects located within the city. A series of orientations on the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) was held to strengthen and capacitate the LGUs and the RLAs about the system. The first was the Reorientation on RPMES for RLAs on May 7, 2013 in Zamboanga City. The activity was participated by 11 major RLAs in the region, namely: National Irrigation Administration, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports AuthorityZamboanga, Land Transportation OďŹƒce, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Science and Technology. The orientation aimed to introduce RPMES to newly designated project monitors or project data encoders of each agency. They were oriented on dierent RPMES input and output forms used in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of projects by the Committee.
An RPMES Retooling Workshop for the PPMC/LPMC of Zamboanga del Norte was also conducted on December 10, 2013. A total of 15 participants were present to include Governor Roberto Uy of Zamboanga del Norte. An actual monitoring field visit was conducted after the workshop to introduce participants to the application of RPMES on the ground. (Jordan B. Sali, PMED)
The Regional Project Monitoring Committee IX is chaired by NEDA IX Regional Director, co-chaired by DBM IX Regional Director, with DILG IX Regional Director, PMS-OP Head, 1 RDC-PSR and 2 nonRDC-PSRs as members.
problem solving sessions regular monitoring acivitie acivities aciviti aciv special monitoring g activities capacity building activities 7
NEDA IX Conducts Ground Breaking for its New Building After 40 years since its operations in Zamboanga Peninsula, a new office building of NEDA Regional Office IX will finally be constructed in Pagadian City, the Regional Government Center of Region IX. Headed by NEDA Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco, the ground breaking ceremony was held at the Regional Government Center in Balintawak, Pagadian City on January 14, 2014. Present during the memorable event were Congressman Victor Yu of 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur representing Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones of Pagadian City, DPWH IX Dir. Jorge Sebastian, PIA IX Dir. Noemi Edaga, DENR IX Dir. Arleigh Adorable, TESDA IX Dir. Lorenzo Macapili, Tabak Division Commander Gen. Felicito Virgilio
Trinidad, Jr., among others. Congressman Yu expressed appreciation for NEDA being one of the leading agencies to construct its office in Pagadian City, along with DENR and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). Cong. Yu recognized the effort of the National Government of helping NEDA in the new building. “I hope after NEDA IX constructed its building in Pagadian city, other government agencies will also follow,” he stressed. The 3-storey NEDA office building, costing around P45.79 million, will be constructed by Jamari Construction on a 3,490-square-meter lot donated by the city government of Pagadian. With assistance from DPWH IX Regional Director Jorge Sebastian and staff, the modern design of the building is inspired by green architecture, overlooking the picturesque view of Illana bay.
NEDA’s new building shall serve as an inspiration for its staff to deliver and discharge its mandate as a planning and oversight agency in the region. The construction of NEDA’s building is made possible through the initiative of its Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and support from the Office of the President and NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacan. “With a thankful heart, we will move forward,” Dir. Ramos assured. At long last, the new building of NEDA IX will finally boost the focus of its staff to push forward the regional vision of becoming the “Southern AgriFisheries Corridor” of the Philippines. (Idzmhar L. Ismael, NEDA 9)
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The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) trailblazing projects for the health sector took the spotlight at the First Philippine eHealth Summit held on February 4, 2014 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City to pave the way for smarter healthcare by maximizing information and communications technology (ICT). During the event DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo said that ICT for health, also known as eHealth, is envisioned to transcend the constraints brought about by the country’s archipelagic setup and limited budget. DOST projects for smarter healthcare include the RxBox, eHealth Technology Assisted Boards for LGU Efficiency and Transparency (e-TABLET), and the Philippine Health Information Exchange (PHIE). RxBox:Connecting medics Developed by the University of the Philippines Manila-National Telehealth Center and DOST, the RxBox is a medical device that enables health workers in remote communities to consult with medical experts in urban areas, thus providing better access to lifesaving healthcare services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide. It has built-in medical sensors for monitoring blood pressure and blood oxygen levels, assessing the strength of contraction of the mother’s uterus, as well as electrocardiogram and fetal heart monitor. The data acquired by the sensors are stored in the device and may be transmitted to a specialist as the need arises and upon the patient’s consent. The RxBox is currently deployed in 21 sites in the Philippines. e-TABLET: Managing medical records Managing medical records. The e-TABLET, on the other hand, is a tablet-based electronic medical record system developed by Ateneo de Manila’s Institute of Philippine Culture and Ateneo Java Wireless and Competency Center. Apart from being a platform for health workers to input and manage patient records, e-TABLET is also a decision-making tool for local government units which are given access to summarized simple medical data in the tablet. Armed with real time information, LGUs can make decisions such as allocating resources and manpower to respond to a certain medical situation in their locality. e-TABLETalso features a messaging system between the mayor and the municipal/city health officer. The tablet is currently deployed in 10 sites, namely San Jose Buenavista, Antique; Alcoy, Cebu; Sta. Rita, Pampanga; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Paombong, Bulacan; Anilao, Iloilo; Lal-lo, Cagayan; Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur; Guimba, Nueva Ecija; and Dinalupihan, Bataan. PHIE: Centralized medical records To further enhance the country’s healthcare delivery system, DOST and the Department of Health are also setting up the PHIE system by the end of 2014. PHIE will provide centralized database of health and medical records nationwide, allowing a patient to retrieve his medical records from anywhere in the country. With
DOST Pushes eHealth Technologies for Smarter Healthcare
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo (center) listens to Dr. Kristine Magtubo (left) of the University of the Philippines National Telehealth Center as she explains the features of RxBox during the First Philippine eHealth Summit. With them are Congressman Victor Yu, chairman of the Congressional Committee on Science and Technology and 1st District representative of Zamboanga del Sur; and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. (Photo by Henry A. de Leon, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)
this system, patients can save time and effort, and avoid expenses from unnecessary or duplicate examinations. Enhancing eHealth via TV White Space (TVWS) Enhancing eHealth via TV White Space (TVWS) connectivity. To ensure that the full benefits of eHealth can be realized, the DOST through its Information and Communication Technology Office (ICTO) is working to expand internet connectivity in far-flung areas. In particular, DOST-ICTO is tapping into the potential of TVWS, or unused frequencies between broadcast TV channels, to provide an extremely cost effective means for internet connectivity and data delivery in areas underserved by telecommunications companies. Aside from eHealth, DOST-ICTO also aims to maximize TVWS technology for applications in environmental sensor networks, educational content delivery, and government information systems. (Maria Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)
The e-TABLET is primarily a patient record system where health workers input and manage patient information. Individual patient information (above) remains with the attending doctor. Meanwhile, the summarized data in graphical form, such as the number of dengue cases, can be viewed by the local chief executive in his dashboard.
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631 Farmers Complete
Postharvest losses and consumption are among the issues critical to rice production in the country. To address these issues, the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a massive campaign through radio. A total of 631 graduates made it to University On-the-Air (UOA) on Postharvest Production and Consumption graduation out of the 751 who were officially enrolled. It was recently held at the Provincial Capitol Atrium in Zamboanga Sibugay Province. The UOA sought to create awareness on how to reduce postharvest loses including responsible rice consumption. It was spearheaded by the DA’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) headed by Maria Melba B. Wee in coordination with the Office of Provincial Agriculturist with farmcaster Rex Lagasca, Chief, Support Service Division. Eleven students were declared outstanding and each received a medallion, trophy and radio transistor from the DA, and cash award and certificate from the Provincial Agriculturist Office of Zamboanga Sibugay. First honor was Mary Paul P. Soberano; 2nd Bamafe D. Sioting; 3rd William D. Dionio; 4th Joey H. Fernandez; 5th Evelia B. Bernaldez; 6th laura L. Acuesta; 7th Junelyn S. Matrinito; 8th Marycel S. Pao; 9th Mary Ann D. Milmao; 10th Ireneo A. Abajar, Jr and 11th honor Vicente D. 10
UOA Course
Bedonia. DA Assistant Regional Director Dennis H. Palabrica noted that most of the graduates were females and he was very happy over the involvement of women in farming. He said that farm machineries are now user-friendly and easy to operate, and were designed in such a way that women can also use them. To address the high losses in postharvest production, the government adopts farm mechanization that is seen to decrease wastage from 37% to 1015%. Provincial Governor Wilter Y. Palma expressed his gratitude to the DA for the assistance to his province and to his people who participated in the program and showed their willingness to learn. He also expressed strong support to the farmers and said that his office is always open to anyone who needs the corresponding services. He urged the farmers to sustain and share their farming technology to others. Committee Chair on Agriculture, SB Joel Ebol encouraged the farmers to create a group, an organization or an association and registered it to Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, or Cooperative Development Authority so they can avail of the farm mechanization program of the DA. He emphasized that one way of measuring success is through achieving food security. The UOA class started in July,
2013 and ended in January, 2014. Lectures were aired through Radio Station 94.3 DXIR FM from 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning, Mondays-Fridays. During the graduation rite 3rd honor William D. Dionio expressed his appreciation and gladness over the opportunity of availing the UOA that taught the graduates the proper way of farming especially the right preservation of harvest straight to consumption, which the rest of the graduates affirmed. One of the graduates, Rosita Artising, 67 and a resident of Solitan, Sta. Clara, Naga said that together with her husband, they have been joining this program many times because they learned a lot. They thanked DA for introducing the program that reached far- flung areas and is open to all. She said that for as long as UOA continues, they will never stop enrolling. In line with the said event, 81 farmers who successfully completed the Farmers Field School in Rice and Corn Production joined the 631 farmer-students in receiving their certificates of completion. During the ceremony, three farm machineries were raffled. Two farmers, Linda Yanga received 1 unit Thresher while Alodia Dongguines received 1 unit hand Tractor with Trailer, both from Mirangan Farmers Association in Siay. Edgardo Sioting of Upper Pangi Farmers Association in Ipil received 1 unit Collapsible Dryer.(MD, DA9)
DTI Earmarks P46 Million for SSF Projects, Tells Businessmen to Prepare for AEC 2015 According to Dr. Sitti Amina M. Jain, OIC-Regional Director of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) IX, DTI has allocated P46 million for shared service facility (SSF) projects in the region for 2014. This showed an increase of roughly 70% over the P27.12 million allocation in 2013. The budget allocation will be able to help more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region which are in need of government support in acquiring needed equipment, tools or machinery to improve their production. SSFs are not given to individual persons or businesses but, as its name implies, are given to registered association of SMEs, farmer groups, etc. for their shared or common use. DTI is targeting big-ticket SSF projects in 2014, especially those that would have a bigger impact on jobs creation such as the proposed village-type rubber processing projects in Zamboanga del Norte. SSF would entail small rubber producers to produce more value added products like ribbed smoked sheets that fetch higher prices by-passing middlemen when the farmers’ groups export the products. Dir. Jain stressed that many SSF projects will be the priority for funding this year. As stated in the selection criteria, “poverty alleviation through jobs creation is paramount in view of this government’s commitment for inclusive growth.” Last year, nine SSF projects were launched in Zamboanga City while several more are to be established this year regionwide. Once the projects are established, the monitoring activity and progress documentation shall be
done accordingly to ensure that the delivery of services really benefit the beneficiaries as planned. Meanwhile Dir. Jain emphasized that if there is one thing that the business sector should be upbeat about in the coming days, it should be the much anticipated integration of the 11-member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into a single market and production base in 2015. She said that definitely, there will be challenges but just like a coin, there are two sides to it. Along with the challenges are the vast opportunities lying in wait for those who prepare and plan to seize them. When asked just what exactly an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and its 2020 Vision mean and its implications, Dir. Jain quoted former ASEAN Secretary General and Ambassador Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr. in his article entitled “An ASEAN Economic Community by 2015”, as “a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN Economic Region in which there is a free flow of goods, services and investments, a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities.” The ASEAN Concord II, according to Amb. Severino, reiterated this definition and refined it as “a single market and production base,” a phrase that found its way into the new ASEAN Charter as one of the association’s purposes. The AEC 2015 Strategic Schedule, according to the same article calls for the: elimination of non-tariff, as well as tariff, barriers to intra-ASEAN trade; promotion of transparency of all actions in international trade transactions;; simplification, harmonisation, standardisation standardisation and automation of customs processes; adoption of national “single windows” for customs
transactions; implementation of common regimes for the sectors agreed upon, including those for cosmetics, electrical and electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical devices; removal of “substantially all restrictions on trade in services;” implementation of mutual recognition of professional credentials that have been agreed upon, including those in architecture, accountancy, surveying, and medical and dental services; reduction or elimination of investment restrictions; harmonisation of capital-market standards; harmonisation of quarantine and inspection procedures for food, agriculture and forestry products; implementation of the ASEAN agreements on multi-modal transport, goods in transit, inter-state transport, and civil aviation; implementation of regional measures to extend connectivity and access between ASEAN countries via high-speed networks; and harmonisation of the legal infrastructure for e-commerce. Dir. Jain noted that simply, there are just so much opportunities when all these will have been in place in 2015. Complementation, joint venture arrangements, access to a much bigger market, even job opportunities in the services sector for our graduates, and many other good things are expected to open up once the ASEAN integration fully takes off. She is urging the SMEs and exporters to prepare, if they still have not started. They should have a clear roadmap for their businesses so they can better position themselves when the ASEAN integration will have been implemented. Dir. Jain said that for its part, DTI will have an intensified info campaign on the AEC this year y in all cities and in other growth centers in the region, to better inform and prepare SMEs for this eventuality. (Lowell S. Vallecer, DTI 9)
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