INF OR MAT I ON , N E WS A N D S U P POR T
April - June 2016
RDC Communicator EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos ASSOCIATE EDITORS Phlorita A. Ridao, ARD Susan C. Valerio, CEDS, PFPD Renato C. Herrera, CEDS, PDIPBD Eleanor M. Reyes, CEDS, DRD Norman Jose E. Ramirez, CEDS, PMED Ronald Von D. Rivera, CAO FAD PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian DESIGN AND LAYOUT Daryll L. Cabico CONTRIBUTORS NEDA IX Arvel John M. Lozada Vilma M. Julian Leticia O. Lobren Other Agencies YTAvellaneda, DA IX Butch Jason C. Tormis, DOLE IX Jazmin C. Panelo, DOLE IX PAO, WMSU SSS Zamboanga Branch Karen Grafia, OWWA IX
INFO The RDC Communicator is published quarterly by Regional Development Council (RDC) IX. The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles to be published due to space limitation. Articles and pictures will become property of RDC IX. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact: The Editorial Board NEDA Regional Offifce IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center Balintawak, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone Nos. (062) 913-0164, 0165, 0168 Email Address: nedapagadian@yahoo.com http://nro9.neda.gov.ph
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NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Rosemarie G. Edillon briefs the Council members on AmBisyon Natin 2040
Dapitan City hosts 155th RDC IX meeting; Council briefed on AmBisyon Natin 2040 The local government unit (LGU) of Dapitan City hosted the 155th Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX on 02 June 2016 at Dapitan City Resort Hotel, Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City.
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n behalf of Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina G. Jalosjos and the Dapitananons, OIC-City Administrator Wilberth G. Magallanes welcomed the Council members and guests to Dapitan City. He conveyed gratitude to the RDC for supporting development projects implemented in the City. The meeting was highlighted by a briefing on AmBisyon Natin 2040 by NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Dr. Rosemarie G. Edillon. The AmBisyon Natin 2040 reflects the Filipino people’s sentiments and vision for themselves and for the country, that is: In 2040, we will all enjoy a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that we have enough for our daily needs and unexpected expenses, that we can plan and prepare for our own and our children’s future. Our family lives together in a place of our own, and we have the freedom to go where we desire, protected and enabled by a clean, efficient, and fair government. The Council deliberations led to the approval of the following: (1) Terms of Reference for the Reorganization of Regional Development Council IX for the term 2016-2019; (2) CY 2015 Regional Development Report of Zamboanga Peninsula; and (3) Zamboanga Peninsula Roadmap for Halal Food Products and Services, 2016-2020. The Council also supported RDC XI Resolution No. 81 s. 2015,
Entitled “Urging National Government Agencies to Allocate at Least One Percent of their Budgets for Indigenous Peoples Programs and Projects.” The Council likewise encouraged the viewing of the Film Boses to Push the Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children. Other matters deliberated by the Council resulted to the passage of the following resolutions: (1) Endorsing to NEDAICC the Additional Funding Support of USD 450 Million under the Infrastructure Development Component of the Philippine Rural Development Project; (2) Recommending to National Electrification Administration Private Sector Participation in the Formulation of ZAMCELCO’s Enhancement Recovery Program; (3) Commending Dir. Paisal O. Abutazil of Department of the Interior and Local Government IX for the Good Performance of the Region in the implementation of Bottom-Up Budgeting Projects in Zamboanga Peninsula; and (4) Designating the Zamboanga Peninsula El Niño Task Force as the La Niña Task Force.
In recognition of their service during the term 2013-2016, the Council awarded plaques and certificates of appreciation to the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the RDC IX Sectoral Committees, as well as, the private sector representatives (PSRs). Special awards were also given to TESDA IX Regional Director Lorenzo G. Macapili, PSR Enrico V. Montano, and PSR Jose J. Suan in recognition of their perfect attendance in all regular meetings of the Council during the said term. Prior to the meeting, the RDC IX members witnessed
Neque porro quisquam the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Philippine Science High School in Barangay Cogon, Dipolog City. It was est qui dolorem ipsum
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spearheaded by Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy and graced by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. (Arvel John M.
Lozada, NEDA IX)
RFT operators attend 5th Summit
urrently, 67 food terminals (FT) are operational in Region IX; 23 in Zamboanga del Sur, 25 in Zamboanga del Norte, 8 in Zamboanga Sibugay, 3 in Isabela City, and 8 in Zamboanga City. This year’s 5th Summit theme “Improving Food Accessibility through Market Linkages and Convergence” will strengthen the existence of, and sustain the FT in their respective areas. Mr. Ferdinand Gamorot, the Regional Focal person for FT project, said that “one of the marching orders of
Secretary Manny Piñol of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is to ensure the availability and affordability of food for Filipinos. This is where our FTs would come in. We have a big contribution in ensuring not just available food but at the same time affordable for the consumers.”
With this challenge, additional knowledge on Market Linkage Establishment and Marketing Strategies for FT Projects were imparted to the participants. Ms. Marissa Mohammad Supervising Agriculturist under Agri-Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA IX emphasized the 4P elements in Marketing. These are Product, Price, Place and Promotion. She even added one more P for Person that is indeed important in marketing. Without the person, marketing will not be facilitated.
Gawad Saka Food Terminal National winner in CY 2013 expressed her gratitude to DA for the project and the support extended to them. She even said “We took care of the
equipment we received from DA and gave our best as a sign of our gratitude.” Region IX had produced 3 Gawad Saka Food Terminal national winners namely Rebokon FT in Dumingag (2011), Mate FT in Titay (2013) and Polanco FT (2014). For 2016, the Guban FT in Sirawai is one of the finalists for the national category and final evaluation will be on the 1st week of August. All the operators were encouraged to participate in the yearly Search for Gawad Saka winners. Ms. Johnavi Geron from DA-AMAD gave the guidelines for the search that they can start preparing for and join the 2017 search. The adjudged regional winner will receive P50,000 and the national winner will get P350,000.
The participating operators were divided into groups according to the province they belong and one group for Zamboanga City. They were tasked to identify their respective Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in their respective FTs and each group presented its output.
(YTAvellaneda, DA IX) The different FT operators shared their experiences. Ms. Crisminda Tomarong from Mate, Titay FT who was once
The participants to the 2016 Regional Food Terminal Summit
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DOLE-9 provides over P8M livelihood assistance to El Niño affected towns in Zamboanga del Sur RD Cano turning over the check worth P 1,000,000.00 to Hon. Canuto C. Enerio, Jr., Mun. Mayor of Lakewood, ZDS, for the Kabuhayan Repair Shop and Poultry Raising Projects
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ight (8) local government units in Zamboanga del Sur (ZDS) received livelihood checks worth P 8.6 million under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment (DILEEP) and the Bottom-Up-Budgeting/Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (BUP/GPB) at the DOLE Zamboanga del Sur Field Office, Pagadian City. DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, in his message, emphasized that DILEEP aims to enable the unemployed poor, seasonal and low-waged workers to start individual livelihood or collective enterprise undertakings to take them out of poverty and make them productive for themselves and their family. The following are the LGUs which received the Kabuhayan starter kit projects: Molave (31 skilled beneficiaries) – P230,500; Tigbao (83 skilled beneficiaries) – P564,400; Dinas (70 skilled beneficiaries ) – P476,000; San Pablo (47 skilled beneficiaries)- P319, 600; and Lower Guipos Farmers Association of Guipos for swine fattening (Lechon type ) – P458,000.
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The National Irrigation Administration IX also received a check amounting to P 4,116,800 covering 1,328 farmer beneficiaries in different El Niño affected areas in ZDS under the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department. Considering the adverse effect of El Niño in the province, the project was prioritized enabling El Niño affected farmers to cope with the damage. Under the BUB/GPB, LGU beneficiaries are as follows: Lakewood for the Kabuhayan Repair Shop of the Lakewood Riders’ Association- P500,000; Poultry Raising of Women’s Association Project in Lakewood for P500,000.00; Kabuhayan starter kits for the Margosatubig, ZDS (50 skilled beneficiaries) P500,000; and Tabina with 101 skilled beneficiaries at P1,010,000. Dir. Cano personally turned over the checks to the Local Chief Executives of Lakewood, Hon. Canuto C. Enerio, Jr., Hon. Danilo E. Dalid of Tigbao, and Hon. Ireneo Q. Glepa of Molave. NIA IX Regional Manager, Engr. Diosdado A. Rosales received the check for the TUPAD Program. They expressed
their gratitude and commitment to wholly undertake the projects to achieve the objectives for the benefit of their constituents. The DILEEP is the Department’s contribution to the government’s pursuit towards inclusive growth through massive job generation and poverty reduction. The program particularly seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers’ vulnerability to risks either through transitional short-term emergency employment; and/or promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. (Butch Jason C. Tormis, DOLE IX)
RD Cano turning over the check amounting to P 4,116,800.00 to NIA IX Regional Manager, Engr. Diosdado A. Rosales, to benefit 1,328 El Niño affected farmer beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Sur
RCLPC pursues preventive measures to address child labor concerns T
he Regional Child Labor Program Committee (RCLPC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IX, convened last June 16, 2016 to plan a strategy of action for the progressive elimination of child labor in the region to begin in targeted twelve (12) barangays toward Child Labor Free Barangays. DOLE IX Assistant Regional Director Yahya A. Centi presided over the meeting that was attended by regional representatives of eight (8) partneragencies namely: NEDA, DSWD, NNC, NYC, TESDA, DA, DOH, and DOJ. The meeting’s primary agenda was to assess and evaluate the documentary requirements of the 12 targeted and identified barangays from “Low
DOLE IX Assistant Regional Director Yahya A. Centi presiding the RCLPC meeting attended by member agencies
Hanging” to “Child Labor Free” Barangays. Low Hanging Barangays refer to barangays where various stakeholders were already mobilized to provide programs and services that need to be sustained and continuously monitored, which are targeted to be certified as Child Labor Free. The members of the RCLPC were also updated on the program implementation and results of the 2015 awarding of the Child Labor Free barangays in the region. A film viewing on “Sibit sa Siloh” the latest child labor situationer in Barangay Siloh, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay was presented for comments. A Review on Republic Act 9231 (Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labor) and RA 9208 (AntiTrafficking in Persons Act of 2003)
in connection with illegal recruitment aspects were also presented for extensive discussion. During the meeting an action plan was crafted particularly on scheduling the on-site validation of the 12 barangays in the region for evaluation, recommendation and for the eventual certification as Child Labor Free Barangays. In his closing message, ARD Centi said “the importance
of regularly convening the RCLPC and the convergence efforts of the partner-agencies are vital in the protection, prevention of exploitation and promotion of the welfare and development of children in the region as caring society.” (Jazmin C. Panelo, DOLE IX)
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Sec. Esguerra unveiling the marker that ceremonially opened the NEDA IX building on April 11, 2016
Sec. Esguerra graces inauguration of NEDA IX building in Pagadian City A
fter 40 years of operation in Zamboanga Peninsula, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office IX, finally realized its desire of having its own building. As Guest of Honor, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra led the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker that ceremonially opened the building on April 11, 2016. He was assisted by Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco of the Regional Development Office of NEDA. About 69 guests from different line agencies, state universities and colleges, local government units, and private sector representatives of Regional Development Council IX witnessed the event. Among those present were Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones of Pagadian City, NEDA Legal Staff Director Jocelyn P. Reyes, and Regional Development Staff Director Remedios S. Endencia, Dir. Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII, former NEDA Caraga Director Carmencita S. Cochingco, Dir. Lorenzo B. Macapili of TESDA IX, Dir. Sisinio B. Cano of DOLE IX, WMSU President Dr. Milabel E. Ho, and ZSCMST President Milavel D. Nazario. The participants were warmly welcomed to the event by Mayor Pulmones.
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The construction of the 3-storey NEDA IX building, costing around P46.0 million, started in January 2014
INNSPUB Bangladesh to publish WMSU Biology Thesis The thesis of batch 2015 Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) BS Biology graduates Alinasser Alfad Yusop and Nurullaji A. Aguil of the College of Science and Mathematics qualified for publication on International Network for Natural Sciences (INNSPUB) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh under the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences category, last February 28, 2016. The research entitled “Using Thin-Plate Spline Grids in Modeling Sex Differences in the Shapes of the Apical Disc in Sea Urchin (Tripneustes gratilla),” was recognized by INNSPUB because it contains a thorough study of the properties of sea urchins using a software known as Thin-Plate Spline (TPS). INNSPUB is a wing of Shamokal Publications. Bangladesh dedicated to publish scholarly research journals and books of new scientific knowledge in the field of natural sciences, biology, medicine and agriculture all over the world. Impressed with their study, Research Consultant Dr. Mark Anthony Torres of the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) assisted in pursuing their application in INNSPUB. Their study will be published once the copyright is secured.
and was completed in March 2016. The building now sits at the 5,481 square meter-lot donated by the city government of Pagadian, located at President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center in Balintawak, Pagadian City. With assistance from DPWH IX Regional Director Jorge U. Sebastian and staff, the grand and modern design of the building is inspired by green architecture with a touch and feel of a comfy ambience overlooking the picturesque view of Illana bay. The ground breaking on January 14, 2014 was headed by DDG Songco. In his message, Sec. Esguerra expressed his deep appreciation for the support of the local government unit headed by Mayor Pulmones, for joining the journey of NEDA. He also thanked Governor Antonio H. Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur, DPWH, and all partner agencies for making the building construction possible. The inauguration signifies four decades of NEDA’s growth story, as it continues to pursue human resource and physical facility development. He emphasized the pursuit of NEDA to serve with excellence and professionalism, while adapting to changes. Dir. Ramos said that 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. It will heighten the focus of its staff to push forward the regional vision of becoming the “Southern AgriFisheries Corridor” of the Philippines. She also acknowledged DBM for fund release, and then NEDA DG Arsenio M. Balisacan for his unwavering support. (Vilma M. Julian, NEDA 9)
“We wanted to do a novel study. Yung hindi pa nagagawa ng iba. Something we will be proud of and not just for the sake of passing or graduating,” Mr. Yusop said when asked why they chose this topic. In this research, they determined sex differences through Geometric Morphometrics with the use of TPS. WMSU is honored and proud of first undergraduate thesis to be published globally. Mr. Yusop and Mr. Aguil are pleased as their hard work in preparing the thesis could help future related researches and contribute to preserving the earth. Mr. Yusop and Mr. Aguil went through difficulties prior to this success. “Naranasan rin namin yung maraming
sleepless nights, meron din kaming di pagkakasunduan ng partner ko along the way. Mapagalitan man kayo ng mga advisers niyo, ituloy niyo lang as long as nasa right path kayo,” Mr. Aguil advised. Mr. Yusop and Mr. Aguil encouraged the aspirants to focus, to be patient, to view criticisms as constructive and to practice time management to give equal attention to curricular and domestic concerns. Mr. Aguil is currently taking Professional Education Curriculum at WMSU and is also a volunteer at Philippine Red Cross as Emergency Medical Technician while Mr. Yusop will pursue a master’s degree at MSU-IIT, Iligan, Lanao Del Norte. (PAO, WMSU)
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The participants with the ZamPen SETF on RAIN during the special meeting with the Bakas Municipalities
ZamPen Special El Niño TF on RAIN conducts meeting with Bakas Municipalities he Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Special El Niño Task Force (SETF) on the Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño (RAIN) conducted a special meeting with the Bakas Municipalities Alliance on April 19, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN).
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del Norte; and Sominot, Mahayag, Dumingag, and Midsalip in Zamboanga del Sur. One of its initial decisions as an alliance was the declaration of a state of calamity in the area due to the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon through Resolution No. 1, series of 2016.
According to NEDA IX Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Chairperson of ZamPen SETF, the special meeting was conducted in response to the urgent request of Mayor Flora L. Villarosa of Siayan, ZDN who is also the Lead Convenor of the Bakas Municipalities Alliance, to address the ill impact of El Niño in Bakas municipalities. The said request was endorsed by Undersecretary Patronicio Jude H. Esguerra III of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to ZamPen SETF for appropriate action.
The meeting was attended by 12 out of 16 member agencies of the SETF, namely: DOST, DOH, TESDA, DPWH, DOLE, DSWD, NIA, BFAR, BFP, OCD, DENR and NEDA. Also present were Usec. Esguerra, Mayor Villarosa, Ms. Hazel Ann L. Alforja of NEDA-ANRES, and around 33 participants from affected sectors, namely, farmers, fisherfolks, women, and the indigenous peoples.
In her welcome address, Vice-Mayor Daisy A. Limbang of Siayan explained that the Bakas is an alliance of six (6) municipalities in Region IX, consisting of Siayan and Sindangan in Zamboanga
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The estimated cost of damage in agriculture in three (3) Bakas municipalities due to El Niño, is as follows: Sindangan (P47.3 million), Siayan (P67.4 million), and Dumingag (P122.1 million). No damage report was available for Sominot and Midsalip municipalities.
On the presidential table (L-R): Usec. Patronicio Jude H. Esguerra III of NAPC; Vice-Mayor Daisy Limbang of Siayan; Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA IX, Chairperson of ZamPen SETF; Mayor Flora L. Villarosa of Siayan, Lead Convenor of Bakas Municipalities According to Usec. Esguerra, ZamPen is one of the regions most affected by El Niño in terms of vegetation, based on PAGASA weather forecast. He said that while rain would start coming in May, the impact on poor households will linger as vegetation would take time to recover. He therefore encouraged the SETF to provide appropriate, sufficient, and timely response. He also expressed his appreciation on the output of the meeting and hoped that similar activities would also be conducted in other affected local government units throughout the country. (Arvel John M. Lozada, NEDA
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College students thank SSS for their experience in public service C
ollege students who joined the Social Security System (SSS) Zamboanga Branch under the annual Government Internship Program (GIP) completed their 38-day participation on May 26. As interns, the 11 chosen students experienced life as part of the SSS workforce and performed clerical and secretarial tasks, customer service, and other support functions.
resort to selling native delicacies to augment their income. She considered the GIP a great blessing because it enabled her to save money for her tuition, a set of uniforms, and spare extra cash to share with her sibling. Jemark R. Bautista, a graduating criminology student of WMSU, said that the GIP saved him from spending his summer under the scorching heat of the sun. He said, “To earn for my
In simple ceremonies spearheaded by SSS Zamboanga Administrative and General Accounting Section, the interns, most of whom will be in their last year in college in the coming schoolyear, expressed their gratitude to the SSS for the GIP as this renewed their hope in finishing their studies. Their daily stipend of P308 helped them save for their enrollment and other school expenses.
tuition, I always spend my summers working in construction firms. I am so happy that I was chosen to be a part of GIP as my summer job. For the first time, instead of wielding a hammer, I was handling paperwork.” He assisted
Jocelyn D. Subo, an incoming 4th year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), was emotional when she shared the financial difficulties of her family that made her
the Member Services Section (MSS) with the reproduction and routing of office documents. While the GIP benefited the interns financially, they also extended their thanks to the SSS for their irreplaceable learnings from their work environment. After experiencing culture shock during the first few days in a government office, they eventually developed a deep appreciation of the men and
women behind the sacrifice that is public service and thanked each individual who made their GIP endeavor memorable. Daniel N. Vargas, MSS Team Head, acknowledged the services rendered by the youth particularly the huge role they played in reducing the section’s current backlog. “Do you remember
that mountain of paperwork? If it was not for you GIP interns, that mountain will still be there,” Vargas said. The Zamboanga interns rendered various song and dance numbers during their recognition day as a sign of their concerted effort to thank the SSS. A total of 530 college students nationwide participated in the SSS implementation of the GIP which started last April 4. (SSS, Zamboanga Branch) SSS Zamboanga Assistant Branch Head Irene D. Laxamana (left) and Branch Head Elizabeth G. Cabatingan (2nd from left) together with the 11 GIP interns during the culmination of the internship period
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was in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment IX, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration IX, and the Local Government of Dapitan.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the millions of Filipinos abroad who have contributed greatly to our beloved country. They are indeed remarkable and have been able to carve an enviable name for themselves in parts of the world,”
OFWs and their families actively participate in the celebration of Migrant Workers Day in Dapitan City
OWWA celebrates 21st Migrant Workers Day
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or this year, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office IX held its 21st Migrant Workers Day celebration last June 3, 2016, at the Cultural Center of Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. The event was in partnership with the Local Government of Dapitan City headed by Honorable City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). The theme “Salamat OFWs, Saludo kami sa inyo” recognizes the sacrifices that overseas Filipino workers or OFWs endure and the contributions they make to secure a better future for their families, communities and for the country. Honorable City Councilor Alexander Estacio delivered the keynote message to OFWs and their families along with jobseekers and selected government agencies that participated in the one-day affair. A Jobs Fair was conducted in the morning of June 3 to provide employment opportunities to Dapitanos seeking better pastures abroad. The Jobs fair
said Dr. Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, Director of OWWA IX in a recent interview. OWWA awarded special commendations to OFW Family Circle or OFC Leaders who actively supported OWWA in all its programs, services and activities, namely, Dr. Ladjakaya Abubakar , Bernadette Sedillo, Ismael Cosme, Victorino Solatorio, Sitti Rudia Guloy, Sister Emma Carmelotes, Catherine Suyo and Eddie Ongue. Another special commendation in the OFWDependents Scholarship Program or ODSP scholar’s achiever award was given to Christen Mae E. Casoco as Cum Laude under BS Elementary Education in St. Joseph College of Sindangan. After the short program, more than 60 lucky winners of raffle draw prizes where drawn by OWWA, followed by parlor games for OFWs and their families. (Karen Grafia, OWWA IX)
Winner of the 2nd Major Prize together with OWWA Staff & DOLE ZDNFO Head Ms Amores OWWA Team headed by PSD Head Angeles C. Engalla. Left to Right: FWO Lellann Carballo, FWO Norhamar Gumaga, FWO Aisa Lim, PSD Head Angeles Engalla, LCO Karen Grafia, FWO Isser Lorena, AA-IV Manolo Gallebo and Jong Budlong
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RPMC IX visits five projects in Ipil and Zamboanga City
(L-R) PSR Nestor Carbonera, RSDC Committee Chairperson, with the RPMC Monitoring Team, during the ocular inspection of the Ipil Airport
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ive (5) vital projects in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City were visited by the Monitoring Team of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX-Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) on June 8-9, 2016. Among the projects visited were: Ipil Airport; Ipil Seaport; Tagasilay-Sibulao-Vitali road; ongoing 38.24 km Culianan to San Ramon by-pass road; and Phase III of the on-going Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) lding to Nancy Falls in La Paz.
The ocular inspection was conducted pursuant to one of the agreements during the 1st Regular RPMC IX Meeting on May 12, 2016, i.e., for the Monitoring Team to cover the on-going projects in Ipil Airport and Seaport. These essential structures are included in the investment portfolio of the region, considering that Ipil is the center for commerce, trade and delivery of services in Zamboanga Sibugay Province. It was also suggested that the team revisit the progress of the on-going major projects in Zamboanga City. The Tagasilay-Sibulao-Vitali road serves as an alternate route to provide access from Zamboanga City to Ipil should there be landslides or other disastrous events along the Tigbalabag section, which is a main highway. The project is part of DPWH’s efforts to ensure disaster preparedness and mitigation in the
region. As the said road also leads to the Merloquet Falls, its funding support comes from the TRIP of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Acquisition of the Road- Right-ofWay (RROW) is still one of the major hurdles in the implementation of road projects. The team learned that some of the affected owners of the RROW are imploring that they be exempted to pay the capital gains tax, considering that they are the aggrieved party and yet they are required to pay for the said tax. During the visit, the RPMC Monitoring Team was joined by Mr. Nestor Carbonera and Mr. Pedro Rufo Soliven, RDC IX Private Sector Representatives; Mr. Efren Wee and Mr. Stephen Wee, non-government organization representatives; and representatives of DOLE, DOT and DPWH. (Leticia O. Lobren/NEDA9)
The on-going rehabilitation of existing Ipil Seaport
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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IX Resolutions Passed
155th Regular Meeting on June 2, 2016 Dapitan Resort Hotel, Dapitan City
RDC Res No., series of 2016 021
Title Approving the Agenda of the 155th Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council IX
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Approving the Highlights of the 154th Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council IX
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Approving the Terms of Reference for the Reorganization of Regional Development Council IX, CY 2016-2019
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Approving the CY 2015 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Report
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Endorsing to the NEDA-ICC the Additional Funding Support of USD 450 Million under the Infrastructure Development Component of the Philippine Rural Development Project
026
Approving the Zamboanga Peninsula Halal Roadmap for Food Products and Services, 2016-2020
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Requesting the Department of Energy for the Inclusion of Private Sector Participation in the Formulation of ZAMCELCO Enhancement Recovery Program
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Supporting RDC XI Resolution No. 81 s. 2015, Entitled “Urging National Government Agencies to Allocate at Least One Percent of Their Budgets for Indigenous Peoples Programs and Project”
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Commending Dir. Paisal O. Abutazil of Department of Interior and Local Government IX for the Good Performance of the Region in the implementation of Bottom-Up Budgeting Projects in Zamboanga Peninsula
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Designating the Zamboanga Peninsula El Niño Task Force as the Special La Niña Task Force
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Supporting the Screening of the Film Boses in Zamboanga Peninsula
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Expressing Gratitude to Hon. Mayor Rosalina G. Jalosjos of Dapitan City for Graciously Hosting the 155th Regular Meeting of RDC IX
The RDC Communicator: Regional Development Council IX, President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone Number (062) 913-0164, 913-0165, 913-0168 Email Address: nedapagadian@yahoo.com URL: nro9.neda.gov.ph