A quorum of RDC
October - December 2014 RDC Communicator
members, guests and resource persons attending the 149th RDC IX Regular Meeting at the Commercial Complex Building B in Dipolog City
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresita Socorro C. Ramos ASSOCIATE EDITORS Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD Renato C. Herrera, CEDS, PDIPBD Eleanor M. Reyes, CEDS, DRD Manolette Jude M. Mercado, OIC, PFPD Leticia O. Lobren, OIC, PMED Ronald Von D. Rivera, CAO FAD PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian DESIGN AND LAYOUT Daryll L. Cabico Lloyd E. Duhaylungsod CONTRIBUTORS NEDA IX Arthur N. de Guzman Arvel John M. Lozada Loreta E. Lapad
Other Agencies Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, DTI IX Public Affairs Office, Western Mindanao State University Department of Science and Technology IX National Nutrition Councul IX Department of Tourism IX Department of Agriculture IX Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan, DOLE IX MDaguro, DA IX 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 Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government Center, Dao, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone Nos. (062) 945-0049, 215-4113 Email Address: nedapagadian@yahoo.com http://nro9.neda.gov.ph
RDC IX approves ZamPen’s Top Priority PPs for Resource Mobilization
D
uring its 149th Regular Meeting conducted in Dipolog City on December 12, 2014, Regional Development Council IX passed Resolution No. IX-086-14 “Approving the Top Priority Programs and Projects of Zamboanga Peninsula for Resource Mobilization and Endorsing the Same to Concerned Implementing Agencies for Inclusion in their Priority Investment Programs”. The list of proposed priority PPs includes the Transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport, Zamboecozone World Class International Seaport, Establishment of the National Seaweeds Center, Integrated Regional Radiobased Communication System, Rehabilitation of the Liquid Nitrogen Facility in Pagadian City, Rehabilitation of the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex, Integrated Development Project for Abaca, Establishment of a Halfway House in Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Integrated Rice-Duck Farming, Processing and Marketing, Development of the Ipil Airport and Ipil Seaport.
The PPs were selected according to sector relevance, scope of benefit, status of project preparation and project timeline. The common thread in these PPs is the need to mobilize funding for their implementation, if not through the regular funds of the national government, then from other sources. These are those that the region cannot do without, if it were to become the country’s Southern Agri-Fisheries Corridor, and thus, need to be assured of funding and institutional support. Another round of consultations is scheduled at a later date to include other priority projects, especially those coming from local government units. RDC IX also approved, among others, the 2016 Annual Investment Program of Zamboanga Peninsula, endorsing the same to the individual central offices of Regional Line Agencies and State Universities and Colleges in the region. The meeting was made successful with the full support of the City Government of Dipolog led by Honorable Mayor Evelyn T. Uy. (Arthur N. De Guzman, NEDA IX)
RDC IX conducts forum on Annual Investment Program
Councilor Alcoriza of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay delivers Mayor Alibutdan's welcome remarks.
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o harmonize the priority programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) in the region for the year 2016, Regional Development Council (RDC) IX conducted a Forum on the 2016 Annual Investment Program (AIP) on November 06, 2014 at Sibugay Plaza Hotel in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Over 80 participants were present during the forum, composed of planning and budget officers of regional line agencies (RLAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs), as well as, chiefs of staff (CoS) of the congressional district representatives in the region. The activity was conducted to ensure that the proposed PPAs of the RLAs, SUCs, LGUs and congressional districts are consistent with the Updated Regional Development Investment Program, 2014-2016, and supportive of the development thrusts and priorities in the Updated Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Program, 2014-2016, as well as, the Budget Priorities Framework of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Councilor Alberto T. Alcoriza, Jr. representing Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay,
In the middle, Congresswoman Nuño of the 2nd District Representative of Zamboanga City, presenting her project proposals to the planning and budget officers of the regional line agencies.
welcomed the participants of the forum. Present as well was Hon. Lilia Macrohon-Nuño, Congressional Representative of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City, who delivered a message, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing the PPAs in the region. Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Acting RDC IX Chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX Regional Director, expounded on the linkage between planning, investment programming and budgeting, highlighting the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Framework, towards achieving the region’s vision to be the Southern Agri-Fisheries Corridor of the Philippines. The general guidelines on the updating of the 2016 AIP, as well as, the Philippine Council for Women (PCW)-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular 2012-01, on the preparation of annual gender and development (GAD) plans and budgets and accomplishment
reports to implement the Magna Carta for Women, were also discussed. Several issues and concerns were raised during the open forum, all of which, were properly noted and given due consideration by the concerned agencies and RDC IX secretariat. A breakout session followed where the RLAs were clustered by sector while the planning and budget officers of LGUs and CoS of the congressional district representatives were given opportunity to negotiate for the inclusion of their priority projects in the 2016 AIP of the concerned agencies. The RLAs were expected to present their respective updated 2016 AIP during the 4th Quarter meetings of the RDC IX Sectoral Committees in preparation for the conduct of the 149th RDC IX meeting before the year ends. (Arvel John M. Lozada, NEDA IX)
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ZAMPEX,
Region 9’s primary marketing platform for SMEs “ZAMPEX will henceforth, be our region’s primary marketing platform to launch innovative products and services of our micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs and find a niche in the domestic and international markets,” thus, declared Department of Trade and Industry IX OIC-Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain during the opening of the first Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition or ZAMPEX on October 8. Living up to its billing as the region’s grandest marketing event, 80 exhibitors from within and outside the region showcased their unique and world-class products that will help put Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) in the radar of local and international markets. Dir. Jain said that by sector, processed food products take predominance over other focused sectors, followed by gifts, housewares and home decors sector. Jewelries and fashion accessories, furniture and furnishings, organic and natural products, and service sector complete the list of exhibitors in this year’s ZAMPEX. Dir. Jain added that the event served as venue not just to showcase the region’s best but also to highlight its huge opportunities. The region hopes to be recognized as a lucrative 4
Organizers and exhibitors during the first ZAMPEX
investment destination. Its products could be synonymous to its huge opportunities for business expansion, and easily recognized and identified as Zamboanga’s best. As DTI continues to capacitate SMEs and even prospective businessmen, part of the ZAMPEX 2014 were technology and cooking demonstrations. These were done through DTI’s partner agencies that are members of the ZamPen SME Core Group namely, the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology. A seminar on franchising was also included, sponsored by DTI and the Philippine Franchise Association. Meanwhile, small and medium entrepreneurs of Region IX and outside were thankful for the conduct of the first ZAMPEX on October 8-11, 2014 in Zamboanga City.
All exhibitors reported positive feedbacks and expressed enthusiasm for the next edition of ZAMPEX in 2015. Dir. Jain was elated with the result of the ZAMPEX 2014. She said “By 2017, we hope to bring ZAMPEX outside of Region IX or even Mindanao. Perhaps we can bring this to Manila, but we need at least 100 exhibitors to realize this. However, before going outside of the region, we have to make sure that our SMEs are ready to meet the clients’ demands so that all our efforts will not be wasted. Until then, we need to prepare you not just for the national market, but more importantly, the ASEAN market.” (Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, DTI IX)
Labangan technician receives national award
Farmers’ Class. She emphasized that the only secret to achieve high yield is to educate the farmers. Ms. Quicoy has been happily married to
f all the Department of Agriculture’s
O
at the same time National Corn
Candelario M. Quicoy, Jr. for 31 years.
(DA) extension workers in
Coordinator, Edilberto M. De Luna. Ms.
They reside in Pagadian City. She is a
Zamboanga Peninsula, Mrs. Editha
Quicoy received a plaque, a gold medal
mother of two successful gentlemen.
Quicoy from the municipality of
and P20,000 cash.
One is a graduate of BS Accountancy and currently working abroad and the
Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur was declared Outstanding Agricultural
Ms. Quicoy served Labangan
other is a graduate of BS Information
Extension Worker during the 2014
since 1993 as coordinator for corn
Technology.
National Quality Corn Achievers Awards
commodity. Of the 25 barangays of the
held on November 20, 2014.
municipality, 17 are corn areas which
When asked about her achievement,
she facilitates. These areas yield an
Ms. Quicoy said “I am grateful to the
With this year’s theme, “Corn Farming
average of 4.15 and 3.75 metric tons
DA for recognizing my contribution in
in the ASEAN Integration: Maximizing
per hectare for yellow and white corn,
the corn industry and the production
Opportunities,” DA recognizes the
respectively.
of quality corn, to my colleagues for the support and encouragement and
efforts of the people who have huge contribution in making the corn industry
Ms. Quicoy said that she has been
to the Almighty Father for the wisdom,
remain on track with quality.
serving Labangan’s municipal
courage and strength. I will strive harder
agriculture office for 21 years. She
and perform even better. I will prove [to]
On behalf of DA Secretary Proceso J.
shares all her knowledge from trainings
everyone that I am worth the award.”
Alcala, Under Secretary Emerson U.
and seminars to the farmers in her
Palad led the awarding together with
areas through conducting Farmers Field
The event was held at Centrio Mall,
Assistant Secretary for Field Operations
School, Technology Demonstration, and
Cagayan de Oro City. (MDaguro, DA IX)
WMSU presents research on rubber in
D
r. Eriberto D. Salang, Dean of the Western Mindanao State University’s (WMSU) College of Agriculture, presented his research paper entitled “Shoot-Root Proliferations of Clone Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) Explants Induced with Auxins and Cytokinins on Tissue Culture” in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian Rubber Research Institute in collaboration with the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) invited Dr. Salang to present his paper during the IRRDB Biotechnology Workshop 2014, held on October 7-8, 2014. During the presentation, queries on the adoption of the acclimatization of in vitro micro-propagation of rubber were satisfactorily answered by the
Indonesia
dean. Dr. Salang also addressed some concerns on Philippine Rubber Technology which are not yet at par with other neighboring ASEAN countries whose technology is already about a century ahead of the Philippines. He shared some pertinent information about the WMSU Tissue Culture Laboratory. The said workshop was attended by about 100 delegates from rubber producing countries and stakeholders including France, Belgium, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The country was represented by Dr. Salang and Dr. Harem Roca of University of Southern
Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato. The first day of the workshop covered a total of 15 papers with topics focusing on Advances in Biotechnology of Rubber (Hevea) Micro-propagation in Tissue Culture. The second day was spent on a tour of different tissue culture laboratories and rubber and palm oil plantation in Indonesia. The exposure to advanced tissue culture laboratories for rubber and palm oil in Indonesia enhanced the capability of the presenters and inspired them to look forward to more challenges in tissue culture undertaking in the near future. (PAO, WMSU) 5
IPs receive DOST-ITDI’s ceramic water filter DOST-ITDI Ceramic Water Filter consists of a container and filtering medium, which is the ceramic pot filter. The ceramic filter is made up of red clay coated with nano-colloidal silver as the anti-microbial agent that replaces the chlorination process in traditional water filter systems.
A
ccess to potable water is one of the major development concerns of the government. Seeking to make local technology work for the people and to provide practical solutions to the current problems, the Department of Science and Technology IX initially granted 30 units out of 200 locallydeveloped water filters, to the families of Buug Subanen Workers Association during its 1st anniversary celebration held on September 30, 2014 in Buug. Additional units of water filter were also distributed to other target families in the area in December 2014.
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The target beneficiaries are selected indigenous people of Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay and Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. Beneficiaries of Siayan will receive the remaining units in 2015. The water purification system is a simple technology that consists of a container and filtering medium, which is the ceramic pot filter. The ceramic filter is made up of red clay coated with nano-colloidal silver as the anti-microbial agent that replaces the chlorination process in traditional
water filter systems. The ceramic pot typically sits or hangs on the top of a large plastic container, fitted with a tap at the bottom. A lid is placed on top of the filter to prevent contamination. The system is capable of purifying tap water, deep well water, and raw water tainted with up to 3 percent suspended particles or silt and converts these into safe drinking water. According to the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the DOST, the water filter has passed the Philippine National Standards for drinking water in terms of microbiological and chemical analysis. DOST IX Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano said that the grant of water filter to the said communities is one of the initiatives of the Department under the project entitled “Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST).� Water and sanitation is just one component of CEST for the target communities in the region. The others are livelihood and economic enterprise development, health and nutrition, education and literacy, and disaster risk reduction and mitigation. (DOST IX)
T
he National Nutrition Council (NNC), an attached agency of the Department of Health, recognizes the vital role of non-government organizations (NGOs) in shaping and implementing various programs that directly or indirectly impact on the nutritional status of the community. Linking and collaborating with this sector widens the door for partnership and for exploring and scaling up innovations for nutrition improvement to accelerate the efforts in achieving the targets of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2011 – 2016 and Millennium Development Goal No. 1 in halving the prevalence of undernutrition by 2015. On December 5, 2014, the NNC held a Regional NGOs’ Forum for Nutrition in Zamboanga City in partnership with the ACF International (Action Contre la Faim or Action Against Hunger) a global humanitarian organization committed to ending world hunger. NGOs were oriented on the prevailing nutritional status of children in the region based on the 8th National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute conducted in 2013, and the directions and strategies of the Updated PPAN 2014-2016. It aimed to maximize the support of the sector to collaborate with the government programs in improving the nutrition situation of children. A total of 17 NGOs and academe operating in Region 9 joined the forum as participants and resource persons. Representatives from Child Fund Philippines (CFP) and ACF International were among the resource persons during the forum. CFP has been assisting poor families in Basilan Province through projects that focus on improving maternal and child health, food production and income generating projects. ACF International has been assisting
The participants during the NNC NGOs' Forum
NNC holds Regional
NGOs’ Forum
the local government unit (LGU) in the nutrition rehabilitation of children affected with severe and moderate acute malnutrition in the evacuation centers in Zamboanga City. Area Manager Mrs. Margarita Auxtero of CFP and Dr. Oscar Fudalan of ACF International, shared their experiences in implementing the various projects that contributed to the improved socio- economic situation of families and direct nutrition care of children in the area covered by their organization. Sharing experiences in GO-NGO collaboration were Assistant Regional Director Martin Wee of the Department of Science and Technology IX who elaborated on the strategy of empowering the community thru science and technology by partnering with the NGOs and LGUs through livelihood/ economic enterprise development and other entry points such as water and sanitation, health and nutrition, among others. Dr. Sharon Malicsi of the City Health Office of Zamboanga City shared experiences in partnering with ACF International on the rehabilitation
of children in evacuation centers with severe and moderate acute malnutrition. NCC’s presentation of the nutrition situation of mothers and children in the region, the directions of the PPAN, and the launching of the Generation Nutrition Campaign by the ACF International provided the NGOs with the perspective where they could efficiently collaborate to improve the nutritional status of families and children in the region. Generation Nutrition Campaign advocates for a world free of child deaths from acute malnutrition. The forum generated commitments for nutrition interventions that were identified by the NGOs and academe during workshop. It opened doors for collaboration between the NNC and the NGOs. It will strengthen future GO-NGO partnership in scaling up interventions to accelerate nutrition improvement and provide families and children the opportunities to better health and productive lives through good nutrition. (NNC IX)
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WMPC bags GKK bronze award
remedial action to prevent accidents and occupational diseases at the workplaces.”
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz (center) with the awardees and DOLE officials during the 9th GKK
A
fter the deliberations and judging, the Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) located in Sangali, Zamboanga City, was bestowed the Bronze Award under the institutional category, during the 9th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) held on October 27, 2014 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City. The plaque of recognition was personally handed over by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz to Engr. Jose Mari Torrejon, Plant Manager, and Engr. Joel Handugan, Safety and Environment Officer, who are a semi-finalist under the individual category. The awarding was witnessed by DOLE-9 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Albert Gutib and Zamboanga City Field Office Chief Ian Lahi.
In her message, Sec. Baldoz emphasized that the GKK award is an inspiration to raise the bar of excellence in the implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) at the workplaces. “The awardees of the coveted GKK are OSH champions and vigilant for the safety and health of workers,” she said. The secretary challenged the awardees to sustain a very high level of awareness in terms of safety and health of workers, and to always consider prevention as the highest priority. She said “we are synchronizing our programs with other government agencies toward
DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano congratulated WMPC for the award and encouraged other companies in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Region to vie for the prestigious GKK in 2016. He said “we are intensifying our advocacy on OSH through trainings, orientations and other means of information campaign to prevent occurrence of accidents and incidents including diseases at the workplaces. Our partners from ZamPen Occupational Safety and Health Network and the ZamPen Tripartite Industrial Peace Council are very active in OSH promotion for a Zero Accident region.” OSHC Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco disclosed that the GKK is a national award given by DOLE in recognition of the outstanding achievements of establishments and individuals in terms of responding to the safety and health needs of the workers, workplaces and community. Dr. Cucueco further said that for this year, 241 entries from various industries vied for the honor of being lauded with the GKK Champion, GKK Finalist-Silver Award, and GKK FinalistBronze Award for their commendable achievements. Of these entries only 15 received their respective awards. (Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan, DOLE IX)
Engr. Joel P. Handugan (center) of WMPC, is one of the semi-finalists for the individual category during the 9th
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GKK with Sec. Baldoz
DOST-PCHRD approves WMSU study on ICT Needs Assessment
I
nformation and Communications Technology (ICT) has become an indispensable part of everyday life. Effective use of ICT tools in health care delivery will help in achieving the goal of governent in providing equitable access to health care in the rural areas. The Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has recently approved the grant of research entitled “ICT Needs Assessment of Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula.” According to the Director of the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) Dr. Teresita Montaño, of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, the study will be conducted by Maria Rosthel A. Geonzon and Ricardo B. Garcia both from the Western Mindanao State University - Research and Development Evaluation Center (WMSU-RDEC). The funding assistance amounting to Four Hundred Fifty One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifteen Pesos (P451,715.00) is made possible through the strong collaboration of ZCHRD member institutions in coming up with viable research proposals. The study will include the following: 1) assessment of the RHUs particularly on the availability ICT tools and extent of utilization; 2) determination of barriers / problems experienced by RHU staff in the utilization of ICT
resources; 3) establishment of data on the technical needs of RHUs in areas, such as ICT resources, connectivity, telecommunication services and support mechanism for sustainability; and 4) identification of the availability and adequacy of financial support for adoption / expansion in telecommunication expenses and funds for the maintenance, repair and upgrading of ICT equipment and accessories.
MO 73 reinstates travel tax exemption for Mindanao and Palawan travellers to EAGA
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he Department of Tourism wishes to inform the public that the President
recently signed Memorandum Order No. 73 entitled "Reinstating the Travel Tax Exemption Policy Granted to Travellers from Mindanao and Palawan Bound for Countries in the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA)" which will take effect for three (3) years. This will be applicable to all travellers by air and/or sea originating from all international
The results of the study will serve as input to the baseline data for the development of ICT tools, which will be relevant and appropriate in addressing the needs of government health workers in the rural areas. The ICT tools can greatly help capacitate health service units by increasing the quality, relevance and flow of updated and modern knowledge and information to health professionals in rural areas. The Department of Health will be one of the end-users of this study.
airports and/or ports in Mindanao and Palawan to any destination within the BIMP EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area). The travel tax exemption is expected to help sustain and accelerate economic development in Mindanao and Palawan through tie-ups with identified areas in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia. A Travel Tax Exemption Certificate may be secured from the Tourism Infrastructure
PCHRD is one of the three sectoral councils of the DOST. It is a forwardlooking, partnership-based national body responsible for coordinating and monitoring health research activities in the country.
and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),
ZCHRD was organized to optimize the use of research in alleviating the health and nutrition problems of the people in Region IX. The consortium receives financial and technical support from the DOST-PCHRD. DOST IX serves as the consortium secretariat. (DOST IX)
To know more about travel tax, visit
formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority. In Region IX, the TIEZA office is located at Lantaka Hotel by the Sea Building, N.S. Valderrosa Street, Zamboanga City with telephone number (062) 991-8687.
TIEZA's official website at http://www.tieza. gov.ph. (DOT IX)
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Department of Agriculture
turns over Farm-to-Market Road in Tungawan A
4.70 kilometer farm-to-market (FMR) road in Barangay Gaycon, Municipality of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, was turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA) IX to the local government of unit (LGU). Tungawan Municipal Mayor Randy Climaco, expressed his gratitude to the DA-Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) for the project. In accepting the key of responsibility, he said that as the chief executive of the area, he would make sure that all projects given to Tungawan would be properly maintained to last longer to benefit the community.
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DA Regional Director Constancio Alama led the turnover ceremony. He said that the cost of the rehabilitation project reached P12,675,000 under the Rural Infrastructure Component of the DA Special Project on MRDP. Though it was completed in December last year, the road had to undergo improvements since it has been utilized even during the curing period. Dir. Alama appreciated the good partnership between the LGU and DA. He thanked the LGU for its strong support during project implementation. Dir. Alama committed to sustain its assistance to the LGU by providing agricultural inputs like fruit trees seedlings, vegetable seeds, upland rice seeds, and cassava grater with presser, as additional livelihood intervention in the area. He said
that under the new Philippine Rural Development Project, the Municipality of Tungawan was given P87 million worth of projects for concreting of FMRs. Previously, FMRs were also opened in Barangay Baluran covering 5.4 km and Barangay Batungan with 2.56 km, all in the municipality of Tungawan, under the DA-MRDP special project. The Gaycon FMR project serves 744 beneficiaries from the area alone, both from the indigenous and nonindigenous communities. Rubber production is the main source of livelihood in the area. (DA IX) DA Director Constancio Alama and Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the FMR in Barangay Gaycon, Tungawan
Participants at Pagadian City Oval with BFP IX Personnel
NEDA IX undergoes Basic Emergency Response Course T
wenty five staff of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX participated in the two-day Basic Emergency Response Course (BERC) on November 11-12, 2014 at Chandler Suites in Pagadian City. It was made possible by the coordination between NEDA IX and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IX. The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Pacific Typhoon Belt. On the average, the country is hit by 20 earthquakes every day, and 20 typhoons each year, five of which are destructive like TS Yolanda. Disasters such as floods, earthquakes and fire may happen anytime and anywhere, even in the workplace, threatening the life and safety of its personnel. NEDA IX personnel underwent the BERC to instill a culture of safety in the office, and to improve their competencies on disaster preparedness and basic emergency response.
Ms. Kornessa Lumacang Paras and Mr. Mark Anthony V. Almeda from OCD IX discussed Basic Knowledge on Disaster Preparedness emphasizing Hazards and Disaster Management Concepts and Emergency Preparedness in various disasters such as earthquake and flood. Mr. Danilo Martinzene Caballero of the Philippine Red Cross and PRC volunteers shared their expertise on Basic Emergency Response, highlighting Basic Trauma Life Support; Lifting and Moving Patients; Foreign Body Airway Obstruction, and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Artificial Resuscitation. PO2 Renie P. Dagupan and PO1 Oscar Manzano from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal of the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Philippine National Police disclosed important details in making improvised explosive device. They also informed the participants that this is the most common bomb used by lawless
Participants giving first aid treatment to a stabbed victim during simulation activity.
elements or terrorist groups in the region. Whenever there is a bomb threat, the public should stay away for at least 300 meters from a suspected bomb. FO1 Joseph Eric Gillamac and FO3 Beboso of the Bureau of Fire Protection IX shared important tips on fire safety and demonstrated how to operate fire extinguishers. The participants were divided into two groups for a simulation exercise. This put the participant’s newly acquired knowledge and skills to test. Each group was tasked to respond to an emergency situation involving “true-to-life” scenes and apply basic emergency response to patients with multiple injuries and wounds. In her closing message, Dir. Emilia V. Julhajan, the OIC-Regional Director of OCD IX, shared her experience during the same training she attended years back, specially what she did during an escape from a fire-blazed room just to stay alive. Finally, she said that as emergency responders, we do not lose the light of our candle by lighting the candles of others. (Loreta E. Lapad, NEDA IX) 11
RDC IX Resolutions Passed 149th Regular Meeting on December 12, 2014 City Commercial Complex B Dipolog City
IX-084-14
A Resolution Approving the Agenda of the 149th RDC IX Regular Meeting
IX-085-14
A Resolution Approving the Highlights of the 148th RDC IX Regular Meeting
IX-086-14
A Resolution Approving the Top Priority Programs/Projects of Zamboanga Peninsula for Resource Mobilization and Endorsing the Same to Concerned Implementing Agencies for Inclusion in their Priority Investment Programs (Mother Resolution)
IX-087-14
A Resolution Approving the Updated Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 2014-2016
IX-088-14
A Resolution Approving the 2016 Zamboanga Peninsula Annual Investment Program (Mother Resolution)
IX-089-14
A Resolution Endorsing the Establishment of a Philippine Science High School in Dipolog City and in Three Other Areas in the Region to Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees-Philippine Science High School
IX-090-14
A Resolution Enjoining the Local Government Units to Source and Appropriate Funds for Direct Nutrition Program Interventions for Children Six to Twenty-Three Months Old
IX-091-14
A Resolution Encouraging all Local Government Units in the Region to Tap/Participate in the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP)
IX-092-14
A Resolution Supporting RDC VI Resolution No. 20, s. 2014, Requesting the Travel Rates Committee, through Secretary of Budget and Management as Chairperson, to Increase the Daily Travel Allowance from P800 to P1,500 for Travels within the Region, and P3,500 for Travels Outside the Region
IX-093-14
A Resolution Supporting the Conduct of the 2015 Mid-decade Census on Population
IX-094-14
A Resolution Urgently Requesting the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – Central Office to Facilitate Commissioning of Completed Infrastructure Projects at Dipolog Airport
IX-095-14
A Resolution Urgently Requesting Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) IX to Allocate Funds for the Repair and Maintenance of Barra#2 Bridge in 2015 while Awaiting the FY 2016 Budget for the Replacement of the said Bridge
IX-096-14
A Resolution Urgently Requesting the Commission on Audit (COA) to Undertake a Financial and Technical Audit of the BFAR-Zanorte Cold Storage Facility in San Pedro, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
IX-097-14
A Resolution Enjoining All Concerned Local Government Units to Participate and Support the 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index Survey
IX-098-14
A Resolution Expressing Gratitude to Hon. Evelyn T. Uy, City Mayor of Dipolog City for Graciously Hosting the 149th Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council IX.
The RDC Communicator: Regional Development Council IX, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government Center, Dao, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone Number (062) 945-0048, (062) 215-4113 Email Address: nedapagadian@yahoo.com URL: nro9.neda.gov.ph