January-March 2018
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 Ma. Nelida A. Rojas, NEDA IX Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX Inelin R. Cabeguin, DA IX Graebert Echin, NEDA IX Arvel John M. Lozada, NEDA IX Karen Claire Grafia, DOLE IX, with reports from J Mae T. Tapales, DOLE ZDNFO
INFO
RDC IX endorses P187B Budget for Zampen R egional Development Council IX conducted its 161st
Regular Meeting on March 8, 2018 at Kalikasan Assembly
Hall, NEDA IX Office, Balintawak, Pagadian City. The meeting was presided by Mayor Anamel C. Olegario, Chairperson of the Council.
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.
One of the 23 resolutions passed by the Council was the
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 Fax No. (062) 945-0049 Email Address: ord@nro9.neda.gov.ph
two (2) TESDA-supervised schools, and one (1) special
http://nro9.neda.gov.ph facebook.com/nedaregion9
confirmation of RDC IX Executive Committee resolutions endorsing the FY 2019 budget proposals of twenty-three (23) regional line agencies, six (6) state universities and colleges, development authority totalling P187 billion. Seventythree percent of the total budget was for the infrastructure sector agencies amounting to P135.78 billion. The rest of the proposed budget was shared among the social sector agencies, P41.24 billion; economic sector agencies, P8.87 billion; and development administration, P247.65 million.
RDC IX officers and members during the 161st RDC IX Meeting (Seated L-R: RDC IX Secretary and NEDA IX Asst. Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao, Imelda Mayor and Rep. of Zamboanga Sibugay League of Municipal Mayors Roselyn V. Silva, RDC IX Vice-Chair and NEDA IX Regional Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, RDC Chair and Ipil Mayor Anamel C. Olegario, RSDC IX Chair and PSR for Zamboanga Sibugay Nestor R. Carbonera, and RDC IX Co-Chair and PSR for Labor Jose J. Suan
During the meeting, the Council also endorsed the
programs, projects and activities towards reaching the
priority projects for Zamboanga Peninsula, as follows:
Demographic Dividend for Zamboanga Peninsula; (f )
CY 2019 Priority Projects of Local Government Units,
LGUs’ submission of the required data for the annual
Construction of Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center
cities and municipalities competitiveness index survey;
Building Extension and Procurement of Medical
and (g) Request for assistance in kind or cash for the
Equipment; CY 2019 Zamboanga Peninsula Road
athletes who will represent the region in the Palarong
Projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for
Pambansa.
Industry and Trade Program (ROLLIT); CY 2019 Tourism Road Infrastructure Projects (TRIP) of Zamboanga
Since it was the first meeting for the year, the Council
Peninsula; and, Establishment of Ateneo de Zamboanga
approved the report of its accomplishments for CY
University Center for Capacity Enhancement and Geo-
2017, and its Work Program for CY 2018. The updated
Informatics Support System.
Manual of Operations of the Council was also approved to serve as a general guide for the Council’s operations.
Several development concerns were also confirmed
This year, the National Commission on Culture and the
and supported by he Council, such as the following:
Arts will be joining the Council after having its special
(a) Operationalization of local structures for the
non-voting status confirmed during the meeting.
effective implementation of the Responsible
TESDA IX Regional Director Lorenzo G. Macapili would
Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law in
also be serving as Co-Chairperson of Regional Social
Zamboanga Peninsula; (b) Evaluation of the
Development Committee IX for the remaining term
implementation of the National Greening Program,
2018-2019, with the passing of TESDA Regional Director
Integrated Forest Management Agreement and other
Edgardo Sales.
programs with tenurial instruments entered into by Department of Environment and Natural Resources
The meeting ended with optimism and renewed sense
IX; (c) Request for the Provincial Governor of Basilan
of mission to pursue the region’s development goals.
and the military to provide security to the Department
(Ma. Nelida A. Rojas, NEDA IX)
of Agrarian Reform IX in the enforcement of DAR’s legal orders; (d) Preparation of a Comprehensive Tourism Roadmap for Region IX; (e) Harmonization of
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RDC IX Chairperson Mayor Anamel C. Olegario, RDC IX Co-Chairperson Jose J. Suan, and RDC IX Vice-Chairperson Dir. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos unveiling the ZamPen RDP 2017-2022
Act for Region IX:
Regional launching of RDP 2017-2022 The Regional Launching/Roadshow was dubbed “Act for Region IX” (“Lihok Alang sa Rehiyon IX”): A Regional Development Showcase.” The theme “To Achieve the AmBisyon, ZamPen Act Now” (“Aron Makab-ot
ang AmBisyon, ZamPen Lihok Karon”) is intended as an advocacy activity to create and broaden public awareness and generate support for the RDP. It also intends to focus and bring public attention to the region’s vision of becoming the center for sustainable
T
agri-fisheries industries of the Philippines, which
he Regional Launching of the Zamboanga
roughly translates in the local dialect as “Sentro sa
Peninsula (ZamPen) Regional Development
Malahutayong mga Industriyang Agri-Fishery sa
Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 was conducted on March
Pilipinas.”
8, 2018, during the 161st Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council IX at NRO IX Office
After the regional launching, the Philippine
in Balintawak, Pagadian City. The simple yet
Development Plan, AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the RDP
meaningful ceremony was spearheaded by the RDC
shall be cascaded to other areas in the region in the
IX officials, namely: RDC IX Chairperson Anamel C.
form of a Caravan. NEDA IX area teams shall meet with
Olegario, RDC IX Co-Chairperson Jose J. Suan, and
the local government units of Zamboanga del Norte/
RDC IX Vice-Chairperson Teresita Socorro C. Ramos.
Dipolog and Dapitan Cities, Zamboanga Sibugay/Ipil,
The RDC IX members also pledged their commitment
Zamboanga del Sur/Pagadian City, and Zamboanga
to support and ensure the implementation of priority
and Isabela Cities to discuss the schedule and details
programs and projects towards the attainment of the
of the Caravan. National Economic and Development
regional development goals, objectives and targets
Authority IX also intends to partner with the Philippine
within the medium term.
Information Agency and the Department of the Interior and Local Government in this endeavor. (Vilma M.
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Julian, NEDA IX)
1300 participate in the agri info caravan
This is the fourth information caravan conducted in the country after Region 1 in Pangasinan, Region 4 in Batangas, and Region 7 in Dumagute. In his welcome remarks, Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy said that information caravans are welcome in Dipolog City to widen the people’s interest and knowledge about agriculture. He expressed his full support to agricultural programs and gratefulness to host the activity. Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy also gave his full support to the program. He came to boost the participation of the farmers in the province. DA IX Regional Director Constancio G. Alama, said “the services and interventions of the department
DA9 Regional Director Constancio G. Alama speaking before 1,300 participants of the Agriculture Information Caravan in Dipolog City.
will be extended to the farmers to help improve their status. Right information needs to reach the beneficiaries so that productivity and progress could be achieved in the locality. This program will continue so that our farmers will be well – informed and empowered.”
S
ome 1,300 participants composed of farmers,
Among the resource speakers who discussed DA’s
stakeholders, extension workers, City and Municipal
programs like Hybrid Rice, Mechanization, Fishery,
Agriculturists joined the National Information Caravan
Credit, and Market, were Engr. Marvin Manalang,
conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in
Science Research Specialist II of DA- Philippine
partnership with the Local Government of Zamboanga
Rice Research Institute; Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy,
del Norte with the theme: “Agrikultura Para sa
PhD, Chief Science Research Specialist, Applied
Pagbabago” held at Dipolog City Sports Complex, Brgy.
Communication Division, DA – Philippine Center for
Olingan, Dipolog City.
Postharvest Development and Mechanization; Mr. Nazario Briguera, Chief Public Information Office,
“The Information Caravan aims to raise awareness and
DA – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Ms.
bring the services of the department to the farmers by
Marissa Mohammad, Agri – Business and Marketing
providing helpful and reliable information,” said Ms.
Division Supervising Agriculturist; Mr. Renato
Cheryl G. Suarez, Information Chief, Agriculture and
Barriero, Project Evaluation Officer, DA – Agricultural
Fisheries Information Division (DA-AFID).
Credit Policy Council; and Mr. Charlito O. Brilleta, Regional Manager II, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. (Inelin R. Cabeguin, DA IX)
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RPMC IX inspects 10 flood control projects in ZamPen
RPMC IX TWG inspects House-On-Stilts at Vale Vista Phase IV, Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City
The composite monitoring team with Engr. Jocelyn Tago (2nd from right), DPWH Project Engineer of Dipolog River Basin Flood Control Structure
The monitoring team with the Project Engineers of DPWH and the contractor at the Labason River Flood Control Project
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R
egional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX, through its Technical Working Group (TWG), conducted its 2018 1st Quarter Field Monitoring Visit (FMV) to 10
Priority Flood Control Projects (FCP) of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX on February 19-23, 2018. The monitoring of FCPs was part of the measures taken by RDC to ascertain the smooth implementation of the said projects which were endorsed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the Flood Management Summit on December 9, 2015 at Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. The FCPs covered during the FMV were: (1) Construction of Flood Control Structure (FCS) along San Jose Gusu Creek; (2) Rehabilitation/Improvement of FCS (Phases III and IV) along Sibuguey River Basin; (3) Construction of FCS along Sibuguey River; (4) Construction of River Flood Control along Kipit River; (5) Construction of Labason River Flood Control (RFC); (6) Construction of FCS along Dohinob River; (7) Construction of RFC along Dapitan River; (8) Construction of Dipolog River Basin Flood Control; (9) Construction of Salug Daku FCP along Brgy. Tumapic, Mahayag; and (10) Construction of FCS along Usugan River. One of the concerns gathered at the site of FCPs along Sibuguey River was the importance of the now defunct Sibuguey Valley Management Council (SVMC) as the latter looks holistically into the problems of intermittent flooding of Sibuguey River affecting the seven municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay. The creation of SVMC was a result of the assistance of the Sibuguey Valley Development Task Force of RDC IX in 1999 to come-up with SVD Framework Plan to serve as blueprint for Sibuguey Valley and to address the perennial flooding in the area. During the TWG’s courtesy visit to DPWH Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office, Assistant District Engineer Mary Jean G. Torrefranca informed the monitoring team that the FCP along Labason River was able to withstand the raging flood waters during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Vinta, and prevented inundation in the area. The projects of the National Housing Authority IX within the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Rehabilitation, specifically the Redevelopment of Water System, and Construction of House-on Stilts at Vale Vista Subdivision Phase IV, were likewise visited. The recurring issues on Z3R projects, such as: (a) the redevelopment of water system at its land-based housing units; (b) dilapidated wooden walkways; and (c) poor waste disposal, were noted by the monitoring team. RPMC IX seeks to facilitate corrective measures for the expeditious implementation of Z3R projects through a robust coordination with NHA IX and other concerned agencies.
(Graebert Echin, NEDA IX)
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Officers and Members of RDC IX AdCom and ExCom during the review of Region IX’s priority programs/ projects for FY 2019 in the House of Representatives in Quezon City
RDC IX Joint AdCom and ExCom review Priority Programs and Projects for FY 2019
I
n compliance with Executive Order No. 325 and
Representatives who also sit as Chairpersons of the
National Budget Memorandum No. 129 dated
RDC IX sectoral committees; four RDC IX sectoral
January 03, 2018 (Budget Call for FY 2019), the
committee Co-Chairpersons; representatives of the
Regional Development Council (RDC) IX Joint Advisory
local government units of Zamboanga del Norte and
Committee (AdCom) and Executive Committee (ExCom)
Zamboanga Sibugay; and DBM IX Regional Director
reviewed the budget proposals of 12 regional line
Annabelle C. Echavez.
agencies (RLAs), particularly on their priority programs/ projects for FY 2019. The activity was conducted on
In her welcome remarks, Chairperson Olegario lauded
February 06, 2018 at Montilla Hall, South Wing Annex,
the harmonious working relationship between the
HOR Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City.
legislative body and the Council in charting the development of Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen)
Among the members in attendance were the RDC IX
through the meticulous review, screening and
Chairperson and Ipil Mayor, Hon. Anamel C. Olegario;
prioritization of the various programs and projects
Vice-Chairperson and NEDA IX Regional Director,
in Region IX for FY 2019. “Indeed, there is a need to
Teresita Socorro C. Ramos; eight Congressional
focus on the region’s priority programs and projects
Representatives of the region, i.e. Hon. Celso L.
to make them more supportive of the region’s vision
Lobregat, Hon. Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, Hon. Glona G.
of becoming the Center of Sustainable Agri-Fishery
Labadlabad, Hon. Isagani S. Amatong, Hon. Divina
Industries of the Philippines,” she said.
Grace C. Yu, Hon. Aurora Enerio-Cerilles, Hon. Wilter W. Palma II and Hon. Ann K. Hofer; three Private Sector
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DOLE, OWWA train repatriated OFWs
W
ith the increasing number of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IX thru its Zamboanga del Norte Field Office collaborated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to conduct in-house orientations and trainings to repatriated Kababayans particularly in Zamboanga del Norte.
Vice-Chairperson Ramos explained that the review is undertaken to ensure that the FY 2019 Budget Proposals of RLAs are linked with the ZamPen CY 2019 Annual Investment Program, which is the 2019 slice of the Regional Development Investment Program, 2017-2022, and
“We want our OFWs, especially those who decided to stay in the Philippines for good, to realize the value of savings and entrepreneurship. The activity is a great way for them to appreciate the programs and services of DOLE and OWWA as well,” DOLE IX Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said.
supportive of the 0+10 Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Duterte, the AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippine Development Plan, 2017-2022, and the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022. Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo of the Department of Transportation presented the proposed FY 2019 airport projects in the region. On FY 2019 budget reforms, Dir. Echavez highlighted the shift from obligation-based to annual cash-based budget. “A cash-based budget shortens the time horizon of implementation and disbursement of the GAA to just one year in order to speed up the delivery of services to the public and actively promote growth and development in the economy and the country,” Echavez said. The RDC IX Joint AdCom-ExCom endorsed a total of P134.82 billion of priority programs/projects for FY 2019. The rest of the RLAs and SUCs presented their FY 2019 Budget Proposals on February 13-14, 2018 at NEDA IX, Pagadian City. (Arvel
John M. Lozada, NEDA IX)
OWWA Family Welfare Officer Lellann C. Pacatang oriented participating repatriated OFWs on the different programs and services of DOLE and OWWA particularly on “Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!” Program which provides a package of livelihood support or assistance to OFWs who were distressed or displaced that resulted to unfinished contracts. The assistance amounts to a maximum of P20,000.00 as start up or additional capital for a livelihood project to help them sustain their daily needs. Most of the participants were land-based OFWs from the Middle East and Asia while a few were seafarers who came up with different business projects like sari-sari store, hog raising, vegetable production, among others. Other topics included were modules on Financial Literacy and Values Formation. The series of In-House Trainings were conducted on all Tuesdays of February 2018 and is set to follow through in the months after. (Karen Claire Grafia, DOLE IX, with reports from J Mae T. Tapales, DOLE ZDNFO)
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GAD Summit intensifies gender advocacy
R
IX Resolution No. No 115, series of 2017, supporting the conduct of a Gender and Development Summit in Region IX and requesting the Civil Service Commission to enjoin the local government units to
egional Gender and
Domingo explained that the three-
Development Committee
day GAD Summit was conducted
(RGADC) IX, a special committee
to intensify the gender advocacy
The activity was attended by around
of Regional Development Council
among the various stakeholders in
200 participants from regional line
(RDC) IX ,spearheaded the conduct
the region by showcasing the best
agencies, local government units
of the Regional GAD Summit in
practices on GAD mainstreaming by
(LGUs), and academe from both
Zamboanga Peninsula on March
the private and government sectors
state universities and colleges and
1-3, 2018, at Palacio del Sur, Marcian
and to strengthen the advocacy and
private higher education institutions.
Garden Hotel, Gov. Camins Avenue,
mainstreaming of GAD in the agency Department of the Interior and Local
Zamboanga City. The activity was
programs, projects, and activities
Government IX headed by Director
pursued in collaboration with
to ensure the fundamental equality
Paisal O. Abutazil, assisted the
Commission on Higher Education
of women and men. The summit
RGADC in inviting the LGUs to the
IX, Department of Trade and
was also in consonance with RDC
summit. The successful GAD summit
Industry IX, and Western Mindanao State University. As Secretariat of RGADC IX, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX provided the necessary technical and administrative support. RGADC IX Chairperson Raymond
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participate in the summit.
Former PCW Chairperson Remedios I. Rikken holding the ribbon during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with (L-R) RDC IX Co-Chair Jose J. Suan, PIA IX Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga, Ms. Terresita Pinili of CHED IX, CHED IX Regional Director Juanito R. Demetrio, NEDA IX Assistant Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao, and Zamboanga City Mayor’s Office representative Ms. Jane Bascar
Women ICT Frontier Initiative for Development, and Millennials and the Media were presented signified the active support of the
in gender activities. Also present
respectively by Dr. Jhamie Tetz
region to the continued advocacy
during the activity was Philippine
Mateo and Engr. Joseph Lou Sta.
and implementation of GAD
Commission on Women (PCW)
Teresa of CHED IX. The following
activities.
Executive Director Emmeline L.
State Universities and Colleges in
Verzosa who delivered the keynote
the region shared their GAD Best
speech.
Practices: JH Cerilles State College
In her welcome address,
by its President Dr. Edgardo Rosales;
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco, warmly
The following GAD topics were
Western Mindanao State University
welcomed and congratulated
discussed during the summit: (a)
by its President Dr. Milabel Ho; and
the participants for coming. She
Deconstruction of Masculinity
Zamboanga City State Polytechnic
highlighted her speech with the
and Femininity by former PCW
College, and Jose Rizal Memorial
presentation of her efforts as
Chairperson Remedios I. Rikken; (b)
State University by their respective
former Congress Representative of
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
representatives. In her presentation,
Zamboanga City, particularly on
and Expression by Acting President
Dr. Ho emphasized the need to
the passage of the Magna Carta
of Rainbow Rights Philippines Atty.
integrate GAD in our activities to
of Women. She presented the
Kristine Jazz Tamayo; (c) Preventing
benefit both women and men.
history of Zamboanga City, that
Violent Extremism by Executive
also featured the women-leaders
Director, Philippine Center for Islam
The presentations were followed
in what is called “Herstory.” She
and Democracy Atty. Salma Pir
by a workshop where participants
encouraged the participants to find
Rasul; (c) Gender Mainstreaming by
identified the GAD concerns, actions
their value and worth in the lives of
Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar of PCW;
to be taken, and commitments.
our people.
(d) School-Related Gender-Based
Among the concerns raised were
Violence by Western Mindanao
the need to increase awareness
In his opening message, newly
State University Professor Rosalyn
and knowledge, and strengthen
appointed RDC IX Co-Chairperson
Romo-Echem; and (e) Politics
advocacy on GAD to address sexual
Jose J. Suan encouraged the
of Exclusion by Miriam College
harassment; and revisit school
participants to continue to
Executive Director, Women and
policy and enhance the guidance
pursue responsive GAD initiatives
Gender Institute Prof. Aurora
and counselling program to address
that could survive changes in
Javate-De Dios.
teenage pregnancy. (Vilma M. Julian,
administration, and to participate
NEDA IX)
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