The
rdc
VOL. XXX, No. 4, October - December 2018 Pagadian City, Philippines
COMMUNICATOR The Quarterly Publication of Regional Development Council IX
Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur
In this issue
2 4
RDC IX endorses Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan, 2018-2023 115 students, teachers attend Economic and Financial Literacy Forum
5
ZamPen bags outstanding cornucopia awards
6
RPMC IX inspects DPWH, NIA and PPA projects
9
PWDs graduate from short-term courses
October - December 2018
RDC Communicator E D I TORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Phlorita A. Ridao, OIC-RD ASSOCIATE EDITORS Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD Renato C. Herrera, CEDS, PDIPBD Eleanor M. Reyes, CEDS, DRD Norman Jose E. Ramirez, CEDS, PMED Rodrigo A. Manuel, OIC, PFPD Ronald Von D. Rivera, CAO FAD PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Vilma M. Julian DESIGN AND LAYOUT Daryll L. Cabico
RDC IX endorses Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan, 2018-2023
A
mong the 26 resolutions passed by Regional Development Council (RDC) IX during its 164th Regular Meeting on December 13, 2018 was the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (RAFMP), 2018-2023. The RAFMP saims to attain (a) food security; (b) poverty alleviation and social equity; (c) income enhancement and profitability; (d) global competitiveness; and (e) sustainability of efforts toward agriculture and fiseheries modernization.
Mr. Jose J. Suan, Co-Chairperson of RDC IX and Private Sector Representative of the labor sector, presided the meeting on behalf of Ipil Mayor Anamel C. Olegario, RDC IX Chairperson. In consideration of the month of December as the National Volunteer Month, Mr. Suan highlighted the role and contributions of volunteerism to socio-economic development and the government’s agenda for reforms.
CONTRIBUTORS Graebert S. Echin, NEDA IX Dahlia A. Paragas, DepEd IX Maria Pilar C. Dayaganon, NEDA IX Marnet S. Daguro, DA IX Ceferino E. Pelinggon, NEDA IX Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX Fatima Jane G. Salihuddin, OWWA IX DSWD IX DOLE 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 Fax No. (062) 945-0049 Email Address: ord@nro9.neda.gov.ph URL: http://nro9.neda.gov.ph facebook.com/nedaregion9
The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, through the able leadership of Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, graciously hosted the 164th RDC IX meeting. The Council conducted its 117th regular meeting at the same venue 12 years ago, in February 2006. In his welcome remarks, Governor Cerilles emphasized the importance of the local development plans to be supportive of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and Ambisyon Natin 2040. “Let us be firm and united in pushing for the best interest of Zamboanga Peninsula, especially in robustly implementing its investment programs and projects,” he encouraged the members. He added that in doing so, the region would be better equipped and ready for the federal form of government should it be passed and implemented.
Among the other resolutions passed and endorsed by the Council were: (1) Report of RDC IX Technical Working Group on the Study of the Federal Form of Government; (2) Terms of Reference for Conduct of Impact Evaluation Study of Flood Control Projects; (3) Supporting the Request of Zamboanga City LGU for DOTr to seek Commitment from the Department of National Defense for the Transfer the Edwin Andrews Air Base with the Zamboanga International Airport; and (4) Supporting the 2019 Zamboanga Peninsula Exhibition. The 164th Regular Meeting of RDC IX was conducted at Alindahaw Lakeview Resort, Biswangan, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. This brought to a total of 108 resolutions passed by the Council in CY 2018. The next regular meeting of the Council will be hosted by Department of Trade and Industry IX, tentatively scheduled on March 7, 2019 in Zamboanga City. (Graebert S. Echin, NEDA IX)
DepEd honors educators on Nat’l World Teachers’ Day
Month Coordinating Council Co-Chair
M
Aniceto Sobrepeña; Ormoc City Mayor
ore than 5,000 Department
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte
Richard Gomez; and 4th District of
of Education (DepEd) school
conveyed his message thru a video
Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-
teachers and non-teaching personnel
clip to the teachers for their major role
Gomez.
nationwide gathered at Ormoc City
in the Department. “To all the Filipino
Superdome on October 5, 2018 to
teachers, may your commitment
Sec. Briones further articulated on the
honor the classroom heroes.
imbue the knowledge of all the ideals
significant developments in teachers’
This massive celebration of DepEd
of our country as you spread hope for
compensation and benefits from 2016
is in coordination with the local
a better life for every Filipino, and the
to 2018. Among the expanded welfare
government of Ormoc City which
Filipinos to come. Happy Teachers’
and benefits of teachers announced
hosted and staged the tribute
Day. May you continue to inspire
were the P3,000 anniversary bonus
to teachers with entertainment,
and enhance knowledge and deep
in December; steady increase in
resounding bands and cultural troupes
understanding of the Filipino youth
the current P3,500 chalk/cash
anchored on the theme “Gurong
and students. Mabuhay kayong lahat.”
allowance; increase in the special
Pilipino: Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko.”
hardship allowance and teachers’ Joining the roster of prominent
honoraria; raise in the allocation for
DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones
personalities in the said event were
facilities, meals and snacks, and room
expressed her view on the gala “I am
Undersecretaries Tonisito Umali,
accommodation for official activities
very happy and honored to be with all
Annalyn Sevilla, and Josephine
organized and conducted by the
of you this morning as we celebrate
Maribojoc; Assistant Secretaries
Department; continuous review of
and pay tribute to teachers. We are
G.H. Ambat, Alma Torio, Ramon Fiel
policies on teachers’ workload; and
celebrating not just a Philippine event.
Abcede, and Rhoan Orebia; Regional
the constant negotiation with the
We are celebrating a global event
Director Ramir Uytico, Ormoc City
Government Service Insurance System
where we recognize the contributions
Schools Division Superintendent
to give ample time for member-
of teachers all over the world, to
Manuel Albaño; Metrobank Foundation borrowers with past due loans to
society, and to humanity.”
Inc. President and National Teachers’
update their accounts with automatic waiver of penalties and surcharges. Other activities conducted were cheering competition, Teachers Got Talent, booths, games, and raffle draws. Celebrities Nicole Cordoves, Lyca Gairanod, Sephy Francisco, Marcelito Pomoy, Markki Stroem, and Richard Yap entertained and serenaded the teachers. Metrobank also presented and recognized its 2018 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher awardees. Finally, the Philippine Postal Corporation turned over its National Teachers’ Month special commemorative stamp. (Dahlia A. Paragas, DepEd 9)
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
3
115 students, teachers attend Economic and Financial Literacy Forum A
round 115 participated in the Economic and Financial Literacy Forum on November 27, 2018 at Mardale
Hotel, Pagadian City. There were 95 students from various high schools and colleges in Pagadian City and the other 20 attendees were from the private sector and government offices. The forum was facilitated by NEDA IX in compliance with Republic Act No. 10922 or the “Economic and Financial Literacy Act” declaring the second week of November each year as EFL Week.
Student participant asking questions during the open forum
The 2018 theme was, “National Identification for Greater
Economic and Financial Inclusion: Sa Pag-angat ng
The forum included the topic on Salient Features of
Ekonomiya at Pinansya: Lahat Makakasali, Kapag May
RA 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act by
Pambansang ID.”
Atty. Richard D. Tabigne, Provincial Statistics Officer of the Philippine Statistics Authority-Zamboanga Sibugay.
The objectives of the forum were to generate public
Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Ozamiz Branch
awareness and engage target audiences on economic
Bank Officer II Mr. Ramonnetto S. Gervacio talked about
and financial literacy, as well as, improve audience’s
Financial Inclusion in the Philippines and Credit Awareness
understanding on economic and financial concepts.
for Filipinos, while Ms. Loreta E. Lapad of NEDA IX presented concepts on inflation.
“The activity gives an opportunity for us to share knowledge to the students about financial literacy and
To make the forum more exciting, questions were asked
to prepare them for the future. Adequate knowledge
from the participants and prizes were given to those who
on economic and financial management would enable
answered correctly. The participants showed their interest
us to attain the country’s vision of having a “matatag,
on the topics and had a very active interchange with the
maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat,” OIC-RD
resource persons during the open forum. (Maria Pilar C.
Phlorita A. Ridao said.
Dayaganon, NEDA IX)
(L-R front row) Atty. Richard D. Tabigne (in black blazer) of PSA-Zamboanga Sibugay, Mr. Ramonnetto S. Gervacio of BSP-Ozamiz Branch, OIC-RD Phlorita A. Ridao and OIC-ARD Susan C. Valerio together with the participants of the EFL Forum
4
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
DA Region IX showing their recognition for Outstanding Corn and Cassava Program team, headed by RD Constancio G. Alama (6th from left)
ZamPen bags outstanding cornucopia awards
B. Muerong from Molave; Editha M. Quicoy from Labangan; Victoria D.
I
Selim and Ailyn D. Daños from Bayog;
n this year’s 16th National Quality
In her message as keynote speaker,
Irene D. Cabo from Tigbao; and Lilia P.
Corn Achievers Award cum 14th
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson
Grijalvo, Marvin L. Talas and Sarah A.
Philippine National Corn Congress,
of the Senate Committee on
Subiran from San Miguel. There were
Zamboanga Peninsula remains
Agriculture and Food, lauded the
also awardees from Zamboanga del
the title holder for the Cornucopia
performance of all the sectors
Norte, namely, Rosabella B. Calupez
Award for the second time. The Local
working together in achieving the
from Tampilisan, and Elizabeth G.
Government Unit of San Miguel,
corn industry’s status today. “As
Insong from Liloy. Winners received a
Zamboanga del Sur headed by
second most important food crop
plaque of recognition and cash prize.
Municipal Mayor Angelito L. Martinez
of the country, corn is also one
II received P4 million worth of project
of the top sources of income and
Philippine Maize Federation, Inc.
for winning the first place. Dapitan City
livelihood of a significant number of
President, Engr. Roger V. Navarro
won the same award last year.
our fellow Filipinos. Thus, it is good
said that the 2018 congress’ theme
that corn industry stakeholders can
“Linking Corn Farmers: Towards
The province of Zamboanga del Sur
congregate in this yearly event to
Inclusive Economic Growth and
stepped up to the Hall of Fame as
discuss important issues affecting the
Competitiveness,” was their campaign
Outstanding Province winning three
sector, share best practices, showcase
to adopt, innovate and create
times in a row, particularly Mahayag as
modern farm equipment/technologies
inclusive development for corn
Outstanding Municipality.
and forge market linkages,” Sen. Villar
farmers, stakeholders in the industry
Also declared as outstanding
added.
and for every Filipino. “If we Filipino
municipalities this year were Molave
people, unite together and help
and Dinas in Zamboanga del Sur.
The efforts and hard-work of the
one another by linking farmers who
The Department of Agriculture (DA)
Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW)
nurture the food that we eat, surely
Region IX was also recognized as
were also given merit. Among the 100
we will see farmers upgraded, uplifted
Outstanding Corn and Cassava
Outstanding AEWs, 14 represented
and respected.”
Program Team for producing national
ZamPen. From Zamboanga del Sur,
winners.
they were Belen E. Alvarez from
The awarding ceremony was held at
Dumingag; Loreta A. Sumagang from
D’Leonor Inland Resort, Davao City.
Mahayag; Promise C. Calonia from
(Marnet S. Daguro, DA IX)
San Pablo; Arlene T. Isola and Edgar
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
5
to be completed by December 2018. It would provide more space to accommodate cargoes, among others. Its completion was seen to lessen the service time of cargo vessels which would translate to faster movement of goods. The RPMC IX Technical Working Group conducted a briefing/meeting with the representatives of the Installation of Interlocking Concrete Block Pavement in the Zamboanga Port Expansion Project
local project monitoring committee (LPMC) of the local government unit (LGU) of Ipil prior to visiting the
RPMC IX inspects DPWH, NIA and PPA projects
ongoing road and bridge projects along ZSCR. The LPMC manifested its support in the expeditious implementation of projects in the area through the concerted and coordinated efforts of the
I
n its last regular field monitoring activity for CY 2018, Regional Project
implementing agencies and the LGU.
Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX inspected the ongoing road and
bridge projects of Department of Public Works and Highways IX along
The CIS project of NIA IX along the
Zamboanga City Bypass Road (ZCBR) and Zamboanga Sibugay
Cabaluay-Zambowood-Mampang
Circumferential Road (ZSCR), selected Community Irrigation Systems
road was likewise visited. During its
(CIS) in Zamboanga City, and port development projects of Philippine
interview with some residents and
Ports Authority PMO-Zamboanga within the Port of Zamboanga. The
an officer of the concerned Irrigators
monitoring activity was conducted on October 24-26, 2018.
Association, the monitoring team learned that an ongoing road project
A number of sections in the ongoing road projects along ZCBR were
traversing a concrete lined lateral
said to be encountering road right of way (ROW) issues. These particular
canal of the said CIS was causing
sections were subjected to expropriation proceedings to expedite project
backflow during heavy rains. The
implementation.
monitoring team suggested that NIA IX to already raise the concern to
Among the projects of PMO Zamboanga inspected by the monitoring
DPWH IX for its consideration and
team is the Zamboanga Port Expansion Project located within the Port of
rectification.
Zamboanga. The said project, amounting to P227 million, was expected Meanwhile, the findings and recommendations of the monitoring team were discussed and validated The monitoring team discussing its findings and recommendations on Talisayan CIS with representatives of NIA IX
with the project engineers/technical representatives of the implementing agencies during the actual site visit of their respective projects. These generated concrete commitments with the end in view of expediting project completion. (Graebert S. Echin, NEDA IX)
6
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
T
he Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) of RDC
IX conducted four (4) batches of orientation on Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System
ZamPen LPMCs participate in RPMES orientation
(RPMES) for the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of
Acting Mayor Horacio Velasco (center
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga
front), EnP Ramirez,
del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay,
Head of the RPMC IX
Zamboanga City and Isabela City.
Team (L-4) together with the 1st Batch of participants from
For the 1st batch, it was conducted
Zamboanga del
on September 25, 2018 in Dipolog
Norte
City. The participants were from the LPMCs of Dapitan City, Dipolog
On September 26, 2018, RPMC IX
RPMC IX also conducted similar
City, Municipalities of Jose Dalman,
Team proceeded to Sindangan,
orientation for the LMPCs of
La Libertad, Manukan, Mutia, Piñan,
Zamboanga del Norte to conduct
Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian
Roxas, and Provincial PMC of
the orientation for the 2nd batch.
City on August 9 and 10, 2018 in
Zamboanga del Norte.
The participants were from the
Pagadian City. There were around
LPMCs of Godod, Gutalac, Kalawit,
thirty participants from Pagadian
Dr. Horacio B. Velasco, acting
Labason, Leon Postigo, Liloy, Salug,
City, Aurora, Bayog, Dinas, Dumalinao,
Mayor of Dipolog City, delivered the
Siayan, Sibuco, Siocon, Sindangan,
Dumingag, Josefina, Kumalaran,
welcome message. He thanked the
Tampilisan, Katipunan, and Sibutad.
Lapuyan, Mahayag, Midsalip, Molave,
RPMC IX Team for the conduct of the
Sindangan Mayor Nilo Florentino
Pitogo, Ramon Magsaysay, San Pablo,
orientation, as well as the attendance
Z. Sy welcomed the participants.
Sominot, Tambulig, Tigbao Tukuran
of the different LMPCs of Zamboanga
He thanked the RPMC IX Team for
and Vincenzo Sagun.
del Norte. He said, “monitoring
the conduct of the orientation, and
is never fun, but LPMCs are also
the delegates on their attendance
Members of the RPMC IX Technical
mandated to perform their functions
to the said activity. He shared that
Working Group, Mr. Erwin Marcos of
as provided in EO 376 to ensure the
the Sindangan LGU hosted a sports
DBM IX, Mr. Arnel Eballena of DILG IX
attainment of the objectives of the
fest in line with the Civil Service
and Mr. Fortunato Magsayo of DOLE
RPMES.”
Commission celebration. He said that
IX were also present during the said
despite the hectic schedule of the
activity.
Ms. Idelle Winters, Municipal Planning
LGU, the participants still attended
and Development Coordinator of
the orientation as they recognized
Another RPMES orientation was
Jose Dalman gave her impression
the importance of monitoring and
conducted for the LPMCs of Isabela
at the end of the training. She
evaluation in the performance of their
City, Zamboanga City and the
emphasized the importance of
mandate.
municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay
monitoring and evaluation in
on October 17, 2018 in Ipil. (Ceferino
NEDA IX OIC-Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao
ensuring that programs and projects
(center) OIC-Assistant Regional Director Susan
of government were implemented
Division Staff headed by EnP Ramirez together with
properly. She further said that
E. Pelinggon, NEDA IX)
C. Valerio, and Project Monitoring and Evaluation the participants during the orientation
although it was given as additional workload, the members of the LPMCs were expected to perform their duties as provided in the guidelines.
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
7
DOLE 9 spearheads 2nd Regional ITC Summit
T
Participants flashing the common thumb sign of approval during the 2nd Regional ITC Summit
hree hundred representatives
and strategies in improving the
Atty. Josephus Jimenez shared
from the management, labor
way management and workers
his expertise on Emerging Trends
sector and government agencies
conduct social dialogue more so
on Philippine Labor Relations in
participated in the biggest
in the current generation where
the VUCA (Volatile, Unpredictable,
gathering of Industrial Tripartite
new challenges arise.
Complex and Ambiguous) FIDS
Councils (ITCs) in Zamboanga
(Fast, Intense, Digital Sneaky)
Peninsula Region, organized by
The keynote speech was delivered
the Department of Labor and
by DOLE Undersecretary Renato
Employment (DOLE) Regional
L. Ebarle who detailed the role of
The summit also served as an
Office IX.
social dialogue and tripartism in
avenue to recognize outstanding
dealing with workplace issues and
performance and contribution
DOLE IX spearheaded the
concerns in this age of Generation
of employers in the private
2nd Regional ITC Summit on
Z. He further shared the thrust of
sector such as the Family
December 7, 2018 at Marcian
this administration in facilitating
Welfare Program. Unions with
Hotel Convention Center,
employment thru the Build, Build,
collective bargaining agreements,
Governor Camins Road,
Build program and the war on
establishments with Zero
Zamboanga City, where 114
contractualization.
Accident, Highest Job Placement,
participants represented the
and those Employing PWDs were
management; 117 from the labor
“Congratulations to the various
sector, 69 from the government
industry tripartite councils
sector and members of the
serving as a bridge to maintain
Likewise, 15 establishments
DOLE 9 Regional Coordinating
harmonious working relationship
implementing the Family Welfare
Council.
and advance the welfare and
Dimensions were awarded
total rewards to employees.
during the 1st Search for the Best
DOLE IX Regional Director Ofelia
I am confident that through
Family Welfare Practices at the
B. Domingo said in her welcome
this partnership, a lot can be
Workplace.
speech that the ITC Summit with
accomplished,” Usec. Ebarle said.
the theme, “Tripartism in the 21st
8
World of Work.
given due recognition.
The event also involved the
Century,” aims to provide up to
To further expound on the theme,
Launching of the “DOLE 9 Portal”
date information on principles
former DOLE Undersecretary,
which houses DOLE’s online
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
services along other features such
was followed by the signing of a
from the private companies and
as Frequently Asked Questions
Memorandum of Agreement for
partners to support and patronize
powered by Chat Bot, Quality
the project’s livelihood component
DOLE assisted livelihood projects.
Management System, Job Fair
between DOLE, LGU-Zamboanga
Schedules among others and can be
City, Department of Trade and
Total sales of P16,465 was generated
accessed thru www.dole9portal.com.
Industry, ZAMBOECOZONE, Public
and total placed order was at
Employment Service Office, Office
P25,000 for lanterns, paintings,
There was an audio-visual
of the City Agriculturist and Western
herbal products and handicrafts.
presentation on the DOLE’s
Mindanao State University College
(Karen Claire Q. Grafia with reports
initiative to help workers affected
of Agriculture.
from Technical Support and Services
by the closed fishing season
Division, DOLE IX)
dubbed as Project HOPE (Helping
Capping the event was the Project
Other Prosper Economically). This
Angel Tree pledging of commitment
PWDs graduate from short-term courses
F
ifty five Persons with Disability (PWD) graduated from various short-term courses/training under the Area
Vocational and Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) III of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The courses offered were Agriculture, Beauty Care,
PWD graduates gladly holding their AVRC Skills Certificate
Commercial Arts, Garments Technology, Industrial Arts, Massage Therapy, Pre-vocational services, and Online
DSWD IX’s Assistant Regional Director for Operations,
Livelihood Computer Program, in partnership with
Carmencita D. Luna, expressed her admiration to the PWD
the Department of Information and Communications
clients of the department in her inspirational message.
Technology.
“How can I inspire you when it is you, our PWD clients, who inspire us? Your dedication and perseverance continually
The theme for this year’s graduation and recognition
drive our passion to serve more clients. May you always
ceremony held on December 14, 2018 was PWDs:
keep the knowledge that these trainings have taught you
Eliminating Barriers by Building Capabilities while
and may this help you achieve your goals in life,” ARD Luna
Disregarding Disabilities.
said.
PWDs striking a pose during their graduation day
The graduates were also given employment facilitation through the job placement services offered by the center. Majority of the graduates were ready for their deployment. The AVRC III is a facility under the DSWD that is mandated to implement programs and services for PWD. The center assists PWD in achieving the highest level of physical, social and economic adjustment by maximizing their residual capacities through a wide range of social and vocational activities. (DSWD IX)
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
9
RGADC IX trains focal persons on gender analysis tools
R
egional Gender and Development Committee
(RGADC) IX conducted a TrainingWorkshop on Gender Analysis Tools on October 18-19, 2018 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. The activity aimed to heighten the awareness and appreciation of
(Above) Participants eagerly pose with the resource persons and secretariat after the two-day gender analysis tools training-workshop (Below) Participants listening to concerns raised during the gender analysis tools training-workshop
gender responsive service providers on gender analysis tools. Forty nine participants composed of GAD focal persons, and planning and budget officers attended the two-day training. The training also aimed to enhance the capacity of RGADC members on the use of gender tools as a strategy to mainstream GAD
NEDA IX, warmly welcomed the participants and resource persons to the gender
towards the implementation of
analysis tools training-workshop. For agencies intending to become members
Republic Act 9710 known as “The
of RGADC IX, she emphasized the need to apply and actively participate in the
Magna Carta of Women” which
committee’s meetings and activities.
promotes empowerment of women and pursues equal opportunities
Dr. Jhamie Tetz Mateo from Commission on Higher Education IX, and Professor
for women and men and ensures
Rosalyn Echem, Director of Gender Research and Resource Center of Western
equal access to resources and
Mindanao State University, served as resource persons during the two-day
to development results and
activity. They presented and discussed the Gender analysis tools covering
outcome. The training-workshop
Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF), HGDG, and PIMME.
was also meant to improve the skills of members in administering
During the workshop, the participants subjected their agency’s 2019 GAD Plan
the Harmonized Gender and
and Budget to the gender analysis tools. The resource speakers answered and
Development Guidelines (HGDG),
clarified the gender-related issues and concerns raised by the participants.
and Project Implementation and Management, and Monitoring
The RGADC is a special committee of Regional Development Council IX, with
and Evaluation (PIMME) even
NEDA IX serving as its Secretariat. It is composed of member-agencies of
during project design and up to
RDC IX, other regional line agencies, and state universities and colleges that
the succeeding project phases to
are actively supporting GAD. It is conceived as a catalyst to strengthen the
facilitate gender mainstreaming.
promotion of GAD mainstreaming in various development initiatives in the region. It seeks to encourage the active participation of women in development
On behalf of RGADC IX, Ms.
and the implementation of programs and projects. It also serves as venue to
Eleanor Reyes, Division Chief of
provide planning and policy directions and guidance for regional GAD activities.
Development Research Division of
(Vilma M. Julian, NEDA IX)
10
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
OWWA IX launches OFW E-Card
O
800 OFWs, family members celebrate 2018 OFW Family Day
O
verseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare
Office IX (OWWA RWO-IX) formally launched the OWWA Membership
verseas Workers Welfare
(OFC) Federation President Ladjakaya
and Benefits E-Card Project on
Administration (OWWA) Regional
Abubakar gave inspirational messages
November 9, 2018 at the OWWA
Welfare Office IX treated over 800
to the OFWs in attendance. Also
RWO-IX Office. This was in line with
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs),
present were Department of Labor
the mandate of the agency under
returnees and family members to a day
and Employment Assistant Regional
Republic Act No. 10801 to issue
of fun and free medical consultation at
Director Albert Gutib who represented
OWWA e-Card to its members as
LM Metro Hotel, Zamboanga City last
Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo,
proof of membership.
December 13, 2018, in celebration of the
members of the Regional Coordinating
OFW Family Day.
Committee and Association of the
For the implementation of the first
Zamboanga Philippine Recruitment
phase of the OWWA Membership
Agencies.
and Benefits E-Card Project, the OFW
The OFW Family Day was conducted in the spirit of Christmas and in
e-Card shall only be issued to Balik
recognition of the OFWs for their
Invited guests and OWWA IX staff
Manggagawa Workers/Returning
contribution in uplifting the economy
provided entertainment to include
Workers (BM) or Seabased Workers/
and in nation building.
Tinig Himig 2018 OFW Family Singing
Seafarers (SB). BM Workers are OFWs
Idol Grand Finalist Nurjaida Alijam,
who are active OWWA members, and
Gracing the occasion as keynote
Montesorri de Zamboanga Dance
are still on-site or on vacation and
speaker was Engr. Mohammad Ali S.
Sports Team and JR Natividad.
are returning to the same employer/
Urao, the 2018 Regional Model OFW
principal and jobsite, with a valid
Family of The Year Award Winner for
There was free medical consultation
employment visa/work permit, and
Land Based Category and Awardee of
courtesy of Dra. Zaida S. Urao and
have a record in the POEA database.
the 2018 Outstanding Achievement for
Dr. Rony Bagongon and a “tiangge”
On the other hand, SB Workers
Community Services.
showcasing products of the OFCs and
are OFWs who are active OWWA
Ardeur de France.
members, and are employed or
Engr. Urao shared the difficulties and
engaged or work in any capacity on
challenges as an overseas worker
Meanwhile, 98 families received food
board a ship, with a valid seafarer’s/
and encouraged the 800 OFWs who
packages, 57 received gifts from
worker’s visa, and have a record in the
participated in the event, to not stay
sponsors and institutional partners, and
POEA database.
long abroad so as not to miss the
14 families won the major prizes which
milestones in their children’s lives
include kettles, rice cooker, electric fan,
The OFW E-Card aims to improve and
or miss chances of being with their
gas stove, television and refrigerator
enhance service delivery to member-
families and loved ones. He said that as
during the grand raffle draw.
OFWs as it will provide easy and
an OFW, one has the responsibility to
faster access to OWWA programs
look after the welfare of our community
The OFW Family Day is held annually
and services. It shall likewise reduce
and country as a way of paying
to give OFWs and their families a
documentary requirements for OFW
forward.
respite from their busy schedules.
transactions with POEA and the
(DOLE IX with reports from Fatima
Bureau of Immigration. (Fatima Jane
Jane Salihuddin, OWWA IX)
G. Salihuddin, OWWA IX)
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, OFW Family Circle
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018
11