4th Quarter 2018 RDC IX Communicator

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

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