RDC2endorses proposedprojects inBatanes
CallforestablishmentofinformationofficeinLGUs gainsCODACsupport
NEDAconductsregionalvalidationworkshopcum trainingonlanduseandphysicalframework planning
Region’scommitteeonculturesupportsPhilippine DevelopmentPlanforCultureandArts2024-2029
NEDACORNER
NEDAManagementCommitteegoestoRegion 2,commendsmajorinfrastructureprojects
LuzonRegionsholdfirstworkshoptoupdatethe LuzonSpatialDevelopmentFramework20152045
RDC-PSR
DOSTPSTOBatanes,PhilippineNavycollaborateon ISLAMavulisProjecttoenhancemaritimesafety
DA2,LGUDupaxDelSurbreakgroundforthe constructionof40millionworthonioncoldstorage
PCGbroadenscommunicationaccessibility, partnerswithvariousstakeholdersformaritime
CVCHD,CPD,RLAsconvergeforpopulation, familyplanningconference,enhancestrategies for2023-2028developmentplan
impactworkshopinTuguegarao
Consultants
RDDIONISIOC LEDRES,JR ARDFERDINANDP.TUMALIUAN
Editor-in-Chief DJONIMARLOC DUMLAO
ManagingEditor&Lay-out ANGELICAU CABADING
Contributors
RDCCommitteeSecretariats RDCMember-Agencies
News and feature articles are welcome and may be submitted to the RDC2 Secretariat c/o NEDA RO2 However, the RDC2 reserves the right to choose articles for publication Comments and suggestions are also accepted
Cagayan Valley PSRs join 15th
confab in Zamboanga City
holds the GAD Summit in Batanes
2024 FIRST QUARTER 2024 FIRST QUARTER
REGIONAL ECONOMIC
SITUATIONER REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER
Inflation rate in Cagayan Valley decelerated to 2.5 percent, substantially lower than the 7.4 percent recorded in the same quarter in 2023 and lower than the national average of 33 percent The region recorded the second lowest inflation rate amongregions
Cagayan Valley recorded the highest employment rate among regions at 971 percent in the January Labor Force Survey Underemployment rate increased to 168 percent, which is 29 percentage points higher thanthenationalaverage
Palay production surged by 1478 percent, with significant growth led by Isabela at 27.32 percent.
Corn production increased by 15.33 percent, with Isabela
Business firms in the region expressed a more optimistic outlookforthesecondquarterof theyear,anticipatingaseasonal uptick in business activities in the tourism and fisheries subsectors during summer and open fishing seasons (Business ExpectationsSurvey,BSP)
IssuanceofAdministrativeOrder No 20, s 2024, which seeks to enhance the country’s agriculturalimportationpolicy
Interventions to prepare for possibleeffectsofLaNiña
contributing 61.1 percent of the totalregionalproduction.
Livestock production improved as hog and dairy production exhibited notable increases by 629 percent and 65 percent, respectively
Poultry production recorded a slight decline in chicken by 001 percentandduckproductionby 21 percent, but a significant growth in turkey by 1855 percentandquailproductionby 001percent
Fisheries production showed a decline in municipal marine (33%),municipalinland(409%), and commercial sectors (10.51%), while aquaculture grew by 19.12 percent, showing potential in aquaculture development.
Majorprojectsinthepipeline,forwhich feasibility studies were already completed:
1Ramon–SanIsidro–EchagueRoad
2Ramon–Cordon–DiadiBypassRoad .
3BaybayogBypassRoad .
4RoxasDiversionRoad
5Quezon–DiffunDiversionRoad
6Luna–BurgosDiversionRoad
7CamalaniuganBypassRoad
8TuguegaraoCityDrainageSystem
9TuguegaraoCityDikeRoadProject
Ongoingfeasibilitystudiesforthe followingprojects:
Tuguegarao City Northeast AlternateRoute 1 Magat Dam Sedimentation CountermeasuresProject 2 North Long Haul Inter-Regional RailwayProject 3.
The number of vehicles registered at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) increased by 27 percent brought about by an increase in renewals at 61 percent New registrations decreased by 11 percent.
The BIR reported a PHP2.96 billion revenue collection, representing a growth of 2.8 percent from the same period lastyear
Total approved investments for the region, excluding multilocationprojects,decreasedby 3.3 percent,fromPHP107million during the first quarter of 2023 toPHP103.44millioninthesame quarterof2024.NEDA2-PFPD
Reportliftedfromthe2024First QRES Fullreportavailableat http://rdcrdc2govph
CODAC pushes digital tran
The Committee on Development Administration and Communication (CODAC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) discussed several digitalization initiatives such as the proposedKonektadongPinoyBillandEGovernanceBill,andtheconductofthe e-GovernanceForumduringitsSecond QuarterMeetingheldonMay14,2024in TuguegaraoCity
The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, previously known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, proposes various reforms in the telecommunications sector Thesereformsaimtostreamline procedures for the market entry of telecommunication companies, enhance access to facilities, optimize radio spectrum resources, mandate infrastructure sharing, and strengthen enforcementmechanismsinthesector
Atty Carlo Agdamag, Technical Consultant of the National Economic andDevelopmentAuthority,statedthat the Bill aims to address the poor network connectivity and digital divide experienced in urban and rural areas caused by geographical constraints, levelthe playing field in themarket, and provide adequate regulatory frameworkin the telecommunications sector “Digital connectivity is at the
continued economic development and social progress. Konektadong Pinoy reflects a broader set of provisions to extend better and moreaccessibleinternetservicesto everyone, introduce more competitioninthemarket,andoffer better and affordable prices,”
Agdamagsaid
CODAC also pushed for the EGovernance Bill which adopts a policy to create and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that will provide secure, responsive, and transparent online citizen-centered services.
theadoptionandreplicationofbest practices in ICT application in government processes, the Committee approved the conduct of a Regional E-Governance Forum Topics will focus on the government’s thrusts and priority programs on e-governance, digitalization transformation initiatives of national government agencies and local government units, and the emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and foster digital economy The Forum will be one of the major activities during the RDC WeekinSeptember NEDA2-DRD
Call for establishment of information office in LGUs gains CODAC support
The Committee on Development AdministrationandCommunication (CODAC) backed the call to reiterate the establishment of information office and the creation of plantilla positions or designation ofInformationOfficers(IOs)inlocal government units (LGUs) during its meeting held on May 14, 2024 in TuguegaraoCity
Ms Angely L Mercado, Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), said that since the passage of RDC Resolution on this concern in 2015, majority of LGUs neither have permanent Information Officers or IO-Designate nor an Information Office to carry out public
development information functions She stressed the significant role of IOs in providing clear, accurate, and timely information on government policies and programs to the generalpublic.
“An Information Officer is a visible figure in the interface between the bureaucracy and society and can make a valuable contribution to societalwell-being Theyfunctionas the government’s mouthpiece,” RD Mercadosaid.
This reiteration of the call for IO office and position in LGUs will be disseminated to all LGUs in the region.NEDA2-DRD
Region’s committee on culture supports Philippine Development Plan for Culture and Arts 2024-2029
The Sub-Committee on Culture (SCC) of the Social Development Committee endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC2) the proposal to adopt the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and Arts 2024-2029 during its2024FirstSemestermeetingheld onJune26,2024viaZoom
The plan, prepared by the National CommissiononCultureandtheArts (NCCA), outlines the strategies that will contribute to poverty alleviation, enhance quality education, advancesocialjustice,andpromote environmental sustainability It is a collaborationofvariousculturaland artsstakeholdersinthecountry.
During the meeting, the members also shared their initiatives on promotingcultureandarts.
Cagayan Museum Director Mr Niño Kevin Baclig informed about the Cagayan Provincial Archeological Program. He said that archaeological excavations at the Callao caves are currently being done, in collaboration with the UP School of Archeology. In 2007,excavationinthecaveledtothe discovery of the fossilized bone fragments (seven teeth, six small bones)ofHomo luzonensis,whichare now recognized as the oldest human remains in the country The provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya also provided updates on
their Provincial Action Plan for CulturalDevelopment
The Isabela State University showcased its achievements in its program offering, the Philippine Cultural Education ProgramGraduate Diploma on Cultural Education, which provides accessible cultural education to various sectors includingtheyouth,educators,artists, cultural workers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations NEDA2-PMED
NEDA conducts regional validation workshop cum training on land use and physical framework planning
The National Economic and Development Authority Region 2 (NEDA2) conducted a two-day Validation Workshop cum Training on Land Use and Physical Framework Planning on June 10-11, 2024 at the Go Hotels Plus, Tuguegarao City This is in preparation for the updating of the Cagayan Valley Regional Physical FrameworkPlan(RPFP)2001-2030
The RPFP serves as a guide to ensure efficient allocation and utilization of land and other physical resources for maximum social and economic benefits of the region The outputs generated will serve as the basis for the write-up of development challenges,potentials,andfrontiersin line with existing regional spatial conditions and global development outlook.
The draft analysis of the planning environment was validated during thebreak-outsession.NEDAAssistant Regional Director Ferdinand Tumaliuan and Engr Edgardo Sabado, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of Nueva Vizcaya, led the review and enhancement of the draft analysis of the planning environment along population and settlements, production and economy, physical resources, and transportation and communication
A training on land use planning was also conducted on the second day Regional Director Agustin Mendoza of NEDA MIMAROPA served as a guest lecturer He presented the national spatial strategy, and concepts and theories on land use and physical framework planning. Representatives from regional line agencies, provincial and city governments, and the academe participated in the activity.NEDA2-PFPD
RPMC – Project Monitoring Team visits infrastructure flagship projects in Isabela
The Project Monitoring Team (PMT) of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) visited four infrastructure projects in Isabela during its Field Monitoring Visit (FMV) on May 29 and 30, 2024. The FMV aims to identify and address the challenges encounteredinprojectimplementation
The projects visited include the Bulk Water Supply Project with System Expansion and Septage Management Project (BWSPSESMP) in Ilagan City, the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge Project (CSBP) in Catabayungan, Cabagan, and the Tumauini River Multi-Purpose Project (TRMP) and the Balasig Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Tumauini
At the time of the visit, the BWSPSESMP Phase 1 is 90 percent complete. One of the notable accomplishments is the completion of the 12-kilometer transmissionline.The project is ahead of schedule and is expected to be completedbyAugust2024
The CSBP is 95 percent complete Selectedspansareundergoing
retrofitting works to reinforce the original design which showed cracks on slab and arches as observed by DPWH2 and a third-party firm The bridgewillbeaccessibletoalltypesof vehiclesbySeptember2024
For TRMP, the project is still at the preparatory stage and has reached 8037 percent of its physical targets for this year. The heavy equipment deployed for the project allegedly damaged the barangay roads The local government unit of Tumauini agreedtorepairthedamagedroads.
For BSRIP, the project is 77.44 percent complete. The construction of the Project Management Office and access roads is ongoing, as well as the formulation of the Land Acquisition andResettlementPlan
The PMT comprises members from the NEDA2-Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED), the Presidential Management Staff, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Department of the Interior and LocalGovernment NEDA2-PMED
Regional, provincial monitoring committees train on eRPMES
The National Economic and Development Authority Region 2 (NEDA2) trained the members of the regional and local Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) including selected implementing agencies (IAs) on the electronic Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (eRPMES) on April 11, 2024 at the NEDA2 Office, TuguegaraoCity
The eRPMES is an information system newly developed by the NEDA Information and Communications Technology Staffthat streamlines and
facilitates the process for the preparationandsubmissionofproject monitoringreports.
The one-day activity aims to familiarize the participants with the different functionalities of the eRPMES such as system dashboard, user management, program and project modules, and forms module The participants also performed handson exercises to update the status of their ongoing projects using RPMES Forms1to4
Engr Gerardo L Catolos, Chief of the NEDA-Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED), in his welcomemessage,emphasizedthe importance of the eRPMES as a tool to integrate program and project data entries and updates to generatefasterandmoreaccurate project status reports in real-time Starting May, the IAs will submit their RPMES reports through the system The Provincial PMCs are alsoexpectedtoadopttheeRPMES, andtraintheirrespectivemunicipal andbarangayPMCs.
A total of 52 participants from various regional line agencies and localgovernmentunitsparticipated in the training Representatives from the Provincial Government of Batanes, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and the District Engineering Offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 2 also participatedonline.NEDA2-PMED
Cagayan Valley PSRs join 15th RDC-PSR confab in Zamboanga City
ed by Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC) CoChair PSR Christian R Guzman and RDC Vice Chair NEDA Regional Director Dionisio C Ledres, Jr, 10 Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) from the region participated in the 15th RDC- PSRs National Convention (NatCon) held at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga CityonApril24-25,2024
TheannualRDC-PSRNatConaimsto encourage unity and cooperation among PSRs, discuss strategies to strengthen government-private sectorcollaboration,shareinitiatives and best practices of the private sector to spur growth and development, and provide a platform for the PSRs to discuss developmentconcernsintheRDCs
Thethemeoftheeventis"GIVEfora stronger Philippines: Greening the Economy, Inspiring Innovation, Vitalizing Vibrant Spaces, and Ensuring Transformative Development Through Private Sector-GovernmentCollaboration”
Invited resource persons talked about green economy, collaborative governance for greater inclusivity, the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD), and growth transformation through greenandlivablecities
Architect Felino A Palafox, Jr provided insights on the relationship between urban development and environmental sustainability, focusing on how green cities promote economic growth and long-term ecological balance.
NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G Edillon discussed the NIASD, highlighting the role of the private sector in establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B Magalong shared effective governance structures to facilitate collaboration between and among the government and the private sector
Maharlika Investment Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael JoseD Consing,Jr tackledfinancial strategies in the context of “Greening the Economy,” emphasizing the need to transition to green initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change on the economy.
The event concluded with a tour around Zamboanga City, where
participants learn of the City’s culture and heritage, and its sardines industry This year’s NatCon is hosted by RDC IX and participated in by all RDCs, including the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council. More than 200 PSRs, NEDA officials and representatives, and guests from all regions attended theactivity NEDA2-DRD
ThedelegatesofRegion2duringthePSRNatCon.
Lone Island In Focus: RDC2 endorses proposed projects in Batanes
Proposed infrastructure projects in the province of Batanes were endorsed during the Joint Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting of the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC2) held on May 29, 2024 at the Batanes State College Amphitheater,Basco,Batanes
These projects include farm-to-market roads, municipal fish ports, breakwater, seawall, local office buildings, and a Level 3 water system These were endorsed to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority for evaluationandfunding
During the meeting, environmental concerns that affect the implementation of development projects in the province were also tackled Batanes Governor Marilou H Cayco requested the assistance of the Council and the concerned regional line agencies in facilitatingtheresolutionofissuesthatimpedeproject implementation
The issues raised by the Governor are related to the required permits and licenses concerning sand quarryingforhouseholdconsumption,procurementof
chainsaws, and the Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) for infrastructure projects This is because the province, being a protected area, is covered by the National Integrated Protected Areas Systemlaw.
DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C Bambalan committed to personally discuss the issues raised with the DENR Central Office. “We will do completestaffwork,”shesaid
Similarly, EMB Regional Director Nelson P. Honrado assured full assistance in the processing of required clearancesfortheissuanceofECC
BatanesCongressmanCiriacoB.Gato,Jr.expressedhis commitment to work with the Provincial Government of Batanesinpushingforthedevelopmentoftheprovince toimprovethequalityoflifeofallIvatans
RDC Chair and Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III presided over the meeting Also in attendance were Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V Remigio and Nueva Vizcaya GovernorJoseV.Gambito.NEDA2-DRD
TheofficialsandmembersoftheRegionalDevelopmentCouncil
snapshots in Batanes
RGADCholdsGADSummitinBatanes
The Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) successfully conducted the RGADC Summit from June 3 to 6, 2024 in the province of Batanes This event is in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, the Isabela State University - Regional Research and Learning Center, the Batanes State College, and the Batanes provincial government. It brought together RGADC member agencies to share knowledge, strategies, and experiences to further the cause of gender equality and womenempowermentintheregion
The summit kicked off with an intensive series of presentations and workshops coveringvariousaspectsofgenderand development Topics discussed include the legal frameworks underpinning gender mainstreaming, the processes for gender analysis and GAD budget
attribution, data collection techniques and methodologies, database design, statistics generation, and knowledge managementsystems.
Benchmarking activities were also conducted This enabled opportunities for the members to engage directly with the municipal government of Basco and the provincial government of Batanes, and learn about the LGUs’ gender mainstreaming activities The members of the women weavers of Chavayan, Sabtang, Batanes also shared their gender-responsive initiatives developed through the projects extended by the municipal government Said initiatives strengthened the role of women in their respective homes and the community through conscious participation in income-generating ventures
Another highlight of the summit was the certification ceremony for the first batch of the Regional Pool of GAD Resource Persons (RPGRP) Philippine CommissiononWomen(PCW)OfficerIn-Charge Executive Director Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, and Regional Coordination Division Chief Ms Nharleen Santos-Millar graced the certification ceremony. Ms. Millar challenged the RPGRP members to sustain their commitment to promote gender equality and women empowermentinRegion2.
The RGADC Summit in Batanes was a resounding success, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and community engagement The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting gender equality, and highlighted the significant strides being made by various agencies in implementing gender-responsive programs and activities NEDA2PDIPBD
NEDA Corner
NEDA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
goes to Region 2, commends major infrastructure projects
The NEDA Management Committee (ManCom) visited Region 2 for a ManCom Meeting and project site visitsfromJune6to7,2024 TheteamwasledbySocioeconomicPlanningSecretaryArsenioM Balisacan, and attended by Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries and Staff Directors from the Central Office, and Regional Directors and Assistant Regional Directors from the NEDA Regional Offices. During the two-day visit, significant internal matters and important policy directions were discussed to further improve the agency ' s delivery of services to its stakeholders The ManCom members also met with RDC2 Chair GovernorRodolfoT AlbanoIII,wheretheregion’sdevelopmentconcernsandkeyprojectswerediscussed withtheSecretary.
The ManCom officials also went to see the NEDA2 Regional Office and the Regional Government Center.
Secretary Balisacan commended the cleanliness and orderliness of the regional office and the Center.
“The orderliness and cleanliness of the surroundings reflect the employees’ character”, said the Secretary during his brief meet-and -greetwiththestaff.
Secretary Balisacan expressed his appreciationtotheofficersandstaff of NEDA2 for their hospitality and welcoming efforts in hosting the NEDA ManCom He also acknowledged the remarkable performance of the regional office, through the leadership of Regional DirectorDionisioC Ledres,Jr,forthe number of awards and recognitions that the regional office received fromthestakeholders
The group also visited the Chico RiverPumpIrrigationProject(CRPIP) inPinukpok,KalingaandtheSolana Resettlement Project in Solana, Cagayan on June 7, 2024 The project site visits provided valuable insights to the ManCom members, particularly on the importance of national government collaboration withtheLGUs.
TheNewlyCompletedChicoRiver PumpIrrigationProject
TheNEDAofficialsweredelightedto visit the newly completed CRPIP in Kalinga, where they witnessed the actual operation of the electric pumpsoftheirrigationsystem.
The electric motor-driven pump irrigation system targets a total service area of 8,700 hectares
benefiting 4,992 farmers in the municipalities of Tuao and Piat in Cagayan, and Pinukpuk in Kalinga. It has a total project cost of PHP449 billion, where the PHP313 billion was funded through a loan from China EXIM Bank. The project started its operationonMay18,2023
Engr. Orlando Espejo, Division Manager of the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office 2 (NIA2), welcomed the NEDA officials at the CRPIP Field Office in Palca, Tuao, Cagayan. During the briefing, NIA2 said that the project significantly increased the productionofricefarmersfromthree metric tons to a maximum of 10 metric tons per hectare in one croppingcycle Theirrigationsystem also mitigated the effects of El Niño during the dry cropping season, allowing the farmers to cultivate previouslydried-upfarmareas
A technical staff of NIA2 conducted on-site orientations on the different components of the project such as the intake area, control room, pumping station, 69KVA switching station,andcanalsystem TheCRPIP currently operates four electric motor pumps and irrigates around 5,300hectaresofagriculturalland.
With these developments, Secretary Balisacan complimented the project’s contribution to achieving thePresident’sadvocaciestoensure food security and self-sufficiency. He suggested that NIA can also ventureintootherrenewableenergy sources such as solar power to supply the additional power requirements of the irrigation system
TheSolanaHillsResettlement Project
Select members of the NEDAManComalsovisitedtheSolanaHills Resettlement Project in Gadu, Solana,Cagayan
The project was implemented through a collaboration between the National Housing Authority (NHA2) and the local government unit (LGU) of Solana It is considered as one of the best resettlement projects in the entire country. The project shelters families who once lived in flood-prone areas of the municipality
NHA2 Regional Manager Luis S. Bacamante, Architect Jonel S Centeno,andEngr JocelynS Sunico toured the visitors around the project site, which covers 176 housing units They also presented the project's development from inception to implementation, highlighting its benefits to the beneficiariesandthecommunity
The NEDA officials were impressed by the project's cost-effectiveness and quality, particularly the workmanship of housing units and related support infrastructures. They see the project’s potential as a model for future resettlement projects in the country They commended the implementors and the LGU Solana for developing disaster-resilient communities by providing safe, quality, and affordable housing units. NEDA2PMEDandFADwithDRD. NEDAofficialstouringtheSolanaHills ResettlementProjectwhilebeing briefedbyNHA2RegionalManager LuisS.Bacamanteandstaff.
TheNEDAOfficialscheckthecontrol
SolanaHillsResettlementProject
panelofthepumpingstation
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan with NRO3 RD Nerissa T Esguerra inspect the facilities at the Control Center of thepumpingstation
Luzon Regions hold first workshop to update the Luzon Spatial Development Framework 2015-2045
The eight regions of Luzon Island, represented by the NEDA Regional Offices and Metro Manila Development Authority, convened on May21-22,2024attheNEDARegional Office 3, San Fernando City, Pampanga to update the Luzon Spatial Development Framework (LSDF)2015-2045
The LSDF is one of the three Area Spatial Development Frameworks of the country It aims to operationalize the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), provide direction for spatial development, and optimize the resourcesandpotentialsoftheLuzon Island through the physical and economic integration of its regions. Nine years after its completion, the NEDA revisits the LSDF to make it relevant and responsive to recent developments in land use and the changing social, economic, and environmental conditions This first workshopaimstoupdate the profile
ofLuzonIsland,assesstheextentof implementation of the current LSDF prepared in 2015, and identify the developmentpotentialsandgrowth issues. The members of the mapping group convened separately to discuss concerns related to the preparation of maps NEDA MIMAROPA Regional Director AgustinMendozapresentedvarious concepts and theoretical applications on regional spatial planning and provided general guidance on the updating process oftheLSDF
NEDA conducts first consultation in Region 2 to craft the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan
The National Economic and DevelopmentAuthority(NEDA)Central Office conducted in the Cagayan Valley Region the first consultation workshop in the country to craft the TrabahoParasaBayan(TPB)Plan.The two-dayactivitywasheldonJune3-4, 2024inTuguegaraoCity,Cagayan
The consultation aims to assess the region's employment landscape and identify its contribution and direction to the future of work NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon, along with other NEDA Officials and technical staff, discussed valuable perspectivesonthesalientfeaturesof Republic Act No 11962 or the TPB Act, the current and future labor workforce in the Philippines, and the government’s plans and programs to fosterjobcreation.
The inputs generated from the consultation will be integrated in the formulation of the TPB Plan. It will be thecountry'semployment generation
and recovery master plan to sculpt the future of work and ensure that the workforce is prepared to face theevolvingeconomicdemands
A total of 62 participants from the regionallineagencies,academe,
labor and employer organizations, civil society groups, and private sector representatives of the Regional Development Council participated in consultation workshop. NEDA will hold nationwide consultation workshops to gather input from all regions and create a more inclusive and comprehensive plan.NEDA2-PMEDwithDRD TherepresentativesoftheNEDALuzonregionaloffices
TheNEDARegion2,asthesecretariat of the Luzon Regional Development Committee, facilitated the discussions during the workshops The Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, and technical staff provided inputs and recommendations to enhance the analysis and workshop outputs The activity ended with a discussion on the next steps and agreements on the schedule and distribution of tasks,amongothers NEDA2-PFPD
Chapter 4: Promote Human Capital and Social Development
Sub-Chapter 4.1: Boost Health
Cagayan Valley joins the health sector in its vision to nurture Filipinos to be among the healthiest people in Asia by 2040 Emphasis will be given to better health outcomeswithnodisparity Filipinoswillfeelrespected, valued, and empowered in all of their interaction with the health system, and protected from high cost of health care especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion.
The Universal Health Care (UHC) Law is the main instrument by which the desired outcomes on health willbeachieved
CHALLENGES
The region will continue to address a number of significant challenges to boost health in the next six years:
Maternaldeathssignificantlyincreasedwhile deathsamongchildrendeclined
Lowinvestmentinearlychildhooddevelopment
Tripleburdenofdisease
Malnutritionamongchildrenunderfiveyearsold
Compliancewithstandardsofhealthfacilitiesinthe region
Birthsamongadolescents
Needforhealthinfrastructuresinfar-flungareas
LEGISLATIVEAGENDA
InclusionoflungcancerintheZ-benefitsPackage
MAJORSTRATEGIES
Development efforts will be anchored on the followingstrategies:
Ensurethatcommunities,workplaces,andschools supportphysical,mental,andsocialwell-beingforall
Fosterawhole-of-government,whole-of-society approachtohealth
Increasehealthliteracy
Promoteappropriatehealth-seekingbehavior,and targetthemostvulnerable
Providequalitynutritionandhealthcareinterventions atalllifestages
Ensuresafetyandhealthintheworkplace
Securesustainableandequitablydistributedhealth infrastructureandhumanresources
Promotestrategicpurchasingforquality,efficiency, andcost-effectiveness
Ensurefinancialriskprotection
Harnesscomplementaryprivatesectorpartnerships forhealthcareaccessanddelivery
Establishintegrated,innovative,andquality healthcaredeliverysystems
Increaselocalgovernmentinvestmentsforhealth
Enhancelocalcapacityforhealthsystemleadership, management,anticipatorygovernance,and resiliencetopublichealthemergencies
Advanceresponsiveregulatoryenvironmentsfor addressingemergingdevelopmentsanddisruptions
Strengthenhealthresearchforevidence-informed policyandself-sufficiencyinhealthtechnology
Improvedatacollectionmechanismsfordecision makingtoaddressdatagaps 01 02 03
ThePhilippineHealthInsuranceCorporationaddedcaseTypeZunderitsclassificationofillnessestoimproveandexpandthebenefitsfor economicallyandmedicallycatastrophicprimarydiseaseconditionsLungcanceristhesecondmostcommonlydiagnosedcancerin thecountryandtheleadingcauseofcancer-relateddeathsinbothsexes
City/MunicipalordinancesrequestingtheDOH,DBM,DILGandotherconcerned agenciestofast-tracktheissuanceofguidelinesonthestandardizedand competitivebenefitsandincentivesforPublicHealthWorkersincludingBarangay HealthWorkersandBarangayNutritionScholars
JointMemorandumCircular(JMC)No2021-0001,issuedbytheDOH,DBM,DOF,DILG,andPhilHealthon13 January2021,statesthattheSHFshallbeusedtoaugmentLGUfundsforhealthtosupportvarious health-relatedexpendituresincludingincentivesforBHWsandBNSsThesaidJMCfurtherstatesthatthe DOH,DBM,DILGandotherconcernedagenciesshallissueaseparateguidelinesindeterminingthe standardandcompetitivebenefitsandincentivesforpublichealthworkers,includingBHWsandBNSs
City/MunicipalordinancesinstructingallBarangayChairpersonstodesignatea BarangayPopulationWorker/Volunteerintheirrespectivebarangaysincluding theprovisionofincentivesorotherbenefits
AmongtheacceleratingmechanismtoattainandsustainZeroUnmetNeedforModernFamilyPlanning (FP)isfornationalgovernmentagenciestocollaboratewiththeLGUsintheconductofintensive community-baseddemandgenerationandreferralactivities,andensuretheprovisionofqualitymodern FPinformationandserviceswithintheprincipleofInformedChoiceandVolunteerismTodothis,theLGUs areencouragedtointegratethesestrategiesintotheirlocaldevelopmentplansandinvestment programstosupportuniversalaccesstoreproductivehealthservicesthroughthemobilizationand capacitationofcommunityvolunteersingeographicallyisolatedanddisadvantagedareas
DOST PSTO Batanes, Philippine Navy collaborate on ISLA Mavulis Project to enhance maritime safety
The Department of Science and Technology – Batanes Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO), led by Provincial Director Nora T Garcia, visited the Mavulis Island on June 24, 2024, and collaborated with Commanding Officer Rommel Panol and his team for the implementation of the ISLA (Island Support and Life-Saving Assistance)MavulisProjectattheBRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702) ship, the Philippine Navy's first and only oceanographicresearchvessel
The ISLA Mavulis Project is a collaborative effort between the Provincial Local Government Unit of Batanes and the DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) It aims to provide critical technologicalsupportfortheisland
The DOST plans to install an Automated Weather Station (AWS) andalighthouseontheisland These installationsareintendedtoenhance the monitoring of weather changes, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and preparedness of the island's inhabitants. The AWS will provide real-time weather data. This, in turn, will provide a more accurate weather forecast and disaster preparednessmeasures.Likewise,the lighthouse will serve as a navigationalaidtoimprovemaritime safety and guide fishermen around theisland.
This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to leveraging technology for environmental monitoring and disaster risk reduction in remote and vulnerable locations like Mavulis Island.DOST2
The Department of Agriculture Region2(DA2)andtheMunicipal Local Government Unit of Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya broke groundfortheconstructionofthe PHP40 million onion cold storage facilityonJune21,2024.
Now the third in the province, the cold storage has a capacity of 20,000 bags, benefitting the oniongrowersofDupaxdelSur.
DA Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso Atayde graced the groundbreaking ceremony
“This project represents the Department’s drive to provide logistics for productivity and sustainability The cold storage is a testament to our commitment to innovate the agriculture sector,”ASecAtaydesaid Healso stated that DA will continue to assist local farmers in marketing and processing onions and other commodities to ensure a reliable foodsupplychain
Regional Executive Director Rose MaryG Aquinocongratulatedthe municipality of Dupax del Sur for embracing the project that will benefitoniongrowerassociations in Sta Maria, Gabut, and Mangayang “This is the fulfillment of DA’s promise of providingonion cold storage to
your local government unit when we inaugurated two units in the Municipality of Aritao in the previousyears.Welookforwardto moreofthisintheregionbecause of our expansion program,” she said. She also mentioned that more farmers are now interested in planting onions after rice, corn, and vegetables for higher income
Dupax del Sur Mayor Neil Magaway thanked the DA for constructing the cold storage “Asahan po ninyo na aalagaan namin ang proyekto dahil napakalaking bagay ito para sa amin lalo na sa pag-angat ng buhay ng aming mga mamamayanpartikularangmga magsasaka,”theMayorsaid
According to Ms. Carol P. Albay, Regional Coordinator of the HighValue Crops Development Program, the region has a total production area of 1,778 hectares for onion, of which, 91 percent comesfromNuevaVizcaya
The cold storage is necessary for the farmers and the onion industry On top of the total cost, another PHP3 million is allocated for the procurement of generator set, pallets, and electrical expenses DA 2; Photos via Air Cachero
DA2, LGU Dupax Del Sur break ground for the construction of 40 million worth onion cold storage
PCG broadens communication accessibility, partners with various stakeholders for maritime security
The Philippine Coast Guard Northeastern Luzon District (CGDNELZN) installed its first radio repeater to broaden maritime communication and partnered with various stakeholders to further safeguard the northeastern sea coast
With its partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information System North Eastern Luzon Regional Center, the initiative is geared towards PCG’s commitment to advance maritime communication and security in the region including the Cagayan Coastguard station and the sub-
stationsinAparri,Claveria,SantaAna, and Camiguin areas Captain Ludovico D. Librilla Jr, District Commander, said that the installation of the radio repeater will improve communication infrastructure, enable better monitoring and swift responses to maritime incidents, and enhance safetyandsecurityatsea
CaptainLibrillaalsosharedthearrival of two high-speed response boat patrol vessels, which will be used for maritime incidents. These will be stationedinSantaAna,Cagayanand Casiguran, Aurora The Captain reported that they have conducted 6,478 seaborne patrols and 501 shore patroloperations within theirareaof responsibility
The commander also added that they collaborated with partner agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 to deploy patrol vessels in Mavulis Island in Itbayat, Batanes to deter poaching activities A collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was also undertaken together with another intelligence group for an operation to eradicate and destroy fully grown marijuana with an estimated cost of around PHP86millioninTinglayan,Kalinga A partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection was also forged to enhance information sharing, and conduct joint project such as crosstraining of personnel from both agencies on ropemanship, firefighting,andotheractivities Gene V.Baquiran,PIA2
CVCHD, CPD, RLAs converge for population, family planning conference, enhance strategies for 2023-2028 development plan
The Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD), Commission on Population and Development Region 2 (CPD2), and other Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) converged for the first Regional Conference on Population and Family Planning (RCPFP) held on June20-21,2024inTuguegaraoCity. The conference aims to optimize demographic opportunities, identify gaps in current health interventions, and generate tangible strategies and outcomes to enhance the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPDPOA)2023-2028.
During the conference, CVCHD Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan highlighted DOH strategic vision of a healthier and more empowered Pilipinas through the agency’s 8-Point Action Agenda particularly on agenda 1 & 2: "Bawat Pilipino Ramdam ang Kalusugan" and "Ligtas, dekalidad, at mapagkalingang serbisyo.” These aims to address critical challenges across life stages along with the population and development issues intheregion.
This was supported by Mr John Valeriano Escobar, Volunteer Special Assistant and representative of Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila TingQue Hesaidthat the collective goal
ofeveryindividualistoupliftliteracyon reproductive health, advance strategies for population development, and enhance public awareness and accesstoessentialreproductivehealth services
Population and Development
Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales, represented by OIC Chief of the Capacity Development and Field OperationsDivision-CentralOffice,Ms Mary Jane Casimiro stressed that concerted efforts are imperative in addressing the pressing challenge of increased adolescent pregnancies Implementing comprehensive strategies is needed to educate and empower adolescents, as well as ensure access to the necessary resourcesandsupportsystemsthatwill enable informed decisions on reproductive health among adolescents
Participants came from the provincial, municipal, city, and barangay Population Officers and Coordinators, key agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Education, and Commission on Higher Education, and the academe. The Local Chief Executives of different municipalities alsoattendedtheevent DOH 2
Photocredits:DICT2
Nine schools participate in second Ai.Deas for impact workshop in Tuguegarao
Nine schools from the Cagayan Valley Region pitched Artificial Intelligence (AI) design solutions for Tuguegarao City’s command center and waste management system during the second AiDeas for Impact Workshop: AI for Innovation and Social Impact held on May 8-9, 2024 in Tuguegarao City
DICT Regional Director Engineer Pinky Jimenez said that the AiDeas for ImpactWorkshopservesasaplatform toexplorehowAIcanbeleveragedfor innovation to create a long-lasting socialimpacttothelivesofthepeople, and enable more equitable and sustainablefutureforall
ExpertsfromtheAnalyticsandArtificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) led by its Executive Director, Mr. Sherwin Pelayo, and its Deputy Executive Director, Mr Nathan Samiley,facilitatedtheworkshop
Discussions revolved on a series of
sessions about creating an empathy map, a problem statement, solution ideation, a prototype, and a solution test The business canvas model is alsodiscussed
The pitches of the teams from the University of Lasalette’s Tuguegarao Emergency Response Interface or TERI, St. Paul University Philippines’ ResQ Link, University of Saint Louis’ UffinAI, and Saint Mary’s University’s AiListopresentedmodelsthatcanbe integrated with the emergency response systems of the Tuguegarao CityCommandCenter
Quirino State University’s Ai.Gency, International School of Asia and the Pacific’s UnityVoiceAI, University of Cagayan Valley’s R-Force, and University of Perpetual Help System’s Multi Calls AI Intelligent Switching or MAISalsopitchedmodelsthataimto streamline calls and processes in the city’s command center. Also, Cagayan State University’s aQRo
LUP development skills
he Department of Human ettlements and Urban Development Region 2 (DHSUD2), led by OICRegional Director Grace A De Vera, conducted workshops on the preparation of sectoral and special area studies, development thrusts, and spatial strategies to selected ocal government units (LGUs) in the egion. Held in two sessions, the workshops for the municipalities of Amulung, Cagayan and Nagtipunan, Quirino took place in Amulung, Cagayan on May 13-16, and the municipalities of Maddela, Aglipay, Saguday,Cabarroguis,andDiffun(all in Quirino province) at the Country Inn Hotel, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on May 21-24.
TherepresentativesoftheLGUsweretaskedto writetheirinitialCLUPsduringtheworkshop. Photocredits:DHSUD2
aimstoutilizeAIformanagingillegal wastedumpinginthecity.
All models featured an AI-enabled chatbot system, predictive analysis for traffic and weather, blockchain utilization, centralized agency assignment, geotagging, and natural language processing, amongothers.
During the activity, representatives from the City Government of Tuguegarao also discussed their communication channels and the present challenges of the LGU and thecommunity
DICT-ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) Director III Mr Jhino Ilano,PhDemphasizedthatstudents should know how to properly utilize AInotonlyforthemselvesbutforthe benefit of their communities, and showcase how the Philippines can beaviabledestinationforAI.
DICT2
The workshop aims to equip the LGUs for the formulation and/ or updating of their respective Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) The topics covered include the conduct of sectoral studies and the use of practical tools to assess development options, measure impacts, and familiarize with planningstrategiessuchastheGoal Achievement Analysis, Social CostBenefit Analysis, and Scalogram Analysis Likewise, the participants actively generated concept and structure maps to visualize their developmental strides The LGUs alsopresentedtheirsectoralstudies and drafted their initial CLUPs. The CLUPswillserveasaguidetoensure effective and efficient land use and resource allocation within their respectivemunicipalities.DHSUD2
Nueva
The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, conducted a two-day training program dubbed as "Farmsthetics: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Farmscape" held on May 29-30, 2024 This event marked a significant milestone in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and sustainability of farms acrosstheregion
By empowering local stakeholders with the skills and knowledge necessary for creating beautiful and eco-friendly farm landscapes, this innovative training initiative aims to boost Nueva Vizcaya’s appeal as a top destination for sustainable farm tourism and drive sustainable development in the agricultural tourismsector
Mr Michael S Caballes, a renowned DOT-accredited speaker, facilitated thetraining Mr Caballespresented
lectures on innovative methods and modern farming techniques to create visually captivating and environmentally sustainable farmscapes, develop unique farm brands and branding strategies, enhance product promotion capabilities, and reinforce Nueva Vizcaya’s position as a premier sustainable farm tourism hub in the North
A total of 54 participants representing the agricultural and tourism communities participated in the activity. The attendees praised the program for its relevance and ixpressed their eagerness to apply the newly acquired techniques to transform their farms into attractive destinations that will cater to the growing demand for farm tourism DOT2
partners engage IP community in climate resilience forum
Photocredits:DENR2
To mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 2 (DENR2) conducted an Orientation and Focus Group DiscussiononClimateActionamong theBugkalotcommunityinSanPugo, Nagtipunan, Quirino on June 27, 2024. The adopted theme for this year is “Empowering the Bugkalot Community in Climate Resiliency” This is in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Nagtipunan and the National CommissiononIndigenousPeoples
The forum aims to train the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) on biodiversity conservation, local government social services, climate change, geological hazards, and theirroleinenvironmentalprotection anddevelopment
Mr. Noel Palejo, Nagtipunan Community Environment and
Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), underscored the importance of the information drive to empower IPs and cultural communities considering their vulnerabilities to natural hazards and the adverse effects of climate change In 2020, the Bugkalots left their homes and relocated to a safer area due to the soil erosion they experienced within thecommunity
Punong Barangay Coloma Dawang appreciated the DENR and other partner institutions for their efforts to bringtothetribalgroupthedifferent government programs, particularly in enhancing their resilience to naturalhazards
The event was organized and facilitated by the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, in support of PENRO Quirino and CENRO Nagtipunan Information Officers.DENR2
DENR,
Photocredits:DOT2
The Department of Health (DOH) elevated the Batanes General Hospital (BGH) into a Level 2 hospital As a Level 2 health facility, BGH can now offer additional services, including a hospital blood bank with added functions, computed tomography, and specialized diagnostic x-ray services alongside intensive care unit (ICU) facilities for critically-ill patients and specialist doctors for gynecology and pediatric services
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said that the BGH expanded its services with increased staffing, upgraded health equipment and infrastructure, streamlined and digitized processes, and strengthened capabilities to cater to the evolving healthcare needs of the Ivatancommunity
to provide the necessary services needed by our constituents in all walks of life We define happiness through the service we give, especially to those who need it,” the undersecretarysaid.
“We all have the same goal, which is to elevate the standards of healthcare in the province across all healthlevelstobeself-sufficientand
USec Vergeire and her team also conducted an ocular inspection of the soon-to-operate Sabtang Community Hospital and other rural health units in Batan Island and Sabtang Island The team met with Batanes lone representative Ciriaco Gato, Jr, and Vice Governor Ignacio Villa to discuss and plan for collaborative efforts to address concerns in the province’s health care system such as the needed critical infrastructure, manpower augmentation with the inclusion of the deployment of physicians, partnerships for specialized care services,andfundingsupport,aswell as the roles of various stakeholders to ensure accessible, affordable, quality, and comprehensive health servicesonthemainland
Region 2’s first crab hatchery established in Cagayan
Through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the Cagayan State University-Aparri Campus, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Region 2, and the local government unit of Buguey, Cagayan,thePHP13million-mangrove crabhatcheryfacilitywasestablished in Buguey, Cagayan, the first in the CagayanValleyRegion.
Buguey Mayor Licerio Antiporda III saidthenewlyestablishedfacilityisa
dream come true to boost the crab industry in the municipality. “We invested so much in our festival as we want to gain support from government agencies to help our crab farmers achieve an adequate and ready supply of crablets,” Antipordasaid
Dr. Emilia Quinitio, a former official of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center–Aquaculture Department and an exporter of crablets, said one of the challenges in the country’s crablet export industryistheinsufficientseedstock “Tento50percentofourseedstocks come from hatcheries and the rest arefromthewild,”shesaid
Congressman Gato expressed his gratitude to DOH and various stakeholders for the continued provision of assistance and support to the province that paved the way for elevating BGH as a Level 2 health facility MarkDjeronTumabao,PIA2
Mr. Reynaldo Ebora, Executive Director of PCAARD said the establishmentofthenurseryfacility is part of the efforts of the government to boost, sustain, and strengthen the crab industry development program in the country It is expected to produce 480,000crabletsannually.
Dr Quirino Pascua, Dean of CSU–Aparri College of Marine Fisheries, said the facility comprises 13 circular fiberglass tanks, seven rectangular concrete tanks, nine circular concrete tanks, and three reserveconcretetanks Healsosaid thatasthefirstcrabhatcheryinthe region, the facility will contribute to providingsolutionstothedwindling stock sources in the wild and addressingthehighcostofcrablets inthecountry
Buguey town is known for its crab festival. It is the source of giant mangrove crabs supplied to highend restaurants and even exported abroad GeneV.Baquiran,PIA2
Photocredits:DICT2
PBBM inaugurates
Cabaruan solar-powered pump irrigation project in Isabela
President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr inaugurated the Cabaruan Solarpowered Pump Irrigation Project in the municipality of Quirino in Isabela on June 10, 2024 The project is the government’s biggest solar pump irrigation project in the country, valuedatPHP65.77million.
President Marcos Jr said that the project’s inauguration is the next phaseintheprovince'sprogress.
“Ang pormal na pagpapasinaya ng Cabaruan Solar-powered Pump Irrigation Project ang kasunod na yugto sa istorya ng progreso ng Isabela At hindi lamang ng Isabela, kung hindi sa buong Amianan, ” he said. The President explained that instead of using oil-powered machines to transport water from irrigationcanalstofields,thefarmers can now utilize electricity generated fromsunlight.
Governor Rodolfo T Albano III thanked the President for the project, highlighting its benefits to farmers who previously struggled with the cost of purchasing crude oil for irrigation.
National Irrigation Authority-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) initiated the project to fruition.Theprojectaimstomaximize water resource utilization while offering sustainable and costefficient irrigation services to the Isabeleño farmers. Reduction in the production cost is expected for 237 Isabeleño farmers who have long relied on gasoline or diesel-engine water pumps. The project was completedonFebruary29,2024
The Cabaruan Solar-powered Pump Irrigation comprises a pumping station equipped with 1,056 solar panels, generating a total output of 739,200 watts The station also includes two submersible pumps, each with a discharge capacity of 12,800 gallons per minute (GPM), providing irrigation water to 350 hectares of agricultural land. Isabela ProvincialInformationOffice
Nueva Vizcaya gov lauds PBBM’s
help to farmers
Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose GambitopraisedPresidentFerdinand R Marcos, Jr for giving PHP50 million assistance to farmers who were affected by the El Niño weather phenomenonintheprovince.
“This generous support from President Marcos Jr is a significant lifeline for our farmers who have been struggling due to the adverse effects of El Niño We are deeply thankful for this timely intervention, which will go a long way in helping our agricultural sector recover and sustainlivelihood,”thegovernorsaid
“Through the assistance, we can recover from our losses due to the adverse effects of the prolonged drought,”hesaid
The PHP50 million assistance will be distributed to 5,000 farmers in the provinceatPHP10,000each Governor Gambito said the cash assistance will provide immediate relief and supporttoNovoVizcayanofarmers
Vic Delizo, a farmer from Barangay Indiana in Bambang town expressed his joy and appreciation over the assistancegivenbyPresidentMarcos
Quirino cacao growers forge partnership with Belgian-based chocolate exporter
Quirino Cacao Industry Stakeholders forged partnership with DLA Naturals Incorporated, a Belgian-based company with an existing chocolate processing facility in Subic Special Economic Zone, Subic, Zambales during a meeting on June 13, 2024 at the Q-Life Café, Watersports, Cabarroguis,Quirino.
Cacao, a key ingredient to produce chocolates, is widely grown in the Province of Quirino. The DLA Naturals Inc will tap the province as one of their suppliers of cacao beans for their chocolate manufacturing. The company has been exporting to 35 countries They offered to buy cacao pods and wet, unfermented, or fermented beans from local cacao growers represented by the Quirino Cacao Industry Council officers During the meeting, both parties agreed on the quality of beans to be supplied, the schedule of bean collection, and the corresponding buyingprices
Aside from the financial aid, the Governor also lauded President Marcos’ poverty alleviation interventions such as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, which connects farmers directly to consumers, ensuringbetterpricesforagricultural produce, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a program that brings government services and financial assistance closer to the citizens, and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which provides comprehensive support to rice farmers BenMosesEbreo,PIA2
The Cacao Stakeholders Meeting was facilitated by the Provincial Government of Quirino – Office of Provincial Agriculturist, spearheaded by Provincial Agriculturist, Ms Florence Mangoba. This is in collaborationwiththeDepartmentof Trade and Industry – Quirino Provincial Office led by Provincial Director Mary Ann Corpuz-Dy. Various representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Quirino Experiment Station, QuirinoLivelihood for Everyone (Q-LiFE) Upland, Quirino Cacao Council, CacaoFarmers&Associations,Local Government Unit of Diffun, and Municipal Cacao Consolidators attendedtheevent
With this business partnership, local cacao farmers are encouraged to adopt best practices on cacao production, harvesting, and postharvest fermentation to ensure that thequalitystandardrequirementsof buyers are met It is also another business opportunity to expand the cacao production areas in the province.DTIRegion2
RDC2 RESOLUTIONS (SECOND QUARTER) RDC2 RESOLUTIONS (SECOND QUARTER)
Number Title
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No 02-01, s. 2024
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No 02-02, s 2024
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No. 02-03, s 2024
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No. 02-04, s. 2024
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No 02-05, s 2024
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No 02-06, s 2024
Approving the Template Memorandum of Agreement Between the Regional Development Council and Generation Companies Pursuant to Energy Regulations No. 1-94
Endorsing the Proposed Farm-To-Market Road Projects in Basco and Uyugan, Batanes to the Department of Agriculture for Validation and Evaluation
Endorsing the Batanes Proposed Infrastructure Projects to the Department of Public Works and Highways for Funding Support
Endorsing the Proposed Funding for the Feasibility Study of the Proposed Municipal Fish Ports in Uyugan and Breakwater in Basco, Batanes to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority
Supporting the Passage of House Bill No 6, ‘An Act Promoting Open Access in Data Transmission and Providing Additional Powers to the National Telecommunications Commission’
Supporting the Passage of House Bill No. 7327, ‘An Act Institutionalizing the Transition of the Government to E-Governance in the Digital Age, Creating for the Purpose the Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation and Appropriating Funds Therefor’
Joint RDC2-AdCom Resolution No. 02-07, s 2024
RDC2 Resolution No 02-01, s 2024
RDC2 Resolution No. 02-02, s 2024
Commending Honorable Governor Marilou H. Cayco for the Excellent Hosting of the Joint Meeting of the Regional Development Council and its Advisory Committee
“Endorsing the Proposed Mango Export Development and Promotion Project for the Luzon Cluster for Assistance under JICA’S Technical Cooperation Project
Endorsing the Regional Development Council II Top 30 Priority Programs and Projects for Implementation and Top Three Priority Programs and Projects for the Conduct of Feasibility Studies to the Concerned Agency Central Offices for Consideration and Inclusion in the Agency Regional National Investment Programs and Projects and the FY 2026 Budget Proposals
REGIONALDEVELOPMENTCOUNCIL02
NEDA2Bldg,RGC,CarigSur, TuguegaraoCity,Cagayan
Phone:(078)304-9300;Fax:(078)304-1243
E-mail:neda ro2@yahoocom
RDCSecretariat:neda2 drd@yahoocom
