Regional Development Updates | Volume 20 No. 1 | January to March 2022

Lake Holon, Tboli, South Cotabato

RDC XII endorses 2 major tourism development projects >p3 Ladol Beach, Alabel, Sarangani JANUARY - MARCH 2022 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

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IN THIS ISSUE

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresita Socorro C. Ramos EXECUTIVE EDITOR Carmel P. Matabang ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ma. Lulu E. Valencia CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Romel Patrick E. Tanghal Guillermo R. Manrique, Jr. Desiree T. Jacinto Sandra J. Alido RDU COORDINATORS/WRITERS Michael BJ S. Abellana Eden F. Ridao Annie C. Deputado Evie A. Cabulanan Aurel Raymund P. Betque Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas Ruby Abegail C. Serrano Rebecca Ruth R. Salas-Simtim Charmaine Lou M. Vilches Cherry Mae T. Distor John Dasser Niervo Dulin

Volume 20 No. 1 | January - March 2022

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RDC XII endorses 2 major tourism development projects

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Message of the Chairperson and Editorial

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Over Php 10M in emergency employment aid provided to disadvantaged workers

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RDC XII AdCom Pushes for the Upgrading of SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital to a 300-Bed Facility

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RDC XII endorses Php 145 billion worth of investment proposals

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RDC XII supports the establishment of two protected landscapes in SOX

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BP2 rolls out in SOCCSKSARGEN Region with 26 Assisted beneficiaries

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RPMC XII facilitates PSS to expedite completion of nine projects

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14 BIFF combatants and 10 CTG members return to gov’t side and join society

LAYOUT ARTISTS Apollo Y. Manlawe Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas Dayle Lois D. Tulang

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DPWH turns over DFA Consular Building to LGU Kidapawan

CIRCULATION MANAGER Apollo Y. Manlawe

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CONTRIBUTORS Joseph Didius L. Clave | Roy B. Hatague Ricardo L. Lamorena III | Myra L. Sajo Jose Anthony Laurent P. Octavio Judd Nichol L. Leonar DOLE XII | DILG XII | DAR XII DOH XII | PSA XII | PNP XII The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, Prime Regional Government Center, Purok Mabuhay, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No. (083) 877-3588 and Fax No. (083) 228-9203. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

GAD CORNER RGADC XII blasts off women’s month celebration, features “Amazing Juanas” LOCAL NEWS

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Italian Government completes Php 2.6-B development project in Mindanao SECRETARIAT

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NEDA XII joins earthquake drill, observes MHP

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Resolutions from the 76th RDC XII Meeting

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PSA XII Infographics on the Economic Performance of SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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Region XII Covid-19 Tracker/RDC XII CY 2021 Accomplishments

HOW TO REACH US Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? Send your letters with complete name and address to our editorial office mentioned above, or email us at nedaxii@nro12.neda.gov.ph or nro12@neda.gov.ph.

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OUR COVER

Our cover shows the two major tourism development projects - Lake Holon and Ladol Beach, in the region, which were endorsed by RDC XII during the 76th Council meeting for funding to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

RDC XII endorses 2 major tourism development projects

By Roy B. Hatague, NEDA XII KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The first quarter 2022 Regional Development Council (RDC) XII Meeting was successfully conducted on March 29, 2022 with the Council endorsing two significant resolutions for the development of the 2 major tourism sites in the region, viz: a) RDC XII Resolution No. 12, series of 2022, Endorsing the Ladol Beach Tourism Development Project For Funding by the Tourism Infrastructure And Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and; b) RDC XII Resolution No. 13, series of 2022, Requesting TIEZA to Appropriate Fund for the Feasibility Study of Lake Holon Tourism Development Project.

The sites which are being managed by the local communities in the area, and the strong and promising tourism potentials of the identified ecotourism sites in the Provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato, respectively, had pre-qualified them to be eligible for TIEZA funding. The assistance that will be provided for the development of the said sites are expected to spur development and expand economic opportunities, thereby improving the standard of living of the local communities in the said areas.

Aside from the two resolutions endorsed by the Council during

its 76th Regular Meeting, RDC XII Chairperson and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera underscored the Council’s remarkable accomplishments last year, despite the challenges brought about by the adverse impact of Covid 19 pandemic.

These include the approval of SOCCSKSAR GEN Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) 2015-2045; conduct of the Region XII Road Summit 2021; and, the establishment of Philhealth offices in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and Midsayap, Cotabato, the GSIS Servicing Unit in Koronadal City, and the DFA Consular Office in Kidapawan City. These initiatives of the Council, aimed not only to revitalize the region’s economy but also to bring government services closer to the people.

Last year, the Council also reviewed and endorsed the priority programs and projects of regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and national government instrumentalities for CY 2022, as well as their investment programs for CY 2023 amounting to PhP 187.6 Billion. Through the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), the Council monitored and subjected 36 projects facing delays to

problem-solving sessions to put the projects back on track. In support of devolution activities, a special Committee on Devolution was also created as a special committee of the RDC XII headed by DBM. Meanwhile RDC continued to support the vaccination program through a resolution endorsing the Regional Vaccination Plan of DOH XII and Enjoining the Support of LGUs. These are just a few of the numerous achievements of the Council and its sectoral and affiliate committees as it continues to advocate the region’s development through its slogan RISE SOCCSKSARGEN, which means to Revitalize and Innovate for a Safe and Strong Economy.

The Honorable Chair expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Council’s officials, members, and secretariat for the support, dedication and commitment in serving the people of SOCCSKSARGEN as he is now about to end his term as Chairperson of RDC XII and his three terms as local chief executive of General Santos City.

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Message of the RDC XII Chairperson Mahatma Gandhi said, “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” This unity means inclusivity—no one gets left behind.

In our region, we believe in inclusive growth. That is why we are mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) from planning, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of our development initiatives.

Since March is women’s month and with female being one of the genders, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) XII spearheaded various activities. This was supported by the different RDC XII members in their respective offices/organizations.

Hon. Ronnel C. Rivera City Mayor, General Santos City

The Regional Development Council also passed RDC Res. 27, s. of 2022, Adopting the GAD Seal Certification Parameters and the Composition of the Regional Assessment Committee. This was an offshoot of a resolution in 2021, adopting the Prime Regional Government Center as a GAD Zone. All agencies in the center are enjoined to meet a set of criteria, including utilization of at least 5% of the agency’s total budget for GAD, the institutionalization of the GAD Focal Point System, and the existence of breastfeeding and child-minding area in their respective offices.

In the Regional Development Updates, we also ensure that there are articles on GAD in each quarterly issue. But starting this quarter, we specifically allotted a special section for GAD articles.

Again, we aim for inclusive development. As a region, let us all work to make a SOCCKSARGEN that is more gender-sensitive and responsive.

Editorial Surrender Not In April last year, we may recall that a few senators pushed to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC). Their efforts did not go through. However, with the national elections this year, we face the question, “Will the new administration surrender the NTF-ELCAC or not?” Let us look at what we could lose if they choose the latter.

Instead of military assault, EO 70’s approach addresses the different causes Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of insurgency, such as poverty and social injustice. And so, the clusters Regional Director, NEDA XII of the JRTF-ELCAC XII were mobilized. Among the many projects implemented were the IPEACE o Indigenous Peoples Empowered as Agripreneurs towards a Collective End, and Project TALA or TESDA Alay ay Liwanag at Asenso.

In 2021, PhP1.24 Billion worth of projects were funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP). These projects are targeted to be implemented in 62 out of the 106 barangays in the Region which were identified by JRTF-ELCAC XII, and approved by the NTF-ELCAC as priority barangays. Many of these are geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Presently, a total of 120 of these projects are ongoing, 55 are undergoing the procurement process, while 20 have already been completed. Thousands of people from once communist-influenced barangays benefited from these projects.

During the Summing Up session of the JRTF-ELCAC XII last March 3, it was reported that from 2018-to 2021, 550 members of the communist terrorist group in Region XII surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. They applied for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program so they could be protected and given livelihood assistance. Moreover, they surrendered a total of 1,372 firearms.

This is a testimony to the efficacy of the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict. We have targeted the multi-faceted causes of insurgency and seen our efforts’ success.

After all that we have done, with all the milestones we achieved, may our next leaders surrender not.

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Over Php 10M in emergency employment aid provided to disadvantaged workers

By CDGamboa, KRForcadilla and CKBataga, Department of Labor and Employment XII KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XII in cooperation with its partner Local Government Units, provided over Php 10 million worth of emergency employment aid through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program pay-outs amounting to Php 10,281,600 that benefitted 3,160 workers in the provinces Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato this March 2022.

One Thousand Three Hundred Ninety of these beneficiaries are from the 1st Congressional District of Sultan Kudarat including Lebak and Kalamansig, while 1,770 hail from the Municipality of Matalam, Cotabato Province. Each of the 3,160 beneficiaries received a total wage of Php 3,360 as compensation for 10-day social community works involving clean and green projects in their respective localities.

Phel L. Saligedan, 57 years old and a tricycle driver from Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, said that he will use the assistance provided to buy his maintenance medicines and will strive to start a small business. The TUPAD program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for the displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed 90 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

Meanwhile, Angelina Asuna, a beneficiary from Matalam added that, “Hindi talaga kalakihang halaga pero sa panahon ngayon sa sobrang hirap ng buhay at krisis, malaking tulong na sa pangangailangan ng pamilya and sweldo mula sa TUPAD”.

“The Department continues to reach out to our vulnerable workers this pandemic, and with the exemption from the election ban, we work to accomplish more in providing assistance to workers even during this period,” said DOLE Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante.

The said emergency employment aid is one of the flagship programs of DOLE that has been granted exemption from the ban on the provision of Section 261(g) of the Omnibus Election Code.

...sa panahon ngayon sa sobrang hirap ng buhay at krisis, malaking tulong na sa pangangailangan ng pamilya and sweldo mula sa TUPAD”.

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RDC XII AdCom Pushes for the Upgrading of SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital to a 300-Bed Facility

During the meeting, the Regional Director of the Department of Health XII, Dr. Aristides Concepcion Tan, presented a total budget requirement of PhP 659M for SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital for CY 2023, of which PhP 70M is allocated for MOOE and PhP 589M for Capital Outlay.

RDC XII AdCom recommended to DOH XII to allocate a higher budget particularly for the upgrading of SOCCKSKSARGEN General Hospital.

By Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Joint Advisory Committee (AdCom) and Executive Committee of Regional Development Council (RDC) XII endorsed the proposed upgrading of SOCCKSKSARGEN General Hospital to a 300-bed facility from its present status as a community hospital, during the budget deliberation for DOH XII’s proposed budget for FY 2023 last February 15, 2022.

Honorable Ferdinand Hernandez, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Congressperson of the Second District of South Cotabato, proposed to DOH XII to increase the funding allocation for SOCCKSKSARGEN General Hospital, so its facilities can be upgraded and become a regional hospital with 300 bed capacity.

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES | JANUARY - MARCH 2022

RD Tan informed the body of the plans for the future development of SGH, which include the completion of nursing service; 4-storey laboratory building with blood center, molecular laboratory, gnome sequencing; oxygen generation plant, 3-storey operating and delivery room building; morgue; nutrition and dietetics building; elevated water tank; generator house; and, various medical equipment.

Currently, SGH is still owned by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato pending its long awaited turn-over to DOH XII. SOCCSKSARGEN Region has no existing regional hospital due to the transfer of Cotabato City to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

RDC XII endorses Php 145 billion worth of investment proposals

By Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII Advisory Committee (AdCom) and the expanded Executive Committee (ExCom), in its “Consultation and Review of FY 2023 Budget Proposals of Regional Line Agencies, State Universities and Colleges, and Other National Government Instrumentalities (NGI) in Region XII, ” approved and endorsed a total amount of PhP 145 Billion as investment requirements of the region for FY 2023 on February 15, 22-23, 2022, respectively via videoconference.

On February 15, 2022, the RDC XII AdCom and ExCom reviewed and endorsed the proposals of selected National Government Agencies in the amount of Php122 Billion, and provided guidance on how to further push the development initiatives of the Region.

For the February 22-23, 2022 Expanded Executive Committee Consultation and Review activity, Day 1 was devoted to the review and endorsement of the priority PAPs of Economic and Social Sector agencies/entities totaling to PhP 13,927,860,983.00. The Expanded ExCom also endorsed the Priority PAPs of some SUCs and agencies that were in the 2022 General Appropriations Act to the DBM for later release totaling to PhP 2,718,462,000.00. The proposal of the Cotabato State University was also endorsed despite its being already under the jurisdiction of BARMM, due to the University’s continuing importance to the people of Region XII as it continues to serve students who come from

SOCCSKSARGEN. Day 2 of the Expanded ExCom consultation and review was focused on the Infrastructure and Macro/GID Sector agencies.

The proposals from both sectors reached a total of PhP 8,324,158,312.53.

The proposed amount for FY 2023 is observed to be PhP 58 Billion lower compared to the FY 2022’s total proposed priority PAPs of PhP 203 Billion. The decrease may be attributed, among others, to the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, devolving some of the agency functions directly to the LGUs, as well as the realignment of some budget to BARMM considering some areas originally from Region XII have already transitioned under the jurisdiction of BARMM. The conduct of the budget review activity was in compliance with Executive Order (EO) No. 325, series of 1996 which mandates all RDCs to review the annual budget proposals of government

entities to ensure that they address the strategic development needs and priorities of the region.

It also aimed to ensure that national and regional priorities as contained in the Philippine and Regional Development Plans 2017-2022 Midterm Update, the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Recovery Plan (RRP) Volume 2: Rehabilitation and Resiliency Plan (RaRP) 2021-2022; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2023, are included in the budget proposals for FY 2023 of RLAs and other NGIs in the region.

For Fiscal Year 2023, the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 142 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on January 12, 2022 served as the basis for the primary budget parameters, as well as the policy guidelines and procedures to aid government agencies in the preparation and submission of their budget proposals.

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Mt. Busa and Allah Valley Protected Landscapes could be included as among the legislated Protected Areas in Region XII...

RDC XII supports the establishment of two protected landscapes in SOX

By Aurel Raymund P. Betque, NEDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – House Bill No. 9055 or “Establishing Mt. Busa-MAKIMA as a Protected Landscape” and House Bill No. 9595 or “Establishing Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve as a Protected Landscape” were supported by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII through Resolution Nos. 09 and 10, series of 2022 respectively, during its 76th Regular Meeting on March 29, 2022 via videoconference.

The two House Bills were previously endorsed

by Economic Development Committee (EDC) XII to RDC XII for support during its 1st Quarter Regular Meeting on March 1, 2022 via videoconference.

On the other hand, Allah Valley Landscape was declared as Watershed Forest Reserve (AVWFR) through Presidential Proclamation No. 2455 dated September 24, 1985 which declared 102,350 hectares as part of this forest reserve. It was placed as an initial component of Network of Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25, Series of 1992. A total of 76.693.1 hectares have undergone the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) for the proposed Allah Valley Protected Landscape.

The final map was approved by the PAMB en banc on September 22, 2020, which covers 2 Provinces, 4 Municipalities, and 43 Barangays.

AVWFR is known for its uniqueness with the presence of important cultural, geological aesthetic features that support biodiversity. It hosts one of the last remaining intact primary forest blocks in the Philippines, of which 27.3% is forest area.

Mt. Busa and Allah Valley Protected Landscapes could be included as among the legislated Protected Areas in Region XII in addition to Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape and Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape.

Mt. Busa is located within the political boundaries of Sarangani and South Cotabato with elevation of 2,064 meters above sea level and covers a total area of 114,438.65 hectares. Mt. Busa harbors around 200 species of plants, 58 species of birds, 30 species of amphibians, 24 species of reptiles, and 12 species of mammals according to recent studies and reports. It is home to 18 globally threatened species (vulnerable) and 22 restricted range species (irreplaceable). Stakeholders are proposing Mt. Busa to be a Protected Landscape in cognizance of its being Sarangani’s last frontier.

Only 27% of the forest cover remain for Region XII and 80% of which are found in Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim (MAKIMA) in Sarangani.

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BP2 rolls out in SOCCSKSARGEN Region with 26 Assisted beneficiaries

By Myra L. Sajo, NEDA XII KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The return of the 26 Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2) Program beneficiaries was successfully facilitated on March 24, 2022 through the efforts and assistance of the National BP2 Program Dispatch Operations Team, National Housing Authority (NHA) XII in partnership with the City/ Provincial Local Government Units, and the Regional Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The 26 individual beneficiaries were from General Santos City (4), South Cotabato province (2), Sarangani province (10), Sultan Kudarat (5), and Cotabato province (3).

They arrived safely in the region via the General Santos City Airport. They were personally greeted and welcomed by the NHA XII Regional Manager, Engr. Zenaida M. Cabiles together with her staff, and Representatives from DSWD XII, TESDA XII and City/Provincial LGUs. The beneficiaries underwent COVID-19 RT-PCR Tests and 7-day quarantine period for free, through the assistance of their respective LGUs. This is part of the program’s objectives of completely ensuring the beneficiaries safe return.

The National Dispatch Operations Team of NHA Central Office facilitated the booking and purchase of plane tickets for

the 26 beneficiaries. They also received free food packs and free transportation from the airport to their temporary shelters, courtesy of the LGU. Part of the highlights of the dispatch operation was the distribution of initial cash assistance to all beneficiaries upon their arrival in order to ease their transition as they start living anew in the region.

The 26 program beneficiaries are also set to receive further aid and assistance from the LGUs, RLAs and other stakeholders in the form of livelihood starter kits, trainings for skills development, scholarship interventions, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and other transitory family support and packages to help them settle in their respective provinces.

From 2,517 total BP2 Program applicants/enrollees for Region XII as of August 26, 2021, it was cut down to 107 qualified beneficiaries per NHA dashboard as of September 16, 2021. Finally,

26 individuals from 7 families were considered eligible to avail of the program through series of validations conducted by NHA, DSWD and LGUs. They have made their final decision to go back to their respective provinces with hopes of starting afresh and rebuilding their lives.

It took about one year to complete the whole process, from the evaluation of applicants to processing of qualified applications, consultations with LGUs and agencies until finally, the dispatch of beneficiaries to their home provinces to be reunited with their families and relatives.

To continue ensuring a balanced regional development and equitable distribution of the country’s wealth, resources and opportunities for countryside development and inclusive growth, the BP2 actors in the region will continue to realize the program’s mandates to bring more people back to their home provinces.

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RPMC XII facilitates PSS to expedite completion of nine projects

By Rebecca Ruth S. Simtim, NEDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Pursuant to the Regional Project Monitoring Committee 12’s mandate to assist in putting back programs and projects on track, the Committee conducted its 1st Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session (PSS) on March 16, 2022 through virtual mode.

Nine projects being implemented in Cotabato Province and Kidapawan City were subjected to PSS. Three of which are DPWH XII projects, namely: (1) Construction of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Training Center; (2) Construction of Aringay Bridge; and (3) Road Widening of KidapawanCalunasan-Mlang Road.

Two projects of the DPWH Cotabato 2nd District Eng’g Office (DEO) were also subjected to the said PSS, which include the Construction of Maria Caridad Bridge, and the Rehabilitation of Slope Protection of Patulangon,

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Sinallangan, Balugan, Bulatukan, Malasila, Tulunan, Lamitan, Malaang, and Saguing Bridges, along Davao-Cotabato Road, as well as the projects being implemented by the National Housing Authority (NHA) XII such as the Construction of 1,700 and 125 Permanent Housing Units intended for earthquake affected families in Kidapawan City and in the Municipality of Magpet, respectively. Moreover, two of the National Irrigation Administration – Malitubog Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II Project Management Office (NIA – MMIP II PMO) projects with implementation issues were included in the deliberation, namely: the Construction of Protection Dike along Kalawag Creek and Construction of Right Main Canal (RMC) 3 in the Lower Malitubog Service Area. Updates on the status of the implementation of the General Santos City and Central Mindanao Airport Development Projects were also

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Nine projects being implemented in Cotabato Province and Kidapawan City were subjected to PSS.

Rehabilitation of Slope Protection of Malasila Bridge

Protection Dike along Kalawag Creek Pikit, Cotabato

Makilala, Cotabato

Rehabilitation of Slope Protection of Sinallangan Bridge Makilala, Cotabato

presented by the SOCSKSARGEN-ADPO as the technical secretariat of the Inter-agency Monitoring and Advisory Group (IMAG) for the General Santos City Airport Development Projects.

Road Right-of-Way (RROW) problems, revision of plans, inclement weather condition, and insufficient manpower and construction materials/equipment at the project sites were among the reasons cited for delays in project completion. This prompted the Committee to enjoin implementing agencies to require contractors to submit catch up plans detailing the activities to be undertaken to ensure completion of the project within the specified revised target dates.

The road widening project of DPWH XII along the Makilala-Allah Valley Road was recognized as one of the “model” projects since its implementation was completed ahead of schedule. This was attributed to the project engineer’s regular visit to the site to provide guidance to the contractor.

The deliberations during the PSS resulted to the passage of two essential resolutions, namely: (1) RPMC XII Resolution No. 06, series of 2022, “Requesting the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XII to provide community-based skills training for the maintenance of solar panels through project TALA for all earthquake affected families in Cotabato Province”; and (2) RPMC XII Resolution No. 07, series of 2022, “Requesting the National Housing Authority (NHA) to consider the provision of Solar Panels as a component of all its Housing Projects”.

The findings and recommendations of the Committee will be endorsed to Regional Development Council (RDC) XII during its 76th Meeting for support.

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14 BIFF combatants and 10 CTG members return to gov’t side and join society

By PNP XII

A total of 14 members the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Karialan Faction and 10 members of Communist Terrorists Groups (CTG) operating in the municipalities of Tampakan and T’boli in South Cotabato, voluntarily surrendered to government authorities on January 17, 26, and March 29, 2022.

The return of the 24 indviduals to the fold of the law was in pursuit of a peaceful life in their chosen communities. The surrender of the combatants is the result of the sustained intelligence activities, diplomatic efforts, and strong campaign against terrorism and insurgency of the peacekeeping forces of the region coupled with the support of the local officials and the community.

Recovered from the surrenderees were their high-powered firearms including explosive devices namely: six units 7.62 caliber Barret with magazine; two units M1 Garand rifle; one unit 50 caliber Barret; oneunit M16 5.56 rifle; one-unit M79 grenade launcher; one ultimax M16 rifle; three units improvised RPG launcher; two pieces of mug bomb; one unit improvised 60mm mortar; five pieces of Improvised Explosive Devices and one-unit homemade shotgun.

All former rebels were in custody of the authorities together with their

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firearms and will undergo briefing and processing for their eventual reintegration to society.

Police Major General (PMGen) Albert Ignatius Ferro, Director of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) remarked that, “We are now experiencing the gradual death of the political ideologies of rebel groups, thanks to the genuine efforts of the government to restore normalcy.” He further assured that the entire police force will continue to work with the LGUs, concerned government agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in convincing the remnants of armed rebel groups in Mindanao to give up on violence to achieve political goals.

Meanwhile, PBGen Alexander C Tagum, Regional Director of Police Regional Office XII guaranteed that the former rebels will enjoy the privilege to live with safety and securely among the people of SOCCSKSARGEN. “PNP-PRO 12 commits to continue

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to work diligently to ensure that SOCCSKSARGEN will not only be a safe place to live and work, but also a community where residents can do business freely without the threat of illegal activities which endanger the economic growth of the region,” PBGenTagum said. (Consolidated from the news articles submitted by Police Regional Office XII)

DPWH turns over DFA Consular Building to LGU Kidapawan

By Jose Anthony Laurent P. Octavio, NEDA XII IN PHOTO. Ribbon-cutting ceremony led by (from left) 2nd District Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan, Cotabato Gov. Nancy A. Catamco, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista, RDC XII Secretary and NEDA XII Assistant Regional Director Carmel P. Matabang, and DFA Consular Office General Santos City Administrative Officer Lizel A. Decrepito.

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato – The new office building of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Kidapawan City was finally turned over to the City Government of Kidapawan by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII-Cotabato Second District Engineering Office (2nd DEO) in a formal turnover ceremony January 05, 2022.

This project is a fulfillment of the long-standing clamor of the people in the northern part of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region to avail of the various services of DFA. Furthermore, the project will eliminate the need to travel lengthy hours and queue as early as dawn in the nearest DFA Consular Offices in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, and Tagum.

the DFA personnel who will be deployed in the said consular office.

Governor Catamco highlighted that when it comes to development and for the people of the province, leaders set aside political affiliations and unite together for the good of all their constituents.

On the other hand, RDC Secretary and NEDA XII ARD Matabang said that the opening of the DFA Consular Office in Kidapawan is “in line with the realization of enhancing efficiency

in delivering public services to the people and advancing the welfare of our migrant workers and Overseas Filipinos, as enshrined in Chapters 5 and 21 of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan 20172022 Midterm Update”.

The DFA Consular Office Building was built on a lot donated by the LGU-Kidapawan and was funded through the initiative of the Office of the Second Congressional District Representative. The construction commenced on November 18, 2020, and was finally completed in December 2021. Once operational, the DFA Consular Office will also serve people from the adjacent provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

In his message, North Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan emphasized that this office building will be a “structure of good governance” wherein all people who have entered will eventually go out with much gladness because of the best services they have availed from JANUARY - MARCH 2022 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

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GAD CORNER

RGADC XII blasts off women’s month celebration, features “Amazing Juanas”

By DILG XII The Regional Gender and Development Committee XII held its 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration kick-off ceremony on March 7, 2022 at the Department of the Interior and Local Government XII Office, through Zoom video conference.

The DILG Dose Regional Director and RGADC XII Chairperson, Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, led the ribbon cutting ceremony to kick-off the celebration.

The DILG Dose hosted the said activity while the RGADC XII member- agencies; BFP XII, BJMP XII, TESDA XII, OCD XII, NEDA XII, CSC XII, CHED XII, PSA XII, DOLE XII, DAR XII, BFAR XII, and other LRIs joined the activity via Zoom. All RGADC XII member-agencies and other stakeholders also attended the said activity and showed their support, online.

With the 6-year theme “We Make CHANGE Work for Women” and sub-theme: Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran, this year’s celebration aims to highlight the gains achieved for women and girls and assess the results of the action taken towards inclusive and sustainable development for all.

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Regional Director Jennifer Carisma-Bretaña, EnP of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) XII, and Supervising Administrative Officer Roditt C. Delfino, EnP, PhD of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato were two “Amazing Juanas” featured in the said activity.

They shared their experiences and challenged everyone to be agents of equal opportunities for men and women in all aspects of development especially in the government agenda considering that election is coming.

Atty. Kristine A. Yuzon-Chavez, Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) gave her message of guidance to the RGADC XII and encouraged everyone to honor all the Juanas by promoting their welfare and ensuring their participation.

A bloodletting activity was also conducted in the afternoon, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross-South Cotabato Chapter.

For the month-long celeration, DILG XII relaunched its Café Juana: Cup Wagi which showcases women empowerment and winning attitude. The makeshift coffee shop was filled with hashtags describing the qualities and abilities that not only women should have but people with waging attitude.

To achieve the vision of a gender-responsive entity where women and men equally contribute and benefit, we need to be equipped to mainstream Gender and Development in our LGUs. It is the major strategy for ensuring that the government pursues gender equality in all aspects of the development process”, said RD Leysa.

Together with the relaunching of Café Juana is the continuation of Serye sa Dose: Featuring Amazing Juanas. Ms. Latreia E. Estabillo, Asst. Principal for Academics of the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS), shared that strength, confidence and choice will help women achieve their goals.

Another empowered woman featured in the activity was Ms. Agnes D. Daguro, EnP, the City Planning and Development Coordinator of the City of Koronadal. Ms. Shammah Jane H. Yabut, the acclaimed young business owner of Coco’s Makeover also shared her experience of venturing in the cosmetics industy despite her young age.

A short lecture on the Safe Spaces Act was given by the young OIC- Regional Director Atty. Keysie M. Gomez of the Commission on Human Rights XII, and the Chairperson of the Regional GAD Resource Pool of RGADC XII. Atty. Gomez also enjoined the Juans and Juanas in attendance to appreciate the updated safeguards provided by the Safe Spaces Act. RD Leysa extended her virtual greetings to the participants and shared inspiring short stories about resiliency, courage and hope amidst the pandemic.

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LOCAL NEWS

Italian Government completes Php 2.6-B development project in Mindanao

By DAR XII GENERAL SANTOS CITY - The Italian government and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have finally concluded the eight-year project that supported farming communities in Mindanao that were lacking in vital rural infrastructure and capacity-building measures to make their livelihood sustainable.

A project exit conference was held on March 29, 2022 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City to celebrate the success of the Italian project. Present during the activity was NEDA XII ARD Carmel P. Matabang, who delivered a message of goodwill. She said that “the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) sector is the key in providing raw materials to the manufacturing and service sectors, resulting in forward linkages in terms of higher-paying and more stable job opportunities.” She added that it is important to intensify efforts to revitalize the AFF and harness its growth potentials to promote a more inclusive development.

We hope our partners in government will continue to sustain the gains from the project and help the beneficiaries maintain the infrastructure so the ARBs and farmers can be relieved from poverty and overcome the challenges from this pandemic,” Dr. Pietro Pipi

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As a bilateral cooperation program between the Italian and Philippine Government, the Italian Agrarian Reform Community Development Support Program (IARCDSP) which aimed to strengthen peace and rural development here in Mindanao, is expected to improve the living conditions of thousands of households in the identified Agrarian Reform Communities.

Deputy Head of Mission, Dr. Pietro Pipi said, the partner government agencies and LGUs played a major role in the joint effort of addressing food security and promoting resiliency in the implementation of the project.

Aside from the DAR, the project was co-implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, the National Irrigation Administration, and the LGUs in the settlement areas.

The IARCDSP, Italy’s aid agency for development cooperation, focused its projects on strengthening the peace process in Mindanao by eradicating extreme poverty and hunger through strategic measures geared to open more economic opportunities for farmers.

According to DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz, the project was delayed since its inception in 2018 but its major components hit 100-percent last year.

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S E C R E TA R I AT

NEDA XII joins earthquake drill, observes MHP

By Joseph Didius L. Clave, NEDA XII

He said the IARCDSP is originally a six-year Program that was set to end its implementation in December 2018. However, on June 14, 2018, the NEDA ICC Cabinet Committee approved a two-year Project extension until December 2020 with loan validity extended until April 11, 2021. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic that hit the country in early 2020, the NEDA ICC CabCom again approved an Ad Referendum granting the program with a 10-month extension from January 2021 until October 2021. The loan validity was likewise extended from April 11, 2021, to October 31, 2021.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – NEDA XII, along with the various Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, participated in the CY 2022 First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 10, 2022, at 9:00 A.M. The “Duck, Cover, and Hold” drill was executed while strictly complying with public health protocols prescribed by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its Memorandum No. 71, series of 2020, on the Interim Guidelines on the Conduct of the NSED during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Italian peace projects became a success because of cooperation among various players and that the projects truly reached the people it intended to help,” Secretary Bernie Cruz More than 50,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) were served through the 160 completed infrastructure projects worth Php 1.2 billion. The infrastructures were composed of farm-to-market roads, bridges, irrigation facilities, postharvest facilities, potable water systems, and multi-purpose buildings constructed in target areas under IARCDSP. The program covered 35 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

DAR Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted Projects Virginia Orogo said the project was able to provide financial assistance to 35 cooperatives worth Php 191.7 million. The said amount was spent on hauling trucks, modern farm machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, animal feeds, and office equipment. In addition, she said that a total of 159 trainings for capacity building worth Php 30.6 million benefitted to more than 5,000 farmers, and livelihood assistance worth Php 8.6 million provided to 117 barangays.

The activity was undertaken in compliance with NDRRMC Memorandum No. 21, series of 2022 on the conduct of the CY 2022 quarterly nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.

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Resolutions from the 76th Regional Development Council XII Meeting December 7, 2021

It is now another new year. It is a time for a renewal of hope and energy as the region pushes forward with its development plans. The RDC, as the highest policy-making body in the region, passed 36 resolutions to boost the region’s growth further. Here are three of these: 1.

RDC XII Resolution No. 16, s. of 2022 Enjoining Local Government Units to Comply with the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Health The registration of the PWDs would enable the Department of Health to know the number of PWDs in the region and determine the appropriate interventions needed according to the type of disability.

2.

RDC XII Resolution No. 34, s. of 2022 Requesting the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XII to provide Community-Based Skills Training for the Maintenance of Solar Panels Through the TESDA Alay ay Liwanag at Asenso (TALA) Project for All Earthquake-Affected Families in Cotabato Province The National Housing Authority XII constructed 1,700 and 125 permanent housing units intended for earthquake-affected families in Kidapawan City and the Municipality of Magpet, respectively. The target beneficiaries for these projects are the indigenous peoples (IP) families belonging to Manobo, Obo, and other tribes. To empower the said communities and to provide future sources of livelihood and employment opportunities, TESDA XII was requested to train them on photovoltaic and solar lighting systems installation and maintenance. They can use the training for the maintenance of the solar lighting system provided by the NHA project.

3.

RDC XII Resolution No. 35, s. of 2022 Requesting the National Housing Authority (NHA) XII to Include the Provision of Solar Panels as a Regular Component of All Its Housing Projects In relation to the previous resolution, the Council finds the installation of solar lighting system in off-grid living areas more advantageous and economical to the local communities. It is also consistent with and supportive of the thrust and priorities of the Philippine Energy Plan 20122030. Hence, the Council requested NHA XII to include the provision of solar panels as a component of all its housing projects.

For the complete list of resolutions passed during the 76th RDC XII Meeting held on March 23, 2022, via videoconference, just scan the code on the left side or click here.

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RDC XII Accomplishment Reports (Vol.1 and Vol. 2) and in video format for CY 2021 are available for download, you may click on its image.

The RDC XII CY 2021 Accomplishment Report contains the achievements of the Council and its committees for the said year. The report is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains the Council’s summary of accomplishments in the area of planning, investment programming, budgeting, project development and development advocacy. Volume II highlights the achievements of each of the Council’s sectoral, affiliate, and special committees.