Regional Development Updates | Volume 19 No. 2 | April - June 2021

SOCCSKSARGEN GRDP contracted by 4.3%, safe reopening and hastening of vaccine roll-out, key reforms for the Region’s recovery

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 Maria Felicidad R, Guerrero Romel Patrick E. Tanghal Guillermo R. Manrique, Jr. Desiree T. Jacinto RDU COORDINATORS Michael BJ S. Abellana Eden F. Ridao Evie A. Cabulanan Annie C. Deputado Rebecca Ruth R. Salas-Simtim Aurel Raymund P. Betque Charmaine Lou M. Vilches Ruby Abegail C. Serrano Romeo C. Nebrija Cherry Mae T. Distor Cyronne Paule O. Bangonon LAYOUT ARTIST/CIRCULATION MANAGER Apollo Y. Manlawe CONTRIBUTORS Joseph Didius L. Clave Roy B. Hatague Meriel P. Arado | Chris D. Gamboa BFP XII | DOE MFO Davao City 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) 887-3588 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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

Volume 19 No. 2 | April - June 2021

GRDP contracted by 4.3%, safe reopening 3 SOCCSKSARGEN and hastening of vaccine roll-out, key reforms for the Region’s recovery

4 Message of the RDC XII Chairperson and Editorial XII caps off virtual caravan of updated PDP 5 NEDA 2017-2022, youth sector highlighted Sector Representatives of Region 12 push for the 6 Private rights of indigenous peoples at the national level XII to create Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee 7 RDC for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Coconut Industry in Region XII

XII conducts problem-solving session on projects 8 RPMC facing delays

10 BFP XII OLP Online ran on amidst pandemic Secretary addresses Cotabato power outage incident 11 DOE that affected 348 Sinovac vaccines Cotabato IMO formally turns over 8 irrigation 12 NIA-South projects to farmers in South Cotabato 12 dishes out P878-K livelihood projects to IPs in 13 DA Kalamansig, SK 12 virtual TNK Job and Business Fair in SOX registers 14 DOLE 3,869 applicants, rolls-out free vaccination to priority A4

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Resolutions from the 73rd Regional Development Council XII Meeting

16 SOCCSKSARGEN 2021 RDC Week Celebration

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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Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

OUR COVER

Our cover shows the prevalence of several known variants of COVID-19, the leaders who remain steadfast in providing optimum health care protection, the local scientists who continuously look for possible cure to end the effect of COVID-19, the observance of minimum health protocols, and the full implementation of the vaccination of the government to attain the herd immunity.

SOCCSKSARGEN GRDP contracted by 4.3%, safe reopening and hastening of vaccine roll-out, key reforms for the Region’s recovery

By Ruby Abegail C. Serrano, NEDA XII - PFPD

General Santos City – The year 2020 can never be forgotten, but the people of SOCCSKSARGEN are dreamweavers and resilient.

Thus, the outlook for the year 2021 is promising which depends on the safe reopening of the economy under the most stringent compliance with health protocols and roll-out of vaccines to attain herd immunity, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the region’s economy contracted by 4.3 percent, from PhP 470 Billion in 2019 to PhP 450 Billion in 2020, as reported during the News Conference on SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s 2020 Economic Performance on 29 April 2021 at the East Asia Royal Hotel.

The press conference convened

by PSA XII via blended mode was attended by representatives from different regional line agencies, PSA Central Office, private sector, and members of the tri-media of SOCCSKSARGEN. NEDA XII Regional Director and RDC Vice-Chairperson Teresita Socorro C. Ramos provided a statement on the implications of the 2020 GRDP on the regional development of SOCCSKSARGEN.

NEDA XII Regional Director and RDC Vice-Chairperson Teresita Socorro C. Ramos provided a statement on the implications of the 2020 GRDP on the regional development of SOCCSKSARGEN.

In terms of contribution by major sector, the service sector which accounts for the largest share of the region’s GRDP dropped by 8.9 percent. Most affected are those in personal services for wellness, repair of personal and household goods, laundry services, repair of computers and communications equipment which declined by 44.6 percent.

The implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or popularly known as “lockdown” from the middle of March to early May 2020, resulted in a decrease in sales of these institutions. The accommodation and food service declined by 34.5 percent.

The decrease of 1.3 percent in the industry sector can be attributed to the cancellation of orders and spoilage/expiration of products of the MSMEs due to long periods of lockdown and the difficulty of transporting the goods due to the documentary requirements at the height of the pandemic.

However, data on commercial fish (at 1.35 percent) and pineapple (0.68 percent) posted a slight increase in 2020 which implies

continuous processing of the major export industries in the region such as the manufacturing of fresh/canned/frozen tuna and other fish products both fresh and processed. The construction subsector declined by 14.7 percent while manufacturing dropped by 2.7 percent.

Among the three major sectors, agriculture remained resilient in 2020 at a 1.5 percent growth rate. This may indicate that government efforts in ensuring the availability and sustainability of food in the region were realized.

The volume of rice production grew by 8.2 percent, although the increase in the volume of corn was slight at only 0.07 percent.

NEDA XII RD Ramos remarked that the prospects and opportunities in 2021 remain hopeful. The region’s recovery from the economic shocks brought by the pandemic hinges on the safe reopening of the economy with compliance to minimum health protocols and the

SOCCSKSARGEN P10

April - June 2021 | Regional Development Updates

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Message of the RDC XII Chairperson Our gross regional domestic product (GRDP) decreased by 4.3% in the past year. This was due to difficulty in transporting goods, the temporary closure of businesses, the cancellation of orders, and the spoilage of products during the height of the implementation of stringent quarantine protocols. These were effects of necessary actions to be taken to save people’s lives from the dreaded COVID-19.

The theme for the Regional Development Updates’ (RDU) 2nd Quarter issue for 2021, “Adaptive Change in Development Plans and Programs: A More Resilient Society,” aptly describes how we adjusted to circumstances last year and the present, most especially to the ongoing pandemic. In this issue of the RDC’s news bulletin, we could read of government activities facilitated online, various efforts in support of the vaccination campaign, and the conduct of the virtual caravan of the Updated Philippine Development Plan for CY 20172022, among others.

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

Indeed, life is a matter of choice. To rephrase the lyrics of a song by James Dean, “We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination.” As a region, we continue to adjust our plans and programs to reach our goals and move towards becoming a more resilient SOCCSKSARGEN. Padayon!

Editorial Change is Coming

Teresita Socorro C. Ramos Regional Director, NEDA XII

It is a year before the 2022 elections, but the race is on. Various individuals are now making public their intent to run in the national, provincial, and city/municipal elections. They are now starting to inform the people of their plans and programs for the development of the country and their concerned localities. But what about approved national, regional and local development plans? Do these plans play a role in the crafting of their development agenda and programs?

With the Covid 19 pandemic, we have the Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan, while the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 ( Mid Term Update) incorporated our Covid 19 and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction responses. At the local level, development thrusts and priorities of the LGU are expressed in the Executive Legislative Agenda in addition to their Comprehensive Development Plans and Comprehensive Land Use Plans. Various stakeholders in series of workshops carefully prepared these plans. These were also subjected to public consultations and approved by the Regional Development Council and Local Development Councils.

But with changes in administration, more often than not, come changes or adjustments in plans and programs. For example, agencies/ local government units’ proposed priority programs, projects, and activities (PAPs) culled from the Annual Investment Program are in danger of being set aside. With a new administration, these may change and funding may go to other priority PAPs of the new leadership, instead.

It is a fact that changes in plans are but part of the planning cycle. We implement, monitor, evaluate, reflect, and then make adjustments as needed. This is so we can adapt and consider the various evolving internal and external factors.

But what if the candidates running for political office do not care to know about existing plans? What if they do not know or do not even care about the long-term vision of the Filipino people called the AmBisyon Natin 2040?

Yes, it is now a year before the elections. Yes, new administrations will take over. Yes, CHANGE IS COMING. But the development plans formulated by, and for the people, should be evaluated, unmet targets pursued and responsive PAPs continued to be funded and implemented.

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Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

NEDA XII caps off virtual caravan of updated PDP 20172022, youth sector highlighted

By Joseph Didius L. Clave, NEDA XII - DRD

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – NEDA Region 12 successfully concluded the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 20172020 Virtual Caravan last May 26, 2021 with around 185 guests online from government and private sector, a manifestation of the interest of the people of SOCCSKSARGEN to know and be involved with attaining the objectives of the Plan.

NEDA Regional Office (NRO) XII, in coordination with the NEDA-Development Information Staff (DIS), organized the activity to provide a virtual platform of discourse and engagement between the government and the community in tackling the contents of the updated PDP. In her opening message, NRO XII Regional Director (RD) Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, reminded the participants of the realities being faced by the country and that the youth are an integral part of change and reform.

“We acknowledge the importance of the involvement of the youth in this activity and their high potential for being drivers of change and reform. So, to the youth listening now, come and join us in advocating the updated PDP, and more importantly let’s come together to achieve its objectives.”

NEDA Undersecretary of the Policy and Planning Group, Rosemarie G. Edillon, presented the Updated PDP 2017-2022

Some of the 185 participants who actively participated in the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2020 Virtual Caravan on May 26, 2021 via video conference.

covering its three pillars Malasakit, Pagbabago, and Patuloy na Pag-unlad. The presentation also highlighted AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years.

Insights and presentations on the attainment of the Updated PDP 2017-2022 were shared

by RD Jennifer C. Bretaña of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) XII; Engr. Artemio Del Rosario Jr. of the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) XII; and Assistant RD Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr. of the Department of Health (DOH) XII. The three speakers presented PDP Chapter 12: Building Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities, PDP Chapter 17:

Attaining Just and Lasting Peace, and PDP Chapter 10: Human Capital Development towards Greater Agility, respectively.

Regional Director Catherine C. Apelacio of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XII moderated the question-andanswer segment of the program.

The 185 participants who tuned in via Zoom and the NRO XII Facebook livestream were from the various colleges, universities and other academic institutions, local government units, Sangguniang Kabataan Federations, regional line agencies, private sector organization, and civil society organizations, among others.

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Private Sector Representatives of Region 12 push for the rights of indigenous peoples at the national level

By Michael BJ S. Abellana, NEDA XII - ORD

(L-R) The Private Sector Representatives of Region 12 during the online 12th RDC PSRs National Convention held on April 28-29, 2021: PSR Fredo Basino, PSR Jose Ronie Mondragon, PSR Liza Hora, PSR Richlie Lyndon Magtulis, PSR Ronan Eugene Garcia, PSR Ramon Floresta, PSR Roy Moreno, PSR Carlito Uy, PSR Ryan Vidanes, PSR Nestor Lumawig, and PSR Rolando Doria.

KORONADAL CITY—The Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) to Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 pushed for the rights of the indigenous peoples (IPs) at the national level during the second day of the RDC PSRs National Convention on April 29, 2021.

The RDC 12 PSRs, headed by Co-Chairperson Ramon N. Floresta, pushed for the passage of four resolutions addressing the struggles of indigenous peoples, particularly on the encroachment of private companies to their ancestral domains and their difficulty in receiving government services.

Three of the resolutions aim to address the issue of alleged lack of free and prior informed consent of Indigenous Peoples (IPS) in the issuance of Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) located in their ancestral domain. The IFMA issued by

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the Department of Environment and Natural Resources gives private companies the right to cut forest trees, sell the lumber thus providing for the lumber needs of the country while helping the local economy. However, there are reports that some areas covered by IFMAs are ancestral domains and the indigenous peoples did not give permission for their use.

Because of this, the PSRs moved to request DENR to stop the renewal of expired IFMAs covering ancestral domains. To further strengthen this action and to cease the circumvention of laws by these companies, the PSRs also requested DENR to provide Regional Development Councils a list of IFMAs with their corresponding expiration dates.

Ultimately, they recommended the assessment of the IFMA Program to determine if this is still aligned with the development goals of the Philippine Development Plan and the Ambisyon Natin 2040.

Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

The last resolution enjoins national line agencies and the Local Government Units to set aside 3 and 5 percent respectively of their budget for socio-economic development projects for the IPs. This will ensure that IPs in farflung areas receive government services and Communist Terrorist Groups would be deterred from recruiting them. These resolutions were supported by the PSRs of RDCs all over the Philippines.

The RDC PSRs National Convention is an annual gathering of PSRs to the RDC, the highest policy-making body for every region. It began in 2007 to serve as a venue where PSRs can participate in the discussion and solutions of various national development issues and concerns.

RDC XII to create Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Coconut Industry in Region XII

By Aurel Raymund P. Betque, NEDA XII - PDIPBD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council XII last June, endorsed the creation of an inter-agency coordinating committee to oversee the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

The inter-agency committee is composed of the following agencies: PCA XII, DTI XII, DA XII, DOST XII, TESDA XII, DA-ATI XII, CDA XII, CHED XII, DPWH XII, DBP, LBP, and PhilHealth.

The CFIDP sets the overall direction for the development of the coconut industry and identifies programs and projects for funding by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund

as stipulated in Republic Act No. 11524, An Act Creating the Coconut Farms and Industry Trust Fund which was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on February 26, 2021.

The importance of the coconut industry as one of the dominant

crops of Region 12 is emphasized in the CFIDP. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) XII led in facilitating and coordinating the formulation of the CFIDP 2021-2025 through a series

RDC XII P11

NEDA XII P5 In closing, Private Sector Representative for Sarangani Province and Chairperson of the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII, Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, recognized the resilience and the exercise of intergenerational responsibility as among the strong traits of Filipinos.

“And so, we would like to thank our government especially the National Economic and Development Authority for

stepping up and developing a template for the Philippine economy to recover from this pandemic and for Filipinos to come out as more resilient and healthier as well. This template is the Updated Philippine Development Plan” A virtual commitment wall was signed by the participants signifying their support and cooperation in advocating the Updated PDP 2017-2022.

This caravan for SOCCSKSARGEN region wraps up the virtual caravans all over the regions across the country and hopefully, more advocates have been minted to push the attainment of a healthy and resilient Phillippines.

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RPMC XII conducts problem-solving session on projects facing delays

By Roy B. Hatague, NEDA XII-PMED

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII as the monitoring arm of RDC XII conducted its 2nd Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session (PSS) on June 9, 2021, via videoconference.

The meeting aimed to discuss and address issues and problems affecting the implementation of nine government projects in the Province of Sarangani and General Santos City; to recommend measures to facilitate resolution of problems that hinder project completion; and, to document and share lessons learned and best practices in project implementation for possible replication in future similar projects.

The virtual meeting cum PSS was participated in by RPMC XII members, Project Engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII, DPWH Sarangani District Engineering Office, representatives from the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of the Sarangani Province and General Santos City, and contractors of the concerned projects. Through the LPMCs, the communities had the opportunity to validate and respond to issues and concerns affecting the implementation of the following projects that were subjected to PSS by the RPMC: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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Widening of Upper Silway Bridge Along Albert Morrow Boulevard, General Santos City; Construction of Police Station 4 Building, Brgy. Mabuhay, General Santos City; Construction of Inabulan Bridge along Demoloc-Little Baguio Road, Alabel Sarangani Province; Construction Sarangani Sports Complex, Alabel Sarangani Province; Construction of Evacuation Center, Brgy. Tamadang, Kiamba, Sarangani; Widening of Upper Makar Bridge Along Albert Morrow Boulevard, General Santos City; Construction of Pag-asa Bridge Along Demoloc-Little Baguio Road, Alabel, Sarangani Province; Road Widening along Sarangani Davao del Sur Coastal RoadK1675+413-K1678+858, Malapatan, Sarangani Province; and, Construction of River Bank Protection with Revetment along Kalaong River (Kalaong Bridge) Section, Alabel, Sarangani Province

Among the issues that significantly affected the implementation and completion of the projects are the following: (a) Road Right-of-Way (RROW) problems; (b) inclement weather; (c) Covid-19 pandemic; (d) peace and security problem; and (e) obstruction of electric posts and water pipelines at the construction sites. Most of these projects, if completed, will improve the region’s inter and intraregional road connectivity.

The deliberation during the meeting cum PSS paved the way for the passage of two essential resolutions to ensure successful completion of the Widening of Upper Makar Bridge, namely: (1) RPMC XII Resolution No. 12, s2021, Enjoining DPWH XII to Follow-through its Request with the Office of the Solicitor General to Rule with Dispatch on the Filing of Petition for the Enforcement of Lien per Commonwealth Act 141 for the Widening of the Upper Makar Bridge Project, and; (2) RPMC XII Resolution No. 15, s2021, Requesting the City Government of General Santos to Extra-judicially Abate the property along the Upper Makar Bridge to Hasten Completion of the Project.

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Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

Widening of Permanent Bridges – Upper Silway Bridge (BO1886MN) along Albert Morrow Blvd.

Location: General Santos City | Project Cost: Php200 Million Accomplishment: 86.58% complete

Road Widening along Sarangani - Davao del Sur Coastal Road K1675+413 - K1678+848 Location: Malapatan, Sarangani | Project Cost: Php100 Million Accomplishment: 100% complete

Construction of River Bank Protection with Revetment along Kalaong River Location: Maitum, Sarangani | Project Cost: Php50 Million Accomplishment: 100% complete April - June 2021 | Regional Development Updates

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BFP XII OLP Online ran on amidst pandemic

By BFP XII

Koronadal City - Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region XII continues to air and publish its monthly Fire Prevention Campaign in social media dubbed as “Firelane”, the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan (OLP) Online thru Facebook Live every fourth Tuesday of the month in the midst of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan was first introduced in 2019 thru DILG Memorandum Circular No. 201940 to promote strong engagement

and cooperation between BFP and the communities in achieving a fire-safe and disaster-resilient nation. The program is framed as an immersive community-based campaign that capacitates the barangay as well as the community to prevent destructive fires and respond to localized natural hazards and human-induced disasters.

As COVID-19 threatened the world, BFP also adapted to the new norms in order to pursue its

SOCCSKSARGEN P3 continued roll-out of the vaccine in the region. As of April 20, 2021, a total of 48,201 first dose vaccines have been administered to the A1 priority group which accounts for 79.89 percent of the target A1 group in the region.

She added that the operationalization of the new Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and hopefully, the transfer of operation of the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital to DOH XII will improve access and the quality of the health care system and services in the region.

To support our farmers and migrants in the agriculture sector, food security and agricultural productivity would be enhanced.

The region’s livestock industry would be properly safeguarded through strict border controls against frozen food products to

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avoid the influx of diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF). The agriculture sector is expected to continue posting positive trends in 2021 as demand for food products from Region XII increases with the opening of the economy of Metro Manila and neighboring regions.

In addition, NEDA XII RD Ramos mentioned that the roll-out of the National ID system which will address better targeting for government social programs has already started its registration for low-income households since January 2021.

Government spending through Bayanihan and FY 2021 budget as well as the implementation of Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) and Financial Institutions’ Strategic Transfer (FIST) will also underpin economic recovery. CREATE will

Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

fire prevention program. Hence, OLP Online became a vital platform of the bureau to advocate fire-safety awareness to the public.

With the leadership of BFP XII Regional Director Fire Senior Superintendent Alven D. Valdez, the BFP XII Firelane OLP Online has engaged public support and ranked third in Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan Online Top Viewers Award for the 1st Quarter of 2021 awarded by the BFP-National Headquarters during BFP Live 1st Anniversary Episode on 16 April 2021. provide relief to private industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing their corporate income taxes while the FIST law will strengthen the financial sector by helping banks free up capital and funds to lend to more businesses facing liquidity issues.

The NEDA XII Regional Director reiterated that the government is committed to do what is necessary for the region to fully recover.

However, she emphasized that everyone needs to do their part by adhering strictly to our minimum health protocols.

“Collectively, as one region, let us build a BETTER NORMAL COMMUNITY towards a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat, or the AmBisyon Natin 2040”, NEDA XII RD Ramos said.

DOE Secretary addresses Cotabato power outage incident that affected 348 Sinovac vaccines

By DOE, MFO, Davao City

Matina, Davao City-In a media released on May 15, 2021, DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi addressed the issue relative to the incident in Makilala, Cotabato involving the recent power outage that occurred 1:30 PM of May 7, 2021 that lasted for one hour and 30 minutes causing damage to 348 vials of Sinovac vaccines for the CoVID-19 virus. It was one of the affected lines during the multiple outages in South Cotabato and Cotabato due to strong winds.

In his statement, he urged the diligence of everyone concerned so that the incident will not happen again. The Secretary said, “ We cannot afford negligence or even a simple overlook (sic) to derail and affect the government’s vaccination drive”, as he reiterated

his earlier directive to all power stakeholders to ensure reliable and stable electric power supply to support COVID-19 vaccine cold storage and health care facilities.

He informed the public that the DOE has been working with the members of the Energy family to ensure that the vaccines will be protected at all cost when it is rolled out nationwide. As part of its intiative, the Department of Energy- Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (DOEEPIMB) and the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) have adopted a “triple safeguard” approach to securing power services in vaccine storage and administration sites.

As a protocol, there would be

three power backups. The first line would be coming from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the second from the Distribution Utilities, while the third and final back up would be the generators provided by the facility itself or the local government unit (LGU).

This approach is similar to what was employed during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games which the country hosted.

As a reinforcement, the DOE will issue advisory or reminders to the electric cooperatives (ECs) and LGUs about the protocol in case similar incidents occur. If needed, the DOE is ready to work with the LGUs to conduct some lectures or seminars on what to do when outages occur.

RDC XII P7 of consultations with various coconut farmers’ organizations, concerned government agencies, and other key stakeholders in the region. A Program Planning and Strategic Management System was prepared by PCA XII that served as a guide in crafting the CFIDP. The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of RDC XII first reviewed the plan during its Special Meeting on May 28, 2021 and endorsed it later to Regional Development Council (RDC) XII via videoconference. The EDC also supported the creation of an inter-agency coordinating committee that will oversee the implementation of the CFDIP in

the region.

RDC XII supported this initiative to ensure the coordinated and synchronized efforts in the implementation of the CFIDP towards a profitable and highly productive coconut industry with empowered and innovative coconut farmers in Region XII. On June 24, 2021, during its 73rd Regular Meeting via videoconference, the Council passed the following resolutions: a) RDC XII Resolution No. 60 series of 2021 “Endorsing Region XII’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan 2021-2025”; and, b) RDC XII

Resolution No. 61 series of 2021 “Supporting the Creation of an Inter-agency Coordinating Committee for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Coconut Industry in Region XII as a SubCommittee of EDC XII”.

The region’s CFDIP will be integrated in the national CFIDP, which the PCA Board will review and endorse to the Office of the President. The plan is expected to be approved by the President on July 13, 2021.

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NIA-South Cotabato IMO formally turns over 8 irrigation projects to farmers in South Cotabato

By Ms. Meriel P.Arado, PRA B, NIA SCIMO

Koronadal City, South Cotabato“Irrigation helps to grow agricultural crops, maintains landscapes, and revegetates disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of less than average rainfall”. True to its mandate, NIA remains committed to providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation services to the farmers of South Cotabato Province despite the CoVID-19 pandemic.

NIA-South Cotabato Irrigation Management Office (SCIMO) facilitated a mass turnover ceremony of the completed irrigation projects to Irrigators’ Associations (IA) of South Cotabato on April 21, 2021. This is to allow the IAs to take full responsibility in the operation and maintenance of eight completed

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irrigation projects assigned to their respective IAs in the area.

These projects with a total amount of PhP26.60 Million include the: 1) Silway 7 CIS in PolomolokPhP3 Million, 2) MagsaysayPolomolok CIS in PolomolokPhP4-million, 3) Supon CIS in Koronadal- PhP1.5-million, 4) Bolo SIP in Lake Sebu- PhP2.2million, 5) Buenavista CIS in Surallah- PhP2.83-million, 6) Lake Sebu CIS in Lake SebuPhP1.7-million, 7) T’bong SIP in Lake Sebu- PhP3-million, and 8) Koronadal Proper SIP in Polomolok -PhP8.37 Million, all in the Province of South Cotabato.

Capping the mass turnover ceremony was the signing of turnover documents with NIASCIMO Division Manager Engr.

Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

Ma. Luz B. Laud, IA Officers and Local Government Units’ Officials.

These completed irrigation facilities are designed to provide timely and reliable irrigation water to supply additional agricultural land, benefitting the farmers and their families in the Province of South Cotabato.

Indeed, with the full operation and management of these 8 irrigation projects, the concerned IAs will be able to sustain and maintain efficient water supply for the production of agricultural crops, increase the productivity of our farmers and ensure a stable supply of farm commodities in South Cotabato Province.

DA 12 dishes out P878-K livelihood projects to IPs in Kalamansig, SK

By DA Info Team

The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 once again brought its agricultural services closer to the far-flung communities in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on May 22, 2021.

The “Barangay Extension Service Operation” (BESO) Program, a brainchild of DA 12 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen, distributed over PhP 878 thousand worth of farm inputs to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Brgy. Santa Clara.

Together with DA’s attached bureaus and agencies, the 6th Infantry Division, 37th Infantry Battalion, Koronadal City Eagles Club (KCEC), Sultan Kudarat State University and local government unit of Kalamansig, DA 12 Director Arlan Mangelen led the distribution of livelihood support services.

These livelihood projects include hybrid corn and vegetable seeds, urea and organic fertilizers,

planting materials, garden tools, sheep, carabao, upgraded goats, tilapia fingerlings and fishing materials distribution and mushroom production and food processing training, and food packs.

In his keynote speech, Director Mangelen said that the BESO Program will help the agency reach out to more communities to be served in the region.

“Ang pinaka rason kung bakit natin binuo ang BESO Outreach Program ay upang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang serbisyo ng ating gobyerno at makita natin kung papaano makatutulong sa kanila ang ating mga proyekto,” stated Director Mangelen.

“Gusto nating mapanatiling sapat ang pagkain natin sa bansa...

Isa ang BESO Program sa mga magagandang inisyatibo ng DA 12 upang masigurong magiging food-secure ang bawat barangay

sa ating rehiyon,” he added.

The official also discussed with the IPs the “8 Paradigms and 12 Key Strategies to level up Agriculture” of Agriculture Secretary William Dar and urged them to register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, the DA’s electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers, and fishers.

“Mas maraming makikinabang ngayon sa ating mga programa at proyekto... Wala pong magsasaka at mangingisda ang mapagiiwanan sa ating rehiyon,” he concluded.

To cap the turnover activity, a ceremonial toast of milk was raised to further promote milk as one of the agricultural commodities that could address malnutrition among children in the region.

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DOLE 12 virtual TNK Job and Business Fair in SOX registers 3,869 applicants, rolls-out free vaccination to priority A4

By Chris D. Gamboa, DOLE XII

One of the lucky A4 beneficiaries receives the first dose of Sinovac vaccine as witnessed by RD Raymundo Agravante and ARD Arlene Bisnon.

Koronadal City- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 conducted an online Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fair in line with the Labor Day celebration on 01 May 2021 in Koronadal City.

This year’s celebration had the theme, “Mayo Uno sa Bagong Panahon-Manggagawa at Mamayan Babangon Susulong,” The said online employment facilitation powered by WorkBank generated a total of 3,869 jobseekers and posted 1,279 qualified applicants.

Of the total applicants, 48 were considered, 28 were referred to Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) XII for skills training, and 32 to the Department of Trade and

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Industry (DTI) XII for business opportunities.

On the same day, DOLE 12 facilitated the conduct of Symbolic Vaccination Roll-out to selected priority A4 (frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel) at the Notre Dame of Marbel University Gymnasium. The symbolic vaccination was pursuant to the National Task force Against COVID-19 (NTFAC) memorandum issued on 29 April 2021 directing the DOLE and the Department of Health (DOH) to provide free vaccines to at least ten (10) A4 workers in the regional offices.

“Malipayon ko kag gapasalamat sa DOLE sa free vaccines laban sa COVID-19 kay makahatag ini proteksiyon sa amon habang gatrabaho kag gaserbisyo sa

Regional Development Updates | April - June 2021

commuters,” said Realine Blingco, a lady conductor in one of the bus companies in the region. (I am really happy and thankful for the free vaccines provided by DOLE. This will ensure health protection while I continue working and serving the commuting public.)

DOLE 12 Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said that “this Labor Day seems to be challenging for both the public servants and the workers who continue to fight the effects of the pandemic. The Department assured the labor force that livelihood, employment assistance, and health protection is in place for the benefit of economic generators, the Filipino workers”.

Resolutions from the 73rd Regional Development Council XII Meeting To achieve a more resilient SOCCSKSARGEN Region, adaptive changes in plans and programs have to be made. With this, RDC XII passed various resolutions, including the endorsement of plans, support for the formation of essential bodies, and the facilitation of activities that yield vital data. These resolutions include the following: 1.

RDC XII Resolution No. 60, s. of 2021 Endorsing Region XII’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) 2021-2025 The PCA Regional Office XII coordinated the formulation of the CFDIP for 2021-2025, which aims to increase coconut production and the profits of the empowered and innovative coconut farmers in Region XII. The Council endorsed the said plan for final review and endorsement of the PCA Board and approval of the President.

2.

RDC XII Resolution No. 65, s. of 2021 Supporting the Revitalization of the BIMP-EAGA Sub-Committee The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a sub-regional economic cooperation established in 1994. The purpose was to spur economic development in the underdeveloped and geographically remote areas in the four-member countries, in which Mindanao and the province of Palawan are covered for the Philippines. To facilitate crossborder cooperation and economic activities for Region XII, the BIMP-EAGA Sub-Committee was organized under the Economic Development Committee. However, the Committee became inactive and was confronted with a leadership vacuum. With the revitalization of the Committee, more plans and programs that would benefit SOCCKSARGEN Region and the rest of the BIMP Area shall be formulated.

3.

RDC XII Resolution No. 76, s. of 2021 Enjoining All Local Government Units in SOCCSKSARGEN Region to Implement and Conduct the Community-Based Monitoring System in SOCCSKSARGEN Region in 2022 CBMS is an organized technology-based system of collecting, processing, and validating necessary disaggregated data that may be used for planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring at the local level while empowering communities to participate in the process. Recognizing its great importance, RDC XII enjoined all LGUs in the Region to implement and conduct the CBMS in 2022.

For the complete list of resolutions passed during the 73rd RDC XII Meeting held on June 24, 2021 via videoconference, just scan this code or click here.

April - June 2021 | Regional Development Updates

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