Regional Development Updates | Volume 19 No. 3 | July to September 2021

DOTR Sec. Tugade leads GSC air and sea ports facilities inauguration

SOCCSKSARGEN succesfully celebrates 2021 RDC week amid pandemic

IN THIS ISSUE

EDITORIAL BOARD

Volume 19 No. 3 | July - September 2021

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresita Socorro C. Ramos

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR Carmel P. Matabang

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ma. Lulu E. Valencia

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Romel Patrick E. Tanghal Guillermo R. Manrique, Jr. Desiree T. Jacinto Sandra J. Alido 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 Cherry Mae T. Distor Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas John Dasser Niervo Dulin LAYOUT ARTIST/CIRCULATION MANAGER Apollo Y. Manlawe Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Mae M. Labawan Ricardo L. Lamorena SOCSKSARGEN ADPO DOE-MFO | DAR XII DPWH SK 1st DEO 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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

DOTR Sec. Tugade leads GSC air and sea ports facilities inauguration Message of the Chairperson and Editorial President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurates Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital SOCCSKSARGEN journey towards the reduction of teenage pregnancy

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Mandanas-Garcia Ruling Effect: RDC XII’s Annual Investment Program for CY 2023 down to PhP 103.23 Billion from PhP 225.1 Billion in 2022

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RSC XII accepts nominations for SOCV 2021

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RHUs enjoined to apply for Philhealth accreditation to provide Konsulta Package benefits

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DOE-MFO cracks down on illegal LPG-refilling activity in Cotabato

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RDC XII endorses MIADP to NEDA-ICC

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NCCA orients RDC 12 members on the Heritage Law; the Local Culture and Arts Council members on cultural profiling

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NEDA XII celebrates 47th Nutrition Month virtually Women farmers of Lake Sebu receive processing facility from DAR

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Secretary Chua visits NRO XII, inspires staff to “do more”

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Resolutions from the 74th Regional Development Council XII Meeting

RPMC XII deliberates on projects facing delays in Sultan Kudarat

RDC Week Celebration Special Edition

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SOCCSKSARGEN successfully celebrates 2021 RDC Week amid pandemic Balik Scientist Awardee conducts lecture on COVID-19 vaccines DPWH XII champions AmBisyon Natin 2040 music video rendition BI-Glan tops Best MHP competition LGU Sarangani wins Toursim Vlogging contest LTO XII adjudged as CheerZoomba champion DHSUD XII claims top spot for Virtual Quiz Bowl EDC XII wins Digital Poster Making contest MEDAFC secures Executive Chess Tournament Championship

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 | July - September 2021

OUR COVER

Our cover shows the inauguration of General Santos City air and sea ports led by DOTr Secretary Tugade and the activities of the 2021 RDC Week Celebration.

DOTR Sec. Tugade leads GSC air and sea ports facilities inauguration

By SOCSKSARGEN ADPO

GENERAL SANTOS CITY Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade headed the inauguration ceremonies of the development projects at General Santos Airport and the Port Operations Building (POB) Amenity Complex of Makar Port on September 23, 2021. He was joined by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago together with Cong. Shirlyn BañasNograles and representatives from the Local Government Unit of General Santos, Department of Tourism 12, Department of Trade and Industry 12, the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., private sector organizations, and the SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project Office (ADPO).

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade during the inauguration ceremonies of the General Santos City Airport and Port Operations Building Amenity Complex of Makar Port on September 23, 2021. (Photo: SOCSKSARGEN ADPO)

Sec. Tugade stressed the importance of General Santos City (GSC) as one of the influential economic centers in the southern part of the country. GSC Airport

Among the development projects inaugurated at the GSC Airport are the newly rehabilitated Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) and expanded apron. The

Aerial view of the General Santos City Makar Port (Photo: SOCSKSARGEN ADPO)

is among the key gateways in Mindanao while Makar Port is a crucial infrastructure that facilitates the logistics and movement of sea cargo to and from the city and the rest of the country.

PTB now has an expanded floor area of 12, 240 sq.m. from 4,000 sq.m., increasing annual passenger capacity from 800 thousand to 2 million – almost double its pre-pandemic annual passenger capacity of 1.015 million. The expanded apron, which was increased to seven (7) parking bays, can now simultaneously DOTR Sec. Tugade P9

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Message of the RDC XII Chairperson The theme of this year’s RDC Week is RISE or “Revitalization, Innovation, for the Safe Reopening of the economy towards a healthy and resilient SOCCSKSARGEN”. We emphasize here the importance of a safe reopening of the economy as both a goal and a strategy.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, RDC XII passed various resolutions and adopted the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Recovery Plan 20202022 to control and address the effects of the disease. With a firm belief that vaccination is of primary importance to achieve the Region’s goal, the Council passed Resolution No. 106, “Requesting all LGUs to Provide Cold Chain/ Storage Facilities for Vaccine Supplies, Establish Additional Vaccination Sites, Conduct Mobile Inoculation to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas, and Intensify Education Campaign on Vaccination”

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

The effects of the efforts of the different sectors is evident in the 3rd quarter statistics. According to the Department of Health Region XII COVID-19 cases monitoring as of September 30, the Region showed a 51% decline in COVID-19 cases and 234% of recoveries compared to the previous quarter this year. This is coupled by the more lenient General Community Quarantine qualification for the Region for most of the 3rd quarter, and the evident reopening of more businesses.

But still, we should not let our guards down. As health experts constantly remind us, vaccination does not give immunity. It will only lessen the possibility of getting the severe effects of the disease. The safe reopening of the economy lies in our hands, that is, in each and every person of SOCCSKSARGEN.

Editorial Is federalism necessary?

From Jose Rizal to President Rodrigo Duterte, federalism has been the subject of discussions. However, administration after administration, the shift to federalism failed.

The goals of the said mode of government’s vanguards include the promotion of economic prosperity in the regions through mechanisms that will facilitate more funding support and the decentralization and devolution of more powers.

Teresita Socorro C. Ramos Regional Director, NEDA XII

But in 2018 came Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia Ruling on local government shares on internal revenue allotment. In effect, starting 2022, LGUs will receive 27.61 percent additional funds or around P234.39 billion more from the national government.

Furthermore, in June of this year, President Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 138. The EO provides for the devolution of more powers, functions, and services to the LGUs. Committees on devolution at the national and regional levels were created to assist the LGUs and the national government agencies in instituting the changes and managing the transition. In support of this, during RDC XII’s 74th meeting, the Council recognized the Committee on Devolution XII as one of its special committees.

With the presence of the ruling and the EO, more funds shall now be available, and more powers would be devolved.

Is there still a need to push for federalism then?

RDC XII is fully supportive of this devolution in the light of achieving a more inclusive regional growth. Let us give this a chance.

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurates Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital

By Evie Arabis Cabulanan, NEDA XII - DRD

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulated Governor Suharto T. Mangudadatu for this accomplishment during the inauguration of the newly constructed Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital on Sept. 24, 2021. (Photo: https:// www.facebook.com/pemotourism/)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the inauguration of the newly constructed Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital last September 24, 2021, a project of the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat under the leadership of the Honorable Governor Suharto T. Mangudadatu.

In the inaugural message of the President, he urged everyone to come together as one to address the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The President mentioned that various policy developments supportive of the local government units were introduced during his administration.

However, in the midst of this pandemic, he prioritized the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law. President Duterte congratulated Governor Mangudadatu for his accomplishment. The President

was enthralled by the remarkable design of the new hospital building of Sultan Kudarat. Its amazing architectural structure is proof that Sultan Kudarat Province, once part of the Cotabato empire, shows signs of progress as a budding key province of Region 12.

This state-of-the-art facility will provide affordable quality health services to the people. To better equip the facility, President Duterte committed to provide a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine for speedy and better diagnostic capability. The constituents in the area and nearby municipalities need not to go to Manila for MRI testing once this machine is available in the new hospital.

Notwithstanding, he advised the people to continue observing health protocols such as wearing of face mask, social distancing and handwashing among others.

Senator Lawrence Go, Health Undersecretary Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr, Sultan Kudarat 1st District Representative Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran, Local Chief Executives from Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao Province, and representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) graced the inaugural event.

The new Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital is a 4-storey hospital building located along the national highway in the municipality of Isulan.

On the observance of health protocol, Duterte said that he will relax the policy on the use of face shields. Face shields shall be made mandatory in close crowded places, but not required in open spaces and where people are less.

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SOCCSKSARGEN journey towards the reduction of teenage pregnancy

By Evie Arabis Cabulanan, NEDA XII - DRD KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Rising teenage pregnancy is becoming a national emergency throughout the country especially in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Thus, the region had pushed a number of initiatives to address the adverse effect of teenage pregnancy in the life of an adolescent.

In the civil registration and vital statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the region recorded 10,499 and 11,126 teenage live births in calendar year 2018 and 2019, respectively, with an overall annual increase of six percent. The age group 15-19 had the highest teen birth rate at 99 percent, while the remaining one percent belonged to the 10-14 age group. Slight decline is noted in the 10-14 age group, from 144 number of teen births in 2018 to 117 teen births in 2019 or a decrease by 27 births.

Furthermore, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey in 2017, the total fertility rate in the region was high at 3.4 compared to the national rate of 2.7 percent. The report also showed that wanted fertility rate at 2.7 is above the replacement fertility level of 2.1 which means that women in the region, on the average, have more than 2 wanted births. Teenage childbearing or women 15 to 19 who already experienced having a live birth or got pregnant with their first child is likewise high at 14.5 percent, placing the region as 3rd highest in the country.

Looking at the initiatives of the government in addressing this issue on high teen pregnancy in the region, Regional Development Council (RDC) XII passed Resolution No. 69, series of 2020, supporting the

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creation of Adolescent Health and Development Program Technical Working Group (TWG) under the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) XII. The TWG’s work focuses on policy formulation and implementation to support issues and concerns of adolescents. The TWG headed by the Department of Health XII already conducted four meetings since its organization in October 2020. An Action Plan was also

prepared towards reducing teenage pregnancy. There is also a move to institutionalize the functional teen centers and adolescent health and development facilities in the region.

All these initiative will be monitored through a monitoring tool.

Two LGUs namely, the cities of General Santos and Tacurong submitted their Expression of Interest and was subsequently approved to avail of technical assistance from The Challenge Initiative (TCI) initiated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which builds on the demonstrated success of the Gates Foundation’s Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (URHI). It is a “business unusual approach” that empowers cities to rapidly and sustainably scale-up best practices on family planning solutions for the urban poor. This is in collaboration with the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and

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Zuellig Family Foundation, mainly to address the rising cases of teen pregnancy.

POPCOM XII also promoted the Philippine Population and Management Program with various local chief executives in order to forge partnership agreements for their support and commitment to the population program. Likewise, capability building was conducted for the Department of Education, population workers and other stakeholders on comprehensive sexuality education and related adolescent health programs. Other programs implemented were the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) demand generation activities such as mother classes, family development session, pre-marriage counselling, provision of family planning services and efficient repositioning of FP commodities. The production and distribution of information education campaign (IEC) materials on family planning, RPRH adolescent health development, HIV/AIDS, and related materials were also undertaken.

Finally, the region supports the celebration of Family Planning this month of August. “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning” is the theme of the celebration which is anchored on the key messages of Practice Safe Sex, HIV-free Pinas and Pamilyang Planado Protektado.

SOCCKSKSARGEN Region is hoping for the successful implementation of all these initiatives towards the reduction of teenage pregnancy and lowering of fertility rate to reach demographic dividend.

Mandanas-Garcia Ruling Effect: RDC XII’s Annual Investment Program for CY 2023 down to PhP 103.23 Billion from PhP 225.1 Billion in 2022

By Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII - PDIPBD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Regional Development Council (RDC) XII recently conducted a two-day Consultation-Workshop for the Updating and Review of the CY 2023 Annual Investment Program (AIP) on August 19-21, 2021 through video conference. The region has a total of PhP 103.23 Billion of investment requirements for 2023.

For CY 2023, the AIP updating incorporated the necessary adjustments and interventions arising from the public health emergency brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in transition towards the new normal to ensure that plans and investment programs remain up to date. The implementation of the Supreme Court Ruling on the MandanasGarcia Petition was also taken into consideration.

The proposals included programs and projects that are supportive of Executive Order 70 series of 2018; Executive Order (EO) 114 and also aligned with the development objectives and targets in the

Philippine/Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022 Midterm Update, SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Recovery Plan, 2020-2022, 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and AmBisyon Natin 2040.

consultation with stakeholders and the additional items from the representatives of provinces/cities and congressional districts on the first day of the workshop were considered.

The Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, on the other hand, takes into account the devolution of expanded fiscal space and Program and Project (PAP) implementation to the Local Government Units (LGU) to strengthen LGU capacity, enhance transparency and accountability, and improve decentralization in the country.

RDC XII Sectoral Committees convened and served as clearing houses for the review and endorsement of their respective sector AIPs. The Social Sector posted the largest investment requirement share at 53% followed

by Infrastructure at 28% and the Economic and GID/Peace Security Sectors at 16% and 3% respectively. The Sectoral Committees were also able to identify their top ten priority projects following certain criteria such as responsiveness, impact, and cost among others. The region shall select its top priority projects from among the priority projects of each sector.

The said ruling trimmed down the Annual Investment Proposals of Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) needing National Government Funding to PhP 103.23 Billion, a cut of more than 50% from last year’s PhP225.1 Billion investment proposals.

The consultation-workshop was actively participated by a total of 46 agencies and 5 SUCs. Proposals generated both from each entity’s prior

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RSC XII accepts nominations for SOCV 2021

By Ricardo L. Lamorena

NEDA XII-PFPD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Search for Outstanding COVID-19 Volunteers (SOCV) 2021 in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region for individual and organization volunteers has commenced.

The annual search highlights and recognizes the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism during this time of the pandemic. This activity is being undertaken by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in partnership with NEDA XII which heads the Regional Search Committee (RSC). The RSC XII is now accepting nominations for SOCV 2021 for individual and group/ organization categories.

The objectives of the SOCV are the following: ( a) recognize the contributions of individual and group volunteers (including

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organizations) to the COVID-19 response; (b) promote the experiences and good practices of these volunteers in responding to a pandemic; and (c) encourage the general public to continuously engage in volunteer work even in non-emergency/disaster situations. The announcement of the winners of SOCV2021 will be done during the National Volunteer Month (NVM), which is celebrated every December.

In addition, the PNVSCA has launched two other contests.

First is the Spoken Word Poetry Contest, an original poetry composition contest recited by the author in a video recording to be submitted to PNVSCA, maximum of 3.5 minutes. Second is the VolunTINIG: Promoting Volunteerism through Culture”, a song translation contest of the Philippine Volunteers March in different local languages of the Philippines. According to NEDA XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, who also chairs

Regional Development Updates | July - September 2021

the RSC XII, the Committee is already accepting nominations in order to recognize the exemplary efforts of the individual or group volunteers. She invited the regional and local stakeholders to nominate people or organizations that promoted and practiced volunteerism especially during the time of the pandemic. “We will be accepting nominations until October 15, 2021 and the period of the volunteer undertakings should be October 2020-September 2021,” said RD Ramos. Interested parties may visit the PNVSCA FB page (http:// www.facebook.com/PNVSCA) or contact the NEDA XII Secretariat through telephone: (083) 8873588 or email: nro12@neda.gov. ph.

Aerial view of the new facility, composed of a Port Operations Building which houses the Port Integrated Clearance Office, a onestop-shop for all PPA transactions.

(Photo: SOCSKSARGEN ADPO)

RHUs enjoined to apply for Philhealth accreditation to provide Konsulta Package benefits

By Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, enjoined rural health units (RHU) to apply for Philhealth accreditation to be able to provide Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package benefits to Philhealth members, during its 74th Regular Meeting on September 23, 2021.

The accreditation is an important process to assess the readiness of the facility in the implementation of the Konsulta Package.

This package was expanded to provide comprehensive outpatient benefits to all Filipinos as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law or Republic Act 11223.

RSDC XII Chair Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis presented the Resolution for support of RDC XII during the Council’s Meeting on Sept. 23, 2021.

It covers individual-based health services including initial and follow-up primary care consultations, health screening and assessment, access to selected diagnostic services, and medicines.

The resolution to enjoin RHUs to apply for accreditation was passed during the 3rd Quarter Meeting of

the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII and was subsequently supported by the full council.

The rural health units’ accreditation and the Konsulta Package shall be fully discussed in the 4th Quarter meeting of the RSDC.

DOTR Sec. Tugade P3 accommodate two (2) additional wide-bodied aircrafts. These improvements in the GSC Airport would enable the airport to handle more traffic and bigger aircrafts. During the construction phase, jobs were also opened to some 380 individuals, and

more employment opportunities will be made available as future developments will be carried out at the airport.

Meanwhile, the POB Amenity Complex is a state-of-theart facility that will ease the movement of vessels, cargo, and other seaport-related traffic. The new facility is composed of a Port Operations Building which houses the Port Integrated Clearance Office, a one-stopshop for all PPA transactions like Marine and Terminal Services, Berthing, Public

Assistance and Complaints, and Assessment and Collection Services, among others.

Through the constant efforts of the DOTR, CAAP, and PPA and the continued monitoring done by the SOCSKSARGEN ADPO, these facility improvements at the GSC Airport and Makar Port were realized. These continuing development activities will play a vital part in the comprehensive transformation of SOCSKSARGEN Region’s air and sea transportation.

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DOE-MFO cracks down on illegal LPG-refilling activity in Cotabato

By DOE-MFO

Photo: DOE-MFO

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato – As part of intensified efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE) to eradicate illegal, unsafe and dangerous activities in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, the DOE-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO) dispatched a team on July 27-31, 2021 for a joint inspection/investigation, with members of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MPS), PRO 12, and validated a complaint lodged through the 8888 Citizens Complaint Center on an alleged illegal LPG refilling activity taking place in Purok 7, Central Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

Two unidentified men were caught in the act of refilling 11-kg LPG cylinders from inverted 50-kg LPG cylinders. The police contingent of the joint team attempted to apprehend these men, who, unfortunately, managed to elude arrest. The team, however, was able

to confiscate 50 filled 50-kg LPG cylinders; 23 empty 50-kg cylinders; 16 filled 11-kg LPG cylinders, 376 empty 11-kg LPG cylinders; and seven 11-kg cylinders that were attached to the inverted 50kg cylinders; totaling 73 of 50kg cylinders; 399 multi-brand 11-kg cylinders; with two weighing scales, and 15 decanting devices/hoses.

All recovered pieces of evidence were turned over to the Midsayap MPS, PRO12 for temporary safekeeping, while administrative and criminal charges are being prepared.

The DOE-MFO is closely working with the local authorities of Midsayap in identifying the men involved, as well as all other persons responsible for the illegal LPG refilling operation.

To ensure the safety and welfare of the consuming public, the DOE continues to monitor and strictly

enforce existing downstream oil industry rules and regulations, and closely coordinates with and assists law enforcement agencies in the implementation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, “An Act Defining and Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical to the Public Interests and National Security Involving Petroleum and/or Petroleum Products, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for Other Purposes”.

Meanwhile, the DOE is appealing to the public to remain vigilant in reporting illegal activities involving petroleum products to the authorities.

Aside from being unlawful, the Department would like to reiterate that acts such as illegal LPG refilling are highly dangerous and pose threats to lives and properties.

NCCA orients RDC P12 Executive Director, Al Ryan S. Alejandre of NCCA thanked everyone for participating in the webinar. RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA XII, also conveyed her appreciation to the NCCA team

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for mounting this collaborative undertaking with RDC XII. She further expressed optimism that the submission of cultural profiles to NCCA by the LGUs, and the number of registered cultural properties

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shown in the MAPAMANA for Region XII be substantially increased as an offshoot of this undertaking.

RDC XII endorses MIADP to NEDA-ICC

By Aurel Raymund P. Betque, NEDA XII - PDIPBD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - A multi million project to alleviate poverty and specifically uplift socioeconomic conditions of the indigenous peoples in Mindanao was approved by Regional Development Council (XII) and endorsed to the NEDA Investment Coordinating Committee.

RDC XII endorsed the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) last September 24, 2021 during its 74th Regular Meeting via videoconference . This project was initially endorsed by the Economic Development and Regional Social Development Committees (EDC-RSDC) through Joint Resolution No. 2 series of 2021 last July 16, 2021.

The project was conceptualized by the Department of Agriculture for implementation for the period 2022-2027 covering selected ancestral domains in Regions IX, X, Xl, Xll, Xlll, and BARMM targeting the Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs)

and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the eligible ancestral domains recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

For Region XII, the IPs in the provinces of Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat are among the target beneficiaries of the project. However, along with the endorsement of MIADP during the 74th RDC XII meeting, the Council also endorsed the inclusion of Sarangani Province as beneficiary considering the number of IPs in the locality.

The Sangunian Panlalawigan already passed a resolution fully supporting the intervention.

The DA-MIADP is undergoing deliberation and review by the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and requires endorsement from the RDCs. Thus, the passage of RDC XII Resolution No. 103 series of 2021, which formally endorsed the DA-MIADP will complete the requirement for the approval of said project.

The MIADP is the Department of Agriculture’s response to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to address the lingering poverty among the indigenous peoples in Mindanao by improving their socioeconomic condition through an inclusive and sustainable development process. DA will implement the project in close coordination with the NCIP and the participating local government units.

The project amounts to US$ 125.00 Million or PhP 6.250 Billion with 80% loan component from World Bank, while the remaining 20% of the total project cost will come from the proponent agency, participating LGUs, and IPOs. The RDC is optimistic that the project will fulfill its objective to sustainably increase agricultural productivity, resiliency, and access to markets and services of organized farmers and fisherfolks in selected ancestral domains in Mindanao.

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NCCA orients RDC 12 members on the Heritage Law; the Local Culture and Arts Council members on cultural profiling

By Eden F. Ridao, NEDA XII - DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), as part of its continuing collaboration with the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) and other stakeholders nationwide, conducted an orientation via webinar, on Republic Act 10066, otherwise known as The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) to the members of RDC 12 and the Local Culture and Arts Council (LCAC) on July 7, 2021 via video conference.

once they are registered”. This is also part of NCCA’s initiatives towards mainstreaming culture, heritage, and values in the existing programs and projects of agencies, other government instrumentalities and the local government units towards attaining the outcomes and targets set in Chapter 7 of the Philippine Development Plan, which pertains to Filipino Culture and Values towards Bayanihan.”

Around 100 members of RDC 12 and the LCACs from the four provinces of the region, including the secretariat, participated in the webinar.

On the other hand, Justin Ortega of NCCA said, “it is important to preserve our cultural heritage because it keeps our integrity as a people; and the best way to protect our cultural properties is to have them registered, thus, we have the PRECUP.”

According to Mr. Arli Joshua Atienza, NCCA-RDC Desk Officer, the said activity is part of NCCA’s efforts to intensify advocacy on the Heritage Law. He said, “the orientation includes sharing of information on the salient features of the law, the jurisdictions of the cultural agencies, the PRECUP, the kinds and classifications of our cultural properties, the processes involved in registering them, and the privileges that can be obtained

One of the prerequisites for the registration of cultural heritage is the declaration of the cultural properties by the concerned authorities. Mr. Emmanuel Mabagos of NCCA-PRECUP mentioned that anybody can participate in the cultural inventory. He stated that, “aside from the mandated agencies and LGUs, non-government organizations or private citizens can file a petition to declare a certain cultural property. But the petition

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has to be coursed through the LGUs where this property belongs, and it is important that said cultural property be identified and declared first at the local level, and eventually be submitted to the NCCA for national declaration.”

Shown during the webinar were the region’s entries in the TALAPAMANA, a publicly accessible database of the PRECUP, as well as the MAPAMANA, which is a statistical map showing the cultural properties available in the various LGUs in Region XII. A workshop participated mostly by LCAC representatives was done to enhance their understanding on the processes involved in the profiling of cultural sites and properties found in their respective localities. Each province (Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat) walked through the assigned PRECUP Form by filling it out as part of the exercise. Ms. Donna Eduardo and Ms. Micah Carando, both from NCCA, acted as resource persons and facilitators.

NCCA orients RDC P10

NEDA XII celebrates 47th Nutrition Month virtually

By Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Presidential Decree 491, series of 1974, designates July of every year as nutrition month to create awareness among Filipinos on the importance of nutrition.

Recognizing the role of nutrition in attaining the goal on human capital development, Regional Development Council XII enjoined support to this year’s celebration of the 47th Nutrition Month through Resolution No. 54, s. 2021 passed during its 73rd meeting on June 24, 2021.

This year’s theme is, “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1000 Days Tutukan!”

In celebration of the 47th Nutrition Month, NEDA XII conducted a virtual in-house program on July 21, 2021. The program kicked-off with a virtual zumba participated by 40 NEDA XII staff and two resource persons from the National Nutrition Council XII.

Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, in her message, stressed the importance of breastfeeding, as well as, of good nutrition in fighting the threat of COVID-19 virus. She, herself, has breastfed two of her children. She encouraged younger mothers or soon-to-be-mothers in NEDA XII to breastfeed their future babies for better health.

Other activities included playing of videos to raise awareness on the 10 Kumainments and the importance of the first 1000 days of a child. Highlights of the program were lectures on Understanding the First 1000 Days and Nutrition Amidst the COVID-19 by Ms. Danah Pearl Aurel and Leah Fe Utlang,

respectively, both are Nutrition Officers from NNC XII. A nutrition quiz was conducted which was participated in by all staff, followed by short presentations of cooking vlogs featuring the in-house cooking skills of some staff.

Assistant Regional Director Carmel P. Matabang, in closing, recognized the display of joy and spirit of cooperation from the various divisions of NEDA XII. She encouraged everyone to eat well and to eat nutritious food to strengthen the immune system.

RPMC XII deliberates P14 The project engineers of the implementing agencies, as well as representatives from the Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) of the Province of Sultan

Kudarat were present during the meeting to validate and respond to the issues and concerns affecting the project implementation. After the problem-solving session

facilitated by the RPMC XII, recommendations were generated for appropriate action of all concerned agencies to facilitate completion of the projects.

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RPMC XII deliberates on projects facing delays in Sultan Kudarat

By Lucy Mae M. Labawan, NEDA XII -PMED

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII conducted its 3rd Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session (PSS) through virtual mode on September 9, 2021 to discuss and deliberate on the status of projects implemented in the province of Sultan Kudarat that were facing delays.

Nine projects were subjected to PSS, which include three ROLLIT projects, three national road projects, two bridge projects, and one flood control project, with a total project cost of PhP 735.933 Million. Seven of these projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office XII while the remaining two (2) are being implemented by DPWH Sultan Kudarat 1st District Engineering Office.

Among the reasons cited for the delays are Right-of-Way (ROW) issues, inclement weather condition that causes flooding and unsuitable working site, and

Covid-19 pandemic that resulted to delays in the delivery of construction materials and work suspension when some workers get infected of Covid 19.

The unstable peace and order due to the presence of lawless elements along the Construction of Concrete Road in Limulan to Pusot Area Leading to Market and Processing Center in Support of Coffee, Coconut, and Corn Industries, Sta 2+845 - Sta 3+795 significantly hindered the progress of project implementation.

There were also areas within the project coverage that need slope protection measures which were not included in the program of works. This prompted the Committee to pass RPMC XII Resolution No. 21 “Enjoining DPWH XII to Propose a Construction of Slope Protection Structure for the Road in Limulan to Pusot Area”.

RPMC XII deliberates P13

Photo: DPWH SK 1st DEO

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Project Name: Widening of Permanent Bridges Sampao Br. (B00288MN) along Kidapawan-Allah Junction Road Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Project Cost: PhP 48,600,000.00 Physical Accomplishment: 31.06%

Regional Development Updates | July - September 2021

Photo: DPWH SK 1st DEO

Project Name: Construction of Flood Control Structure, Ala River Basin (Madanding Section) Location: Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat Project Cost: PhP 39,760,000.00 Physical Accomplishment: 75.28% Photo: DPWH XII SK 1st DEO

Project Name: Construction of Concrete Road in Limulan to Pusot Area Leading to Market and Processing Center in Support of Coffee, Coconut, and Corn Industries, Sta 2+845 - Sta 3+795; Location: Kalamasig, Sultan Kudarat Project Cost: PhP 101,325,000.00 Physical Accomplishment: 35.46% Photo: DPWH SK 1st DEO

Project Name: Construction of Concrete Road - Suben - Mangelen - Mangilala - Estrella - Panangilan Road in Support of Fishing and Allied Industries in Lake Buluan (Lutayan Portion) Extending Support to Muscovado Location: Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat Project Cost: PhP 99,395,000.00 Physical Accomplishment: 39.85% Project Name: Construction of Concrete Road - Tuka-Bai Saripinang Road in Bagumbayan SK in Support of Agri-Based Industries; Pineapple, Coffee, Rubber, Corn and Muscovado Processing Plant, Sta 3+030 - Sta 5+200 Location: Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat Project Cost: PhP 101,325,000.00 Physical Accomplishment: 49.50%

Photo: DPWH XII SK 1st DEO

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Women farmers of Lake Sebu receive processing facility from DAR

By DAR XII

LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over a processing facility to the Kestobong Women Association of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (KeWARB) in Brgy. Tasiman.

“The association sells the products not only in Lake Sebu but also to neighboring municipalities. The handicraft business of KeWARB gives women in Brgy. Tasiman means to earn additional income for their families,” Bueno said.

DAR-South Cotabato Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Evangeline Bueno said the facility was constructed to help the 35 women-farmers of KeWARB in processing “nito” vines into beautiful, handcrafted products.

Aside from rice and corn, handicrafts from “nito” grass are the main agriproducts of farmers in Lake Sebu.

Bueno said the farmers living in this area of Lake Sebu plant “nito,” a vine that they process and manufacture into handicraft products.

Bueno said the women farmers, with the help of their children and people in the community, manufacture bags, wallets, hats made from dried “nito” and sell them to the markets.

The processing facility was constructed last August 20 and was fully completed after a month.

It was funded through the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project amounting to 300,000 pesos.

“Under the VLFED project, we want to enhance the products of farmers through the provisions of appropriate facilities and equipment. We also provided them training on “nito” cultivation, product development, and business marketing to develop their farm enterprise and make their business operations profitable,” Bueno said.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Lorna Garde encouraged the association to take good care of the project and sustain it to benefit more women.

The association expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity given to them and committed to manage the business and ensure that the processing facility will serve its purpose.

The officers of Kestobong Women Association Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Brgy. Tasiman, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato with DAR South Cotabto CARPO for ARBDSP Lorna N. Garde and staff. At the background is the newly turned over processing center from DAR XII. (Photo: DAR XII)

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Regional Development Updates | July - September 2021

Secretary Chua visits NRO XII, inspires staff to “do more”

By Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas, NEDA XII-DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, Karl Kendrick T. Chua, visited the NEDA Regional Office XII on August 31, 2021.

Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos welcomed the Secretary and his team and expressed her appreciation to Chua for his effort to meet the NRO XII staff despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant Regional Director Carmel P. Matabang gave a brief presentation on the NRO XII manpower profile, which also encompassed the vaccination status of the staff and other matters that affected the organizational structure since the onset of the pandemic.

The region’s key development projects were presented by Ms. Sandra J. Alido, OIC Division Chief of the Project Development, Investment Programming, and Budget Division.

This was followed by the presentation of pressing regional and internal issues by Mr. Romel Patrick E. Tanghal, Division Chief of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division.

The report underscored the slow roll-out of vaccines and the absence of upgrading measures for the Makar Port as among Region XII’s pressing concerns needing Cabinet-level action. The Secretary assured the NRO that he would convey these

issues to the agencies concerned, and look into the internal issues raised by the staff.

In his keynote message, Secretary Chua shared his experience in Mt. Matutum, Lake Sebu, and even in the interior of Maguindanao province while putting together the Philippines Mindanao Jobs Report of the World Bank, prior to his stint in the government.

“I have fond memories, and I am glad to be back after five years. In a way, this area and the entire Mindanao is important to me and I am glad that slowly we see a lot of progress,” the Secretary conveyed.

The NEDA chief also challenged the staff to do more in these difficult times and implored the staff to respond to the challenge of going beyond what is expected of NEDAns. “We are in a very difficult time in this pandemic. We have to do more because nowhere in our recent history and generation have we seen such great suffering. I invite all of you to benchmark not with national agencies, but with international agencies and other countries that have really developed their bureaucracies to deliver more” Secretary Chua stressed the importance of having the end goal in mind by thinking of results and outputs, rather than inputs.

“It is very important that we produce results. In the end, it is not the number of meetings or reports or memos that we do. In the end, it is really the policy, program, or project that actually happened and made people’s lives better.”

Secretary Chua relayed that in the next planning cycle, he intends to put the future in the heart of what we are doing and craft our programs, projects and policies backwards in order to be prepared. This includes pursuing the NEDA Bill with a few improvements, especially on making plans mandatory, rather than recommendatory. He said that this will make NEDA’s work more connected to the budget process and to the eventual programs and policies.

Finally, he thanked NRO XII and all NEDAns for making his eighteen months in service “happy, bearable, and fulfilling.”

“I cannot deliver if the staff are not with me. And I find the regional offices among the most inspiring in my stay in NEDA.” Secretary Chua was joined

by Undersecretary Mercedita A. Sombilla of the Regional Development Group, Mr. Renzo Enrico Blanco and Ms. Monica Tricia Rivera of the NEDA Central Office.

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Resolutions from the 74th Regional Development Council XII Meeting This year’s RDC Week Celebration theme is Revitalization and Innovation for a Safe Economy

(RISE) towards a healthy and resilient SOCCKSARGEN. In line with this, here are some of the numerous resolutions that RDC XII passed to achieve the said goal: 1. RDC XII Resolution No. 92, s. of 2021 Endorsing the CY 2023 Annual Investment Program (AIP) to Agency Central Offices and Commission on Higher Education (for the State Universities and Colleges) 2. RDC XII Resolution No. 93, s. of 2021 Approving and Supporting the Priority Projects of SOCCSKSARGEN Region for CY 2023 The Council and its Sectoral Committees reviewed and discussed the CY 2023 programs and projects of regional line agencies, SUCs, and other national government instrumentalities. The final outputs were then endorsed to their COs and CHED for inclusion in their budget proposals. Among the identified priority PAPs is the construction of additional jail facilities with temporary treatment and monitoring facilitates, the establishment of agro-industrial hubs, the continuation of the General Santos International Airport Development Project, and the upgrading/ construction and equipping of the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital.

3. RDC XII Resolution No. 105, s. of 2021 Supporting the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Bill Once the bill is signed into law, the PSTOs shall be the principal instruments of technology transfer and development of technologybased enterprises of the government in the rural areas. Part of the offices’ functions is to implement DOST programs/projects on technology promotion and transfer, deliver technical and consultancy services, and other areas of concern that will benefit the people in the provinces.

4. RDC XII Resolution No. 106, s. of 2021 Requesting all LGUs to Provide Cold Chain/Storage Facilities for Vaccine Supplies, Establish Additional Vaccination Sites, Conduct Mobile Inoculation to GIDA Areas, and Intensify Education Campaign on Vaccination The resolution supports the vaccination program, which reduces severe cases and deaths from the COVID-19, and helps maintain the region’s health system capacity.

For the complete list of resolutions passed during the 74th RDC XII Meeting held on September 23, 2021, via videoconference, just scan this code or click here.

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