Regional Development Updates | Volume 19 Number 1 | January to March 2021

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SOCCSKSARGEN Lawmakers and RDC XII endorse PhP 201 Billion of Public Investments in FY 2022 Budget Proposals P.3

SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Economic Situationer 1st Quarter 2021 P.19

CONTENTS

Volume 19 | Number 1 | January - March 2021

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief TERESITA SOCORRO C. RAMOS

3 SOCCSKSRGEN Lawmakers and RDC XII endorse PhP201 billion of Public Investments in FY 2022 Budget Proposals

4 Message of the RDC XII Chairperson and Editorial

Executive Editor CARMEL P. MATABANG

5 Region 12 gets ready for COVID-19 vaccination

Associate Editor MA. LULU E. VALENCIA

6 POPCOM XII, program partners intensify teen pregnancy

Contributing Editors MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO ROMEL PATRICK E. TANGHAL GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR. LALAINE M. SAJELAN

8 Php1.8 billion budget programmed for SOCCSKSARGEN

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 MAY T. DISTOR CYRONE PAULE O. BANGONON LUCY MAE M. LABAWAN Layout Artist/Circulation Manager APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Contributors DILG XII DPWH XII DTI XII PIA XII POPCOM XII RONEL A. NARINGAHON The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, Prime Regional Government Center, Purok Mabuhay, Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 877-3588, Fax: (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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

prevention advocacy

General Hospital in 2022

9 USM exceeds Veterinary Medicine Licensure Exam national passing rate

10 RPMC XII conducts 1st Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session

12 DTI XII partners Shopee to market products of Region 12 13 SOCCSKSARGEN to receive Php1.24 billion Barangay Development Fund

14 NEDA XII joins Women’s Month Celebration 15 RDC XII conducts CY 2021 1st Q Meeting, endorses Kudos proposal for Port of Gensan

16 PDEA XII intensifies campaign against online illegal drug trade

18 Resolutions from the 72nd Regional Development Council XII Meeting

19 SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Economic Situationer

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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1st Quarter 2021

Shown on our cover the pie chart on how the Php201 billion was allocated to different sectors in the region and some of the RDC XII members who participated in the deliberation of FY 2022 Budget..

SOCCSKSARGEN Lawmakers and RDC XII endorse PhP 201 billion of Public Investments in FY 2022 Budget Proposals

By Aurel Raymund P. Betque, NEDA XII-PDIPBD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Eight major agencies in Region XII defended their FY 2022 budget proposals on February 18, 2021 during the consultation and review of FY 2022 budget proposals of agencies in SOCCSKSARGEN Region conducted by the RDC ExCom. The RDC XII Advisory Committee, which is comprised of the region’s Congresspersons, and the RDC XII Executive Committee also joined the RDC ExCom members in the budget review. The body endorsed to the respective central offices of the 8 major agencies in the region their priority programs and projects for Fiscal Year 2022. The forum also provided the members of both committees an opportunity to support the development priorities enunciated in the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP), the Regional Recovery Plan (RRP) Volume 2, as well as to generate support for policy recommendations needing legislation.

House Deputy Speaker Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Representative of the 2nd District of South Cotabato, served as the Convenor of the Region XII congresspersons.

Aside from Rep. Hernandez, personally present during the meeting were Rep. Joselito S. Sacdalan of the 1st District of Cotabato, Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan of the 2nd District of Cotabato, Rep. Jose I. Tejada of the 3rd

District of Cotabato, Rep. Rogelio D. Pacquaio of the Lone District of Sarangani, and Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles of the 1st District of South Cotabato. Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran of the 1st District of Sultan Kudarat, Rep. Horacio P. Suansing, Jr., and Rep. Alberto D. Pacquiao, of the OFW Party List were represented by their staffs.

COVID-19 pandemic.

The forum provided a venue for the congresspersons and the members of the ExCom to review the priority programs and projects included in the FY 2022 proposed budget of eight major agencies, viz: DPWH XII, DepEd XII, DSWD XII, DOH XII, CHED XII, DA XII, and CAAP-General Santos City. Proposals for the improvement of the General Undersecretary Mercedita A. Santos City International Airport Sombilla of the NEDA Regional and the operationalization of the Development Group, who Central Mindanao Airport located attended the joint meeting, in Tawan-Tawan, Mlang, Cotabato commended the convergence efforts among the region’s Province were also presented by the Department of Transportation congresspersons, the local government units, and the regional (DOTr) Central Office. line agencies in deliberating the Moreover, the FY 2021 Budget priority programs and projects Tracking Report was presented to that need to be pursued for the development of the region, which the members of the Joint AdCom she stated is a good practice that and ExCom. Data showed that for 2021, the regional line agencies’ should be sustained. She briefly shared the ReCharge PH, the government’s strategic recovery SOCCSKSARGEN... p17 plan from the effects of the January - March 2021 | Regional Development Updates

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Message of the RDC XII Chairperson Hon. Ronnel C. Rivera City Mayor, General Santos City We have come to this new year 2021, a year of hope for our region. We have surpassed so many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its effects are not over but we know we are now more resilient.

Rather than letting our guards down, let us continue all our efforts for the socioeconomic development of our region. That is why we have the theme for this issue, “Sustaining agility and resiliency towards recovery”. We have slowly regained our momentum and we will keep pushing until we totally get back on track to achieving our vision for a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat by 2040.

Well aware that in order to attain this, we need to work with each other. And so I highly encourage you to share this news bulletin to people you know. You can send these via different online media platforms. Let us together share the development updates of our region and see how we can contribute more to SOCCSKSARGEN. Kilos abante, Rehiyon Dose!

EDITORIAL Teresita Socorro C.Ramos Regional Director, NEDA XII

To get vaxed or not to get vaxed?

The country rolled out its vaccination program headed by the Department of Health. In the region, the first doses of vaccines arrived on March 5 and the vaccination began on March 7. But is everyone required to get “vaxed” (a short word for vaccinated)?

One of the aims of the government’s vaccination program is to lessen severe COVID-19 cases. The vaccine does not guarantee that a person will not acquire COVID-19. But it prevents a person from getting severe symptoms or from dying from the disease.

Vaccination is free. Due to the limited supply, DOH follows a certain prioritization scheme.

However, according to the Pulse Asia Survey from Feb 22 to March 23, 61% of Filipinos do not want

to get vaxed, citing doubts whether vaccines are safe to use or not as one of the reasons.

Those in the judiciary have varying opinions whether government can make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory. On one hand, Retired Supreme Court justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez said a person can use his/her right to privacy under Section 11, Article II of the Constitution to refuse vaccination.

Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas Bernabe also said government could not require COVID-19 vaccination, citing constitutional right to health as a basis.

On the other hand, University of the Philippines constitutional law professor Dan Gatmaytan said the state can invoke its constitutional police power by passing a law, citing the effect of the pandemic on the health care system as

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basis. In addition, the state also has Republic Act No. 10152 that made immunization against measles, mumps, and tuberculosis, among others, a requirement for infants and children. This law also invoked Section 15, Article II of the Constitution, that says the state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

On a final note, since there is no law yet requiring all Filipinos to get vaxed, currently, “to get vaxed is a choice”. If you get vaxed, that means you believe in the efficacy of the vaccines and all the information in the government’s campaigns on its benefits. If you still have doubts, it is your right to refuse. However, I believe vaccination is our main weapon against this virus. ‘Am getting vaxed! Are you?’

Region XII gets ready for COVID-19 vaccination

By Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – During its first quarter meeting on February 24, 2021 conducted via videoconference, the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII listened to the briefing of DOH XII on its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, including an assessment of the readiness of local government units to undertake the series of activities.

COVID-19 pandemic affected the general population over the past year and disrupted the economy as the country was declared under a State of National Health Emergency. For its part, the LGUs acted to contain the spread of the virus and lessen its adverse impact on the people through different levels of community quarantines.

At present, the government is trying to open up economic activities, and the people are getting used to the new normal, yet the fear and uncertainty remain.

Dr. Edvir Jane Montaňer, Medical Officer IV of the Department of Health XII presented a report on the COVID-19 immunization campaign and related activities for the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. She mentioned that the determination of recipients for

Region XII followed the same guiding principles adopted by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) Values Framework for the Allocation and Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccination.

The COVID 19 vaccination aims to bring about a direct reduction of mortality and morbidity and maintenance of most critical essential services. Also, other goals include substantial control of transmission, minimize disruption of socioeconomic and security functions, as well as resumption to near normal.

In consideration of COVID-19 vaccination goals, the priority eligible Group A shall consist of the following (1) frontline health workers, (2) indigent senior citizens, (3) remaining senior citizens, (4) remaining indigent population, and (5) uniformed personnel.

The priority eligible Group B: (1) teachers and social workers, (2) other government workers and other essential workers outside health, education, social welfare sector i.e. agriculture, food industry, transportation, tourism), (3) socio-demographic

groups at significantly higher risk outside senior citizens and indigenous peoples, (4) Overseas Filipino Workers, and (5) other remaining workforce. Finally, the eligible group C are the remaining populace including newborns.

On adverse events following immunization (AEFI), a health screening questionnaire shall consider these four (4) major points subject to identified indicators: Do Not Vaccinate, Deferral, Needs Clearance, and Special Precaution. All symptoms on AEFI, whether minor or serious, should be reported to the nearest facility for appropriate action.

As to the COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap, immunization will span for a period of three (3) years starting in 2021. Vaccination shall be administered in two doses by the vaccination team which shall be conducted at designated fixed posts.

In terms of readiness, LGUs were trained and oriented on the COVID-19 immunization campaign with 100 percent Region XII gets ready... p6

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POPCOM XII, program partners intensify teen pregnancy prevention advocacy

By Commission on Population XII

Region XII gets ready... p5 accomplishment. The training was conducted face-to-face and through online platforms. There were also line agencies oriented on the COVID-19 immunization.

Activities relative to planning/ coordination/financing; service delivery; vaccines/cold chain/ logistics; safety surveillance/ response; and, demand generation/social mobilization/ communication had already started.

On the question of whether private businesses can purchase the vaccine, Dr. Montaňer said that, per DOH guidelines, only the LGUs are allowed to access/ procure the vaccine.

In her message, Dr. Montaňer called on the support and cooperation of the entire population for the success of the COVID-19 vaccination as the SOCCSKSARGEN Region continues to adopt to the new normal and the resumption of economic activities.

DAVAO CITY- In line with the advocacy on the prevention of teen pregnancy in the region, the City Population Offices of General Santos and Koronadal, the provinces of Cotabato and South Cotabato, and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-SOCCSKSARGEN Chapter distributed the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) XII’s SPEAK-UP fans and leaflets to the young people in various areas such as plaza, malls and even in churches, in their respective cities and provinces, starting February 12 until Valentines Day on February 14.

distribution of these materials was led by the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) team of each of the city/population offices together with their peer educators and youth volunteers.

The SPEAK UP fans and teen pregnancy leaflets of POPCOM XII contain key messages on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, particularly on the prevention of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and AIDS. SPEAK UP stands for S-seek help from parents and peers/ guidance counsellors; P-practice responsible decision-making; E-empower yourself; A-accept your uniqueness and appreciate others; K-know that you are loved and accepted and know the consequences of your actions; U-understand the challenges around you; P-protect yourself against bullying, teen pregnancies and STIs & HIV/AIDS. The

In SOCCSKSARGEN region, data showed that there is slight decrease in pregnancies among minors (10-17) from 3,496 in 2018 to 3,394 in 2019. However, pregnancies for the entire adolescent population showed that there is a slight increase of 627 or 6% from 10,499 in 2018 to 11,126 in 2019 per live births by mothers aged 10-19, based on the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

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“National social emergency” was declared due to the high rate of teen pregnancy not just in the region, but also in the entire country. It calls for a sustained and proactive response among key stakeholders. Overall, the number of Filipino minors (10-17) who gave birth in 2019 increased to 62,510, which was slightly higher than the 62,341 minors in 2018, according to the PSA data.

Responding to this, POPCOM XII Regional Director, Engr. Edwin Mateo P. Quijano, emphasized the need for a prompt multistakeholders’ response to address this issue, as this requires more than a whole-of-government

approach. He reiterated his call to local government units, private sectors, academe, development partners and other relevant government agencies to collaborate closely to address this issue concerning the youth.

POPCOM XII believes that access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and access to sexual and reproductive health services should be intensified to address the issue on teen pregnancy.

At the national level, POPCOM Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH said that the national government agencies working on poverty reduction under the leadership of Social Welfare Secretary Rolando D.

The Peer Facilitators of the Teen Support Group of the City Population Management Office of Gen Santos City distributing SPEAK-UP fans and leaflets to young people in malls, and city plaza.

Bautista have already prioritized teenage pregnancy reduction as an important landmark in the roadmap to reduce poverty.

POPCOM, together with DSWD, and other agencies is looking forward to the rollout of social protection program for teen moms this year.

During the online press conference on February 17, 2021 held by POPCOM and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development

(PLCPD) which tackled the latest data on adolescent pregnancy and top concerns of women in the Philippines during the Covid-19 pandemic, POPCOM and PLCPD called for a full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law. Since 2011, the incidence of teenage pregnancy continued to rise. It is now time to make Family Planning services more accessible to teenage girls. No more children having children.

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PhP 1.8 billion budget programmed for SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital in 2022

By Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDAXII-DRD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato– Republic Act 11102 signed into law on October 26, 2018

by President Rodrigo R. Duterte mandates the establishment of the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital (SGH) in Surallah, South Cotabato and appropriates funds therefor.

Considering this situation, members of the RDC XII Advisory Committee underscored the importance of fasttracking the operationalization of SGH. This is to lessen the gap and increase the access to quality health care for the general population of Region XII.

The said law paved the way for the conversion of the Upper Valley Community Hospital located in Surallah, South Cotabato which is managed by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.

Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, Representative of the 2nd District of South Cotabato said that now is the opportune time to plan the upgrading of the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital to a 300-bed, Level 3 hospital. Cong. Hernandez recommended increasing the budget for SGH from PhP 89 Million to PhP 1.8 Billion for FY 2022. The bulk of the proposal covers the capital outlay for the upgrading of the facility that includes the establishment of a mental/psychiatric ward.

Based on the hospital-bed to population ratio, the region is at the tail end of attaining the desired ratio of 1:800. Other areas such as Sarangani registered very low bedto-population ratios of 1:5,638; South Cotabato, 1:900, and Sultan Kudarat at 1:893.

Given the recent turn-over of Cotabato City to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the region’s former premier hospital, the Cotabato Regional Medical Center is geographically situated, the gap in the desired standard bed-topopulation ratio has worsened.

Also, part of the proposal is for SGH to become a government-run COVID-19 testing facility in the region. Currently, private hospitals such as Dr. Arturo Pingoy Medical Center in Koronadal City and St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City serve as COVID-19 testing facilities.

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SGH has been identified and utilized as a COVID-19 quarantine/ isolation facility at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and is still used as such up to the present.

While discussion for its transfer of supervision from South Cotabato to DOH is on-going, the DOH XII has two projects for SGH amounting to PhP 6 Million, namely: a) Repair/ Renovation of Hospital, and, b) completion of UVCH CT Scan and completion of its operating and delivery room. Implementation however, is presently suspended due to the pandemic.

While in transition, the Change Management Committee for Human Resource and the Transition Committee represented by both parties, DOH, and South Cotabato Provincial Government were created.

The Transition Plan was finalized and signed through the direction of the Facilitation Team chaired by RD Josephine F. Cabrido-Leysa of the Department of the Interior and Local Governance (DILG) XII and Chairperson of the Regional InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF-EID) XII.

USM exceeds Veterinary Medicine Licensure Exam national passing rate

By Ronel A. Naringahon

Sealing its status as a Level IV University, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) registered a high passing rate of 60.00 percent in the Veterinarian Board Exam. USM’s rating is higher than the national passing rate of 41.95 percent. Eighteen out of 30 takers from the University are now Veterinary Doctors.

The following are the University’s alumni who were recently conferred as licensed veterinarians: Jeehan Danielle D. Balbuena, DVM; Jassy B. Bautista, DVM; Fritzgerald C. Duco, DVM; Geselle C. Facto, DVM; Kim C. Fueconcillo, DVM; Kurt John S. Gloriana, DVM; Jacquiline L. Juaban, DVM; Jeraldine A. Macaraeg, DVM; Jacquiline R. Madi, DVM; Dexter C. Panes, DVM; Mark Stephen B. Patarata, DVM; Jessa Dell A. Remonde, DVM; Sharmaine B. Somera, DVM; Jvcatz F. Telin,

DVM; Honey Grace F. Tolentino, DVM; Keneth Jay O. Toraja, DVM; Jeanevieve D. Torino, DVM; Normalija B. Usman, DVM.

CVM’s powerhouse faculty members spearheaded and monitored the review sessions of their examinees prior to the examination.

USM is among the 9 out of 23 higher education institutions (HEIs) offering Doctor of Veterinary Medicine that surpassed the national passing rate. The University ranked top three among the 23 HEIs with the highest passing percentage rate.

CVM is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified program and the University has been awarded as the Center of Development for Veterinary Medicine by the Commission of Higher Education.

Also, it passed the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines Level IV Phase 1 accreditation.

Dr. Rolando Garduque, the newly appointed Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), expressed his gratitude for the College’s recent achievement.

The CVM faculty members and staff commended the support of the University. Dr. Emerlie R. Okit, the former dean, also acknowledged the leadership of the University President, Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia for this achievement of USM.

All in all, two hundred ninetytwo (292) out of 696 takers successfully passed the Veterinarian Licensure Board Examination conducted on February 2-4, 2021 at the following major areas and cities: National Capital Region, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao.

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RPMC XII conducts 1st Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session

By Lucy Mae M. Labawan, NEDA XII-PMED

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII conducted its 1st Quarter Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session (PSS) on March 4, 2021 through videoconference.

Problems and issues affecting the implementation of government projects in the region, particularly in the Province of Cotabato and Kidapawan City, were discussed and strategies and policy measures were recommended to facilitate resolution of problems that hinder project completion.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII, including the Cotabato 2nd and 3rd District Engineering Offices, Department of Agriculture (DA) XII and representatives from the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of the Province of Cotabato, and Kidapawan City were involved in the deliberations to address the findings of the monitoring team on the following projects: 1.

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Road Widening Davao-Cotabato Road (Jct, Digos-Cotabato Section), Midsayap-Libungan and Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, KM1692+770, KM1693+370 KM1697+078, KM1697+540, KM1697+820, KM1703+456 KM1703+552, KM1703+573, KM1703+669, KM1705+876; NRJ Leading to Holy Cross Shrine, Brgy. Nueva Vida, M’lang, Cotabato; Road Widening Kidapawan-Calunasan-M’lang Road K1630+000-K1633+449; Construction of New Bridges-Pagalungan Parallel Bridge Along Davao-Cotabato Road (Jct. Digos-Cotabato Section) (Phase II), K1666+582- K1666+702, K1666+952-K1667+067 Bridge K1666+702-K1666+952; Concreting of New Igbaras-Patot-Farm to Market Road; Road Widening on Specific Locations Along Davao Cotabato Road (Jct. Digos Cotabato Section) K1594 +(-263) K1616 +146; Construction/Improvement of Access Roads leading to Trades and Industries and Economic Zones, Buayan-Lepaga Galunan Road in support of Cavendish Banana Project; Rehabilitation of Malabuan-Bato-Malungon-Laboce FMR; and Concreting of Sumbac-Unica Farm to Market Road

Road Right-of-way was on top of the major issues that affected the implementation and completion of the projects. The rest involved inclement weather, the Covid-19 Pandemic and electric post and water pipelines that obstruct construction works.

RPMC XII also noted the best practices employed by some of the project implementers worth replicating, particularly on the project “Construction/Improvement of Access Roads leading to Trades and Industries and Economic Zones, Buayan-Lepaga Galunan Road in support of Cavendish Banana Project”. The conduct of pre-construction meeting with stakeholders, explaining the advantages and benefits of the project prior to its actual implementation, and maintaining close coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders are some of the best practices that keep the project’s implementation within schedule.

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1

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In picture: (1) Rehabilitation of Malabuan-Bato-Malungon-Lacobe Farm-to-Market Road; (2) Construction/Improvement of Access Roads Leading to Trades and Industries and Economic Zones, Buayan-Lepaga-Gaunan Road in Support to Cavendish Banana Project, M’lang, Cotabato; (3) Road Widening – Kidapawan-Calunasan-Mlang; (4) Concreting of Sumbac-Unica Farm to Market Road; (5) Concreting of New Igbaras-Patot-Farm to Market Road.

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DTI-12 partners with Shopee to market products of Region 12

By DTI RO XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Department of Trade and Industry 12 (DTI12) in partnership with Shopee Philippines, one of the leading e-commerce platforms in the country, has marketed the products of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) of Region 12 in an online trade fair dubbed as Shopee x Treasures of Region 12: Tatak Pinoy! Virtual Trade Fair on February 19-21, 2021.

The conduct of the said fair was the first to have been organized

by DTI-12 in partnership with an e-commerce company for the national online trade fair that was participated by 80 MSMEexhibitors with about 350 food and non-food products.

Aside from the products of Region 12, DTI-Region 4A, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions (BDTP), Go Lokal!, and DTI / USAID’s Women Entrepreneurship Program were also featured in the Shopee platform as a campaign to support MSMEs and their local products.

On February 19, Shopee’s front page featured the “Tatak Pinoy!” campaign banner containing the logos of DTI and the said participating stakeholders. When clicked, the banner led the users to the Treasures of Region 12 microsite showcasing the best of the best of Region 12.

The Treasures of Region 12 as a physical fair was started by DTI12 in 2014 to showcase the variety of products from export-ready food items to high-quality arts, crafts, and furniture. But with the series of earthquakes that rocked Mindanao including Region 12 in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the conduct of the said fair was postponed.

This virtual fair is an innovation of DTI-12 to keep the MSMEs afloat and generate sales brought about by the calamity and pandemic.

“DTI-12 has collaborated with Shopee Philippines, to help the Region 12 MSMEs showcase their products thru a virtual trade fair in

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compliance with the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Jude Constantine S. Jaugan, regional director of DTI-12.

Among the highlighted products are coffee, tuna chicharon, and fruit-based value-added products since Region 12 is the largest coffee producer, the tuna capital and the fruit basket of Mindanao.

T’nalak-based wearable products and decorative items made of indigenous materials are among the must-buy products being promoted by DTI-12.

SOCCSKSARGEN to receive P1.24 Billion Barangay Development Fund

By DILG XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The SOCCSKSARGEN Region is set to receive Php1.24 Billion from the Php16.4 Billion fund allotted by the national government for the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) this year.

Also dubbed as the Whole-of-Nation Approach, EO 70 is the national government’s strategy that aims to end communist armed conflict in the country thru the National Task Force to End Local Communist-Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

A total of 62 cleared barangays in the region that were identified through a rigorous validation process by Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF) XIIELCAC may now receive Php20 Million each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The recipient barangays are located in the following municipalities and provinces: Lake Sebu (1) in South Cotabato Province; Columbio (12), in Sultan Kudarat Province; Alabel (4), Kiamba (2), Maasim (4), and Malapatan (3) in Sarangani Province; and, Antipas (1), Arakan (5), Kidapawan City (7), Magpet (10), Makilala (5), President Roxas (5), and Tulunan (3) in Cotabato Province.

The Php20 Million LGSF subsidy was earmarked by DILG XII to fund the implementation of programs and projects (PAPs) contained in the recipient barangays’ Barangay Development Plans (BDPs), particularly those that are categorized under the Barangay Development Program (BDP). The PAPs may

include construction of farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, health stations; rural electrification; reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair or other similar projects; agricultural, livelihood, and technical vocational training and projects; and, assistance to indigenous individuals or families.

DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa averred that these PAPs were identified by the community through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). More than 200 PAPs endorsed by the barangays to DILG XII in the third quarter of CY 2020 were already validated by the Department’s engineers through its Project Development Management Unit (PDMU).

Moreover, the DILG XII-PDMU also conducted a series of orientation on SBDP with local officials of recipient barangays starting on February 18 until the first week of March 2021.

Relatedly, during the first quarter virtual meeting the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XII on 19 February 2021, the Council passed a resolution enjoining recipient LGUs to fast track the submission of the necessary project documents/ technical requirements to facilitate the prompt release of their SBDP funds so that they can commence with the project implementation.

Once the documentation process is completed, the funds will be downloaded by DBM to the concerned LGUs. The LGUs shall

implement the projects with the supervision of the JRTF XII-ELCAC and DILG XII. As of 31 March 2021, the JRTF XIIELCAC, composed of the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII and RPOC XII, have submitted to DILG Central Office (CO) the list of proposals composed of 176 infrastructure and 30 non-infrastructure projects that were initially endorsed by ELCAC beneficiary barangays. Subsequently, DILG CO endorsed the list to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funding.

Furthermore, DILG XII has convened the local government units and other partner government agencies to finalize the plans and strategies in localizing EO 70 under various clusters where the Department plays a crucial role, namely: Local Government Empowerment; Basic Services; and Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment and Mobilization where the Department serves as Cluster Head; E-CLIP and Amnesty Program; and, Localized Peace Engagement where it serves as Co-Lead together with the Department of National Defense (DND) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

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NEDA XII Joins Women’s Month Celebration

By Cherry May T. Distor, NEDA XII-FAD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – NEDA XII joined the women’s month celebration with the theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: KAYA!”, which highlights women’s participation in battling the COVID-19 pandemic and gender issues exacerbated by it.

showcased the activities for Women’s Month online by joining the thread #WomenMakeChange.

They also participated in webinars that promote gender equality women empowerment, and uphold women’s human fundamental rights amid the existing pandemic situation.

The 2021 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) serves as a tribute, platform, and call to action. This year’s campaign is different from the previous ones because it is set in the COVID-19 pandemic backdrop. It is the time to delve deep into the gender issues that emerged or become more felt during the health crisis.

NEDA XII also nominated an inspiring “Juana” through a video presentation uploaded on its Facebook account using the #MyWonderJuana thread. Ms Kate Darle Espero, the lone nominee, hurdled the challenges of the pandemic and empowered others to remain hopeful.

As show of support, NEDA XII personnel used the NWMC Facebook Profile Frame and

To honor the women who fulfill extraordinary roles in society, tokens were provided as #TributeToAllJuana to the women and men of NRO XII.

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NEDA XII likewise launched its Gender and Development (GAD) Corner to fully reinforce consciousness and sensitivity on gender issues towards developing gender-related advocacies and programs that would elevate the integration of gender concepts across its staff.

The observance with the motto: “Making Change Work for Women,” poses a challenge especially as the region grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It calls for concrete, sustainable, and inclusive actions towards gender equality.

RDC XII conducts CY 2021 1st Q Meeting, endorses Kudos proposal for Port of Gensan

By Annie C. Deputado, NEDA XII-PMED

During its 72nd Regular Meeting on March 25, 2021, Regional Development Council XII endorsed the unsolicited proposal of the Kudos Trucking Inc. for the Development, Operation, and Maintenance of the Port of General Santos, also known as the Makar Wharf. The meeting was conducted via videoconference and was participated in by 64% of the Council members and presided by the Honorable Mayor Ronnel Rivera.

The endorsement was a welcome development to General Santos City and the whole SOCCSKSARGEN Region, since the development of the said port has long been the clamor of the private sector and other stakeholders. The improvement and development of the Makar Port will make it at par with international standards, and globally competitive, thus leading to a better delivery of a worldclass service to the domestic and international market. The proposal is consistent with the existing plans of the government, the Philippine Development Plan and Regional Development Plan of SOCCSKSARGEN, 2017-

2022, as well as, the National Transport Policy.

The change in scope, decrease in cost, and three-year extension of implementation period until December 2021 of the National Irrigation AdministrationMalitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project (NIA-MMIP) Stage II was likewise endorsed. This intervention was conceptualized as a peace and security program aimed at boosting agricultural production, facilitating employment generation, and promoting peace and security in the target areas (Upper Malitubog Service Area-UMSA, Lower Malitubog Service Area-LMSA, and Pagalungan Extension Service Area-PESA).

The Council also tendered a Posthumous Award to the late Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr., for his passionate service, dedication, technical expertise and invaluable contributions marked with integrity and professionalism as Private Sector Representative to RDC XII for 17 years and Chairperson of the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom).

In addition, DPWH XII was awarded a Plaque of Commendation for Ranking 1st Nationwide in Absorptive Capacity (AC) and Disbursement Rate (DB) for the period March to August 2020. Such recognition was an affirmation of DPWH’s effective and efficient management of its financial resources through the adoption of appropriate institutional policy reforms that would allow close monitoring of disbursement rates, adoption of relevant strategies, teamwork, and commitment to its work despite the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Council’s first meeting for the year also gave way for the oath taking of National Irrigation Administration Manager, Engr.

Diosdado Rosales as Special NonVoting Member of the Council.

Furthermore, the Council confirmed the endorsed budget proposal for FY 2022 of the different regional line agencies, RDC XII conducts... p16

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PDEA XII intensifies campaign against online illegal drug trade

By Oliver Ross Rivera, PIA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 31 (PIA XII) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XII advised the public to be on alert against the selling of illegal drugs through the internet.

During PIA’s Performing and Informing Program, PDEA XII Regional Director Naravy D. Duquiatan revealed that illegal drug peddlers are now using the social media as distribution channel.

meron pa rin tayong nahuhuli.

Doon natin nalaman na they are now involved in online selling and they have a group of online shabu and marijuana peddlers not only in Manila but also here in SOCCSKSARGEN,” the PDEA XII RD added.

“Despite the pandemic, tuloy-tuloy pa rin yung pagbebenta ng iligal na droga. Since we are limited as to the movement from one place to another, drug personalities now opted to online selling,” RD Duquiatan said.

PDEA XII also reported that drug pushers are also using courier services in their illegal transactions.

The Agency is currently intensifying their information dissemination campaign to educate courier companies about the modes of concealment and smuggling strategies of illegal drugs that eventually utilizes their services as conduit.

“Very high-tech na sila. However, given the new way and methods,

RD Duquiatan admitted that this new tactic poses a challenge to the anti-

narcotic operatives but assured the public that they are doing everything that they can to thwart these illegal activities. She assured the public that PDEA, PNP, AFP, NBI, Bureau of Customs, and other law enforcement agencies are working it out to uncover the perpetrators of illegal online drug trade and arrest them.

RD Duquiatan also confirmed that based on the data from January to February 2021, PDEA XII and PNP XII conducted a total of 201 drug operations and seized a total of Php5.47 Million worth of illegal drugs with 215 drug personalities arrested.

In Region XII, 940 out of 1,158 villages are now classified as drugcleared barangays owing to the government’s extensive anti-illegal drug campaign.

RDC XII conducts... p15 state universities and colleges, and other national government institutions amounting to PHP 201 billion with the social sector getting the biggest chunk. About 48% of the total amount is for the social sector and followed by the infrastructure sector. It only shows that the budget for 2022 is driven to provide the basic needs of the society amidst the pandemic.

especially the endorsement/ approval of developmental projects, conduct of research studies and actions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 35 resolutions were passed by the Council addressing the different sectoral concerns, 16 | Regional Development Updates | January - March 2021

Ms. Cheryl Herona (right, below) received the Posthumous Award of the late Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr. during the 72nd RDC XII Meeting on March 25, 2021.

SOCCSKSARGEN... p3 (RLAs) proposed budget for their FY 2021 priority programs and projects vis-à-vis their approved budget for the year posted an approval rate of 40.1 percent.

The Department of Budget and Management discussed the highlights of the National Budget Memorandum No. 138 dated January 6, 2021, and the specific guidelines on the release of funds for FY 2021. DBM also presented updates on the implementation of in the Regional Recovery Plan, 2020-2022 and the Regional Recovery Investment Program for the “new normal” of the region. the Supreme Court’s MandanasGarcia Ruling starting in CY Based on the FY 2021 budget tracking report, the approval rate for 2022. the region’s FY 2021 budget proposals endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII vis-a-vis the Agency Central Office The congresspersons also (ACO)/GAA-approved budget was only 36.07 percent. It was also signified their support to the call noted that the approval rate for Region XII has been declining from of President Rodrigo R. Duterte 48.61 percent in 2018, to 43.83 percent in 2019, and 39.53 percent in for the passage of the National 2020.

Land Use Act (NaLUA).

A second meeting was held on February 22-23, 2021 where 40 RLAs and 6 SUCs presented their FY 2022 budget proposals for review of the Expanded RDC XII Executive Committee.

The review focused on the priority programs and projects (PAPs) included in the FY 2022 budget proposals to ensure that these are supportive of the overall goals of the President’s 0 to 10 Socioeconomic Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine and Regional Development Plans, Executive Order 70 (ELCAC), among others.

The identified priority PAPs are expected to continually ensure a healthy population, a more agile workforce, reliable digital technology and infrastructure, and resilient business or in short: “A Healthy and Resilient SOCCSKSARGEN,” as indicated

For FY 2022, the total budget proposed for Region XII is PhP 201 Billion, broken down by sector as shown in the pie. Major projects endorsed include PhP 3.06 Billion for Regional Office Building Construction /Lot Acquisition/Completion/Rehabilitation and PhP 14 Billion in support of ELCAC.

40%

4% 8% 48%

RDC XII AdCom and ExCom passed several resolutions endorsing the FY 2022 budget proposals to the agency’s central offices and the Department of Budget and Management for funding consideration. The region is hopeful that it can obtain a higher approval rate for its priority programs and projects from the respective Department Secretaries and Heads of National Government Agencies for the year 2022.

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Resolutions from the 72nd Regional Development Council XII Meeting In 2020, the region responded to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, 2021, is a new journey in sustaining the efforts of the region to enhance its capability to respond to similar challenges, while recovering as one. To achieve this, the Regional Development Council XII passed numerous resolutions including the following: 1.

RDC XII Resolution No. 12, s. of 2021

Endorsing the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Plan of the Department of Health (DOH) XII and Enjoining the Support of Local Government Units in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program/Campaign DOH XII adopted the guiding principles of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Immunization Values Framework in identifying and prioritizing the people who are to be vaccinated. RDC XII endorsed the said vaccination plan and encouraged the LGUs to support the COVID-19 vaccination program so as to ensure that it is carried out accordingly.

2.

RDC XII Resolution No. 13, s. of 2021

Endorsing the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority’s Project on Supporting Innovation in Philippine Technical and Vocational Education Training System (SIPTVETS) The SIPTVETS project aims to aid in the modernization and reform of the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. It will help TESDA graduates from the region and the country to become more globally competitive. In the long-term, it is hoped to facillitate social equity, workforce inclusion, and poverty reduction.

3.

RDC XII Resolution No. 28, s. of 2021

Requesting Concerned Agencies/ Offices and Other Data Sources to Provide the Necessary Information for the Establishment of iStatSox iStatSox is an inventory and listing of statistical indicators generated by agencies and offices in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. It will make statistical data more accessible, which would translate to more informed decision-making. In support to the initiative, RDC XII requested agencies/offices and data sources to provide the Philippine Statistic Authority with the necessary data.

For the complete list of resolutions passed during the 72nd RDC XII Meeting held on March 25, 2021, via videoconference, just scan this code.

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Scan the QR Code to download the 1st Quarter 2021 SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Economic Situationer

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