Regional Development Updates | Volume 18 | Number 3 | July - September 2020

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CONTENTS

Volume 18 | Number 3 | July - September 2020

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief TERESITA SOCORRO C. RAMOS Associate Editor GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR. Contributing Editors MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO MA. LULU E. VALENCIA ROMEL PATRICK E. TANGHAL LALAINE M. SAJELAN RDU Coordinators EDEN F. RIDAO EVIE A. CABULANAN MICHAEL BJ S. ABELLANA ANNIE C. DEPUTADO REBECCA RUTH R. SALAS AUREL RAYMOND P. BETQUE JUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR RUBY ABEGAIL C. SERRANO JOSE ANTHONY LAURENT P. OCTAVIO REGIE LOU R. RIVERA KATE D. ESPERO Layout Artist/Circulation Manager APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Contributors Charmaine Lou D. Mapa-Vilches Gwyneth Grace B. Collado Desiree T. Jacinto Josephus B. Abordo PIO-Amas, Kidapawan City CIO - Kidapawan City DOH-CHD XII DPWH XII DENR XII 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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

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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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SOCCSKSARGEN regional bodies adopt, endorse the SOX RRP Volume 2: The RaRP SOCIAL SECTOR SOCCSKSARGEN digital COVID-19 contact tracing app gain headway Navigating family planning during COVID-19 and beyond ECONOMIC SECTOR RTF ERC XII pushes for stronger digital connectivity towards transitioning to the new normal DENR XII distributes land titles in Sarangani and South Cotabato RPMC REPORT RPMC conducts virtual monitoring activity MACRO-ECONOMY, DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, AND FINANCE SECTOR Mayor Evangelista hinirang na Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Awardee ng Civil Service Commission - LGU Kidapawan SOCCSKSARGEN LGUs’ revenues registered 5.05% reduction for 1st Semester 2020 Empowerment, Addressing issues on land and IPs are CORDS XII’s priorities LOCAL NEWS Mga magsasaka sa Midsayap nakinabang sa Cash Assistance Program ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cotabato SECRETARIAT’S CORNER NEDA XII receives PRIME-HRM Bronze Award RDC XII Resolutions Depicted on our cover are the most important actions taken by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII to build resiliency towards recovery during the time of pandemic.

SOCCSKSARGEN regional bodies adopt, endorse the SOX RRP Volume 2: The RaRP

By Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, NEDA XII-PFPD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Recovery Plan (SOX RRP) Volume 2: Rehabilitation and Resiliency Plan (RaRP) 20212022 was presented during the joint meeting of the Regional Development Council XIIExecutive Committee (RDC XII-ExCom), Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XII, RTF XII on COVID-19 and Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (RIATF-EID) XII, on August 12, 2020 via video conference.

The SOX RRP Volume 2 provides the blueprint to sustain the interventions implemented during the economy restart phase and intensify the rehabilitation efforts toward recovery and resiliency under the new normal condition. “We Recover as One� is the banner of the SOX RRP Volume 2 imbibing the five guiding principles of convergence or strategic partnership, Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, inclusive growth to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against the pandemic, volunteerism and accelerated adaptation towards sustained resiliency.

The plan underwent a consultative planning process which included peer review, internal consistency check/consultation, technical briefing for agency planning officers and provincial/city

planning and development coordinators, and the conduct of validation workshops.

The RDC XII Sectoral Committees, namely: MacroEconomy, Development Administration, and Finance Committee (MEDAFC), Economic Development Committee (EDC), Regional

closely with RDC XII to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the plan using the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES).

For the strategic communications plan, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XII, in partnership with the Information Coordinating Network (ICON) 12, which is comprised of agency and LGU information officers, and different private media organizations, shall serve as an essential implementation structure for the communication and advocacy plan using the unified communication system.

To implement the RaRP, the total investment requirement is around PhP 90.82 Billion and about PhP 33.70 Billion for CY 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Social Development Committee (RSDC), and Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom) served as the planning committees which steered and guided the plan preparation activities. The RDC XII Sectoral Committees passed resolutions endorsing their respective sections in the RaRP, as follows: MEDAFC Resolution No. 22, series of 2020; EDC Resolution No. 23, series of 2020; RSDC Resolution No. 18, series of 2020, and InfraCom Resolution No. 23, series of 2020.

The RIATF-EID XII and RTF XII on COVID-19 shall coordinate

The members of RDC XIIExCom, RDRRMC XII, RIATF-EID XII and RTF XII on COVID-19 support the plan that would serve as guidepost for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, thus, unanimously approved and endorsed the RaRP to the NDRRMC, IATF, and NEDA RDG through the passage of Joint Resolution No. 01, series of 2020.

NEDA XII Regional Director and RDC XII Vice-Chairperson Teresita Socorro C. Ramos expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders for providing substantive technical inputs and support for the completion of the RaRP.

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SOCCSKSARGEN digital COVID-19 contact tracing app gains headway

By Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD

COTABATO CITY (Sept. 3) — Authorities in South Cotabato province and in Cotabato City are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with foolproof online contact tracing systems as passports for residents and transients moving around.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi launched last month a domestic coronavirus containment contact tracing app as requisite for entrance to shopping malls, government offices, hospitals and other establishments providing services via personal or face-to-face transactions.

Mayor Sayadi is the Chairperson of the inter-agency City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, whose anti-COVID-19 efforts for Cotabato City’s 37 barangays are supported by the police and the Philippine Navy’s 2nd Marine Battalion.

Thousands of Cotabato City residents now carry cards bearing their contact tracing registration.

The cards are recorded in the mobile phones of anti-COVID 19 frontliners.

It was the provincial government of South Cotabato that pioneered such a contact tracing system.

The office of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. directed the development of the South Cotabato COVID Contact Tracing System (SC-CCTS).

The SC- CCTS was first tested in the provincial capital, Koronadal City, which is the regional center, and seat of Administrative Region XII. The digital tracking system records the movement of residents around Koronadal City and elsewhere in the province to easily locate people suspected of having had contacts with COVID-19 patients.

These contact tracing systems are now being used extensively in South Cotabato province and in Cotabato City.

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The inter-agency, multi-sector Regional Development Council XII (RDC XII), supports the antiCOVID-19 efforts of the LGUs of South Cotabato and Cotabato City.

RDC XII acknowledges the importance of a digital contact tracing system in the government’s war on coronavirus.

The Council also supports the registration to staysafe.ph, a contact tracing platform being espoused by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as well as the contact tracing campaigns of the Department of Health (DOH) XII. The DOH XII organized in recent weeks 734 teams with 4,381 frontliners now actively involved in tracing central Mindanao residents suspected of having contracted with the COVID-19 virus.

Navigating Family Planning during COVID-19 and beyond

By DOH-CHD XII

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the delivery of family planning (FP) services as local government units (LGUs) imposed restrictive movements to stop the spread of the corona virus. The strong advocacy to “keep safe and stay at home� made many FP current users and possible new acceptors reluctant to visit health facilities to access FP supply and counselling services because of fear of getting infected.

Lockdowns implemented

by LGUs had compromised access to the supply of contraceptive commodities in SOCCSKSARGEN. The delivery of essential reproductive health (RH) services was disrupted, resulting in a reduction in the use of family planning and maternal health services. This may contribute to a possible increase in unplanned pregnancies, abortion, gender-based violence and mental health disorders among young people in the region.

To address the aforementioned concern, the Department of Health Regional Office XII collaborated with the LGUs to ensure the availability and facilitate better accessibility to FP services and supplies. More priority has been given to the vulnerable group of beneficiaries. The RH service providers were able to cater to more women of reproductive age (belonging to women aged 15-49 years) and other age groups.

However, strict health protocols were observed in the delivery of RH services, such as wearing of masks and face shields, constant handwashing and in particular, the wearing of appropriate and complete personal protective equipment (PPEs) as necessary.

Strategies adopted include the following: door-to-door delivery of oral and injectable contraceptives in some areas in the region; while, post-partum, surgical services, IUD and implant insertions were available 24/7 at the provincial hospitals and the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. In other areas, FP commodities were delivered at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries by the contractual nurses while they are doing contact tracing of persons infected with the COVID-19 virus.

In General Santos City, the GSC United Private Midwives Association, Dr. Jorge P. Royeca District Hospital, Family Planning Organization in the Philippines,

and the City Health Office jointly conducted a clinic-to-clinic outreach activity in providing FP and maternal and child services.

Said initiatives facilitated the accomplishment of 40 clients receiving counselling services, and enabled 19 new FP acceptors of any FP method.

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) facilitated the delivery of FP commodities and advocacy materials to all service delivery points, with strong support from Reach Health, USAID, and local partners.

However, in cases where the delivery of supply of commodities at the Rural Health Units were delayed, clients were advised to get contraceptive supplies like condoms, pills and other hormonal methods over the counter. However, under normal conditions, such arrangement is not advised. Throughout the pandemic, repositioning of FP commodities is ensured by DOH making sure that FP supplies are Navigating Family . . . p11

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RTF ERC XII pushes for stronger digital connectivity towards transitioning to the new normal

By Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII-PDIPBD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Economy Response Cluster (ERC) of the Regional Task Force (RTF) XII on Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has set its eye on strengthening digital connectivity, specifically internet and virtual access as the community is transitioning to the new normal amid the corona virus pandemic.

During its 5th ERC XII meeting on July 22, 2020 via virtual videoconferencing, key resource persons from telecommunications companies in Region 12 such as PLDT, Smart, Globe, MarbelTel, and officials from DICT and NTC, were invited to shed light on issues and present their current initiatives in improving technological/internet connectivity within the region. This matter was part of the agreements reached during the previous RTF XII-ERC meeting to discuss ways to address the surge of demand for internet connectivity in SOCCSKARGEN, most

specifically at the Prime Regional Government Center in Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, where most of the National Government Agencies are located.

These agencies share the same experience of having difficulty in accessing good and reliable internet and mobile connection, which hamper their day-to-day operation and rendering of service to the public.

RTF XII-ERC Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos stressed the importance of discussing such matter, hearing first hand from the telecommunication companies their initiatives in helping the government and the community strengthen their interconnectivity through telecommunications.

RD Ramos added that due to the country’s present state, the government and the people rely so much on internet and mobile connectivity, as we live under the new normal, notwithstanding the

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need for it by the other sectors, such as business and education.

The Economy Response Cluster considers it an immediate need, not only because we are decades behind, but it is already an inevitable necessity. Students need stable internet connection as the education sector ventures into online and distance learning modality. Government and private entities adopt Work-FromHome (WFH) arrangements, which also require reliable internet service.

Mr. Louie Perez, the technical representative of Smart Communications shared to the members their short and medium-term solutions such as the optimization of towers and baseline testing in improving signal strength at the PRGC area. Smart Telecom is said to RTF ERC XII . . . p7

DENR XII distributes land titles in Sarangani and South Cotabato

By DENR XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region XII has distributed 31 land titles in the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato. It was conducted on August 28, 2020, as part of the agency’s “Handog Titulo” program.

The land title distribution was in partnership with the local government units of Sarangani Province and South Cotabato and the Land Registration Authority.

No less than Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao together with DENR-12 Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Felix S. Alicer, Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Renato C. Domingo and Glan Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Abdul D. Cariga handed over the 14 special patents to the recipient LGUs, schools and the Headquarters of the 1002nd Infantry (BAGWIS) RTF ERC XII

Brigade, 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Malungon town Sarangani Province – the place where the distribution of titles was conducted.

In South Cotabato, Provincial Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the DENR XII for awarding land titles to its beneficiaries in the province.

Governor Tamayo together with RED Alicer, ARD for Technical Services Engr. Mama G. Samaon, South Cotabato PENR Officer Radzak B. Sinarimbo and Banga CENR Officer Abunawas

B. Abduladsis awarded the 17 land titles (13 special patents, 3 residential free patents and 1 agricultural free patent) to the recipient LGUs, national government agencies and other beneficiaries in South Cotabato.

RED Alicer said that the land titles should have been awarded to the beneficiaries earlier this year – since the suspension of titling of public lands in the two provinces was lifted by the DENR Central Office on January this year – but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution was delayed.

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be assessing the dominance of the signal strength and whether further improvements could be made without constraints in further signal interference. Globe, Marbeltel and other companies also shared updates during the said meeting and answered queries from the cluster members.

DICT on their part admitted that

there is a need for government to establish a national broadband network as its network backbone since private companies cannot cope with the rising demand for reliable and fast internet connectivity. The DICT is now rolling out infrastructures to address this concern, especially in remote areas which are not served

by private telcos.

ERC agreed to invite again the said telecommunication companies in its next meeting to provide updates on their interventions on how to improve internet and signal strength in the region.

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RPMC conducts virtual problem-solving for delayed projects

By Desiree T. Jacinto, NEDA XII-PMED

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII conducted its 3rd Quarter virtual Meeting cum Problem-Solving Session (PSS) for delayed projects in the region on September 3, 2020.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the temporary suspension of major activities of the Committee including the conduct of regular field monitoring visits to major programs and projects in the region, particularly those facing delays.

But this situation has provided an impetus to the Committee to explore an alternative way of doing its monitoring functions through the conduct of virtual PSS. DPWH XII and its South Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Office and representatives from the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of the Provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Koronadal City were also present to look into and respond to issues and concerns affecting the implementation of the following projects subjected to PSS: 1. Construction of Missing Links/New Roads Surallah-T’boli-San Jose Road General Santos City, Sta. 24+300 to Sta. 27+300, Package 6, T’boli, South Cotabato; 2. Construction of Missing Links/New Roads-Datu Paglas-Columbio-Matanao Road, (Sinatulan-Brgy. Colon-Sabak Section) Package 2, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. K1673+680-1674+340, K1674+620-K1680+500; and 3. Construction of 4-Storey, 16-Classroom (2 Science Laboratory, 2 ICT and 4RW) Laboratory Workshop, Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Through the facilitation of RPMC XII, DPWH South Cotabato 2nd DEO was able to secure the building permit issued by LGUKoronadal City for the 3rd project subjected to PSS. The project is currently in its construction stage.

RPMC XII also came up with several recommendations to fast-track the completion and improve the implementation of

these projects, as well as to help facilitate the release of funds for other complementary projects.

One critical recommendation was for DBM XII to assist in the release of funds for the road project that would complete the entire stretch of the Datu PaglasColumbio-Matanao Road, thereby connecting Region XII to Region XI.

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As of August 15, 2020 Planned: 100% Actual: 89.18% Slippage: (-) 10.82% Project is suspended due to Road Right of Ways as of June 1, 2020

As of August 15, 2020 Planned: 100% Actual: 92.20% Slippage: (-) 7.80% Project is on-going

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Mayor Evangelista hinirang na Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Awardee ng CSC

By City Information Office, LGU-Kidapawan

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato – Hinirang na Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Awardee ng Civil Service si City Mayor Joseph Evangelista para sa ika 120 taong anibersaryo ng Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Kinilala ng CSC ang maayos na pamamahala at ‘good practices’ na ginawa ni Mayor Evangelista sa pagbibigay ng angkop na serbisyo sa kanyang mga constituents.

Pinuri ng Komisyon ang mga programa at proyekto ng alkalde na nakatulong na mapaunlad ang kalagayan ng mamamayan sa usapin ng kalusugan, edukasyon, public safety, at ang pagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng mga barangay.

Sa pamamagitan ng konsepto ng pamamahala ni Mayor Evangelista, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na maging matatag ang sistemang pang barangay sa lungsod.

Makikita ito sa pagbibigay

insentibo ng City Government sa mga natatanging barangay na nakapagbigay ng episyenteng serbisyo sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Apat na taon na magkakasunod na napagwagian ng City Government mula 2015-2019 sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Mayor Evangelista ang Seal of Good Local Governance mula sa DILG bilang patunay sa maayos at kagalingan na pamamahala.

Patungkol naman sa kalusugan, sa ilalim pa rin ng kanyang pamumuno, naitatag ang kaunaunahang LGU-run Blood Center at pangalawang City LGU-run Hospital na kapwa matatagpuan sa Kidapawan City.

Bago lamang ay naipatayo niya sa lungsod ang kauna-unahang LGU-run Drug testing Laboratory sa buong SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Patungkol naman sa edukasyon, ginawang institusyon na ni Mayor Evangelista ang Parents

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Teachers Association o PTA subsidy para sa lahat ng batang naka enrol mula Kindergarten hanggang Senior High School sa mga pampublikong eskwelahan sa lungsod ng Kidapawan.

Sa pamamagitan ng PTA Subsidy, tumaas ang participation rate ng mga bata sa public schools, nabawasan ang drop out rate, umunlad ang kakayahan ng mga guro na magturo sa klase at naipatupad ang nakararaming programa at proyekto ng City Schools Division ng DepEd. Libre na at halos wala ng binabayaran ang mga magulang tuwing nagpapatala ng kanilang mga anak sa mga pampublikong paaralan sa Kidapawan City sa tulong ng PTA Subsidy.

Sa larangan naman ng Public Safety, nariyan ang City Call 911 na pangalawang Call 911 system sa buong bansa maliban pa sa Davao City.

24/7 nagbibigay ng serbisyo ang Mayor Evangelista . . .

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SOCCSKSARGEN LGUs’ Revenues Registered 5.05% Reduction for 1st Semester 2020

By Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, NEDA XII-PFPD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The pandemic has adversely affected the tax revenues generated by the four (4) provinces and five (5) cities of the region for the first semester of 2020 as shown by its sharp decline compared to the 2019 tax collection. Director Jeany T. Tedera of the Bureau of Local Government and Finance XII shared this information on August 14, 2020 during the 8th RTF XII on COVID-19 Economy Response Cluster virtual meeting.

“The revenue sources of the LGUs in Region XII are from the Real Property Tax (RPT), Business Tax, Fees and Charges, and Economic Enterprises”, RD Tedera said. In the first semester of 2019, the collection was posted at PhP 2.747 Billion but the pandemic has adversely affected the 2020 collection efficiency.

The LGUs had only collected PhP 2.608 billion, as of June 30, 2020, which posted a difference of about 5.05% as compared with the collection in the same period of 2019.

“The region wide collections on real property tax (RPT), local Navigating Family

fees and charges, and economic enterprises decreased by 24.65%, 5.43%, and 15.39%, respectively.

On the brighter side, “business tax collection posted an increase of 16.42% amidst the pandemic,” RD Tedera added.

The reduction in the collection of taxes, fees and charges for this semester was due to the mandatory non-extension of deadlines; non-application of interest, surcharges, and other penalty on local taxes that are due; and suspension of warrant of levy and auction of delinquent properties as embodied in the DOF Memorandum Circular 0102020.

As of June 30, 2020, 63.02% of the assigned Business Tax targets for the period was already collected. Tacurong City topped the collection with 78.11%, followed by the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, which collected 69.27% and 69.09% of their assigned targets, respectively, narrated RD Tedera.

In addition, RD Tedera said the RPT total collection for the period was posted at 33.73% of

the assigned target. The cities of Koronadal and General Santos registered the highest collection rate of 65.77% and 54.77%, respectively.

With regard to fees and charges, Sarangani Province topped the collection at 69.92% of its target, followed by Tacurong City (67.13%) and Cotabato City at 66.67%, he said.

Moreover, RD Tedera recounted that only 30.31% of the assigned target for economic enterprises was collected by the LGUs, as of June 2020.

“A total of PhP 843.40 million or about 23.93% was the recorded unrealized revenue of the LGUs in Region XII, which may affect the delivery of services especially during this pandemic,” he added.

Finally, RD Tedera enjoined the LGUs to launch/introduce online payment of taxes to increase the collections and improve their efficiency under the new normal condition. The BLGF XII RD further requested DTI XII to assist the LGUs in enhancing its revenue generating capacity/ sources particularly its public economic enterprises initiatives.

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available at any health facility.

Recognizing the limitations of the provinces and cities, the family planning program has been integrated with other reproductive health program services like STI/HIV, immunization and mental health. Essentially, the contraceptive self-reliance policy

(CSRP) must be imposed again to assure fund support and provide comprehensive FP services in the localities. Alliances with nongovernment organizations and other private sector organizations should also be strengthened.

On the difficulty of reaching out to more women because of the

pandemic, LGUs are encouraged to make use of the social media, as well as other technologies like Tele-medicine, Webinar, video conferences to disseminate relevant information and get updated on recent program development.

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Empowerment, addressing issues on land and IPs are CORDS XII’s priorities

By Jose Anthony Laurent P. Octavio, NEDA XII - PFPD/Charmaine Lou D. Mapa-Vilches, NEDA XII-PDIPBD

TUPI, South Cotabato – Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for SOCCSKSARGEN Region and concurrent DirectorGeneral of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), calls for immediate actions on the concerns of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), particularly on land conflicts and on their vulnerabilities to the influence and recruitment of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Presiding over the 10th Regional Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) XII meeting on August 27, 2020 from Brittannika Gold Club Hotel in Tupi, South Cotabato, Secretary Lapeña pushed for the speedy resolution of the issue on Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) in Sultan Kudarat. He requested the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office XII to

provide updates on the actions taken by these agencies on this matter in the 11th meeting of the Regional Task Force.

The issue can be traced back to the instruction of Secretary Lapeña during the 8th RTF ELCAC XII Meeting on June 26, 2020, requesting the DENR XII to submit a status report on the issue of overlapping tenurial instruments and land conflict caused by the issuance of IFMA in Sultan Kudarat. During the said meeting, TESDA XII RD Rafael Abrogar, II presented a report on the consultation-meeting with DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu to tackle the issue of overlapping tenurial instruments in Sultan Kudarat.

Likewise, the Cotabato Provincial Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTFELCAC) briefed the CORDS on the developments of the investigation on the existence of Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) schools in Cotabato

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Province. In his message, Secretary Lapeña emphasized that, despite the pandemic, he is optimistic that the government will be able to accelerate actions to defeat CTG in the region by immediately empowering the communities and addressing their primordial issues. “As I have said before, we have to act fast, and that time is now. We will not allow COVID-19 to stop us in delivering the services that our people needs” said Secretary Lapeña.

Aside from personally attending the 10th Meeting of the Regional Task Force, Secretary Lapeña also graced the inauguration of the newly constructed TESDA Regional Office XII building located at the Prime Regional Government Center, Purok Mabuhay 1, Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City on August 28, 2020. Other guests present were Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Empowerment . . . p13

Ang magsasaka sa Midsayap nakinabang sa Cash Assistance Program ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cotabato

By Ruel L. Villanueva, PIO, Amas, Kidapawan City

Abot sa P2,200,000.00 ang naipamahagi sa mga magsasaka na labis na naapektuhan ng pagbaba ng presyo ng palay na resulta ng pagpapatupad ng rice tariffication law. Nasa 2,200 na magsasaka mula sa Midsayap ang nakinabang sa cash assistance na tig-iisang libo bawat isa bilang ayuda sa kanila nang pinairal ang rice tariffication law. Ito ay ayon kay Dr. Sustines U. Balanag, ang Provincial Agriculturist ng Cotabato Province.

Mayor Evangelista

Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cotabato at mismong si Governor Nancy Catamco ang nanguna sa pamamahagi ng cash assistance sa mga magsasakang di nakatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal mula sa Land Bank of the Philippines sa ilalim ng SURE-AID program.

Ang inisyatibang ito ay bahagi ng financial assistance ng

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City Call 911 sa panahon ng aksidente, emergency, kalamidad at iba pang pangyayari.

Nagtatag din ng K9 Academy na nakatulong na maiwasan ang pag-atake ng terorismo sa lungsod sa kabila ng patuloy na banta nito sa mamamayan.

Sa katunayan, nakikinabang na rin ang mga iba pang bayan

Empowerment

Ang tulong na ito ay mula sa pondo ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na inilaan para sa mga magsasakang labis na apektado ng pagbaba ng presyo ng palay na nakatala sa Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture o RSBSA at nagmamay-ari ng di lalagpas sa isang ektaryang lupain na natatamnan ng palay.

ng lalawigan ng Cotabato sa mga programang nabanggit ng Kidapawan City sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Mayor Evangelista.

Sa kabila ng naranasang October 2019 Earthquake at ang nagpapatuloy na krisis na dala ng COVID-19, nananatiling matatag ang liderato ni Mayor Evangelista na makapaglingkod at makapagbigay ng angkop na

serbisyo sa mamamayan, bagay na mas pinuri pa ng CSC. Ang Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award ay isa sa mga highlights ng pagdiriwang ng Civil Service Month ngayong buwan ng Setymebre kung saan pinaka sentro ng mga aktibidad ang paggawad at pagkilala sa mga 2020 Most Outstanding Government Workers ng bansa.

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Deputy Speaker Ferdinand L. Hernandez, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena and Vice Mayor Peter B. Miguel of Koronadal City, and Mayor Leonard T. Escobillo of Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Secretary Lapeña thanked Senator Pacquiao for the latter’s support in the realization of TESDA Regional

Office XII building in Koronadal City and TESDA XII Regional Training Center in Alabel, Sarangani.

Before the inauguration, Secretary Lapeña, TESDA XII Regional Director Rafael Y. Abrogar, II, and PLTC Celestino T. Daniel, Jr., commander of the South Cotabato 1st Provincial Mobile Force

Company, had breakfast together with the former CTG rebels in South Cotabato. The CORDS assured the former rebels of TESDA’s commitment in providing livelihood opportunities to the people through technical education and skills development.

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NEDA XII receives PRIMEHRM Bronze Award

By Josephus B. Abordo, NEDA XII - FAD

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) accorded the NEDA Regional Office XII (NRO XII) with the PRIMEHRM Bronze Award Maturity Level II in recognition of its excellence in the four human resource management systems: (1) Recruitment, Selection, and Placement, (2) Learning and Development, (3) Performance Management, and (4) Rewards and Recognition.

CSC Regional Office XII hosted the Virtual Regional Awarding Ceremony on October 16, 2020.

Chairperson Bala also thanked the NEDA for pushing through the adoption of acknowledging the role of the civil service under the Malasakit Pillar.

NEDA XII RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, in her acceptance speech, said that aiming for PRIME-HRM Bronze Award Maturity Level II was not an easy task, but the process was productive, educational, and rewarding. It required team effort, synergy, dedication, and commitment.

She expressed her gratitude to CSC Chairperson Alicia dela the unwavering support of the Rosa-Bala congratulated NEDA officials and staff of NEDA XII, XII and emphasized that the goal the CSC Field Offices of South of the PRIME-HRM is not to Cotabato and Cotabato City, and perform better but to serve better. the CSC XII-Policies and Systems She highlighted that the Philippine Evaluation Division under the Development Plan 2017-2020 is leadership of Regional Director the first development plan that Resurreccion Pueyo for their realized and acknowledged the technical assistance and coaching. role of the civil service in the RD Ramos, at the end of her development of the country.

speech, challenged the NEDA XII staff to work for the next maturity level and to live up to the expectation of the PRIME-HRM as an expression of commitment to upholding the pillars of Malasakit, Pagbabago, at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.

Way back in 1994, NEDA XII acquired its accreditation status to act on appointments; and then gained its revalidated Level II Accreditation Status on 6 August 2013. It obtained Maturity level II on performance management on 25 February 2016, and Maturity Level II - Regional Level on 30 August 2019 conferred by CSC XII.

Please visit the NEDA XII and RDC XII Websites and Facebook Pages _____________________________ _________________

URL: http://nro12.neda.gov.ph/

URL: http://rdc12.neda.gov.ph/

URL: https://www.facebook.com/NEDAXII

URL: https://www.facebook.com/RDCXII

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The Regional Development Council XII, as the highest policy-making body in the Region, passed various resolutions aimed to build resiliency towards recovery. These include the following: RDC XII Resolution No. 46, s. of 2020 Confirming RDC XII Executive Committee Endorsement of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Recovery Plan Volume 2: Rehabilitation and Resiliency Plan 2021-2022 The Regional Recovery Plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint towards the sustainable rehabilitation and resiliency of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region against the COVID-19 pandemic. RDC XII found the RaRP consistent with the development plans of the region and all-inclusive with the strategies on the regions’ adoption towards the new normal.

RDC XII Resolution No. 60, s. of 2020 Adopting the Enhanced SOCCSKSARGEN Project Monitoring System for Responsive Regional Development Initiatives (IPA-LAMDAG for SOCCSKSARGEN) NEDA XII, as the Secretariat of RDC XII, in collaboration with NEDA X, developed the Enhanced SOCCSKSARGEN Project Monitoring System (SOX PMS) for Responsive Regional Development Initiatives or the IPA-LAMDAG for SOCCSKSARGEN. This will help address the delay in the generation and submission by at least 1-month and incomplete information of Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) reports.

RDC XII Resolution No. 61, s. of 2020 Adopting the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan-Results Matrix Information System (SOX RDP-RMIS) The SOX RDP-RMIS, anchored on the Results Matrices, is a database of indicators that would serve as the basis for qualitative or quantitative measurement of whether the strategies identified in the six-year development plan of Region XII are effective. It also determine whether if specific targets were attained for a particular planning period.

RDC XII Resolution No. 62, s. of 2020 Approving the Proposed Organizational Structure for the Implementation of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in Region XII The BP2 Program seeks to “ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth.” Approving its structure ensures that the RDC fully supports the implementation of the program in the region.

For the complete list of resolutions passed during the 70th RDC XII Meeting held on September 21, 2020, via videoconference, just scan this code.

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