Regional Development Updates | Vol 17 Issue 3 | November - December 2019 by Apollo Manlawe

RDC XII supports the General Santos City Clark route opening

CAAP implement other components of GSC airport improvement and rehabilitation

CONTENTS

Volume 17 | Number 4 | November - December 2019

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief RD TERESITA SOCORRO C. RAMOS Associate Editor ARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN Contributing Editors MA. LULU E. VALENCIA MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR. GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADO LALAINE M. SAJELAN RDU Focal Persons EDEN F. RIDAO APOLLO Y. MANLAWE EVIE A. CABULANAN MICHAEL BJ S. ABELLANA JOSEPH DIDIUS L. CLAVE MYRA L. SAJO Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Contributors PIA XII DOLE XII PSA 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, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 228-9203, 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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials. 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@ gmail.com.

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RDC XII supports the General Santos City - Clark opening

RDC XII confirms the newly elected Sectoral Committee Officials

CAAP implement other components of GSC airport improvement and rehabilitation

DILG XII with PCW conduct the 1st Regional GAD Budget Forum for Region XII LGUs

DOLE XII turns over Php 22.4 million livelihood and TUPAD checks to LCEs

South Cotabato and Sarangani: Integration Sites for UHC Law in SOCCSKSARGEN

68th RDC XII Resolutions passed

On the cover is the 68th meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII which was presided over by Acting Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and the latest pictures on the improvement and rehabilitation of the General Santos City airport as of November 2019.

RDC XII supports the General Santos City – Clark route opening By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Regional Development Council (RDC) XII passed Resolution No. 113, series of 2019 supporting the opening of General Santos City (GSC) – Clark air route, during its 68th Regular Meeting on December 4, 2019 in Koronadal City. The action of the council further supports the declaration of joint intent to strengthen linkages between GSC and Clark Freeport Zone, which was signed by GSC Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Noel F. Manankil on September 13, 2018.

The declaration promotes air connectivity, organization of trade, and business mission for tourism and investments, among others. The GSC International airport, with 3,227 meters runway is servicing an average of nine (9) flights daily, catering the routes General Santos City to Manila, Cebu, Iloilo and viceversa. The airport is located in an almost 600 hectares land area in Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. Its terminal building can accommodate around 500-800 passengers.

In Picture (L-R): Hon. Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. of South Cotabato; Acting RDC XII Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, and; Hon. Ronnel C. Rivera of General Santos City during the 68th Regular Meeting of Regional Development Council on December 4, 2019 in Koronadal City.

The meeting was presided over by Acting RDC XII Chairperson and Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and attended by 33 members, including Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera of General Santos City.

November - December 2019 | Regional Development Updates

RDC XII confirms the newly elected Sectoral Committee officials By: Eden F. Ridao, NEDA XII

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, during its 68th Regular Meeting on 04 December 2019, confirmed the newly elected officials of the four (4) main Sectoral Committees (SeComs) under the umbrella of the Council. RDC XII passed Resolution No. 115, series of 2019, entitled Confirming the Chairpersons and Co-chairpersons of the Four Sectoral Committees for the term 2019-2022. Honorable Ronnel C. Rivera, City Mayor of General Santos City and the former Chairperson of RDC XII, administered the oath taking of the newly confirmed RDC XIISeCom officials. The elected Chairpersons and Co-chairpersons of the four Sectoral Committees under the RDC XII, who were selected, respectively, during the Committee reorganizational meetings in November 2019 are the following: a) Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom) XII – Alfredo P. Hebrona, Jr., Private Sector Representative (PSR) for Infrastructure Sector and Land Transportation Office (LTO) XII Director Macario D. Gonzaga; b) Economic Development Committee (EDC) XII – Dr. Rolando S. Doria, PSR for Economic Sector and Department

of Science and Technology (DOST) XII Officer-in-Charge Mahmud L. Kingking; c) Macro-Economy, Development Administration and Finance Committee (MEDAFC) XII – Ronan Eugene C. Garcia, PSR for Sultan Kudarat Province and Tacurong City and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) XII Regional Director Jeany T. Tedera; and d) Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII – Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, PSR for Sarangani and Honorable Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena of LGU-Koronadal City. RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA XII, Acting Chairperson of RDC XII presided over the meeting, pending the appointment of the Office of the President of the Chairperson and CoChairperson for RDC XII from among the nominees of the Council. The Council also confirmed eight (8) special non-voting members (SNVMs) during the meeting for the term 2019-2022. They are the following: Philippine Health

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Insurance Corporation (PHIC) XII, National Housing Authority (NHA) XII, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XII, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) XII, National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) XII, National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) and Retired Col. Celestino F. Desamito, Jr. Except for Col. Desamito who was endorsed to be a SNVM by both the RSDC XII and EDC XII, the rest of the confirmed SNVMs were endorsed by RSDC XII. Hon. Mayor Rivera also administered the oath taking of the said SNVMs. The designation of SNVMs is provided for under Section 3 of Executive Order (EO) 325, series of 1996 which specified that the RDC, subject to the concurrence of majority of its regular members, may designate special non-voting members SNVMs) of the Council. Other concerns tackled during the 68th RDC XII Regular Meeting

RDC XII SECTORAL COMMITTEE OFFICIALS • Macro-Economy, Development Administration and Finance Committee (MEDAFC) XII Chairperson : Co-Chairperson :

Ronan Eugene C. Garcia PSR for Sultan Kudarat Province and Tacurong City Regional Director Jeany T. Tedera Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) XII

• Economic Development Committee (EDC) XII Chairperson : Co-Chairperson :

Dr. Rolando S. Doria PSR for Economic Sector Officer-in-Charge Engr. Mahmud L. Kingking Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII

• Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom) XII Chairperson : Co-Chairperson :

Alfredo P. Hebrona, Jr. PSR for Infrastructure Sector Regional Director Macario D. Gonzaga Land Transportation Office (LTO) XII

• Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII Chairperson : Co-Chairperson :

include a Report on RDC XII assistance to earthquake victims in Cotabato Province, updated Fault Line Map and earthquake-related and volcanic hazards in Region XII, updates on African Swine Fever in Region XII, as well as the reports of the four SeComs on matters discussed in their respective 4th Quarter Committee meetings and also that of the Affiliate Committees of RDC XII that need RDC XII action. The Council passed a total of thirtyfive (35) resolutions and issued a number of instructions to address the various concerns raised during the meeting.

Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis PSR for Sarangani Province Honorable Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena Local Government Unit - Koronadal City

In picture (L-R): Mayor Rivera administered the oath taking of the of the newly confirmed SNVM who were present. In picture (L-R): POPCOM RD Edwin Mateo Quijano; NCIP RD Jeanne Anne Zoilo; NHA Regional Administrator Zenaida M. Cabiles, and; Col. Celestino F. Desamito, Jr..

November - December 2019 | Regional Development Updates

CAAP implement other components of GSC airport improvement and rehabilitation By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII

Koronadal City, South Cotabato - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) General Santos City implemented other components of the project to improve and rehabilitate the General Santos City (GSC) airport through the downloaded funds from Department of Transportations (DOTr) amounting to PhP 531 M. This amount included the upgrading of navigational aids, repair/Improvement of Control Tower Complex, installation of Precision Approach Lighting System (PALS), repair/ improvement of control tower complex, and construction of administration building, sewage treatment plant, and access road and security. The status of the project implementation as of November 25, 2019 are as follows: a) fabrication and installation of navigational aid (VOR and ILS) is 40% completed; repair/ Improvement of Control Tower Complex is 98.3% accomplished; Supply/Installation of Precision Approach Lighting System (PALS) is 80% accomplished; construction of Sewage Treatment Plant is 85% accomplished; construction of powerhouse is 15% completed; construction of administration building is 25% accomplished; construction of Access Road and Perimeter Fence which is 11 km is 5% accomplished.

Completed left wing sectionof the Apron

Expansion/renovation of Passenger Terminal Building.

CAAP spent a total of Php336,047,746.67 on the works mentioned above, including the budget on the upgrading of airport power supply system which the opening of bids is scheduled on December 11, 2019. The improvement and rehabilitation projects for General Santos City airport was implemented in CY 2017 funded by DOTr amounting to PhP 959 Million. These projects are comprised of the expansion of apron, and construction of drainage and storm drain and expansion/rehabilitation of Passenger Terminal Building

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(PTB), and improvement of other facilities like control tower, administrative building construction, power supply upgrading, sewage treatment plant construction, access road and perimeter fence and fire substation building construction. As of October 25, 2019, the expansion of Apron space and construction of drainage and storm drain is substantially completed undertaken by Premium Megastructures, Inc. amounting to PhP 54,370,887.97. While the rehabilitation and expansion of PTB is 45.09% complete with a negative slippage

The on-going construction of Aerobridge Structure. An aerobridge (or PBB â€“ Passenger Boarding Bridge) is typically defined as a suspended, moveable tunnel which extends from an airport building to an aircraft, enabling passengers to board and disembark easily and efficiently.

The ongoing construction at the airside of the airport.

The construction works at the second floor of the Passenger Terminal Building.

Comfort rooms at the arrival area.

of 8.65%, under contract with VT Lao Construction JV with CB Garay Construction amounting to PhP 434,291,656.59. Corrective

works shall be undertaken by the contractor, particularly on cracks found in some segments of the apron expansion.

Source: CAAP â€“ General Santos City

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DILG XII with PCW conduct the 1st Regional GAD Budget Forum for Region XII LGUs By: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – More than a hundred men and women Gender and Development (GAD) advocates from 54 provinces, cities, and municipalities in Region XII gathered during the 1st Regional GAD Budget Forum held on 28-29 November 2019 at the The Farm@Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. In partnership with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) represented by Executive Director Maria Kristina Josefina G. Balmes and two (2) GAD specialists, the LGUs’ GAD Focal Point-Technical Working Group Systems (GFPS-TWGs) composed of Social Welfare Development Officers, Planning Development Officers, and Budget Officers were very appreciative of the 2- day Forum, which had been conducted for the first- time in the Region. It was

an avenue for them to articulate GAD- related clarifications, misconceptions, and difficulties, specifically, on GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) formulation and utilization of local GAD fund. Notably, the five (5) brilliant and expert Resource Speakers/ Panelists from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XII Regional Director (RD) Akmad J. Usman, CPA, CESO III; Commission on Audit (COA) XII State Auditors Romeo C. Nunez, CPA and Arjay t. Astillero, CPA; Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Special Investigator II Riza Isnani Concha; and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Supervising GAD Specialist Jeanette Kindipan- Dulawan were very generous in sharing their valuable LGU-based experiences, common observations, and audit findings, as well as their extensive

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knowledge pertinent to achieving gender responsive LGUs as one of the ultimate goals of Republic Act 9710 or known as “Magna Carta of Women.” As Gender Ombud, CHR XII Isnani stressed out that noncompliance of GAD mandates shall make LGUs civilly and administratively liable. DBM XII RD Usman thus recommended, as supported by the plenary, to conduct GAD Executive Session for Local Chief Executives and local legislators, another round of similar forum, and more GAD capacity development trainings for LGUs including barangays. These continuing capacity development activities would ensure GAD budget of LGUs be spent judiciously with highest level of prudence for the best welfare of their people. During the finale, DILG XII RD

DOLE XII turns over Php 22.4 million livelihood and TUPAD checks to LCEs By: Christopher D. Gamboa, DOLE XII

Kidapawan City Vice Mayor Joe Roe Bombeo receives the 3.7 M livelihood check from OIC-Regional Director Arlene Bisnon.

Koronadal City- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XII facilitated the release of livelihood and Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD) checks amounting to a total of Php 22,464,446.02 to the different Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and barangay officials on 27 November 2019 at EMR Convention Center, Koronadal City. The said turn-over served as the highlight of the LCEs Orientation on Public Employment Service Office (PESO) programs.

370 beneficiaries, Cotabato Province Php 4,843,630.00 for 294 beneficiaries, Sarangani Province Php 2,636,396 for 157 beneficiaries, and Sultan Kudarat Province with Php 3, 971,615.02 for 279 livelihood beneficiaries and Php 4,275,000.00 for TUPAD. Prior to the release of the livelihood checks, LCEs and barangay officials were oriented on the PESO Act of 1999 and PESO Institutionalization, DILEEP and TUPAD, and the Government Internship Program.

The South Cotabato Province received Php 6,737,811.00 for

“We conduct this orientation to ensure that our partners especially our LCEs are also aware and informed of the basic guidelines

Josephine Cabrido- Leysa, CESO V, was impressed and visibly delighted with the huge turnout, which is a manifestation of Region XII LGUs’ eagerness to be capacitated further on GAD.

RD Leysa, as the concurrent Chairperson of the Regional GAD Committee (RGADC) XII for July 2019- August 2021, was challenged and gladly announced her unwavering support for

and eligibility requirements in the implementation of DOLE programs and services,” said Regional Director Sisinio Cano. PESO is a non-fee charging multiemployment service facility or entity established or accredited pursuant to Republic Act No. 8759 otherwise known as PESO Act of 1999. PESOs are linked to the regional offices of DOLE for coordination and supervision, and to the DOLE central office, to constitute the national employment service network.

more GAD CAPDEV activities for LGUs and Regional Line Agencies in the years to come.

November - December 2019 | Regional Development Updates

South Cotabato and Sarangani: Integration Sites for UHC Law in SOCCSKSARGEN By: Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, â€“ The provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN were among the 33 pilot areas or integration sites in the whole country for the implementation of Republic Act 11223 or Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. This was shared by Dr. Aristides Concepcion Tan, Regional Director of the Department of Health (DOH) XII as he presented the salient points of the UHC Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) during the 4th Quarter Meeting of the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII in Koronadal City. The provinces identified as UHC integration sites are urged to establish their Health Care Provider Network (HCPN) to facilitate the provision of equitable comprehensive, integrated and continuous good quality health services to a defined population. The law provides that the Provincial Health Board shall act as the governance body of HCPN as part of their expanded function.

In support of the UHC Act, RDC XII passed Resolution No. 16, series of 2019 during its 65th Regular Meeting on March 20, 2019 enjoining the provinces/ highly urbanized or component cities in Region XII to establish their respective HCPNs. All integration sites shall document their experiences and lessons generated in the course of implementing the law to serve as basis for the development of national policies on the integration of local health systems to attain Universal Health Coverage in the Philippine setting. Approaches and mechanism to achieve the UHC target shall be supported by the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) through the following: a) technical integration â€“ an on-going activity; b) managerial integration targeted by 2022; and, c) financial integration by 2025. UHC reforms shall cover eliminating redundancies, simplifying PhilHealth

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membership, pooling of funds, crafting of national Human Resource for Health Master Plan, regulating coverage for co-payment, transparent pricing, setting standards, licensing and registries, health promotion, data management and health technology assessment. The implementation of the identified reforms shall ensure equitable access to quality and affordable health care and protection against financial risk. This is through automatic inclusion into the National Health Insurance Program, immediate eligibility and access to comprehensive outpatient care benefit, and wide range of health care packages. The paradigm shift presented under the UHC, from traditional disease management to disease prevention and health promotion, is geared towards accelerating human capital development, one of the strategies enunciated in the Philippine Development Plan, 2017-2022.

Regional Development Council XII Resolutions Passed 68th Regular Meeting, 04 December 2019 Koronadal City

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