Regional Development Updates 4th Qtr 2018 Issue

China hands over drug rehab center in Sarangani to PH government

CONTENTS

Volume 16 | Issue No. 4 | October - December 2018

EDITORIAL BOARD

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China hands over drug rehab center in Sarangani to PH government

Associate Editor ARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

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RDC XII holds 64th Regular Meeting; approves 2020 Investment Program

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO MA. LULU E. VALENCIA EDEN F. RIDAO GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR.

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RPMC XII Monitors Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum Road Projects

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RSC XII spearheads 7th Data Dissemination and Research Utilization Forum

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RDC XII enjoins the Provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani to establish Malaria elimination hubs

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Sarangani Provincial Jail receives national awards

Editor-in-Chief RD TERESITA SOCORRO C. RAMOS

RDU Focal Persons LALAINE M. SAJELAN SANDRA J. ALIDO APOLLO Y. MANLAWE EVIE A. CABULANAN JOSEPH DIDIUS L. CLAVE MYRA L. SAJO Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE Contributors PIA XII PSA XII Sarangani Communications Services

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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.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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SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Council Sectoral Committees Identify Top 5 Projects for Implementation in CY 2020

On our cover is the the P350-million SOCCSKSARGEN Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (SDATRC), the first completed infrastructure project funded by the Republic of China. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the Sarangani Bay in Barangay Kawas in Alabel, Sarangani Province. The three-hectare lot was donated by the Sarangani provincial government.

(Photo Source: PSA XII Communications Service)

and

Sarangani

China hands over drug rehab center in Sarangani to PH government By: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The People’s Republic of China (PRC) on December 17, 2018 turned over the multimillion drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation facility it built in Sarangani Province to the Philippine government.

Economic and Commercial Counsellor Jin Yuan of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and Consul General Li Lin of the Chinese Consulate in Davao City led the PRC delegation in the handover of the P350-million SOCCSKSARGEN Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (SDATRC) to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who led the team representing the Philippine Government.

Counsellor Yuan noted that the treatment and rehabilitation in Sarangani is the “first completed China-funded infrastructure project in the Philippines.”

“The completion of this cozy center fully demonstrates that the Chinese government will never let you down. The Chinese will always be by your side in the campaign against drugs,” he said.

against illegal drugs.

In his message during the inauguration, Consul General Lin emphasized that the project is proof of the Chinese government’s support for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s massive campaign

On his part, Sec. Duque described the SDATRC as “a product of a strong and fruitful partnership” between the Philippines and China.

“We admire deeply President Rodrigo Duterte for his courage and perseverance in the fight against drugs regardless of the accusations of the so-called The SDATRC project was human rights violation by western implemented by the Chinese countries. I remember President government. It is located on top Duterte said, ‘You care about of a hill overlooking the Sarangani human rights, I care about human Bay in Barangay Kawas in Alabel. lives.’”

The three-hectare lot was donated by the Sarangani provincial “China provides both moral government. and material support to the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign The facility consists of an because we have a painful history administration/admission building and we understand what you are and clinic, dormitories for male fighting is a just cause for your and female patients, visitors’ hall, people and your country, a cause staff house, multipurpose covered that deserves the respect of the court, workshop, and mess halls.

Chinese people,” he said.

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“This project was established to address the needs for more rehabilitation centers for Filipino PWUD (persons who use drugs),” Sec. Duque said.

He also emphasized that the center is an important component of government’s war against illegal drugs.

“The administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte considers the issue of drug abuse and dependency a public health priority and the Department of Health, through the Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program is committed to strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol,” he said.

At present, he added, DOH has 15 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers throughout the country.

By 2022, all each region should have at least one drug abuse and treatment center.

“The construction of various treatment and rehabilitation centers throughout the country represents the human face of the fight against the proliferation of illegal drugs spawning and victimizing many of our people, especially the youth.”

Several times during the event, Sec. Duque lauded the Chinese government for the record-time completion of the infrastructure project.

Government-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Ltd. (CSCEC) finished the entire project nine months ahead of target completion. Construction started in January this year and was originally set to be finished in 21 months.

Dr. Butch Dulduco, officer-incharge of the rehabilitation and treatment center told Philippine Information Agency that the center will begin operations in the first quarter of 2019.

Services include in-patient rehabilitation, out-patient after care, drug dependency examination, drug testing, and counseling.

However, Dr. Dulduco clarified that they can only admit patients who are ordered by the court for admission to the facility based on the recommendation of a DOHaccredited drug dependency examiner.

According to a facility briefer that DOH distributed during the activity, the cost of treatment and rehabilitation at the SOCCSKSARGEN Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (SDATRC) could range from P8,000 to P10,000 depending on the patient’s classification, which will be determined by the social welfare officer.

The construction of the SDATRC was an offshoot of the agreement reached during the talks between President Duterte and President Xi Jinping in October 2016.

Another Chinese-funded drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in Agusan del Sur early next year.

Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Consul General Li Lin, , Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Davao, unveil the marker of the SOCCSKSARGEN Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at Barangay Kawas, Sarangani on December 17, 2018.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/ SaranganiCommunicationsService)

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RDC XII holds 64th Regular Meeting; approves 2020 Investment Program By: Guillermo R. Manrique, Jr. NEDA XII-DRD

City of Cotabato – Regional Development Council (RDC) XII conducted its 64th Regular Meeting on December 12, 2018 at the EM Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. The meeting was graciously hosted by the City Government of Cotabato City under the able and dynamic leadership of Hon.

Mayor Guiani of Cotabato City receives her Plaque of Appreciation from RDC XII Chair Rivera for graciously hosting the 64th RDC XII Meeting as RDC XII Vice-Chair Ramos stand on her side.

Cynthia Frances Guiani-Sayadi.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi personally welcomed the Council members.

discussed in the meetings of the Council’s Sectoral and Affiliate Committees, one of important agenda items to be discussed RDC XII Chairperson and General was the SOCCSKSARGEN CY Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. 2020 Annual Investment Program Rivera emphasized in his opening (AIP). message that aside from the usual reporting of the matters The AIP contains the priority programs and projects of the region toward the attainment of the development goals enunciated in the Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2017-2022. The CY 2020 AIP of Region XII as approved by the Council has a total budgetary requirement of P130.56 Billion.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during the Inauguration and Turn-over Ceremony of the SOCCSKSARGEN Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at Barangay Kawas Alabel on December 17, 2018. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/ SaranganiCommunicationsService)

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII got the highest investment requirement of P50.89 Billion followed by Department of Agriculture (DA) XII and Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) amounting to P22.41 Billion and P16.44 Billion, respectively.

RDC XII holds ... page 8

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PROJECT MONITORING

PROJECT MONITORING

RPMC XII MONITORS SURALLAH-LAKE SEBU-MAITUM ROAD PROJECTS By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII monitored the Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum road projects on October 24-25, 2018.

The Php186.98 Million Chainage 840-Chainage 3100 is a 2.260-kilometer road concreting project, which has an accomplishment of 55.05% as of the visit that includes earthwork activities, roadway excavations Members of the RPMC visited the and embankment. The project is Php27.380 million Road Widening targeted to be completed on May of Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum 9, 2019.

Road K1753+000-K1754+000 project on October 24, 2018. The On the other hand, the Php186.89 project had an overall physical Million Chainage 5340-Chainage accomplishment of 90.12% 9900 is a 4.56 kilometer road as of the visit that covers the concreting project targeted to be widening of the 1 kilometer road complete on May 30, 2019. As from 2 lanes to 4 lanes plus the of October 25, 2019, it has an construction of drainage canal and accomplishment 41.54%, which slope connection structures. covers a 1-kilometer 1 land PCCP, embankment, and roadway On October 25, 2018, RPMC excavation. visited 3 projects, the Upgrading of Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum The Chainage 9900-Chainage Chainage 840-Chainage 3100; 15080 worth Php186.595 Chainage 5340-Chainage 9900; Million is a 5.18-kilometer and Chainage 9900-Chainage road concreting project with 15080 at Barangay Ned, Lake a physical accomplishment Sebu, South Cotabato. of 47.88% that represents the

The Road Widening Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum Road K1753+000 - K1754+000 project in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

PROJECT MONITORING

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concreting of 1.8 kilometer 1-lane PCCP, embankment, subgrade preparation as well as laying of aggregate base course. The target date of its completion is on April 3, 2019.

Among the major reasons cited in the delay for the completion of the projects include inclement weather occurring in the area, lack of manpower, and the source of aggregates, which is far from the project site.

The Upgrading of Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum Chainage 840 - Chainage 3100 project in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

PROJECT MONITORING

RSC XII spearheads 7th Data Dissemination and Research Utilization Forum By: Fatima Hadji Salik Mohammadsha, PSA XII

Photo: PSA XII

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Statistics Committee (RSC) XII spearheaded the conduct of the 7th Data Dissemination and Research Utilization Forum (DDRUF) on October 19, 2018 at SOCCSKSARGEN Hall, NEDA XII Building in Koronadal City.

The activity was organized by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) XII and hosted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII. As one of the highlights of the observance of National Statistics Month in the region, the 7th DDRUF aimed to 1) disseminate to development planners and decision-makers the valuable findings of various researches and studies conducted in Region XII/or its localities so they could be utilized as useful inputs in the formulation of more relevant programs and policies that would benefit the people of the region; 2) showcase the usefulness of

statistics as a powerful tool in research; and 3) provide a venue to strengthen the linkage between the academe/research institutions and Philippine Statistical System (PSS) as active partners in enhancing policy users of research findings and recommendations.

Eight (8) technical papers were presented in the forum. Two (2) from Southern Christian College (SCC), two (2) from PSA XII and one (1) paper each from DA XII, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC), Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), and Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC).

Papers presented were the following: (1) Educational Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Muslim Mothers in the Armed Conflict - Affected Areas in Sustaining the Needs of Their Schooling Children (Evelyn A. Lopez, Ed.D. - NDMC); (2) Corporate Practice of Private Higher Educational Institutions (Jennifer L. Seridon - NDMU);

(3) Predicting the Vote of College Students on the Adoption of a Federal Form of Government (Blenn B. Nimer - NDKC); (4) Assessment on the Compliance with the Department of Tourism Standards of Hotel Establishments in Cotabato Province (Noel D. Marcelo - SCC); (5) Women Behind Bars: Stories of Incarcerated Women in Prison Without Wall, North Cotabato District Jail (Meljane Gladybest L. Rosalejos - SCC); (6) Regional/ Provincial Rice Production Competitiveness Assessment in Region 12 (Angelita F. Abrazado - DA XII); (7) How Far will Your Peso Go? Results of the September 2018 CPI (Ma. Eileen A. Berdeprado - PSA XII and (8) Spatial Analytics (Edward Donald F. Eloja - PSA XII).

An open forum ensued after each session. About 50 participants from Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), LGUs and the academe attended the activity.

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RDC XII enjoins the Provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani to establish Malaria elimination hubs By: Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – Regional Development Council (RDC) XII passed Resolution No. 118, series of 2018, enjoining the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to establish malaria elimination hubs in their respective areas. The resolution was passed during the Council’s 63rd Regular Meeting on September 20, 2018 at the SOCCSKSARGEN Hall, NEDA XII Building, Regional Government Center, Koronadal City.

Of the four provinces in SOCCKSARGEN Region, only South Cotabato Province has established its malaria elimination hub as reported by the Department of Health XII during the 3rd quarter meeting of Regional Social Development Committee XII on September 6, 2018 in Koronadal City.

The passage of a local (provincial) resolution and the support of local government units are essential for the establishment of the malaria elimination hub since it will be operated by the province.

outside. The hub assures that the malaria cases are assessed and managed correctly, investigated clinically and epidemiologically, foci classified, and responded accordingly.

The establishment of the said hub is consistent with the country’s commitment to the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) to declare the country as malaria free by 2030. Of the total 81 provinces in the Philippines, 42 were already declared malaria free, while 32 provinces are in the various stages of elimination.

The hub also supports the health agenda of ending the epidemic of malaria and is consistent with Chapter 10 of the Philippine/ Regional Development Plan (P/ RDP), 2017-2022 on accelerating human capital development.

Wikipedia defines malaria as a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused by parasitic single-celled micro-organisms with the following symptoms like fever, tiredness, vomiting and headaches.

A malaria elimination hub is established to address the need for areas in the stage or approaching the stage of elimination to develop a surveillance and response system designed to detect all malaria cases, both within the area and emanating from

RDC XII holds ... from page 5 SOV 2018 Regional Search Committee Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos reported on the results of the search for National Outstanding Volunteers. Region XII submitted nine (9) nominees. The National Search Committee granted 9 volunteers from all over the country, with the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA).) Of the nine national awardees, two came from Region XII and these are Mr. Kenjave

Mark T. Parlero and Dr. Roel Z. Cagape for the individual youth and adult categories, respectively.

Further, the members were also informed that Cotabato City was declared as the Safest City in the Philippines by the Philippine National Police based on crime statistics, as announced by Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi in her presentation of the city’s milestones, good practices and investment prospects during the said meeting.

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The meeting ended with 34 resolutions passed, which include the creation of the Regional Research and Development and Innovation Committee as an Affiliate Committee of the Council.

Sarangani Provincial Jail receives national awards By: Donna Mahusay, Sarangani Communications Service

Alabel, Sarangani – The Sarangani Provincial Jail has received two awards from The Provincial Jail Employees Association of the Philippines (PJEAP).

additional support sa mga preso, and also the record speaks.”

The Provincial Jail was recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Provincial Jails of the Philippines, and the other was for OIC Provincial Warden Manuel Sales Jr. as one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Provincial Jail Employees of the Philippines.

The awarding rites was held on December 3, 2018 in Muntinlupa City.

“Nakikita na tayo ang may record na zero drugs ang ating provincial jail at zero din ang eskapo compared doon sa other jails.

Also, yung humane na condition ng mga preso, hindi naman sila pinapabayaan. In terms na may sakit, sinusuportahan naman tayo ng Provincial Health Office,” Sales pointed out.

During the flag ceremony on December 10, 2018 at the Provincial Capitol, the Sarangani Provincial Jail personnel were lauded by Executive Assistant to the Governor Cesario Cagas, Assistant Department Head Sittiehawa Marohomsalic, and Capitol employees.

The inherent structure of the jail and the management played a big role in winning the award especially the full support of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon which the evaluators had noted.

Evaluators were composed of the PJEAP and in coordination with the Bureau of Corrections in Manila. They were the ones who granted the award.

Explaining their edge from other jails, Sales said: “Tayo lang ang jail na may penal farm for

(We are the only jail with penal farm for additional support for the inmates)

(Over zero records on drugs is acknowledged and the provincial jail has no escapees compared with other jails….we treat our inmates humanely, we don’t neglect them. When they are sick, we are being supported by the Provincial Health Office who attends to them.)

The Provincial Health Office has been holding regular checkup for inmates resulting in less cases of illness.

Sales has been running the Sarangani Provincial Jail for four years and he observed the improvements. The perimeter fence was added with a secondary fence.

With the help of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, some inmates had availed of training and literacy programs of the Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority XII. Inmates also do not have to worry about their families because there are programs that would help in supporting them. “Yung mga bilanggo pa ang nagpapadala ng pera doon sa mga mahal nila sa buhay, at iyan ay in-evaluate lahat ng ating mga evaluators. So ayun ang mga naging bases nila,” Sales said.

(The inmates are the ones who are sending money to their loved ones instead. These are all evaluated by the evaluators. So these are their bases.)

Sales thanked Governor Solon, because “kung hindi dahil sa kanya ay hindi din naman natin makukuha ang award na ito. Sa kanyang leadership, palagi niya tayong pinagsasabihan sa mga kamalian natin at sa kanyang mga advice, ginagawa natin kung ano iyong dapat baguhin,” and that improved the jail’s system.

(Had it not been for Governor Solon, there is no way we can get this award. Under his leadership, we are often admonished us when we commit mistakes; and through his advice, we act on the things that should be changed.)

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SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Council Sectoral Committees Identify Top 5 Projects for Implementation in CY 2020 By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The four (4) Sectoral Committees of Regional Development Council (RDC) XII identified their top 5 projects in the region during the Consultation-Workshop on the Updating of CY 2020 Annual Investment Program (AIP) on October 11, 2018 at SOCCSKSARGEN Hall, NEDA XII Building, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City.

Still considered as a priority of the Social Sector is the establishment of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Hospital in Surallah, South Cotabato. Other priorities included human development centers, particularly regional skills and DSWD training centers; and the establishment of South Cotabato State College in Surallah, substitute Home Care for Women, and IP Schools in the region.

To be considered in the top 5, the projects must have a regionwide impact which covers at least 2 provinces; implementable in CY 2020 or beyond; must address issues/challenges of the sector and contribute to the attainment of the overarching goals of the plan towards inclusive growth and poverty alleviation; and supportive of the AmBisyon Natin 2040, Sustainable Development Goals/Agenda 2030, President’s 0 to 10 point Socioeconomic agenda, the priority strategies of the region’s Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Paris Agreement and National Security Plan, 2017-2022.

The Governance and Institutions Development Sector considered the programs and projects on Enhanced Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Safekeeping and Development Services; Construction of the 4-storey PSA Building; programs for peace and development; Operation and Intelligence Services on Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, and Control Programs; and Fire Prevention and Emergency Management Program.

The Economic Sector proposed the Department of Agriculture Banner Programs (Rice, Corn, HVCC, Livestock, Organic Agriculture and Halal); Halal Industry Program; Development

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of Aquaculture Program (Milkfish, Tilapia, White Shrimp, Seaweeds and Shellfish); Accelerated Coconut Planting and Replanting Program; and the Expanded National Greening Program (ENGP) and Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System.

Topping the investment program of the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector were the Water Resources Projects (Kabulnan 2 Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project and Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II); Inter-Intra and By-Pass Road Projects; Ports and Airport Development Projects; Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) and Tourism Road Infrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria (TRIPC) Projects; and Farm-toMarket Roads.

Regional Development Council XII Resolutions Passed 12 December 2018 Cotabato City

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