Bicol Development Updates First Quarter 2015

7/24/2019 Bicol Development Updates First Quarter 2015

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Features

BicolDevelopment UpdatesQuarterly publication of the Bicol Regional Development Council

Volume X Number 1

March 2015

2Quality Employment

Through ASEAN

Integration

In this issue 8

Youth participants all over the Bicol Regiongathered in the 1st Bicol Youth Conference onPoverty Alleviation held last January 23 to 24, 2015at the Ibalong Conference Hall, Legazpi City. Thetheme was Youth as Empowered, Efficient, andEffective Partners in Eradicating Poverty.

The two-day conference was initiated by the10th National Youth Parliament - Bicol Chapter. Theactivity was endorsed by the Department ofEducation, Commission on Higher Education, andTechnical Education and Skills DevelopmentAuthority to provide a venue for the activeparticipation of the youth in addressing poverty.

The conference was attended by various youthorganizations and universities throughout theregion. The event was graced by personalities at thelocal and national level.

Assistant Secretary Percival Cendea, NationalYouth Commissioner representing Luzon, was thekeynote speaker during the opening program. Hepresented the youth status in the Bicol Region andcited the dilemmas faced by the youth, such as riskin contracting HIV-AIDS and societal deterrence.

NEDA Regional Director Agnes M. Espinas

discussed the poverty situation in the Bicol Region

and how the Bicol Regional Development Planseeks to address the situation.

The plan envisions Bicol as the most livable

region in 2020. She stressed that the youth can

participate in alleviating poverty by being advocates,

supporters and followers of policies, and by being

active partners in programs, projects and activities

that promote youth development and

poverty alleviation.

Bicol youth stands up against poverty

NYC Commissioner Percival Cendea and NEDA Regional Director Agnes Espinas talk to youth leaders during the 1st Bicol Youth Conference on Poverty Alleviationheld on January 24 at the Ibalong Conference Room in Legazpi City.

Committee

on Migration and

Development

5Rights-based

approach to address

poverty

Identifying

with the poor

12

Photo credit: NYC Bicol


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Editorial:Editorial:Editorial: Quality employment through ASEAN integration

2 Bicol Development Updates March 2015

The Bicol Regional Development Plan envisionsBicol as the most livable region in the country by2020. To achieve this, one of the main strategies is to

create more high paying jobs in the region to providefor all the needs of the family.

However, quality employment has been arecurring challenge. Improvements in employmentand underemployment rates are not significantenough to reduce poverty.

The latest labor force survey results released bythe Philippine Statistics Authority showed that theregions employment rate improved to 95.1 percent inOctober 2014 from 93.5 percent in July and from 93.8in the same period last year. Unemployment ratedecreased from 6.5 percent in July to 4.9 percent in

October 2014. Across regions, Bicol ranked third toRegions 8 and 10 with the highest underemploymentrate or the proportion of employed persons wantingmore hours of work to total employed persons.

Questions on the readiness of our manpower andworking environment arise with the coming of theASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration in2015. According to a joint study by the AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB) and the International LaborOrganization, ASEAN integration in 2015 will spurgreater demand for both skilled and unskilled workersand help create up to 14 million additional jobs by

2025. About three million jobs will be found inthe Philippines.

As NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacanputs it, the AEC integration underscores the urgencyof badly needed reforms in opening up investments,accelerating infrastructure development andgenerating high quality jobs in the Philippines.

Reforms and effective implementation ofprograms, projects and activities should be done inorder to prepare for AEC integration. Investments ineducation and skills training should be one of the

priorities of the government. Although there havebeen initial educational reforms such as the K to 12

BICOLDevelopment Updates

The Bicol Development Updates is published quarterly bythe Regional Development Council.

NEDA Regional Office 5, Arimbay, Legazpi City

Telephone No. (052) 482-0498

Fax. No. (052) 482-0504

E-mail Address: [email protected]

Publisher Agnes M. Espinas

RDC Vice-Chairperson

Editor-in-Chief Edna Cynthia S. Berces

Associate Editors Jasmin C. ZantuaGilberto A. AbionFelix M. LositaoMa. Teresa T. ChongRosemarie O. Buan

Production Coordinator Annaliz B. Bellenand Layout Artist

basic education and mandatory pre-school

enrollment, the World Bank said that the Philippineshas been under investing in education and skillstraining for decades and Filipino unskilled workers arealso among the least productive in the world.

To attract foreign investments and employers,some laws and policies may need to be adjusted todefine company rules on employer and employeerights. Policies on licensure examinations andregistration of foreign professionals and employersshould also be considered and aligned with thestandards of the ASEAN.

The Philippine Constitution generally limits the

practice of all professions in the Philippines to Filipinocitizens. However, some of the professionalregulatory laws provide for reciprocity.

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam aresome of the ASEAN member countries which werereported by ADB to have significant changes in theeconomy because of AEC integration.

The AEC integration can either be a boon or abane for our labor market and for the whole economyas well. Ensuring the employability of our graduates,improving competitiveness, and instituting policy

reforms can give us high hopes of achieving thedesired results of the AEC integration.


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March 2015 Bicol Development Updates 3

RDC 5 at work

RDC okays BFP

projects for inclusion

in the RDIP Albay is man and

biosphere reserve

RDC creates

Committee on

Migration and

Development

RDC approves

partnership on

Local GAD

Resource Program

NEDA 5 conducts

briefings on Bicol

RDP

RDC pushes

adoption of

POPDEVED modules

BU to house Bicol

Food Innovation &

Commercialization

Center

RDC approves the

Busay-Pandan-

Lacag-Mina-Tinago-

Sumlang-Salvacion

Road

Feature Stories

Identifying with

the poor

Poverty in the

Bicol Region

Pantawid

program gets

more fund

A Bright Future

Ahead

A Life

ChangingExperience

Index measures

youth devt

Rights-based

approach to

address poverty

Breaking the

Cycle of

Poverty

4th Quarter 2014EconomicSituationer

4th Quarter 2014RPMC Report

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RDC 5 at work

Albay is nominated man and biosphere reserve

RDC okays BFP projects to be included in the RDIP

The RDC endorsed the nomination of Albay asman and biosphere reserve to UNESCO throughRDC Resolution No. 54 (S. 2014).

Once declared a biosphere reserve, Albay willbe included in the World Network of BiosphereReserves where there is international cooperation

through sharing of knowledge, exchangingexperiences, building capacities and promoting bestpractices on conservation and development issues.

The province of Albay will be able to establishits connections and business partnerships, promotetourism, and gain international support on itsprograms and projects.

The mission of the UNESCO Man andBiosphere Programme to ensure environmental,economic and socio-cultural sustainability isconsistent with the updated Bicol Regional

Development Plan (RDP).Albay as a biosphere reserve will contribute to

the achievement of the sector outcomes of theupdated RDP, to wit: good governance andsustainable development are being practiced,

productive activities are engaged by more people,and adequate and quality services are availed bymore people.

These sector outcomes will in turn contribute tothe attainment of the regional developmentoutcome where majority of the population especially

the poor and marginalized, enjoy the benefits ofsocial development and economic growth.

Biosphere reserves are established by countriesand recognized under the UNESCO Man andBiosphere Programme.

A biosphere reserve will be a place ofcooperation, education, and experimentation wherescientists and managers will have an advancedunderstanding of the interaction of people andnature and where local communities, environmentalgroups, economic interests can work collaboratively

on conservation and development issues.A biosphere reserve is where sustainable

development is promoted based on localcommunity efforts and sound science.

The RDC approved the Bureau of Fire Protection(BFP) projects for inclusion in the RegionalDevelopment Investment Program (RDIP) 2015-2017through RDC Resolution No. 58 (S. 2014).

The projects, with a total cost of P763 million, are:(a) construction of two-storey Bureau of FireProtection Regional Office 5 building (P22 M) and (b)procurement of 43 fire trucks (P741 M).

The two-storey BFP regional office building, whichwill be located in Rawis, Legazpi City, will serve as

regional headquarters and central base of all fieldunits in the region. This will enable BFP Region 5 toprovide more efficient and reliable services.

The procurement of fire trucks will enhance thecapabilities of 43 recipient municipal governmentsregionwide in providing efficient and effective fireprevention and suppression services to protect thelives and properties of their constituents. This willcontribute to disaster risk reduction and managementefforts in the region.

The RDIP is the basis of agency annual budget

proposals for funding under the GeneralAppropriations Act.

Proposed Recipient Municipalities of Fire Trucks

AlbayAlbay Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu

Cam. NorteCam. Norte Imelda, San Vicente, Talisay

Cam. SurCam. Sur Bombon, Calabanga,Canaman, Gainza, Magarao,Garchitorena, Lagonoy,Presentacion, Sangay,San Jose, Siruma

CatanduanesCatanduanes Bagamanoc, Baras,Caramoran, Gigmoto,Pandan, San Miguel, Viga

MasbateMasbate Batuan, Claveria, PlacerSan Fernando, San Jacinto,Baleno, Balud, Mandaon,Milagros, Mobo, Cawayan,Dimasalang, Esperanza,Palanas, Pio V. Corpuz,

SorsogonSorsogon Casiguran, Castilla,Barcelona, Bulusan


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RDC creates Committee on Migration and Development

The RDC approved the creation of theCommittee on Migration and Development (CMD)as a special committee of the RDC through

Resolution No. 55 (S. 2014).The primary function of the CMD is to facilitate

the provision of services to overseas Filipinoworkers (OFWs) and their families and promotethe complementation of interventions to addressall concerns arising from pre-departure toreintegration of OFWs.

The CMD shall also provide assistance in thecapacity building of local government units inmainstreaming migration and development (M&D)in local plans, conduct advocacy activities, and

monitor the implementation of M&D programs andprojects at the local level.

NEDA Region 5 as the principal technicalsecretariat of the Regional Development Council(RDC) led the organizational meeting of thecommittee on January 20, 2015 at the NEDAregional office in Arimbay, Legazpi City.

The organizational meeting refined the scopeand composition of the committee. The CMD iscomposed of 35 members: 26 from thegovernment sector (12 regional line agency heads,

six provincial governors, seven city mayors, and

one representative from the regional network ofPublic Employment Service Offices) and nine fromoverseas Filipino worker associations and non-

government organizations.The body elected Director Jocelyn Hapal of

OWWA Region 5 as the chairperson and Mr. YcoM. Tan, Jr. of TanVera Corporation, a formerOFW, as the co-chairperson of the CMD.

NEDA Regional Director Agnes Espinas is theex-officio vice-chairperson and the NEDA regionaloffice serves as the committee secretariat.

RDC approves partnership onLocal GAD Resource Program

Director Jocelyn Hapal of OWWA Region 5 presents the profile ofBicolano migrant workers.

The partnership agreement between the RDCand the Philippine Commission for Women (PCW)on the Local Gender and Development ResourceProgram (LGRP) was approved through RDC

Resolution No. 57 (S. 2014).The LGRP has three components: (a)

partnership and convergence; (b) replicationmechanisms; and (c) provision of direct technicalassistance on demand basis and development ofgender and development (GAD) tools.

It seeks to increase the number of localgovernment units (LGUs) with gender-responsivepolicies, plans, programs, and institutionalmechanisms that will promote gender equality andempower women as a marginalized group to

participate in the development process.In the first Regional Gender and Development

Council (RGADC) summit held on August 14 to 15,2014 in Manila, 43 participants from all regions

committed to advocate the review and issuance ofpolicy guidelines for the strengthening of regionalGAD mechanisms and institutional linkages and tomaximize the existing mechanisms to monitor and

evaluate regional and local GAD efforts.The PCW recognizes the RDC as the primary

mechanism and partner through which gendermainstreaming efforts shall be coordinated.

The partnership agreement with RDC 5 will beon the following areas:

(a) strengthening the regional GAD mechanismthrough the creation of a new regional GADcommittee under the RDC;

(b) capacity building of GAD focal persons inregional line agencies, LGUs, and otherregional entities; and

(c) monitoring and documentation of GAD activitiesfor replication and assessment.


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NEDA 5 conducts briefings on the Bicol RDP

NEDA Region 5 conducted a series of briefingson the Bicol regional development plan (RDP) torepresentatives of civil society organizations(CSOs) in the region on October 23, 2014 at theNEDA regional office in Legazpi City.

The Bicol RDP was presented to 17representatives of 13 CSOs in the region. The CSOrepresentatives appreciated the plan andexpressed support to plan implementation and

monitoring to ensure that the sectoral and regionaldevelopment outcomes are achieved.

Ms. Aurora de Guzman, a private sectorrepresentative in the Regional DevelopmentCouncil, also presented the CSOs povertyreduction agenda in behalf of the Coalition forBicol Development.

The briefing is the third of a series ofstakeholders briefings on the Bicol RDP that NEDARegion 5 scheduled in 2014. The first was for the

private sector representing the chambers ofcommerce and industry regionwide that was held inAugust. The second was for members of the printand broadcast media from different provinces in theregion that was held in September. Two morebriefings were done for local government plannersand the academe in October and November.

The Bicol RDP is an accompanying documentof the Philippine Development Plan. It provides the

spatial dimension to the national plan by identifyingthe regions contributions to the goal of inclusivegrowth and poverty reduction.

The briefings aimed to encourage support forthe RDP, disseminate development information andactivities, and emphasize the role of differentstakeholders in plan implementation andmonitoring. The stakeholders appreciated theinformation and advocacy efforts of the RDC andaffirmed their role in regional development.

RDC Resolution No. 56 (S. 2014) endorsed thepopulation and development education(POPDEVED) teaching modules to the Departmentof Education (DepEd) and Commission on HigherEducation (CHED) for adoption in basic and highereducation curricula. The modules are designed togive teachers coherent guides and appropriatereference materials on the interrelationships ofpopulation and development, as well as humansexuality and responsible parenthood. ThePhilippine Center for Population and Developmentformulated the modules in consultation with privateschools in the country, including Divine WordCollege of Legazpi City, Aquinas University ofLegazpi, and Dominican School of Camalig.

RDC pushes adoption of POPDEVED modules

NEDA 5 Assistant Regional Director Cynthia S. Berces and Ms. Jasmin C. Zantua present the Bicol regional development plan to stakeholders.


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RDC approves the Busay-Pandan-Lacag-Mina-Tinago-Sumlang-Salvacion Road

The Department of Science and TechnologyRegion 5 (DOST 5), Bicol University (BU) and the

Provincial Government of Albay entered into amemorandum of agreement (MOA) on theestablishment of the first Bicol Food Innovationand Commercialization Center. The MOA signingwas held during the RDC full council meeting onDecember 12, 2014 at the Oriental Hotel, LegazpiCity. The MOA marked the commitment of thethree government entities to pool expertise andresources in establishing the first center of its kindin the Bicol Region.

DOST will provide technical support in the formof technologies, processing techniques andtechnical know-how for the smooth operation ofthe project. The project forms part of the DOSTsHigh Impact Technology Solutions program ofestablishing food innovation centers in everyregion. BU will provide the building structure that iscompliant with the Current Good Manufacturing

Practices, together with basic facilities andrequired space and manpower complement for the

management and sustainable operation of thecenter. It will be housed within the Bicol UniversityCollege of Industrial Technology campus and willserve as a leading hub for food processinginnovation in the region.

The project envisions to transform conceptsinto products, thereby promoting productinnovation and maximizing value addition toresource-based agricultural and marine products.

It will contribute to the attainment of theupdated Bicol Regional Development Plans

sector outcome on productive activities engagedby more people through the provision of adequateand quality technical assistance, promotionservices and infrastructure support facilitiesprovided to micro, small and medium enterprises.

(Article contributed by DOST Region 5)

BU to house Bicol Food Innovationand Commercialization Center

The RDC approved the Busay-Pandan-Lacag-Mina-Tinago-Sumlang-Salvacion road inthe province of Albay to be included in theregional development investment programthrough RDC Resolution No. 59 (S. 2014). Theproject involves the concreting of a 12.63kilometer road with an estimated cost ofP100.40 million. The project will directly benefit

the communities within the road influence areaand the tourists who will visit the province. Itaims to provide safe, accessible andcomfortable transportation facility to commutersand travelers.

DOST Regional Director Tomas Brias, Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Bicol University President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya sign thememorandum of agreement on the establishment of the Bicol Food Innovation and Commercialization Center.


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Feature Stories

The great danger is a certain materialismwhich can creep into our lives and

compromise the witness we offer.Only by becoming poor ourselves, bystripping away our complacency, will we beable to identify with the least of our brothersand sisters.

We will see things in a new light and thusrespond with honesty and integrity to thechallenge of proclaiming the radicalism ofthe Gospel in a society which has growncomfortable with social exclusion,polarization and scandalous inequality.

Pope FrancisMass at the Manila Cathedral

January 16, 2015

Pope Francis called the attention of political leaders towork hard to avoid scandalous social inequalities in the

country. Reforming the social structures which perpetuatepoverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires aconversion of mind and heart, said Pope Francis.

He urged the people to reject every form of corruptionwhich diverts resources from the poor, and to makeconcerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man andwoman and child in the community.

Poverty and social inequality are critical issues in thePhilippines. Statistics show that about 24 million people,which is more than 24 percent of the population, livebelow the poverty line.

Supporters of political prisoners and victims ofextrajudicial killings showed their letters addressed toPope Francis urging the pontiff to join them in their pursuitfor justice. The countrys farmers are among the poorestcitizens. Some lands targeted for agrarian reform have notbeen distributed. Most Filipino farmers do not own thelands they till and are usually targets forextra-judicial killings.

More than ever, the visit of Pope Francis highlightedthe need to always be mindful of the welfare of the poorand marginalized sectors in all development efforts being

undertaken. Any development undertaking should alwayscontribute to the upliftment of the lives of the poor.

It is only when their lives become better thatdevelopment becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.

Photo credit: philstar.com

Pope Francis visited the Philippinesfrom January 15 to 19, 2015. It was hisfirst state and pastoral visit to the country.He declared "Mercy and Compassion" asthe theme of his visit.

During his mass at the ManilaCathedral, he called the attention of theFilipinos to embrace and help the poor. Healso asked his religious brothers and sistersto reject materialism and to live a good and

simple life.

His advocacies focused on improvingand addressing issues on the welfare of themarginalized populations of the society.

Pope Francis asked the people to helpthe people who are broken and lost,particularly those who lack the means tocontinue to live. He mentioned the youngpeople who may be thinking of leavingschool to live on the streets.

Be present to those who, living in themidst of a society burdened by poverty andcorruption, are broken in spirit, tempted togive up, to leave school and to live on thestreets. Proclaim the beauty and truth of theChristian message to a society which istempted by confusing presentations ofsexuality, marriage and the family, heexhorted the crowd.

Identifying with the poor

Pope Francis shows his compassion for the marginalized groups during his visit in thePhilippines last January 15 to 19, 2015.


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Poverty in the Bicol Region

The latest poverty estimates released bythe National Statistical Coordination Boardshow that poverty situation in the BicolRegion improved from 35.3 percent in 2009to 32.3 percent in 2012. This means that in2012, about 32 in every 100 familieswere poor.

Average annual per capita povertythreshold in Bicol was P18,257 in 2012. Inorder not to be considered poor, a Bicolanofamily of five needs at least P7,607 monthlyor about P91,285 (P18,257 multiplied by 5family members) annually. Thus, a Bicolanominimum wage earner of P196 can support afamily of at most three members to be

PovertyThreshold

(2012)

Proportion ofPoor Families

Proportionof Poor

Population

Bicol Region P 18,257 32.3 % 41.1 %

Albay P 18,610 33.9 % 41.0 %

Cam Norte P 18,390 21.7 % 28.7 %

CamSur P 18,717 31.7 % 41.2 %

Catanduanes P 18,303 27.1 % 33.8 %

Masbate P 17,487 40.6 % 51.3 %

Sorsogon P 17,535 31.3 % 40.7 %

Philippines P 18,935 19.7 % 25.2 %

Source: PSA Region 5

considered non-poor.

Among the provinces, poverty threshold inCamarines Sur in 2012 was the highest. This meansthat cost of living in Camarines Sur was highercompared to the other provinces.

The cost of living in Masbate and Sorsogon was

lower with poverty threshold at P17,487 and P17,535,respectively. Based on the poverty threshold,Camarines Norte had the lowest poverty incidence offamilies at 21.7 percent and incidence of poorpopulation at 28.7 percent.

Masbate had the highest incidence of poorfamilies and population at 40.6 percent and 51.3percent, respectively.

Pantawid program gets more fund

The Pantawid Pamilyang PilipinoProgram or 4Ps, the countrys major socialprotection and anti-poverty program, hasbeen allotted with more funds in 2015.

More than half of the P108.88 billionbudget of the Department of Social Welfareand Development (DSWD) for 2015 will go tothe program. According to a report from thePhilippine Star, a total of P64.73 billion wasallocated for the implementation of 4Ps forthis year to cover 4,436,732 poor households.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program thatwill allow 4Ps household beneficiaries to availof micro-loans under the programs Self-Employment Assistance Para sa Kaunlaranwas allocated P4.9 billion.

Moreover, a total of P2.3 billion will be used asassistance to victims of disasters andnatural calamities.

In the Bicol Region, a total of 308,493 householdsbenefited from the conditional cash transfer programfrom 2008 to 2012. The initial number of 4Psbeneficiaries in 2008 was 32,515. This ballooned to148,725 in 2011, the highest number of registeredbeneficiaries so far. The program had additionalhousehold beneficiaries of 52,737 in 2012 due to theexpansion of the program covering 100 percent ofthe barangays.

The 4Ps contribute to the attainment of theMillennium Development Goals in the Bicol Region onincreasing enrollment rate in primary and secondaryschools and decreasing malnutrition prevalence.


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A Bright Future Ahead

For Jocelyn Caparoso and her family, thepast 33 years have not been easy. The couple

of Barangay Tabuc in Cawayan, Masbate,together with their five children went through alot of struggles to survive.

Jocelyn and her husband Roque work asfarmers and earn P3,000 a month, not enoughfor their needs. They grow vegetables and raisepigs to augment the household income.

They live simply and devoid of luxuries. Theypersevere in earning and saving money for thefuture of their children. However, their income issimply not enough to sustain the needs of

the family.

Over the past decade, the couples life hasbeen a hand to mouth existence. Both of themwere not able to finish college education becausetheir parents were poor and could not afford tosend them to school.

At present, the family is one among the368,576 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang

Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the Bicol Region whow e r e p r o v i d e d w i t h h e a l t h a n deducational assistance.

The 4Ps is a program that invests in humancapital that will contribute to breaking the cycle ofpoverty in the family.

The program provides cash grants of P500 inhealth and P300 in education for a family that hasthree children, ages 0 to 14, enrolled inthe program.

Before enrollment to the program, the couple

was unable to sustain the basic needs of thefamily. With the help of the program, the couple isable to send their children to school and clinics forregular health check-ups.

There is increased school attendance andweight gain among their children. The couple isable to acquire knowledge on livelihood trainings,i.e., food processing and technology.

Like thousands of poor but determined familiesin the Bicol Region, the Caparoso family hasproven that the ticket out of their financial

inadequacy lies in sacrifice, determination, hardwork, prayers and ensuring a good education fortheir children.

By way of giving back, Jocelyn serves herbarangay through voluntary work. She is a barangayhealth worker, parent leader, a member of theoperation and maintenance team of the newlyconstructed health center project of the Kapit-BisigLaban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and IntegratedDelivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), and the

president of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Kalahi-CIDSS and the SLP are anti-povertyprograms of the national government beingimplemented under the Department of SocialWelfare and Development.

Kalahi-CIDSS focuses on providinginfrastructure and facility projects to poorcommunities. Projects include health and day carecenters, sea-walls, farm to market roads, cablebridges, elementary and high school buildings.

The SLP provides livelihood training programsand capital assistance to poor families.

As a parent leader, Jocelyn leads her co-Pantawid beneficiaries and helps address theirneeds, queries, and problems. She also encouragesthem to pray before the start of family developmentsessions a monthly activity that empowers andstrengthens the relationship and ties among familymembers and the community.

The Pantawid program has given Jocelyn andher family a chance to break out of the vicious cycleof poverty. Because of this, the future looks brightfor the family, especially the children for whom thePantawid program holds much promise.

Article contributed by DSWD Region 5

Jocelyn Caparoso and her family is one of the many households who receive

cash grants from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program .


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A Life Changing Experience

The Arsolons reside in Barangay Del

Carmen, Uson, Masbate. Diana earns a living

by rendering manicure and pedicure services

in the neighborhood. Danny is a contractualconstruction worker. The P8,000 monthly

income of the family is not enough. Life has

been very hard for the couple when Danny

met an accident while at work.

In September 2009, a blessing came. The

DSWD started implementing the Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Uson,

Masbate. With the financial grant amounting to

P1,400 provided by the program, the couple

was aided with the needs of their children inschool. Before enrollment to the program, the

couple resorted to borrowing money from

loan sharks to cope with the familys growing

needs. But paying their debts has been hard

and the familys financial status was unchanged.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program

(SLP) develops the entrepreneurial and

technical skills of the poor households

identified through the National Household

Targeting System for Poverty Reduction. The

program enables them to manage sustainable

microenterprises and link them to locally

available jobs in order to enhance their access

to basic social services and uplift their

standard of living.

Another poverty alleviation program was

introduced to the Arsolon couple. It was the

Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-

K), a scheme of the department under theSLP. 4Ps beneficiaries are the priority

recipients of the program. They were able to

borrow P10,000.

The couples daily routine involves getting

up as early as four oclock in the morning,

boarding a rented tricycle to go to Dimasalang

and Cawayan, Masbate to buy fresh fish. Diana

sells them in the public market of Del

Carmen, while Danny delivers the products

to their suki.

Before receiving capital assistance, Diana

and her fellow SEA-K Association members

were trained on basic business management. They

were also given tips on handling business and finances.

The project also gave them the capacity to acquire a

motorcycle of their own. Now, the couple does not

need to rent a tricycle. They have their own service

vehicle that enables them to reach more clients.

In less than a year, Diana was able to pay in full

the capital assistance provided to them. Looking forfood is not anymore a problem. The couple is also

assured of the education of the children and the

provision of the health needs of the family.

From the couples monthly savings, they are now

able to start constructing their new house. Diana is

now able to manage her time. She has time for her

children, guide them in their studies, attend meetings

and do the domestic chores at home.

What is noteworthy is that from a timidhousewife, Diana is an active parent leader and an

officer of the SEA-K association.

Diana shared that the program, through the

family development sessions, brought a lot of changes

in their lives. Her husband has refrained from

gambling and drinking, and is focused on earning a

living for the family.

Through the SLP, Diana is on her way to making

her dreams come true and reaching success in her

own little way.

Article contributed by DSWD Region 5

Diana Arsolon makes the most of the assistance provided by the SustainableLivelihood Program under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.


12/20


Index measures youth development

The National Youth Commission, together with

the United Nations Population Fund and the Institutefor Development and Econometric Analysis, Inc. havedeveloped a Youth Development Index that provides

a measure to describe youth development in theareas of education, health, employment andparticipation. The measurement seeks to improveplanning, policy implementation, and data collection

on youth development.

Youth development is defined as the expansion ofopportunities and choices for the youth towards asuccessful transition into adulthood. In 2010, almost28 percent of the population belonged to the youth,with ages 15-30 years old. For 2013, Albay rankedfirst among the six provinces in terms of Youth

Development Index (YDI), followed by Catanduanesand Sorsogon. Catanduanes ranked first foreducation, Albay for employment and participation

and Camarines Norte for health.

Workshops were conducted in November 2014in Albay, Masbate, and Camarines Norte to validate

the national and regional data gathered from differenteconomic, social and demographic data sources which hadbeen the basis of the 2013 YDI estimation. The workshopsalso aimed to gather information on best practices onyouth development. National line agencies, localgovernment units and youth organizations sent participantsto the workshops.

Article contributed by NYC Bicol

Rights-based approach to address poverty

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)conducted an assessment and evaluation of theactivities to institutionalize the CHR-AECIDFortaleza Project, Human Rights Action Centers(HRACs) and the Rule of Law (RoL) onDecember 19, 2014 in Legazpi City.

CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales urgedthe rights-based approach to development andgovernance. One such right is the right to health,the core content of which includes availability,

accessibility, affordability and good quality.

To promote womens rights, the PhilippineGovernment passed a gender equality law,Republic Act 9710 in 2009, and more recently a

comprehensive reproductive health and rights law,Republic Act 10354 in 2012.

The enactment of the Responsible Parenthoodand Reproductive Health Act of 2012, according tothe Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population &Development, is a huge leap for the Philippinestowards achieving its commitment to the InternationalConference on Population and Development Programof Action. In view of the questions as to itsconstitutionality, however, the Supreme Courtdelayed its implementation until April 8, 2014, when itfinally ruled that Republic Act 10354 was not

unconstitutional.The CHR conducted a forum on December 10,

2014 in Naga City to bring its advocacy on womensright to reproductive health to the United NationsPopulation Fund (UNFPA) program areas in theprovinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and CamarinesNorte. The activity brought together municipal healthofficers, rural health physicians, nurses, midwives,social welfare & development officers, and a citycouncilor from three cities and 14 municipalities.

The UNFPA 7th Country Program for the

Philippines 2011-2016 has three components,namely: (1) reproductive health and rights; (2)population and development; and (3) gender equality.

Article contributed by CHR 5

Photo credit: CHR Region 5


13/20


Breaking the Cycle of PovertyAiming for the moon

At 17 years old, Connie Barranda moved to the

city from Rapu-rapu island to pursue college. Sheenrolled in a university and decided to take up a course

in nursing. It was a bold move, considering the fact thatshe did not have the means to live far from home whilestudying. But all her life, she dreamed only of earning acollege diploma. She believed education was the onlypossible way for her to get out of poverty. She felt shehad to do something brave, even something foolish, tochange her life for the better.

Receiving HOPE

She went to the community centre of ChildrenInternational. She got the information that the agencywas providing college scholarship to deserving but

needy students. It was an opportunity that she couldnot afford to miss.

The money in her pocket was only enough for thebus fare. She could not even spare a single peso forfood, and so she arrived very hungry at the community

centre. My hands were shaking while I was filling upthe application form. The staff thought that I wasnervous. He told me to relax. But I said that I wasshaking because I was hungry. So he made me a hotbowl of oatmeal. I felt suddenly embarrassed while I atethe food he offered, she smilingly recalled.

After a few days, she was asked to appear again inthe community centre for the interview. She knew thatthe interview could make or break her application, soshe gathered all her confidence in order to convincethe panel about her academic abilities and her needs

for financial support. I think that, most of all, the panelsaw my sheer determination. When I received thenews that I was awarded with a slot in HOPE

Scholarship, my determination to get a college diplomaonly grew stronger, Connie said.

As a HOPE scholar, she received substantial

monetary support to help her get through the first twoyears in college. Her tuition fees, including food,lodging and transportation expenses were covered bythe scholarship. I was overwhelmed. My dream ofearning a college diploma became so near that I couldalmost see myself wearing a graduation robe, she said.

True enough, after four years in college, she finallygraduated with a degree in nursing. But her plans didnot really work out as intended. She found herselffalling in endless lines of nurses applying for work.Apparently, the country had been producing countlessnurses in the previous years. The number continuedrising until the local industry couldnt absorb them allfor employment. Worse, the excessive supply ofnurses made the salary low.

Most were left with no choice but to acceptnursing work with very low compensation.

Taking on a new opportunity

I went back to our island and found a job as anurse. But the pay was barely enough to sustain basicneeds such as food. If I continued, there was definitelyno chance for me to break away from the cycle ofpoverty. I was seriously thinking about changing careerpath. I have a college diploma, and so I have thecapabilities to take on other careers, Connie said.

She applied as a police officer. For ten months,Connie endured the rigorous training. Each day wasintense, both physically and mentally. I felt as if I always

shed tears of blood each day at the training field. Wewere taught to have the strength and stamina of beasts.We would jog non-stop for 15 kilometers carrying 10kilos of sand. We were even trained to go hungry. Iwas a nurse, and I knew that all we did was not goodfor the body. But I did not complain. I knew I had toendure all of it if I want to get the job, Connie said.

On a new mission

Now at 25 years old, Connie is one of the newestpolice officers in their island. Everyday, she puts her life

at risk to fulfil her oath of protecting the people. Its

the same as being a nurse, because I also protect andsave the lives of people, she said. She is also in chargeof facilitating the cases related to crime and violenceagainst women. Women are more vulnerable, and weneed to have more protection from the law. I find it agreat honour to be able to serve and protect the

women in our community, she added.

The new career is much more fulfilling to her. Inthis profession, I can say that I have now broken thecycle of poverty that used to run in our family. I could

not have made it without the support of HOPE

scholarship. It provided me with the opportunity tofinish college. I am forever grateful to the program forchanging my life for the better, she said.

Article contributed by Children International-Bicol


14/20


Regional Economic Situationer Fourth Quarter 2014

A QUICK LOOK AT THE ECONOMY

Prices

In the fourth quarter of 2014, theaverage consumer price index of allcommodity items in the Bicol Region was146.13, higher by 0.63 point than theprevious quarter and also higher by 6.63points compared to the same period lastyear. Among the consumer items, food andnon-alcoholic beverages registered thehighest increase in CPI by 2.23 index points,brought about by elevated prices of fruitsduring the holiday season in December.

Transport and housing, water,electricity, gas and other fuel commoditiesregistered decreased CPIs, which may beattributed to the decline in the value of fuel inthe global market. The other items had zeroto less than one index point increase.

As a result of a slower rate of increasein price indeces in the fourth quarter, theyear-on-year regional inflation rate declinedto 4.7 percent from 6 percent in the previousquarter. Bicol regions purchasing power ofpeso stood at an average of P0.68 in thefourth quarter.


Lower inflation rate at 4.7%

Average quarterly CPI of all

consumer items at 146.13

Higher employment rate of 95.1%

Lower underemployment rate of

30.4%

Increased production in palay,

pilinut, livestock, poultry, and

commercial fishery

Decrease in total estimated value

of investments

Increased volume and value of

gold and silver production

IndicatorPeriod

4th Qtr2014

3rd Qtr2014

4th Qtr2013

Ave. Consumer Price Index 146.13 145.50 139.50Food and Non-Alcoholic

Beverages

164.03 161.80 152.10

Alcoholic Beverages and

Tobacco

169.0 168.20 162.80

Clothing 123.33 123.00 121.20

Gas and Other Fuels

125.13 126.80 124.30

Furnishings, HH Eqpt. &

Routine Maintenance

132.47 131.90 127.90

Health 125.80 125.60 124.10

Transport 138.83 140.10 140.30

Communication 94.00 94.00 93.80

Recreation and Culture 110.40 110.20 109.10

Education 145.30 145.30 140.10

Restaurants and Misc.

Goods and Services

137.50 137.00 132.70

Ave. Inflation Rate (%) 4.73 6.03 4.50Ave. Purchasing Power ofthe Peso (in Pesos)

0.68 0.69 0.70

Photo credit: www.skyscrapercity.com

Photo credit: albay.gov.ph Photo credit: ati.da.gov.ph

Photo credit: bicoltoday.com


15/20



Palay and corn production exhibited positivegrowths in October to December 2014compared to same period last year. Higheroutput was due to sufficient water supply anduse of improved seed varieties coupled withincreased application of fertilizer in mostprovinces in the region. More plantings wereobserved as rehabilitation seeds becameavailable from the local government units(LGUs) and Department of Agriculture 5 (DA).

As to coconut farms, areas adverselyaffected by typhoon Glenda have not fullyrecovered. The increment in the production ofabaca was attributed to the increase inharvesting and stripping due to good price and

higher demand for abaca in Catanduanes.However, output of said crop in some provincesin the region was affected by typhoon Glendaand the occurrence of succeeding typhoons

Labor and Employment

Agriculture and Fishery

Total population 15 years old and above wasestimated at 3.92 million persons in October2014, with 62.4 percent of which is estimated

to be in the labor force or those who are eitheremployed or unemployed.

Employment rate improved to 95.1 percentfrom 93.5 percent in July, and from 93.8 in thesame period last year. The increasing numberof business process outsourcing companiesand public and private construction projectsbeing implemented regionwide contributed inboosting employment opportunities in Bicol.

Conversely, unemployment rate decreasedfrom 6.5 percent in July to 4.9 percent in

October 2014. Compared to the same periodlast year, unemployment rate was lower by 1.3percentage points.

The regions underemployment rate or theproportion of employed persons wanting morehours of work to total employed personsdecreased from 37.7 percent in October 2013and 31.2 percent in July 2014 to 30.4 percentin October 2014. For the first time in manyyears, Bicol was dislodged from first to third

IndicatorPeriod

Jul 2014 Oct 2014 Oct 2013

Population 15 years &above (in thousands)

3,885 3,919 3.850

LF Participation Rate 62.0 62.4 64.3

Employment Rate 93.5 95.1 93.8

Unemployment Rate 6.5 4.9 6.2

Underemployment Rate 31.2 30.4 37.7

place among the 17 regions in the country with thehighest underemployment rate. Regions 8 and 10

ranked first and second, respectively.Though employment rate grew higher, still the

challenge is how to sustain the improvement in jobscreation in the region since hiring rate is largelydriven by the seasonality factor. If the unemploymentrate continues to drop and the employment rate inthe first quarter 2015 remains, then real improvementcan be felt. But still, high underemployment rate ofthe region remains a challenge to be addressed byall sectors.

Photo credit: ati.gov.ph

during the last semester of the year. The reducedproduction of major fruit crops such as banana,calamansi, mango and pineapple were due todecrease in bearing trees.

Total production of priority fruit crops includingpapaya and lanzones recorded a downward trend.Although provinces in Bicol Region were placedunder typhoon signal warning on December 4-7,2014 due to typhoon Ruby, recorded crop damageswere only minimal. On the other hand, production ofmajor vegetables like mongo, peanut, tomato,cabbage, camote and cassava registered negativegrowths this quarter.

The stable increase in total production of priorityvegetables was due to improved production ofpechay, stringbeans, gourd, okra, squash fruit, andpepper. Vegetable seeds dispersed by the DAhelped in stabilizing production of priorityvegetables.


16/20


Tourism

Agricultural Production Indicators

The volume of passengers increased duringthe months of November and December for thecelebration of Undas and the Christmas season.The Department of Transportation andCommunication (DOTC) conducted Oplan LigtasByahe: Undas 2014 and Oplan Ligtas Byahe.Online advisories were issued by the Philippine

National Police, National Disaster RiskReduction and Management Council, DOTC,and other agencies to ensure safety.

Legazpi City, one of the main gateways ofthe region, posted an increase in tourist arrivalduring the fourth quarter. Preliminary data fromthe Department of Tourism showed thatdomestic and foreign tourist arrivals increasedby 17 and 13 percent, respectively. There weresuspensions in flights and ferry trips due totropical storm Ruby that hit the region in

December. The celebration of CatandunganFestival in Catanduanes, Karangahan Festival inAlbay, and Kasanggayahan Festival inSorsogon attracted more domestic and foreigntourists to these provinces.

*- Preliminary DataSource: PSA Region 5

For the livestock and poultrysubsector, higher disposal rate of hogwas observed due to good price.Chicken meat remained in demandespecially during the long holidayseason thus, many commercial poultryraisers sold their stocks.

For the fisheries subsector, thedecrease in municipal and aquaculturefishery production was attributed torough seas and frequent gale warningsissued by PAGASA that preventedfishing operations and unloadingactivities especially in the provinces ofCamarines Norte, Catanduanes,Masbate and Sorsogon. Meanwhile,

commercial fishery productionremained stable.

Growth in production and harvestarea for crops are expected in the firstquarter of 2015. Palay and cornproduction for the period January toMarch 2015 are expected to registerpositive growths based on availablestanding crops ready to be harvestedwithin the first quarter of the year. Somepermanent crops are expected to

continue to recover from its losses.

The Bicol Regional Tourism Committee, aspecial committee under the Regional DevelopmentCouncil, conducted activities during the quarter topromote the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon and Triple Ctourism area development plans (ADPs).

A series of provincial consultations and sitevalidations were conducted. The programs, projects

and activities in the tourism ADPs includeenhancement of products and destinations,improvement of access and connectivity, humanresource development and local governance, andtourism promotion and marketing.

According to the DOTC, the Bicol InternationalAirport with total project cost amounting to P4.798billion is already 44 percent completed.

Moreover, the New Naga Airport Developmentproject amounting to P4.53 billion was approved bythe Investment Coordination Committee during the

quarter. The development of these airports isexpected to boost tourist arrival in the region byincreasing the capacities of these airports toaccommodate more passengers.

Product 4th Q 2013 3rd Q 20144th Q2014*

%Change

I. Crops (MT)

Palay 390,076.00 180,296.00 433,336.00 140.35

Corn 39,605.00 81,417.00 49,173.00 (39.60)

Coconut (with husk) 349,738.70 307,357.00 307,332.39 (0.01)

Abaca (dried raw fiber) 4,316.05 5,652.72 4,493.90 (20.50)

PiliNut 2,103.35 1,578.60 1,841.80 16.67

II. Livestock (MT)

Carabao (live wt.) 1,899.00 1,751.00 1,901 8.57

Cattle (live wt.) 4,840.00 3,360.00 5,011 49.14

Goat (live wt.) 810.00 898.00 873 (2.78)

Swine (live wt.) 28,420.00 28,409.00 29,647 4.36

Chicken (live wt.) 9,114.00 7,187.00 9,055 25.99

III. Fisheries (MT)

Commercial 18,629.43 16,556.13 18,194.56 9.90

Municipal 33,561.34 35,203.56 32,367.62 (8.06)

Aquaculture 15,234.17 19,901.49 15,409.47 (22.57)


17/20


Investments

Source: SEC Legazpi Extension Office

Source: MGB Region 5

Data from the Securities and ExchangeCommission showed a decrease in paid-up capitaland contribution from stock corporations andpartnership firms registered in the region.

Total investments in the region for the quarterwere valued at P59 million, which represents adecrease of 71 percent in the value of investmentsfrom the 3rd quarter. The total registeredcorporations and partnerships in the Bicol regionnumbered 123 for this quarter broken down asfollows: 27 stock corporations; 90 non-stockcorporations; and six partnerships.

The decrease in the number of registered stockcorporations and partnerships resulted in the

decrease in the value of investments. The numberof partnership firms also decreased, but the valueof investments increased by 46 percent. Non-stockfirms increased in number. The value ofinvestments also increased from P5.8 million toP13.3 million accounting for 56.2 percent.

The estimated value of mineral production(metallic and non-metallic) in the region totaledP3.1 billion, with gold and silver production in

Masbate accounting for the most part.

The total value in mineral productionincreased by 20.16 percent from the previousquarter. The province of Masbate remains to bethe sole contributor in gold and silver production.

Gold and silver production increased by 24percent and 19 percent, respectively. Likewise,

Type of Firm 3rd Q 2014 4th Q 2014%

Change

Stock

No. of Firms 32 27 -18.5

Paid-up capital P94,485,000 44,504,000 -112.3

Non-Stock

No. of Firms 79 90 12.2

Contribution P5,844,088 13,330,017 56.2

Partnership

No. of Firms 10 6 -66.7

Contribution 1,990,000 1,795,000 -10.9

Total number offirms

121 123 1.6

Total value ofinvestments

P102,319,088 59,629,017 -71.6

Mining

Province Mineral3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Percent Change

Quantity Value in Pesos Quantity Value in Pesos Quantity Value inPesos

TOTAL (Metallic & Non-Metallic) 2,484,163,273 3,111,568,048 20.16

METALLIC (kg) 2,476,142,773 3,109,667,648 20.37

Masbate Gold 1,360 2,451,895,923 1,784 3,083,959,850 23.74 20.50

Masbate Silver 875 24,246,851 1,083 25,707,799 19.23 5.68

NON-METALLIC (MT) 8,020,500 1,900,400 (322.04)

Albay Perlite 13,350 8,010,000 2,425 1,455,000 (450.52) (450.52)

Shale Clay 1,050 10,500 140 1,400 (650.00) (650.00)

Cam Sur Perlite - 370 444,000

Albay Cement 4,077,110 794,044,938 3,769,965 745,165,877 (8.15) (6.56)

the value of gold and silver production increasedby 20 percent and six percent, respectively.

There was a significant decrease in theproduction of non-metals. The province ofCamarines Sur produced 370 metric tons of perlitein the last quarter. The production of cementdecreased by eight percent with 3.7 million bagsand an estimated value of P745 million.

Total value of non-metallic productiondecreased to P1.9 million in the fourth quarter.


18/20


Highlights of 4th Quarter 2014 RPMC Report

Project Monitoring

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee

(RPMC) secretariat requests quarterly project statusreports from line agencies, state universities andcolleges, government owned and controlledcorporations and local government units. For thefourth quarter of CY 2014, 21 entities out of 74submitted their reports. This represents a 24percent submission rate. From the submittedreports, 33 percent are infrastructure projects, 29percent are economic sector projects, 26 percentare social sector projects, and 12 percent aredevelopment administration sector projects.

The Regional Project Monitoring Team (RPMT)inspected a total of 10 projects in Camarines Surand Sorsogon provinces for the fourth quarter.

Retrofitting of PNR Pier No. 2 and Pier No. 3 ofQuilbay Bridge

The Quilbay railway bridge project is acomponent of the PNR mainline south. It is locatedin Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. The project involvesstrengthening/retrofitting of the bridge through theinstallation of metal sheet piles; excavation works

(around bridge substructure); reinforced concretingof bridge substructure (wide flange) anddewatering works.

The monitoring team observed the preparatoryconcreting activities around the two piers. Metalsheet piles were installed around the bridgesubstructure and the H piles were used to supportthe bridge superstructure. There was no signageunder the bridge superstructure indicating thevertical clearance during low and high tide ofQuilbay river, posing danger to small vessels that

transport sand and agricultural products (e.g.,bananas) from Bgy. Sta. Rita to Bgy. Sabang. Theproject implementation is delayed due tounfavourable weather condition and delays in theprovision of power supply in the area, the reasongiven by the contractor why they cannot operatetheir equipment. The local residents of Del Gallegouse skates to transport passengers locally. MayorLydia Abarientos believed that when the train is fullyoperational, it will provide a comfortable andcheaper means of transport to her constituents.

The team recommended for the PNR CentralOffice to instruct the contractor to expedite thecompletion of the project. PNR-Hondagua areaoffice shall follow up request for transformers withthe Tagkawayan Electric Cooperative. The PNR

central office shall coordinate with PNR field officeon all aspects of project implementation andprovide them with the program of work to aid inmonitoring the timeliness of project completion.The RPMT shall regularly monitor the status of theproject and to subject the PNR to problem solvingsession, when necessary.

Sagrada Communal Irrigation System (CIS)

The Sagrada CIS in Iriga City, Camarines Suris a P2.7 million communal irrigation systemproject. It involves two components, namely: theconstruction of main canal with concrete hollowblocks lining (3m x 606.6 m) and the institutionaldevelopment of the Sagmonrey-an CommunalIrrigation Association, Inc.

With the project, the service area increasedfrom 110 hectares to 141 hectares. Croppingintensity increased from two to three and the yieldincreased to an average of 80-120 (from 50-70)

cavans per hectare. The irrigation service fee(ISF) of P1,125/ha./cropping that is beingcollected is affordable, according to thebeneficiaries. However, about 5 to 10 percent ofmembers fail to pay their ISF.

Mr.Russel Pangkaliwangan of PNR Hondagua area office

orients the RPMT members

The whole stretch of PNRs Quilbay bridge in Del Gallego,

Camarines Sur


19/20


It was observed that portions of the canal atSagrada-Cristo Rey section need repair andrehabilitation. The monitoring team recommendedfor NIA Region 5 to allocate funds for itsrehabilitation to improve the irrigation services.Another recommendation is to intensify collection

of ISF to lower delinquency ratio. This project isbeing piloted for the development of outcomeindicators using the Managing for DevelopmentResults (MfDR) framework.

Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project

The project is a city-level initiative on climatechange adaptation which was identified by theRDC as regional priority. The project componentsare: (a) riverwalk; (b) flood management anddrainage; (c) sanitation and sewerage; (d) Isla

Sison redevelopment; and (e) river transport.

The project will strengthen the resilience of thecity in the face of climate change and improve itsdisaster preparedness. Exposure to hazards willbe reduced and vulnerability of people andproperties will be lessened. The river transportsystem provides an alternative means oftransportation to jeepneys and tricycles, thuslowering carbon dioxide emission into the air. Itprovides faster travel time compared to land travelfrom Magsaysay to public market, from 15 minutes

to 5 minutes by boat.

The monitoring team inspected only two sub-components of the project, namely: the RiverTransport, which include the purchase of boats(P1.1 million) and construction of five wharves(P18.9 million) and the construction/rehabilitation ofthe Naga City flood control system (P200 million).

The five wharves constructed were: MagsaysayBridge Wharf Station; Colgante Bridge WharfStation; Panganiban Bridge Wharf Station; Naga

City Peoples Mall Wharf Station, and SabangBridge Wharf Station.

The team observed that the easement isoccupied by informal settlers, thus making the civilworks difficult. Households and institutions locatednear the riverbanks dump untreated wastes intothe river.

It was recommended that through this project,the informal settlers be relocated by the citygovernment so as to provide them a decent shelter.

This will provide solution to encroachment alongriver easement. The Naga City engineering officeshould submit the completion report and fundutilization on the river transport component to theDBM and DILG.

Bacon Manito Road Project

The Bacon-Manito road section is the missinglink of two national secondary roads: (a) Legazpi-Punta de Jesus Road (51.60 km) in Albay; and (b)Junction Sorsogon-Bacon-Manito Road (12.93 km)

in Sorsogon.

It is one of the priority projects under the DOT-DPWH Convergence Program on EnhancingTourism Access evaluated under the Tourism RoadInfrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria.

The benefits that will be derived from the projectinclude the reduced travel time of commuters,improved mobility of goods and services betweenthe provinces of Albay and Sorsogon, and openingof new tourism development sites along the road

influence area.

The present means of transport of residents inthe three upland barangays of Bacon district (Osiao,Sto.Nino, Gajo) is by boat. It takes 45 minutes totravel to Bacon poblacion.

The team observed about 14 kilometers of road(Bacon side 8 kms. and Manito side 6 kms.) thatneed to be opened.

The grade of earth road is too steep (about 18%)

and lack slope protection works at Barangay Osiao,Bacon, Sorsogon (road opening). The projectsphysical accomplishment is 25 percent which isahead of schedule.

The team recommended that DPWH should

reduce the road grade to at least 14 percent

(standard) and to provide slope protection works at

the road section at barangay Osiao, Bacon,

Sorsogon. DPWH shall also coordinate with LGU

concerned on this project and other projects

implemented in the area.

Ongoing concreting works (Manito side)


20/20


RPMES Training

The local project monitoring committees in

Masbate were oriented on the Regional Project

Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) last

November 27, 2014. The training provided

information on monitoring and evaluation, reportingprocesses, and the specific functions of the project

monitoring committees (PMCs) as contained in the

RPMES manual of operations. Actual field

monitoring of one project was conducted to

familiarize the participants on what to look for

during project visits.

Project Facilitation Session

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee(RPMC) conducted a project facilitation session forthe Kinamaligan Resettlement Project in MasbateCity on November 18, 2014. The participants wereofficials of the NHA, representatives from theMasbate City government, and members of theRPMC and RPMT. This was an offshoot of the fieldinspection of the project on September 11, 2014.

The RPMT reported site development issuessuch as: (1) very steep road grade in some areas inthe resettlement site which is not suitable forbuilding houses; (2) absence of slope protection

causing severe erosion; (3) revised sitedevelopment plan is still for approval by NationalHousing Authority (NHA) central office; (4)requirements in securing building permit not yetcomplied; (5) substandard materials used; (6) thespillway made of reinforced concrete pipe culvertcannot accommodate huge amount of water duringheavy rains; and (7) no coordination between theNHA Region 5 and the city government of Masbate.

The recommendations to address the aboveissues were discussed. The status of actions taken

are: (1) the NHA Region 5 informed that thepreparation of a proposal for additional funding isongoing and the revised subdivision plan wassubmitted to NHA Central Office for approval;

(2) the Presidential Management Staff (PMS)Region 5 reported that the matter was brought tothe attention of the PMS Central Office whereby itwas suggested that the Committee should come upwith the appropriate resolution to be forwarded tothe Office of the President.

RPMES Year- End Assessment and Planning

A year-end assessment and planning workshopwas conducted on December 19, 2014. Theparticipants were members of the RPMC and theRPMT. The objective of the activity was tostrengthen the RPMES towards the continualimprovement of the implementation of developmentprograms, projects and activities in the region.Lessons learned, challenges, facilitating andhindering factors in the implementation of the

RPMES were drawn out to further improveits operation.

Improvements in the implementation of theRPMES instituted in 2014 include: (1) moreparticipation from LPMCs in project field monitoringand reporting during RPMC meetings whereLPMCs present projects that require interventionfrom the RPMC; (2) greater participation of RDC-PSRs in project monitoring, as they were invited tojoin project monitoring visits in their provinces.

To address issues and further improve RPMESimplementation, the following were recommended:(1) conduct orientation workshops for LPMCs; (2)push for the amendment of the RPMES Manual ofOperations; (3) more pro-active monitoring andinclusion of more non-infra projects; (4) for the DBMto reiterate to the implementers the need to reporton financial accomplishments; and (5) capacitybuilding of PSRs on the preparation of projectexception reports.

Other recommendations were: (1) conduct of

roving RPMC meeting-cum-field inspection;(2) piloting of monitoring for development results;(3) enhancement of the project tracking system bygeotagging projects.

Second Quarter 2015

Theme: Health

Article contributions related to the theme may besubmitted to [email protected] or contactGieza R. Esparraguerra at (052) 482-0498.

Bicol Development UpdatesENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAILUnder Permit No. 2014-20 CY 2014

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