Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 1 | January - March 2017

Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera takes oath as RDC XII Chairperson

RDC XII AdCom convenes at Batasang Pambansa

2 | Regional Development Updates | January - March 2017

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO ROSA D. LEMANA

MA. LULU E. VALENCIA JULIET G. BOLANDO

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

LALAINE M. SAJELANLIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWEEVIE A. CABULANAN

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADOJUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Contributor PIA XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.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 [email protected] or [email protected].

CONTENTS

RDC XII confirms the FY 2018 Budget Proposals of RLAs, SUCs, and GOCCs


RSC XII convenes 1st Quarter Regular Meeting, Quality and Timely Data urged

On our cover is the oath-taking ceremony of the new RDC XII Chairperson, Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera of General Santos City, and the RDC XII Advisory Committee Meeting on January 25, 2017 at Belmonte Hall, Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City.

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RDC XII Advisory Committee Convenes at Batasang Pambansa

10 DOT XII Mounts Ambitious Campaign for the Region’s Flourishing Tourism Industry

RGADC, new Affiliate Committee of RDC XII6

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11 DPWH XII Ranks 4th in 2016 Infra Program Implementation

Volume 15 | Issue No. 1 | January - March 2017

12 NEDA XII promotes AmBisyon Natin 2040

January - March 2017 | Regional Development Updates | 3

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera of General Santos City took his oath as RDC XII Chairperson on March 15, 2017 at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre on the occasion of the 57th RDC XII regular meeting. Hon. Oscar P. Noel, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 35 of General Santos City, administered the oath in the presence of RDC XII members. Thereafter, the Vice-Chairperson, RD Arturo G. Valero, handed over to Mayor Rivera the original signed appointment from the Office of the President. Mayor Rivera shall serve as Chairperson of the Council for the term 2016-2019.

It should be noted that after the reorganization of the Council on September 20, 2016, Mayor Rivera, along with Mayor Lina O. Montilla of Tacurong City, RDC XII Private Sector Representatives Richlie Lyndon R. Magtulis and Rolando S. Doria, were endorsed by the Council to the Office of the President, as nominees for Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of RDC XII for the term 2016-2019.

In his message, Mayor Rivera expressed his appreciation for having been appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as the Council Chairperson for the current term. He committed to perform his tasks as the

head of the Council amidst his responsibilities as the Local Chief Executive of General Santos City. He, likewise, enjoined the support of the members to actively participate in all RDC XII activities toward the development of the region, particularly in coming up with better infrastructure, and in formulating a regional development plan which will serve as bible of development in the region. In addition, the Chairperson expressed support to the thrust of the present government and committed to ensure that public service is a source of a better life for everyone.

In the initial performance of his task as Chairperson, three special non-voting members

(SNVM) were confirmed, namely: the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) XII represented by Dr. Grace B. Pamonag, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XII represented by ARD Cesar G. Mapula, and the Development Bank of the Philipines (DBP)- represented by Regional Head Nelito H. Tingzon. The SNVMs shall likewise be members of RDC XII for the period 2016-2019.

A total of 56 resolutions were passed during the meeting. Aside from the sectoral concerns, the CY 2016 RDC XII

Mayor Ronnel ... page 4

Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera (right) of General Santos City took his oath as RDC XII Chairperson for the term 2016-2019. The oath-taking was administered by Hon. Oscar P. Noel, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 35 of General Santos City during the 57th RDC XII Meeting on March 15, 2017 at Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre, General Santos City.



Accomplishment Report, CY 2017 RDC XII Work Program and Calendar of Activities, as well as the forthcoming BIMP-EAGA event to be held in Region XII, the First Budayaw Festival, were approved/endorsed and/or supported by the Council through resolutions.

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The RDC XII Full Council confirmed its Executive Committee’s resolution endorsing the FY 2018 budget proposals of the regional line agencies (RLAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), during its 57th regular meeting on March 15, 2017 in General Santos City.

The RDC XII Executive Committee (RDC XII ExCom) conducted a two-day Consultation and Review of the FY 2018 Budget Proposals on February 28-March 1, 2017 in Koronadal City.

Prior to the conduct of the consultation and review, the Committee conducted a Pre-Budget Consultation and Review Meeting which was attended by the RDC XII Vice-

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

Mayor Ronnel ... from page 3

Chairperson, Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons of the four (4) Sectoral Committees, and by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XII. The meeting was conducted for the Committee members to: a) familiarized themselves with the salient features of the National

Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 127 or the Budget Call for FY 2018; b) review the proposed guidelines for the RDC XII Review and Consultation of the FY 2018 budget proposals; and c) be briefed on the AIP-Budget Tracking Report for CY 2017, among others.

The Budget Consultation and

Hon. Oscar P. Noel, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 35 of General Santos City, administered the oath-taking of new RDC XII Special Non-Voting Members. (L-R) ARD Cesar G. Mapula of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XII; RVP Grace B. Pamonag of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC); and Regional Head Nelito H. Tingzon of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

RDC XII confirms the FY 2018 Budget Proposals of RLAs, SUCs, and GOCCS

NEDA XII Regional Director and RDC XII Vice Chairperson Arturo G. Valero (right) with DBM XII Regional Director Akmad J. Usman during the two-day Consultation and Review of the FY 2018 Budget Proposals on February 28-March 1, 2017 in Koronadal City.


Review commenced on February 28, 2017 with the RDC XII ExCom members as review panel. A total 20 RLAs, 5 SUCs and 2 GOCCs presented their respective proposed budgets for FY 2018.

As presented, the total budget proposed by the RLAs, SUCs and GOCCs of the region, and favorably endorsed by the RDC XII ExCom, amounted to PhP103.517 Billion. The programs/projects/activities (PPAs) included in the said budget proposals were found to

be supportive of the President’s 0 to 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022, and the approved CY 2018 Annual Investment Programs of the government entities. The Social Sector got the lion’s share of the budget with PhP64.637, or 62.44% of the total proposed budget, followed by the Infrastructure Sector with 26.24%, Economic Sector with 10.18%, and Governance and Institutions Development Sector with 1.14%.

The RDC XII Full Council concurred with the RDC XII ExCom endorsement of the budget proposals, as presented by the 27 government entities of the region, through a resolution.

(L-R) Private Sector Representatives to RDC XII took part in the budget consultations and review which was conducted for two (2) days from February 28-March 1, 2017 in Koronadal City.


RGADC, new Affiliate Committee of RDC XIIBy: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

General Santos City – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII approved the organization of Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) as Affiliate Committee of the Council during the 57th RDC XII Meeting on 15 March 2017 in General Santos City, as endorsed by the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII.

The recommendation of the RSDC XII was based on the Section 9 of Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1996, which states that “… various committees organized to carry out national and agency programs are considered to be under the umbrella of the RDC as affiliate committees.”

The proposed membership of the Committee shall include: 4 Sectoral Chairpersons of the

Council or their representatives; 10 Regional Directors from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Commission on Population (POPCOM), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); 6 Local Chief Executives from South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato Province, City of Koronadal, and Cotabato City; 5 SUC Presidents from the of Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU), Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC), Notre Dame of

Dadiangas University (NDDU), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), and University of Southern Mindanao (USM); 3 representatives from women sector; 3 representatives from Civil Society Organizations, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) group; and other organizations focused on gender and development which shall be identified later.

As reported by RSDC XII Chairperson Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, the 31 members of the committee can be further expanded by the organized RGADC.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) XII shall be the convenor of the organizational meeting of RGADC which will be held sometime in April 2017.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Statistics Committee (RSC) XII conducted its 1st Regular Meeting for CY 2017 on March 28, 2017 at Viajera Dine and Café, City of Koronadal. The meeting, which was hosted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) XII, was attended by majority of the members of the Committee with NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero orchestrating the meeting as the Committee’s Chairperson.

In his opening remarks, Chairperson Valero once again cited the importance of Statistics not just in government operations but also in private organizations, as basis for planning and identifying programs and projects. Citing it as a “bloodline” for the government initiatives and decision making, Chairperson Valero urged the committee to advocate and further improve not just the use of statistics but also the quality and timeliness of data.

The Committee discussed matters from its previous meeting, as well as the assessment of its accomplishments for CY 2016. Agenda Forecast for the Calendar Year 2017 was also deliberated as activities were lined-up and plotted for 2017. The Province of South Cotabato was then requested to host the 2nd Quarter meeting of the Committee, while DENR XII and Cotabato

City were identified as possible hosts for the 3rd and 4th Quarter Meetings, respectively.

Technical topics presented and discussed during the meeting were: Project ANACONDA (Analysis of Causes of Death for National Development and Action), which is a software program designed to address and improve the Quality of Death Statistics from Civil Registrar; the 2015 Annual Poverty Statistics wherein an improvement in the Region’s overall Poverty incidence was highlighted; the performance of Agriculture in SOCCSKSARGEN Region where a negative 12.14% growth rate was reported, which could likely affect the overall growth of the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP); and the 2010-Based Population

Projections which indicated a 5,053,800 population in the Region by the year 2020.

Under other matters, the 2017 schedule of Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI) Trainings was presented, encouraging interested applicants, especially members attending the RSC XII meeting, to submit and participate in the listed trainings. The final item covered the latest PSA Board resolutions for the Committee’s information, adoption, and/or appropriate action.

RSC XII convenes 1st Quarter Regular Meeting, Quality and Timely Data urged

By: Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII-DRD

Edward Donald Eloja (right) of PSA XII presented and discussed the analysis of Causes of Death for National Development and Action or popularly known as Project ANACONDA during the RSC XII 1st Quarter Meeting at Viajera Dine and Cafe, Koronadal City on March 28, 2017.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council XII Advisory Committee (RDC XII AdCom) convened for its first meeting for the term 2016-2019 on January 25, 2017 at the Belmonte Hall, Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City. RDC XII Acting Chairperson and Regional Director of NEDA XII, Arturo G. Valero, explained that the meeting is intended to primarily discuss the proposed priority programs and projects for inclusion in the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018, and generate policy recommendations for legislation and/or support by the nine (9) congresspersons of the region.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development, Adoracion M. Navarro, was the meeting’s guest speaker. She presented the general thrust of the Philippine Development Plan, particularly the AmBisyon Natin 2040 which lays down the underlying principle of “Malasakit” in pursuing development. She also pointed out the National Spatial Development Strategy which provides geographical and coherent guide in the pursuit of the 0+10 point agenda of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The RDC XII AdCom is composed of members of the House of Representatives from

Region XII and the members of the RDC XII Executive Committee, viz: RDC XII Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Vice Chairperson; Sectoral Committee Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons; and the Regional Directors of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In addition to the RDC XII AdCom Members, the Regional Directors of regional line agencies that are highly important in regional and local development, particularly in terms of their huge investments for their priority programs and projects and play

RDC XII Advisory Committee Convenes at Batasang PambansaBy: Rosa D. Lemana, NEDA XII-DRD


strategic roles in regional and local development, were invited as resource persons.

Updates on major infrastructure projects for the term 2013-2016, were presented, particularly on roads and bridges, airports and seaports, flood control projects, irrigation, and public transport terminals.

RDC XII AdCom also discussed the rehabilitation of the General Santos International Airport, which will start within the year using the P959 million fund provided by the Department of Transportation under its CY 2015 Infrastructure Program. The unfinished components of the seaports of General Santos, Glan and Timako, the flood control projects in four (4) major sub-basins of Cotabato and Lower Pulangi, Ala, Libungan and Banga, and the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase 2 will continue to be implemented during the year.

The Committee members agreed to give priority to the following projects: Malapag-Tinimbakan Road, several by-pass roads, Banga-Tupi-Sarangani Road, and roads leading to tourist development areas (TDAs). The

proposed SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Hospital in Surallah will continue to be a major proposal for the term 2016-2019 along with the completion of the Halal Laboratory in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City.

The Committee members likewise agreed to pursue a win-win solution in order to tap the vast mineral resources for the development of the region, particularly the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project. Further, they recommended that the Department of Budget and Management release the Notice of Organization, Staffing and Compensation Action (NOSCA) of newly created trial courts and the funds of those already with NOSCA in order to enhance the justice system in the region.

Aside from RDC XII Acting Chairperson Valero, RDC XII AdCom members present during the meeting were: Congresspersons Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Jose I. Tejada, Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., Horacio P. Suansing, PSR Alfredo P. Hebrona, Jr., PSR Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, PSR Ricardo C. Juliano and PSR Rolando S. Doria. Represented were Congresspersons Bai Sandra

A. Sema, Jesus N. Sacdalan, Nancy A. Catamco, Rogelio D. Pacquiao, Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, and DILG XII RD Reynaldo M. Bungubung.

Resource persons present were: RD Reynaldo Tamayo of DPWH XII, Regional Manager Ali S. Satol of NIA XII, RD Macario D. Gonzaga of the Land Transportation Office XII, RD Bai Zorahayda Taha of DSWD XII, RD Albert E. Gutib of DOLE XII, RD Arturo Bayocot of DepEd XII, RD Nelly Nita Dillera of DOT XII, RD Zenaida Raof Laidan of DOST XII, Ms. Cecilia Parcon representing RD Milagros A. Casis of DA XII, and Atty. Michelle Anne Viejo representing RD Bungubung of DILG XII.

(L-R) Hon. Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Representative of South Cotabato, 2nd District; Acting RDC XII Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero; and NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion M. Navarro during the RDC XII Advisory Committee Meeting in Quezon City on January 25, 2017.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region is taking small steps in mounting an ambitious campaign in the region’s tourism industry, an official of the Department said.

Department of Tourism XII Regional Director Nelly Nita N. Dillera said, the agency has taken leaps in engaging all stakeholders not only from the region but across the world to take part in the advocacy.

With a new advocacy strategy in “SOX is NEXT,” the agency hosted visitors from as far as Metro Manila, Cebu and other areas in Visayas with global connections.

Manila-based tour operators had more good stories to tell now after their 3-day caravan in tourist destinations in SOCCSKSARGEN region on March 22-24.

Having seen for themselves that truly SOCCCSKSARGEN

NEXT.” Others stressed that they have proven wrong some misinformation and wrong notions about the region which they have heard and read in second hand reports reaching them.

The tour operators, who are members of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA) headed by Cesar Cruz, had their familiarization tour in the paragliding sites and white sand beaches of Sarangani Province; the scenic view of Mt. Matutum with the pineapple plantation and Fruit Park in Tupi town, the breathtaking Zipline, Lake Cruise, and fascinating 7 Falls in Lake Sebu, and the T’boli Culture of South Cotabato; as

DOT XII Mounts Ambitious Campaign for the Region’s Flourishing Tourism IndustryBy: Aida C. Agad, PIA XII

Region has lots of fun-filled adventures to experience, they said “we came, we saw and we confirm SOX is


well as the Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Their tour was capped with a business matching activity with hoteliers, handicraft stores, travel agencies and other tourism-oriented establishments based in SOCCSKSARGEN.PhilTOA is an organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism. It was founded on June 12, 1986 as a non-profit and non-stock organization.

The membership includes travel agencies, hotels, resorts, transportation companies, handicraft stores, and other tourism oriented establishments and associations.

Director Dillera said that the tour enabled PhilTOA members to identify and experience tourism destinations in the region that could be included in their tour packages, hoping that they will help promote SOX as the next tourist destination in the Phillipines.

On April 3-7, 2017, DOT XII hosted the 2017 Treasures of SOX: Travel & Trade Expo at Glorietta Mall, in Makati City. SOCCSKSARGEN products were showcased in the weeklong trade fair.

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – Of the 16 regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), DPWH XII ranked 4th in actual physical accomplishments in 2016, an official here announced.

Regional Director Reynaldo Tamayo told Philippine Information Agency that DPWH XII completed 504 of the 604 infrastructure projects implemented across SOCCSKSARGEN Region last year.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Director Tamayo noted that in 2016, DPWH constructed, improved and rehabilitated 70.159 kilometers of roads amounting to P1.4 billion.

“Region XII is so far doing well in project implementation despite extortion and arson in critical areas,” Tamayo said. “We have also been busy in monitoring our compliance to the ISO certification and we have managed to pull through.”

In the same period, the regional office has

implemented 4,996.07 linear meters of bridges amounting to P223.6 million, including the Namnama Bridge in Koronadal City that collapsed because of heavy flood on June 24, 2015.Twenty flood control projects, such as riverbank protections and revetments, were also completed.

Under memorandum of agreement (MOA) with local government units and other agencies, DPWH XII also built 292 local roads and bridges, water systems, school buildings, national buildings, multi-purpose buildings, day care centers and health centers with a combined cost of P2.3 billion.

With the Department of Agriculture, DPWH XII improved and paved 31.23 kilometers of farm-to-market roads.

It has also constructed 382 school buildings for secondary and senior high school under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) of the Department of Education.

DPWH offices in Regions XIII, XI and I comprised the Top 3 performers in 2016.

DPWH XII Ranks 4th in 2016 Infra Program ImplementationBy: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII and EETorino, DPWH XII


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – With the objective to promote the AmBisyon Natin 2040 to as many stakeholders as possible, NEDA XII partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XII, dubbed as Ang Bagong PIA, in conducting a series of advocacy activities in the region on March 16-17, 2017. Conducted in the City of Kidapawan and in the Municipality of Isulan, students comprising of junior to senior high school, as well as from the tertiary level, were oriented on various topics such as the ASEAN Integration, AmBisyon Natin 2040, and the BIMP-EAGA.

PIA XII, who spearheaded the activity, intends to inform the people more of what’s happening in the Government, targeting specifically the students who are deemed to be very important stakeholders in the realization of various government initiatives.

In his speech, PIA XII Acting-Regional Director Joey Sem G. Dalumpines said that it is important that the Government

reach out and inform the people in order to have a better understanding of the plans and programs of the current administration. He also believes that conducting such orientations are more effective in communicating government’s programs, thrusts and priorities as these would allow government personnel to personally interact with the audience targeted.

Division Chief Rosa D. Lemana, who headed the group from NEDA XII, and who rendered the orientation on AmBisyon Natin 2040, thanked PIA XII for initiating the event and for including the topic on AmBisyon Natin 2040 in the activity. Ms. Lemana said that NEDA XII advocates the AmBisyon Natin 2040 in order to generate more acceptance of the long-term vision, summarized as Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay by 2040, to as many stakeholders as possible, especially the youth/

millennials, being the more affected sector of society.

Other speakers who discussed relevant topics were: Daniel T. Te, Regional Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who provided a general overview of ASEAN; Mr. Gerardo Ramon Cesar B. Reynaldo of MinDA, who gave an insight on the BIMP-EAGA; and Ms. Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas of NEDA XII, who discussed the ASEAN Economic Community.

The orientations were considered a success, as students showed interest and appreciation of the topics by interacting with and raising questions to the resource persons during the forum. PIA XII intends to extend the activity in Cotabato City, Sarangani and Koronadal City to further reach more people in the region.

NEDA XII promotes AmBisyon Natin 2040By: Judd Nichol L. Leonar NEDA XII-DRD

Ms. Lemana said that NEDA XII advocates the AmBisyon Natin 2040 in order to generate more acceptance of the long-term vision, summarized as Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay by 2040.

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Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 1 | January - March 2017

Government & Nonprofit