regional development updates | vol 14 issue 3 | july - september 2016

RDC XII confirms new PSRs

2 | Regional Development Updates | July - September 2016

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. SAJELANEDEN F. RIDAO

LIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWE

JUDD 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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

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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

SOCCSKSARGEN Celebrates RDC Day, Plant Trees

RDC XII confirms new PSRs, nominates Chairperson and Co-Chairperson

RSC XII endorses 10 nominees to the 2016 SOV

PRRD awards well-performing policemen of PRO XII

On our cover are the newly selected Private Sector Representatives to the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII for the term 2016-2019 and the NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero, Ph.D. who served as Acting Chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC) XII for the term 2013-2016 due to the non-appointment of a Chairperson for the RDC of SOCCSKSARGEN.

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Volume 14 | Issue No. 3 | July - September 2016

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11 NEDA XII Launches its Gulayan sa Opisina Project Phase 4

South Cotabato’s Lake Sebu and Lake Holon cited among world’s best sustainable destinations

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12 NEDA XII Supports Project DUTERTE Launching in Region XII

CAARRDEC coming up with a Strategic Plan, 2016-20269

July - September 2016 | Regional Development Updates | 3

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato –The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII confirmed the newly selected Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) for the term 2016-2019 during the Reorganizational and 55th Regular Meeting of the Council on September 20, 2016 in Koronadal City.

The oath of office was administered by Executive Judge Renato V. Tampac of the Regional Trial Court Branch 25. It was attended by 12 out of 13 PSRs, namely:

PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE AREA/SECTOR REPRESENTED1. Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis - Sarangani Province2. Januario B. Espejo, Jr. - Cotabato Province/Kidapawan City 3. Martininano L. Magdolot - South Cotabato4. Vispocious E. Ramos, Sr. - Sultan Kudarat/Tacurong City5. Ryan S. Vidanes - General Santos City6. Nestor S. Lumawig - Koronadal City7. Perfecto T. Marquez - Cotabato City8. Ricardo C. Juliano - Governance Sector9. Eulit Yennah F. Torres - Basic Sector10. Jose Ronie V. Mondragon - Labor Sector11. Rolando S. Doria - Economic Sector12. Carlito Y. Uy - Social Sector

PSR Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr. of the Infrastructure Sector was not able to attend.

The Council members unanimously selected Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera of General Santos City and Mayor Lina O. Montilla of Tacurong City together with PSR Rolando S. Doria of the Economic Sector and

PSR Richie Lyndon L. Magtulis of Sarangani as nominees to the positions of Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Council.

The RDC XII Ad Hoc Selection Committee composed of Regional Directors Ibrahim T. Guiamadel of DTI XII, Akmad J. Usman of DBM XII, and OIC-Regional Director Manuel L. Betaizar of

LTO XII, facilitated the selection of nominees for RDC XII Officials.

The resolution nominating the top officials of the Council will be endorsed to the Office of the President for appointment on or before September 30, 2016.

RDC XII confirms new PSRs, nominates Chairperson and Co-Chairperson

By: Apollo Y, Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD


SOCCSKSARGEN Celebrates RDC Day, Plant Trees

By: Rosa D. Lemana, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – RDC XII Acting Chairperson RD Arturo G. Valero led the celebration of RDC XII day by planting trees in Sitio El Gawel, Barangay Saravia, Koronadal City on September 29, 2016. In the middle of a heavy downpour, technical staff and sectoral committee members drove to the site at 5:30 in the morning.

The activity is part of the RDC Week celebration as provided for in Presidential Proclamation No. 1164 issued on February 28, 1998 which declares the 4th week of September as RDC Week.

Nabul and narra seedlings were planted along the creek of El Gawel in a forest reserve which is one of the critical watersheds of Koronadal City.

In his message, RD Valero emphasized the importance of tree growing and ensuring survival of the trees. “We will come back in December this year to find out whether the trees survived because we want a 100% survival rate.”

Assisting the RDC Secretariat in the preparatory activities were DENR 12 led by RTD Ali Hajinasser who provided 400 nabul and narra seedlings, the officers and staff of CENRO of Koronadal City led by Mr. Augustus Bretaña who prepared the areas where the trees will be planted, and the Chairperson of Barangay Saravia, Mr. Gregorio Presga, who supported the whole activity by arranging and identifying El Gawel as planting site.

Mr. Bretaña briefed the tree planters on the proper way of planting, i.e., by removing the plant from its plastic container, placing the seedling in the prepared hole, covering the base

with soil and putting the plastic container on the stick markers so that the CENRO staff would know that the plastic containers were indeed removed.

In the afternoon of the same day, a Press Conference was conducted at The Farm@Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, with RD Valero, Acting RDC Chairperson, Gov. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, RSDC Chairperson Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, and Ms. Judith L. Amido of Koronadal City, as panel members. RD

SOCCSKSARGEN ... page 5


Olivia T. Sudaria acted as moderator in the question and answer portion.

Brief presentations were made on the RDC structure and its functions, the Philippine Development Plan and the 0+10 agenda of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte, the framework of the Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022, and the economic situation of the region as of June 30, 2016. An audio-visual presentation of AmBisyon Natin 2040 was likewise played for appreciation by the press members and the information officers of line agencies and the local government units present.

Among the concerns raised and responded to were: the need to assert the programs and projects identified and

endorsed by RDCs which are responsive to the needs of the region; for government to provide alternative employment to farmers during lean season when farmers are free from farm activities; intensify efforts towards small business development to address AmBisyon Natin 2040; and development of skills training programs for Level III and IV certification.

Gov. Fuentes emphasized the importance of law enforcement. “We need to implement the 7 Pillars of the Justice System in order to give justice to people with pending cases,” she said.

On the other hand, PSupt Romeo Galgo, Jr. of the PNP, and Col. Tyne Bañas of the 1002nd Brigade, assured the public of

the generally peaceful situation of the region due to the peace and development efforts with the MILF and the NPA.

Accordingly, Operation TOKHANG has been orderly and the drug menace has significantly been minimized.The Press Conference ended with a happy note when RD Nelly Nita Dillera announced that Lake Sebu and T’boli have been included in the top 100 green destinations by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council during the awarding ceremonies on 27-28 September 2016 in Ljubljana, Slovenia; and, Ms. Judith Amido of Koronadal City announced the “Night of the Region” on October 6, 2016 at Paraiso Verde, Koronadal City.

SOCCSKSARGEN ... from page 4


South Cotabato’s Lake Sebu and Lake Holon cited among world’s best sustainable destinationsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato - Lake Sebu and Lake Holon, two of South Cotabato’s prime tourism destinations, are among the 2016 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the world.

Green Destinations, a global organization for responsible tourism, revealed the list on September 27 during the celebration of the World Tourism Day and the Green Destinations Day in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Lake Sebu, dubbed as the Summer Capital of the South, is known for its three lakes, 7 Falls zip line (the highest in Southeast Asia), Tilapia-based cuisine and natural surroundings.

Lake Holon in T’boli town is a favorite destination among mountain hikers and nature lovers. The lake, the caldera of Mt. Melibengoy, has been recognized as one of cleanest inland water bodies in the Philippines.

Besides their well-protected natural environment, both municipalities take pride of their rich indigenous culture, specifically that of the T’bolis.

“This is definitely an outstanding recognition to our efforts to protect our environment as we strive to develop our tourism industry,” South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said in an interview a few days after

receiving communication regarding the award.

This is also a challenge to do more and strive harder, she added.

Meanwhile, RD Nelly Nita Dillera of the Department of Tourism, attributed the accomplishment to efforts of the communities in the cited tourism sites.

“People in Lake Sebu and the featured destinations of T’boli - Lake Holon and Bacngeb -

BELOW: Different views of Lake Holon in Mt. Melibengoy, T’boli, South Cotabato. (Photo Source: http://facebook.com/LakeHolon)


the destination complies with the 15 core criteria of the Green Destinations Standard,” it continues.

The 15 core criteria are as follows: sustainability coordinator, sustainable tourism policy, nature protection, respect for animals, protection of landscape and scenery, waste water treatment, solid waste reduction, reduction of fossil fuel dependency, cultural heritage conservation, protection of intangible heritage, protection of people, inhabitants involved in tourism, promoting local products, health and safety prevention, and accessibility for disabled.

Nominations were evaluated by experts from the Green Destination’s Top 100 Team and special Top 100 Selection Panel that included 60 tourism sustainability experts.

RIGHT: Photograph of the 70 ft. high 2nd falls - Hikong Bente, the highest of the 7 falls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. (Photo Source: http://facebook.com/soxtourism)

make a living in their tourism assets, namely: culture and nature, but they have sustained environmental protection and cultural preservation which are all important in regeneration and sustenance of tourism,” she said.

Dillera pointed out that this was the first time that DOT XII nominated tourism destinations to an international competition.

“We really didn’t expect the result. But now that it’s here, we are so happy, especially with the mileage that these sites will get internationally. After all, promotion and making people enjoy and experience best practices and learning from it, are things that are of significance,” Dillera said.

Bojo River in Alo-guinsan, Cebu also made it to the Top 100 list.

In its website, Green Destinations explains that “the list is the result of open calls in newswires, social and business media. Destinations could be nominated by any interested party through a form that was available online.” “Nominators had to provide extensive information on the destination and on its efforts to make itself and its stakeholders more sustainable for the benefit of visitors, its local communities and the world. Information had to be provided about the extent


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato - The Regional Search Committee (RSC) XII of the 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV) conducted an executive level meeting on 27 September 2016 at Fred Ann’s Food Haus in Koronadal City to firm up the roster of nominees for the 2016 SOV.

For this year’s search, Acting RDC XII Chairperson Arturo G. Valero, concurrent Chairperson of the RSC XII, proudly announced that a total of 10 qualified nominees, composed of one (1) youth and five (5) adults for the Individual Category, as well as two (2) corporate and two (2) non-profit for the Organization/Group Category, will be forwarded to the National Search Committee (NSC) for their consideration and appropriate action. The nominees for the Individual Category are Algem Cris B. Crusis (Youth); Ella Duterte Pobre (Adult); Jonalier M. Perez (Adult); Meriam Panganduyon-Booc (Adult); Gerry Jesus J. Villano (Adult); and, Marcelo L. Gusanan (Adult). The nominees for the Organization/ Group Category are DOLE Philippines (Dolefil) (Corporate); Yellow Bus Line (Corporate); Kidapawan City Emergency Response Unit, Inc. (KidCERU) (Non-profit); and, Alamada Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AMPC) (Non-profit).

RSC XII Endorses 10 Nonimees to the 2016 SOV

By: Romeo C. Nebrija, NEDA XII-PFPD

The ten nominees have been subjected to a series and rigorous screening and actual field validation by the 2016 SOV Technical Working Group, composed of technical staff from the regional offices of NEDA, CSC, DILG, TESDA, CHED, PIA, and a Private Sector Representative of RDC XII to determine volunteer nominees’ qualification and the impact of their volunteer services to the community. Based on the results of the validation process, the RSC XII found that all of them

have exemplified the ideals of volunteerism in their own right. Hence, the Committee deemed it proper to forward their credentials to the NSC for possible selection as this year’s outstanding volunteers/volunteer groups.

It may be noted that Region XII is a consistent producer of national winners of volunteers. The SOV is an annual search being spearheaded by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).

RSC-SOV Chairperson and NEDA XII RD Arturo G. Valero (seated - center) reminded the members of the Committee to continuously support the activity to encourage individuals and organizations to sustain their volunteer works in the region.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Cotabato Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CAARRDEC) will be coming up with a 10-year Strategic Plan for the period 2016-2026. The said plan would be based on the output of the Strategic Planning and Workshop conducted on July 19-21, 2016 at Punta Isla Resort, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and attended by the consortium member agencies/institutions.

Led by the CAARRDEC Director, representatives of the member agencies which include the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Mindanao State University (MSU)-GenSan, Department of Agriculture (DA) XII, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XII, PhilRice-MES, Philippine Carabao Center-USM, Philippine Rubber Research Institute, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII and South East Asian Institute (SEAI), Tupi, South Cotabato, actively participated in the workshop and provided all necessary inputs for the crafting of the CAARRDEC Strategic Plan, 2016-2026. Four (4) other member agencies, namely: PCAARRD, DA-BAR, DA-ATI

and CFCST, were not able to participate in the workshop.

Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and partly from the CAARRDEC funds, the strategic planning and workshop was facilitated by Dr. Lorenzo F. Templonuevo, a training consultant of LIFT consultancy services based in Manila. He will also package the inputs and come up with the strategic plan in due time.

CAARRDEC, a non-profit organization, was created in 1988 to promote science and technology applications for agriculture, aquatic, forestry and natural resources sector through: strategic research and development; capability building and research governance;

CAARRDEC coming up with a Strategic Plan, 2016-2026

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

research results dissemination and utilization; and policy advocacy.

For almost three decades, the PCAARRD has been supporting the huge operational budget of the consortium. Other than PCAARRD, member agencies of CAARRDEC have been providing voluntary contributions to augment the financial requirements for the operations of the consortium. USM, being the host, also provides office space and other logistics support to the consortium.

PRRD awards well-performing policemen of PRO XII

By: Cathy T. Apelacio, PIA XII - General Santos City

General Santos City - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PPRD) awarded 12 policemen of Police Regional Office (PRO) XII who have performed well in the line of duty on September 23, 2016 at the PRO XII Regional Headquarters on on September 23, 2016.

The President presented them with the merit awards for their good deeds while at the same time urged them to continue to do their work according to police standards and not be afraid of performing their duties.

“Go out and hunt down criminals… arrest them…” the President told awardees and hundreds of other policemen and PRO 12 personnel comprising the crowd.

The awardees were the following:

+ PSInsp. Reynante Pascua and PSInsp. Renato Montreal, Medalya ng Kadakilaan; + PSupt. Maximo Sebastian Jr., PO3 Marcial Inuguidan, and PO2 Jeffrey Benito, Medalya ng Kagalingan; + PSupt. Joffel Remudaro and PSupt Joefel Siason, Medalya ng Kasanayan; and + PCInsp. Mae Grace Licudan, PCInsp. Lorenzo Henares III, PCInsp. Geovanni Ladeo, PCInsp. Neil Wadingan, and PSInsp. Felix Fornan, Medalya ng Kasanayan.

President Duterte, during his speech, also assured police of having his back especially in enforcing government’s highly intensified anti-illegal drug and criminality campaigns, lamenting for the almost 4 million Filipinos who are hooked on drugs.

“Pag sinunod nyo ako wala kayong problema ako ang bahala sa inyo. Hindi ako papayag na may militar o pulis na makulong dahil sa utos ko kasi ang bayan natin hirap, hirap na hirap ang bayan natin (If you obey me, you will not have any problems, I’ll take care of you. I will not allow any military or

police personnel to go to jail just because they followed my order… our country is suffering, it is really suffering,” President Duterte said.)

Before the awarding, PRO XII presented to the President assorted firearms recovered in various police operations in the region.

PSupt. Romeo Galgo, PRO XII Regional Information Officer said the firearms were “confiscated during the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations in the last two months specifically starting July 1.”

President Duterte also called on international human rights groups to be fair and look into his anti-illegal drug campaign objectively, saying that not all drug-related killings in Manila should be attributed “to the police and me.”

According to him, the so-called extra judicial killings apparently also involved “drug rivalries” of which might even be led by “gangsters including police generals” who are out to kill each other.

Just before the awarding took place, the President upon arrival proceeded to preside over a command conference attended by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael

LEFT - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit at PRO 12 Regional Headquarters, Tambler, General Santos City on September 23, 2016. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/)

PPRD Awards ... page 11


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato - As part of the celebration of the 42nd Nutrition Month, the NEDA Regional Office (NRO) XII launched its Gulayan sa Opisina Project Phase 4 on July 14, 2016. Ms. Danah Pearl Aurel of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII, who represented Ms. Arceli M. Latonio, the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, graced the occasion.

Prior to the launching activity, Ms. Aurel briefly oriented the NEDA XII staff about the theme of the 42nd Nutrition Month, as well as on the guidelines and criteria for the Search for Best Gulayan sa Opisina Phase IV contest.

The Gulayan project of NRO XII, which is now on its fourth phase, is located at the back of the new NEDA XII Office Building at the Regional Government Center, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. It would NRO XII’s entry to the “Search for Best Gulayan sa Opisina” contest in Region XII. The said project is a joint undertaking of NRO XII management and the Organization of NEDA Employees (ONE) XII.

It is worth noting that the NEDA XII’s Gulayan sa Opisina has been in the top three best Gulayan sa Opisina projects in Region XII for the past three years. NEDA XII’s Gulayan project got the first place in 2013 (Phase I) and was adjudged second place both in 2014 and 2015.

The contest, which was first introduced by NNC XII in 2013 and unique to Region XII, is open to all interested regional line agencies in the region. According to the NNC XII, the regional evaluation of Gulayan projects this year will be done by a regional evaluation team headed by NNC XII within August – September 2016.

The winning entries shall be announced and recognized

during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremonies tentatively set in the 4th week of October this year.

The Gulayan sa Opisina project aims to encourage government workers to plant and produce organically-grown vegetables in their respective office premises utilizing appropriate vegetable production/landscaping technologies including containerized gardening. It also aims to increase awareness among government employees on the benefits of vegetable consumption to help reduce malnutrition and prevent the onset of major non-communicable diseases. NNC XII is responsible for the overall monitoring of the said project in the region.

NEDA XII Launches its Gulayan sa Opisina Project Phase 4By: Eden F. Ridao, NEDA XII-DRD

NEDA XII Assistant Regional Director Noel E. Quiratman led the cutting of ribbon during the NRO XII Launching of Gulayan sa Opisina Project Phase 4 on July 14, 2016 in Koronadal City.

“Mike“ Sueno, PRO XII Regional Director PCSupt. Cedrick Train, Provincial/City Police Directors, and other high ranking officials of PRO XII.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Mangudadatu, Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera were the local government

PPRD Awards ... from page 10

chief executives present during the meeting.

NEDA XII Supports Project DUTERTE Launching in Region XII

General Santos City - A noise barrage followed by a motorcade which started at Camp Fermin G. Lira (a.k.a. Barracks) in General Santos City and concluded in the Oval Plaza Covered Court of the same city, marked the launching of “Project DUTERTE” in Region XII on July 1, 2016. Project DUTERTE is a nationwide campaign initiated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in support of the Duterte Administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality.

Project DUTERTE which stands for Drug Use and Trafficking Elimination thru Rehabilitation, Training and Enforcement is supported by other stakeholders, namely; DILG, DepEd, CHED, NAPOLCOM, TESDA, DOH, DSWD, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), PDEA,

BJMP, and other agencies and institutions in Region XII.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XII, headed by Acting Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Cedrick G. Train, gave an overview of Project DUTERTE during the program that followed immediately after the motorcade. The Regional Public Safety Battalion XII and various schools in General Santos City presented role plays to inform the audience on the recent events relative to illegal drugs, corruption, and other criminalities which President Duterte has pledged to stop.

“We want to restore the faith of the people in government and uphold the National Motto of Makadiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa,” was the main drive of PRO XII in launching the program and pledged to implement the Project DUTERTE under the rule of law.


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

In behalf of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, Vice-Mayor Shirlyn L. Bañas-Nograles delivered a message, appreciating and pledging support to the said project. Representatives of PRO XII’s partner agencies also expressed their commitment of support to the project. On behalf of NEDA XII, Program Development, Investment Programing and Budget (PDIPBD) Division Chief, Juliet Bolando, pledged commitment to the program by signing the Pledge of Commitment Banner.

The activity ended with the announcement of the winners of the poster making contest which was won by a participant from General Santos City High School.

PRO XII RD PCSupt Cedrick G Train gave the overview of the Project Duterte during the Launching Ceremony on July 1, 2016 in General Santos City.

regional development updates | vol 14 issue 3 | july - september 2016

Government & Nonprofit