Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 3 | July - September 2017

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO MA. LULU E. VALENCIA

JULIET G. BOLANDO GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR.

RDU Focal PersonsLALAINE M. SAJELANLIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWEEVIE A. CABULANAN

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADOJUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Contributors PSA XII

FRUTTO C. SUMAGAYSAY, JR.DONNA MAHUSAY

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 RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.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].

CONTENTS

RDC XII conducts 59th Meeting, briefs members on Marawi crisis

SOCCSKSARGEN Region celebrates RDC Week

6 individuals, 1 organization made it as Region XII Outstanding Volunteers

On our cover is the collage of activities conducted during the RDC Week celebration in Region XII, namely, tree growing activity at Police Provincial Office in Kawas, Alabel Sarangani, 3DOE ecopark visit, the RDC Night which was hosted by the City Government of General Santos, the Council parade, Chumba, Volleyball games, and Basketball Games.

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Understanding Budayaw Festivals of Cultures

RDC XII to host the 9th National PSR Convention in 2018

SOCCSKSARGEN Region supports PDP, 2017-2022

Volume 15 | Issue No. 3 | July - September 2017

NNC XII Spearheads the 43rd Nutrition Month Celebration

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RDC XII confirms the membership of IPMR as SNVM5

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General Santos City – Presidential Proclamation No. 1164, issued on February 28, 1998 declared every 4th week of September every year as RDC Week to commemorate the birth of the RDCs as the key structure for regional planning and for integrated local planning and programming.

The SOCCSKSARGEN Region celebrated RDC Week on September 27-28, 2017 in Sarangani Province and General Santos City. The two-day activity started on September 27, with a motorcade from Koronadal City to Sarangani Province for the tree planting and farm tourism visit.

The tree planting at the Provincial Police Office in Kawas, Alabel, Sarangani sustained the Council’s campaign to maintain a clean and green environment.

Regional Development Council (RDC) XII Vice-Chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII Regional Director (RD) Arturo G. Valero thanked the Sarangani Provincial Police Office and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) for providing the venue and seedlings, respectively, for the tree planting activity as part of the celebration. PSSupt Joseph P. Semillano, Provincial Director of Sarangani Police Provincial

Office (SPPO) assured the Council members that all the 700 planted seedlings will be taken care of by the Sarangani PPO and thanked the RDC XII for choosing Sarangani as beneficiary of the tree planting activity.

The Council proceeded to the 3DOE Ecopark as support to the new strategy in the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 by visiting farm and herbal tourism sites and positively campaigning for Republic Act 10816 – The Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016.

The Council members converged for the RDC XII night to end the first day. The RDC XII night was graciously hosted by the City Government of General Santos at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre,

with the theme: RDC XII Do the Move, Sing and Groove Night. The attire for the said night was inspired by Tri-people costumes of the region in support of the Budayaw Festival.

The second day opened with a parade around the General Santos City Oval plaza, and was followed by Chumba and friendly games consisting of Volleyball (women) and Basketball (men) as part of the advocacy to a healthy lifestyle. The exercises and games are expected to strengthen partnership and camaraderie among members to enhance the Council in carrying out its mandated functions.

The Regional Social

SOCCSKSARGEN ... page 5

The SOCCSKSARGEN Region celebrated RDC Week with tree planting activity at the Provincial Police Office, Kawas, Alabel, Sarangani, and ball games at the General Santos City Oval Gymnasium on September 27-28, 2017.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region celebrates RDC WeekBy: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII conducted its 59th regular meeting on September 19, 2017, with RDC XII Chairman and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera presiding which was graced by the Undersecretary for Defense Operations of the Department of National Defense (DND), and who is concurrently the Executive Secretary of Task Force Bangon Marawi, Cesar B. Yano.

USec. Yano briefed the Council members on the Marawi City crisis and Administrative Order (AO) No. 3, Series of 2017 which was issued on 28 June 2017 to create the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), with the Secretary of National Defense as Chairperson, Secretary of Public Works and Highways as Vice-Chairperson, and 21 heads of other agencies as members. The main

By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

responsibility of the Task Force is the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other areas affected by the Marawi crisis.

Under the TFBM, five (5) sub-committees were created based on AO No. 3, which are: (1) Sub-Committee on Reconstruction – headed by DPWH; (2) Sub-Committee on Housing – headed by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary; (3) Sub-Committee on Health and Social Welfare – co-headed by DOH and DSWD; (4) Sub-Committee on Business and Livelihood – headed by DTI; and (5) Sub-Committee on Peace and Order – headed by DILG.

USec. Yano informed the Council that there are around 79,000 affected families being assisted by the government. About 10 – 15% of these families are in the evacuation centers, while others are staying with their relatives or host families.

Aside from the briefing on the Marawi Crisis, the Council also awarded Plaques of Recognition to seven (7) regional nominees of 2017 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) of Region XII. Of the nominees, five (5) are for Individual Adult Category, one (1) for Non-Profit Organization, and one (1) for Individual Youth Category. These nominees will represent the region in the 2017 SOV national selection.

Plaques of appreciation were also awarded to two (2) Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII Secretariat members (NEDA XII employees), Ms. Rosa D. Lemana and Ms. Helen L. Vestal, who recently retired from government service.

RDC XII passed a total of 27 resolutions which included the request for the restoration of the budgets of the Commission on Human Rights XII and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples XII.

RDC XII conducts 59th Meeting, briefs members on Marawi crisis

Undersecretary for Defense Operations of DND and concurrent Executive Secretary of Task Force Bangon Marawi, Cesar B. Yano briefed the Council members on the Marawi crisis and Administrative Order No. 3, Series of 2017 during the 59th RDC XII Meeting on September 19, 2017 in Koronadal City.

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Development Committee (RSDC) was declared champion in Volleyball, while the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee

SOCCSKSARGEN ... from page 3

(InfraCom) was the winner in basketball.

“RDC Week celebration

RDC XII confirms the membership of IPMR as SNVM

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII confirmed the membership of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) as Special Non-Voting Member during the 59th RDC XII Full Council Meeting on September 19, 2017 in Koronadal City.

The membership of IPs through a mandatory representative was endorsed by the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII after thorough discussions and upon strong recommendation of Mr. Joey L. Bogay of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XII during its 3rd Quarter Meeting in

Koronadal City on September 5, 2017.

Mr. Bogay informed the RSDC on the interest of the IPs to be part of the Committee and the Council pursuant to Section 16 of RA 8371 (IPRA Law) which states that, Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous


Peoples (ICCs/IPs) have the right to participate fully, if they so choose, at all levels of

decision-making on matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them, as well as to maintain and develop their own indigenous political structures. It was stated further that the State shall ensure that the ICCs/IPs shall be given mandatory representation in policy-making bodies and other local legislative councils.

According to RD Timuey Lim P. Wong of NCIP XII, the mandatory representative of IPs is Fulung Edgar A. Sambog.

As stated in EO 325, Series of 1996, the RDC, subject to the concurrence of majority of its regular members, may designate special non-voting members of the council.

strengthened the bonding between and among RDC XII members,” said RDC XII Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XII RD Valero as he closed the 2-day celebration. He further stated that it should be continued to give members a chance to engage in sports competition and re-energize their bodies and minds. For next year’s celebration, he challenged the city government of Cotabato to be the host.

The Regional Social Development Committee Volleyball team during the RDC Week celebration.


SOCCSKSARGEN Region Supports PDP, 2017-2022

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – “For our region, we commit to put our best efforts and take our roles and responsibilities in the successful implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2017-2022,” says Regional Development Council (RDC) XII Chairperson and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera in his opening message during the Aksyon para sa AmBisyon PDP 2017-2022 Forum at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City on July 11, 2017.

Chairperson Rivera continued that from this day onward, he is hopeful that everyone who attended the activity is one with the government in the achievement of the PDP 2017-2022, and in the attainment of AmBisyon Natin 2040.

The PDP, 2017-2022 is anchored on the President’s 0-10 point socioeconomic agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and is geared toward the realization of the long-term vision entitled AmBisyon Natin 2040.

ASec. Sombilla concluded her keynote message by quoting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia’s opening remarks during the PDP 2017-2022 Launching on June 2, 2017, that “We already have the goal, now here’s the plan. The time has come to turn AmBisyon Natin 2040 into reality. Kaya tayo na’t umaksyon para sa ambisyon!”

An open forum then ensued which was moderated by PIA XII Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Danilo Doguiles. Nine

Video presentations of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and PDP, 2017-2022 were shown, as well as the highlights of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP) rendered by RDC XII Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero during the said forum. Like the PDP, the SOCCSKSARGEN RDP also has 21 chapters and anchored on the three (3) pillars of the Duterte Administraton – Malasakit, Pagbabago, at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.

In her keynote message, NEDA Assistant Secretary (ASec.) Mercedita A. Sombilla congratulated everyone in attendance and for coming up with an RDP that complements and supports the strategies of the PDP, 2017-2022.


NEDA Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla congratulated everyone in attendance during the Aksyon para sa AmBisyon PDP 2017-2022 Forum at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City on July 11, 2017.


(9) questions were raised by various stakeholders who attended the forum. One of the questions raised was regarding the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers who have returned but could not find a job or work to sustain their family needs. ASec. Sombilla replied that one of the chapters of the plan is about reducing vulnerability of individuals and families and that the government is geared towards coming up with a program that all households shall benefit to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth.

Academe representative Brother Wilfredo E. Lubrico, FMS, President of Notre Dame of Marbel University; Business Sector representative Mr. Mario Cacabelos, Regional Governor of Greater Midsayap

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; Youth sector representative John Oliver M. Tablazon, 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteer-Youth Awardee; Basic sector representative Ms. Jovita Felongco; and Local Government Units representative South Cotabato Vice Governor Vicente R. de Jesus, also gave their commitments of support in the achievement of the PDP and RDP, 2017-2022 and in the attainment of a standard of living encapsulated by the phrase: “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay.”

The activity was capped by the closing message of Vice Governor de Jesus who thanked everyone for coming to South Cotabato and for the

commitment expressed by the representatives of different sectors.

The forum was attended by 250 people from the business, basic, religious, and youth sectors together with the Local Government Units, Regional Line Agencies, academe, and the local media. It aims to increase awareness and influence the SOCCSKSARGEN stakeholder’s paradigm in designing socioeconomic programs and activities toward the achievement of the plan and the attainment of the hopes and aspirations of Filipinos.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato - The Six (6) individuals and one (1) organization in SOCCSKSARGEN region made it as regional winners in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2017, the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) disclosed.

Forester Mary Jane Manlisis, chief of PEMO – Forest & Inland Water Management Division said the lone organization that made it in the search under the Organization/Non-Profit category in the province is the Association of South Cotabato Earth Savers (ASCES) or also known as Earth Savers with its domicile located in Tampakan municipality.

Earth Savers, formerly called Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs), has been a partner of PEMO since 2010. It started with 44 members but

later grew to 450 members distributed in 9 towns and the Koronadal City of South Cotabato.

It was organized to establish support groups in the various municipalities of South Cotabato to help implement environmentally-related programs or/projects and assists in the sustainable conservation and protection of the remaining forest resources within their area of jurisdiction.

Forester Manlisis added that aside from Earth Savers, 2 individuals from South Cotabato made it as regional winners under the Individual/Adult category, namely; Junelia Domel of Tantangan and Regalado Bantilan of T’boli.

The other winners from the region are Fulung Dan Alim of General Santos City, Agbay Bautista of Maitum Sarangani, and Norma Adamat of Kidapawan City, Cotabato

6 individuals, 1 organization made it as Region 12 Outstanding Volunteers

under the Individual/Adult category and Juwahdi Salik of Cotabato City under the Youth category.

The Regional Development Council XII awarded the said individuals and organization plaques of recognition during its regular meeting on September 19, 2017 in Koronadal City.

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) spearheads the search in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as Secretariat and other national line agencies.

Conferment of awards will be in December this year, according to PNVSCA, which is celebrated as the National Volunteers Month.

By: Fruto C. Sumagaysay, Jr., South Cotabato Provincial Information Office

The regional winners of 2017 Search for Outstanding Volunteers, Ms. Norma Adamat, Mr. Agbay Bautista, Fulung Dan Alim, Mr. Regalado Bantilan, Ms. Junelia Domel, Mr. Juwahdi Salik., and representatives from Association of South Cotabato Earth Savers (ASCES).


General Santos City - The 1st

Budayaw Festival celebrates harmony in diversity with the theme “Taking Pride in the creative diversity of the BIMP-EAGA region.”

The name Budayaw is derived from the Malay word budaya meaning culture and the Filipino word dayaw, meaning celebration.

The event also commemorates the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a sub-regional economic cooperation designed to spur economic development in the lagging sub-economies of member countries.

Cultural masters and artists from the BIMP-EAGA converged in the festival staged in Gensan malls last September 20-24, 2017, which showcased the culture and the arts and celebrated the creative diversity of the region.

There were also Budayaw community outreach activities in Maitum, Malungon and Alabel, Sarangani Province.

There are five strategic pillars that BIMP-EAGA focuses with the end goal of narrowing the development

Understanding Budayaw Festival of CulturesBy: Donna Mahusay, Sarangani Information Office

gaps among member countries which are; (i) connectivity which works with the improvements on technology and transport connectivity, (ii) food basket that optimize the potential products to export, (iii) environment that aims to protect and manage the natural resources

The colloquium was mainly participated in by teachers and students from various schools who are among the target audiences for the event.

“In fact, we asked the teachers and students to attend the Colloquium so that they would begin to be conscious about the importance of putting this inputs here, the history of the EAGA, our relationships with them, and our exchanges with them,” Suemith said. “In the classroom, they can also use what they have learned so they can build awareness and appreciation of our identity here in the region.”

The Budayaw Festival was by far successful with the partnership of the Department of Tourism, NCCA, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao Development Authority, LGU Sarangani, LGU General Santos City, and Mindanao State University.

and biodiversity, (iv) tourism that develops products and tourism-related infrastructure to market BIMP-EAGA tourism destinations, and (v) socio-cultural and education which opens the mind of the people about the member countries’ traditions.

On the third day of the Budayaw Festival, there was a colloquium held at KCC Convention Hall.

“In 2016, the socio-cultural development working group agreed to have a colloquium on the three things or topics which are: the history of the islands of the EAGA Region and the cultural exchanges, second is how do we safeguard our heritage here in the EAGA Region, and third is what could be the policies and possible exchanges to continue the relationship,” said Adel Suemith from the Philippines National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), head of the BIMP-EAGA socio-cultural pillar.

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – SOCCSKSARGEN Region has been formally selected as the host of the 2018 National Private Sector Representative (PSR) Convention during the 8th National PSR Convention held on June 21-23, 2017 in Bohol.

The PSR Convention is an annual gathering of all Regional Development Council (RDC) PSRs, which aims to continuously foster stronger partnership between and among the Private Sector, the Government, and other stakeholders toward achieving greater heights in economic development.

Yearly, each region of the Philippine island groups is given the chance to host the said event to showcase and promote their development initiatives, rich cultures and tourism potentials. As the 2017 National PSR convention host, the RDC/NEDA VII showcased the well-known tourism areas of Central Visayas Region, particularly the Panglao beaches in the island of Bohol.

During this year’s convention, various topics and discussions along the theme: “Defining the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Vision” were presented, which was highlighted by the Keynote Message and presentation of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 by

the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Ernesto M. Pernia. Open forums and break-out sessions were also organized to provide opportunities for the PSRs to share and discuss their best practices/experiences in pursuing economic development in their respective regions.

An executive meeting of all RDC Chairpersons/Co-Chairpersons and NEDA Regional Directors/Assistant-Regional Directors was

RDC XII to host the 9th National PSR Convention in 2018

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

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Provincial Director Engr. Richard Amparo of TESDA Sarangani-Gensan presented the SOX Regional Skills Competition during the RSDC XII Meeting on May 31, 2017 in Koronadal City.

conducted on the 2nd day that formally selected Region XII as the host for the next National PSR Convention.

The 3-day convention was concluded by a DOT VII organized tour around the island of Bohol, specifically the famous Chocolate Hills and Loboc River Cruise Tour. Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero, and PSR Ricardo Juliano headed the fifteen (15) RDC XII Delegation.

PSR Nestor S. Lumawig in action during the 8th PSR Convention on June 21-23, 2017 in Bohol.


The Region XII Private Sector Representatives with NEDA Officials during the PSR Convention in Bohol on June 21-23. 2017.


NNC XII Spearheads the 43rd Nutrition Month Celebration

By: Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD

healthy lifestyle.

Ms. Arceli M. Latonio, Regional Nutrition Coordinator of NNC XII, stressed the importance of a healthy diet as the foundation of good health and as part of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet provides just enough amount of energy needed for one’s daily activities without going

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – “Healthy diet, Gawing habit – FOR LIFE!” This is the 43rd Nutrition Month Celebration Theme. It aims to increase awareness on the importance of healthy diet which protects against both under- and over nutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and certain type of cancer.

For this year’s celebration, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII is spearheading various activities starting with a launching program on July 6, 2017 at Viajera Dine and Café, Koronadal City. The activity started with a zumba fitness exercise participated in by regional line agencies, city/municipal nutrition coordinators and non-government organization to give emphasis on having a

beyond one’s caloric needs so as to maintain a healthy body weight. It is also consistent with the principles in nutrition – BALANCE, VARIETY and MODERATION.

Balance is consuming foods from different food groups in proportion to each other;

Variety is eating different kinds of food from the different food groups every day; and Moderation is eating the right proportion of food but not consuming too much or too little for what the body needs.

Other activities lined-up for the nutrition month celebration are: hanging of streamers, health assessment and diet counselling, radio guesting/plugging, distribution of advocacy materials, healthy diet forum for food establishments and a culmination program. The month long celebration is mandated by Presidential Decree 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines.

Ms. Arceli M. Latonio, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator stressed the importance of a healthy diet as the foundation of good health.

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Government & Nonprofit

Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 3 | July - September 2017