December 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RDC 2 Corner

RDC 2 Economic Report 1

RDC 2 Photo News 2

RDC 2 News Coverage RDC 2 monitors 20 major development projects in Cagayan Valley

2

CODAC prepares for the IO Workshop 3

CODAC urges LGUs to appoint Information Officers in their offices

3

RDC 2 Members (2013-2016) 4

RDC 2 Special Feature RDC 2 Secretariat remains to be ISO 9001:2008 certified

6

Cagayano is Philippines’ Top Agri Entrepreneur

6

OWWA, LTFRB receive Seal of Excellence 6

Cauayan City Rescue 922 declared champion 7

DILG recognizes exemplar barangay officials 7

DTI confers 36 Seals of Excellence to business establishments

7

Around the Region Isabela 8

Isabela 8

Cagayan 9

Quirino 9

City News 8

Agency Corner

Agency Watch

DAR 2, PCIC distribute indemnity checks totalling to P 20.59M to Typhoon Labuyo victims

11

Agriculture Office gives farm machineries, rice seeds

11

DA 2 to enhance hybrid rice production in CV 11 BFAR launches Fisherfolk Registration in Region 11 DPWH 2 to construct 167 infrastructures for 2014 12 DILG 2 pushes anti-poverty initiatives to LGUs 12 DSWD FO2 launches Listahanan 12 DEPED 2 goes IPED in 5 provinces 13 DOLE 2 trains unions on workers’ rights, industrial peace

13

Special Feature Rice Eel: Manace turned into an opportunity

10

Photo News 13

RDC 02 Desk

The activities of the Regional Development Council 02 during the fourth quarter period

primarily delved on the initial preparations of its upcoming activities next year. Some of the programmed activities included in the RDC 02 CY 2014 Calendar are: the Information Officers’ workshop, the participation of the stakeholders to the Updated Revalidated Matrix 2014-2016, and the participation of the RDC 02-PSRs in the conduct of the PSR National Convention.

Another notable task for the period is the participation of the stakeholders in updating the development blueprint of the region, the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 and the Regional Development Investment Program 2014-2016. The strategic interventions were discussed and enhanced to address the identified bottlenecks in the implementation and to further accelerate the region’s growth performance.

With the unceasing commitment of the government to provide social welfare among its populace, the RDC 02 sees the importance of recognizing the efforts of all economic actors towards the attainment of a rapid inclusive growth. The notable awards and commendations achieved by the agencies at the end of the year are highlighted in this quarter issue. Our regional development is continually advanced over time, owing to the participative governance displayed by the stakeholders; the dyamic synergy and hard works deserve acknowledgement.

Along with this issue are the trends and developments around the region, coming from the local government units and line agencies.

Region 02 will remain to be bountiful, yet with the non-stop chase of dreams for a better community.

December 2013 Issue

Indicators 3rd Qtr. 2012 3rd Qtr. 2013

Agriculture

Palay production (mt) 491,743 330,597

Corn production (mt) 751,420 710,163

HVCCs

Banana (mt) 87, 588 87, 248

Mango (mt) 145 274

Pineapple (mt) 10,990 11,908

Vegetables and rootcrops

Cassava (mt) 16,874 19,645

Mongo (mt) 296 325

Livestock and Poultry

Carabao meat (mt) 2,121 2,021

Cattle (mt) 3,533 3,716

Swine (mt) 17,017 17,264

Goat (mt) 455 450

Chiken (mt) 14,508 13,665

Duck (mt) 551 556

Fishery Production

Commercial (mt) 3,795.05 3,270.86

Municipal (mt) 8,484.15 8,474.60

Aquaculture (mt) 4,063.39 3,606.17

Finance and Investments

LBP Outstanding Loans (PhP) 759, 248, 000 792, 249, 000

Investments (PhP) 581,670, 000 919,004, 000

No. of Registered Firms 2,204 2,610

Industry and Services

Telecommunications

Cellphone towers 164 165

Channels 1,334 1,400

Land Transportation

Registered motor 81,959 88,421

Revenue Collection (PhP) 136,527,914.07 159,393,364.99

Tourism

No. of Flights 588 565

Tourist Arrivals 80,935 107,210

Tourist Receipts (PhP) 165,238,960 259,052,320

Macroeconomy

Employment Rate (%) 96.8 97.1

Labor Force Participation Rate (%)

65 67

Underemployment Rate (%)

16.8 12.1

Unemployment Rate (%) 3.2 3.7

Inflation Rate 3.3 3.8

Fast Facts: 2012 vs. 2013, 3rd Quarter Trends

Report downloadable at http://rdc.rdc2.gov.ph

THIRD QuaRTeR economIc SITuaTIoneR

The economy, as shown by

the inflation rates and employment indicators, relatively decelerated in the 3rd quarter of 2013 than in the same period last year. Most price indices of commodity groups exhibited an increase which pushed

inflation rates up. The employment rate, on one hand, also slowed down which was aggravated by the increase in the rate of unemployment. The unstable price was affected by the recent policy interventions (i.e., Sin Tax Bill) of the government, while the employment status was influenced by the meager performance of the basic sectors of the regional economy, especially the agriculture sector.

Generally, the performance of the sector was bleak for the 3rd quarter of 2013 as compared in the period a year ago. Productivity of most crops including fishery production, were greatly affected by the unfavorable weather conditions in the region. The occurrence of typhoons Labuyo and Odette and the prolonged dry spell which resulted to moisture stress contributed to the poor yield performance. In the same way for fishery subsector, fish catch registered a decline due to reduced fishing efforts where fishermen were restricted to go-off shore because of poor weather conditions.

Total loans extended by the two major banks have increased as of September this year. Likewise, total registered firms and total investments to different industries of the region were up during the quarter by significant percentages over the same period last year. Correspondingly, the inflow of tourists in the region has registered significant increases especially for the foreign tourist arrivals. The region generally maintained the same major infrastructures and managed to provide efficient services that cater to the needs of the region as well as of the visitors.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 2 has monitored 20 major development programs and projects established in different parts of the

region wherein 18 were funded by national government and two foreign funded.

In the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) report of the Council, the two foreign-assisted projects include the agrarian reform support project undertaken by the Department Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the coastal resources management project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The nationally-funded projects include hospital upgrading, road rehabilitation, airport development, irrigation, farm-to-market roads, tree planting, livelihood and anti-poverty projects.

NEDA Regional Director Maryanne Darauay, acting RDC Chair, said two of the projects reported were already completed including the 35 school buildings located in different parts of the region. These were constructed through a joint project of the education and public works and highways departments.

“The completion of the school buildings with 65 classrooms is just timely for the K to 12 program of the Department of Education wherein more school buildings are deemed necessary in order to provide conducive learning areas to the learners,” Darauay stressed.

Meanhiwle, Tourism Regional Director Blessida G. Diwa stated that the DPWH and DOT have converged in the construction of tourism access roads leading to the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and to the pristine beaches of Sta. Ana, Cagayan, among others.

The other programs and projects based on the report, are continuing to wit: the National Greening Program, Pantawid Pamilya, Social Pension program, Self-Employment Assistance, Integrated Livelihood Enhancement Program, DENR Patent Issuance Program, Integrated Coastal resources Management Project,

Agrarian Infrastructure Support project, Basic Education Facilities Program, Farm-to-Market Roads, Lallo International Airport, Hospital Upgrading Projects, road development projects and others. (Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2) #

RDC monitoRs 20 majoR Development pRojeCts in Cagayan valley

PHOTO NEWS

MAJOR REGIONAL PLANS UPDATED. In line with the President’s issuance of Memorandum

Circulars directing the updating of the major development plans of the country, as well as in the region, for the remaining plan period, the NEDA 2 has conducted regional consultation-workshops and coordinated with the RLAs in order to update the Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 and the Regional Development Investment Program 2014-2016 of Region 02. These documents have already been finalized and are ready for printing at the end of December.

PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE NATIONAL CONVENTION.

The Private Sector Representatives of the RDCs in the country shall convene together this coming 1st quarter of CY 2014 . The initial preparations for the activity are currently being coordinated. The Convention shall serve as a venue for the PSRs to discuss their issues and further their involvement in the development process.

RGC Family welcomes DOT RO2. The Department of Tourism Region 02 is finally housed at the

Regional Government Center after the its inauguration ceremony held last October. The ceremony was graced by the DOT - Central Office officials. Various partners from the line agencies also joined in welcoming the newest locator of the RGC. The presence of the agency proves to be the efforts of the Region 2 to create a one-stop shop government center for the clienteles’ convenience and improved accessibility to all government services.

To elevate the skills of the Information Officers (IOs) of the Committee on Development Administration and

Communication (CODAC) as well as the IOs of the provincial government units in gathering, organizing and preparing various IEC activities, a training and team building is scheduled at the head start of CY 2014.

The two-day activity aims to enhance the participants’ skills in news and feature writing for print and broadcast media. The IOs will also be capacitated in using the Information Sharing System (ISS) website to further utilize its potential as a mechanism in information sharing between and among the local government units and regional line agencies. The ISS website was developed by the Committee on Development Information Communication (CDIC), which merged with the Committee on Development Administration (CODA) last reorganizational meeting of the two committees.

The speakers will come from the media experts of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and radio broadcasting networks in the region. The committee formed a Technical Working Group during its regular meeting held on November 8, 2013 to discuss and coordinate several concerns (logistics and administrative concerns). (RDC 2) #

The Committee on Development Administration and Communication (CODAC) has pushed for the creation of a regular office of Information

Officers (IOs) on all local government units Friday afternoon during its regular business meeting.

Said proposal underlines this crucial step of the Local Government Units to appoint/ designate IOs and establish their respective offices to effect efficient-sharing between and among them for the benefit of the public.

“Title 5, Article 16, Section 486 of the Local Government Code (RA 7160) provides for the creation of a position for the municipalities, cities and provinces including the qualifications, roles and responsibilities of information officers,” said Mr. Oliver T. Baccay of the Philippine

CoDaC uRges lgus to appoint infoRmation offiCeRs in theiR offiCes

CoDaC pRepaRes foR the ios woRkshop

CODAC Co-Chair and PIA Regional Director Purita S. Licas stressed the importance of IOs in achieving regional development.

The IOs are deemed necessary for th effective and efficient transmission of the LGUs programs and projects to its true beneficiaries, the regional populace.

A training to further improve the capability of the IOs in the region is planned to be conducted in the first quarter of CY 2014.

Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office 02 during his presentation.

PIA Regional Director Purita S. Licas stressed that the IOs of the LGUs are deemed necessary in disseminating information such as the government’s projects, programs, activities to the general public especially during disasters to better respond to the needs of the community. She added that the government’s achievements as well as its actions and initiatives must also be shared so that the people would know that the government is actually doing something amidst the negative feedbacks and news in the community.

The CODAC members then favorably passed a resolution endorsing the proposal to the RDC2 for support. (RDC 2) #

The RDC 2 MeMbeRs (2013-2016)MS. MARYANNE E.R. DARAUAY RDC 2 Acting Vice-Chairman NEDA 2 OIC Regional Director NEDA 2-RDC 2 Building, RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

Local Government UnitsHON. VICENTE S. GATO Provincial Governor of Batanes Provincial Capitol of Batanes Basco, Batanes

HON. RUTH R. PADILLA Provincial Governor of Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol of Nueva Vizcaya Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

HON. JOSEPH TAN Mayor of Santiago City Santiago City Hall Santiago City, Isabela

HON. ALVARO T. ANTONIO Provincial Governor of Cagayan Provincial Capitol of Cagayan Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

HON. JUNIE E. CUA Provincial Governor of Quirino Provincial Capitol of Quirino Cabarroguis, Quirino

HON. FAUSTINO BERNARD M. DY Mayor of Cauayan City Cauayan City Hall Cauayan City, Isabela

HON. FAUSTINO G. DY III Provincial Governor of Isabela Provincial Capitol of Isabela Ilagan City, Isabela

HON. JEFFERSON P. SORIANO Mayor of Tuguegarao City Tuguegarao City Hall Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

HON. JOSE MARIE L. DIAZ Mayor of Ilagan City Ilagan City Hall Ilagan, Isabela

HON. AVELINO N. AGUSTIN, JR. Mayor of Cabarroguis Municipality of Cabarroguis Cabarroguis, Quirino

HON. RAMON CABAUATAN Mayor of Bayombong Municipality of Bayombong Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

HON. DEMETRIUS PAUL C. NARAG Mayor of Basco LMP - Batanes Chapter Municipality of Basco, Batanes

HON. FLORANTE C. PASCUAL Mayor of Lal-lo LMP - Cagayan Chapter Municipality of Lal-lo, Cagayan

HON. RODOLFO B. ALBANO, JR. Mayor of Cabagan LMP - Isabela Chapter Municipality of Cabagan, Isabela

HON. AURELIO S. SALUNAT Mayor of Quezon LMP - Nueva Vizcaya Chapter Municipality of Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya

HON. RENATO G. YLANAN Mayor of Maddela LMP - Quirino Chapter Municipality of Maddela, Quirino

MR. LUCRECIO R. ALVIAR, JR. DA Regional Executive Director San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City

MS. LOURDES G. ANGOLUAN DepEd Regional Director RGC, Carig, Tuguegarao City

Regional Line AgenciesATTY. MARJORIE P. AYSON DAR OIC Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

FOR. BENJAMIN T. TUMALIUAN DENR Regional Executive Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. ISABEL C. TAGUINOD DBM Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. MARLO L. IRINGAN DILG Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. TESSIE S. MANGACCAT BLGF OIC Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

DR. RIO L. MAGPANTAY DOH Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. URDUJAH A. TEJADA DOST Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. BLESSIDA G. DIWA DOT Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. MELVIN B. NAVARRO DPWH OIC-Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. VIOLETA A. CRUZ DSWD Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

ATTY. ESPERANZA C. BANARES DTI Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MS. MICHELLE N. INAY HUDCC Regional Coordinator 124 Flr. D. Castellamonte Bldg., Otek Street, Baguio City

MS. MARINA P. DE JESUS LTO Regional Director San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City

(As of December 30, 2013

Regional Line AgenciesMAJ. GEN. JOEL P. IBANEZ Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP 5th ID Camp, Melchor P. dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela

CAPT. LEOVIGILDO PANOPIO Philippine Coast Guard Barangay 9, Minanga, Aparri, Cagayan

PC SUPT. ATTY. RODRIGO P. DE GRACIA PNP Regional Director Alimannao Hills, Tugeugarao City

MS.EVELYN L. PASCUA CHED Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. RICARDO M. COGAY BSP Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. VALERIO D. ROLA TESDA Regional Director Carig Norte, Tuguegarao City

Special Non-Voting Members (SNVM)MS. JOVITA P. AYSON BFAR Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. MARIO A. ANCHETA DENR-MGB Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

ATTY. SIXTO T. RODRIGUEZ DOLE Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. CESAR S. SIADOR, JR. DENR-EMB Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. ROMULO M. VELASCO DFA Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. RUBEN C. BASTERO NCIP Regional Director San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City

MS. PURITA S. LICAS PIA Regional Director RGC, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

MR. VICENTE E. GALVEZ NIA Regional Director Minante, Cauayan City

MR. GABRIEL A. TORDESILLAS NELECA General Manager Macanaya District, Aparri, Cagayan

SEC. JOSE MARI B. PONCE CEZA Administrator/ CEO 7/F West Star Building, 611 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City

SECRETARY JULIA ABAD Presidential Management Staff 10/F PMS Bldg. Arlegui St., San Miguel, Manila

Private Sector Representatives (PSRs)MR. ROMEO S. VASQUEZ PSR - Agriculture Isabela Seed Growers MPC National Highway, Alinan, Cauayan City

MR. SANDY B. CHANGIWAN PSR - Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nueva Vizcaya Indigenous Peoples Cooperative Stall No. 70, Public Market, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

MR. ELPIDIO T. TORTOZA PSR - Agriculture Nueva Vizcaya FLE Corn Growers 2F Agriculture Bldg., Capitol Cmpd., Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

MS. CORONA C. BORJA PSR - Education and Manpower Development Cagayan North Lions Club, Lions Club International District 301-C #6 Caritan Centro, Tuguegarao City

MR. GILBERT L. CUMILA PSR - Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal, Incorporated NVAT, Almaguer North, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya

MR. PROTACIO D. LAGUINDAY PSR - Environment and Natural Resources Organic Fertilizer Producer’s Association, Inc., 27 Burgos St., Villa Coloma, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya

MR. PRIMITIVO O. CLAVE PSR - Fisheries Cagayan Valley Fish Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative Salinungan West, San Mariano, Isabela

ENGR. ARISTEO A. DANAO PSR - Indigenous Peoples Group Vizcaya Gaddang Tribal Organization, Inc., #178 Nat’l Road, District 4, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

ENGR. ALFONSO D. TACCAD PSR - Infrastructure and Utilities Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Incorporated c/o DENR-LMS Region 02, Carig, Tuguegarao City

MR. ROMEO Q. ALLAM PSR - Health and Social Welfare Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines 02-A Valenzuela Street, Centro 10, Tuguegarao City

MR. EMELITO C. GONZALES, RN, PHD PSR - Health and Social Welfare Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. Nightingale Hall, Capitol Cmpd., Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

MS. MA. BELEN B. LIM PSR - Media Informers Club (I-Club) Media Association, Inc. c/o Golden Press, Tuguegarao City

From selling ice-drop in the mid 1970s

for a week-end income of P80 to becoming a chicken king in Northern Luzon earning millions today has been a long way for the country’s Most Outstanding A g r i c u l t u r a l Entrepreneur this year. Miguel B. Decena, Jr. of the MBD Livestock, this year’s toast of the 2013 Gawad Saka Awards was personally awarded by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala along with national winners in various categories. Decena’s rise to become one of today’s key players in the business of chicken cannot be termed as phenomenal, it can be credited to his perseverance, dedication, patience and a little luck, according to local financial analyst. His biggest break came when he was offered by a multi-national company to become a contract grower of 5,000 heads of chicken. Decena’s farm supplies 600 customers from the big time buyer to the streetwise chicken barbeque vendor. (Benjie S. de Yro, PIA 2)#

The first Surveillance Audit of RDC 2’s Secretariat, National Economic and Development Authority Region 02’s Quality Management

System (QMS) ISO 9001:2008 certification was held this November 18 and 19, where the Certification International Philippines (CIP) external editor concluded “no non-conformities”.

According to Mr. Renato Julian M. David, the lead auditor of this Audit, the NRO 2’s QMS performed well in which most of the targets were achieved beyond what had been set, the quality objectives and targets were consistently monitored, the results of internal audit were documented, and any deviations from planned results were effectively addressed.

“I am not raising any non-conformity,” Mr. David said during the Closing Meeting of the Audit. He commended the agency’s Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Team which he remarked to be the agency’s strength and valuable asset in ensuring the conformance of its established QMS to ISO 9001:2008 and in continually improving the effectiveness of said QMS. He also congratulated the NRO 2 for a job well done.

The external audit covered the QMS implementation in the following processes: development planning and policy formulation and monitoring, investment programming and budgeting, and program and project monitoring and evaluation.

“The result of the audit signals everyone to continue working as best as we can to do things right,” said NEDA 2 OIC-RD MaryAnne E.R. Darauay. She said that while the office is in a transition period, the staff were able to cope well and remained resilient even if the organization is 1/3 less of manpower. “Hopefully, we will be able to sustain and further improve our operations,” she added.

The next surveillance audit will be conducted again next year to validate the consistent implementation and effectiveness of the established QMS. (RDC 2)#

RDC 2 seCRetaRiat Remainsiso 9001:2008 CeRtifiCation

In recognition of a QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

regional offices were conferred with the Seal of Excellence in public service delivery by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The two agencies garnered excellent rating in the Report Card Survey (RCS) of the CSC in the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act. The seals were received by the two regional directors, Mr. Rodolfo Jaucian of the LTFRB and Ms. Rosario Ilo of OWWA.

Aside from the seals that symbolized excellent public service delivery, the two agencies were also given P100,000 each that could be utilized for the furtherance of their agencies’ facility improvements.

Commissioner Robert S. Martinez Jr., who personally handed the seals, inspired the employees of the two regional offices to continually serve with utmost sincerity and dedication upholding the clients’ rights in consonance with the anti-red tape law. (Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2)#

owwa, ltfRB receive seal of eXCellenCe

Cagayano is philippines’top agRi entRepReneuR

Region 2’s entry, Cauayan City- Rescue 922 was declared champion under the Best Government Emergency Response Management

- Basic SAR Category during the National Awarding of 2013 Gawad KALASAG Search paving its chance for a hall of fame award next year. The award was received by Cauayan City Mayor Bernard F. Dy together with Rescue 922 Chief and concurrent CDRRMO Ronald D. Viloria and OCD Region 2 representative Philip B. Labuguen at the Tejeros Hall, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers’ Club (AFPCOC), Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last October 25, 2013.

Three entries of Region 2 landed second place in their respective categories to include Tumauini-MDRRMC for Best LDRRMC (1st-3rd class), Allacapan Vocational High School and Matucay Elementary School for Public School - Urban and Rural Categories respectively while Brgy Tallang of Baggao, Cagayan was declared 3rd placer in the Rural Barangay DRRM Committee Category. (OCD 2)#

Cauayan City Rescue 922 declared champion

QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE

After the conduct of the barangay elections, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 recognized the

exemplary performance of barangay officials who served with utmost sincerity and commitment in the performance of their duties.

The barangays were recognized in different categories to include San Marcos, San Mateo, Isabela as most outstanding in Barangay Public Information Assistance Center (BPIAC) - municipality category, and San Andres, Santiago City for city category. For Anti-Red Tape Implementer – Namuac, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan won in the barangay category; Gonzaga, Cagayan for municipality category; Ilagan City for city category and Isabela Province for provincial category. Buguey, Cagayan also received its hall of fame award as most outstanding municipality ARTA implementer for three consecutive years.

The Barangay Tanods of Calasitan, Sto. Nino, Cagayan and Alingigan, Ilagan City won in their respective categories. Patagueleg, Penablanca, Cagayan and San Andres, Santiago City also brought home the award as most outstanding Baranagay Peace and Order Committee.

For the Lupong Tagapamayapa, Brgy. Ibung, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya won under the 4th-6th class municipality category; Patagueleg, Penablanca, Cagayan for 1st-3rd class; and Centro East, Santiago City for city category. Individual officials were also awarded.

DILG Regional Director Engr. Marlo Iringan said the recognition rite is an expression of gratitude to the exemplary performance of barangay officials who showcased their sincere service to the public. Engr. Iringan also said that the awardees may serve as inspirations to other barangays to develop progressive, peaceful, orderly and loving communities in Region 2. (Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2)#

DILG recognizes exemplar BARANGAY OFFICIALS

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has conferred seal of excellence to 36

business establishments which were adjudged as qualifiers to the 2013 Bagwis Awards during the 5th Cagayan Valley Consumer

Assembly held in the region.

Bagwis Award gives due recognition to business establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business, where consumers indeed get best value for money.

Regional Director Atty. Ma. Esperanza C. Banarez said the program aims to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.

“The program also aims to promote the setting up of a sustainable Consumer welfare Desk or a DTI-recognized customer service counter that will provide information to consumers and serve as a mechanism for speedy resolution of consumer complaints,” Banarez

stated. She believes that through the award system of the department, the business sector is encouraged to continue their efforts to exemplify ethical business practices and upholding the rights of consumers. (Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2)#

Dti CONFERS 36 SEALSof eXCellenCe to Business estaBlishments

The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya had

invested P515.6 million for the implementation of various projects for the second semester of CY 2013.

Maybelle Blossom Dumlao-Sevillena, Provincial Administrator, said the fund was stretched out for health,

education, agriculture and road construction projects, among others.

She said Appropriation Ordinance 2013-244 authorizes the use of P97.5 million for the concreting of provincial roads leading to different towns of Nueva Vizcaya.

Sevillena said that it shall be spent for various infrastructure projects amounting to P 43.8M such as: P6.7 million for Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs), P5 million for canal/flood control systems along provincial roads, P15.5 million for other road improvement projects, P4 million for agricultural infrastructure and P16.2 million for road rehabilitation.

P144M worth of projects were also sourced from the Provincial Development Fund (PDF) for the concrete paving of provincial roads, the municipal and barangay development assistance, PhilHealth, food for work program, waterworks development projects and the construction of a new hospital in Bagabag town.The remaining P62.2M will be spent for programs recommended by the Provincial Development Council (PDC). (Benjamin Moses Ebreo, PIA)#

The provincial government of Isabela has vowed to increase the development fund assistance to all barangays next year.

Governor Faustino G. Dy III made the assurance during the mass oath taking of the newly-elected and re-elected village leaders of the town of Jones at the municipal gymnasium last week of November.

Gov. Dy said that all barangays in the province were given P100,000 each by the provincial government to fund additional priority programs, projects and activities for the welfare of their residents. He assured that he will increase the development fund allocation to P150,000 stressing that the share of the barangays in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) is not enough for the operations and development programs in the barangays. Gov. Dy started providing the development fund assistance for each barangays when he assumed as the local chief executive of Isabela in 2010 knowing that additional funds is needed in barangays in the delivery of basic services. He advised the barangay leaders to always look for the welfare of their constituents. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

Nueva Vizcaya plgu eaRmaRks p515.6m foR vaRious pRojeCts

Isabela pRov’l gov’t to inCRease Dev’t funD assistanCe to BaRangays

TUGUEGARAO CITY.

City government of Tuguegarao is set to establish

its own Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) to address issues and concerns on solid waste disposal following the report received by the officials that the city doesn’t have waste management system. Atty. Noel Mora, city councilor, said they have already filed an ordinance creating the city’s SWMO to ensure implementation and public compliance on environmental laws, particularly the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law or the Republic Act 9003.

He said the office will not only function as implementer of the law but also conduct massive advocacies on proper solid waste management. (Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2)#

SANTIAGO CITY.

The city disaster risk reduction and management office

(CDRRMO) is recommending the retrofitting of all existing evacuation centers in the city to increase their resistance against super strong typhoons that may occur in the future. The existing evacuation centers in the city are barangay halls, community centers and public schools that were recommended by the city disaster risk reduction and management council (CDRRMC).

He said the city’s Recue 206 rescue personnel assured that their teams are ready to respond to emergencies in times of calamities but the evacuation centers should be retrofitted to make them stronger during strong typhoons. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

Provincial Ordinance 2013-01 was approved on July 18, 2013 and declared operational by the DBM on October 7, 2013.

Governor Dy said that he is willing to assist the barangays whenever they needed help.

afp sponsoRs youth summit in Cagayan

To provide leadership skills and develop core values among young individuals, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the local

government unit of Sta. Ana, Cagayan initiated the 1st Municipality Youth Leadership Summit held on November 8-10, 2013 at Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Lowella Alibania, information officer of the AFP- Civil Relations Service, said 110 potential youth leaders joined the 3-day leadership summit with the theme: “Lead, Empower, Excel.”

She said the training was participated in by students from the three secondary schools in the town sponsored by the LGU of Sta Ana, Philippine Navy, 21st Infantry Batallion, Department of Education, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Philippine National Police, 5th Civil Military Operations, and 1st Civil Relations Group of the AFP.

Vice Mayor Genevy Rodriguez said, “the transformation of youth relative to their skills and values is a worthwhile investment for their personal and professional growth, which may ultimately lead into economically productive and progressive citizenry.”

The participants were given lectures on the role of culture in shaping social and environmental consciousness, servant leadership and ethical behavior of youth leaders, reciprocal responsibility of the police and the public in crime prevention, valuing education, anti-drug addiction, and youths’ responsibility for economic growth. Ms. Alibania also reported that the group was also exposed in social services to include tree planting and coastal clean-up in the area. She said the summit also aims to encourage the youth to take active roles towards the attainment of lasting peace and development in the society. ( Oliver T. Baccay, PIA 2)#

Quirino speCial lanD use CounCil to ink Covenant foR

Clup implementation

To ensure that the policies and regulations on land allocation, land use and land

management and development are strictly enforced in the province, a covenant will be made and executed by the Quirino Special Land Use Council next year. The Council is composed of the agencies that are mandated to implement the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance in the province. In the covenant, the six municipal local government units as mandated by RA 7160, shall formulate and adopt their respective CLUPs which will be enacted into zoning ordinance. Each MLGU shall strictly observe all laws on land allocation, land uses and land development in the issuance of permits and location clearances.

In coordination with the MLGUs and concerned national government agencies, the provincial government shall monitor/assess the implementation of land use and land development of all municipalities vis-a-vis their CLUP-ZO. (Thelma C. Bicarme, PIA 2)#

CAUAYAN CITY.

The city government of Cauayan was adjudged as region 2’s

consistent regional outstanding winner in nutrition (CROWN) under the city category after winning in three consecutive years as outstanding implementer of nutrition programs.

Mary Jane Yadao, Special Program Coordinator of the city government said the local unit’s full support to the nutrition program like allotting funds for feeding program for pre-school and school children and provision of free health services to the children are the primary consideration on winning the award.

Cauayan City mayor Bernard Dy personally received the award together with the members of the city nutrition committee. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

ILAGAN CITY.

Local officials of the city of Ilagan have allotted P400 million to

boost their priority development programs and projects next year.

Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz said the city government has alloted bulk of funds for various farm-to-market roads which may also be used as multi-purpose pavement for drying of palay and corn in the barangays which are needed by farmers.

He said the city government has almost constructed community centers and barangay halls so next year, they would concentrate on the concreting of roads in the barangays. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

The CLUPS shall guide the physical development and provide the framework for the management and co-managment of MLGUs territories.

Rice Eel: Manace turned into an Opportunity

The rice eel, Monopterus albus also known as asian swamp eel is a freshwater eel-like fish belonging to the family Synbranchidae. Despite

its unwelcome presence, the rice eel locally known as “Kiwet”, continues to proliferate in the inland areas of Region 02 since 2011 affecting rice fields and fishponds due to its invasive characteristics.

ChARACTERISTICS

It has a scaleless, anguilliform body that grows to a meter or less, typically 25 to 40 cm as an adult. As a Synbranchidae, it has a tapering tail, blunt

snout, and lacks pectoral and pelvic fins. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are rudimentary, with the caudal fin often absent.

Rice eel is an evasive nocturnal animal. Its diet consists of other fish, shrimp, frogs, snail eggs, aquatic invertebrates like worms and insects, and occasionally detritus. It is a voracious general predator, making it a threat to native fishes, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. It has versatile motility and is even capable of moving over dry land for short distances. This behavior is used for relocation according to resource availability. In the absence of water and food, it can survive long periods of drought by burrowing in moist soil.

It is hermaphroditic. All young are females. As juvenile fish begin to mature, some take on the masculine phenotype. Males have transgendered capabilities, allowing them to replenish female populations when female densities are low. It is known that such change from one sex to another can take up to a year.

Unlike the traits of its diurnal counterparts, rice eel life history traits are difficult to accurately measure and can require decades of data to detect trends, as expressed by the lack of data available. This results in an increased population of this invasive species without adequate time for population control methods.

PROLIFERATION IN REGION 02

The rice eel hitch significantly bugged the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino since 2011. It recently proliferated the provinces of Isabela and

Cagayan affecting rice fields and fishponds in the area. It has been cited to be destructive because rice paddies are destroyed by burrowing themselves thus, loosening the soil and causing irrigation water to leak off the rice fields. It was also reported also that it feeds on stocks of fishponds. This result to higher expenses on the part of rice and fish farmers due to expected significant decrease in production if left unchecked.

The origin of rice eel remains to be unclear up to now. However, it has been reported that while the common eel is native to the Philippines, the rice eel could have been introduced here from abroad for commercial breeding for home aquariums and eel farms for food. To date, no efficient method can be used to combat rice eel resilience, thus development of methods for control, containment, and possible eradication of this rice eel is on-going.

EMERGING MARkET

Since its uncontrolled proliferation in 2011, rice eel was considered as a menace not until some international fish trading companies had shown

interest in exporting the fish as live due to its increasing demand abroad particulalry in Asian countries as a delicacy food. In Region 02, farmers vend rice eels to assemblers at P 80-90 per kilo. The assemblers will sell these rice eels to consolidators at P 115 for every kilo. After which, consolidators export this as live at a considerably higher price. Base on reports, consolidators can collect 1.5 to 2 tons of rice eels every other day although the volume may change depending on the requirement of the exporters.

BFAR TAkING SOLUTIONS

With the recent demand in the export market, locals are resorting to electrofishing to catch rice eel. However, this manner of containing

rice eels is unlawful under Section 88 of Republic Act No. 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 which carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from five (5) years to ten (10) years. Thus, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 02, piloted the development and setting up of an environment-friendly method to catch rice eels, called eel trap. The device which is cylindrical in shape is made of PVC pipe that is 1 meter long and with circumference of 15 cm. One end is covered with plastic screen. A cone-shape plastic screen, which is 30 cm long with its tip cut to leave a hole, is inserted into the pipe.

As to its local utilization, only few people consume the fish as food due to its characteristic muddy odor. As such, the bureau also conducted a research that determined the meat properties of rice eel meat and ways to eliminate its undesirable odor so that it can be utilized as food. The bureau developed and introduced production of surimi-based products from rice eel such as nuggets and longganisa to encouraged locals to utilized rice eel as food and can be a livelihood opportunnity for them.

A Briefer by BFAR RO2

The Department of Agrarian Reform, in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, distributed indemnity

checks totalling to P20.59-M to 1,596 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Region 02 for crops damaged by drought and typhoon Labuyo which disrupted agricultural production during the first cropping season.

The indemnities were claimed by the beneficiaries who earlier received Certificates of Insurance Coverage (CIC) which insures their crops from the calamities and pests.

DAR began the enrolment of the 22,000 farmer beneficiaries this year into its growing Agrarian

Reform Beneficiaries – Agricultural Insurance Program (ARB-AIP) which grants free insurance exclusively to the ARBs. Four hundred forty-nine (449) farmers in Cagayan received checks amounting to about P5.3-M. 551 farmers in Isabela claimed checks to more than P4.7-M in sum. In Nueva Vizcaya, 65 farmers declared damages and were able to claim a total of more than P0.4-M in checks. And in Quirino, 531 farmers claimed a sum of more than P9.3M worth of checks.

The PCIC and several partner LGUs distributed the checks hand-in-hand with DAR as its co-implementers of the program. During the distribution of the indemnities, DAR and its partners promoted the free crop insurance as the ‘farmers’ ally’ against unpredictableweather conditions as a result of climate change.Calamity reduces profit for farmers due to devastated crops, while it usually doubles the labour costs as bent crops are harder to harvest.

DAR Regional Director Marjorie P. Ayson says that the program was originally intended to require premiums from the farmers. However, the Department contemplated on the ability and willingness of the farmers to sustain the insurance on their own. RD Ayson encouraged the beneficiaries to disseminate information on the program. The goal of DAR in the succeeding months, according to her, is to increase the enroleeswho will benefit in this benevolent program of the government. (Danielicah S. Cruz, DAR 2)#

DAR 2, PCIC Distribute Indemnity Checks Totalling to P20.59-M to

Typhoon‘Labuyo’ Victims

AGRICULTURE OFFICE gives FARM MACHINERIES, RICE SEEDS

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) 2 in coordination with the National Irrigation Administration-

Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) handed farm machineries and rice seeds to selected irrigators associations in Isabela. At least 27 mini-rice threshers and 11 mini-rice harvesters were turned-over to selected irrigators associations while twelve bags of certified and registered rice seeds were given to each of the 51 irrigators associations in the province. The turned-over rites were graced by DA-RFU 2 Director Lucrecio Alviar, Governor Faustino G. Dy III and NIA-MRIIS Operations Manager Mariano Dancel, held on October 23, 2013 at the NIA-2 ground.(Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

DA-2 TO ENHANCE HYBRID RICE PRODUCTION IN CAGAYAN VALLEY

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) 2 will enhance the hybrid rice production in the region to help farmers

increase their yields. RD Alviar said there is a need to promote hybrid rice production as the region is considered the “rice bowl of the country.” The supply should also be increased to cater the needed supply in the country particularly in Metro Manila. He assured that DA will subsidize hybrid rice seeds to farmers through its hybrid seed assistance program.

During the systems management committee meeting at NIA-2 Office, DA-RFU 2 Director Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr said that DA-RFU 2 has targeted 36,000 hectares of rice lands in the region. Majority of these rice farms will be located in Isabela with at least 24,000 hectares of rice land; 10,000 hectares in Cagayan and several hectares in the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

BFAR launches Fisherfolk Registration in Region 02

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 02 is calling on all fisherfolk to register in the nationwide fisherfolk registration

project dubbed as FishR.

During the FishR launching held in Tuguegarao City on October 02, BFAR Director Asis G. Perez said that registration process will start December this year, after the completion of information campaign at the grassroots level. The registration period will last for a year. Director Perez explained during the launching activity that FishR is intended to “enhance, fast-tract and complete the municipal fisherfolk registration as required under RA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.”

To underscore the importance of FishR, BFAR has allocated two million pesos worth of fishery projects as reward for the first one-hundred municipalities to complete the registration.(Max Prudencio, BFAR 2)#

Dpwh-2 to ConstRuCt 167 infRastRuCtuRes foR 2014

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) region 2 has unveiled its big projects for CY-2014, particularly the bridges,

buildings and tourism access roads after the approval of the 6.2 billion pesos infrastructure budget for said year.

Engr. Melvin Navarro, regional director, said if they have accomplished major infrastructure projects for the past year, it is expected that they will be constructing more big projects for 2014 that will benefit the general populace gearing towards economic development.

For the present year, Navarro stated that they will be starting the Sta. Maria – Cabagan Bridge in Isabela province, the tunnel access road of the Dalton Pass, the tourism access roads leading to the tourist destinations in Baggao, Cagayan and the road access leading to Capisaan cave in Nueva Vizcaya plus the school building constructions and hospital enhancements projects. “This year, we have P5.3 billion budget and there are some programmed works that are yet to be continued and accomplish this year. For 2014, we already programmed 167 major infrastructure projects all over the region,” Navarro said. ( Wilson Valdez, DPWH 2)#

Dilg-2 pushes anti-poveRty initiatives to lgus

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has allotted P735 million for Cagayan Valley to be utilized in the implementation

of anti-poverty programs, projects and activities that will address poverty incidence in the region.

DILG-2 Regional Director Marlo Iringan, in a press conference, said that through the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) system of the local chief executives and with the participation of civil society groups, it is expected that the poverty incidence in their respective areas will be addressed. The BuB system also involves the participation of the civil socity groups,

He said that there will be local poverty action teams will be formed in order to identifying the anti-poverty programs, projects and activities and government agencies will be tapped to implement such identified anti-poverty interventions.

The local chief executives were met by DILG 2 together with national government agencies which will be involved in the implementation of anti-poverty interventions in the coming years. The agencies present are Department of Agriculture(DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other government agencies. (Merlito G. Edale, Jr., PIA 2)#

DswD fo2 launChes listahanan

Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II headed by Regional Director Violeta A. Cruz formally launched

LISTAHANAN Talaan ng Pamilyang Nangangailangan as the new face of National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) on November 15, 2013 at Patio Lorenzo, Tuguegarao City. The launching was participated in by different National Government Agencies (NGAs), Media and Academe.

In her message, Regional Director Violeta A. Cruz emphasized that the former project name “National Household Targeting System

for Poverty Reduction” was too long, and even the acronym NHTS-PR is still too long to recall. “Because of this, people had difficultyremembering and recalling the project name and associating it with

the conduct of the household assessment and other related activities. These days are now over because we now have a new brand name – the LISTAHANAN – which is shorter and, therefore, more catchy and more meaningful,” Dir. Cruz added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Delia S. Sto. Tomas, Deputy Regional Project Manager of LISTAHANAN thanked the efforts of the various partner agencies, media and academe in attending said momentous activity. “Some of you are already our partners and for others, we are encouraging you to become our data users through forging a Memorandum of Agreement with us,” Ms. Sto. Tomas stressed.

During the launching, Dir. Cruz also mentioned of the upcoming second round of household assessment next year to update the LISTAHANAN database. As of today, 19 national government agencies, 5 civil society organizations, 4 academe and 82 Local Government Units are using the Listahanan data as their reference in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs and services.

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are nationwide. It reduces leakage or inclusion of the non-poor and under-coverage or exclusion of the poor in social protection services; and lessens implementation cost of social protection programs and services by saving resources intended for targeting. (Angely Lubo-Mercado and Ailyn P. Aglua, DSWD 2)#

PHOTO NEWSDepeD 2 goes ipeD in

5 pRovinCes

Cagayan Valley Region finally adopted the National Indigenous Peoples Education of the government after the Department of

Education Regional Office 2 established the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPed) Council.

Dr. Corazon Barrientos, DepEd Assistant Regional Director said the establishment of the Council in the region is in line with the country’s commitment to achieve Education for All (EFA) targets and the Millennium Development Goals, as well as in the pursuit of the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda.

The IPed’s policy framework has noted that many of the country’s indigenous peoples lack access to decent basic social services, thus limited opportunities to engage in mainstream economy. “They don’t have access to culture-responsive basic education yet it is their basic rights under the Constitution and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997,” Barrientos said.

Earlier, DepEd responded to the distinct educational needs of IPs when it issued “permit to operate primary schools for indigenous peoples and cultural communities” and “the Alternative Learning System curriculum for indigenous Peoples education” orders in 2004 and 2010, respectively. Cagayan Valley is home to various ethnological groups like the Ibanags, Itawes, Malaueg, Gaddang, Yogads of Cagayan and Isabela; and the Cordillera communities-dominated Nueva Viscaya and Quirino. It is only in Batanes where a single ethnic group lives, the Ivatans. (Benjie S. de Yro, Jr., PIA 2)#

Dole 2 tRains unions on woRkeRs’ Rights, inDustRial peaCe

Twenty-seven officers and members of 13 Workers Unions in Region 2 participated in a Capability Building Seminar that was conducted by the

Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office No.2 (DOLE 2) held at Bauang, La Union.

According to DOLE 2 Regional Director, Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr., the Capability Building Seminar aimed to equip the Union officers and members with knowledge and skills on conciliation–mediation, grievance settlement and voluntary arbitration, workplace relations and enhancement, and labor laws updates, among others. “We want to ensure the workers’ constitutionally guaranteed rights and the protection of industrial peace relative to the observance of the President’s Labor Reform Agenda,” Atty. Rodriguez said.

The training for union officers and members is one component of the workers organization development program (WODP) of the DOLE. Atty. Rodriguez, Atty. Erwin Aquino of DOLE 2, and Romeo Gayagoy of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board in Region 2 served as the Resource Persons during the three-day training. (Reginald B. Estioco, DOLE 2)#

DSWD, RCMB culminate elderly Filipino week celebration. Cognizant of the important role of the elderlies in nation building, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 in collaboration with the Regional Coordinating and Monitoring Board led the culminating activity for the week-long celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration on October 10, 2013 at Crown Pavillion, Tuguegarao City. This year’s theme was “Nakatatanda: PagtulungangIsulong, Benepisyo’tKarapatanTungosaMaginhawa at MasayangPamayanan” wherein around 450 Senior Citizens joined and participated in the event. (Angely Lubo-Mercado, DSWD 2)#

DPWh-2 opens new library and sports facility. The blessing of the new DPWH Regional Office 02 library research center and sports facility was attended by officials, employees, local media and other visitors, the event started with a solemn Eucharistic celebration after which the cutting of the ribbon was led by Regional Director Melvin Navarro and Assistant Regional Director Alexander Nola. The new library research center was made possible through the initiative of RD Navarro who personally donated books, journals, documents, DVDs and E-books. Meanwhile, The new sports facility will cater to the work life balance program also initiated by Director Navarro. (Wilson Valdez, DPWH 2)#

OCD 2, DPWh-2 assess Typhoon Labuyo damages . OCD RO2 together with representatives from DPWH Region 2

conducted a revalidation on the damages to infrastructures brought by Typhoon Labuyo in the province of Quirino on October 22-25, 2013. This is to evaluate what damaged infrastructures should be on the priority to be given NDRRM Fund assistance. (OCD 2)#

ContributorsRDC Members

News and feature articles are welcome and may be submitted to the RDC2 Secretariat c/o NEDA RO2. However, the RDC2 reserves the right to choose articles for publication. Comments and suggestions are also accepted.

The RDC Linkage is published quarterly by the RDC 2.

Visit our website: www.rdc2.gov.ph

ABOUT THE COVER.

As the year ends, the continuing efforts of all regional government units and

stakeholders in the exemplar delivery of quality public service deserves to be recognized, with the appreciation and commendations received at the local and national level. The RDC 02 acknowledges these milestones, as well as the

hard labor and unwavering support of all stakeholders in initiating and intensifying effective and efficient interventions for regional development.

Phone: (078) 304-9300Fax: (078) 304-1243

E-mail: neda_ro2@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

ConsultantRD PURITA S. LICAS

Editor-in-ChiefOIC-RD MARYANNE ER DARAUAY

Managing EditorANGELO C. SANTOS

Editorial Writer and Lay-out ArtistANGELICA A. UMOQUIT

The Official Publication of the Regional Development Council 2

RDC 02 Expections for CY 2014

• Appointment of RDC Chairman and Co-Chairman

• Active participation of the new PSRs in planning and monitoring activities, as well as in the conduct of the PSR National Convention

• Dynamic involvement of LGUs in RDC 02 undertakings

• Capacity-building of RDC 02 members

• Continuous advocacy of the Cagayan Valley Image Brand and continuous inflow of investments in Region 02