Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 2 | April - June 2017

SOCCSKSARGEN Economy Expands

by 5%

Manufacturing contributed the highest share of 24.5% to the total GRDP while Construction posted the highest growth rate of 25.8%, contributing 8.1%.

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO ROSA D. LEMANA

MA. LULU E. VALENCIA JULIET G. BOLANDO

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

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

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADOJUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Contributors PSA XII

Photographs: tumbler.com, gensantimes.com, and TESDA XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, Prime Regional Government Center, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 228-9203, Fax: (083) 228-9203. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

HOW TO REACH US

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? Send your letters with complete name and address to our editorial office mentioned above, or email us at [email protected].

CONTENTS

RDC XII confirms NCCA, CHR XII as SNVM

SOCCSKSARGEN Economy Expands by 5%

RPMC XII Monitors 17 Projects for the 2nd Quarter of 2017

On our cover is the SOCCSKSARGEN 2016 Report presented during the Regional Economy News Conference on May 14, 2017 in General Santos City, led by Philippine Statistics Authority XII. The pictures of pineapple and tuna depict the leading food manufacturing products which contributed the highest share of 24.5% to the total GRDP, and the construction picture which suggests that construction posted the highest growth rate of 25.8% in 2016. The latter also posted 8.1% share to the regional economy.

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Koronadal, Tupi got the Kalasag National Award

RDC XII supports Orientation of SUCs and HEIs on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law

SOCCSKSARGEN Region posts 1.7% Inflation in April 2017

RDC XII Supports the 2017 Sox Regional Skills Competition

Volume 15 | Issue No. 2 | April - June 2017

NEDA XII Staff Garnered a 100% passing rate for EnP Examination

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April - June 2017 | Regional Development Updates | 3

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – SOCCKSARGEN Region’s economy hikes up by 5.0 percent in 2016 as measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). This was the highlight in the concluded news conference conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) XII at the East Asia Royale Hotel in General Santos City on May 4, 2017. The news conference was simultaneously conducted in the 17 regions across the country.

The members of the panel were PSA XII Regional Director, Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero. Assisting them were DTI XII Regional Director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel and Ms. Reinelda P. Adriano, Chief of the Fisheries Statistics Division of the PSA Central Office.

RD Manulon presented the highlights of the region’s economic performance in 2016. He made a detailed presentation on how each industry and sub-industry contributed to the region’s economic outputs in 2016. Across the 17 regions, he announced that SOCCSKSARGEN ranked 10th in terms of growth rate and 9th in terms of Gross Value Added

(GVA) contribution to the national GDP.

RD Valero discussed the implications of the 2016 GRDP estimates to the region’s development initiatives. He was happy to note that despite the slump in the performance in Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF), which was greatly affected by the El Niño, the other sectors, particularly Industry and Services, performed well and pulled the region’s economy up to register a 5.0 percent growth in 2016, faster than the 3.3 percent growth recorded in 2015. He called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the business sector to put up more manufacturing and processing plants to give more

value-added to the products produced in the region rather than exporting them in raw form. He also stressed the importance of developing the region’s thriving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) especially in light of the recently launched Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service between Indonesia and the Philippines which would cover the route from Bitung, Indonesia - Davao City - General Santos City. He urged the business sector to upgrade and produce world class products to be competitive with other imported goods. He remains positive that with a more stable and favorable weather this year, the region

SOCCSKSARGEN ... page 4

PSA XII Regional Director Maqtahar L. Manulon during the presentation of the region’s economic performance on May 4, 2017 at East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City (Photo Source: PSA XII).

SOCCSKSARGEN Economy Expands by 5%By: Edward Donald F. Eloja, PSA XII


will outpace its 2016 economic performance.

An open forum ensued after the presentations. Ms. Catherine T. Apelacio of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) served as the moderator. RD Guiamadel provided substantial inputs on the prospects and direction of the region’s trade and industry especially considering the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration.

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII confirmed the membership of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) XII as Special Non-Voting Members of the Council for the term 2016-2019, during the 58th Full Council meeting on June 14, 2017 in Koronadal City.

The NCCA expressed its interest to be a member of the Council through Ms. Adelina Suemith, Chief of NCCA’s Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division, when she presented Budayaw, Celebrating Cultural Diversity of BIMP-EAGA Region during the 57th RDC XII meeting on March 15, 2017.

By: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

SOCCSKSARGEN ... from page 3

NCCA Chairman, Mr. Virgilio S. Almario, later sent an official letter of request to the RDC XII Secretariat on the matter.

The RDC XII - Regional Social Development Committee was tasked by the Council to deliberate on the request. During its 2nd Quarter Meeting on 31 May 2017 in Koronadal City, the Committee agreed to favorably endorse the same to RDC XII. The Council then confirmed the membership of NCCA as SNVM through RDC XII Resolution No. 62, Series of 2017, passed during its 58th Regular Meeting on 14 June 2017 in Koronadal City.

RDC XII Chairperson and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera administered the oath-taking of CHR XII Regional Director Atty. Erlan P. Deluvio who was also present during the Council’s 58th

Regular Meeting.

Section 3 of the Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1996, allows the inclusion of Special Non-Voting Members in the Council, subject to the concurrence of majority of its regular members.

RDC XII confirms NCCA, CHR XII as SNVM

The news conference was attended by media practitioners from 13 radio stations, 6 newspapers, and 3 television stations in the region. Also present were representatives from other government agencies like DA, BFAR, DPWH, DSWD, DENR, PFDA, MinDA and MGB including those from the private sector such as SFAII and the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who also served as resource persons.

The GRDP news conference is held annually by the PSA to elicit the support of the media in disseminating statistics and other information to the general public. This year’s news conference, however, was held three months earlier to respond to the clamour of the planning agencies for the early release of the GRDP. (Source: http://psa12.ph/index.php/en/84-publications/press-releases/413-press-release-soccsksargen-economy-expands-by-5-0-percent-psa-xii-holds-news-conference)

RDC XII Chair Ronnel C. Rivera administered the oath-taking of CHR XII Regional Director Erlan P. Deluvio as Special Non-Voting Member of the Council.


SOCCSKSARGEN Region posts 1.7% inflation in April 2017

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The annual inflation rate or the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region in April 2017 was estimated at 1.7 percent, which was lower than the previous month’s 2.9 percent. The increase in rate means that the prices of goods and services in the region in April 2017 were 1.7 percent higher on all commodity groups compared to their prices in April 2016.

During the period, prices of all commodity groups posted increases, except for Communication which retained its previous year’s index of 89.5. Faster increase in prices were noted in Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (3.0 percent); followed by, Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (2.6%); Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (1.9%); and, Education (1.0%). On the other hand, minimal increases were recorded in Health (0.7%); Transport (0.7%); Clothing and Footwear (0.6%); Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (0.6%); and, Furnishing and Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House (0.5%).

South Cotabato had the highest inflation rate in the region in April 2017 at 2.7 percent, followed by Cotabato Province (1.9%), and Cotabato City (1.8%). On the other hand, Sarangani had the lowest inflation rate during the period at 0.6 percent.

By: Nazar A. Mohammadsha, PSA XII

SOCCSKSARGEN Region ... page 11


RPMC XII Monitors Seventeen (17) Projects for the 2nd Quarter of 2017By: Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII monitored a total of 17 projects in SOCCSKSARGEN Region during the 2nd Quarter of 2017. This was reported by RPMC Chairperson and NEDA XII RD Arturo G. Valero, during the 58th Regular Meeting of RDC XII on 14 June 2017 in Koronadal City.

Done through two (2) separate regular field monitoring visits, the 17 projects monitored are in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani, and the cities of Koronadal and General Santos. The projects monitored are: (a) roads, new bridge along the GSC Western Circumferential road, and school building construction projects implemented by DPWH Regional Office XII and South Cotabato District Engineering Office (DEO); (b) Completion of the Philippine Halal Laboratory Building project of DOST XII; and (c) the General Santos Airport Development project of CAAP- Central Office.

The areas covered, type of projects

visited, as well as the date of visit and number of projects monitored are shown below:

The RPMC XII Monitoring team during their visit to Surallah-Lake Sebu-Maitum Road, Lemfenek Section on May 10, 2017.


recommendations were agreed upon by the Committee based on the discussions of the major findings and observations emanating from the two (2) monitoring visits. In addition, the Committee also passed four (4) resolutions which were duly supported and endorsed by the Regional Development Council XII during its 58th Regular Meeting on 14 June 2017 in Koronadal City.

The said 2nd quarter meeting cum PSS of the RPMC was attended by four (4) out of the seven (7) members of the Committee, and seven (7) representatives from the implementing agencies and LGUs.

Major issues/problems confronting the 17 projects were discussed during the 2nd Quarter RPMC XII Problem-Solving Session (PSS) on May 31, 2017 in Koronadal City. Some of these problems include inadequate, inappropriate and improper placement of early warning signs, non-compliance of some contractors with the approved minimum wage order in the region and Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS), and slow performance of some contractors due to inadequate equipment/manpower and inclement weather, which caused delay in the completion of some projects. Nevertheless, most of these problems identified had been addressed and acted upon by the implementers at the regional level as reported during the said RPMC-PSS. Likewise, a total of seven (7)

The construction of Banwalan Bridge II is 41.12% completed as of May 15, 2017. The bridge is part of the Php120 Million Road upgrading with New Bridge, Construction of Circumferential Road, Airport to Fishport (Western Section, K1671+780 - K1673+197 with Exception (Bridge Component) Bridge; K1671+842-K1671+902 in General Santos City.

(Below) The Php48.7 Million construction of 2 units 4-storey 12-classroom School Building at Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, Koronadal City is expected to be completed in December 2017.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato - The City of Koronadal and Barangay Polacion of Tupi, South Cotabato got the coveted Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (KALASAG) Award on June 8, 2017 during the 18th Gawad Kalasag National Awarding Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

The city of Koronadal won 3rd

place for City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council for

Independent/Component City Category, while Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato bagged the 1st place for the Barangay DRRM Committee (Urban) Category.

The Annual KALASAG award is the country’s scheme for recognizing various stakeholders who design and implement DRRM programs that protect and shield high-risk communities against hazards and make them more capable in addressing their vulnerabilities and in coping against disasters.

Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Eduardo D. del Rosario, representing the NDRRMC Chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, led the conferment of the 18th Gawad Kalasag Awards to 59 individuals and groups together with the Chairperson of the National Gawad Kalasag (GK) Search Committee and DILG Officer-In-Charge USec Catalino S. Cuy, and NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator USec Ricardo B. Jalad.

For the 18th GK, nine (9) Local

Koronadal, Tupi got the Kalasag National AwardBy: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

DRRM Councils, two (2) individuals, thirteen (13) groups/institutions and two (2) hall of fame awardees were recognized for their outstanding contributions in DRRM and humanitarian assistance.

In picture: NDRRMC XII Chairperson and OCD XII Regional Director Minda C. Morante (2nd from left), Executive Director and OCD Administrator USec Ricardo B Jalad (3rd from left) with Koronadal City Administrator Cyrus Jose Ubano (4th from left) and Mayor Peter B. Miguel (with trophy) received the Gawad KALASAG during the 18th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City on June 8, 2017. (Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/NDRRMC/)

Kagawad Vicente L. Trabado (6th from left) and Barangay Captain Joselito Yabut (with trophy) received the Annual KALASAG Award - 1st place for Barangay DRRMC Urban Category, for Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato on June 8, 2017 during the awarding ceremony.


City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII passed Resolution No. 61, Series of 2017, entitled “Requesting the Department of Health (DOH) XII and the Commission on Population (POPCOM) XII to Orient Guidance Counsellors, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Persons and Health Service Personnel of private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), on Responsible Parenhood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law,” during its 58th regular meeting conducted on June 14, 2017 in Koronadal City.

The resolution emanated from the discussion during the second quarter meeting of the Regional Social and Development Committee (RSDC) XII on May 31, 2017. Ms. Alicia Manondog of Sultan Kudarat State University shared her observation that many pregnancy cases happened particularly among first and second year college students. Hence, SUCs and private HEIs need to know the RPRH Law, especially on adolescent sexual and reproductive health which is one of the RPRH key result areas, viz: a) maternal and neonatal health, b) family planning (FP), c) adolescent sexual and reproductive health, d) sexually transmitted infections/human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STI/HIV/AIDS), and e) gender- based violence (GPB).

Based on the 2011-2014 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, around 12% of the total births in the Philippines, were born by mothers 10-19 years old, and the remaining 88% by mothers 20-49 years old. The data also showed that about one in every ten women of child-bearing age is a teenager. Teenage pregnancy among 17 to 19 age group has a higher prevalence compared to the 10 to 16 age bracket.

Teenage pregnancy in the region showed fluctuating trends. From 4,744 in 2011, the level decreased to 4,503 in 2012 and 4,554 in 2013. However, a sharp increase was noted in 2014 with 4,894 or a growth rate of 7.47%.

The increasing prevalence of teenage pregnancy is one of

RDC XII supports Orientation of SUCs and HEIs on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law

By: Evie A. Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD

the challenges faced by the region that could impact on demographic transition needed to achieve a sustained economic growth resulting from a decrease in the non-working persons in the total population. One of the priority strategies identified in the Regional Development Plan, 2017-2022 is to promote adolescent health and development through responsible sexuality and effective life skills among young people. The strategy is consistent with the Regional Population Management Strategic Plan (RPMSP). Hence, the orientation for key personnel of SUCs and HEIs could help address the issue and reach out to the affected population.

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council XII passed Resolution No. 65, Series of 2017, “Supporting the Conduct of 2017 SOX Regional Skills Competition in General Santos City” during its 58th Regular Meeting at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill on June 14, 2017.

The SOX Regional Skills Competition 2017 scheduled in September 2017 is an avenue to select the official entry of Region XII for the upcoming Mindanao Zonal Battle of the Best on December 1, 2017 in Davao City. The winner in the zonal battle will represent the island of Mindanao in the Philippine National Skills Competition, and the National Level winner will represent the country in the 2018 ASEAN Skills Competition in Bangkok, Thailand.

The regional competition will be hosted by the City Government of General Santos and will cover the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cobatato, as well as the cities of Kidapawan and Cotabato.

During the said competition, the crowd can expect a showcase of talents and skills on various trade qualifications adopted and aligned with the ASEAN Skills Competition standards.

Moreover, the regional competition will likewise harness the potentials and capabilities of the youth in the region and shall further boost their awareness and appreciation in acquiring technical knowledge through the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Engr. Richard Amparo, the Provincial Director of TESDA Sarangani, mentioned during the RSDC XII 2nd Quarter meeting on 31 May 2017 in Koronadal City, that the competition aims to promote the development of quality vocational/technical and work values among the youth and skilled workers, to foster cooperation among stakeholders, and to recognize workmanship and excellence of Filipino worker.

Engr. Amparo further added that among the areas for competition are automotive technology, beauty therapy, cabinet making, cooking, electrical installation technology, electronics,

fashion technology, graphic design, plumbing and heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning, hairdressing, industrial automation, information network cabling, IT network system administration, IT software solution for business, mechanical engineering-CAD, mechatronics, restaurant service, web design and welding.

In closing, he mentioned that in the 2016 ASEAN Skills Competition, the Philippines was able to get a gold medal in the mechanical engineering design-CAD, silver medal in IT software Solution for business, and bronze medal in electronics, mechatronics, web design, refrigeration and air conditioning. The country is also a recipient of medallion of excellence for graphics design, industrial automation, IT network systems administration, and welding.

RDC XII Supports 2017 Sox Regional CompetitonBy: Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, 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.


• Betque, Aurel Raymond P. • Clave, Joseph Didius L. • Collado, Gwyneth Grace B. • Darle, Kate C. • Hatague, Roy B.• Leonar, Judd Nichol L.• Sajo, Myra L.• Serrano, Ruby Abegail C.• Vargas, Melissa Gabrielle H.

NEDA XII Staff Garnered a 100% passing rate for EnP ExaminationBy: Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, NEDA XII-DRD

City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII staff garnered a 100% passing rate in the Environmental Planners examination conducted on June 7-8, 2017 at Brokenshire, Davao City.

The nine (9) staff who successfully passed the said examination are the following:

In April 2017, the Peso Purchasing Power (PPP) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region was estimated at 64 centavos, down by a centavo compared to the 65 centavos during the same month of the previous year. The highest PPP in the region this month was recorded in Cotabato City at 69 centavos, followed by South Cotabato (Php 0.68), Sultan Kudarat (Php 0.67) and Sarangani (Php 0.65). On the other hand, the lowest PPP in the region was noted in Cotabato Province at 58 centavos.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region ... from page 5

The abovementioned staff were encouraged and inspired to take the said examination in response to the RDC XII Resolution No. 46, Series of 2017, entitled “Encouraging Regional Line Agencies to consider having the Planning Officers of their Respective Offices to take the Environmental Planner Licensure Examination.”

Based on the result posted by the Professional Regulation Commissions (PRC), only 42.49 percent passed out of the 1,739 examinees.

Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 2 | April - June 2017

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Transcript of Regional Development Updates | Vol 15 Issue 2 | April - June 2017