Regional Development Updates | Volume 13 No. 1 | Jan-Mar 2015

MinDA Chair Urges Tourism Development,

Underscores Bright Future for Cacao

2 | Regional Development Updates | January - March 2015

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

PHLORITA A. RIDAOMARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO

ROSA D. LEMANAMA. LULU E. VALENCIA

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

LALAINE M. SAJELANEDEN F. RIDAO

LIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWE

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADOJUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

ContributorPIA 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, 2nd and 3rd Floors, RML Building, Jose Abad Santos Street, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 520-0006, Fax: (083) 520-0007. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

HOW TO REACH US

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

CONTENTS

MinDA Chair Urges Tourism Development, Underscores Bright Future for Cacao

RDC XII Endorses PhP 90.768B Worth of FY 2016 Budget Proposals for Region XII

Inclement Weather Delays Libungan Flood Control Project

Sultan Kudarat 2nd DEO gets highest infra fund for CY 2016

RDC XII AdCom Pushes Interconnection of National Secondary Roads, PRGC Improvement

It’s official: TreeVolution gets Guinness World Record

Our cover are pictures of the 49th RDC XII Regular Council Meeting in Koronadal City on 25 March 2015. Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA chairperson, graced the meeting which was attended by 44 Council members.

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Volume 12 | Issue 1 | January-March 2015

January - March 2015 | Regional Development Updates | 3

MinDA Chair Urges Tourism Development, Underscores Bright Future for Cacao

Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, Chairperson of the MinDa Board, stressed the need to develop Mindanao’s tourism and agriculture sector during the 49th RDC XII Meeting in Koronadal City. With her is Acting RDC XII Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director Arturo G. Valero and RDC XII Secretary and NEDA XII Assistant Regional Director Noel E. Quiratman.

by: Liberty B. Arumpac, NEDA XII-DRD

Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development

Authority (MinDA) Board, urged the local government units (LGUs) to fasttrack the development of tourism destinations. She also emphasized the need to develop the cacao industry as it has a high demand in the global market. She made this announcement during the 49th regular meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII on March 25, 2015 at the Farm@Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

“There is a need to develop Mindanao’s tourism and agriculture sectors. These sectors are also among the critical drivers of SOCCSKSARGEN’s development,” she stressed. She noted that Region XII has several tourist spots and their full development can lure in more foreign and domestic tourists. “Region XII is only one of a few regions in the country which can be truly considered a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions as its people come from several ethnicities, something that can attract the interest of tourists,” she added.

“I am encouraging the LGUs in Region XII to propose tourism development projects and ensure that they are ready for implementation as funds are available. Architects should be hired to fast track the preparation of designs for tourist

spots,” she further said. She cited the efforts undertaken by Gov. Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental to restore and develop the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel municipality after it was devastated by typhoon Pablo.

Sec. Antonino also highlighted the strengths of Region XII in agriculture, such as rice, but specifically mentioned cacao as having the brightest prospects in the international market. “A program for cacao development has been conceptualized and technical assistance and credit are guaranteed to be provided. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have been tasked to assist farmers who are willing to go into cacao production,” she said. She emphasized the need for the development of the region’s products that can compete in the world market. She further announced that MinDA applied

for a seal for Mindanao products.

Among other concerns taken up during the meeting, RDC XII confirmed the resolutions endorsing the FY 2016 budget proposals of regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and other National Government instrumentalities in Region XII.

RD Nasser Musali of DAR XII, RD Reynaldo Tamayo of DPWH XII, and RD Bai Zorahayda Taha of DSWD XII were awarded trophies after being adjudged as top 3 best presenters during the Consultation and Review of the FY 2016 Budget Proposals. The trophies, courtesy of RD Allan Farnazo of DepEd XII, were crafted by techvoc

MinDA Chair.. page 4


students of national high schools in the region.

The Council also deliberated on the issues and recommendations of its Advisory Committee (AdCom). Among these were: the improvement of T’boli-Banga-Tupi Road and other secondary roads that promote connectivity and efficiency; improvement of accessibility and stability of peace, order and security to support the flourishing tourism industry; conversion of the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah into a regional hospital to be named as SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Hospital; and the approval of the PhP 959M for the development of the General Santos City Aerotropolis. AdCom is composed of SOCCSKSARGEN’s House Representatives and the RDC XII Executive Committee (ExCom). The ExCom is composed of

the RDC XII Officers, Sectoral committee chairpersons, co-chairpersons and the Regional Directors of DBM and DILG.

In recognition of the outstanding performance of its partners, the Council awarded plaques of appreciation to Vicente T. Lao Construction and Gemma Construction Supply, Inc. for their excellent construction of road projects in the region; the Department of Social Welfare and Development XII for its exceptional implementation of a housing project for the disadvantaged in Maitum, Sarangani; and Asst. Regional Director Yahya Centi of the Department of Labor and Employment XII for his significant contribution to RDC XII in crafting policy recommendations for the region’s development while assigned in Region XII.

The meeting was also highlighted by a discussion on the conduct of advocacy on road safety for student leaders and teachers of Koronadal City in October 2014. The advocacy activity graced by Assistant Secretary for Administration Dante M. Lantin of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). Plaques and certificates of appreciation were given to Land Transportation Office XII, the United Transport and Drivers Cooperative (UTODCO), Rotary Club of Koronadal Central, Mahintana Foundation, UTODCO, DOLE Philippines, Inc., Yellow Bus Line Employees Union, and the Yellow Bus Line, Inc. who assisted the advocacy project.

The meeting was presided by RDC XII Acting Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero, and was attended by 44 Council members.

MinDA Chair.. from page 3

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1 2RDC XII Acting Chairperson Valero awards trophies to (1) DAR XII, (2) DPWH XII, and (3) DSWD XII for being adjudged as top 3 best presenters in that order during the Consultation and Review of the FY 2016 Budget Propos-als. The trophies, courtesy of RD Allan Farnazo of DepEd XII, were crafted by techvoc students of national high schoos in the region.

The Acting Chairperson also awarded Plaque of Appreciation to (4) LTO XII Regional Director Putiwas Malam-but for supporting the road safety advocacies of RDC XII’s Road Safety Advocacy-Technical Working Group. The plaque was received by Assistant Regional Director Manuel Betaizar.


RDC XII Endorses PhP 90.768 B Worth of FY 2016 Budget Proposals for Region XIIby: Judd Nichol L. Leonar, NEDA XII-DRD

Koronadal City - A PhP 90.768 Billion worth of programs/projects/

activities (PPAs) was endorsed by the RDC XII Executive Committee (ExCom). The endorsement was done after a review/consultation on the budget proposals for FY 2016 of thirty-four (34) Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), five (5) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and six (6) Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCCs) held on March 17-21, 2015 at Viajera Dine and Café, Koronadal City.

These PPAs were found to be supportive of the Social Contract and key result areas of the President, the Updated Philippine Development Plan; the Updated SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2013-2016; and the Updated SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development and Investment Program (RDIP), 2014-2016 and in particular, its FY 2016 Annual Investment Program (AIP) component which was approved by the Full Council during its 48th

regular meeting on 03 December 2014.

In the review of DA XII’s budget proposal, the ExCom recommended to the agency the inclusion in its budget proposal the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan in Agrarian Reform Areas (PAMANA-ARA) project. The budget proposal for the project has been excluded from

the DAR XII budget proposal per instruction of their Central Office to dismiss the said project in its PPAs dispatching the implementation of the project to DA XII. The budget for FY 2015 has been transferred to DA XII and the ExCom is suggesting that DA XII once again provide the funding next Fiscal Year. Updates on this recommendation shall be presented during the RDC XII 49th Regular Meeting

Other issues discussed were CHED’s Study-Now-Pay-Later Scholarship Program and the termination of the SOCCSKSARGEN Area Development Program Office (ADPO) in CY 2016. CHED’s study now pay later program has been registering a low collection rate, while ADPO’s closure might adversely affect implementation of the region’s food security programs and projects.

Overall, DepEd XII has the highest budget proposal in the amount of PhP 46.293 Billion due largely to the huge requirements in the implementation of the Senior High School Program. DPWH XII came in second with a proposal of PhP 13.292 Billion followed by DOH XII with a PhP 5.849 Billion budget proposal. MARINA XII had the least, amounting to only PhP 7.791 Million budget proposal.

The RDC XII review of the budget proposals is in consonance with the RDC’s mandate as provided for in Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1995 and in compliance with National Budget Memorandum No. 123 (Budget Call for FY 2016) dated 28 January 2015. The latter was discussed by OIC-RD Akmad J. Usman of DBM XII during the Pre-Budget Review Meeting of the ExCom held on March 16, 2015 at the same venue. The

RDC XII Endorses... page 8

Good Governance and the Rule of Law

20.63%

67.49%

6.54%

Social developmentAccelerating infrastructure supportEnsuring of a competitive and sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Sector

0.423%Approved Budget Proposals for FY 2016


The Libungan Flood Control Project Phase III implementation was

delayed due to inclement weather. Heavy rains have caused the water level of the Libungan river to rise, according to the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) who visited the area on February 4, 2015.

Another reason cited for the project’s delay was the unavailability of the required steel sheet pile prompting the contractor to use what is readily available in the local market.

This PhP50 Million project is being implemented by DPWH Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Office. The contract was awarded to Gemma Construction and was scheduled to be completed on December 7, 2014.

The project which covers the construction of 209.075 linear meters of flood control structure (steel sheet pile, concrete slope protection, bio-engineered coco-net and lined canals) has a reported 90.40% physical accomplishment but with a slippage of (-) 9.60% as of February 4, 2015.

The structure was originally designed at 203.67 linear meters long but later extended by 5.4 linear meters following the approval of Variation Order No. 1 with revision. The project duration was also extended from

270 to 285 days.

The remaining works are the construction of catch basin, stairways and open lined canal, installation of modular blocks with bio-engineering solution (coco-net), and reinforced concrete slope protection and embankment works.

Aside from this project, the monitoring team also visited 17 projects in the provinces of Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat and in Tacurong City on February 4-6, 2015 and February 11-13, 2015, respectively.

On January 13-16, 2015, the team also conducted a special monitoring visit to 20 projects in Cotabato City.

The special monitoring visit in Cotabato City was in compliance with the RDC XII instruction and agreement during its meeting on December 03, 2014.

Inclement Weather Delays Libungan Flood Control Project by: Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

The construction of Libungan Flood Control Project (Phase III) in Cotabato Province.

Name of Project: Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction/Replacement/Retrofit-ting of the Existing Permanent Libungan Bridge I (Phase 1)Location: Libungan, Cotabato ProvinceProject Cost: PhP 25,000,000.00

The DPWH Cotabato 2nd DEO and the contractor mutually terminated the contract on August 11, 2014, due to the recommendation of the National His-torical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to retain the same configuration of the existing structure of the bridge, particularly the metal plates installed by the United States Steel Export Company (USSEC), considering its historical and cultural value. The Libungan Steel Bridge is already 66 years old. It was constructed by the USSEC in 1949; thus, its demolition or any alteration on the said bridge would need NHCP approval.

PROJECT MONITORING


Name of Project: Construction of 3 units 1-Storey 2-classroom School Building at Padura-Espabo High School

Location: Libungan, Cotabato ProvinceSource of Fund: DepEd School Building Program 1st BatchProject Cost: PhP 6,176,253.00

The project is on-going with an overall physical accomplishment of 93% and a slippage of (+) 8%.

Name of Project: Repair of Road Slip along Isulan Jct. Ninoy Aquino Road, Km 1808+523 to Km 1817+000 with exceptionsLocation: Bagumbayan, Sultan Kuda-ratSource of Fund: CY 2014 Regular Infra ProgramProject Cost: PhP 38,760,000.00

The project has an accomplishment of 67 % with a slippage of (-) 7.13 %.

Name of Project: Construction of 2-Storey 6-Classroom School Build-ing at Datu Ayunan Elementary School, Cotabato CityLocation: Brgy. Mother Kalanganan, Cotabato CitySource of Fund: DepEd (CY2013 School Building Program 2nd Batch)Project Cost: PhP 6,886,837.50

On January 15, 2014 the project is 100% completed. The final inspection report of the DPWH inspectorate team was dated January 27, 2014.

Name of Project: Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) along Banisilan-Guiling-Alamada-Libungan Road, Rangayen SectionKm1661+867.49 to km1666+960Location: Alamada, Cotabato ProvinceSource of Fund: CY2014 DPWH Regular Infra (RUSR)Project Cost: PhP 160,984,000.00

The the project has an overall physical accomplishment of 85.91% with a slippage of (+) 11.30% slippage as of February 2, 2015.

Name of Project: Construction of Ala River Basin Flood Control (River Bank Protection with Revetment), Phase III, Brgy Katitisan-Matiompong Sta 1+620 – Station 3+100Location: Brgy. Katitisan – Brgy. Matiompong, Lambayong, Sultan KudaratSource of Fund: CY 2014 DPWH Infrastructure ProgramProject Cost: PhP 150,000,000.00

The project has an accomplishment of 80.40%, which is 19.90 % ahead of schedule.

Name of Project: Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) along the SNA-Lebak-Kalamansig Road, Km 1859+000 to Km 1859+900Source of Fund: CY 2014 Regular Infra ProgramProject Cost: PhP 22,168,000.00

The project has an accomplishment of 98% with a slippage of (-) 2%.

PROJECT MONITORING PROJECT MONITORING


Sultan Kudarat 2nd DEO gets highest infra fund in 2016by: SJDuerme-PIA12

budget review/consultation was spearheaded by RDC XII Acting Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director, Arturo G. Valero.

Based on the PPAs presented, the biggest requirement to attain the region’s strategic development outcomes is for social development at about PhP 61.181 Billion (67.49%). Accelerating infrastructure support requires PhP 18.70 Billion (20.63%), while ensuring a competitive and sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Sector needs PhP 5.930 Billion (6.54%). Good Governance and the Rule of Law requires PhP 383 Million (0.423%).

The Sultan Kudarat 2nd

District Engineering Office is set to get the

highest infrastructure fund in 2016. This was disclosed by Engr. David L. Padlan, OIC-Chief of the Planning and Design Division of DPWH 12. “In our FY 2016 Proposed Budget of Infrastructure Projects, we have allotted a total fund of PhP13.29 Billion with PhP3.83 Billion going to Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Engineering Office” he added.

“Most of the unpaved roads are in the area of Sultan Kudarat 2nd DEO. The unpaved roads under the said DEO stretch up to 144.201 kilometers,” he further explained.

The amount is allotted to fund eight national road upgrading/widening/improvement projects, four bridge construction and completion projects, two flood control and drainage projects, and one tourism road project.

These projects are located in the towns of Kalamansig,

RDC XII Endorses... from page 5

At the end of the review, ExCom recommended to the RDC XII Full Council the awarding of trophies to the top three best presenters of the FY 2016 budget proposal. Adjudged best presenters were: RD Nasser M. Musali of DAR XII (1st); RD Reynaldo S. Tamayo of DPWH XII (2nd); and RD Bai Zorahayda T. Taha of DSWD XII (3rd).

The endorsed FY 2016 budget proposals were confirmed by the RDC XII Full Council during its regular meeting on March 25, 2015.

The Regional Development Updates can be downloaded and viewed online through the NEDA XII website (http://nro12.neda.gov.ph/products-and-services/publica-tions/).

All RDC XII resolutions can be also downloaded and viewed through the RDC XII website (http://nro12.neda.gov.ph/rdc12/resolutions/cy-2015-rdc-xii-resolutions/2015-rdc-xii-full-council/).


Senator Ninoy Aquino, Palimbang, Esperanza, Bagumbayan, and Lebak.

Out of the total fund for Sultan Kudarat 2nd DEO, the upgrading of Senator Ninoy Aquino- Lebak- Kalamansig Road reserved the highest allotment at P2,001,160,000 or 52.24% of the total allotment for the said DEO.

However, Padlan stated that the proposed infra project budget is subject to changes if there are still other projects the LGUs want to recommend.

The DPWH XII FY 2016 Proposed Budget for Infra Projects was presented to the Regional Development Council XII Executive Committee (RDC XII ExCom) on March 19, 2015.

Padlan said that with the upgrading of more roads, the proportion of paved arterial and secondary roads in th region will increase. He revealed that the over all total length of these paved roads increased to 1,168.10 kilometers or 75.79% of the total arterial and secondary roads in the region, as of December 2014.

To further strengthen the implementation of infrastructure projects, DPWH XII is seeking support and cooperation from the local government

units and civil society organizations in the region.

DPWH XII Regional Director Reynaldo S. Tamayo said that with the help of the LGUs and CSOs, it would be easy for his agency to implement infra projects. According to him, this is important as some circumstances in the implementation of projects can be addressed only by the LGUs or the CSOs.

Tamayo cited the road right of way as one of the issues that sometimes only LGUs could solve.

“Our call is also in line with our mandate of completing our projects before the term of President Aquino ends on 2016,” Tamayo emphasized adding that DPWH is doing its best to adhere to its mandate.

He also pointed out that with support from LGUs and CSOs, better coordination for project implementation will take place.

(L-R) The Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) along Junction National Highway (Makilala-Allah Valley Road) to Baras Bird Sanctuary (Rajah Muda-New Passi Section), Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat and the Repair of Road Slip along Isulan Jct. Ninoy Aquino Road, Km 1808+523 to Km 1817+000 with exceptions are two of the projects monitored by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee during the 1st Quarter of CY 2015 in Sultan Kudarat.


RDC XII AdCom Pushes Interconnection of National Secondary Roads, PRGC Improvement

Gen. Santos City - The Regional Development Council XII Advisory

Committee (RDC XII AdCom) convened to look into the priority programs and projects of the region that will require support of the region’s House of Representatives.

During the meeting on January 14, 2015 at Green Leaf Hotel, Gen. Santos City, the congresspersons identified the need to improve interconnection of the national secondary roads in the region, as well as the improvement of the Prime Regional Government Center (PRGC) in Koronadal City. This was bared by NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero who presided over the meeting in his capacity as the RDC XII acting chairperson.

In his message, Congressman Hernandez, who acted as convenor of the region’s legislators, thanked the Adcom members for their presence. “The participation of my fellow legislators here is a sign of a good start and an indication of full support to the attainment of the region’s goals and targets, as expressed in the updated SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2014-2016, “ he said. “I am happy that my fellow lawmakers from the region are setting aside their political differences in favor of working together for the benefit of the entire region,” he added.

Notwithstanding these positive developments, Cong. Hernandez emphasized the need for AdCom, as an advisory body of RDC XII, to push for programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that can support the region’s food security, tourism industry, health services, and overall economic development. He cited some of them, such as the improvement of T’boli-Banga-Tupi Road and other secondary roads that promote connectivity and efficiency; modernization of farming techniques and efficient infrastructures for increasing revenue generated from the high value commercial crop production that can generate increased revenues; improvement of accessibility and stability of peace, order and security to support the flourishing tourism industry; the conversion of the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah into a regional hospital to be named as SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Hospital; and the approval of the PhP 959 million for the development of the General Santos City Aerotropolis.

Congressman Hernandez urged his colleagues in Congress, the local chief executives, heads of regional line agencies, and the private sector representatives of the region to continue working together for Region XII’s development. He said the region must be ready with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Integration and the approval and enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

In relation to the call of Congressman Hernandez for AdCom to support strategic projects, Engr. Phlorita A. Ridao of the RDC XII Secretariat, presented the SOCCSKSARGEN CY 2016 Priority Programs and Projects, for information and appropriate action of the Committee members.

The RDC XII AdCom passed five (5) resolutions during the meeting. First was a request to the Supreme Court to start the process of filling-up the plantilla positions of the legislated four additional branches of the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs)

NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero (in blue) presided the AdCom meeting in his capacity as the RDC XII and AdCom Acting Chairperson on January 27, 2015 in General Santos City. With him is RDC XII Secretary and NEDA XII Assistant Regional Director Noel E. Quiratman.

by: Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, NEDA XII-DRD


In picture - (L-R) South Cotabato Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, Congressman Arnulfo F. Go of the 2nd District of Sultan Kudarat and Congressman Ferdinand L. Hernandez of the 2nd District of South Cotabato during the RDC XII Advisory Committee meeting on January 27, 2015 in General Santos City.

in Koronadal City and Surallah, South Cotabato.

Another resolution requests DPWH to provide funds from the MVUC for the construction of an overpass with manlift and to provide augmentation funds for the improvement of the Regional Government Center in Koronadal City, including the concreting of the road network, and construction of a drainage system and perimeter fence.

Two road projects were covered by two resolutions, namely: the request for the conversion of the Malapag-Tinimbacan-Banisilan Road from a provincial road to a national road category, and the request to include in the DPWH Mindanao Logistics Road Project the Silway 8-Mabuhay-Tinagacan Road as a

national secondary road including the rehabilitation of a bridge along the said road.

The meeting was attended by Congressmen Ferdinand L. Hernandez of the 2nd district of South Cotabato; Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. of the 1st district of South Cotabato; Jose I. Tejada of the 3rd district of Cotabato Province and Arnulfo F. Go of the 2nd district of Sultan Kudarat. Local chief executives were also present, namely, Gov. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato and Gov. Steve C. Solon of Sarangani Province. Congresswoman Nancy A. Catamco, Congressman Jesus N. Sacdalan, Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza and City Mayor Japal A. Guiani were represented during the meeting.

For the regional line agencies, present were RD Reynaldo M. Bungubung of DILG XII, RD Akmad J. Usman of DBM XII, RED Amalia J. Datukan of DA XII, RED Datu Tungko M. Saikol of DENR XII, RD Nelly Nita N. Dillera of DOT XII, RD Maximo C. Aljibe of CHED XII, RD Reynaldo S. Tamayo of DPWH XII, and RD Olivia P. Sudaria of PIA XII. Private sector representative (PSR) Rolando S. Doria, chairperson of the Economic Development Council (EDC) XII and PSR Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr., chairperson of the Infrastructure and Utilities Committee (Infracom) XII were also present during the said meeting.


It’s official: TreeVolution gets Guinness World Record

Photo Source: https://5crgcrsafp.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/dsc_0172.jpg

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The official

verdict is out: TreeVolution Greening MindaNOW holds the world record for “most trees planted simultaneously (multiple locations).”

“We are happy to announce that Mindanao, Philippines has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations through TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW held on September 26, 2014,” Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, announced.

Antonino said, the new world record set by the TreeVolution is 2,294,629 trees, carried out by 122,168 volunteers in 29 locations across Mindanao.

“This is a huge feat for all Mindanawons, especially the volunteers and partners, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who

showed overwhelming support in the successful conduct of TreeVolution. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the event. Their involvement has made this historic event even more meaningful,” Antonio further said.

Due to the stringent verification process of the Guinness committee, only 2,294,629 out of the 4 million trees planted were officially tallied. The number, however, was enough to break the record previously held by India, by more than 300,000 trees. India’s record was 1,945,535 trees planted by 340,200 people in 408 sites. It was set in August 2011.

More important than setting the record, Antonino emphasized, “this official number from Guinness does not in any way reduce the long-term impacts of the actual 4 million trees planted in over 7,800 hectares of land all over Mindanao.”

“The 4 million seedlings planted add 1 percent to Mindanao’s target forest cover by 2016. These trees, once fully mature, can supply oxygen to around 16 million people daily, or 75 percent of the total Mindanao population.”

“There’s also no doubt on how the seedlings we planted could eventually minimize the impacts of climate change,” she said.

Antonino added that the TreeVolution was also a proof that Mindanawons could bond together.

“TreeVolution has showed one overwhelming reaffirmation – that Mindanawons can unite for a common good, and that, we, Mindanawons, can truly become one for the environment,” she said.

by: Danilo E. Doguiles-PIA 12

Regional Development Updates | Volume 13 No. 1 | Jan-Mar 2015

Government & Nonprofit

Transcript of Regional Development Updates | Volume 13 No. 1 | Jan-Mar 2015