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Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
January-March 2020
today caraga Official publication of the Caraga Regional
Development Council
7|PSR Galero takes oath as Regional Development Council
Co-Chairperson 9|Caraga’s poverty incidence declines in 2018
16|Caraga celebrates 2020 Women’s Month
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Pernia visits Caraga
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caraga today Volume XXIII, Issue 1 January-March 2020
On this issue
HIGHLIGHT March is Women’s Month! The Caraga Regional Gender and
Development Committee (RGADC) and the Regional Inter-Agency
Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their
Children (RIACAT-VAWC) jointly spearhead various activities in line
with this year’s Women’s Month celebration to further raise
awareness and consciousness on how enabling policies and work
environment can contribute in realizing women’s rights for an equal
future.
IN THE NEWS
4 COVER STORY: Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Pernia visits
Caraga
11 Caraga commences Regional Budget Review for FY 2021
6 Bayugan City hosts 4th Caraga RTF-ELCAC meeting
12 Caraga Regional Development Council outlines 2019
milestones
8 NEDA Caraga hosts AmBisyon Natin 2040 Forum for young leaders
of Agusan High
14 Caraga stakeholders push for more inclusive education for
Lumads in conflict-affected areas
10 Round table discussion beefs up Caraga economic situationer
15
NCIP Chairperson Capuyan speaks with IPs, mining companies
10 NEDA Caraga conducts training on writing resolutions
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3 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
Editor’s Note Michelle P. Dela Calzada
Through the years, the Regional Development Council has zeroed
in on strategic programs and initiatives towards securing Caraga’s
position as the Fishery, Agro-forestry, Mineral and Ecotourism
(FAME) Center in the country.
The year 2019 is no different but what makes the year unique for
the RDC is the conduct of initiatives that are relevant to the
region’s pressing concerns. One is the midterm updating of Caraga
Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 and its accompanying
documents, the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) and
Results Matrices (RM).
It is an even more exciting year for the RDC as we welcome a new
Chairperson and Co-chairperson, in the persons of Governor Dale B.
Corvera of Agusan del Norte and Private Sector Representative for
Logistics Engr. Epimaco M. Galero, Jr., respectively.
These are just among the milestones of the Caraga RDC in 2019 as
revealed in our article on page 12.
For 2020, the RDC continues to make meaningful endeavors and set
trailblazing initiatives.
One of the RDC’s functions is to review the budget proposals of
regional line agencies (RLAs) and state universities and colleges
and ensure that programs and projects essential to the attainment
of national and regional goals are allocated with adequate funds.
We feature a story on the budget
review process for FY 2021 in this issue on page 11.
A special feature on this issue is a story on Socioeconomic
Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia’s first visit to Caraga in
February 2020.
Also on this issue, we feature the conduct of the 4th Caraga
Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
(RTF-ELCAC) meeting in Bayugan City. Another article features the
round table discussion on the preparation of the Caraga Regional
Economic Situationer held in January 2020.
Also at the start of 2020, a training on writing resolutions was
held for RDC members and its secretariat. Our story on this
activity can be found on page 10. Meanwhile, fresh news on the
inclusive education for Lumads in conflict-affected areas is
featured on page 14.
The RDC started with purposive activities, bringing renewed hope
and vigor for the rest of the year.
ON THE COVER Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia
visited NEDA Caraga and the proposed sites of big ticket
infrastructure projects in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.
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4 caraga today 4 caraga today
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia paid his
first visit to the region and the Caraga Regional Office of the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) last February
18, 2020. NEDA Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla (Regional
Development Group) and Director Aladin A. Ancheta (Office of the
Secretary) joined Secretary Pernia on his visit.
Among the highlights of the Secretary’s visit was the meeting
with Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada wherein he
presented to the Secretary the proposed strategic infrastructure
projects of the City. Among the proposed projects presented was the
Integrated Intermodal
Transport System (sea, land and air), which is incorporated in
the ongoing NEDA-funded Master Plan for Sustainable Urban
Infrastructure Development (MPSUID) Project for Butuan City.
Secretary Pernia also took time to check the coastal areas where
the Iconic Bridge is proposed, which is a component of the planned
logistical highway, as well as the proposed site of the Masao
International Seaport. The Secretary also had a small group meeting
over dinner with the Chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development
Council (RDC) and NEDA Board - Regional Development Committee
Mindanao Area Committee (RDCOM MAC) and Agusan del Norte
Provincial
Governor Dale B. Corvera, Caraga RDC Co-Chairperson and Private
Sector Representative for the Logistics Sector Engr. Epimaco M.
Galero, and Mayor Lagnada. During said meeting, the officials
discussed the harmonization of regional and local plans, overall
future directions of Butuan City and Caraga Region, as well as the
possibility of gearing towards a knowledge-based economy in the
region.
Secretary Pernia and party also visited the Butuan Archeological
Park to explore the historical Balanghai boats, which are declared
as a National Culture Treasure. The NEDA Caraga staff also had a
very meaningful
Cover Story:
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Pernia visits Caraga By Xylia
G. Ebron, NEDA Caraga
Left photo: Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada presenting the
Integrated Intermodal Transport System Plan to NEDA Secretary
Ernesto M. Pernia and NEDA Caraga Regional Director Atty. Bonifacio
G. Uy. Right Photo: Onboard a speedboat while conducting an ocular
inspection for the proposed Iconic Bridge connecting Butuan City to
Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.
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5 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
opportunity to spend time with the Secretary over a fellowship
meeting. During the said meeting, NEDA Regional Director Atty.
Bonifacio G. Uy warmly welcomed Secretary Pernia to the region and
gave a short story about the region’s comparative advantages and
priorities. NEDA Caraga’s latest initiatives and priorities needing
the Secretary’s support was also presented. The said meeting was a
timely opportunity for the NEDA Caraga staff to openly ask the
Secretary concerning work-related questions and concerns.
In his message, Secretary Pernia conveyed his commitment to
create more opportunities, in the form of promotions and travels,
which will support the growth and development of the NEDA staff. He
also provided updates on the NEDA Bill, which aims to further
institutionalize and empower the agency to fully carry out its
mandate.
The NEDA Regional Office Caraga staff take a photo with
Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Assistant Secretary Mercedita A.
Sombilla and Director Aladin A. Ancheta.
Small group dinner meeting with the Chairperson of the Caraga
Regional Development Council and NEDA Board - Regional Development
Committee Mindanao Area Committee and Agusan del Norte Provincial
Governor Dale B. Corvera, Caraga RDC Co-Chairperson and Private
Sector Representative for the Logistics Sector Engr. Epimaco M.
Galero, Jr.
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6 caraga today
Members of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) converged for the 4th Caraga RTF-ELCAC
Meeting last January 23, 2020 at the Lope A. Asis Memorial
Gymnasium, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. Cabinet Officer for
Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Caraga Region and
Caraga RTF-ELCAC Chairperson, Cabinet Secretary (CabSec) Karlo A.B.
Nograles, presided over the meeting.
Present during the meeting were Cabinet Secretariat
Undersecretary Jo Ann M. Burgos; Caraga RTF-ELCAC Co-Vice
Chairperson, Caraga RDC Chairperson and Agusan del
Unveiling of the prototype of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP) halfway houses. From left to right:
Governor Dale B. Corvera; Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr.;
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga
Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion; CabSec Karlo A.B. Nograles;
RPOC Chairperson and Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T.
Pimentel; Caraga RTF-ELCAC TWG Co-Vice Chairperson and Commanding
Officer of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (4th ID, PA)
MGen Franco Nemesio M. Gacal; and Adviser to CORDS and Philippine
National Police (PNP) Caraga Regional Director PBGen Joselito T.
Esquivel, Jr.
Norte Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera; Caraga RTF-ELCAC
Co-Vice Chairperson, Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)
Chairperson and Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Alexander T.
Pimentel; and the chief executives of the host province and city,
Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. and
Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis.
The highlights of the meeting included, among others, the
unveiling of the prototype of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP) halfway houses in Agusan del Sur and
Surigao del Norte; the approval of resolutions supporting
the immediate closure of the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao
del Sur (TRIFPSS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural
and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) schools; inclusion and
prioritization of programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for the
National Task Force (NTF)-ELCAC and RTF-ELCAC-identified
geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas
in the FY 2021 agency budget proposals; and the 25th Founding
Anniversary Celebration of Caraga Region Cum Launching of the
Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 Midterm Update
.
CabSec Nograles recognized the commitment and active involvement
of the members to the task force and encouraged everyone to
endeavor the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace in the
region. He also stressed the urgency to close the TRIFPSS and
ALCADEV schools in the region, which are not legally accredited by
the Department of Education. Moreover, he urged the regional line
agencies (RLAs) to accelerate the implementation of PPAs for 2020
and include in their respective FY 2021 agency budget proposals the
PPAs for the identified priority barangays of the NTF and
RTF-ELCAC.
Prior to the meeting, the City Government of Bayugan and the
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur conducted a Peace Caravan
in Barangay Mt. Carmel,
Bayugan City hosts 4th Caraga RTF-ELCAC meeting By Amethyst Joy
A. Galos, NEDA Caraga
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7 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
Engr. Epimaco M. Galero, Jr., Caraga Regional Development
Council (RDC) – Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC)
Co-Chairperson and Private Sector Representative (PSR) for
Logistics Sector, is the newly-appointed Caraga RDC Co-Chairperson
for the 2020-2022 term of office. RDC Co-Chairperson Galero took
his oath of office before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the
Malacañan Palace, Manila on February 6, 2020.
PSR Galero was nominated as Caraga RDC Co-Chairperson for the
present term during the Council’s reorganizational meeting held
last August 23, 2019 in Butuan City. Previously, he held the same
position in the Caraga RDC from 1998 to 2001. He was also actively
involved as a PSR to the Caraga RDC from 1998 to 2001 and from 2013
to present. Moreover, he served as the Caraga RDC-IDC Chairperson
from 2016 to 2019 and was selected to co-chair the
same committee for the current term of office.
PSR Galero will work closely with Caraga RDC Chairperson, Agusan
del Norte Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, in setting and
steering the Region’s development directions as it positions itself
to become the fishery, agro-forestry, mineral, and ecotourism
(FAME) center of the country in 2022.
PSR Galero takes oath as Regional Development Council
Co-Chairperson By Amethyst Joy A. Galos , NEDA Caraga
Caraga RDC Co-Chairperson, PSR Epimaco M. Galero, Jr. (second
from left, back row) takes oath of office before President Rodrigo
Roa Duterte together with the other newly-appointed government
officials. Photo taken from the Radio Television Malacañan.
Bayugan City, which was participated in by various RLAs such as
the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform,
Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development,
Philippine National Police, and Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority. The caravan brought to the local community
free services such as medical check-up, medicines, haircut,
distribution of seeds, and
orientation on government programs, among others.
During the caravan, the community of Barangay Mt. Carmel
identified the concreting of National Road Junction Sta. Teresa –
Mt. Carmel – Osmeña Road, as their most pressing concern that
should be addressed by the government. In response, CabSec Nograles
affirmed his commitment to implement the said road project.
PPAs to address the root
causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and
other armed conflicts in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable peace
and development in the region were also presented during the
caravan.
The 5th Caraga RTF-ELCAC meeting will be hosted by the LGU of
Butuan City in March 2020.
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8 caraga today
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) presented
the AmBisyon Natin 2040 in a forum for 330 senior high students and
teachers of the Agusan National High School (ANHS) on February 13,
2020 at the NEDA Conference Hall in Butuan City.
In his welcome message, NEDA Regional Director, Atty. Bonifacio
G. Uy, inspired the future young leaders to give their best in
school to better prepare themselves when they eventually join the
labor force. He also encouraged the teachers to be good examples
and provide careful guidance to their students in choosing a career
path and in honing their skills and talents. He expressed his
gratitude for ANHS’ partnership with NEDA and gave his assurance of
the agency’s strong support to the acceleration of human capital
development.
During the said forum, NEDA Senior Economic Development
Specialist (EDS) Ms. Rhea Mae C. Mendez imparted that the AmBisyon
Natin represents the collective long-term vision (LTV) and
aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the
country by 2040. The LTV describes the kind of life that Filipinos
want to live, and the kind of country and government they want to
have. In summary, Filipinos simply want a matatag, maginhawa at
panatag na buhay para sa lahat. This LTV will serve as an anchor
for development planning processes across four (4) administrations
starting in 2015.
With this, NEDA Acting Chief EDS, Ms. Melanie A. Maur, presented
the ways and means of realizing the LTV by presenting the bedrock
and main strategies embodied in the Philippine Development Plan
2017-2020 Midterm Update and the Caraga Regional Development Plan.
Ms. Maur highlighted that Caraga has a lot to contribute to the
achievement of the LTV beginning with the region’s competitive
advantage of abundant natural resources in the field of fishery,
agro-forestry, mineral, and eco-tourism, and its resilient and
competitive human capital. She emphasized that Caraganons
need to overcome development challenges such as high poverty
incidence, climatological and geological hazards, and armed
conflict in some areas.
Both resource persons emphasized that every Caraganon has a
stake in the achievement of the AmBisyon Natin 2040, as well as the
goals inscribed in the national and regional development plans.
They encouraged the students to contribute to the achievement of
the LTV by making use of their talents and skills to become
productive, rather than reproductive members of the society.
The AmBisyon Natin 2040 Forum was part of the 2nd Accountancy,
Business and Management (ABM) Week Celebration of ANHS, in line
with the theme, “Creativity and Innovation: Key of Global
Entrepreneurs in the 21st Century.” It aims to create awareness and
deeper appreciation on the AmBisyon Natin 2040 among students, and
allow them to determine the areas where they can better contribute
to the attainment of the LTV as well as the goals of the
region.
The ABM Week aimed to provide avenues that can showcase the
students’ creativity, enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities,
and draw their potentials in the field of business. It also aimed
to provide a venue to impart ideas, knowledge, and skills through
experiential learning and continued support of partners in
education and skills development.
NEDA Caraga hosts AmBisyon Natin 2040 Forum for young leaders of
Agusan High By Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA Caraga
A section of grade 12 ANHS students poses with the resource
persons and their teachers during the AmBisyon Natin 2040
Forum.
NEDA Caraga Regional Director Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy addresses
the young leaders and teachers of Agusan National High School
during the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Forum, inspiring them to become
well-capacitated and productive members of the labor force or
business sector.
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9 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
The full year 2018 poverty incidence among population for Caraga
Region displayed an improvement of 9.0 percentage points from the
2015 figure of 39.5 percent.
The 30.5 poverty incidence among population for the full year of
2018 released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), roughly
translates to 822,800 Caraganons living below the poverty threshold
estimated at PhP11,482.00, on average per month, for a family of
five (5). This implies that 192,200 Caraganons have been lifted
from poverty compared to what was recorded in 2015.
Caraga Region also experienced improvement in terms of
subsistence incidence among population or proportion of Caraganons,
whose income is not enough to meet even the basic food needs. This
is an improvement of 7.1 percentage points from 17.3 percent in
2015. The region’s monthly food threshold for a family of five (5)
was estimated, on average, at PhP 7,349.00.
However, despite the decline in figures, Caraga Region’s poverty
incidence among population of 30.5 percent is still relatively high
compared to the country’s poverty estimates of 16.6 percent in
2018. Among other regions, Caraga ranks as the 4th poorest region
following Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
with 61.3 percent; Zamboanga Peninsula with 32.7 percent; and
Eastern Visayas with 30.9 percent. Among the regions in Mindanao,
Caraga ranks third poorest following BARMM and Zamboanga Peninsula
while SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat,
Sarangani and General Santos) ranks fourth poorest with 28.2
percent, followed by Northern Mindanao Region with 23.0 percent and
Davao Region with 18.9 percent.
On a positive note, the 2018 poverty and subsistence incidence
among population of 30.5 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively,
exceeded the targets set in the Caraga Results
Matrices 2017-2022 Midterm Update, the accompanying document of
the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2020-2022 Midterm Update,
which targeted 34 percent for poverty incidence and 13.15 percent
for subsistence incidence in 2018. Such positive results indicate
that the region is on track in achieving the poverty targets set in
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of reducing by half the
proportion of population living in poverty and eradicating extreme
poverty for all by 2030.
Caraga’s poverty incidence declines in 2018 By Paul Edward B.
Castillo , NEDA Caraga
6.8 % points 5.0 % points
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority - Caraga
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10 caraga today
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga
conducted a round table discussion (RTD) with key industry players
in the region for the Q3 2019 Regional Economic Situationer (RES)
on February 7, 2020 at the NEDA Regional Office Conference
Hall.
Said activity was designed to validate and generate additional
inputs on the region’s economic performance for the first three (3)
quarters of 2019 and gather recommendations to
enhance the preparation of the succeeding RES. Moreover, the RTD
was aimed at generating timely submission of inputs for the
judicious publication and reporting of the region’s economic
performance.
In his opening message, NEDA Caraga Regional Director Atty.
Bonifacio G. Uy assured the participants that NEDA will continue to
provide accurate and most recent data on the region’s economic
performance. These data will serve as
basis for informed decisions and in the formulation of plans and
policies. Highlights of the activity revolved around the region’s
year-on-year economic performance for the three (3) quarters of
2019, and the desired support from various stakeholders for the
accurate and timely publication and reporting of the RES.
Participants of the said event are the Caraga Regional
Development Council – Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSRs) for
the business sector, mining, agriculture, fishery, and wood
industries. Also present were representatives from various regional
line agencies, local government units, and RDC-recognized industry
clusters in the region.
Round table discussion beefs up Caraga economic situationer By
Jeah M. Tejam, OJT , NEDA Caraga
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga
organized a one-day Training on Resolution Writing on January 17,
2020 at the NEDA Caraga Conference Hall in Butuan City. Seventy-two
participants from NEDA Caraga, provincial, city, and municipal
planning and development offices of
local government units, state universities and colleges, and
regional line agencies joined the training. Regional Director
Milagros A. Rimando of NEDA Cordillera Administrative Region served
as the resource person.
During his message, NEDA Caraga RD Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy
said
that the training is essential not only for the technical staff
but also for the administrative staff who provide secretariat
support to various internal committees of the office. RD Uy also
cited the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No.
325, Series of 1996, highlighting one of the important duties and
responsibilities of the secretariat in the Regional Development
Council, which is the preparation and/or review of the council
resolutions. Considering the work demands in NEDA, RD Uy emphasized
that the skill on writing resolutions need to be developed and
mastered.
RD Rimando discussed the processes and stages in writing
resolutions. She also shared some tips in writing and formatting
resolutions. After the lecture, a workshop was conducted where each
group was tasked to scrutinize a given resolution.
RD Rimando was commended for sharing her expertise in writing
resolutions. The training concluded with OIC-ARD Francisco Romulus
C. Villanueva thanking everyone for their active participation. He
also thanked RD Uy for prioritizing the conduct of the said
training which gave the participants the opportunity to hone their
writing skills.
NEDA Caraga conducts training on writing resolutions By
Donabelle A. Bonghanoy , NEDA Caraga
Training participants with NEDA CAR RD Milagros A. Rimando
(seated, fourth from left), NEDA Caraga RD Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy
(seated, fifth from left) and NEDA Caraga OIC-ARD Francisco Romulus
C. Villanueva (seated, third from left).
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11 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
More than 200 participants, composed of heads of offices,
technical staff, budget and planning officers, from 38 agency
regional offices (AROs) and five (5) state universities and
colleges (SUCs) in the region gathered during the FY 2021 Agency
Budget Preparation Forum jointly conducted by the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM) and the National Economic Development
Authority (NEDA) on January 20, 2020 held at the NEDA Conference
Hall, Butuan City.
The annual forum aimed to orient the participants with the FY
2021 budget process as laid down in the National Budget Memorandum
(NBM) No. 133 issued by the DBM on November 29, 2019, and the RDC
Review Guidelines on Priority Programs and Projects for inclusion
in the FY 2021 Annual Investment Program (AIP) and Budget Proposals
as approved by the RDC through Caraga RDC Resolution No. 38, Series
of 2019
During his opening remarks, DBM Caraga Regional Director Gary R.
Martel highlighted the joint efforts of the DBM and NEDA in
strengthening the vertical and horizontal linkages on planning,
investment programming and budgeting. Relatedly, he explained the
national government’s shift to the Cash-based Budgeting System,
which is on transition stage. He urged the AROs and SUCs to ensure
the implementation readiness of the proposed programs, projects,
and activities (PPAs) included in their respective budget proposals
for FY 2021, as well as submit strong justifications to ensure
approval of said proposals.
NEDA Regional Director and Caraga RDC Vice-Chairperson, Atty.
Bonifacio G. Uy, emphasized in his opening message the major
considerations that would warrant the endorsements of the RDC
Sectoral Committees and the RDC Full Council of the FY 2021 Agency
Budget Proposals. He appealed to the AROs
and SUCs to be more aggressive, proactive and deliberate in
identifying critical/significant PPAs that are responsive to the
region’s major development thrusts and priorities as enshrined in
the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 Midterm
Update, such as but not limited to the following: a) PPAs that are
supportive of the sustainable development and management of the
fishery, agriculture, forestry, mining, and ecotourism (FAME)
industries; b) promote inclusive development and the reduction of
poverty, particularly among the vulnerable groups/sectors; c)
address peace and security-related concerns of the region,
particularly contributing to the elimination of armed
conflict/insurgency in conflict-affected barangays; and d)
strengthen the region’s resiliency to natural hazards and ensure
ecological integrity and a healthy environment.
Key discussions during the forum revolved around the salient
features of the NBM No. 133, particularly on Budget Preparation
(BP) Forms, considerations in the preparation of Tier 1 and Tier 2
budget proposals, the budget preparation’s calendar of activities;
and, the RDC Budget Review Guidelines on FY 2021 Agency Budget
Proposals and prescribed forms.
Caraga State University (CSU) President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso,
shared during the forum the university’s approaches and best
practices that resulted in generating higher budget allocations.
Over the past several years, the CSU generated increasing budget
allocations. In fact, the SUC ranked 3rd among the country’s SUCs
with high approved budget for capital outlay in FY 2020.
The activity was officially closed by NEDA OIC-Assistant
Regional Director Francisco Romulus C. Villanueva by asserting the
call of RD Uy for a more focused and deliberate identification of
programs and projects for the region as he added, “With the help of
our Almighty Father, we must all work together, as ONE region, as
ONE Caraga to achieve a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay for
the Caraganons!”
Caraga commences Regional Budget Review for FY 2021 By Gladys C.
Giberson, NEDA Caraga
DBM Regional Director Gary R. Martel (left) and NEDA Regional
Director Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy (right) deliver the opening remarks
and messages, respectively.
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12 caraga today
The year 2019 was of notable milestones for the Caraga Regional
Development Council (RDC). Not only did the Council conduct its
planned activities for the period but it also achieved significant
milestones in the pursuit of peace and development through policies
and in helping address the pressing issues in the region. Among the
Caraga RDC’s major achievements for 2019 are as follows: Smooth
leadership transition following the 2019 Philippine Midterm
Elections: The Council facilitated the smooth turnover of Caraga
RDC Chairpersonship from Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Sol
F. Matugas to Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera.
Last October 17, 2019, President Duterte appointed Governor Corvera
as the Caraga RDC Chairperson for the 2019-2022 term of office, who
took oath on October 28, 2019 at the Malacaňan Palace. Meanwhile,
Engr. Epimaco M. Galero Jr., RDC - Infrastructure Development
Committee (IDC) Co-Chairperson and Private
Sector Representative (PSR) for the Logistics Sector was also
appointed by President Duterte on January 30, 2020, as the Caraga
RDC Co-Chairperson for the 2020-2022 term of office.
The Council likewise elected chairs and co-chairs for the four
(4) RDC sectoral committees, namely: Surigao City Mayor Ernesto U.
Matugas, Jr. (Chair) and PSR for Education Ms. Pazfegurita M. Ojeda
(Co-Chair) for the Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC);
Province of Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene J. Bag-ao (Chair) and
PSR for Mineral Sector Leonel A. Santos (Co-Chair) for the Economic
Development Committee (RDC-EDC); Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis
(Chair) and PSR for Basic Sector Ms. Concepcion C. Asis (Co-Chair)
for the Social Development Committee (RDC-SDC); and Agusan del Sur
Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. (Chair) and PSR for Logistics Sector
Engr. Epimaco M. Galero, Jr. (Co-chair) for the Infrastructure
Development Committee (RDC-IDC).
by Gemeniano B. Crisante, Jr., NEDA Caraga
Caraga Regional Development Council outlines 2019 milestones
Complete execution of its scheduled and planned quarterly
meetings: The Council carried out all of its regular and scheduled
quarterly Full Council Meetings, plus an additional special meeting
for the year. Through the conduct of such meetings, the Council was
able to pass a total of 131 resolutions. The breakdown of such
resolutions, in terms of their origin, are as follows:
RDC-Development Administration Committee: 25 (19.08%)
RDC-Economic Development Committee: 24 (18.32%) RDC Full Council
Plenary: 23 (17.56%) RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee: 20
(15.27%) RDC-Social Development Committee: 19 (14.50%) Regional
Land Use Committee: 4 (3.05%) Regional Project Monitoring
Committee: 8 (6.11%) Others: 8 (6.11%).
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13 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
The Council also reached quorum across all its meetings, which
in turn facilitated the effective discussion and creation of the
said resolutions which span across various regional issues and
concerns. As part of the highlights of the said meetings, the
Council welcomed Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who conveyed during
the 97th (1st Quarter 2019) RDC Full Council Meeting last March 14,
2019 in Butuan City, his support to the region’s developmental
goals and aspirations. Likewise, House of Representatives Deputy
Speaker and Surigao del Sur First District Representative Prospero
A. Pichay, Jr. attended the 99th (4th Quarter 2019) RDC Full
Council Meeting last October 8, 2019 in Butuan City, wherein he
provided his insights as to what could be done to overcome the
region’s pressing agricultural challenges. Early completion and
prompt adoption of the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP)
2017-2022 Midterm Update and its accompanying documents: The
Council enabled the timely preparation, finalization, and adoption
of the Caraga RDP 2017-2022 Midterm Update and its accompanying
planning documents – the Regional Development Investment Program
(RDIP) and the Results Matrices (RMs). The Caraga RDC passed
Resolution No. 37, Series of 2019, entitled “Approving the Draft
Midterm Updated Caraga Regional Development Plan 2020-2022 and the
Updated Caraga Results Matrices 2020-2022” during its 99th Full
Council Meeting last October 2019. It subsequently passed Caraga
RDC Resolution No. 49, Series of 2019, entitled “Approving and
Endorsing the Caraga Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP)
2017-2022 Midterm Update, FY 2021-2022 Investment Program for
Geographically-Isolated, Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas
(GIDCAs) and FY 2021 Annual Investment Program (AIP)” during its
100th Full Council Meeting held last November 27, 2019 in Butuan
City. Instrumental to the early completion and adoption of the
Caraga RDP 2017-2022 Midterm Update and its related documents was
the consistent support of the Council members, particularly in the
convening of the Regional Planning Committees (RPCs), which
commenced last June 3, 2019. The convening of the RPCs was made
more substantial and meaningful with the Regional Directors (RDs)
of regional line agencies (RLAs)
convening the Planning Subcommittees which they chair:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive
Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer as chairperson for the Planning
Committees on Forestry, Mining Development, and Ecological
Integrity; Department of Trade and Industry RD Brielgo O. Pagaran
as chairperson for the Planning Committee on Trade, Industry and
Services; and Department of Science and Technology Assistant RD
Ricardo N. Varela as chairperson for the Planning Committee on
Technology and Innovation. In entirety, fourteen (14) RPCs and
Subcommittees proceeded with their respective sectoral planning
activities. Timely endorsement of FY 2020 agency and SUC budgets:
The Caraga RDC endorsed a total proposed budget of PhP 124.7
Billion for FY 2020, which was submitted by 38 RLAs and SUCs. The
endorsed amount is more than twice than the approved budget for
Caraga based on the 2019 National Expenditure Program. Among the FY
2020 proposed budgets, the Infrastructure Development sector still
has the largest share at PhP 67 Billion followed by the Social
Development sector at PhP 47.6 Billion, while the Economic
Development and Development Administration sectors comprise the
remaining PhP 9.9 Billion. The RDC also endorsed programs and
projects worth PhP 4.6 Billion for the Peace and Development Zones
(PDZ), the region’s banner program in combating insurgency.
Strategic shift from geographic to sectoral representation of PSRs
to the Council: To better align the pr ivate sector’s
representation to the Council with the region’s developmental
thrusts, the Caraga RDC passed Resolution No. 11-D, series of 2019,
entitled “Approving the Selection Guidelines for a Sectoral
Composition of the RDC-Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) for
2019-2022 Term of Office” during its 97th Full Council meeting. The
following are the new set of PSRs for the 2019-2022 term of office:
(1) Ms. Concepcion C. Asis (People Power Volunteers for Reform-
Caraga, Inc.), Basic Sector; (2) Ms. Concepcion R. Paqueo (Surigao
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.), Business Sector; (3) Ms.
Christine H. Ampon (Sibog Katawhan Alang Sa Paglambo, Inc.),
Development Administration
Sector; (4) Mr. Robert Douglas O. Andaya (Balik Kultura Caraga,
Inc.), Ecotourism Sector; (5) Ms. Pazfegurita M. Ojeda (Rizalian
Association of Mercy, Inc. – Love Always Means Benignity),
Education Sector; (6) Mr. Rho Cougee C. Garrido (Mangagoy Fishermen
Multi-Purpose Cooperative), Fishery Sector; (7) Mr. Kirby C. Go
(Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.), Forestry
Sector; (8) Ms. Lilia B. Augis (Caraga Regional Barangay Health
Workers Federation, Inc.), Health Sector; (9) Mr. Samuel B. Behing
(Wawa Sectoral Tribal Council), Indigenous Peoples Sector; (10) Mr.
Rosauro O. Pepito (Associated Labor Unions – Trade Union Congress
of The Philippines), Labor Sector; (11) Engr. Epimaco M. Galero,
Jr. (Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of
Mindanao, Inc.), Logistics Sector; (12) Engr. Leonel A. Santos
(Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Inc.),
Mineral Sector; and (13) Mr. Vivencio P. Ocite Jr. (VPO Foundation
Inc.), Agriculture Sector. Meanwhile, the selection of PSR for the
environment sector will be undertaken this 2020. Strong support to
the President’s action against insurgency and local armed conflict:
The Council extended its full support to the localization of
Executive Order (EO) No. 70, Series of 2018, entitled
“Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining
Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to
End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Directing the Adoption of a
National Peace Framework” at the regional level. Specifically, the
Council was actively engaged in the organization and the operations
of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed
Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), which is led by Cabinet Secretary Karlo A. B.
Nograles, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security
(CORDS) for Caraga Region. The Council actively participated across
the three (3) Caraga RTF-ELCAC meetings, which were conducted in
Butuan City (June 26, 2019), Surigao City (August 27, 2019), and
Tandag City (October 23, 2019). Caraga RDC looks forward to
accomplish another level of milestones as it enters 2020.
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14 caraga today
Regional Peace and Order Council Chairperson and Surigao del Sur
Governor Alexander T. Pimentel and Regional Development
Council-Social Development Committee (RDC-SDC) Chairperson and
Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis together with Department of
Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Director Francis Cesar B. Bringas
visited the proposed location of DepEd schools for lumad
communities in the municipalities of Lianga and Marihatag in
Surigao del Sur on March 2, 2020.
Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen, Marihatag Mayor Marc Justine
Pelenio, Lianga Indigenous Peoples Council Officials, Barangay
Officials, and representatives from Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP), Philippine National Police and NEDA as Co-Secretariat of the
Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
(RTF-ELCAC) joined the ocular visit to the two (2) school sites
in
Kilometer 9, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur and
Sitio Lucnodon, Barangay Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. The
visit was aimed at ensuring access to quality education for lumad
learners while expediting the closure of non-DepEd accredited
schools.
“We will build DepEd schools in the eleven (11) identified sites
including Kilometer 9 and Sitio Lucnodon under the Last Mile
Schools (LMS) Program,” said Director Bringas. The LMS program aims
to address the gaps in resources and facilities of schools that are
located in geographically isolated, disadvantaged and
conflict-affected areas (GIDCAs).
“We need at most one (1) year to secure the licensing
requirements of new DepEd schools and while waiting for that, the
immediate need is to construct makeshift schools ready to open this
June 2020,” he added.
In the meeting that followed,
Governor Pimentel pledged for cost sharing between the
Provincial local government unit (LGU) of Surigao del Sur and the
Municipal LGUs of Lianga and Marihatag to cover the building cost
and operational expenses of the proposed schools. Given the
security concern in these areas, the 544th Engineering Battalion of
the AFP shall take the lead in constructing the schools starting
March 23, 2020.
These two (2) areas are part of the eleven (11) communities
where non-DepEd accredited schools named Alternative Learning
Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and
the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) have been
operating since 2004. After thorough investigation and series of
consultations, the Caraga RTF-ELCAC requested for permanent closure
of these schools which refused to be accredited by the DepEd.
Left Photo: Stakeholders led by RPOC Chairperson and Surigao del
Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel visit the Lumad communities in
conflict-affected areas in the Municipalities in Lianga and
Marihatag. Right photo: Governor Pimentel discusses with local
officials plans to operationalize make-shift schools.
Caraga stakeholders push for more inclusive education for Lumads
in conflict-affected areas By Hazel O. Fuentes, NEDA Caraga
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15 Vol. XXIII, Issue 1
Colophon Edition Caraga Today Volume XXIII, Issue 1
January-March 2020 Publisher Caraga Regional Development Council
Address NEDA Caraga Building J Rosales Avenue, Butuan City 8600
Telephone 085 815-1183; 085 815-0308 Website nro13.neda.gov.ph
Email [email protected] Online Versions issuu.com/nedacaraga
slideshare.net/NEDACaraga13 Editor-in-Chief Michelle P. Dela
Calzada Associate Editor Melanie A. Maur Managing & Lay-out
Editor Rhea Mae C. Mendez Writers Hazel O. Fuentes Paul Edward B.
Castillo Gemeniano B. Crisante, Jr. Donabelle A. Bonghanoy Xylia G.
Ebron Amethyst Joy A. Galos Gladys C. Giberson Rhea Mae C. Mendez
Jeah M. Tejam Advisers RD Bonifacio G. Uy OIC-ARD F. Romulus C.
Villanueva
"Progress in the country cannot be sustained without providing
lasting solution to issues experienced by the Indigenous Peoples
(IPs) and we can start resolving these issues by being transparent
to one another," National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
Chairperson Allen Capuyan said during the start of the
Infrastructure and Resource Management Cluster Meeting with Mining
Companies and Tribal Leaders in line with Executive Order No. 70,
Series of 2018 on March 5, 2020 at the Convention Hall, Balanghai
Hotel, Butuan City.
EO 70 institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to end
local communist armed conflict with the creation of a national and
regional task force. Chairperson Capuyan, who is also National Task
Force to End
Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director,
added that “insurgency is not a military concern; it is a political
problem which requires a political solution for a whole-of-nation
approach that should involve the private and public sector.”
About 120 participants from the regional line agencies, local
government units, NCIP officials, and representatives from the
twelve (12) mining companies together with Certificate of Ancestral
Domain Title holders attended the meeting. Further, the meeting
paved the way for a dialogue between the IPs and mining companies
to talk about the issues on royalty share that caused long standing
dispute among indigenous cultural communities.
By Hazel O. Fuentes, NEDA Caraga
Left Photo: NCIP Chairperson and National Task Force to End
Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Allen
Capuyan speaks before the members of the Regional Task Force-ELCAC,
representatives from the mining companies and Indigenous Peoples
(IP). Right photo: An IP representative voices out issues on
royalty share which has caused disputes among IPs.
NCIP Chairperson Capuyan speaks with IPs, mining companies
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16 caraga today
Caraga celebrates 2020 Women ’s Month
THEME The National Women’s Month (NWM) celebration theme for
2017 to 2022 “We Make Change Work for Women” highlights the
empowerment of women as active contributors to and claimholders of
development. This pursuit of development is also anchored on the
commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” or True Compassion and Real
Change. ELEMENTS OF THE THEME
• We stands for Women’ Empowerment – empowering women enables
them to confidently and meaningfully engage with appropriate
institutions to ensure that they contribute to and benefit from
development and changes. Thus, women’s empowerment will make the
change that we are espousing or any development effort responsive
of women’s concerns. • Make Change Work = MCW = Magna Carta of
Women – making change work for women necessitates strengthening the
implementation of the MCW at all levels. It means putting in place
functional mechanisms as well as implementing and making known to
citizens, programs and services that address strategic gender needs
of women. • Change – also means Compassionate and Harmonized
Actions and Networks for Gender Equality. • We / us or “kami /
tayo” in Filipino – who is going to pave the way for an enabling
environment for women to be empowered? Who is going to ensure that
the MCW is implemented at all levels? Who is going to make change
work for women? It all of us, in our various capacities whether as
government officials and employees, members of the private sector,
the academe, non-government organizations, or as private
individuals can be partners for a change that is gender-responsive.
It emphasizes our collective effort, collaboration and
participation to ensure that women will not be left behind in the
pursuit of change.
REGIONAL CELEBRATION The Regional Gender and Development
Committee enjoins the full participation of all regional line
agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges
and civil society organizations by posting the 2020 NWM tarp,
wearing the advocacy shirt, and conduct their respective
activities. Kindly see the Philippine Commission on Women ‘s
website www.pcw.gov.ph/event/2020-national-women-month for
guidance.
Schedule of Activities
March 2, 2020 Kick-Off Activity Venue: Guingona Park, Butuan
City Press Conference Venue: Deped Caraga Conference Room March 9,
2020 Women’s Summit: “Strengthening Climate Action by Promoting
Gender Equality” Venue: Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City March
16-20, 2020 “Sinina Ko, Pagbuot Ko!” Exhibit Venue: The Atrium,
Robinson’s Place, Butuan City March 1-31, 2020 Purple Up Corner Set
up your purple corner to heighten awareness on the promotion,
protection and fulfillment of women’s rights.
Excerpt from the Philippine Commission on Women website