NEDA IV-A bags Outstanding Partner for Source of Information … · 2019. 9. 13. · ‘Yamang Lupa’ Program in Luzon Page 9 • DTI funds bamboo industry in Cardona Page 10 •

The Official Newsletter of the Regional Development Council IV-A Third Quarter September 2014

NEDA IV-A bags Outstanding Partner for Source of Information Award by Alvin Caezar V. Olanday, NEDA IV-A

OIC-RD Luis G. Banua (3rd from left) together with other awardees, and BSP Lucena Deputy Director Rogel Joseph V. del Rosario (2nd row, leftmost), Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos (center), Assistant Governor for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Gerardo S. Tison (2nd from right) and Acting Deputy Director of Department of Economic Statistics Marriel M. Remulla (right most).

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office IV-A was awarded the “Outstanding Partner for Source of Information” during the 2014 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Stakeholders held last September 2 at Days Hotel, Tagaytay City. The award recognized NEDA IV-A’s efforts in providing BSP with valuable information necessary in preparing the Report on Regional Economic Development in the Philippines released annually. Other nominees from the region include the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO). NEDA IV-A OIC-Regional Director Luis G. Banua received the trophy, designed by renowned sculptor Juan Sajid Imao. The award was presented by BSP Assistant Governor for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Gerardo S. Tison and Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos. According to BSP, the award “is expected to further strengthen the partnerships between the BSP and its stakeholders, resulting in more efficient and effective

means of information gathering and conduct of advocacy campaigns to achieve the BSP’s ultimate goal of safeguarding price stability and promoting a healthy financial system as well as ensuring an effective payments and settlements system in the country”.

NEDA IV-A receives the BSP Outstanding Partner for Source of Information on Regional Economic Development Award. (L-R): BSP Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos, Mr. Alvin Caezar V. Olanday and OIC-RD Luis G. Banua of NEDA, and BSP Assistant Governor Gerardo S. Tison.

Calabarzon there is knowledge in news 2

On this Issue

Page 2 • Most competitive

municipalities include Calabarzon LGUs

Page 3 • Calabarzon RDC holds

2nd Quarter Meeting Page 4 • Pres. Aquino approves

Laguna Lakeshore Project Page 5 • Luzon Spatial

Development Framework Workshops held

Page 6 • 5th RDC-PSR National

Convention successfully held in Iloilo City

Page 7 • Provincial News Page 8 • SLSU implements

‘Yamang Lupa’ Program in Luzon

Page 9 • DTI funds bamboo

industry in Cardona Page 10 • Calabarzon welcome its

new Heads of Agencies Page 11-14 • Calabarzon Regional

Economic Situationer Page 15-16 • RPMC Bulletin

Third Quarter 2014

Published quarterly by the Regional Development Council IV-A (Calabarzon). The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles to be published due to the limited space.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief OIC-RD Luis G. Banua

Managing Editors

OIC-ARD Fidel T. Udarbe Rudy R. Carlos

Layout and Design

Alvin Caezar V. Olanday

Editors Agnes A. Daantos

Donald James D. Gawe Michael R. Lavadia Valter L. Morada

Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio

Consultant Aletheia G. Canubas

Feedbacks and article contributions are welcome.

Please contact:

Editorial Board NEDA Regional Office IV-A

4/F Marcelita Building, Nat’l Highway, Brgy. Real, Calamba City, Laguna 4027 Tel: (049) 545-77-56 / 0091

Email:

[email protected]

The municipalities of General Trias (2nd) and Carmona (4th), both from Cavite, ranked among the most competitive municipalities in the Philippines for 2014 according to the National Competitiveness Council. Data were gathered from the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) among 399 first class municipalities. The 2014 CMCI results were released during the Regional Competitiveness Summit held on August 7 at Bayview Hotel, Manila. Other LGUs from Calabarzon also received high ranks for various measures in the CMCI. The following LGUs were given high ranks under economic dynamism: Tanza, Cavite (1st); General Trias, Cavite (2nd); San Pedro, Laguna (3rd); Carmona, Cavite (4th); and Taytay, Rizal (5th). For the infrastructure category, Rodriguez, Rizal was ranked 2nd. Speakers during the Regional Competitiveness Summit underscored the significant role of the Regional Competitiveness Councils (RCCs) all over the regions in evaluating cities and municipalities. They further emphasized the role of government agencies, the private sector, and development partners in contributing to inclusive growth in the country in light of the ASEAN Economic Community integration in 2015. NCC Private Sector Co-Chairman Guillermo M. Luz encouraged the stakeholders to cooperate in building affordable, accessible, socially acceptable, environment friendly, economically viable, and climate resilient measures in pursuing competitiveness in cities and municipalities. From 122 cities and 163 municipalities in the preliminary run in 2013, this year’s CMCI presented data from a total of 136 cities and 399 municipalities. From Calabarzon, 17 cities and 44 first class municipalities participated in the survey. The CMCI measures competitiveness of local governments by using 28 weighted indicators measuring: a) economic dynamism; b) government efficiency; and c) infrastructure.

Most competitive municipalities include Calabarzon LGUs by Russiel V. Pitogo, DTI IV-A

(L-R) NCC Co-Chairman Mr. Guillermo M. Luz, DTI Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes A. Parreño, Mayor Antonio A. Ferrer of Gen. Trias, Cavite, Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal of DTI during the awarding at the 2nd Regional Competitiveness Summit last August 7 at the Philippines International Convention Center.

© Local Communications Group, Gen. Trias (http://generaltrias.gov.ph)

Third Quarter 2014 3

Calabarzon RDC holds 2nd Quarter Meeting

The Calabarzon Regional Development Council endorsed and approved three major projects in the region during the Second Quarter Full Council meeting held last June 26 at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City. These projects were the Cavite-Laguna Expressway or CALAx Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project, and the Tanauan City Public Market Redevelopment Project. The CALAx Project is a 47.02 km tolled expressway that will connect CAVITEX from Kawit, Cavite to Mamplasan Exit of the SLEX. Similarly, the dike project in Laguna is a 47 km, 6-lane highway-cum flood control dike that will run from the proposed terminus of C6 Phase 2 Expressway Project in Bicutan, Taguig, through Calamba City and ends at the National Road at the Los Baños/Bay boundary in Laguna. Other projects approved by the council included the inclusion of the proposed Tanauan New City Hall with Public Market in the Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program 2011-2016. It was also agreed during the meeting to adopt the Revitalization of Calabarzon Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) through Web-based Technology, and Mainstreaming of Aesthetic in Regional and Local Development Planning. New geographic private sector representatives were also confirmed last June 26. They are Director Rosalina DC.

Dulog of the Lasallian Community Development Center from Cavite and Director Guillermo M. Ocampo of the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) from Batangas. Plaques of appreciation were also awarded during the meeting to Dir. Leonida S. Calagui of CHED, Dir. Roberto L. Almonte of NCIP and Dir. Erlinda Pearl V. Armada (transferred), and Dir. Norito A. Cabotaje of PIA (retired) for their service to the Council. The Council also commended DOTC-LTO IV-A for its exemplary and transparent performance of its mandated tasks. Representatives from local government units, regional line agencies, private sector and state universities and colleges attended the meeting.

by Armina O. Espiritu, NEDA IV-A

NEDA OIC-RD Agnes M. Espinas leads on taking oath of the new geographic PSRs Rosalina DC. Dulog from Cavite; and Guillermo M. Ocampo from Batangas.

The research agenda for Calabarzon was firmed-up and validated during the Regional Development Research Agenda (RDRA) Workshop held on August 20 in Calamba City. Twenty-six representatives from various government regional line agencies, the academe, research consortiums, local government units, and the private sector were present in the workshop. The Regional Research Committee prepared the draft of the RDRA. Priority research agenda focused on the challenges and opportunities of the region’s growth drivers in the following areas: agriculture and fisheries; manufacturing and services; information technology and business process management (IT-BPM); tourism; energy; and international migration. Other highlighted areas for research are the region’s capacity to address environmental pressure on natural resources as well as the region’s resiliency to disaster and climate change.

Concerns and suggestions raised include the following: a) a need to enhance advocacy to stimulate the interest of LGUs in prioritizing R&D; b) insufficient funding support on researches and studies; c) inclusion of R&D as priority in agency investment programs; d) need to further refine implementation and monitoring mechanisms; and e) preparation of regional inventory of proposed/pipelined researches to avoid duplication and promote complementation and sharing of resources among research institutions. The RDRA is crafted to define research gaps in response to the issues and challenges identified in the Calabarzon Regional Development Plan 2011-2016. It aims to guide various research institutions and partners on the priority researchable areas that would address development issues, concerns, and challenges of the region’s economic drivers, to further spur sustainable development and innovations towards improving the productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth of the region. The RDRA will be launched during the Statistics and Research Forum on October.

Calabarzon RRC identifies research gaps on growth drivers by Michael R. Lavadia, NEDA IV-A


Pres. Aquino approves Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project

Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez announced that the national government has approved the construction of the coastal road that will run along the towns around the Laguna de Bay. The coastal road aims to serve as an alternate route going to Metro Manila and will connect the areas near the lake decongesting traffic and reducing travel time from Manila to Laguna. The project also aims to control flooding in these areas.

However, Gov. Hernandez said that the project will take years to complete, so there is still a need to prepare for flooding. He has already given instructions to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMC) to set up all equipment and to always ready its manpower for any eventualities.

by PIO Laguna

Tagkawayan now has its own radio station in DWDH 101.7 Radyo Tagkawayan. The radio station is housed at the Tagkawayan Municipal Hall in Quezon broadcasts through 100 kilowatts that can reach a radius of 70 kms. Its pilot broadcasts were interviews with Tagkawayan Mayor Jonas A. Frandoso and the officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to Mr. Cezar R. Piscano, Executive Director of Ploughshares Incorporated, having a radio station operated by the local government units can immediately address the need for agricultural knowledge of people in the field. “Tagkawayan has been chosen by DA-AMAS, basically, because of its strategic location,” Mr. Piscano said. The Bicol region is near Tagkawayan. The radio station can provide agricultural information, such as prevailing prices of products and the projects of the DA, all of which aim to help farmers.

Radio equipment were provided by DA while the counterpart of the LGU is the location and other expenses to be incurred by the station. Programs will be aired starting at 4:30 in the morning up to 10:00 in the evening.

Mayor Jonas A. Frandoso, Mayor of Tagkawayan thanked the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), as well as the Executive Director of Region IV-A for the

valuable assistance extended to his municipality. Witnessing the launching and induction of Tagkawayan Radio were former Director of Information Services of the DA, Mr. Noel Reyes, Ms. Pat Bulanhagui – Regional Information Officer, Ms. Emy Villanueva of DA IV-A Marketing Division, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Cora Gallego, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Tagkawayan.

Community radio project in Tagkawayan kicks off by DA-AMAS, IV-A

Participants were briefed during the hands-on training on radio broadcasting.

Prepared by Ms. Kathleen DC. Melendrez, NEDA IV-A


LTO offices get excellent ratings from CSC

“We mean business and we vow to serve the public better,”- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Spokesperson Jason Salvador. This was in light of the excellent ratings that LTO offices got from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Report Card Survey, under the Anti-Red Tape Act program. From January to June 2014, the CSC conducted surveys among the District Offices (DOs) of LTO nationwide. Although not yet completed, 26 offices already garnered excellent ratings from the CSC Report Card Survey. An excellent rating is given to a government agency if it accumulates a grade of at least 90%.

From Calabarzon, the Quezon Licensing Center got a rating of 90.16%. Last year, only the Roxas District Office from Region VI received an excellent rating. “This is a true testament to the present leadership of the LTO,” according to Salvador. “It is the thrust of our Office, especially those serving in the frontline, to deliver quality service to the public,” he added. Salvador further attributes the improvement of the LTO DOs ratings, to the streamlining of its processes. One

example is the de-clogging of the DOs - the processing of new registrations are now restricted to the Regional Offices so that DOs concentrate more on motor vehicle renewal registration. Both processes showed marked improvements, hence, the positive, if not excellent, feedback from the public. Although CSC survey is subject to re-validation, the LTO does not concern itself much with the ratings but is more focused in giving excellent service with or without the ARTA Watch. “While we welcome these excellent ratings, such being a manifestation of our perseverance to prove what the President said, that the public we serve are our bosses, nonetheless we rather that all our offices get a passing or acceptable grade, only then can we say that we are truly excellent,” according to Salvador.

The Report Card Survey or the ARTA Watch is used to obtain feedback on how the agency follows its Citizen’s Charter, complies with ARTA provisions (which includes the no- noon break policy, no fixing activities, easy-to-read IDs or nameplates, and presence of public assistance and complaints desk) and fulfills customer satisfaction.

by Jun Icban-Legaspi, LTO IV-A

The Luzon Regional Development Committee (RDCom) conducted validation workshops on the Luzon Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) 2013-2045 and Investment Program on July 3-4 and August 19-20 at the PNVSCA in Quezon City and at the NEDA Regional Office 3 in San Fernando City, Pampanga, respectively. The workshops aim to harmonize regional priorities and competitive advantages of the regions consistent with the National Spatial Strategy. The LSDF will guide policy makers and investors in bringing about efficient settlement, production and service delivery systems consistent with sustainable land use and natural resource management in the next 30 years. Also, it is expected to enhance inter-regional complementation for an effective Luzon spatial and economic integration.

The priority investment programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of the LSDF were identified based on the three core strategies of Concentration, Connectivity, and Vulnerability Reduction. The local area application of these strategies considered the unique socio-economic and bio-physical features of the various regions in Luzon.

The total investment requirement of 217 PPAs in Luzon is PhP 2 trillion. Out of these 217, 42 PPAs amounting to PhP 696 million (34.8 %), will be implemented in the Calabarzon Region.

The workshops were attended by NEDA Regional Directors and Luzon technical staff. The Visayas and Mindanao regions have also formulated their own island spatial development frameworks.

Luzon Spatial Development Framework Workshops held by Revy Jolongbayan, NEDA IV-A

NRO3 Regional Director Severino Santos welcoming the participants in the workshop emphasizing the need for the LSDF as a tool to harmonize regional priorities in Luzon and ensure consistency with the National Spatial Strategy.


5th RDC-PSR National Convention successfully held in Iloilo City

A total of 172 participants from all 15 regions of the country gathered in Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City last August 13-15 to take part in the 5th Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives National Convention. The event was hosted by RDC-VI supported by its Secretariat, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA VI). The theme for this year is “PSRs: RDC’s Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation” The Convention was highlighted by the message of Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan as conveyed by NEDA Deputy Director-General Margarita R. Songco who emphasized that it is the private sector who will create jobs and that government’s role is to make it easier and less costly for the private sector to do business and to encourage investments in the country. The delegates were reassured by DDG Songco of the fact that under the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the government is focusing its strategies on fostering a more conducive business environment to facilitate economic activities. The PSRs were called upon to promote the country’s overall development and their fellow Filipinos’ welfare, as well as, to reflect and reassess how they can better contribute to their respective region’s development, vision and goals. DDG Songco’s talk was followed by the signing of the Manifesto of Support for the Updated PDP and Regional Development Plans by the heads of each regional delegation. The participants then went into workshops to discuss 1) issues/concerns related to their participation in the RDC; and 2) priority agenda that should be taken up in RDC meetings. Among the roster of speakers include the following: DDG Margarita R. Songco (Role of the Private Sector in Creating More Employment Opportunities and Better Jobs), DOT ASec. Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. (Roles of Private Sector Organizations in Tourism Development), Jones Lang LaSalle Country Head David Leechiu (Bright Spots/Challenges in Putting-up Investments in the Regions), DTI ASec. Rafaelita M. Aldaba (The Challenges of the Asean Economic Community Integration), ProGED-GIZ Regional Coordinator Miriam I. Bacalso (Enhancing SME Role in

Job Creation Thru Green Growth), and NATCCO CEO Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya (Cooperatives and Their Contribution to Development). Overall, the Natcon’s success was not only measured by the quality of the inputs from the resource persons nor the relevance of the outputs from the delegates nor the excellence of the work rendered by the hosts but also by the unquantifiable benefits of networks established and friendships built among the private sector leaders in the RDC. The next RDC-PSRs National Convention will be hosted by RDC X in Cagayan de Oro City.

by NEDA VI (Western Visayas)

Iloilo City Informal Settler Families Housing Project

PSRs at Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park

Region VI PSRs turn-over the Convention banner to RDC X, the 2015 6th RDC-PSR NatCon Host


Provincial News

Since July 4, 2014, the ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’ program has already reached 36 barangays in the towns of Noveleta, Kawit, and Silang in Cavite. It is currently ongoing in other barangays and is set to be concluded by September of this year. The program aims to raise the awareness of barangay communities on the disaster risk reduction and management issues, to prepare them especially those who are in hazard-prone areas, and to improve their capabilities for self-protection and safety in times of disasters. The ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’ program is also in line with the celebration of the 2014 National Disaster Consciousness Month being observed every July. The month long campaign highlights the importance of community participation, establishing safe and resilient communities, and climate change adaptation.

by Cavite Office of Public Safety

Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez seeks to develop a digitized referral system to facilitate patient admission or transfer connecting all the hospitals in the Province of Laguna. The system will manage information on the availability of doctors, beds, or medicine in any government hospital in Laguna. With this system in place, patients who transfer

from one government hospital to another, will be treated immediately since their initial diagnosis will already be in the system for access by the attending physician. This hopes to minimize the time and effort when patients transfer to other government hospitals. The health sector is a vital part of Gov. Hernandez’ 7-Point Program in the province of Laguna.

Gov. Hernandez aims to digitize hospital systems in Laguna by PIO Laguna

For the past two decades, the Quezon province had slipped from the ranking as one of the country’s top coconut producer mainly due to the scale insect infestation. To reclaim its spot as top coconut producer, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) continues its aggressive campaign to enhance coconut production through its three- part approach: a) establishment of the Quezon Seed Farm; b) establishment of Coco-Nurseries; and c) distribution of coconut seeds. In the implementation of these approaches, the Provincial Government of Quezon initially distributed 150,000 seed nuts which produced 70,670 good quality seedlings. The seedlings were planted to 7,067 hectares which benefited 345 coconut farmers. This planting/replanting activity is projected to annually produce an additional 5,653.60 MT of coconut in copra terms upon reaching the productive stage.

To cater the farmers’ demand for high-yielding coconut varieties, the Quezon Seed Farm was established in Brgy. Sto Domingo, Calauag, Quezon. The seed farm will serve as the source of seed nuts for the commercial planting and replanting program of the province. High-quality seed nuts will then be nursed in Quezon’s strategically located coco-nurseries created to continuously supply the need for coco seedlings.

In addition to the approaches, the OPA partnered with local government units, and private enterprises (Tropical Prime Coir, and Cocos Nucifera Pacific Enterprises) for the conduct of Coconut Fiber Twining Training that was launched in November 2013. The training program intends to provide coconut farmers with additional income by taking advantage of the demand for fiber products in domestic and foreign markets.

Quezon Province to reclaim top coconut producer of Luzon by Quezon Provincial Agriculture Office

Cavite promotes ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’

Gov. Juanito Victor C. Remulla gracing the ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’


T o help local farmers in Quezon province and eventually the whole of Luzon, the ‘Yamang Lupa Program’ has been implemented by the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU). In the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Visayas State University (VSU) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) are in charge of the program, respectively. Since SLSU implemented the project in Sariaya, Quezon in December 2013, the institution already accomplished the program’s key objectives. They have conducted soil sampling and analysis and have issued soil health cards. SLSU has also identified farmer cooperators and leaders and have conducted trials involving traditional versus with intervention tests. SLSU President and Project Leader Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, is in-charge with Phase 1 of Bhoochetana concept.

‘Yamang Lupa Program’ is a holistic and science-led development program that uses the principles and approaches of the Bhoochetana or soil rejuvenation program from India. It aims to improve rural livelihoods of small-holder and marginal farmers in the Philippines by increasing productivity through the use of best-bet soil, water, crop and nutrient management options. Apart from the abovementioned component of the program, it also aims to strengthen the existing seed delivery system; develop and pilot test farmer-friendly Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabled innovative extension and delivery system; and to build capacity of the different stakeholders for increasing agricultural productivity.

With the Bhoochetana approach used in the Yamang Lupa Program, the following gains are expected: a) agricultural productivity and farmers’ income to increase by 20 percent in the pilot provinces; b) cropping intensity to increase by 30%; c) greater seed availability of high-yielding

cultivars through Village Seed Banks with enhanced seed delivery and production system; d) good soil health and available land use maps depicting micro and macro-nutrient status; and e) intensified system on market-led agricultural products with better price for small-holder farmers through cost reduction, risk management and value addition opportunities. These gains are expected to be and documented program learning, impacts and successes as an exemplary up-scaling model on agriculture research development and extension for other provinces of the country.

For the ‘Yamang Lupa Program’, SLSU works in partnership with the following agencies and institutions: Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR); International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Acrid Tropics (ICRISAT); Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC); Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM); Agricultural Training Institute (ATI); Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Quezon (OPA); and Office of the Municipal Agriculture of Sariaya, Quezon (OMA-Sariaya, Quezon).

SLSU and its partners are looking forward to replicate the impact of Bhoochetana in other areas and are aiming for the continuous success of Yamang Lupa program.

SLSU implements ‘Yamang Lupa Program’ in Luzon by Southern Luzon State University

Researchers collect soil sample for soil analysis.

‘Yamang Lupa Program’ aims to improve rural livelihoods of small-holder and marginal farmers in the Philippines by increasing productivity through the use of best-bet soil, water, crop and nutrient management options


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded a P400,000 fund for the promotion and development of the bamboo industry in Cardona, Rizal. DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that the fund, released through the Department of Budget and Management’s grassroots participatory budgeting process, will be used for capability building, product development, advocacy, and marketing of the town’s bamboo products. Capability building activities include trainings, seminars, and benchmarking missions, while the product development component will consist of seminars on product development and design trends on bamboo products. DTI Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes Parreño added that part of the fund will also be used to create the Cardona Bamboo Development as well as to facilitate bamboo entrepreneurs’ participation in trade fairs. Dir. Parreño said that a bamboo hub established and funded under DTI’s Shared Service Facilities Project is expected to operate early in July and will produce for public schools in

Cardona more than 500 school desks made of engineered bamboo. The demand for bamboo desks is in pursuant to Executive Order 879 which orders the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools, according to Dir. Toledo. The municipality of Cardona selected bamboo as a priority industry due to its abundant supply in the area. It has already established three primary

processing centers called bamboo nodes, all located in Talim Island. In these nodes, bamboo poles are processed into slats of standard configuration and dimensions, treated and dried, and then further processed into intermediate and finished products in a bamboo hub. The fund was formally awarded to Cardona, Rizal through Mayor Bernardo P. San Juan Jr. during flag raising ceremony at the Municipal Hall.

DTI funds bamboo industry in Cardona by Charlie S. Dajao, DTI IV-A

L-R: DTI IV-A Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo, Cardona Mayor Bernardo P. San Juan, Jr., Vice Mayor Teodulo Campo, and DTI Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes A. Parreño during the awarding of the P400,000 fund for a sustainable bamboo industry in Cardona.

Three students from Tanauan City proved that Filipinos are on par with international math whiz kids as they bagged awards in two international math competitions held in Hong Kong and Korea, respectively. In Hong Kong, Andrei Philip David of Tanauan City High School won third place in the International Math Competition, while Princess Khysia De Guzman of Bagumbayan Elementary School got the Merit Award in the Chung Hua Cup Creative Math Competition.

In South Korea, Albriz Moore Comia Bagsic received a Merit Award and a Silver Medal for team category in the International Math Competition. The students were able to qualify in the two competitions after a series of math elimination exams conducted by the Mathematics Trainers Guild thru the Mathematics Development Academy of the Philippines. According to Mr. Ronald Ramilo, Division EPS in Math, the students were able to make it in the

international competition because of the rigid training and high caliber math trainers in their division. “The winnings shall be of great help in promoting math education to the learners and in developing new mechanism for the learners to enjoy mathematics,” Mr. Ramilo added. The Schools Division of Tanauan shall send participants representing the country to another international math competition in Singapore on August 1-3.

Tanauan City math wizards win international competitions by DepEd IV-A


Calabarzon welcomes its new Heads of Agencies!

The University of Rizal System (URS) was designated as the host of the Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) for Region IV-A. In line with this, URS formulated their manual of operations, organizational structure, and work program in cooperation with the members of the Sectoral Committee on GAD. Since 2009, the Calabarzon GADRC has been conducting Gender Sensitivity Training and Orientation in URS. The center has also collected gender-related reading materials for faculty, students, and researchers. The GADRC also holds GAD conventions every year since 2000, to gather partner agencies, regional lines agencies (RLAs), local government units (LGUs), and state, universities and colleges (SUCs) in Calabarzon to strengthen their capability to mainstream gender and development. The Calabarzon GADRC has initiated various capacity building activities with the technical assistance of experts

from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), University of the Philippines Center for Women’s Studies, as well as other GAD advocates. In support of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the PCW in partnership with NEDA and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the ‘Guidelines in the Preparation of the Annual GAD Plan and Budget and GAD Accomplishment Report to Implement the Magna Carta of Women’. In support of this, the Calabarzon GADRC conducts seminar-workshops on GAD mainstreaming, planning and budgeting. Other activities of the resource center include the following: a) holding of consultations with different agencies and institutions in the region; b) conducting research studies on gender issues and concerns; c) integrating GAD concepts in the National Service Training Program curriculum; and d) providing skills development program and livelihood trainings for both men and women.

URS serves as Calabarzon GAD Resource Center by Dr. Wilhelmina Masinsin, URS

EMMYLOU B. YANGA, Ed.D. Director IV, CHED IV-A

Dr. TIRSO A. RONQUILLO President, BatStateU

RUBEN S. BASTERO Director, NCIP IV

Engr. LUIS G. BANUA OIC-Regional Director

NEDA IV-A

CARLO P. GONZAGA OIC-Regional Director

PIA IV-A


Regional Economic Situationer

Glance at Calabarzon’s economy for 2nd Quarter 2014 • Higher consumer price index at 138 • Higher average inflation rate at 4.1% • Lower purchasing power of peso at P 0.73 • Higher labor force participation rate at 65.8% • Higher employment rate at 91.0% and unemployment rate

at 9.0% • Lower underemployment rate at 17.9% • US $ 11.2 billion or 52.0% of the national PEZA export sales

is from Calabarzon • Increase in rice, cattle, carabao, goat and hog production • Decrease in corn, chicken, fishery production • Decrease in overnight tourists by over 180,000 visitors • Increase in same day tourists by 2.7 million visitors • Slight decline in the crime and solution rates by

0.2 percentage points

Calabarzon’s average consumer price index (CPI) in 2014 registered an increase from 136.7 in the first quarter to 138.0 in the second quarter. Compared with last year, the first and second quarters inched to 5.3 and 5.4 index points, respectively. All the commodity indices also posted increase based on year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter comparisons especially on education, food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear and health commodities. Regional average inflation rate remained the same at 4.1 percent for the first and second quarters of 2014. The inflation rate rose 1.5 times this period compared to the same period in 2013. The year-ago increase generally came from food commodities, especially rice, bread and cereals; electricity, gas and other fuels; and hospital services. The average purchasing power of peso (PPP) is recorded constant at P 0.73 during the first and second quarters of 2014. PPP continued to decline by P 0.03 compared to the same period in 2013.

Prices and Inflation Consumer Price Indices, Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso, Calabarzon

1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014)

Indicator 2014 2013

2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr

Average CPI 138.0 136.7 132.6 131.4

Food and non-alcoholic beverages

151.4 149.1 142.4 142.0

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

192.8 192.0 189.2 170.5

Clothing and footwear 132.5 130.4 126.3 124.3

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels

128.1 128.0 124.7 123.4

Furnishings, HH equipment and routine maintenance

128.6 128.0 125.7 124.5

Health 138.0 136.3 132.3 130.7

Transport 124.6 124.1 122.9 123.0

Communication 95.2 95.1 94.8 94.8

Recreation and culture 112.0 111.4 109.8 108.5

Education 140.1 137.7 136.0 135.2

Restaurants and Misc. goods and services

136.4 135.3 132.4 130.1

Average Inflation Rate (%) 4.1 4.1 2.4 2.3

Average PPP (P) 0.73 0.73 0.76 0.76

Source: PSA-NSO IV-A © http://www.tzuchi.org.ph

by Policy Formulation and Planning Division, NEDA IV-A

January-June 2014


Labor and Employment

The population of ‘15 years old and over’ is growing at an average of 2.0% annually and will be estimated at 8.42 million in April 2014. Labor force participation rate minimally increased by 0.02 percentage points from January to April of 2014.

The employment rate in the region slightly dropped from 91.1% in January to 91.0% in April 2014 which is attributed to the number of graduates who joined the labor force. On a year-on-year basis, employment rates remained stable in January 2013 and 2014, while there was an increase of 1.7 percentage points for April 2013 and 2014. Unemployment rates remained single-digit for the 1stquarter of 2014, but worsened in the2ndquarter with a 1.0 % increase. From January to April 2014, there were 12 establishments that reported retrenchment due to economic reasons causing the displacement of some workers. It is notable that unemployment rate in April 2014 is 1.6 percentage points lower than the same period

last year. Underemployment rate declined by 1.2 percentage points from January to April 2014. On a year-on-year basis, underemployment rate is 0.3 and 4.4 percentage points higher in January and April 2014, than the same period in 2013.

Investments and Foreign Exchange Flow

Calabarzon as a highly industrialized region is home to many industrial estates, particularly economic zones. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported a total of 46 registered economic zones from January to June of 2014. These include 32 manufacturing economic zones, 6 information technology centers, 4 information technology parks, 1 medical tourism park, 1 tourism economic zone, and 1 agro-industrial economic zone. The operating economic zones in the region are concentrated in Laguna (19), while 13 are in Batangas, 10 in Cavite, 3 in Rizal and 1 in Quezon.

More than half or US$ 11.12 billion of the total national PEZA export sales were generated by the ecozones in

Calabarzon. Laguna posted the highest amount of exports sales at US$ 5.99 billion followed by Cavite at US$ 3.35 billion. Batangas, likewise, posted significant sales amounting to US$ 1.75 billion and Rizal with US$ 0.03 billion. Cavite had more sales than Batangas due to the significant number of locators (636) in the former’s eco-zones.

Among the interventions needed to further boost foreign and direct investment in the region include the facilitation of tax incentives and other related mechanisms, the promotion of value adding as in the case of the manufacturing sector, and the development of business-friendly policies.

Labor and Employment Data, Calabarzon January and April (2013 and 2014)

Indicator 2014 2013

April* Jan April Jan

Population 15 years and above (in 000)

8,424 8,364 8,267 8,200

Labor Force Participation Rate

65.8 65.6 63.9 64.0

Employment rate 91.0 91.1 89.3 91.1

Unemployment rate 9.0 8.9 10.6 8.9

Underemployment rate 17.9 19.1 14.6 18.7

Source: PSA-NSO Labor Force Survey/ *Preliminary Estimates

Agriculture and Fishery

Calabarzon's agriculture performance generally recorded an upward trend as most commodities posted considerable increase in production. In the 2ndquarter of 2014, rice and livestock posted growth in production while corn, chicken, and fishery production registered decline. On a year-on-year basis, all crops, except corn, decreased, while the fisheries and livestock production showed improvement. Rice production, particularly irrigated rice, increased by more than 1.3 times in the 2ndquarter of 2014 compared to the previous quarter. The 1stand 2ndquarter productions in 2013 decreased an average of 11.3% due to unfavorable weather conditions such as heavy rains, strong winds, and a longer dry period. These natural occurrences affected the seasonal cropping calendar and have caused a

significant decline in rainfed and upland production in all the provinces. The volume of corn production, both white and yellow corn, declined from 16,270 metric tons (MT) to 5,177 MT during the 1stand 2ndquarters of 2014. In terms of year-on-year quarterly production, corn increased on the average by 15.7%, with the growth coming mostly from the yellow corn variety. The year-on-year growth in corn is the result of the sustained use of high yielding varieties and the initiative of LGUs to assist farmers. Major crops, including coconut, coffee, sugarcane, and pineapple all posted decline in production based on the 1st quarter data of 2013 and 2014. Prolonged unfavorable weather conditions and high moisture stress resulted to


premature flower drop in most annual and perennial crops, thereby reducing production. Another notable event, attacking not only the coconut industry but also fruit bearing trees, is the coconut scale insect infestation (Cocolisap) which affected Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon. Meanwhile, the livestock and poultry sub-sectors posted increasing growth performance. The volume of production was generally increasing from the 1stquarter to the 2nd quarter of 2013 and 2014, except for a 1,200 MT decrease in chicken production from the 1st and 2ndquarters of 2014. Year-on-year comparison showed that the 2014 volume of production was higher than the previous year’s production performance. The 10.6% increase in the volume of cattle and carabao could be attributed to high demand and a commanding price for beef and carabeef. The increase in production of goat, hog, and chicken was the result of an increasing demand from the food and beverage establishments. Still, the bulk of livestock and poultry supply in the region comes from Batangas, Cavite, and Rizal. The fisheries sub-sector posted the highest increase in production among the agricultural commodities, with municipal fisheries as the main contributor growing an average of 1.8 times annually. From the 1st to 2ndquarter of 2014, commercial and municipal fishery production grew at 6.8% and 76.0%, respectively, while aquaculture slipped at 2.1%. The slight decrease for aquaculture was due to the instances of sulphur upwelling in Taal Lake causing high mortality of aquaculture fish. Among the factors which contributed to the increasing production performance include the favorable and prolonged cold sea conditions, increased interventions, and assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Assistance from BFAR included increased distribution of fingerlings and the sharing of good management practices which encouraged farmers to regulate stocking density resulting to high survival rate.

Given the performance of the agriculture sector, the region, however, still needs to focus on provision of support services to farmers. Such services inlude the following: a) providing access to reliable supply of good quality raw materials/inputs; b) facilitating value adding such as packaging, processing, and marketing/networking; c) integrating local and international value chain and d) promotion of organic and sustainable farming systems.

Volume of Production in Crops, Livestock, Poultry and Fishery Calabarzon 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014)

Commodity 2014 2013


Crops (in MT)

Rice/Palay 111,555 82,904 119,462 98,629

Corn 5,177 16,270 4,974 12,784

Coconut - 62,266 285,634 276,498

Coffee - 4,310 223 4,818

Sugarcane - 1,237,438 205,919 1,316,243

Pineapple - 9,732 59,332 11,214

Livestock and Poultry (in MT)

Cattle 9,122.0 5,430 8,068.0 5,170.0

Carabao 1,873.0 1,384 1,685.0 1,272.0

Goat 1,015.0 731 999.0 675.0

Hog 79,241 71,206 76,102 69,104

Chicken 68,610 69,811 65,138 68,721

Commercial 20,384 20,472 19,489 19,168

Municipal 49,146 52,572 27,974 29,868

Aquaculture 42,010 47,432 41,675 48,472

Source: PSA-BAS IV-A/ - no data reported

Fisheries (in MT)

Tourism

Tourist arrival in the region is increasing. Foreign national tourists were at 95%. This maybe due to the strengthened promotion of and improved access to tourism destinations in the region. However, overnight visitors declined by 42.8% or over 180,000 visitors from the 1st to 2ndquarter of 2014. On a year-on-year basis, there was a 25.0% decrease in the 1st quarter and 64.0% in the 2ndquarter,largely due the decrease in foreign tourist arrival. Same day tourists posted strong growths during the 1stquarter of 2014, registering an additional 2.7 million visitors (85.6%) in the 2ndquarter of 2014 compared to the previous quarter. The foreign tourists constituted 99.6% of the same day tourists in the 2ndquarter. Year-on-year data on same day foreign visitors also reflected an increase of 12.7% in the 1stquarter and 57.1% in the 2nd

Indicator 2014 2013


Total overnight tourists

245,863 429,855 651,790 573,629

Foreign 235,810 395,134 648,646 519,193

Domestic 10,053 34,721 3,144 54436

Total same day tourists

5,755,278 3,100,846 3,763,726 2,790,447

Foreign 5,733,599 2,954,166 3,650,016 2,622,058

Domestic 21,679 146,680 113,710 168,389

Source: Provincial Tourism Offices

Tourist Arrivals Calabarzon, 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014)


The effects of Typhoon Glenda will be felt during the 3rd quarter with decline in vegetable and chicken productions and price spikes on basic commodities especially food commodities and household furnishings. At the end of the next quarter, prices will normalize as a more favorable weather condition is expected. The region's coconut industry sector is expected to increase its performance due to the improvements in eradicating Cocolisap. The typical seasonal dampening in demands for manufacturing and industry is expected in the 3rd quarter. *But manufacturing industries and wholesale/retail trade

will be on the upbeat before the quarter ends in preparation for the 4th quarter holiday season. Unemployment rate may reflect slight increase due to the typhoon but is expected to remain single-digit. Major infrastructure projects having significant impact in the next quarter regional construction and employment are in procurement stage. These include the New Centennial Water Source Project - Kaliwa Dam, Laguna Lake Expressway Dike Project, and the Philippine Rural Development Project and the on-going Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project.

Development Outlook

The situation of public order and safety remained conducive for the region’s economic development, despite a slight decline in the crime and solution rates in the region. Regional crime rates during the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2014 declined by 0.2 percentage points from 28.5 to 28.3 per 100,000 person. The rates increased in the second semester of 2014 by about 7.0 percentage points compared to the same period in 2013. Index and non-index crime rates remained almost stable at 13 and 15 per 100,000 person during the 1stand 2nd quarters of 2014, with decline in percentage points of 0.1 and 0.2. Index crime rates increased by more than 3.7 percentage point during the 1st quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. For non-index crime, an increase of 3 and 8 per 100,000 person in the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2014, relative to 2013, was reported. Increase in unresolved crimes in the 1st half of 2014 were reflected as there were 23 to 24 more crimes per 100,000 persons compared to the same period in 2013.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) shifted to the new method of reporting under the universal crime statistics which included crimes in the barangay as well as traffic incidences. The decline in the crime solution rates was mostly due to unresolved traffic incidents.

Indicator 2014 2013


Crime Rate 28.3 28.5 21.4 21.0

Index Crime Rate

13.4 13.5 9.7 9.1

Non-index Crime Rate

14.8 15.0 6.5 11.9

Crime Solution Rate 47.3 47.5 71.1 72.0

Source: PNP Regional Office IV-A

Rates of Crime, Index Crime, Non-Index Crime and Crime Solution, Calabarzon

1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014)

quarter. Same day domestic visitors continued to decline on a year-ago basis by 12.9% in the 1st quarter and 80.9% in the 2nd quarter. Among the notable regional events and activities during the period were visiting religious and cultural destinations in Antipolo City, experiencing summer and eco-adventure getaways in Tagaytay City in Cavite; Calamba City and Pagsanjan in Laguna, and Nasugbu and coastal municipalities in Batangas; and celebrating the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban in Quezon. The conduct of the Palarong Pambansa in Sta.Cruz, Laguna also provided additional receipts in the tourism sector. Despite the increasing number of tourists in Calabarzon, tourism in the region is still not yet harnessing its full potentials, thus further improvements have to be done.

The region is yet to intensify the promotion and marketing of its tourist destinations, establish additional tourism facilities to meet the demand in case of influx of tourists, improve transportation facilities, standardize rate of tourism establishments and tour packages, and secure the safety of tourists.

Public Order and Safety

© http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/

*Third Quarter 2014 Business Expectations Survey, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 26 August 2014.


RPMC Bulletin Highlights of the RPMC 2nd Quarter Accomplishments The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) secretariat reviewed and consolidated 29 progress monitoring reports of projects implemented in the region by the national government agencies. The projects include flood control/drainage and road projects of DPWH, Laguna De Bay Institutional Strengthening and Community Participation Project (LISCOP) of LLDA, Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase 1 of DepEd and Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of DOH, among others.

The RPMC held its Second Quarter Meeting for CY 2014 on May 22. The progress of ongoing major programs/projects that were presented to the RPMC were: a) PPP For School Infrastructure Project (Phase 1); b) Health Facility Enhancement Program; c) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and; d) Status of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process Projects. Likewise the Committee supported and adopted the: a) Proposed Purchase of a Regional Project Development, Appraisal, Monitor and Evaluation Service Vehicle Under DOE ER 1-94; b) Revitalization of the Calabarzon Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) through Web Based Technology; c) 2014 Project Monitoring Plan/Schedule of Project Visits/Inspection; and d) Selection of PSR and NGO members of the RPMC.

The PSIP Phase 1 is a Php 16.28 Billion project of the Department of Education (DepEd) which involves the design, construction, maintenance and financing of 9,300 classrooms in one and two-story buildings in Regions I,

III and IV-A under Build-Lease-and Transfer (BLT) scheme. As of June 2014, there are 5,038 classrooms or 1,540 sub-projects that are already completed and 3,365 classrooms or 733 sub-projects have started construction in the three regions. Specifically, Calabarzon has been a major recipient of the project where 1,454 classrooms were already completed and 1,911 classrooms are being constructed (as of April 30, 2014). The proponent's target to construct the remaining classrooms is until November 2014. The project will help supplement the current initiatives of the DepEd on classroom construction nationwide thereby expanding the supply of classrooms in all public school system as fast as it could be reasonably done to cut the current shortage of around 66,800 classroom units nationwide.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a human development program of the government that invests in health and education of poor households particularly of children aged 0-18 years old. The Pantawid Pamilya provides cash grants to eligible beneficiaries provided that they comply with the set of conditions required by the program.

The program has two major objectives namely, social assistance and social development. The objective on social assistance involves cash assistance to the poor families to alleviate their immediate need (short term poverty alleviation). On the other hand, social development involves investment in human capital aimed at breaking the intergenerational poverty cycle.

The Pantawid Pamilya operates in 79 provinces covering 1,484 municipalities and 143 cities in 17 regions nationwide. The program has 4,090,667 registered households as of June 25, 2014. In Region IV-A, all provinces, municipalities and cities are 100 percent covered while 80 percent are covered at the barangay

RPMC Meeting

Major Programs and Projects Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase 1

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program


RPMC Bulletin

level. As of March 2014, DSWD reports showed a total of 306,197 households including 1,420 Indigenous People households in the region are registered under the program.

The program is considered to significantly contribute in the country’s commitment to meet the Millennium Development Goals specifically on poverty, education, gender and equality, child mortality and maternal health.

NEDA IV-A Conducts RPMES Consultation The orientation cum consultation workshop is a major activity in the Re-entry Project (ReP) of Engr. Josephine Hapil entitled “Revitalization of Calabarzon Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) through Web-based Technology”. It primarily aimed to gather comments and suggestions from the stakeholders on the development of the online monitoring system as well as advocate RPMES. A short survey was also conducted on the participants to gauge their awareness on RPMES and online systems. The survey questionnaire was given together with the invitation of participants. The orientation and consultation workshop was conducted by NEDA Region IV-A on August 6, 2014 at Bayview Park Hotel, 1118 Roxas Boulevard corner United Nations Avenue, Manila. It was participated in by 51 stakeholders in the region and 12 from NEDA Regional Office. The total attendees per stakeholder group are as follows: a) 17 from the regional line agencies; b) two (2) from the government owned and controlled corporations; c) 24 from the local government units; d) four (4) from the state universities; and e) four from the private sector representatives of the Regional Development Council. The major recommendations from the participants after the workshop are: a) reactivate and improve capabilities of the local project monitoring committees (LPMCs);

b) reiterate on the Memorandum Circular Order No. 175. S. 1988 for the creation of the project monitoring committees in the provinces and municipalities; c) standardize the reporting format of project progress reports of LGUs and RLAs; and d) to consider the project monitoring performance of LGUs as one of the criteria in the DILG's Seal of Good Governance. The activities planned after the consultation workshop would involve inclusion of workshop outputs to the preliminary design of the online system within the month of August, design of capability building for LPMCs and implementing agencies by fourth quarter of 2014, and conduct of trainings and design of the electronic system to start by first quarter of 2015.

The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) is conducting the Monitoring and Evaluation for Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) of the nutrition programs of various barangays in different municipalities in the region. The activity is a year-long monitoring activity which started last March and will continue until October this year.

As of September 12, 2014, the RNET already visited 18 municipalities and 56 barangays in the region and is expected to finish the remaining municipalities/barangays within the scheduled timeframe. The activity will be highlighted by giving various awards to LGUs with outstanding nutrition program management like the Nutrition Honor Award and the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award.

The guideline on the MELLPI was formulated in 1979 to guide the M&E field implementers. Said guideline is intended for use by implementers of the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition (PPAN) in conducting the MELLPI at the national, regional, provincial, city and municipal levels. The MELLPI monitoring activity is an inter-agency effort led by the NNC.

The MELLPI aims to: a) assess the efficiency of local level plan implementation, as indicated by the outreach of activities undertaken relative to the local nutrition action plan, funds expended as well as the management and support given by local executives and other implementing agencies; b) measure changes in weight status of preschool and school children during the evaluation year and the immediate past two years; c) determine the extent to which nutrition is integrated into local development plans and programs; and d) advocate for the continuing support for local nutrition programs.

MELLPI Monitoring Continues in Calabarzon

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