RDC XI Communicator 3rd Qtr 2014

Full story on page 11

RDC XI Approves the Updated DRDRA, 2014-2016 Article on page 3

1,300 families awarded with new homes Article on page 7

RDC XI conducts maiden Press Briefing Article on page 8

3rd Quarter Project Monitoring Updates Article on page 13

Mt. Hamiguitan declared as World Heritage Site Article on page 16

Private Sector Representatives of the Regional Development Council XI during the 5th National PSR National Convention in Iloilo City on August 13–15, 2014. The Convention’s theme is “Private Sector Representatives: Regional Development Councils’ Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation.”

THIRD QUARTER 2014

RDC XI RESOLUTIONS89 Approving the Report on Davao Region’s Performance on the 1st Semester Targets in the Updated DRDP, 2014–2016 Results

Matrices, Incorporating Revalidated Data/Updates Provided by RDC XI Members

90 Approving the Guidelines for the Davao Region CY 2016 Annual Investment Program

91 Approving the Updated Davao Region Development Research Agenda (DRDRA), 2014–2016.

92 Approving the Report on RDC XI’s Participation to the 5th Private Sector Representatives National Convention and Referring the Agreements Reached Therein to the Appropriate Sectoral Committees

93 Supporting the Conduct of Exploration Activities by Aboitiz Power for the Mt. Apo Geothermal Project

94 Endorsing the Conduct of Pre-feasibility Study on the Green Integrated Wastewater Management Project of Tagum City under Grant Assistance of CDIA

95 Approving the Conduct of Pre-feasibility on the Davao Gulf Integrated Port Complex Project Proposal

96 Approving the Conduct of Feasibility Study on the Samal Bridge Project

97 Approving the Framework on the Formulation of the Davao Region Power Development Plan, Incorporating the Comments/Rec-ommendations of the Council

98 Approving the Recognition of all LGU Awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance in an Appropriate Ceremony During a Council Meeting

99 Requesting the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI to Issue a Circular Enjoining All LGUs in Davao Region to Make Functional Their City/Municipality/Barangay Peace and Order Councils

100 Endorsing to Concerned Entities the Recommendations of the 10th Infantry Division-Philippine Army to Improve Peace and Se-curity Conditions in the Region

101 Confi rming the Membership of the Offi ce of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process-PAMANA and CLIP Coordinating Unit, in the Development Administration Committee XI

102 Requesting the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to Undertake Enhancements in the Methodology of the CY 2015 Family In-come and Expenditure Survey (FIES)

103Requesting DAC XI to Review the DILG Guidelines for the Utilization of the 20% of the Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) for Devel-opment Projects, Particularly on its Use for Pre-Feasibility Studies Phase Such as Data Generation, and Toward the Generation of Local-Level Statistics.

104 Approving to Integrate the Guidelines for the Formulation of Investment Program and Review of Budget Proposals the Require-ment of A Certifi cation of Right-of-Way Clearance Prior to its Endorsement to Agency Central Offi ces.

105 Approving the RPMC XI CY 2014 CY 2014 2nd Quarter Project Monitoring Report

106 Requesting the Implementing Agencies and Contractors of Projects Experiencing Peace and Security Issues to Closely Coordinate with the AFP/PNP for the Security of the Projects

107 Approving the RPMC XI CY 2014 3rd Quarter Field Monitoring Report

108Requesting NIA XI to Strictly Abide by the Provisions of RA 9184 on the Procurement of Irrigation Construction Projects through Competitive Bidding and Conduct of Performance Evaluation of Contractors to Ensure that Projects Shall be Carried Out Effi ciently and Without Incurring Delays

109 Requiring Implementing Agencies (IAs) to Truthfully Report Actual Status of Project Implementation

110 Enjoining Implementing Agencies to Engage a Third-Party Project Inspector Prior to the Payment of Progress Billing for Projects with 50% and Above Physical Accomplishment Rate

111 Enjoining the Implementing Agencies Downloading Project Funds to LGUs to Consider the Absorptive Capacity of the LGUs and Implement Appropriate Measures

www.rdc.nro11.neda.gov.phRDC XI COMMUNICATOR[ ]2

SDC XI Secretary Catherine A. Laguesma presenting the Updated Davao Regional Development Research Agenda, 2014–2016 during the 3rd quarter RDC XI Meeting.

Midway through the 2011–2016 Plan period, the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) went through a process of updating. The updating provides the development and spatial directions which the Region shall proactively take, particularly the continuing efforts to sustain high and inclusive growth, the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and initiatives in support to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Integration in 2015. Given the updating of the DRDP and its accompanying documents, the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) and Regional Matrices (RMs), the formulation of the Updated Davao Regional Development Research Agenda (DRDRA), 2014–2016 was undertaken.

The Updated DRDRA, 2014–2016 will aid in the effective implementation of the Updated DRDP, 2014–2016. It aims to provide the region’s stakeholders with

a unifi ed guide in identifying priority areas for research undertakings to ensure their responsiveness to the Region’s development needs, as well as encourage R&D agencies and institutions to align their collective efforts towards achieving the same outcome.

The Updated DRDRA provides research areas and topics for each of the ten (10) development components of the Plan Update, namely: a) Macroeconomic Management, b) Modern Agriculture, c) Competitive Industry and Services, d) Strategic and Sustainable Infrastructure, e) Science, Technology and Innovation, f) Good Governance, g) Human Resource Development, h) Peace and Development, (i) Environment and Natural Resources, and (j) Social Protection for inclusive growth;

The Updated DRDRA, 2014–2016 was approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI during its meeting on 29 September 2014.

By Marivic C. Natividad, DRD, NEDA XI

RDC XI approves the Updated Davao Regional Development Research Agenda, 2014–2016

(The Updated DRDRA, 2014–2016 may be accessed/downloaded from the RDC XI website: www.rdc.nro11.neda.gov.ph)

Volume 6, Issue 3 • Third Quarter 2014 RDC XI COMMUNICATOR [ ]3

Chief Executive Offi cers (CEOs) of major power generating companies and Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Davao Region converged for Renewable Energy Development in Davao Region at the Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City on July 24, 2014. Dubbed as the “CEO-LCE Dialogue on Renewable Energy Development in Davao Region," the activity aimed to promote investments in renewable energy, as well as fast-track implementation of awarded projects.

Spearheaded by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, the Power Dialogue gathered over a hundred representatives from the private sector, local government units (LGUs) and the national government agencies for a day of consultation and meaningful exchange of information and ideas on renewable energy development. RDC XI Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim emphasized that it is the RDC XI’s development objective to ensure a stable and reliable power supply in the long run to support the growth of the manufacturing, industry and services sectors as espoused under the Davao Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2014–2016.

On the other hand, RDC XI Chairperson and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario conveyed the Council’s high hopes that the event shall set an impetus for more proactive and effective collaboration among LCEs, CEOs, fi nancing institutions, national government agencies, and other key development stakeholders in pushing for Renewable Energy development in Davao Region and in Mindanao

In his keynote address, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary

Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, represented by Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada, affi rmed the region’s position towards RE development stating that the alleviation of Carbon Dioxide emissions is a responsibility shared not only by the government but also the private sector. He added that DOE is intensifying its efforts to support the growing RE Industry in the Philippines as it is their duty to ensure that these energy producing facilities and structures are up rated.

CEOs presented their RE project proposals for Davao Region particularly, the Darong Solar Power Project of AC Energy Holdings, Inc., the Davao Hydropower Project of San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers, and Mt. Sibulan-Kapatagan Geothermal Project of Aboitiz Power Inc. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon also presented their Waste-to-Energy Project. During the discussions following the presentations, public sector counterparts were able to clarify issues on the processes of acquiring the permits and documents required for these types of projects considering that most are located in Protected Areas and Ancestral Domains.

Before the event concluded, the private sector participants were invited to discussions with representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) where they discussed the implementation of specifi c RE projects including the status of pending transactions in the concerned LGUs.

Chief Executive Offi cers (CEOs) and Local Chief Executives (LCEs)converge for Renewable Energy (RE) Development in Davao Region

By Emil B. Clarito, PDIPBD, NEDA XI

RDC XI Vice-Chairperson Maria Lourdes D. Lim, CESO II, DOE Usec. Zenaida Y. Monzada, RDC XI Chairperson Rodolfo P. Del Rosario, and ComVal Gov. Arturo T. Uy.

(Right) AC Energy Holdings, Inc. Vice President Gabino Ramon G. Mejia, (Left) San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Consultant Engr. David Rojas Jr. with representatives from Davao del Norte Local Government Units.


Economic Development Committee XI Tackled Issues on the Potential Areas for Investment in Davao Region

and the Tagum-Libuganon River Basin Master Plan

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI convened for its third quarter regular meeting for CY 2014 at the NEDA-RDC XI Center, Davao City on September 9, 2014. Among the matters discussed were the Establishment of a Web-based Database Inventory of Public Lands for investments and the review of the Master Plan for the Tagum-Libuganon River Basin.

EDC XI Vice-chairperson Maria Lourdes D. Lim, CESO II stated that the identification of public lands for private sector investments, consolidating them into a single platform and making them electronically accessible through the web shall assist the Private Sector find suitable land for investment. EDC XI Chairperson Maria Belenda Q. Ambi, CESO V added that this initiative shall address a common problem of potential investors whose investments are constrained/delayed due to fragmented data holdings on public idle lands. The database shall feature simplified procedures for utilizing public idle lands for investments. The Committee is working on the finalization of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for all agencies that will be involved in this initiative to include the DENR, NCIP, DAR, DA and the Provincial LGUs. The

database is scheduled to be completed and available for use by June 2015.

The Committee also reviewed the Draft Master Plan for the Tagum-Libuganon River Basin, one of the eighteen major and priority river basins in the Philippines identified by the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation per Resolution No. 2012-001. The River Basin has a catchment area of 3,064 sq km and traverses between Caraga and Davao Regions. In the past years, the River has been frequently flooding the municipalities of Asuncion, Carmen and Kapalong during rainy seasons. Due to its rich biodiversity and potentials for coastal and freshwater use, hydropower source and water transport, the River has been prioritized for various initiatives such as water quality and resources management, flood mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

The review of the Master Plan is ongoing and spearheaded by a Technical Working Group comprising of NEDA XI, DENR XI, NCIP XI, DAR XI, DA XI, UP Mindanao, Kapwa Upliftment Foundation and the Provincial Local Government Units. It is scheduled for review by the Regional Development Council XI on September 29, 2014.

By Emil B.Clarito, PDIPBD, NEDA XI


RLUC XI Conducts Training-Workshop on the Formulation of the Davao Region Physical

Framework Plan (DRPFP), 2015–2045By John Christopher B. Saligan, PFPD, NEDA XI

The Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) XI conducted a series of training-workshops for the updating of the Planning Environment chapter of the Davao Region Physical Framework Plan (DRPFP), 2003–2030 on August 7–8 (Phase 1) and August 18–19 (Phase 2), 2014 at the NEDA-RDC XI Center, Bangkal, Davao City. The training-workshop sought to enhance the capabilities and retool the members of both the RLUC XI Secretariat and Technical Working Group (TWG) on the principles and tools in land use planning, and disaster risk and vulnerability assessment toward the formulation of the updated DRPFP, 2015-2045. An inter-agency body, the RLUC XI TWG, was reconstituted to assist the Committee in the updating of the DRPFP.

The Phase 1 of the training-workshop focused on the fundamentals of Land Use and Physical Framework Planning. The resource person, Dr. Renan Ma. T. Tanhueco of De La Salle University, lectured on the concepts and principles of the Planning Environment and Urban Planning; and mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) in Land Use Planning. The output of Phase 1 included geographic information system (GIS)-based maps and regional

information and statistics needed to put together the Planning Environment chapter.

Phase 2, on the other hand, focused on the principles of DRR/CCA and provided technical guidance in the formulation and analysis of the Planning Environment chapter. The resource persons for this phase were Jaime P. Mallare of DENR-LMS XI, Abigail June L. Agus of DENR-MGB XI and Eric C. Colmenares of DOST XI. The topics ranged from mapping standards to sieve mapping and the preparation of geohazard susceptibility and vulnerability maps. The two workshops generated maps on geophysical hazards that were overlayed against settlement, agricultural area, industrial area, road network and protected area maps, to show which of these were exposed to landslide and flooding.

Overall, the training-workshop was noted to be very comprehensive and informative, and imparted skills to the participants that they found applicable even in their daily work, beyond the updating of the DRPFP, 2015-2045.

The training-workshop for the updating of the Planning Environment chapter was the second in a four-module series.

Left to Right: Dr. Renan Tanhueco of the De La Salle University discussing about physical planning; and participants in a discussion during the workshops.


Gov. Corazon Malanyaon speaking at the awarding ceremony in Cateel, Davao Oriental.

Province of Davao Oriental – Some 1,300 families became recipient to a new batch of housing units implemented under the Modifi ed Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) of the Provincial Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The benefi ciaries, who were awarded with these new homes on Tuesday, September 19 at the typhoon-affected towns of Cateel and Baganga, said this means a lot to them as it signals the beginning of a fresh start in their lives.

“We don’t have to worry anymore for a place where we can live and raise our children,” says one benefi ciary as that they can now focus more on their livelihood and on earning additional income for the family.

To date, there are already more than 5,000 housing units implemented on the ground. These comprise the houses already turned over and those that are ongoing construction. Among them are the houses built by the Philippine Army in some villages in the three towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said that the province

is speeding up the construction of the remaining houses, hoping to be able to complete the targeted 17,000 housing units for this year. She also assured all families, who have not yet awarded with their new homes but are validated by the DSWD as qualifi ed benefi ciaries for permanent housing that they too will soon move to their new homes.

In order to fast track the turnover, the provincial government had been turning over houses to benefi ciaries at least twice a month.

Meanwhile, during the ceremonial turnover of homes and awarding of certifi cate of occupancy, Governor Malanyaon urged the benefi ciaries to do their part in making their lives better as the government already performed its counterpart.

“These new homes symbolize security for the family,” she said, noting these would give the benefi ciaries inspiration to dream and motivation to improve their lives. “The rest is up to you. It’s your responsibility to take care of your new homes and to work in order to make your lives better,” she told the benefi ciaries. (Karen Lou Deloso, PIO, Davao Oriental • Photos by Joel Owano)

1,300 families in typhoon-hit towns awarded with new homes


RDC XI Conducts Maiden Press Briefing

COMMUNICATING THE UPDATED PLAN. Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, the new RDC XI Chairperson, speaks before a large group of media practitioners both from the government and private institutions, pointing out the role of media in Plan implementation, as well as support to the efforts of the RDC XI on the Region’s development directions and major activities for the next three years.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) XI conducted the maiden episode of the RDC XI Press Briefing on 12 August 2014 at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, as part of its advocacy-boosting efforts for the Updated Davao Regional Development Plan (UDRDP), 2014–2016,

The newly appointed Chairperson of RDC XI, Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario of Davao del Norte, served as the main resource person during the event who talked on the region’s development thrusts for the remaining Plan period, with its implementation plan, and the 2013 Results Matrices (RMs).

NRO XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim, ex-officio RDC XI Vice-Chairperson, informed that the maiden episode is the first of a series of press briefings that the NRO XI, as RDC XI Secretariat, will be mounting regularly. She shared that the activities is being conducted in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XI, the RDC XI Press Corps, the Communication for Development

Network (C4DNet), and the Region’s implementing agencies and LGUs. Key personalities from RDC XI and the Region’s implementing agencies will be invited as resource persons during the conduct of the Press Briefings to share on the implementation of programs and projects that shall facilitate the achievement of Plan targets.

Director Lim also disclosed that the media practitioners who attended the Press Briefing, gained deeper understanding on the various efforts of the government to achieve the overall objective of Sustained High and Inclusive Growth by the end of the Plan period. She added that the progress of implementation of the Updated Plan is also shared to the media to further strengthen and sustain institutional partnership between the NEDA XI/RDC XI and the Region’s media organizations relative to the implementation of the Region’s development agenda. Thus, the vital role of the media in advocating development efforts of the government to the public is recognized by RDC XI.

By Mia Glenda G. Aracid, DRD, NEDA XI


By JB Tomas H. Busque IV, DRD, NEDA XI

RDC XI conducts 2nd Press Briefing with the theme “Engaging Stakeholders in Pursuing Peace and

Development in Davao Region”

(Top) RDC XI Officials, Resource Persons, and the Secretariat pose for a group photo. (From left to right) RDC XI Chairperson Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario delivering the welcome remarks; GH Peace Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer providing the media with updates on the Bangsamoro peace process; and Police Chief Superintendent Federico Dulay briefs the media on the peace and order situation in Davao Region.

The RDC XI mounted its 2nd RDC XI Press Briefing on September 25, 2014 at the NEDA-RDC XI Center, Bangkal, Davao City, as part of its continuing advocacies on the Updated Davao Regional Development Plan, 2014–2016. The theme of the Press Briefing is “Engaging Stakeholders in Pursuing Peace and Development in Davao Region.” The theme aptly coincides with the observance of September as the 10th National Peace Consciousness Month.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, RDC XI Chairperson, graced the event and gave the welcome remarks. Resource persons who attended the Press Briefing included Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon of Davao Oriental, Chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the GPH Peace Panel, Major General Eduardo M. Año of the AFP-PA 10ID, Police Chief Superintendent Federico Dulay of the PNP XI, and President Antonio T. dela Cruz of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Assistant Secretary Efren F. Elbanbuena of the PIA XI was the event’s moderator. Some officers of the RDC XI Communication for Development Network (C4DNet) also attended. About 20 representatives of the Region’s private media partners and Plan advocates were present.

In his welcome remarks, Gov. del Rosario shared that Chapter 8 (Peace and Development) of the Updated Davao Regional Development Plan, 2014–2016, serves as the region’s guidepost in advancing interventions on peace and development. He also emphasized the need for collaboration and complementation of efforts among the private and public sectors, as these are key to achieving the Region’s development goals. Vice Chair Dir. Maria Lourdes D. Lim oriented the media and highlighted the advances

on the peace and development component of the Updated Davao Regional Development Plan, 2014–2016.

Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, for her part, provided updates on the Bangsamoro peace process, emphasizing that the government is optimistic that the Bangsamoro Basic Law shall be passed by Congress. She also shared that the peace panels are currently working on ways and means to facilitate the normalization process once the Bangsamoro is established. MGen. Año also gave updates on the operations and intensification of efforts of the AFP-PA’s 10ID, particularly on communist insurgencies in the Region. C/Supt. Dulay of the PNP XI shared that the increased crime volume of the region was attributable to a new and calibrated crime incidence reporting system, but assured that the police are taking increased action on criminality and have also strictly applied sanctions, even dismissal, of erring policemen in the ranks of the police in the region. Mr. dela Cruz of the DCCCII shared that with its full confidence in the government, the business sector remains strong and upbeat in Davao City and the Region, even amid the uploading of a recent negative marketing video from a foreign-based BPO company. Mr. dela Cruz also shared that Davao City and the Region have very bright economic prospects and are very ready to take in more investments.

The RDC XI Press Briefing is a regular communication and advocacy program of the Regional Development Council XI, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency XI, the Communication for Development Network (C4DNet), and the private media Plan advocates.


Photo GalleryNATIONAL CONVENTION5thRDC PSRs

August 13–15, 2014, Iloilo City


RDC XI Private Sector Representatives attend 5th PSR National Convention in Iloilo City

Eleven Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) of the Regional Development Council XI attended the 5th RDC PSRs National Convention conducted on 13-15 August 2014 at Iloilo City. The PSRs who attended were PSR Dolores R. Alegarbes, PSR Fe B. Arobo, PSR Jose Venancio P. Batiquin, PSR Corazon Mae M. Baylon, PSR Ireneo D. Dalayon, PSR Leah Y. Genson, PSR Sherlina M. Hao, PSR Vicente T. Lao, PSR Maryline C. Lim, PSR Joseph K. Palanca, and PSR Bae Norma O. Rivera. NEDA XI Regional Director and RDC XI Vice-Chair Maria Lourdes D. Lim, NEDA XI OIC-ARD Mae Ester T. Guiamadel and Chief EDS Mr. Miguel S. Herrera III also attended the conference.

The Convention’s theme: “Private Sector Representatives: Regional Development Councils’ Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation” was intended to strengthen the PSRs’ knowledge in and commitment to contribute to national development, with focus on tourism development, job creation, private investments and integration in the ASEAN community.

Included in the Convention’s program were lecture sessions and field visits to Iloilo City’s (Region VI) major industries and development projects.

The following were the lecture topics of the Convention:• Role of the Private Sector in Creating More

Employment Opportunities and Better Jobs (of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan) delivered by NEDA Deputy Director-General Margarita R. Songco;

• Role of Private Sector Organizations in Tourism Development by Davao Region’s very own Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr.;

• Bright spots/Challenges in Putting up Investments in the Region by Jones Lang LaSalle Country Head David Leechiu;

• The Challenges of the ASEAN Economic Community Integration by Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba;

• Enhancing SME Role in Job Creation thru Green Growth by Pro-GED-GIZ Regional Coordinator Miriam I. Bacalso; and

• Cooperatives and their Contribution to Development by National Confederation of Cooperatives Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya.

Project site visits were concentrated on the Panay Energy Development Corporation – 164 MW Clean Coal Power Plant situated at the heart of Iloilo City, which uses state-of-the-art clean coal technology to generate electricity for the city; Iloilo Housing Project – a 5.6 hectare-P144-million housing project intended for 1,000 informal settlers, including those affected by the Iloilo River Development Project; and Iloilo Business Park – a 72-hectare mixed use master-planned community development in Manduriao, Iloilo City by Megaworld Corporation, expected to spur a P25 billion income. A side-trip was made to the Lizares Mansion which is an iconic residential house in Jaro, Iloilo City and testament to the sugar barons’ luxurious living during the sugar industry boom.

One the highlights of the convention was the Signing of the Manifesto of Support for the Updated Philippine and Regional Development Plans by the heads of delegations in the presence of NEDA DDG Songco.

The PSRs also reached several agreements during the workshop sessions, including the Proposed Priority Agenda for the RDCs. The PSRs also passed a Resolution on the Agreements Reached by the RDC Private Sector Representatives during the 5th National Convention containing details of the agreements reached in the Convention.

By Miguel S. Herrera III, PFPD, NEDA XI


DTI 11 OIC Maria Belinda Q. Ambi has called on MSMEs to further prepare themselves for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 in a forum among would-be and existing exporters of the region last October 25 in Davao City.

MSMEsurged to further

prepare for AEC 2015

Davao Regions

DAVAO CITY - With the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged to grab every opportunity to improve their competitiveness.

Speaking before the participants of the Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) information session, a side event during the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference, at the SMX Convention Center here last October 25, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 officer-in-charge Maria Belinda Q. Ambi said that with the challenges of the ASEAN Integration, SMEs are “better equipped and ready to seize the opportunities."

By end of 2015, 99 percent of products traded in the region will already enjoy a tariff rate of between 0 and 5 percent, although the integration started in 2010. With AEC 2015, only sensitive products, like rice and corn, will have some tariff protection.

Ambi said that DTI will continuously implement interventions for the continued enhancement of competitiveness of the private sector, conduct intensive advocacy among stakeholders through DBFTA information sessions, and sustain collaboration among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Fenina M. Bonoan, Consumer and Industrial Division assistant chief of DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), said that AEC 2015 must be seen as a milestone and a great opportunity for local companies and entrepreneurs to grow bigger and to trade within the ASEAN region.

“ASEAN integration is already within us. It is actually a stage process where ASEAN countries make coordination to harmonize economic policies,” she said.

With the lowered trade barriers such as tariffs, more Philippine SMEs will have the chance to engage into intra and inter-regional trade.

“We’re looking at 640,000 consumers within the ASEAN region,” she said adding that there are indeed huge opportunities to seize, amidst the fears of getting flooded with foreign products.

“There would be fears, especially the feeling that we’re going to be flooded or there’s going to be a tsunami of products. That’s what other countries feel, too. The message here is we must all be prepared for it,” she said.

Bonoan said that the local industries “can’t afford to be complacent." (Jen Mendoza, DTI XI)


3rd Quarter 2014 Project Monitoring Updates:13 Typhoon Pablo Rehab Projects monitored

In compliance to the directive of the National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC) to all sub-national Project Monitoring Committees (PMCs) across the country to include in its monitoring and evaluation the implementation of rehabilitation and recovery programs, activities and projects (PAPs) in calamity stricken areas, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XI had included the monitoring of Typhoon Pablo PAPs. To date, the RPMC XI Monitoring Team had visited a total of thirteen (13) projects under the Pablo Rehabilitation Plan in the Provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. The breakdown of projects by Cluster and Province is as follows:

Table 1. Typhoon Pablo Rehabilitation/Recovery Projects Visited by Cluster and Province, from May to August 2014

Cluster Davao Oriental Compostela Valley TOTAL Project Costs

Infrastructure 2 1 3 PhP226.6M

Livelihood 1 2 3 PhP38.4M

Resettlement 2 2 4 PhP637.6M

Social Services 2 1 3 PhP979.2M

TOTAL 7 6 13 PhP1.882B

A. INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTERConstruction of Mayo Bridge and Approaches

Along Montevista-Compostela-Mati Boundary Road, New Bataan, Compostela ValleyDate Visited: 21 May 2014

STATUS: ONGOING

Project Information

Implementing Agency: DPWH RO XIContractor: Oscar R. Sarmiento ConstructionProject Cost: PhP113.195 millionContract Cost: PhP116.19 millionSource of Fund: DPWH Typhoon Pablo funds (CY 2013)Start: 12 February 2014End: 26 December 2014Duration: 318 CD

(Top) Site of the Bridge Approach at the New Bataan Side. (Bottom) Site where the New Mayo Bridge will be Constructed.

By Grace L. Magalona, PMED, NEDA XI


(Top) Maxi/Plas walling technology was utilized for the housing units. (Bottom) Ongoing units with roof and walls.

B. LIVELIHOOD CLUSTERDA: Cacao Rehabilitation Assistance

Compostela ValleyDate Visited: 13 August 2014

STATUS: COMPLETED

Project Information

Implementing Agency: DA and Provincial Government of Compostela ValleyProject Cost: PhP13.125 million (province-wide)Start : January 2013End : December 2013

Planted cacao seedlings in Brgy. Olaycon, Monkayo.

Municipality Brgys. Recipients Area (ha) Seedlings

Monkayo 7 200 200 50,000

New Bataan 10 230 200 50,000

Maragusan 10 200 100 25,000

Compostela 4 240 120 30,000

Nabunturan 9 200 100 25,000

Mawab 11 200 100 25,000Montevista 10 512 280 70,000

Maco 2 200 100 25,000Laak 10 600 300 75,000

TOTAL (ComVal) 73 2,582 1,500 375,000

PROJECT COVERAGE

C. RESETTLEMENT CLUSTERBaculin Housing Project

Brgy. Baculin, Baganga, Davao OrientalDate Visited: 12 August 2014

STATUS: ONGOING

Project Information

Implementing Agency: NHA Central OfficeDeveloper: Verzontal BuildersProject Cost: PhP207.14 MillionSource of Fund: NHA Typhoon Pablo fundsStart: December 2013End: October 2014


(Top) Completed Housing Units. Note that the housing units on the right row have bigger frontages than those on the left row. (Bottom) Interior of one of the unfinished units.

New Bataan Resettlement Project Brgys. San Roque and Andap, New BataanCompostela ValleyDate Visited: 22 May 2014 STATUS: ONGOING

Project Information

Implementing Agency: NHA Central OfficeDeveloper: C.S. Garcia ConstructionProject Cost: PhP519.2 millionSource of Fund: NHA Typhoon Pablo fundsStart: August 2013End: December 2014Duration: 122 CD (o), 182 CD (r)

D. SOCIAL SERVICES CLUSTER Construction of School buildings for Baganga CES

Baganga, Davao OrientalDate Visited: 12 August 2014 STATUS: COMPLETED

Project Information

Implementing Agency: DPWH Davao Oriental 1st DEOContractor: FFJJ ConstructionProject Cost: PhP35.1 millionContract Cost: PhP35.0989 millionSource of Fund: DPWH Typhoon Pablo funds (CY 2012)Start: 26 September 2013End: 25 January 2015 (o), 6 March 2014 (r)Duration: 122 CD (o)

(Top) Two of the Completed One-Storey Classroom Buildings. (Bottom) Gabaldon School Building.


This bulletin is published by the RDC XI Secretariat, NEDA Regional Offi ce XI, in coordination with the members and

cooperating agencies of RDC XI.This serves as an outlet for the general

advocacy activities of RDC XI.

We welcome your contributions, comments and suggestions.

Please send them toRDC XI Communicator, NEDA-RDC XI

Center, Km. 7, Bangkal, Davao Cityor e-mail us at [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD

Davao Oriental, Philippines— Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) is the latest addition to the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. This was announced by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee after conducting its deliberation during the 38th Session last June 23, 2014 in Doha, Qatar.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said it was an overwhelming moment of pride and joy for Davao Oriental to advance its bid for the inscription. She thanked the World Heritage Committee for placing Mt. Hamiguitan in the much-coveted list. “Our Special thanks also go to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for their evaluation of the site and their constructive and open engagement with us,” she said.

The country’s sixth property inscribed in the list, Mt. Hamiguitan is also the fi rst in the entire island of Mindanao and the fi rst mountain in the Philippines to be inscribed in the highly-esteemed list.

The MHRWS is considered one of the most important biodiversity areas in the Philippines flourishing with

diverse species of flora and fauna. Situated at the southern end of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mt. Hamiguitan covers 31,879 hectares of beach, lowland, mountain and mossy forest.

While famous for its century-old ‘pygmy’ or bonsai forest which signifi es its highly mineralized soil, Mt. Hamiguitan is also home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. The area has been offi cially protected in 2004 through Republic Act 9303. Aside from being a natural, must-see attraction of the province that is poised to boost the province’s tourism industry, Davao Oriental is doubling its effort in the protection and preservation of the site, making sure that the influx of tourists will not disturb the wildlife haven.

Covered by three political territories, the municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso and the City of Mati are working hand-in-hand with the provincial government in crafting policies which would mean the reinforcement of imposing strict compliance to the Provincial Environment Code and guidelines that would help preserve and conserve Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan. (Karen Lou Deloso, PIO, Davao Oriental)

Davao Oriental’s Mt. HamiguitanRange Wildlife Sanctuaryinscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site

Editor in ChiefRD Maria Lourdes D. Lim

Associate EditorOIC-ARD Mae Ester T. Guiamadel

Managing EditorsCatherine A. Laguesma

Priscilla R. SonidoMiguel S. Herrera III

Mario M. RealistaConcepcion C. Anaud

NEDA XI ContributorsMiguel S. Herrera IIIMarivic C. NatividadFely M. RabeJanice A. CerezoMia Glenda G. AracidGrace L. MagalonaJ.B. Tomas H. Busque IVEmil B. ClaritoJohn Christopher B. Saligan

External ContributorsKaren Lou Deloso, PIO, Davao OrientalJoel Owano, PIO, Davao Oriental Jen Mendoza, DTI XI

Documents

RDC XI Communicator 3rd Qtr 2014