caraga today january-march 2015

today caraga Vol. XVIII, Issue 1 January - March 2015

A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council

PAGE 18

Q3 2014 Regional

Economic Situationer

PAGE 24

Q4 2014 Regional

Project Monitoring

Report

Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20 PAGE 22

Published quarterly by the Caraga Regional Development Council with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority-Caraga, Nimfa Tiu Building I, JP Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.

For questions, comments, and suggestions email us at [email protected] or call (085) 341-4195.

caraga today Volume XVIII Issue 1 January-March 2015

PAGE 4 Caraga Regional

Development Council through the years

PAGE 10

Caraga Regional Development Council

reports 2014 accomplishments

PAGE 22

Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20

PAGE 23

Caraga Regional Development Council, GIZ hold first Regional

Land Use Forum

PAGE 24 Caraga Regional

Development Council steers FY 2016 regional

budget review

PAGE 36 Seniang affected

farmers get support from the Department of

Agriculture-Caraga

On this issue

FEATURE With a market of over 600 million consumers and combined GDP of nearly US$3 trillion, ASEAN is offering a future of prosperity and stability. Know more about the ASEAN Economic Integration from the following pages.

PAGE 18 12 things about ASEAN Economic Community PAGE 19 ASEAN Economic Community Key Messages CENTERFOLD Timeline of the ASEAN Economic Community Integration

HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 34 Highlights: 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Results for Caraga Region PAGE 35 Highlights: 8th National Nutrition Survey Results for Caraga Region PAGE 40 Highlights: Millennium Development Goals Status for Caraga Region

PAGE 37 TESDA-Caraga gets

scholarship fund hike, PhP11.9M skills training

PAGE 38

Department of Trade and Industry, city

chamber hold tariff elimination, ASEAN

economic integration session

PAGE 39

IN PHOTOS: Caraga turns over a new leaf

at 20

3 Vol. XVIII Issue 1

Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido

Writers Sherwin E. Verdun

Michelle P. Dela Calzada

Mirasol P. Montenegro

Graziella C. Harting

Paris Raymond S. Gaballo

Rhea Mae C. Mendez

Design Editor Sherwin E. Verdun

Contributors DA, DTI, TESDA

Adviser RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cario

Editors Note Jazmin D. Berido

This year, Caraga Region

and the Caraga Regional

Development Council

(RDC) celebrate their 20th

year anniversary.

On this issue we feature

the platinum year

celebration of Caraga and

the achievements of the

Caraga RDC.

Also, this year the

ASEAN Economic

Community (AEC) starts its

integration. To understand

how the integration would

benefit the ASEAN region,

we feature introductory

articles about the AEC. We

begin with the 12 things that

we should know about the

AEC. We follow it with the

key messages to enhance

understanding of the

concept. At the centerfold,

we draw the timeline to

illustrate how the

integration evolved.

We highlight in this

issue the results of the 2013

National Demographic and

Health Survey (NDHS) and

the 8th National Nutrition

Survey (NNS) for Caraga

Region. NDHS aims to

measure levels and trends in

demographic, family

planning, and health

indicators for monitoring,

evaluating, and designing

population and health

policies and programs of the

government. Meanwhile the

NNS aims to assess and

monitor nutrition and health

status and food

consumption; identify

Editorial Board

nutritional problems of

public health significance;

and determine and monitor

utilization of nutrition and

related programs.

More importantly, we

feature the status of the

Millennium Development

Goals (MDG) targets for Caraga Region. The MDGs

were established in 2000

following the United

Nations Millennium

Declaration to achieve eight

goals by 2015.

Finally, we present the

regions economic situation for the third quarter of 2014

and the projects monitored

by the Regional Project

Monitoring Committee for

the fourth quarter of 2014.

4 caraga today

Caraga Regional Development Council through the years by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga

At the dawn of the 20th century, the

name Caraga drowned in oblivion when

Provincia de Caraga became Provincia de

Surigao; more so, when Surigao and

Agusan provinces were sub-divided and

formed part of Region 10 while Surigao del

Sur became part of Region 11.

Years passed, underdevelopment

plagued the provinces of Surigao and

Agusan. Cognizant of this concern, seven

valiant congressional representatives

decided to unite the Surigaos and Agusans

into one region and give this erstwhile

neglected area the governments attention and focus.

Representatives Charito Plaza, Eduardo

Rama, Sr., Ceferino Paredes, Jr., Glenda

Ecleo, Robert Barbers, Mario Ty, and

Jesnar Falcon successfully labored for the

passage of RA 7901. Thus, Caraga

marched to a new dawn and began writing

its own history as a new region of the

Philippines.

At the outset, the road was bumpy for

the new region as it had to grapple with

many issues like persistent poverty, slow

economic growth, unemployment,

malnutrition, environmental degradation,

and others. But Caraga as a region believes

that meaningful development can come

only from convergence of efforts of

different sectors of society. Subsequently,

the Caraga Regional Development Council

was convened to steer the region towards

Caraga Region was created 20 years ago. But unknown to most of us, the name

Caraga already existed for more than 400 years when the Spaniards formed a

military garrison in 1609 in Tandag. Provincia de Caraga was born with Tandag as

capital.

Tandag - The first capital. The Spaniards formed Caraga by creating a military garrison in 1609 to reinforce their invasion of Tandag. Later on the Provincia de Caraga was born with Tandag as capital. The Moros re-occupied Tandag and the capital moved to Surigao. But not long ago, the Moros were driven out in 1848 with an expanded territory.


progress. Twenty years later, Caraga RDC

has passed many milestones for the region.

For twenty years, five chairpersons

guided the Caraga RDC and pushed for

continued progress for the region.

Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante,

then Governor of the Province of

Agusan del Norte, became the first

Caraga RDC chair from 1995-1998 with

Mr. Felix Villacastin as her co-Chair.

During this period, the Caraga RDC:

Endorsed the first set of proposed

budgets of the regional line agencies;

and the initial protected area plan for

the Siargao Island Protected Landscape

and Seascape (SIPLAS) in the Province

of Surigao del Norte;

Endorsed the following: the Lower

Agusan Development Project (LADP)

Flood Control Component Phase II for the construction of flood control

facilities for the lower Agusan River;

the construction/improvement of

Loreto-Dinagat-Cagdianao road, and

the proposed Butuan City

Circumferential Road Project

The Commission on Population-Caraga

became a special non-voting member of the

Caraga RDC; and Mario Vias, Elsa

Sobrecaray, Felix Villacastin, Engr. Leonel

Santos, Engr. Epimaco Galero II, Cecilio

Corvera, Edna Hontiveros, and Rogelio

Fabe became the first set of Private Sector

Representatives.

Hon. Valentina Plaza, then Governor

of the Province of Agusan del Sur,

succeeded as the second Caraga RDC

chair from 1998-2001 with Engr.

Epimaco Galero Jr. as her co-Chair.

During this time, the Caraga RDC

membership grew with the addition of the

Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority (TESDA) and the

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

as regular members; and the Armed Forces

of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine

National Police (PNP) as special non-

voting members.

The Gender and Development

Coordinating Committee was created to

handle and advocate GAD-related issues

and concerns.

The quarterly Caraga RDC newsletter

was born to provide a regular medium for

information dissemination about RDC

matters and activities. And, it continues to

fulfill its purpose after twenty years and is

now known as the Caraga Today.

Caraga RDC officially recognized the

Lake Mainit Development Alliance headed

The Women of Caraga. Former Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Charito Plaza (left) lobbied for the passage of RA 7901 which makes Caraga a region. (Right) Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante became the first Caraga RDC chairperson.

6 caraga today

by then Gov. Francisco Matugas.

The Caraga RDC endorsed the

following: proposed Bayugan Water

District Development Program for funding

under the Local Water Utilities Authority;

conduct of counterpart feasibility study and

detailed engineering preparation of the

Adgaoan-Umayam River Irrigation Project

between the Agusan del Sur and NIA;

concreting of the Surigao-Davao Coastal

Road for funding and improvement and

development of the Loreto Cagdianao National Road Network in Dinagat Island;

improvement of the Siargao Island

Circumferential Road; middle Agusan

River Development Project and the Surigao

City Sanitary Landfill Project.

In 2001, the Caraga RDC adopted the

Regional Tourism Master Plan 2002-2030

that outlines the various prospects for

promotion like natural resource

endowments, rich historical and cultural

heritage and strategic location of the

region.

In 2001-2004, Hon. Lyndon Barbers,

then Governor of the Province of

Surigao del Norte, chaired the Caraga

RDC.

Mainstreaming GAD efforts in the

region was pushed and the Caraga RDC

adopted the industry clustering approach as

a strategy for Caragas regional development.

During this time, the Caraga RDC

membership again grew when the Land

Bank of the Philippines (LBP),

Development Bank of the Philippines

(DBP), and Quedan and Rural Credit

Guarantee Corporation (QUEDANCOR)

were confirmed as special non-voting

members of the Council. Likewise, the

membership of the Private Sector

Representatives was expanded.

The Caraga RDC supported the

following: Anti-trafficking in Persons Act

of 2002, the Child Friendly Movement, and

the KALAHI-CIDSS as the governments strategy for convergence in fighting

poverty. It likewise endorsed the 2nd

Womens Health and Safe Motherhood Project, and the proposed watershed/forest

reserve areas in Caraga Region for

presidential proclamation under NIPAS

Law of 1992.

The RDC mounted the Caraga Roads

and Bridges Forum, supported the 11th

Mindanao Business Conference, and the

conduct of the 1st Regional Cooperative

Congress, the Mindanao-wide GIS

Conference-Workshop, the 9th Caraga

Siargao Islands are low-lying islands that rise to a maximum altitude of only 290 m. There are very extensive mangrove forests on the island, which cover a total of c. 8,700 ha. There are large areas of old growth lowland dipterocarp forest (reported to cover 12% of the island) and secondary or residual forest (reported to cover 33% of the island), and areas of grassland (reported to cover 12% of the island). Source: http://www.birdlife.org/


Business Conference, and the Mindanao

Environment and Watershed Summit.

It created an Oversight Committee to

assist DENR in managing the production

forest within the Caraga forest plantation

corridor and in monitoring, evaluating, and

assessing the implementation of the

community-based resource management

agreement.

On its 10th year, the Caraga RDC

was chaired by the late Hon. Democrito

Plaza II, Mayor of Butuan City, from

2004-2007 with Engr. Leonel Santos as

his co-Chair.

The Caraga RDC supported tourism

initiatives to boost Caragas tourism potential such as the conduct of WOW

Caraga: Madyaw Karajao Roadshow

Presentation in Caraga and Madyaw

Karajao 2005 in Manila. It also supported

the implementation of One Town One

Product Philippines (OTOP Philippines)

program, the implementation of RA 8980

or the Early Childhood Care and

Development (ECCD) Act and the

institutionalization of the ECCD

Programme at the Regional and Local

levels.

This term endorsed critical

infrastructure projects such as the Butuan-

Malaybalay Road, Butuan-Tandag Road,

Second Magsaysay Bridge, and Butuan

City Bypass Road Project, expansion of the

runway of the Butuan City Bancasi Airport

and Umayam Irrigation Project.

At the provincial level, the governors

were requested to formulate watershed

management and development plans.

The Caraga RDC fervently promoted

and supported the mainstreaming of the

Millennium Development Goals

concerning children in the planning process

at the regional and local levels and the

mainstreaming of the Millennium

Development Goals in local development

alongside the request for the establishment

of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs

and local investment boards in all local

government units.

The National Economic Research and

Business Assistance Center (NERBAC)

was created to support the government

policy of providing necessary strategic

economic and business information and

research assistance to speed up the process

and encourage the growth of

entrepreneurship.

In 2009, the coconut and moringa

industries were recognized and adopted as

part of the Caraga Regions industry

Millennium Development Goals. The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 form a blueprint agreed to by all the worlds countries and all the worlds leading development institutions. They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the worlds poorest.

8 caraga today

clusters.

The Regional Geographic Information

System Network (RGISN) was established

to support the effective physical planning,

decision-making, policy making,

investment programming, monitoring and

evaluation of socioeconomic development

and environmental-related programs,

projects and policies for sustainable

development.

Hon. Sol Matugas, Governor of the

Province of Surigao del Norte, became

the fifth chairperson of the Caraga RDC

and the first to serve two consecutive

terms. She chaired the Caraga RDC

together with Mr. Marlon Advincula as

her co-Chair from 2010-2013 and again

from 2013 to present.

In 2010, the conceptual framework of

the Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset

Management (COSERAM) Programme

was endorsed. Likewise, Caraga RDC

published the Disaster Risk Reduction and

Climate Change Adaptation Enhanced

Regional Physical Framework Plan for the

years 2004-2030. The Regional Physical

Framework Plan serves as the reference in

the advocacy and mainstreaming of

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate

Change Adaptation in the regional and sub-

regional development plans, programs, and

policy initiatives.

Subsequently, the Caraga RDC

requested support from all local

government units for the mainstreaming of

the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate

Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) in local

development planning and decision-

making processes.

The Caraga RDC:

Supported the enforcement of the

Magna Carta for Disabled Persons;

Launched the Regional GIS Center and

the Regional GIS Network and its

website with funding support from the

Korean Government;

Improved the RGIS Center and

provided training to the RGISN

members with funding support from

GIZ;

Coordinated the research project on the

perceptions of Pantawid Pamilyang

Pilipino Program Beneficiaries in 2013;

Endorsed the Reconstruction for

Socioeconomic Enhancement (RISE)

Plan for Tropical Depression Agaton-

affected areas in Caraga Region as

Caragas strategic roadmap for recovery and reconstruction ; and

Created the Committee on Indigenous

The Regional Geographic Information Network Center. A project with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Initially, KOICA deployed three Korean volunteers with expertise on GIS and computer programming. It also funded the project for US$50,000. Later, the Caraga RDC institutionalized the Regional Geographic Information Network with 38 members through RDC Resolution 23, series of 2009 to provide quality and up-to-date spatial information and GIS services in Caraga Region for effective planning, resource allocation, and management. The Regional Geographic Information Center was launched March 22, 2011. Later, the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) supported the project by providing funds for the procurement of equipment and capacity building worth PhP1.2 million.


Peoples Concerns. Only Caraga and the

Cordillera Administrative Region

(CAR) have such bodies to give

importance to IP concerns.

In 2012, Caragas poverty incidence among families declined and Caragas GRDP growth rate emerged as one of the

highest in the country.

Under Chairperson Matugas leadership, the Caraga RDC achieved many

firsts:

In 2013, the Caraga RDCs Regional Project Monitoring Committee became

the first to apply geo-tagging

technology in project monitoring

among all the RPMCs in the country.

Geo-tagging is the process of adding

geographical information to

photographs of projects monitored.

Because of these trailblazing efforts,

the Caraga Regional Project

Monitoring Team serve as resource

persons on geo-tagging to other

RPMCs in the country.

In 2014, the Caraga RDC became the

first RDC to go paperless by using

tablets during meetings.

Also in 2014, the Caraga RDC was the

first to implement projects for the

communication of the Revised Caraga

Regional Development Plan. It

conducted:

Agents of Change and the

Corporate Partners For a; and Be the Agent of Change contests on

jingle making, canvas painting, and

photography.

After 20 years, the quest for economic

and social progress continues to challenge

the Caraganons to do great feats and create

groundbreaking ideas for the region.

Everyone has to work harder to further

reduce poverty incidence so that everyone

will live better lives as well as fulfill the

targets of the Millennium Development

Goals.

For an economically and socially

progressive region, the Caraga RDC

continues to position Caraga as the Fishery,

Agro-Forestry, Mining, and Eco-Tourism

center of the country, or the FAME center

of the Philippines. Everyone should

continue to labor until this dream is

realized. It is a daunting task but it is

possible.

An initiative of the Caraga RDC Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns, the Caraga 18th anniversary hosted a forum with different IP groups in Caraga.

10 caraga today

FY 2015 Caraga RDC Endorsed Budget

The Caraga RDC In Numbers

4 - Full Council Meetings 1 - Special Council Meeting

2 - Executive Committee Meeting 4 - Development Administration Committee Meetings

4 - Economic Development Committee Meetings 4 - Infrastructure Development Committee Meetings

4 - Social Development Committee Meetings


related concerns of the

region which need the

action of the Secretary were

also presented to during the

meeting.

During the 78th RDC

Full Council Meeting on

March 20, 2014, the Council

endorsed the Fiscal Year

2015 proposed budgets of

regional line agencies

(RLAs) and state

universities and colleges

(SUCs) amounting to PhP

55.9 billion. The RDC

endorsed proposed budget is

for the 23 RLAs, 12

attached agencies/bureaus

and four SUCs. The budgets

underwent a rigorous

process of consultation with

different stakeholders

including civil society

before securing the

The Caraga Regional

Development Council

(RDC) started the year 2014

with the launching of the

Revised Caraga Regional

Development Plan (RDP)

2013-2016 on January 15,

2014 in Butuan City. It was

followed by the ASEAN

Economic Community 2015

Integration Forum on

January 24, 2014 also in

Butuan City.

A Special RDC Meeting

with Sec. Florencio Abad of

the Department of Budget

and Management was held

on February 28, 2014 in

Butuan City. In the said

meeting, the RDC apprised

the Secretary on the recent

developments in Caraga

three years after his first

visit to the region. Budget

endorsement of the RDC.

The selection of Mayor

Dale Corvera (Cabadbaran

City) as the new RDC-

Development

Administration Committee

(DAC) Chairperson and

Mayor Shiela Mae Cebedo

as the new Local Chief

Executives (LCE) representative to the RDC-

Executive Committee

(ExeCom) were confirmed

by the Council.

To chart the direction

and priorities of the Council

in the next three years, the

RDCs Direction for 2014-2016 was formulated.

During the 3rd quarter RDC

Meeting, the Council shifted

from paper to digital agenda

kits as an initiative to

further improve the

Caraga Regional Development Council reports 2014 accomplishments by Michelle P. Dela Calzada, NEDA-Caraga

Launching of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016

ASEAN Economic Community 2015 Integration Forum

12 caraga today

Endorsing the Regional Ecotourism Committee Resolution No. 2013-20, A Resolution Requesting the Regional Development Council to Pass a Resolution Requesting the Department of Education to Develop a Specialized Information, Education and Communication Module Integrating Tourism Concepts and Highlighting Local Ecotourism Destinations in Caraga Region, in Order to Promote a Culture of Tourism Especially Among the Youth

Endorsing to the RDC the Results Matrices of the Good Governance and the Rule of Law and Peace and Security Chapters of the Revised RDP 2013-2016

Endorsing to the RDC the Communication Plan for the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016

Endorsing to the RDC the Election of Mayor Dale B. Corvera of Cabadbaran City as the New RDC-DAC Chairperson

Endorsing to the RDC the Request for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to Equip the Surigao City PNP with Additional Three Mobile Vehicle for Operations

Endorsing to the RDC the Request for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to Disaggregate Data of Province of Dinagat Islands from Surigao del Norte

Endorsing to the RDC the Proposed Institutionalization of the Regional Development Budgeting Process Framework to the Office of the President, DBM, NEDA Board Regional Development Committee (RDCom), and other RDCs

Requesting the RDC to request the Office of the President through the Permanent Committee (DOF, DFA, DBM) to adopt the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) and Commission on Audit (COA) Resolutions Providing for the Increase of Government Personnel Daily Travel Allowance for Local Travels from P800 to P1,500

Development Administration Committee

Economic Development Committee

Resolutions passed


region. This document

serves as a reference of the

Council in evaluating the

FY 2015 proposed budgets

of the RLAs and SUCs.

To ensure that there is

horizontal and vertical

linkage of targets, the

Results Matrices (RM), one

of the companion

documents of the Revised

Caraga RDP 2013-2016 was

adopted. The RM

establishes the desired

development results that the

region intends to achieve by

the end of the plan

implementation period. To

ensure that the targets set in

the RM are realistic,

attainable and vertically

linked to the programs and

projects of various

stakeholders, the RDC

Secretariat validated with

the stakeholders the

indicators and targets

identified in the RM then

these were presented and

endorsed by the concerned

Sectoral Committees. The

adoption of the RMs by the

Council is a concrete move

to ensure that government

deliver results.

The Caraga RDC

conducted four Full Council

efficiency of RDC meetings.

This initiative is the first

among RDCs nationwide.

As part of the regions effort to fast track the

rehabilitation of Tropical

Depression Agaton affected

areas, the RDC endorsed the

Reconstruction Intervention

for Socioeconomic

Enhancement (RISE) for

Tropical Depression Agaton

-Affected Areas. This paved

the way for securing the

budget for the

implementation of the

needed rehabilitation and

reconstruction projects.

Moreover, the inclusion of

rehabilitation and

reconstruction projects in

the RLAs proposed budgets was a requirement in

securing RDC endorsement.

The Revalidated

Regional Development

Investment Program 2013-

2016 which contains the

priority programs, projects

and activities (PPAs) of the

agencies, LGUs, state

colleges and universities

and the private sector was

also updated. This is to

ensure that the priority

PPAs are responsive to the

needs and priorities of the

meetings and passed 68

resolutions. During these

meetings, a total of 40

projects/programs were

endorsed by the Council to

the appropriate agencies/

funding institutions. A

number of these projects

have been funded for

implementation.

Endorsement of projects

that support tourism

development, improve

access to tourism

destinations and production

areas and mainstream DRR-

CCA measures in the region

has been a key agenda of the

Council in 2014. The

Council also supported 13

policy reforms including the

proposal to institutionalize

the regional development

budgeting process

framework into the existing

Philippine budgeting

process. Another policy

reform endorsed by the

Council is the adoption of

the Constitutional Fiscal

Autonomy Group (CFAG)

and COA Resolutions

Providing for the Increase of

Government Personnel

Daily Travel Allowance for

Local Travels from Php

800.00 to Php 1,500.00.

Special Caraga RDC Meeting with Sec. Florencio Abad

Second Quarter 2014 Caraga RDC Meeting and Oath Taking Ceremony of Gov. Sol Matugas as Caraga RDC Chair

14 caraga today

Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Proposed Strategic Road Links of Surigao Del Norte

Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the projects for Feasibility Studies and Detailed Engineering Proposals for NEDA Funding

Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Unfunded Tourism-Related Road projects of Agusan Del Norte, Butuan City and Agusan Del Sur

Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Proposed Butuan City Flood Control Project and Construction of Drainage System Along national Roads

Resolution Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the Three FSDE Proposals of Surigao Del Sue namely; Sedimentation and Flooding Control of Cantilan Irrigation System, Completion of Tago River Irrigation System and Flood Protection Works, Slope Stabilization of Tandag Riverbank and Diversion Dam of Sta. Felomina CIS

Infrastructure Development Committee

Resolutions passed

Endorsing to the RDC the Proposed Priority Courses Representing 3% of the Total Number of Scholarships for Caraga Region

Endorsing to the Regional Development Council the request to strongly urge the Local Government Units (LGUs) to Create Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the provincial, municipal and city levels of Caraga Region

Endorsing to the RDC the request for LGUs to include a Person with Disability as a regular member of the City/Municipal Building Inspectorate Team in monitoring the compliance of government and business establishments with Accessibility Law

Endorsing to the RDC the request for the inclusion of Municipal Population Officers (MPOs) in the Municipal Development Councils (MDC)s Sectoral Committees

Endorsing to the RDC the request for the Department of Education to Develop a Specialized IEC Module Integrating Tourism Concepts and Highlighting Local Eco-Tourism Destinations in Caraga Region to Promote a Culture of Tourism Especially Among the Youth

Endorsing to the RDC the request to encourage the LGUs to pass an ordinance requiring boarding house operators to secure business permits

Endorsing to the RDC the request to encourage the LGUs to pass an ordinance regulating access of teenagers to motels, hotels and beach cottages

Social Development Committee


of the International Mens Day in Caraga Region. Thus, on November 19, the

region celebrated for the

first time International

Mens Day making Caraga Region the first to celebrate

the event. The celebration is

aimed at improving gender

relations, highlighting

positive male role models

and celebrating mens achievement and

contributions, particularly to

the community, family and

child care.

The Multi-Sectoral

Forest Protection

Committee met twice in

2014. A milestone

resolution passed by the

Committee is the resolution

supporting the reactivation

and strengthening of the

Ports Integrated Clearance

Office (PICO) at Nasipit

Port which resulted in the

activation of PICO and

allocation of budget for its

Office. With the

enforcement of EO 23, the

Committee participated in

the conduct of anti-illegal

logging operations and

apprehended/seized/

confiscated a total of

1931303.84 board feet of

The Regional Project

Monitoring Committee

conducted a total of six

monitoring activities

including two special

monitoring activities of

rehabilitation and

reconstruction projects in

areas affected by Tropical

Depression Pablo and

Agaton. The Committee was

able to monitor a total of

262 projects. The monitored

projects include roads and

bridges, slope and river

bank protection, irrigation,

school building projects,

and health facilities

enhancement.

Since the organization

of the Caraga RPMC, the

region hosted for the first

time a National Project

Monitoring Committee

(NPMC) Meeting on May

14-15, 2014 in Tandag City.

All the RPMCs all over the

country were represented

during the said meeting.

The RDC Executive

Committee (ExeCom)

conducted two meetings and

passed 11 resolutions. A

milestone resolution passed

by the RDC ExeCom is

Resolution No. 6, S. 2014

Supporting the Celebration

forest products.

The Council also closely

monitored the advance


Senior High School in the

region and provided

avenues such as Technical

Working Group (TWG)

meeting on April 8, 2014

and a Forum on Senior High

School Advance

Implementation to discuss

operational issues and gaps

and come up with

appropriate actions.

The Regional Land Use

Committee geared up for the

updating of the Regional

Physical Framework Plan.

Thus, series of training-

workshops were conducted

to capacitate the RLUC and

the technical working group

members in physical

planning. Among these

training-workshops are:

1. Orientation on Land

Administration and

Management Policies in

the Physical Framework

Planning Process (July

17-18, 2014);

2. Integrating Conflict

Sensitivity in the

Regional Physical

Framework Planning

Process (Aug 4-6);

Simulation of the Digital Caraga RDC Meeting during the Second Quarter Caraga RDC-Social Development Committee Meeting

Agent of Change Forum

16 caraga today

Major outputs and activities of RDC Sectoral Committees

The Sectoral Committees updated the Results Matrices of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016 and was approved by the Council. Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Mindanao Spatial Strategy/Development Framework. Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Communication Plan (ComPlan) of the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016 was approved. Endorsed to the Caraga RDC the Reconstruction Intervention for Socioeconomic Enhancement (RISE) for Tropical Depression Agaton-Affected Areas.

Planning Investment Programming

Budgeting

The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees updated the Regional Development Investment Program 2013-2016. The Caraga RDC endorsed 40 projects/programs. These projects would help boost the tourism industry, improve access to tourism sites and production areas in the region and Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) projects.

The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees conducted Regional Budget Consultation and consultation with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the proposed agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) budgets. The Caraga RDC endorsed the FY 2015 Agency and SUCs Budget Proposals.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) conducted quarterly monitoring of programs and projects in the region. Two special monitoring activities for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects were also conducted.

Advocacy

To engender support for the implementation of the Revised Caraga RDP Plan 2013-2016, the following activities were conducted: Agents of Change Forum; Be the Agent of Change Photography,

Canvas Painting and Jingle Making Contests;

Corporate Partners Forum; and 2014 Agents of Change Awards

Other RDC Initiatives

The Caraga RDC is the first to prepare a Communication Plan for the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016 and the first to implement a paperless RDC meeting.


GADCC conducted a Forum

on Reproductive Health

Bill, jail visitation and

Kalandrakas X. The

regions call to end violence was highlighted with the

conduct of the 18 day

campaign to end violence

against women where

various activities were

conducted.

The successful


Revised RDP relies on the

effective communication of

the Revised RDPs vision, goals, objectives and targets

and the support and

participation of the regional

stakeholders. During the

79th RDC Full Council

Meeting on June 29, 2014,

the Communication Plan for

the Revised RDP 2013-2016

(ComPlan) was approved.

The ComPlan contains

communication strategies

and various activities to

communicate and advocate

the Revised Caraga

Regional Development Plan

2013-2016 (Plan) to the

different stakeholders. The

call to action message of the

Communication Plan is Be the agent of change a call for everyone to do relevant

3. Integrating Gender and

Development Concerns

in the Regional Physical

Framework Planning

Process (Aug 18-20);

4. Training on Geographic

Information System for

Beginners (Oct 13-17);

5. Training Workshop on

the Integrated

Ecosystem Management

in the Sub-National

Physical Planning

Processes cum Training

on Map Generation

(Sept 29-Oct 3, 2014);

and

6. Training Workshop on

the Regional Physical

Framework Planning

(Dec 1-5, 2014).

As a result, the Planning

Environment Chapter of

Gender and Conflict

Sensitive, DRR-CCA-

Enhanced Caraga Regional

Physical Framework Plan

has been drawn.

The Gender and

Development Coordinating

Committee (GADCC)

continues to take the lead in

implementing gender and

development initiatives in

the region. During the

Womens Month Celebration, the RDC-

and strategic actions for the

region and become agents of

positive change.

As contained in the

ComPlan, the RDC

conducted the Agents of

Change Forum, Corporate

Partners Forum, Agents of

Change Photography,

Canvass Painting and Jingle

Making Competitions and

2014 Agents of Change

Awards. All these initiatives

are aimed at engendering

support for the

implementation of the RDP

and popularizing the call for

everyone to be agents of

positive change.

With these

accomplishments in 2014,

the RDC remains true to its

commitment to forge strong

partnership and be a

hallmark of unity and

cooperation. The Caraga

RDC will continue to blaze

trails that will bring into

fruition a development that

is high and sustainable,

generates mass employment

that draws the majority of

Caraganons into the

economic and social

mainstream and facilitates

the reduction of poverty.

Geographic Information System Training for Beginners

18 caraga today

ASEAN Economic Community: 12 Things to Know Source: Asian Development Bank, 2014

1 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is intensifying efforts to realize by 2015 the ASEAN Economic Community and implement the initiatives to achieve a

single market and production base, allowing the free flow of goods, services,

investments, and skilled labor, and the freer movement of capital across the region.

2 If ASEAN were one economy, it would be seventh largest in the world with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.4 trillion in 2013. It could be fourth

largest by 2050 if growth trends continue.

3 With over 600 million people, ASEAN's potential market is larger than the European Union or North America. Next to the People's Republic of China and India, ASEAN

has the world's third largest labor force that remains relatively young.

4 ASEAN is one of the most open economic regions in the world, with total merchandise exports of over $1.2 trillion - nearly 54% of total ASEAN GDP and 7% of global

exports.

5 Created in 1967 mainly for political and security reasons, ASEAN is today a successful model for regionalism, widely recognized globally.

6 On its 40th anniversary in 2007, ASEAN adopted the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint, which advanced the completion target to 2015 from 2020.

7 The ASEAN Economic Community is defined by four pillars: (i) creating a single market and production base, (ii) increasing competitiveness, (iii) promoting equitable

economic development, and (iv) further integrating ASEAN with the global economy.

8 In November 2007, ASEAN leaders also approved the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Strategic Framework and Work Plan (2009-15), which is meant to bridge

the perceived "development divide" between the older and economically more

advanced members - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and

Thailand, known as the ASEAN-6, and the four newer ones - Cambodia (1999), Lao

People's Democratic Republic (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Viet Nam (1995).

9 As of October 2013, 279 measures (79.7%) of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint have been implemented.

10 Under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, the Common Effective Preferential Tariff scheme has brought down tariff rates on goods coming from ASEAN members to

virtually zero for ASEAN-6. The four new ASEAN members have until 2015 to reduce

their tariff.

11 While progress has been made in lowering tariffs and some behind-the-border economic hurdles, non-tariff barriers remain as major impediments to achieving a

single market by 2015. The liberalization of trade in services has also been slow

despite the industry's growing importance in the region.

12 An ADB Institute study finds that that the ASEAN Economic Community should be considered a stepping stone to deeper integration. With the appropriate policy mix,

ASEAN could triple per capita income by 2030, raising its citizens' quality of life to

levels enjoyed today by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD).

PROS/CONS + Dynamic growth region + Growing regional integration + Excellent production conditions - Market fragmentation - Infrastructure problems in some areas - Environmental challenges Source: www.bdg-asia.com/asean/

TOP EXPORTS Electrical machinery and equipment Mineral fuels, oils and products Animal and vegetable oils Rubber and rubber products Personal vehicles Plastics and plastic products Source: www.bdg-asia.com/asean/


ASEAN Economic Community Key Messages Source: ASEAN

SHARED MARKET, SHARED BENEFITS FROM TEN to ONE

With reduced barriers to trade and

investment, investors can move more freely

in the region, have greater access to capital

and benefit from moving goods easily

across borders.

SIMPLIFIED RULES, GREATER ACCESS TRADING ON A BIGGER STAGE

Trade in the region will be facilitated

through simple, harmonized and

streamlined trade and customs

documentation as well as rules and

procedures.

ASEAN: HOME FOR YOUR INVESTMENT PARTNERS IN BUSINESS

A more conducive business environment

will encourage investors who are not yet in

ASEAN to do business in the region,

provide greater confidence among current

investors and increase intra- ASEAN

investment.

MAKING CAPITAL WORK FOR YOU EXPANDING ACCESS TO FINANCE

A more robust financial sector translates

into stronger financial intermediation,

capacity and risk management to support

growth, and stronger cooperation to reduce

vulnerabilities to external shocks and

volatility.

ASEAN PROFESSIONALS ON THE MOVE BEST PEOPLE AND BEST PRACTICES

The diversity of talent found in the ten

Member States is a major benefit for

ASEAN employers as they build regional

companies.

1967 ASEAN established through the Bangkok

Declaration by the five original member countries: Malaysia,

Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore,

and Thailand

1971 Zone of Peace, Freedom and

Neutrality Declaration 1984

Brunei joins ASEAN

The ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint The AEC aims to transform ASEAN into a stable, prosperous and highly competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities. Specifically, it comprises four key pillars: (1) a single market and production base; (2) a highly competitive economic region; (3) a region of equitable economic development; and (4) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

Pillar 1 Single market and production base

Pillar 2 Competitive economic

region

Pillar 3 Equitable economic

development

Pillar 4 Integration into the

global economy

Free flow of goods Free flow of services Free flow of

investment Freer flow of capital Free flow of skilled

labor Priority integration

sectors Food, agriculture and

forestry

Competition policy Consumer protection Intellectual property

rights Infrastructure

development Taxation E-commerce

SME development Initiative for ASEAN

integration

Coherent approach towards external economic relations

Enhanced participation in global supply networks

Indonesia: 870.275 Malaysia: 312.433 Philippines: 272.018 Singapore: 295.744 Thailand: 387.156 Brunei: 16.214 Viet Nam: 170.565 Laos: 10.002 Myanmar: 56.408 Cambodia: 15.659

2013 Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in millions of USD

1976 First ASEAN Summit

convenes in Bali, Indonesia

Declaration of

ASEAN Concord

Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

1978 First ASEAN-

European Economic Community

ministerial meeting held in Brussels,

Belgium

1992 Agreement on the Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme for the

ASEAN Free Trade Area

1994 ASEAN establishes

the ASEAN Regional Forum

1995 Viet Nam joins

ASEAN

Treaty on the Southeast Asia

Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone

Adoption of ASEAN

Framework Agreement on Trade

in Services in Bangkok

1997 Laos and Myanmar

join ASEAN

ASEAN Vision 2020

1998 Adoption of ASEAN

Investment Area

1999 Cambodia joins

ASEAN

2006 ASEAN granted

observer status at United Nations

General Assembly

2007 ASEAN signs charter giving its 10 member states a legal identity, a first step towards its

aim towards a free trade area by 2015.

2008 ASEAN leaders met and addressed the

need to turn ASEAN into a legal entity that

will create a single free-trade area

2009 Free Trade

Agreement with Australia and New

Zealand signed

2011 Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community

in A Global of Nations Bali Concord III

2012 21st ASEAN Summit

held in Cambodia

2013 Negotiations start on

Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership (Trade

zone between ASEAN, and 6 major

trading partners - Australia, China,

India, Japan, New Zealand, and South

Korea

2015 Launch of the ASEAN Economic Community

Timeline of the ASEAN Economic Community Integration

Indonesia: 870.275 Malaysia: 312.433 Philippines: 272.018 Singapore: 295.744 Thailand: 387.156 Brunei: 16.214 Viet Nam: 170.565 Laos: 10.002 Myanmar: 56.408 Cambodia: 15.659

600+ million people live in ASEAN

countries

53% of Southeast Asias

population is under 30

$2.3 trillion approximate GDP of

ASEAN counties in 2012, with growth exceeding 5%

on average

Sources: BDG-Asia, ASEAN, Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd, Inside Investor, East Cube

2002 Declaration on the

Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

2003 ASEAN signs the Bali

Concord II which is the catalyst for the creation of a single

market and elimination of tariff

and non-tariff roadblocks within the region, as well as the

promotion of a democratic

peacemaking process

2005 First meeting of the

ASEAN Plus Six comprising the

ASEAN countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New

Zealand

Turning over a new leaf. Caraga at 20 is symbolized by a leaf logo, which denotes prosperity as a result of diligence. The number of leaves represent the 20 years of Caraga as a region, and the leaf colors are the colors of FAME. Caraga Region positions itself as the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

22 caraga today

winners of the Be the Agent

of Change Jingle-Making

Contest performed their

winning piece.

There was a 2-day

Caraga Through the Years

Exhibit and Trade Fair at

Almont Hotels Inland Resort and Convention

Center. A Forum on Land

Use Planning and a press

conference followed in the

afternoon. The festivities for

the day was capped by a

Fellowship Night organized

by the Association of

Caraga Executives (ACE).

Aside from this whole-day

event, other anniversary

activities were:

Caraga Regional Meet

Tandag City

February 23-27

led by DepEd and the

Provincial Government of

The Caraga Region, created

through Republic Act 7901

on February 23, 1995, is

now 20 years old!

The region during its

platinum anniversary is

recognizing various

milestones. The occasion,

dubbed as Caraga at 20, was celebrated with a

parade participated by

regional line agencies

(RLAs), local government

units (LGUs) and other

partners.

A Thanksgiving Mass

and Opening Programme

followed highlighting the

first ever State of the

Regional Address (SORA)

by Regional Development

Council (RDC) Chairperson

Sol Matugas.

Authors of RA 7901 as

well as other distinguished

officials were feted during

the programme. The

Caraga turns over a new leaf at 20 by Rhea Mae C. Mendez, NEDA-Caraga

Surigao del Sur

Local Overseas Job Fair

Claver, Surigao del Norte

and Butuan City

February 25 and 27

led by DOLE

Partners Forum of COSERAM

Almont Hotels Inland Resort, Butuan City

February 25-27

led by GIZ

Caraga Culinary Show

Bayugan City

February 26-27

led by DOT

Free National Competency

Assessment Services

TESDA Regional &

Provincial Offices

February 23-27

led by TESDA


Caraga Regional Development Council, GIZ hold first Regional Land Use Forum

The Caraga Regional

Development Council (RDC)

in partnership with GIZ held

the first ever Regional Land

Use Forum on February 23-24,

2015 at Almont Hotels Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Atty. Linda Malenab-

Hornilla, Commissioner-In-

Charge for Planning of the

Housing and Land Use

Regulatory Board (HLURB)

was the Keynote Speaker.

Hornilla cited Section 6,

Article 12 of the Philippine

Constitution that states, the use of property bears a social

function and all economic

agents shall contribute for the

common good. Along this line, she underscored the

critical role of government in

balancing the effects of two

contradicting but important

functions of land for the good

of the society as a whole and

for personal gains. She

explained that land has always

been regarded as a shared

natural resource (much like

water and air), which should

be conserved and cared for

with due consideration for its

effect on the society as a whole

and for the condition in which

it will be passed on to the

future generation.

On the other hand, land is

viewed as a property and

private commodity, which can

be owned and used, bought

and sold for personal comfort

and profit. She challenged the

local government units (LGUs)

to adhere to the principles of

sustainable development in the

preparation of their respective

Comprehensive Land Use

Plans (CLUPs).

RD Mylah Faye Aurora

Cario, RLUC Chairperson

and Caraga RDC Vice

Chairperson, presented the

Policy Paper on Land Use/

Rights Conflicts in Caraga

Region. The policy paper

provided the analysis of issues

and concerns pertaining to land

rights/resource use conflict and

the suggested alternative

courses of actions to be

implemented at the local,

regional and national levels to

promote good governance of

natural resources.

As a resource-based

economy, the regions biggest challenge is to strike a balance

between production and

conservation in order to have a

development that guarantees

not only economic growth but

also the preservation of culture

and integrity of environment.

After the presentation,

representatives from DENR 13

and Central Offices of DAR,

NCIP and BSWM provided

their responses to the issues

by Graziella C. Harting, NEDA-Caraga

concerning their respective

agencies.

Land use resource persons

talked about the land

management regimes in the

Philippines, application of the

Integrated Ecosystem

Management (IEM) Approach,

Climate Change Adaptation

Framework in the Philippines

and its Implications to Local

Planning, Enhanced-

Guidelines on the Preparation

of Comprehensive Land and

Use Plans (CLUPs) and

integration of disaster risk

reduction/climate change

adaptation in local land use/

physical planning processes.

During the Forum there

were presentations on best

practices of selected

development efforts on natural

resources management within

and outside Caraga Region.

Among those invited speakers

was Datu Lumad Samuel

Behing II, Chairperson of

Wawa Sektor Tribal Council in

Sibagat, who shared their

continued on page 38

24 caraga today

The National Budget Memorandum (NBM)

No. 123 dated January 28, 2015 recognizes

the critical role of the Regional

Development Councils (RDCs) in the FY

2016 National Budget Preparation.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 325,

Series of 1996, the RDC is tasked to

conduct a regional budget review to ensure

alignment and harmonization of the

programs, projects and activities of the

national government agencies (NGAs) and

local government units for greater impact

at the grassroots level.

The Caraga RDC issued a Regional

Budget Call for FY 2016 parallel to the

NBM to ensure that the budget proposals

of the agency regional offices (AROs),

state universities and colleges (SUCs) and

other government instrumentalities

consider the development thrusts and

priorities of the region.

Moreover, this years budget process broadens the participation of civil society

organizations and the private sector in

accordance with the principles of

transparency, accountability, integrity,

partnership, consultation and mutual

empowerment, respect for internal

processes, sustainability and national

interests.

Caraga Regional Development Council steers FY 2016 regional budget review

by Graziella C. Harting, NEDA-Caraga

Activities Schedule

Regional Budget Forum March 3, 2015

Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Consultation March 6, 2015

RDC Sectoral Committee Budget Review

Economic Development Committee March 16, 2015

Development Administration Committee March 16, 2015

Social Development Committee March 17, 2015

Infrastructure Development Committee March 19, 2015

RDC Full Council Budget Consultation March 26, 2015

RDC-Advisory Committee Budget Consultation March 27, 2015

RDC Consultation/Dialogue with Selected ACOs March 30-31, 2015

Regional Budget Review Process Calendar of Activities:


Criteria for Budget Assessment 1. Focuses on the five (5) key result areas

(KRAs) of the Presidents Contract to the Filipino people: Transparent, accountable and

participatory governance Poverty reduction and empowerment of

the poor and vulnerable Rapid, inclusive and sustained

economic growth Just and lasting peace and the rule of

law Integrity of the environment and

climate change adaptation and mitigation

2. Contributes to the realization of the

regions development thrusts and priorities.

3. Supports the realization of the regional

targets under the Millennium Development Goals: Goal 1: Eradicating extreme poverty

and hunger Goal 2: Achieving universal primary

education Goal 3: Promoting gender equality and

empowering women Goal 4: Reducing child mortality Goal 5: Improving maternal health Goal 6: Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria

and other diseases Goal 7: Ensuring environmental

sustainability Goal 8: Developing global partnerships

for development

4. Provides allocation for Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) related programs, projects and activities.

5. Ensures allocation of at least 5 percent

for gender and development (GAD) related programs, projects and activities.

6. Strengthens the regions resiliency to

natural and man-made disasters through allocation of budgets for DRR/CCA-related programs, projects and activities.

437,730.87 MT in the same

quarter of 2014 because of

increments in fruit, vegetable

and non-food and industrial

crops production. Livestock

and poultry production

increased by 2.90% in the

second quarter 2014, from

14,211.89 MT in the third

quarter 2013 to 14,623.33 MT

in the third quarter 2014.

Similarly, the fishery sub-

sector improved by 3.63%

reaching a total production of

23,676 MT, which was

attributed to municipal fishing

and aquaculture.

Log production decreased

because of lower private

lands timber production. Log production reached

155,326.28 m3 in the third

quarter 2014 from the

231,820.93 m3 level in the

The labor force participation

and employment rates in

October 2014 improved

compared to the same period

last year with 67.1% and

64.8%, respectively. However,

employment rate contracted

by 0.31% from 96.1% to

95.80%. Underemployment

rate increased by 9.55%, from

19.90% in October 2013 to

22% in October 2014.

Inflation rates in all

provinces in the third quarter

of 2014 increased by an

average of 5.17%.

In Agriculture and

Fishery, a minimal growth

was recorded. The increase

was attributed to higher crop

and poultry yields.

Agricultural crops grew by

1.71%, from 430,358.74 MT

in the third quarter of 2013 to

26 caraga today

3rd Quarter 2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer

third quarter 2013.

For mining and quarrying,

shipments of gold bullion and

nickel increased in the third

quarter of 2014 resulting in

more royalty taxes earned at

PhP1.2 billion.

Total number of flights

reached 1,800; higher by

19.36% in the third quarter

2014 from 1,508 during the

third quarter 2013. This was

due to the reopening of the

Tandag City Airport which

started its operation on June

30, 2015.

About 6,247shipcalls in

the third quarter 2014 was

recorded, higher by 137%

from 2,630 in the third quarter

2013. Ship calls in the region

are mostly domestic

comprising 95% of the total

shipcalls.

Overview of the Economy

Inflation Rate, Third Quarter 2013-2014 (%) Consumer Price Index, Third Quarter 2013-2014 (PhP)

Key Labor Statistics, Caraga, 2013-2014

Oct 2013 Oct 2014 Labor Force Participation Rate 67.10 64.80 Employment Rate 96.10 95.80 Unemployment Rate 3.90 4.20 Underemployment Rate 19.90 22.00

Source: PSA-NSO


22% in October 2014.

Inflation and Consumer

Price Index

The average inflation rate

reached 5.17% in the third

quarter 2014, higher by

65.78% than the 3.12%

registered in the third quarter

2013. Agusan del Sur

recorded the highest increase

of 105% while only Agusan

del Norte decreased by 21%.

The Consumer Price Index

averaged at PhP155.20 in

the third quarter 2014. This

is 5.28% higher than the

same period last year at

PhP147.42. Consequently,

the purchasing power of peso

decreased at the average of

4.65%, from 0.68 in the third

quarter 2013 to 0.65 in the

Macroeconomic

Performance

Labor and Employment

The regions labor force increased by 1.27% from

1,738,000 in October 2013 to

1,760 in October 2014. On

the contrary, labor force

participation rate declined by

2.30 percentage points, from


64.8% in October 2014.

Employment rate

contracted by 0.31% from


95.80% in October 2014.

Consequently,

unemployment rate increased

by 7.69%, from 3.9% in

October 2013 to 4.20% in

October 2014. Likewise,

underemployment rate

increased by 10.55%, from

28 caraga today

third quarter 2014.

Agriculture, Forestry, and

Fishery

Crops

Palay production in the third

quarter 2014 reached 35,426

metric tons (MT), lower by

9.25% compared to third

quarter 2013. The decrease

in production was attributed

to the decrease in area

planted.

Surigao del Sur is the

biggest producer of palay

among the provinces,

contributing 43% to total

regional production in the

third quarter 2014. Surigao

del Norte follows with 32%

contribution.

Corn production

increased by 4.25%, from

2013 to 253,932.85 MT in

the third quarter 2014. The

decrease was caused by

fewer coconut produced

from Typhoon Yolanda

affected areas. Coconut has

the highest contribution with

83 % of the regions NFICs production.

Livestock and Poultry

Livestock production

increased by 0.92% from

10,245 MT in the third

quarter 2013 to 10,339 MT

in the third quarter of 2014

due to more disposal of

carabao, cattle and goat.

Likewise, poultry

production registered an

increase of 8%, from


quarter 2013 to 4,284.33 MT

in the third quarter 2014. All

decrease in production of

other fruits (i.e. pineapple,

papaya, orange).

Vegetables

Vegetable production

increased by 10.86% from


quarter 2013 to 32,059.35

MT in the third quarter 2014.

Most of the major crops, i.e.

camote, cassava, gabi, and

squash fruits registered

higher yields. Camote

registered the highest

production with 39% to the

regions production.

Non-Food and Industrial

Crops

Non-Food and Industrial

Crops (NFICs) declined by

2.07% from 259,299.23 MT

during the third quarter of


44,613 MT in the third

quarter 2013 to 46,511 MT

in the third quarter 2014. The

increase was due to higher

yields and more area

harvested for both white corn

and yellow corn in the third

quarter 2014. The province

of Agusan del Sur was the

top corn producer,

contributing 71% of the total

production in the third

quarter 2014.

Fruits

Fruit Production increased

by 16.92% from 69,899.76

MT in the third quarter 2013

to 81,713.42 MT in the third

quarter 2014. Banana

contributed 85% of the total

fruit production thus

increasing the total fruit

production despite the

30 caraga today

2013. Among the provinces,

Agusan del Norte had the

biggest share with 31%

which increased by 112.10%.

On new business names

registration, DTI recorded

1,375 in the third quarter

2014. This represents a

decrease of 12.25% from the

third quarter 2013 figure of

1,567. Agusan del Norte

contributed the biggest share

of 40%, followed by Surigao

del Norte with 27%. All

provinces incurred a

decrease in new business

names registered.

Services

Air Transport

Total number of flights in the

region during the third

quarter 2014 reached 1,800.

Both incoming and outgoing

flights registered an increase

of 19.36% from 1,508 in the

third quarter 2013. This was

due to reopening of Tandag

City Airport in June 30,

2015.

Total incoming

passengers reached 81,342 in

the third quarter 2014,

signifying an increase of

9.74% from 74,124 in the

declined by 7.68% from


quarter 2013 to 1,277.47 Mt


This was caused by the

prohibition of danish seine

and basing in Surigao del Norte.

Forestry

Log production was

estimated at 155,326.28 m3

in the third quarter 2014,

posting a decrease of 33%

from the 231,820.93 m3 level

in the third quarter 2013. A

huge portion of the growth

was generated from the

Private Tree Plantation

Ownership Certificates

(PTPOC) production which

decreased by 32%. The

PTPOC accounted for 99.0%

of the total log production.

Trade and Industry

Trade

In the third quarter 2014, the

Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) XIII recorded

aggregate domestic sales of

PhP188.3 million, which is

19.02% higher than the

PhP158.2 million sales

recorded in the third quarter

poultry products increased

led by chicken contributing

74% of the total production.

Fishery

Fish production increased by

3.63% from 22,847.49 MT in

the third quarter 2013 to


quarter 2014. The increase

was driven by both

municipal fishing and

aquaculture that increased by

5.78% and 0.48%,

respectively. Municipal

fisheries contributes 71%

while aquaculture shares

24% to the total fishery

production.

More catch of Skipjack,

Frigate tuna, Indian

mackerel, Fimbriated

sardines, Porgies and Squid

(Barawan), freshwater goby

and tilapia contributed to the

production increment of the

municipal fishery. The

increase in the aquaculture

production was attributed to

seaweeds and more yields in

brackish water fishponds due

to high stocking and feed

support from LGU-BFAR.

On the contrary,

commercial production

Banking

RCBC Savings Bank (RSB)

opened its first branch in

March 2015 along J.C.

Aquino Avenue Butuan

City. RSB is a wholly

owned subsidiary of one of

the country's top universal

banks, Rizal Commercial

Banking Corporation

(RCBC).

Transport Services

The Tigerair Philippines

Manila -Butuan -Manila

launched its first night flight

through Butuan Citys Bancasi airport on

December 16, 2014. This

presents many opportunities

and may boost the citys economy and tourism

industry, with Butuan City

being the regional center of

Caraga region.

Malls and Hotels

Two branches of Gaisano

Malls opened in San

Francisco, Agusan del Sur

in December 2014 and

March 2015. The Gaisanos

provide opportunities for

employment in San

Francisco and the rest of

Agusan del Sur. Gaisano

also plans to build malls in

Bayugan City and Tandag

City, Surigao del Sur.

Go Hotel in Robinson's

Place Butuan opened in

February 2015. Go hotel

caters to both business and

leisure travelers in the city/

region.


Development Prospects

third quarter 2013. Total

outgoing passengers reached

86,323 in the third quarter

2014 indicating an increase

of 9.14% from 79,093

passengers in the third

quarter 2013.

Total cargoes recorded in

the third quarter 2014

reached 1,632.59 MT, lower

by 19.94% from 2,038.28

MT during the third quarter

2013. Both incoming and

outgoing cargoes registered a

decrease of 23.03% and

15.37%, respectively.

Shipping and Cargoes

Total number of shipcalls in

the third quarter 2014

reached a total of 6,247,

higher by 137% from 2,630


Ship calls in the region are

mostly domestic comprising

95% of the total shipcalls.

Both domestic and foreign

shipcalls increased by

149.8% and 27.5%,

respectively.

Inbound domestic cargo

throughput increased by

9.40% from 440.2 MT

during the third quarter 2013

to 481.6 MT in the third

quarter 2014. On the

contrary, outbound domestic

cargo decreased by 6.46%

from 194.7 MT to 182.1 MT

in the same period.

Foreign export

throughput reached 14,751

MT in the 1st semester 2014,

indicating an increase of

1,708% from last years 815 MT due to the increase in

shipment of nickel and

chromite ores.

32 caraga today

4th Quarter 2014 Regional Project Monitoring Report

Name of Project Location Cost in Million

(PhP)

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of October 24, 2014

Status

Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage

(%)

Construction of 4-Classroom New Israel

Elementary School

Brgy. Sta. Maria, Trento,

Agusan del Sur 3.44 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom San Miguel

Elementary School



Construction of 4-Classroom Sta. Maria

Elementary School



Construction of 4-Classroom Cebolin

Elementary School Trento, Agusan del Sur 2.94 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 4-Classroom San Ignacio


Construction of 2-Classroom San Jose

Elementary School

Sta. Josefa, Agusan del

Sur 1.32 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 4-Classroom Singapore

Elementary School

Brgy. Sta. Maria, Agusan

del Sur 3.43 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 5-Classroom Pag-asa

Elementary School


Sur 1.69 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom Dao Primary

School


Sur 1.25 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom Trento Central

SPED Trento I, Agusan del Sur 1.65 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom Trento

National High School Trento I, Agusan del Sur 1.64 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 4-Classroom Kapatungan

Elementary School Trento I, Agusan del Sur 3.36 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 3-Classroom Tagyago

Primary School La Paz, Agusan del Sur 2.02 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Storey, 4-Classroom La

Paz Central Elementary School

Brgy. Poblacion, La Paz,


Construction of 3-Classroom Sagunto

Elementary School La Paz, Agusan del Sur 2.02 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Storey, 10o-Classroom

Doa Adela Central Elementary School

Panagangan, La Paz,

Agusan del Sur 9.09 100.00 80.00 (20.00) Completed

Construction of 1-Classroom Waloe

Elementary School Loreto, Agusan del Sur 0.63 100.00 94.80 (5.20) Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom Bacay

Elementary School Veruela, Agusan del Sur 1.68 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 4-Classroom Don Mateo


Construction of 4-Classroom, East

Bunawan Central Elementary School

Brgy. San Teodoro,

Bunawan, Agusan del Sur 3.14 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 2-Classroom Bonifacio

Central Elementary School

Brgy. Bayugan 3, Rosario,


Construction of 2-Classroom Cuevas


Construction of 4-Classroom Patrocenio

Elementary School


Sur 1.36 100.00 100.00 - Completed


Widening and Clearing of Landslide Prone Section along NRJ Bayugan-Calaitan-

Tandag Road

Agusan del Sur 19.70 15.25 61.20 45.95 Completed

Emergency Repair/Restoration of Calamity Damaged Roadway along Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Road), Brgy. Tabon-tabon

to Brgy. Mahayahay

Sibagat, Agusan del Sur 10.95 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 1-Storey, 3-Classroom San

Roque Elementary School

San Roque, Lingig,

Surigao del Sur 2.24 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 1-Storey, 4-Classroom

Pagtilaan Elementary School

Pagtilaan, Lingig, Surigao

del Sur 2.57 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Road Slip Protection along Surigao-Davao

Coastal Road (K1474+489 - K1474+531)

Brgy. Mahayahay, Lingig,

Surigao del Sur 10.65 0.57 1.09 0.52 Completed

Road Slip Protection along Surigao-Davao

Coastal Road (K1474+958 - K1474+972.2)

Sitio Paradise, Brgy. Tagpoporan, Lingig,

Surigao del Sur

5.24 0.97 1.28 0.31 Completed

970m Rehabilitation along Butuan City-Talacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road (K1325+500 - K1332+800) Laminga-Zillovia

Section

San Luis, Agusan del Sur 19.40 100.00 100.00 - Completed

500m Rehabilitation along Butuan City-Talacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road

(K1336+304 - K1342+770) Marbon Section

Talacogon, Agusan del

Sur 9.70 100.00 100.00 - Completed

500m Rehabilitation along Butuan City-Talacogon-Veruela-Sta. Josefa Road (K1349+336 - K1353+114) Desamparados

Section


Sur 9.70 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Replacement of Classroom, La Flora

Elementary School


Sur 2.02 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Construction of 3-Classroom Magsaysay


Guinabsan CIS in Buenavista, Agusan del

Norte

Buenavista, Agusan del

Norte 3.00 100.00 100.00 - Completed

Name of Project Location Cost in Million

(PhP)

Physical Accomplishment (%) as of October 24, 2014

Status

Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage

(%)

Rehabilitation of Union Communal Irrigation System Union, Lingig, Surigao del Sur

Repair of Road Slip along Surigao-Agusan Road Poblacion Sison, Suri-gao del Norte

34 caraga today

19.7 years first sexual intercourse of women age 25-29, younger than the other age groups

Highlights: 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey Results for Caraga Region

3.6 births per woman

4.4 children born to women 40-49 years old

92 percent of married women with 6 or more

living children want no more children

60 percent of married women age 15-49 want

no more children

On Fertility, Fertility Preferences and Family Planning

14 percent of currently married women have an unmet

need for family planning service of 5.9 percent for spacing, and 7.8 percent for limiting births

68 percent total demand for family planning

54 percent of married women use contraception (39 percent modern method, 15.2 percent use traditional method)

46 percent are not currently using any contraception

Maternal and Child Health

9 in 10 women received antenatal care from a skilled health provider (doctor,

nurse and midwife)

84 percent women age 15-49 with a live birth had their last live birth protected

against neonatal tetanus

55.5 percent of births are delivered in a health

facility

95 percent of children received the BCG vaccine

93 percent of children received the dose of DPT

93 percent of children received the first dose of polio vaccine

92 percent of children received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine

Marriage and Sexual Behavior

20.8 years median age of first marriage

3 in 5 births were assisted by a medically-trained provider

(doctor, nurse or midwife)


Highlights: 8th National Nutrition Survey Results for Caraga Region

2 in every 10 0-5 years old children are underweight

3 in every 10 school-age children are stunted

1 in every 4 school-age children are underweight for their age

3.7 percent 0-5 years old children are overweight

6.8 percent adolescents are overweight

18.3 percent prevalence of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant

women

9.6 percent prevalence of underweight lactating

women

7.7 percent adults had chronic energy deficiency

35 percent adults are overweight and obese

24.6 percent prevalence of overweight and obese

lactating women

35 percent adult pregnant women are overweight and

obese

3 in every 10 0-5 years old children are stunted

8 in every 100 0-5 years old children are underweight for their height

36 caraga today

Tropical Storm Seniang

destroyed PhP32 million

worth of cereals, PhP3.5

million other crops, and

PhP3.5 million livestock as

of January 16, 2015.

Regional Director Edna

Mabeza committed that DA-

Caraga will distribute initial

buffer stocks to local

government units with

validated damage reports.

A total of 3,047 bags of

certified seeds will be

distributed to Agusan del

Sur (1,645 bags), Surigao

del Sur (1,200 bags),

Agusan del Norte (250

bags), Butuan City (750

bags), and Taganaan,

Surigao del Norte (20 bags).

Also, Tago, Surigao del

Sur will receive 80

ducklings and Barobo,

Marihatag, and Tago,

Surigao del Sur will receive

200 chickens each.

In addition, Butuan City;

Nasipit, Agusan del Norte;

and Barobo and Tagbina,

Surigao del Sur will receive

45 kilos of assorted

vegetable seeds each.

Bayugan City and the rest of

Agusan del Sur will receive

10 bags of corn each.

DA-Caraga is also

committed to procure more

seeds and provide other

interventions to fully

rehabilitate affected farmers

once the final validation and

assessment is done. This

will ensure that food

sufficiency program of the

department will be sustained

even with the occurrence of

floods and other calamities.

Seniang affected farmers get support from the Department of Agriculture-Caraga

by Rhea Abao, DA-Caraga

Tandags Municipal Food Terminal a marketing hub for farmers, fisherfolks

The Department of

Agriculture (DA)-Caraga

launched its second

Municipal Food Terminal

(MFT) in Bongtud, Tandag

City last January 30, 2015.

The MFT is managed by

the Tandag Boholano

Fishermen Association

(TANBOFISA), the winner

of the Regional Search for

Best Barangay Bagsakan in

2014. It ranked third at the

national level.

DA-Caraga granted

TANBOFISA an additional

capital of PhP1 million to

become a municipal food

terminal.

Lucita Solis, President

of TANBOFISA, said that

they would use the fund for

rice trading. But to ensure

steady supply of rice and

rootcrops, the first MFT

under the Maitom Farmers

Association inked a

marketing agreement with

TANBOFISA. Under the

agreement, Maitom MFT

will supply TANBOFISA

200 bags of rice and other

alternative food staples

while TANBOFISA will

supply Maitom MFT with

aqua marine products.

Maitom Farmers

Association President

Ricardo Fernandez said that

both fisherfolks and farmers

could directly benefit from

the project since they now

have sure market for their

produce.

To date, DA Caraga had

launched a total of 57

Barangay Food Terminals

and nine Municipal Food

Terminals strategically

located across the region.

Tandag City Mayor

Roxanne Pimentel directed

the City Agriculture Office

to closely monitor the

project to ensure its success.

by Aurell P. Arais, DA-Caraga


TESDA-Caraga gets scholarship fund hike, PhP11.9M skills training

Scholarship Fund

Technical Education and

Skills Development

Authority (TESDA)-Caraga

Regional Director Florencio

Sunico, Jr. announced the

increase of scholarship fund

for 2015 in a press

conference.

The Training for Work

Scholarship Program

(TWSP) has increased by

92% from PhP21 million to

PhP40 million. Sunico

explained that TWSP

budget will benefit 4,268

scholars regionwide.

Under the TWSP, the

budget allocation for the

Agriculture sector is

P5,913,000; Tourism P10,925,000; IT-BPM P2,948,000; Semi-conductor

and Electronics P673,000; Automotive P796,000; General Infrastructure/

Construction/Housing P6,033,000; Manufacturing

P7,653,000; Logistics P255,000; New and

Emerging Sectors P405,000; Trainers Methodology/Skills

Upgrading P2,960,000; Language and Culture P450,000; and the National

TVET Competency

Assessment and

Certification (NATCAC) P1,533,000.

Skills Training

A total of P11,941,171

worth of skills training

under the Bottom Up

Budgeting (BUB) has been

approved for Caraga Region

in 2015.

For Agusan del Norte, a

project worth PhP2,840,171

with a total of PhP500,000

counterpart from the local

government units will cater

194 beneficiaries from

Butuan City, Jabonga and

Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

Also, 83 beneficiaries

from Talacogon, Agusan del

Sur will benefit from a

PhP1,089,000 project. The

provincial government will

contribute PhP99,000 to the

project amount.

Further, 319

beneficiaries from Surigao

City, Dapa, and Bacuag,

Surigao del Norte will

benefit from a

PhP4,350,000 project. The

prov

caraga today january-march 2015

Documents