regional development updates | vol 14 issue 1 | january - march 2016

DBM ASec Hamada Briefs RDC XII on Budget Reforms

2 | Regional Development Updates | January - March 2016

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO ROSA D. LEMANA

MA. LULU E. VALENCIA JULIET G. BOLANDO

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

LALAINE M. SAJELANEDEN F. RIDAO

LIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWE

JUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Contributor PIA XII

DAR-SKPPA PMO SOCSARGEN

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, Prime Regional Government Center, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 228-9203, Fax: (083) 228-9203. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

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

CONTENTS

PNVSCA Director De Vera Inducts Region XII SUC Students to the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group

DBM ASec Hamada Briefs RDC XII on Budget Reforms

DAR-MinSAAD Officials Break Ground for Coffee-Processing Facility in Sultan Kudarat

Port of General Santos Passes International Standards

RDC XII Commends Malungon for Being the 1st ZOD-Practicing Municipality in Region XII

Our cover is the induction of the youth volunteers as members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group by PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera and the special visit of DBM ASec Maxine Tanya Hamada as Resource Speaker on the Budget Reforms during the 53rd RDC XII Meeting on March 30, 2016 in Koronadal City.

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Volume 14 | Issue No. 1 | January - March 2016

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12 Congresspersons Hernandez of South Cotabato, Tejada of Cotabato Province Attend the 2016 RDC XII AdCom Meeting

South Cotabato Feted for Solid Waste Management Action6

NEDA XII Receives CSC XII Recognition for PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II

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January - March 2016 | Regional Development Updates | 3

PNVSCA Director De Vera Inducts Region XII SUC Students to the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group

RDC XII SOCCS ... page 4

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

Koronadal City, South Cotabato –Two hundred thirty-three (233) college students of three (3) state universities and colleges (SUCs) of SOCCSKSARGEN Region, namely, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), and Mindanao State University-General Santos City Campus (MSU-GSC), were inducted as members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group during the 53rd Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council of SOCCSKSARGEN Region (RDC XII) on March 30, 2016 at Villa Amor Hotel, Koronadal City.

The students were enrolled in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the 3 SUCs, which incorporated the SYVP, a program supported by RDC XII as one strategy for sustainable development through RDC XII Resolution No. 91, Series of 2014.

The program was rolled out in USM, SKSU and MSU-GSC Campus in July 2015.

The inclusion of the SYVP in the NSTP involved the conduct of volunteer community work in identified

poor barangays of Region XII near the SUC campuses.

The students now form the initial members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group which is primarily aimed at promoting the spirit of volunteerism in development work in the region, starting with the young generation.

Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) inducted the youth volunteers as members of the said volunteer group.

De Vera expressed his appreciation to the Council for spearheading and supporting the SYVP. “This program is one of its kind which is worth replicating in other regions of the country. These youths are the new generation of volunteers who share their part in making a better SOCCSKSARGEN,” he said.

USM President Dr. Francisco Gil N.

Garcia and SKSU President Dr. Rolando F. Hechanova, also thanked the Council for appreciating their universities’ contribution to the implementation of the RDC XII SYVP.

Preceding the induction, de Vera visited SKSU in Tacurong City campus where he was briefed on how the volunteerism concept was integrated and actually executed in the NSTP course of the university. For its sustainability, the youth volunteers organized the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Organization (SYVO) with student volunteers as its members. Considering that the said organization is still on its infant stage, the youth volunteer leaders expressed their need for support from the university administration

Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera of the PNVSCA inducted the youth volunteers as members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Youth Volunteers Green Leaders Group.


RDC XII SOCCS ... from page 3

and other concerned entities, in terms of guidance in fund sourcing for their community works and areas of concerns where they can share volunteer works.

Director de Vera responded that the organization of the SYVO in the University is one concrete action to sustain the program. “It is good to note that we have youth volunteers like you, who unselfishly share your skills and serve those in need even in a little way and with limited resources. For now, it is essential for you to link with and even work with the entities doing volunteer works in the areas,” de Vera said.

Dr. Mary Lynn G. Magbanua, Vice President for Research and Extension of SKSU, advised the youth to closely coordinate with the University Extension Office for guidelines to access funding assistance for projects they can identify for poor barangays. She clarified that projects for funding assistance from her office are all proposal-based. This means they have to prepare a project proposal which will undergo review and evaluation before they can access the said funding support. In addition, she emphasized the need for them to properly linked with government/non-government offices whose mandate is to provide assistance to affected population, where they can extend volunteer works.

Volunteerism is now considered part of the NSTP curriculum of the three universities in Region XII.

DBM ASec Hamada Briefs RDC XII on Budget ReformsBy: Rosa D. Lemana, NEDA XII-DRD

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – Assistant Secretary (ASec) Maxine Tanya Hamada of the Department of Budget and Management briefed the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII on budget reforms during the 53rd RDC XII Regular Meeting on March 30, 2016 held at Villa Amor Hotel, Koronadal City.

ASec Hamada, who assisted in the setting up of the Performance Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, discussed good governance through budget reforms. “Good governance means benefits for our people,” she said. “And as part of the pursuit of sustained inclusive growth, the national budget has nearly doubled in six years from P1.541 trillion in 2010 to P3.002 trillion in 2016.”

She stressed that budget reforms include alignment of spending priorities and measurable performance and focus on expanding inclusive growth, strengthening of local chief executives to deliver frontline services based on performance and accountability, and empowering the citizens to hold government units accountable for performing their respective roles.

The said budget reforms are

being implemented through programs that strengthen LGUs’ delivery capacity and accountability, such as the LGU Public Financial Management Program, the Seal of Good Local Governance, the Performance Challenge Fund, and the Bottom-Up Budgeting.

ASec Hamada also shared that the 2016 budget allocation for these performance-based programs are being downloaded to LGUs. This means that LGUs are empowered to implement key national programs for their constituents while making them more accountable for the proper use of funds and the results delivered.

A total of P18.2 billion have been allocated for these programs, disaggregated as follows: P11.7 billion for BuB projects and P6.5 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of provincial roads.

In the case of BuB, LGUs are required to engage civil society organizations, meet good financial housekeeping requirements, submit quarterly reports to DBM and Congress, and update the project status through the Open BuB Portal.

In order for LGUs to avail of funds for provincial road projects, the following should


be satisfied: provincial road network plan and other reports at the start of the Fiscal Year; LGU Public Financial Management assessment report; submission of quarterly reports to DBM and Congress; and updating of project status through the Open Roads Portal.

The portal shows the status of proposals and the compliance to reports required. Such reform also indicates enhancements in open budget index which is being watched by the international community as basis for rating upgrade. In 2015, the country’s open budget index was 63 and this is targeted to improve to 71 in 2017 and to 81 by 2019, provided that such budget reforms will be implemented across administrations.

The implementation of budget reforms will result to RDCs playing a significant role in the review of programs and projects. “The RDCs, LGUs, CSOs, Student/Faculty Associations and PASUC, and other stakeholders, shall be consulted on the proposed strategies of the agency for new and expanded programs and projects in the specific provinces, cities and municipalities,” Hamada

(L-R) DBM XII Regional Director Akmad J. Usman, DBM ASec Maxine Tanya Hamada, and NEDA XII Regional Director and Acting RDC XII Chairperson Arturo G. Valero during the 53rd RDC XII Meeting in Koronadal City.

explained.

“The National Government actually likes to let go of a lot of funds for frontline services. The people who best know what to do and how best to do it and can watch the funds are those in the frontlines,” she said.

DBM Asec Maxine Tanya Hamada answered questions from RDC XII members during the Open Forum after the briefing on Budget Reforms on March 30, 2016 at Villa Amor Hotel, Koronadal City.


Koronadal City, South Cotabato - South Cotabato has received recognition for its exemplary performance in solid waste management.

On February 15, 2016, representatives of the Environmental Management Bureau XII handed to South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes a plaque of recognition from the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC).

The NSWMC recognizes South Cotabato for its “exceptional contribution exemplifying the support of the local government unit in complying with the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003), specifically the submission and subsequent approval of the 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan.”

Dominador Samilin of EMB XII noted that South Cotabato

South Cotabato Feted for Solid Waste Management ActionBy: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

and its 10 municipalities and lone city simultaneously approved their respective solid waste management plans, which gained the appreciation of the NSWMC.

Meanwhile, the Regional Development Council XII passed Resolution No. 97, Series of 2015 “commending the Province of South Cotabato and component city and municipalities for the successful implementation of their respective provincial, city and municipal solid waste management plans and enjoining other local government units in Region 12 to implement their respective solid waste management plans.”

In her response, Gov. Fuentes thanked the NSWMC and RDC XII for acknowledging the provincial government’s efforts.

“This is heartening because they said that in the entire country only two provinces

were accorded this recognition,” Fuentes said.

However, she expressed concern that while the entire province was given such a recognition, its component city Koronadal, is among the 50 LGUs that the Office of the Ombudsman has filed complaints against for not complying with the RA 9003.

Koronadal City has not yet established its own sanitary landfill.

Gov. Fuentes said the city has not signed a memorandum of agreement with the upper valley municipalities when these constructed a clustered sanitary landfill that she noted saved the LGUs from the Ombudsman case.

The clustered sanitary landfill in Colongulo, Surallah was opened in 2013. It is being shared by the municipalities of Surallah, Banga, Norala, Tboli and Lake Sebu,

Koronadal and the 49 other LGUs facing complaints at the Ombudsman will be required to develop six-month Priority Corrective Action Plans (PCAPs). If they fail to submit PCAPs, the said LGUs could face a full-blown investigation.

The six-hectare sanitary landfill in Barangay Colungulo,Sural lah, South Cotabato is shared by the municipalities of Banga, Surallah, T’boli, and Lake Sebu.

Photo Source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com


Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat – Officials broke ground for the first coffee-processing building with a solar dryer on March 4, 2016, in Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA) town in Sultan Kudarat province.

“This project is inclusive of coffee-processing equipment and facilities. The money was already downloaded to the local government unit of SNA,” said Engr. Adriano Losaria the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO).

Losaria added that this is an effort to put more money in the pockets of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The P 1.17-million, 36-square-meter building with a 180-square-meter solar dryer project of the Department of Agrarian Reform - Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development Project (DAR-MinSAAD) is expected to be completed on June 30, 2016.

MinSAAD Project Manager Cenon Original said that once completed, the building will help increase the competitiveness and sustainability of coffee products in Barangay Kuden.

“The local farmers are already

DAR-MinSAAD Officials Break Ground for Coffee-Processing Facility in Sultan Kudarat

By: JJB Dael, DAR-SK/AC Agad, PIA XII

producing coffee and this project will increase its value,” he added.

Kuden Women’s Association President Merlinda Bautista expressed her gratitude to DAR for making the project a reality. As she mumbled in vernacular – Ilonngo, “amoni ang amon gikinahanglan na proyekto dire sa amon barangay,” she said. (This is the project that we need in our barangay.)

“Ini na proyekto makahatag sang dako na bulig sa amon organisasyon kag miyembro, kasali na ang dili man miyembro,” she added. (This project will be

a big help to our organization and members and even to non-members.)

MARPO Losaria said that there are also other agricultural support projects lined-up for Barangay Kuden for this year.

“This will be for the improvement of the lives of the ARBs and their families,” Engr. Losaria added.

In January this year, DAR-MinSAAD also broke ground for a 360-square-meter solar dryer in Barangays Tinalon and Nati in SNA.

MinSAAD Project Manager Cenon Original (in blue polo) and Municipal Mayor Dante Manganaan (in yellow shirt) led the groundbreaking rites of the coffee processing building with solar drier in Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino.

Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph


Port of General Santos Passes International Standards

(L-R) The Makar Wharf Western view and the Makar Wharf container yard in General Santos City.

General Santos City – The port of General Santos City in SOCCSKSARGEN Region scored a grand slam in its compliance with international standards on port safety, health and environment management, and port security.

The Port Safety, Health and Environmental Management System (PSHEMS) in the port of General Santos City passed the external audit conducted by the Partnership in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) on December 10-11, 2015.

GenSan’s PSHEMS, a

By: Fernando B. Mapalo, Jr., PPA-PMO-SOCSARGEN/Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII-DRD

management system that facilitates efficient, safe, secure and environment-friendly movement of cargoes, was recommended for international recognition by the PEMSEA. The system is based on the requirement of the PSHEMS Code developed by PEMSEA and implemented by the Port Management Office (PMO) SOCSARGEN of the Philippine Ports Authority.

On December 15, 2015, the Philippine Office of Transportation Security (OTS) and the International Port Security Programme-United States Coast Guard (IPSP-USCG) conducted a joint verification audit of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code implementation in the port.

The OTS and IPSP-USCG found the ISPS Standard Operating Procedures consistent with the port facility security Plan and compliant with the ISPS Code.

The findings of the audit attested the international standard of port security measures of the Gen. Santos port. The result means that goods and cargoes from the said port shall continue to have access to the ports in the United States, as well as other international ports operating under the ISPS Code.

On February 12, 2016, the TUV Rheinland, Philippines re-certified the PMO SOCSARGEN to ISO 9001:2008 for a period of three (3) years starting CY 2016.

As “ISO 9001 Certified,” the GenSan port has met the requirements on meeting customer expectations. It covers core business processes in entrance formalities, assessment and collection of vessel charges and departure clearance. Such service standard has translated into higher revenues for GenSan port. The Makar Wharf transit sheds in

General Santos City.


NEDA XII Receives CSC XII Recognition for PRIME-HRM Maturity Level IIBy: Lalaine M. Sajelan, NEDA XII-FAD

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The NEDA Regional Office (NRO) XII was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Civil Service Commission Regional Office XII for having met the Maturity Level 2 standard requirements of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) on 24 February 2016, 9:00 AM, at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City. The award was received by Regional Director Arturo G. Valero, together with Assistant Regional Director Noel E. Quiratman, NRO XII PMT Chair, Chief Administrative Officer Julie Esperanza B. Chung and Supervising Administrative Officer Lalaine M. Sajelan.

Other PRIME-HRM awardees from SOCCSKSARGEN Region, specifically in the area of Performance Management System (PMS), were the Department of Education XII, Department of Labor and Employment XII, Department of Trade and Industry

XII, Provincial Government of South Cotabato, Polomolok Water District, Municipality of Banga, City Government of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat Water District, City Government of Kidapawan, Municipality of Mlang, City Government of General Santos, and General Santos City Water District.

In her welcome remarks, Director Venus O. Bumanlag of the CSC-South Cotabato Field Office congratulated the awardees and shared that the PRIME-HRM journey was not “an ordinary walk in the park” for they have to pass a series of validations for Maturity Level II of the Process-Defined HRM. She labeled the awardees as “The Magnificent 13” of the region.

The Regional Director of the Civil Service Commission XII, Grace Belgado-Saqueton, in her message, expressed appreciation on the achievement of the thirteen awardees. She added that the feat is something to be proud of by the

awardees since only 13, out of the 175 agencies in the region, have met the standard requirements of Maturity Level 2.

Director Saqueton challenged the awardees to dream big and target the Maturity Level 3-Integrated HRM including other areas such as recruitment and selection, learning and development, and recognition, awards and incentives.

The officials representing the agencies-awardees also gave brief messages. The recognition program was capped by the recitation and signing of the pledge of commitment and support to PRIME-HRM which was led by RD Valero.

RD Grace Belgado-Saqueton of CSC XII awarded the Certificate of Recognition to RD Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII for having met the Maturity Level 2 standard requirement of the Program. Also in picture are (L-R) Lalaine M. Sajelan, Supervising Administrative Officer; Julie Esperanza B. Chung, Chief Administrative Officer, and; ARD Noel E. Quiratman, all from NEDA XII.

RD Valero led the signing of the pledge of support and commitment to the implementation of PRIME-HRM.


RDC XII Commends Malungon for Being the 1st ZOD-Practicing Municipality in Region XII

By: Eden F. Ridao, NEDA XII-DRD

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, during its 53rd Regular Meeting on 30 March 2016 in Koronadal City, commended the Municipality of Malungon, Sarangani, for being the first Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) Practicing Municipality in Region XII and for being one of the eleven (11) ZOD municipalities in the country.

The commendation was bestowed by the Council to Malungon upon the recommendation of the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) XII. A Plaque of Recognition will be awarded to the municipality during the next quarter meeting of RDC XII.

According to Dr. Amebella G. Taruc of DOH XII, Malungon was declared by the Provincial Government of Sarangani as its first ZOD-Practicing Municipality on March 25, 2015. The said declaration was attested by the Department of Health (DOH) XII, which consequently recognized Malungon as the first ZOD-Practicing Municipality in the region.

During the first Sanitation Learning Exchange (SANLEX 2016) conducted by DOH on 28 January 2016 in Quezon

City, DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin also awarded a Certificate of Recognition to Malungon for being among the eleven (11) ZOD Municipalities in the country.

“Health and sanitation are among the priority programs of Malungon Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino since his first term in CY 2007,” Dr. Taruc stressed in her report during the 1st Quarter Meeting of RSDC XII. “Malungon’s becoming the first ZOD-Practicing Municipality of Sarangani was mainly due to the implementation of the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank (WSP-WB) starting in the last quarter of CY 2013.”

Prior to the WSP-WB, Malungon had 1,832 households or 9.09 percent of its total households without access to sanitary toilets. In addition, only 75 percent of its total households had access to safe drinking water. With the assistance of WSP-WB, the Municipality’s ZOD 2014 was launched and became the focused program of the Municipality to achieve having 100 percent of all households with access to sanitary toilet facility before the year’s end.

Malungon’s ZOD 2014 target, however, was not achieved before end of December 2014 but only within the first quarter of 2015. Nonetheless, it was

Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino receives Resolution No.2015-8-035 declaring Malungon as the first Zero Open Defecation (100% Access to Sanitary Toilet) Practicing Municipality in the Province of Sarangani during the Municipal Health and Sanitation Summit Year-2 at Green Leaf Hotel on March 26-27, 2015 from Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Board Member Elmer de Peralta, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health. (Photo Source: http://saranganitoday.blogspot.com)


2017 was presented to which the Congresspersons expressed their full support. They advised the agencies, however, to consider fair distribution of programs, projects and activities to all congressional districts and for them to closely coordinate with the congresspersons’ offices to ensure that the priority needs are fully addressed.

With regard to the congresspersons’ priority PPAs and policies for 2017, Cong. Hernandez expressed his desire to continue the present administration’s thrusts of good governance and complete all projects if started. He advised the agencies to closely

coordinate with the region’s representatives for their projects and other development concerns for the region.

Cong. Tejada, on the other hand, committed to study the effects of collecting high real property taxes. As representative of the 3rd district of Cotabato Province, he observed his district has lesser project proposals compared with other districts. Being a new congressional district, he called on the different regional line agencies to prioritize his district in the distribution of projects.

Atty. Paolo Acharon, who represented Cong. Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., informed the body

that Cong. Acharon will continue to focus on social services, i.e., health, social welfare and education. He emphasized the need to increase scholarship allocations every year to accommodate the growing number of scholars in the 1st District of South Cotabato, which includes Gen. Santos City. Health programs will also have to be expanded to serve more indigent patients.

In closing, the two congresspersons expressed support to all development undertakings in the region and in future activities of RDC XII if they get reelected for another term.

Congressperson ... from page 12

enough to make Malungon as Sarangani‘s first ZOD-practicing municipality.

Dr. Taruc further shared that, “aside from the strong political will of Mayor Constantino, Malungon implemented the following strategies/interventions, namely: a) provision of free toilet bowls to the households with no toilet facilities; b) integration of health and sanitation practices advocacy during the weekly Lingap sa Barangay activities of the Municipality’s officials

and staff; c) mainstreaming of the ZOD Program by Mayor Constantino in all his speeches in the municipality and even in barangays; d) conduct of regular consultation meetings with health workers, barangay officials, and other stakeholders; e) creation of the Municipal Sanitation Technical Working Group and the Municipal Convergence Advisory Committee (MCAC) for the ZOD Program; f) conduct of Health and Sanitation Summit and a Program Implementation Review (PIR); g) awarding of

monetary incentives to the first three (3) ZOD barangays in the Municipality; and, h) issuance of summons by the Municipal Mayor to the remaining households with no access to toilet facility.”

Malungon is now working toward satisfying the various criteria set by DOH in maintaining its ZOD status and achieving Grades 2 and 3 levels relative to health and sanitation practices.

Congresspersons Hernandez of South Cotabato, Tejada of Cotabato Province

Attend the 2016 RDC XII AdCom Meeting

Koronadal City, South Cotabato - Region XII Congresspersons Ferdinand L. Hernandez of the 2nd District of South Cotabato and Jose I. Tejada of the 3rd District of Cotabato Province graced the Regional Development Council XII Advisory Committee (RDC XII AdCom) meeting on February 26, 2016 at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City.

Cong. Hernandez, who served as the convenor of all Congresspersons in Region XII, presided over the meeting on behalf of RD Arturo G. Valero, the Acting Chairperson of RDC

XII who, was attending another equally important activity involving Mindanao officials.

The RDC XII AdCom meeting is a venue where RDC XII and the region’s members of the House of Representatives, discuss regional development concerns which need the congresspersons support.

As provided for in EO 325, the Advisory Committee is expected to advise, assist and support the RDC in discharging its functions, particularly supporting policy recommendations that need legislation and/or action of the President or the Cabinet.

Congressperson Hernandez said he was glad to see the AdCom members and other government officials in the meeting. He thanked them for coming so that “we can discuss our development efforts and concerns for the region.” He further informed the body that “most of the projects lined up and discussed during the previous AdCom meetings are now funded, some have

been completed, while others are ongoing and expected to be completed within 2016. These projects open up new investment opportunities for the whole region.”

In particular, Cong. Hernandez mentioned the funding assistance the region received for the upgrading of the Makar Wharf, improvement of the GenSan Airport, concreting of the Lake Sebu-Maitum-General Santos City road, and the agricultural enhancement-related programs.

The RDC XII-approved SOCCSKSARGEN Annual Investment Program for CY

Congressperson Hernandez informed the body that “most of the projects lined up and discussed during the previous AdCom Meeting are now funded, some have been completed, while others are ongoing and expected to be completed within 2016.“


Congressperson Tejada of the 3rd district of Cotabato Province, committed to study the effects of collecting high real property taxes.

Congressperson ... page 11

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

regional development updates | vol 14 issue 1 | january - march 2016

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