Caraga Today January-March 2014

1. todaycaraga Vol. XVIII, Issue 1 January - March 2014 A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council PAGE 18 Q3 2013 Regional Economic Situationer PAGE 24 Q4 2013 Regional Project Monitoring Activity Caraga Regional Development Council launches Regional Development Plan, Investment Program PAGE 3 In Summary: The Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 PAGE 16

2. 2 Editor-in-Chief Jazmin D. Berido Writers Sherwin E. Verdun Mitchell C. Castillon Melanie A. Maur Mirasol P. Montenegro Design Editor Sherwin E. Verdun Contributors CHED, DOLE, DSWD, DTI, FNRI, PopCom, TESDA, Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte Adviser OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño caraga today PAGE 6 Preparing for the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015: Caraga Regional Development Council hosts ASEAN Economic Community Forum PAGE 7 Caraga Regional Development Council presents 2013 accomplishments PAGE 26 PNoy Bayanihan Project: A commitment to transform lives of schoolchildren in Caraga PAGE 27 DSWD’s Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran Promotes Empowerment of Women PAGE 28 PopCom, Butuan City ink Population Development Cooperation PopCom, Agusan National High School ink partnership for youth center 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 neda13caraga@yahoo.com or call (085) 341-4195. caraga today Volume XVIII Issue 1 On this issue PAGE 29 DTI establishes its presence in the Province of Dinagat Islands Phil-JobNet, Caraga Council of Deans and Business Educators Association link websites PAGE 30 DSWD-Caraga forges partnership with local government units on Listahanan 50 Agusan del Norte Barangays to Receive Agriculture Aid from US government PAGE 31 Butuan City collaborates with DOLE – National Reintegration Center for OFWs for Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act implementation Dinagat Islands conducts mapshop, hazard profiling PAGE 32 CHED expands Students Financial Assistance Programs

3. Caraga Regional Development Council launches Regional Development Plan, Investment Program 3Vol. XVIII Issue 1 and gainful employment opportunities that will result in reducing poverty. The RDIP on the other hand is the companion document of the RDP. It is the translation of the objectives and strategies of the RDP into concrete programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) to be implemented by the agency regional offices (AROs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and the local government units (LGUs) in partnership with private sector groups. The RDIP contains strategic core investment programs/ projects of AROs, SUCs, and LGUs. It also serves as basis for the preparation of annual budget proposals of AROs, SUCs, GOCCs/GFIs and the RDC’s review and evaluation of the annual budget proposals of these government entities. The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) approved and adopted the Revised Caraga RDP and Revalidated RDIP 2013-2016 through RDC Resolutions No. 34 and 35, series of 2013, respectively, during the RDC Full Council Meeting on October 4, 2013. The Revised Caraga RDP 2013 -2016 retained the original goal of the Caraga RDP 2011- 2016, which is to make the Caraga Region the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism (FAME) Center of the country by year 2030 by developing the region’s abundant resources in fishery, agriculture, forestry, mineral, and eco-tourism as the growth drivers of the region’s economy. The Caraga RDP focuses on sharpened strategies to attain inclusive growth and reduce poverty. Thus, increasing the productivity of FAME is the key in generating productive by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga ANSWERING QUERIES. [Left photo] USec. Margarita R. Songco answers queries. [Right photo] (Left) NEDA-Caraga OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, USec. Songco, and (right) Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. during the open forum. The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) launched the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) and the Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 2013-2016 at the Las Nieves Hall of Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Hon. Margarita R. Songco, NEDA Deputy Director General and Under- secretary, graced the launching activity. Continued on page 4

4. 4 caraga today The Symbols - Caraga RDP logo, Slogan OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño introduced the Caraga RDP logo, which symbolizes the goal of the region to become the FAME center of the country. She explained the meaning of the logo, as thus: The fish represents the fishery sector. Its blue color represents life for the Caraganons. The fishes are in standing position representing optimism. Superimposed on the fishes are human figures representing the people of Caraga working side- by-side. The rice stalks and trees represent the agro-forestry sector. Its green color signifies prosperity. The rig represents the mining sector. Its purple color means wisdom because in Caraga, people are wise since responsible mining is promoted to preserve the integrity of natural resources. The surfer represents the tourism sector. Its orange color means energy and courage. The waves and its red color represent passion for driving Caraga towards the realization of its goal. The logo will simplify recall and enhance recognition. “Be the agent of change” is the slogan or call to action message of the Revised Caraga RDP 2013-2016. It is a call for everyone to do significant things for the region and become agents of change. More sharpened interventions USec. Songco emphasized the vertical linkage of the Caraga RDP to the Philippine Development Plan through the message of Secretary Balisacan. The Secretary explained that the updating of the regional plans will include more sharpened interventions to address the regions’ pressing challenges while translating the national thrusts into more specific strategies. In his message, the Secretary highlighted the improvements in Caraga’s economy, “It is very much encouraging and inspiring to note that the region has moved six notches up from being the poorest NEDA-Caraga OIC-RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño explaining the meaning of the Caraga RDP logo and slogan (right).

5. 5Vol. XVIII Issue 1 region in the country. Notably, all provinces in Caraga are no longer among the top 20 poorest provinces. In 2011, the economy grew by 8.5%, which was the highest among the 17 regions in the country. The following year, the growth rate was even higher at 10.6%, ranking only second to Region 9. These growths have been accompanied by massive improvement in the region’s poverty levels, from the poverty incidence among families of 46% in 2009 to 31.9% in 2012.” Secretary Balisacan ended his message by encouraging the people of Caraga to remain committed to work hard and to be creative in sustaining the region’s accomplishments. Unveiling, Pledge of commitment signing USec. Songco together with OIC-RD Cariño, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. (Butuan City), Mayor Librado C. Navarro (Bislig City), and other dignitaries unveiled the life-sized Revised Caraga RDP and RDIP 2013-2016. The signing of the pledge of commitment from all regional line agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and the private sector followed. The launching was attended by officials from the local government units, directors and members of the technical working groups (TWG) from the regional line agencies, private sector representatives, industry clusters, academe, media, and other guests who gave their valuable ideas during the series of consultations for the Caraga RDP and RDIP. Honorable Songco graced the occasion on behalf of Socio- Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan who attended an urgent meeting with the President at the Malacanan Palace. UNVEILING. [Left] From left, Atty. Danrex Tapdasan representing Rep. Valentina G. Plaza (First District, Agusan del Sur), SP Edward P. Mellana representing Rep. Evelyn P. Mellana (Second District, Agusan del Sur), Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., USec. Songco, Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Arturo Carlos A. Egay, Jr., OIC-RD Cariño, and Bislig City Mayor Librado C. Navarro. [Right] USec. Songco signing the pledge of commitment. Agents of change from the education sector.

6. 6 caraga today The ASEAN Forum, which was originally set on January 15, aims to inform the stakeholders of Caraga about the implications of the integration of the ASEAN countries’ economies in 2015. The AEC 2015 endeavors to achieve full economic integration in 2015 by creating a single market and production base that will allow the free flow of goods, services, investments, capital and labor throughout the region. Under the ASEAN integration plan, tariffs on most goods coming from member countries will be brought down to zero or near-zero, financial systems will be integrated, and employment restrictions will be eased so that Southeast Asians would find it easy to find jobs in any country within the region. This will significantly reduce the cost of doing business and will result in the entire region experiencing significant growth. The ASEAN integration will definitely have significant impacts to the Caraga Region’s economy given that its growth drivers have varying degrees of preparedness. Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, heads the team of resource persons for the forum. Joining Dr. Aldaba were PIDS Senior Fellows Dr. Erlinda M. Medalla, Dr. Roehlano Briones, and Dr. Adoracion Navarro. Officials and representatives from the local government units, regional line agencies, private sector, industry clusters, academe, media, and even business operators participated in this forum. Preparing for the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015: Caraga Regional Development Council hosts ASEAN Economic Community Forum by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga THE RESEARCHERS. [Counter-clockwise from top] PIDS Senior Fellows Dr. Erlinda M. Medalla, Dr. Roehlano Briones, Dr. Adoracion Navarro, and Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Vice President of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) hosted the Forum on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 at the Convention Hall, Dottie’s Place Hotel & Restaurant, JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Friday, January 24, 2014.

7. 7Vol. XVIII Issue 1 The Caraga Regional Development Council started the year 2013 by endorsing the fiscal year 2014 proposed budgets of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges of the region amounting to PhP 38 Billion during the 74th Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting on March 13, 2013. These budgets underwent a rigorous process of consultation with different stakeholders including civil society organizations before securing the endorsement of the RDC. To heed President Aquino’s clarion call to update development plans, the Caraga RDC spearheaded the revision of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2011-2016 and revalidation of the Regional Development Investment Program 2011- 2016. The revision resulted in more sharpened strategies to attain inclusive growth and reduce poverty. A series of technical working group meetings, workshops, sectoral consultations, and provincial/city consultations followed to ensure that local concerns are integrated in the revised plan. Finally, the Caraga RDC approved and adopted the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan and Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program 2013-2016 through Regional Development Council Resolution Numbers 34 and 35, series of 2013, respectively, during the Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting on October 4, 2013. Caraga Regional Development Council presents 2013 accomplishments by Melanie A. Maur and Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga Since its creation 19 years ago, the Caraga Region has improved rapidly. Continued on page 8

8. 8 FY 2014 Caraga RDC Endorsed Budget The Caraga RDC In Numbers 4 - Full Council Meetings 1 - Executive Committee Meeting 5 - Development Administration Committee Meetings 5 - Economic Development Committee Meetings 5 - Infrastructure Development Committee Meetings 5 - Social Development Committee Meetings caraga today

9. 9Vol. XVIII Issue 1 document of the Revised Regional Development Plan 2013-2016. It translates the objectives and strategies of the Regional Development Plan into concrete programs, projects, and activities proposed for implementation by the agency regional offices, state universities and colleges, local government units, and private sector. The Revalidated RDIP contains strategic core investment programs and projects of agency regional offices, state universities and colleges, local government units, and the private sector. It also serves as basis for the preparation of annual budget proposals of agency regional offices, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financing institutions and the Regional Development Council’s review and evaluation of the annual budget proposals of these government entities. The Caraga RDC has a tradition of inviting public- servant leaders to grace RDC meetings. Department of Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla attended the 75th Full Council meeting in Surigao City on June 24, 2013 and discussed energy-related issues. On June 30, 2013, the term of office of the Caraga RDC Officials for 2010-2013 ended. Thus, on August 16, 2013, the Caraga RDC Secretariat spearheaded the reorganization of the Caraga RDC. The Caraga RDC identified two Continued on page 10 The Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 adopted the original goal of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2011-2016, which is to make the Caraga Region the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism or FAME Center of the country by year 2030. This would be achieved by developing and harnessing the region’s abundant resources in fishery, agriculture, forestry, mineral, and eco-tourism. The Caraga RDC saw that increasing the productivity of these sub- sectors is the key in generating productive and gainful employment opportunities that will result in reduced poverty levels. The Revalidated Regional Development Investment Program 2013-2016 on the other hand is the companion

10. 10 caraga today  Conversion of the Butuan City Multi-Purpose Center into an uptown and commercial complex  Endorsing the PPP for Infrastructure School Project  Requesting the conversion of Butuan Airport from satellite airport of Area Nine to Airport Regional Center for Caraga Region with Tandag, Siargao, Surigao and Bislig Airports as its satellite airports.  Endorsing the results of Perceptions of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Beneficiaries on the Attainment of its Objectives In Caraga Region study  Supporting the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholars  Requesting the grant of honoraria to 4Ps study researchers  Endorsing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project II  Requesting LGUs’ support and use of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction  Endorsing of the Regional Basic Education Development Plan 2013-2018  Endorsing the Request of the City Government of Butuan for the revocation of Presidential Proclamation No. 249 (series 2000) and the subsequent conversion of the Butuan City Multi-Purpose Training Center into an uptown government and commercial complex  Supporting the establishment of Tourism Police Force and Tourism Police Assistance Desks in areas within Caraga Region with high tourism traffic pursuant to RA 9593 or the Tourism Act Of 2009  Requesting the Department of Justice to designate a prosecutor to handle environmental cases in each city or provincial Prosecutor’s Office Executive Committee Development Administration Committee Social Development Committee Resolutions passed

11. 11Vol. XVIII Issue 1 nominees each from the government and private sectors for the Caraga RDC Chairperson and Co- Chairperson positions. Governor Sol Matugas of Surigao del Norte and Governor Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur from the government sector were nominated. Engr. Leonel Santos (Regional Private Sector Representative) and Mr. Joseph Omar Andaya (Butuan City Private Sector Representative) were the nominees from the private sector. The Caraga RDC is still waiting for the President to appoint the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson. The chairpersons and co- chairpersons for the four Sectoral Committees of the RDC were likewise selected during this reorganizational meeting. Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas was selected as the Chairperson of the Development Administration Committee with Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as co- Chairperson. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. was selected as the Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee with Regional Private Sector Representative Engr. Epimaco Galero, Jr. as co-Chairperson. Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel was selected as the Chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee with Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Danilo Versola as co-Chairperson. Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro was selected as the Chairperson of the Social Development Committee with Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Minda Brigoli as co- Chairperson. The Caraga RDC conducted four Full Council Meetings and passed 69 resolutions. The request of City Government of Butuan for the revocation of Presidential Proclamation Number 249, series of 2000 and the subsequent conversion of the Butuan City Multi- Purpose Training Center into an uptown government and commercial complex was endorsed by the Caraga RDC. The resolution paved the way for the City Government to design and implement projects or investments for commercial purposes. Continued on page 12

12. 12 caraga today  Requesting the Department of Justice to designate a prosecutor to handle environmental cases in each city or provincial prosecutor’s office  Enjoining all local government units and mining companies to adopt filtering technology and the use of bio -logs to address heavy siltation of rivers and creeks brought about by small-scale mining activities  Requesting the central offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism to come-up with specific guidelines in identifying tourism development areas.  Enjoining the use of coco coir and coco nets for soil conditioning and erosion control in mined-out areas  Requesting the issuance of guidelines concerning the granting of Special Agreements for Protected Areas (SAPA)  Creating a Regional Tourism Coordinating Council that shall coordinate and harmonize tourism development efforts in the region under the Tourism Act of 2009 (R.A. No. 9593)  Prohibiting child labor in mining activities as a response to alleged practices in the mining sector employing child laborers/workers, reiterating such prohibition under RA 7658 and 9231  Endorsing the Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood (FishCORAL) Project in Caraga Region. Economic Development Committee Resolutions passed  Endorsing the proposed bridges under President’s Bridge Program for Spanish Government Funding  Requesting the City Government of Butuan to craft a Traffic Management Plan including the development of city by-pass and alternate roads to address the potential traffic congestion problems brought by the growing urbanization of the city  Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the adoption of Geotagging Technology as a project monitoring tool  Endorsing to the Caraga RDC the creation of the Joint EDC-IDC Committee Infrastructure Development Committee

13. 13Vol. XVIII Issue 1 The Caraga RDC also endorsed the results of the study Perceptions of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Beneficiaries on the Attainment of its Objectives In Caraga Region and the PPP for School Infrastructure Project II. The Department of Education Central Office already awarded the PPP for School Infrastructure Project II to BSP and Company and Vicente T. Lao Construction- Joint Venture B. The PPP for School Infrastructure Project II operating through a Build- Transfer scheme involves the design, financing, and construction of 10,679 classrooms. The Caraga RDC supported the move to establish Tourism Police Force and Tourism Police Assistance Desks in areas in the region with high tourism traffic following the provisions of Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. Further, the Caraga RDC requested the Department of Justice to designate a prosecutor to handle environmental cases in each city or provincial prosecutor’s office. To safeguard the environment, the Caraga RDC requested for the adoption of a filtering technology in rivers and creeks by mining companies to solve heavy siltation caused by mining activities as well as encourage the use of coco coir and coco nets for soil conditioning and erosion control in mined-out areas. The Caraga RDC also requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Office to expedite the review of the special use agreement in protected areas to ensure conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of protected areas to uphold critical ecological processes and life support systems. A resolution requesting the central offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism to come-up with specific guidelines in identifying tourism development areas was also passed by the Caraga RDC. Since the identification of tourism development areas is a national initiative, the criteria or guidelines for identifying should emanate Continued on page 14

14. 14 caraga today Major outputs and activities of RDC Sectoral Committees The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees formulated the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 chapters and its corresponding Results Matrix. Further, the Committees conducted civil society organizations (CSO) consultation on the Revised Caraga RDP Chapters and participated in the PDP Regional Consultation. Planning Investment Programming Budgeting The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees presented the core Investment Program/Projects of the Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan 2013- 2016, provided inputs to the Revalidated Regional Investment Program (RDIP) 2013-2016, and subsequently endorsed the Revalidated RDIP. The Caraga RDC Sectoral Committees conducted Regional Budget Consultation, consultation with CSOs on agency proposed budgets, and endorsed the Agency Budget Proposals for FY 2014.

15. 15Vol. XVIII Issue 1 from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism Central Offices to ensure that all regions adhere to the same guidelines. The Caraga RDC conducted the second Infrastructure Development Committee Tourism Road Infrastructure Prioritization Criteria (TRIPC) assessment visit for Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, and Agusan del Sur on December 3 -6, 2013. The Caraga Regional Project Monitoring Committee monitored the progress of implementation of 177 projects during regular monitoring and 86 projects during special monitoring. The Caraga RPMC was the first to apply Geotagging technology in project monitoring among all the RPMCs in the country. Geotagging is the process of adding geographical information to photographs of projects monitored. Because of this trailblazing effort, the members of the Caraga Regional Project Monitoring Team served as resource persons on geotagging by other regions of the country. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Development Committee also reviewed the Umayan River Irrigation Project. The Investment Coordinating Committee-Cabinet Committee approved the change of cost on December 16, 2013 and this project is now calendared for discussion by the NEDA Board. Through the Regional Geographic Information System Network and with funding support from the GIZ German Development Cooperation of the Republic of Germany, the Caraga RDC conducted two batches of trainings on Basic Quantum GIS, which were attended by 65 participants. Quantum GIS experts from the Department of Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, of the University of the Philippines- Diliman served as trainers. The Agusan River Basin Task Force conducted two meetings in 2013. The meetings were conducted to discuss the results of the four water quality monitoring assessments and the expansion of the coverage of the assessment to other major water bodies of the region pursuant to Caraga RDC Resolution Number 32, series of 2012. Also, the Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee had three meetings in 2013. These meetings discussed the Anti- Illegal Logging Task Force’s operation and identification of mechanisms to strengthen the wood industry in the region that resulted in the passage of a resolution requesting a prosecutor to handle environmental cases in each city or province. “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators (Edward Gibbon).” We have laid out our plans and now we are ready for sailing. With the blessings of Our Almighty God and Creator, let us be agents of change. In this year of the horse, the symbol of perceptiveness and hard work, the Caraga RDC will aim to be more passionate in modeling change in the region for the betterment of others doing its mandated work with greater love, greater attention, and greater deliberation.

16. Macroeconomic Management  upgrade and diversify industries to include more value-adding and processing activities;  diversify export products;  provide adequate infrastructure as well as improve regional competitiveness;  strengthen the manufacturing sector by expanding and broadening its export base  employ strategies to reduce the impacts of natural calamities given the region’s high exposure to geological and meteorological hazards; Innovative and Competitive Industry and Service Sectors  advance responsible mining and the local processing of mineral products;  strengthen the industry clusters;  increase the micro, small, and medium enterprises’ competitiveness;  increase regional and local competitiveness and institutionalize reforms in getting credit  establish infrastructure support facilities in tourism destination areas and enforce RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 to entice more tourists to visit and enjoy the region’s 499 breathtaking and excellent eco- tourism destinations; Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector  adopt new and effective farming technologies;  promote Agri-Pinoy Program;  establish and maintain fish sanctuaries in every coastal municipality;  promote private sector investment for commercial livestock industry; and  establish adequate and appropriate pre and post harvest facilities. Accelerating Infrastructure Development  maintain, improve, and upgrade transport systems;  improve access to potable water;  provide a stable and effective power supply;  establish a dependable digital infrastructure;  improve quality and coverage of preventive and curative health care and education;  improve environmental protection; sanitation and waste disposal; and  provide resilience to climate change and natural disasters. Good Governance and the Rule of Law  improve, strengthen and professionalize the government machinery;  address inefficiencies and curb graft and corruption in government transactions and in performing public service;  increase the government’s coffers;  enhance citizen’s participation; and  strengthen the rule of law. Social Development  develop human capacities especially that of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged by improving access to relevant and quality education and technical skills development; THE PLAN’S BROAD STRATEGIES THE PLAN’S GOAL The Caraga Regional Development Plan endeavors to make the Caraga Region the Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism (FAME) center of the country by year 2030 by developing the region’s abundant resources in fishery, agriculture, forestry, mining, and eco-tourism. These sectors have been observed as growth drivers of the region’s economy, generating employment for the region. The improvement of the productivity of the said sectors will result in generation of employment opportunities and reduction in poverty. In Sum The Revise Regional Deve 2013-

17.  improve access to quality social protection;  improve access to quality health and nutrition services; and  provide access to shelter Peace and Security  enhance police presence and visibility;  empower Barangay officials and tanods and the police as first responders; and  intensify economic and social support services through provision of sustainable livelihood opportunities, construction of strategic infrastructure projects, and convergence approach in the delivery of basic social services Conservation, Protection, and Rehabilitation of Environment and Natural Resources towards sustainable development  pursue an integrated approach to natural resource conservation, development and management, and ensure strict implementation of environmental laws, policies, and regulation.  prioritize the strengthening of the resilience and adaptive capacities of communities against natural hazards and climate change. MAJOR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS  Agusan del Norte-Surigao del Norte Coastal Road  Agusan del Sur Circumferential Road  Anti-Red Tape Act - Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS)  Anti-Red Tape Watch  Automatic Water Level Sensor  Bayugan-Calaitan-San Juan of Agusan del Sur to San Miguel – JCT Gamut, Tago – Tandag Road Concreting  Bottom up Budgeting Support Program  Butuan City-Agusan-Malaybalay City Road  Cattle Dairy Production  Centers of Excellence (COEs)/Centers of Development (CODs)  CLUP Zero Backlog Project  Coconut Replanting  Coconut Seedlings Dispersal Project (CSDP)  Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program  Conduct of LGU Budget Review  Construction of Cluster Sanitary Landfill  Construction of Regional Skills Training and Assessment Center (RSTAC)  Construction of River Protection in Cabadbaran and Karak-an Rivers  Crops and Livestock Development Sector  DA-Banner Program  Dinagat Island Road Network  Enhancing LGU Capacity on CCA- DRRM and Disaster Preparedness  Establishment of courts cum libraries  Establishment of NCIP Region XIII Multi -Purpose Tribal Center  Establishment of Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Center for Caraga  Establishment of Two-Storey Manpower Training Center  Farm to Market Road Project (FMR)  FishCORAL Project-Coastal Resource  FishCORAL Project-Livelihood  Geohazard and Survey Assessment  Improvement of the Caraga State University - Cabadbaran Campus Sports Complex  Kalusugang Pangkalahatan  Lake Mainit Circumferential Road  Major Flood Control Projects  Mindanao East West Lateral Road  Nasipit Baseport Improvement Projects  National Greening Program  National Universities and Colleges for Agriculture and Fisheries (NUCAFs) / Provincial Institutes of Agriculture and Fisheries (PIAFs)  Palm Oil Replanting  PAMANA  Rechanneling and Protection of Andanan River  Rice Mechanization Program  SALT Fertilization Project (SFP)  Scaling –up of Risk Transfer Mechanisms for Climate Vulnerable-based Communities in Southern Philippines  Seal of Good Social Protection for the Basic Sectors  Siargao Island Circumferential Road  Surigao Baseport Improvement Projects  Surigao City IP Housing Project  Surigao City Resettlement Housing Project 3  Tabon-Labisma-Lawigan Port Road Concreting  Umayam River Irrigation Project  Widening and River Protection of Bayugan and Taglatawan Rivers  Widening and River Protection of Bayugan and Taglatawan Rivers mmary ed Caraga elopment Plan -2016

18. in Soriano, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; a new proprietor is taking over. The reduction in the production of banana was also partly caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo on banana plantations in Agusan del Sur. The production in Agusan del Norte decreased by 21.86 percent, while that of Surigao del Sur increased by 10.17 percent. The top banana producer in the region is now Surigao del Sur, which contributed 43.68 percent of the total production for the quarter. Its production grew by 10.17 percent. The increase in production is attributed to more hills bearing fruits. For non-food and industrial crops (NFIC), coconut production decreased by 3.39 percent or 7,591.52 MT because of declining production in Surigao del Norte (13.06 percent or 9,935.99 MT) and Agusan del Sur (10.82 percent or 681.23 MT). The reduced production in Surigao del Norte is due to fewer nuts harvested per tree, while that of Agusan del Sur is due to the damage caused by Typhoon Pablo. The province of Surigao del Sur is the top coconut producer of the region for the quarter, with 48.26 percent contribution to the total coconut production for this quarter, followed by Surigao del Norte with 30.57 percent. Coconut production in Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry Palay production increased by 29.84 percent or 8,141 MT. The increase in production is attributed to more area harvested due to a more reliable supply of water and higher yield owing to lesser pests and diseases. Surigao del Sur is the highest producer of palay among the provinces in the region, contributing 34.41 percent of the region’s total palay production for this quarter. Surigao del Norte follows with a 33.21 percent contribution. Corn production increased by 46.86 percent or 14,235 MT. The increase in production is attributed to increase in area harvested due to availability of seeds, attractive price and sufficient soil moisture for planting as well as higher yields due to lesser pests and diseases. The province of Agusan del Sur is the top corn producer of the region for the quarter, with a 77.35 percent contribution to the total corn production for this quarter. The province’s production increased by 54.98 percent. The production of banana, another major crop, decreased by 6.74 percent or 4,244.29 MT. This is due to cutting of unproductive hills for replacement because of the closure of the Cavendish farm Source: BAS XIII 18 caraga today 3rd Quarter 2013 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII

19. production comes from municipal fishery, comprising about 69.19 percent of the total volume of production. Municipal production decreased by 4.68 percent or 775.71 MT compared to third quarter of last year. The province of Surigao del Sur is the top fishery producer of the region for the quarter, with 45.54 percent contribution to the total production, followed by Surigao del Norte with 42.39 percent contribution. However, production in both Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte declined by 8.60 percent and 3.75 percent, respectively because of lesser fishing activities due to the prevalence of low pressure areas (LPAs). Services and Industry Sole proprietor investments for the third quarter increased by 188.76 percent or Php 355.67 million compared to the same period last year. Domestic sales increased by 54.03 percent or Php 55.50 million. Jobs generated increased by 0.96 percent or 27 jobs. New business names registration increased by 26.59 percent or 314 registrations. Exports decreased by 55.14 percent or USD 7.04 Million. Surigao del Sur, slightly increased by 0.72 percent, while that of Surigao del Norte decreased by 13.06 percent. Palm fruit production also decreased by 50.26 percent or 37,057.79 MT. In Agusan del Norte, the decrease in production was due to fewer harvests attributed to reduced application of fertilizer. Meanwhile, the province of Agusan del Sur is the top palm fruit producer of the region for the quarter, with 98.66 percent contribution to the total production. However, Palm fruit production in Agusan del Sur declined by 50.59 percent due to damage caused by Typhoon Pablo. Forestry Log production increased by 335.83 percent or 178,630.66 cu. m. Production from the Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC) increased by 330.81 percent or 175,959.10 cu. m. The PTPOC accounted for 98.85 percent of the total log production for the period. Most of the produced logs were sold to nearby regions. Hence, manufactured forest products decreased by 17.12 percent or 24,898.50 cu. m. Major manufactured products include veneer, plywood, blockboard and lumber. Fishery For the Fishery sector, the total volume of production decreased by 5.31 percent or 1,280.61 MT. Most of the 19Vol. XVIII Issue 1 Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII Source: BAS XIII

20. Agusan del Norte ranks first with a contribution of 57.05 percent to total jobs generated followed by Surigao del Sur with 17.69 percent. In terms of growth in jobs generated, Agusan del Norte also leads with 163.68 percent growth followed by Surigao del Sur (31.41%). In terms of new business name registration, Agusan del Norte ranks first with 44.01 percent share, followed by Surigao del Norte with 25.62 percent share. In terms of growth in registrations, Agusan del Norte also leads with 39.70 percent growth. Among the provinces, Agusan del Sur cornered the biggest share of investments with 37.52 percent. Surigao del Norte follows with a 29.72 percent share. In terms of growth of investments, Agusan del Norte leads with 187.49 percent growth. In terms of domestic sales, Surigao del Sur ranks first with 36.36 percent share to total sales followed by Surigao del Norte with 25.19 percent share. In terms of growth in domestic sales, Surigao del Sur also leads with 155.80 percent growth. In terms of jobs generated, 20 caraga today 3Q 2012 3Q 2013 Investments (in Php M) 188.43 544.10 Domestic Sales (in Php M) 102.72 158.22 Jobs Generated 2,811 2,838 Business Name (New) 1,181 1,495 Exports (in USD M) 12.77 5.73 Source: DTI XIII Source: DTI XIII Source: DTI XIII Source: DTI XIII Source: DTI XIII Exports Total exports for the 3rd quarter of 2013 was valued at USD 228,520,836. It grew by 21.46 percent or USD 40,378,250 compared to the same period last year. In terms of value by product, 88.59 percent of total export comprised of nickel ores and concentrates. This is followed by coconut products (8.58%) such as coconut, copra, coconut water, crude oil and refined oil (cochin). The region also exported banana products, mango juice, palm stearin, saccharin, and others. In terms of value by country of destination, 40.66 percent of the exports value for the period went to China, followed by USA with 36.93 percent. In terms of value by province, 58 percent of the exports value for the period exited through Surigao del Norte. Shipping and Cargoes Total number of ship calls

21. shipment of general cargoes attributed to the operation of new establishments in Surigao City. Outbound domestic cargo decreased by 17.78 percent or 42,083.24 MT. This is due to decrease in shipment of fruits and vegetables, wood by- products and other general cargoes. percent due to increased demand for nickel ore in foreign markets. Historically, inbound domestic cargo throughput is higher than outbound. Inbound domestic cargo increased by 48.84 percent or 144,445.17 MT. This is due to the increase in 21Vol. XVIII Issue 1 Source: NSO XIII Source: NSO XIII Source: NSO XIII Source: NSO XIII decreased by 2.30 percent compared to the same period last year. Ship calls in the region are mostly domestic comprising 89.92 percent of the total number of calls for the quarter. Domestic ship calls decreased by 3.90 percent. Foreign ship calls, however, increased by 14.72 Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao Source: PPA PMO Nasipit, PPA PMO Surigao

22. Foreign export throughput increased by 14.36 percent due to increase in shipment of nickel ores to China. Total domestic passengers increased by 0.57 percent. Close to 52 percent of domestic passengers are composed of disembarking passengers. Increase in total number of passengers is attributed to the entry of MV Filipinas. Tourism Tourist arrivals increased by 31.74 percent compared to the same period last year; About 91 percent were domestic travelers, 8 percent were foreigners and 1 percent were overseas Filipinos. Butuan City cornered the biggest share with 35 percent of the total tourist arrivals for the 3rd quarter of 2013, followed by Surigao City with 31 percent. The number of domestic travelers, foreign travelers and overseas Filipino travelers increased by 29 percent or 28,771 visitors, 61 percent or 4,467 visitors, and 154 percent or 659 visitors, respectively. These figures tell us that while attracting foreign visitors has its merits, domestic visitors still remain as the region’s main market. Given such, there is a need for tourism stakeholders to take this market seriously and implement strategies and packages that target this group. There is also a need to improve the collection efficiency of tourism data to capture the gains of the region due to the increase in number of flights serving the region. Air Transport Total number of flights in the region, both incoming and outgoing, decreased by 2.33 percent. However, total incoming passengers increased by 6.88 percent, while total outgoing passengers increased by 8.04 percent. Incoming cargoes increased by 60.43 percent or 458,759 kg. Outgoing cargoes increased by 50.15 percent or 274,350 kg. Labor Unemployment rate decreased from 6.90 percent to 5.50 percent, lower than the national figure of 7.30 percent. Likewise, underemployment decreased from 30.60 percent to 29.90 percent, higher than the national figure of 19.20 percent. Prices Inflation rate for the 3rd quarter of 2013 averaged 3.17 percent, lower compared to the 4.30 percent average for the 3rd quarter of 2012. 22 caraga today Source: DOT XIII Source: DOT XIII Source: CAAP Source: CAAP Source: CAAP July 2012 July 2013 Labor Force 1,698,000 1,741,000 Labor Force Participation 65.90 68.80 Employment Rate (%) 93.10 94.50 Unemployment Rate (%) 6.90 5.50 Underemployment Rate (%) 30.60 29.90 Source: NSO

23. 23Vol. XVIII Issue 1 Development Prospects Another bank opened its doors in Butuan City. The Philippine Business Bank, a thrift bank, opened a branch in Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City. The bank targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies. It seeks to help SMEs build broad economic base through improved access to capital and other banking products and services. A USD 70 Million biomass plant will be built in Butuan City by Caraga Renewable Power Corp. which is owned by Eastern Petroleum. The plant which will have a capacity of 20 MW will run on woodchips sourced from industrial tree plantations in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. It wil boost power supply in the region. A Singapore-based multi- national corporation is planning to develop 67,000 hectares of land in Agusan del Sur for coconut plantation worth PhP 4 Billion. The company will produce coconut water, virgin coconut oil and other coconut food-based products which will be exported to the USA and Europe. compared to the same period last year. Public Order and Safety Total crime volume increased by 66.13 percent. All of the provinces, except Dinagat Islands, including Butuan City displayed increasing crime volume with the highest percentage increase recorded in Surigao del Norte (85.43%), followed by Surigao del Sur (83.26%), Agusan del Sur (50.36%), Butuan City (32.03%), Agusan del Norte (23.44%), and Dinagat Islands (0%). Of the total crime volume for the quarter, 63.68 percent were index crimes, while 36.32 percent were non-index crimes. Crime volume is seen to be highest in Surigao del Norte which comprise 44.38 percent of the total figure in the region- 48.82 percent share for index crimes and 36.59 percent share for non-index crime. Surigao del Sur follows with 25.02 percent. Average crime solution efficiency rate in the region increased by 19.32 percentage points. The highest crime solution efficiency rate is in Dinagat Islands at 60 percent, followed by Butuan City with 55 percent. Source: NSO Source: NSO Source: PNP XIII Source: PNP XIII Among the provinces, price movement from July to September 2013 was slowest in Surigao del Norte with an average of 2.33 percent inflation rate. On the other hand, Surigao del Sur posted the highest inflation rate at 4.13 percent for the same period. The CPI levels for the third quarter of this year are higher compared to the same period of last year. This tells us that an average basket of goods costs higher this year

24. 4th Quarter 2013 Regional Project Monitoring Activity 24 caraga today Name of Project Location Implementing Agency Cost in PhP ('000,000) Physical Accomplishment in % Status (as of January 31, 2014) Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage (%) Agusan del Norte Rehabilitation/Improvement of Bango- nay-Badbad FMR Jabonga DPWH 18.72 100.00 100.00 - Completed Replacement/Widening of Panaytayon Bridge (Phase II) RTR DPWH 4.62 36.36 83.12 46.76 Ongoing Widening/Concreting of Additional Lane both directions along Butuan City-CDO- Iligan Road Buenavista DPWH 89.51 81.03 92.81 11.78 Ongoing Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of Buenavista-Bunaguit Road Buenavista DPWH 140.89 93.80 94.21 0.41 Ongoing Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (KSRIP) Kitcharao NIA 325.04 56.10 58.23 2.13 Ongoing Dredging and Bank Protection of Cali- nawan River (Santiago-Sta. Ana Sec- tion) Santiago DPWH 54.03 3.75 5.55 1.79 Suspended Agusan del Sur Umayam River Irrigation Project, Loreto and La Paz Municipalities (URIPL-C-1, URIPL-C-2 and URIPL-C-3) Loreto and La Paz NIA 82.94 - 100.00 - Completed Construction of D.O.P. Memorial Hospi- tal Annex Building (Phase-3) Prosperidad LGU-ADS 13.51 - - - Ongoing Rehabilitation/Improvement/Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) Karaos-Lapag (Mt. Magdiwata) Eco Park-Alegria Road with Sumogbong Bridge, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur San Francisco DPWH 96.62 51.19 53.96 2.77 Ongoing Repair/Rehabilitation of Talacogon Steel Bridge along NRJ Talacogon Bahbah Road, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur Talacogon DPWH 1.38 - 35.10 - Ongoing Bridge Construction/Replacement Pro- ject Maylanan Bridge and Ap- proaches, Loreto, ADS Loreto DPWH 19.74 39.95 21.31 (18.64) Ongoing Bridge Construction/Replacement Pro- ject Sayugon Bridge and Approaches, Loreto, ADS Loreto DPWH 18.12 43.61 24.27 (19.34) Ongoing Bridge Construction/Replacement Pro- ject Mambaus Bridge II and Ap- proaches, Loreto, ADS Loreto DPWH 24.73 27.60 12.63 (14.97) Ongoing Bridge Construction/Replacement Pro- ject Kinawan Bridge and Approaches, Loreto, ADS Loreto DPWH 22.23 41.13 26.17 (14.96) Ongoing Panagangan Bridge 1, Loreto, Agusan del Sur Loreto DPWH 19.40 100.00 95.01 (4.99) Ongoing Surigao del Sur Wakat Barobo Road Section, K1399+770 - K1406+100, Barobo, Surigao del Sur Barobo DPWH 4.88 - 100.00 - Completed Const. of Series of Box Culverts at Tago-Gamut Bridge along SDCR, Tago, Surigao del Sur Tago DPWH 24.06 - 100.00 - Completed NRJ Barobo-Agusan del Sur Boundary Road, K1408+312 - K1411+400 Suri- gao del Sur Barobo DPWH 52.17 99.79 95.29 (4.50) Ongoing Completion/Retrofitting of Tago-San Miguel Bridge along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, San Miguel, Surigao del San Miguel DPWH 20.68 39.25 41.44 2.19 Ongoing Construction of Slope Protection of Tago River Flood Control along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, Magroyong San Miguel DPWH 14.90 26.89 28.28 1.39 Ongoing

25. 25Vol. XVIII Issue 1 Name of Project Location Implementing Agency Cost in PhP ('000,000) Physical Accomplishment in % Status(as of January 31, 2014) Planned (%) Actual (%) Slippage (%) Tago River Basin Flood Control and Mitigation Project, Tago Tago DPWH 48.63 46.58 43.55 (3.03) Ongoing Construction of Triple Barrel Box Cul- vert of Tago River Basin Flood Control along Jct. Gamut-San Miguel Road, Cagpangi Section, Tago Tago DPWH 12.70 26.89 29.29 2.40 Ongoing Construction of Flood Control/Slope Protection of Tago River Basin along SDCR, Gamut, Tago Tago DPWH 14.40 26.89 28.35 1.46 Ongoing Tago RIS Improvement Project, Suri- gao del Sur Tago NIA 138.23 - 80.00 - Ongoing Buyaan CIP, Madrid, Surigao del Sur Madrid NIA 72.48 - 85.00 - Ongoing Bayugan City Construction of Esperanza Bridge and Attendant Items of Work along Butuan City-Las Nieves-Esperanza-Bayugan Road, Agusan del Sur Bayugan City DPWH-RRNDP 336.01 - 95.02 - Ongoing NRJ Bayugan-Calaitan-Tandag Road, K1291+500 - K1292+867.57, Bayugan City, ADS Bayugan City DPWH 42.25 75.10 77.35 2.25 Ongoing NRJ Bayugan-Calaitan-Tandag Road, K1286+722 - K1288+222, Bayugan City, ADS Bayugan City DPWH 34.53 64.10 66.33 2.23 Ongoing Andanan River Irrigation System, Ba- yugan City, Agusan del Sur Bayugan City NIA 181.20 - - - Ongoing Nueva ERA Pump Irrigation Project, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Bunawan NIA 44.63 - - - Ongoing Bislig City Bislig City Integrated Project Irrigation Component (Burboanan Irrigation Pro- ject), Surigao del Sur Bislig City NIA 27.65 - 60.00 - Ongoing Butuan City Improvement of Drainage Facilities along Butuan City-Malaybalay Road (Montilla Boulevard) Butuan City DPWH 13.51 32.85 60.97 28.12 Ongoing Construction of NEDA/RDC Building Butuan City NEDA 43.85 3.57 3.75 0.18 Ongoing Upgrading of Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital Butuan City DOH 0.03 - 30.02 - Ongoing Construction of Butuan City South Market Butuan City LGU-Butuan 249.79 75.83 74.01 (1.82) Ongoing Construction of Polysports Complex Butuan City LGU-Butuan 252.94 65.24 56.05 (9.19) Ongoing Cabadbaran City Widening/Concreting of Additional Lane along Daang Maharlika (Agusan- Surigao Road) Cabadbaran City DPWH 2.67 36.25 77.25 41.00 Ongoing Surigao City Repair/Rehabilitation/Improvement of Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Road) Surigao City DPWH 9.53 93.76 100.00 6.24 Completed Repair/Rehabilitation/Improvement, Quezon-Mapawa-Capalayan-Espina- Navarro Road with exceptions of Surigao City Surigao City DPWH 9.39 17.00 50.35 33.35 Ongoing Improvement /Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of NRJ Lipata-Punta Bilar and Mabua Road Surigao City DPWH 0.08 83.96 94.13 10.17 Ongoing Extension of Existing Passenger Terminal Building, Port of Lipata Surigao City PPA PMO Surigao 9.88 22.18 96.21 74.03 Ongoing Lipata Port Expansion and Improvement Project Surigao City PPA PMO Surigao 75.53 14.80 17.59 2.79 Ongoing Tandag City Sta. Felomina CIS, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur Tandag City NIA 36.24 - 65.00 - Recommended for Termination

26. 26 caraga today The shortage of classrooms and armchairs resulted in classes being conducted in open areas and students standing or sitting on the ground while others sit with a partner. These are two pressing concerns that confront school administrators of the Caraga Region. Realizing the importance of securing the future of our youth, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched a collaborative project with the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) dubbed as PNoy Bayanihan Project that provides armchairs to schools in the region. DENR donates, hauls, and delivers confiscated logs, lumber, and other forest products to TESDA production sites. It also links TESDA to registered wood suppliers to ensure adequate and sustained supply of legally sourced logs and lumber. DepEd on the other hand, pays for every chair, table, fixture, and furniture produced by TESDA. It provides the detailed design, specification, volume, and other requirements for the fabrication of the school furnitures. It also facilitates the delivery of the school furniture to specific schools. Meanwhile, TESDA produces the school furniture and conducts trainings on furniture production including access to training facilities and equipment. It also assists in the selection and recruitment of production workers. PAGCOR provides initial funding of P100 Million for the retrofitting and establishment of new production facilities. It also monitors and ensures that the production facilities, equipment, and other operational needs are utilized in accordance with the terms of agreement. The first batches of beneficiaries were schools in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur. In Butuan City, the recipient- beneficiaries of armchairs were the Butuan Central Elementary School (1,900 units); Agusan National High School (2,000 units); Butuan City School of Arts and Trades (800 units); Libertad Central Elementary School (186 units); La Trinidad Elementary School (450 units); Villa Kananga Elementary School (260 units); San Vicente Elementary School (350 units); Kinamlutan Integrated School (50 units); and Ong Yiu Elementary School (100 units). PNoy Bayanihan Project: A commitment to transform lives of schoolchildren in Caraga Convergence. TESDA Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva is flanked by DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro and former PAGCOR Chairperson Cristino Naguiat together with students of Agusan National High School. TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. Continued on page 27

27. 27Vol. XVIII Issue 1 In 2012, 25 women of Barangay Sta. Cruz availed of the Self- Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran (SEA-K), a Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). These women farmers then formed the Sta. Cruz SEA-K Association or the Sta. Cruz SKA. After a series of trainings, the Sta. Cruz SKA started the Sta. Cruz SKA Cooperative with a seed capital of PhP 125,000.00 on February 8, 2013. The establishment of the cooperative in Barangay Sta. Cruz is strategic because it is the entry point to five other Barangays – Padi-ay, Perez, Magcalipe, Tabon -tabon, and Sta. Maria, all of Sibagat in Agusan del Sur. Thus, the Cooperative is able to serve travelers who are going to and from other Barangays adding to its revenue. Further, the Cooperative offers a variety of commodities that are not available in other sari-sari stores at a lower cost. This subsequently increased demand from Cooperative patrons. The Cooperative also offers credit lines for both members and patrons. A Board of Directors and a regular salesperson manage the Cooperative. During the first two months of operation, the Cooperative earned PhP 24,000.00, which delighted the members. They were even more delighted after earning more income from the barangay fiesta activities in May 2013. It was also in May that the members decided to invest PhP 15,000.00 for money lending that offers 10% and 20% interest rates for members and patrons, respectively. Now, the capital has grown to approximately PhP 45,000.00. Today, the seed capital has increased to PhP 218,000.00 or a 74% increase from the original capital seed fund. This makes the Cooperative’s payment to DSWD up to date. Also, the members are now planning to engage into falcatta trading to expand their business operations. The members of Sta. Cruz SEA-K Association are grateful to the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the DSWD for the improvement in their lives. Because of the program, they have an additional source of income. More importantly, the members realized that through faith and sheer hard work and with assistance from SEA-K, they can change their lives for the better. (DSWD FO Caraga, SLP M&E Officer) DSWD’s Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran Promotes Empowerment of Women In Surigao del Sur, some 4,500 armchairs were given to Tandag Central Elementary School, Carmen Integrated School, and Mahanahon Elementary School. In Agusan del Norte, about 16 elementary and high schools in the division of Cabadbaran City received 3,376 armchairs. The recipients were elementary schools of North Cabadbaran Central (841 units), Caasinan (117 units), Kauswagan (43 units), Bay-ang (54 units), Comagascas (162 units), Del Pilar (251), Pirada (173 units), Putting Bato (286 units), Cabinet (144 units), Calibunan (226 units), La Union (198 units), Sanghan (70 units), Alfonso Dagani (74 units), Calamba (69 units), and Cabadbaran South Central (277 units) and Cabadbaran City National School (391 units). TESDA Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. said that as long as there are available materials like the confiscated logs from DENR, the production team is at all times ready to do carpentry work and produce the needed armchairs that would reduce the shortage of armchairs in Caraga Region. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA-Caraga) PNoy Bayanihan Project... Continued from page 26

28. 28 caraga today Population Development Cooperation The Commission on Population- Caraga and the City Government of Butuan have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 9, 2014 at Butuan City. The collaboration is for the integration of population concerns in citywide plans and programs. PopCom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III and Butuan City Mayor Hon. Ferdinand Amante, Jr. recognized the importance of a MOU for technical cooperation on Population and Development (POPDEV) Integration in local governance. PopCom shall provide technical assistance to the City Government in developing appropriate tools, processes, methodologies to be integrated in the local development plans. PopCom-Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano disclosed that the population and development integration is a population management strategy that will enable institutions to create an environment conducive for people to achieve their development goals through well-planned and happy families. “Recognizing the importance and necessity of integrating population dimensions in development initiatives can contribute to policies and programs that will help government attain a well- managed population,” Makinano said. PopCom-Caraga has turned-over various IT equipment to the Population Office of Butuan in support of the institutionalization of the population program. Population Development Integration was adopted as among the strategies in the Butuan City’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and in the Congressional – City Development Agenda. Partnership for youth center On the same day, PopCom- Caraga also inked a partnership with Agusan National High School (ANHS) for the establishment and operation of the ANHS Youth Center project. PopCom Executive Director Perez III and ANHS Principal Dr. Eduardo Corro signed the Memorandum of Agreement that formalizes this partnership. PopCom-Caraga Regional Director Makinano said that the project aims to address high incidence of teenage pregnancy in the region. The ANHS Youth Center will provide services and information on health and sexuality for the youth through workshops, counseling, alternative recreation activities including sports, and training. Perez hopes that the operation of the ANHS Youth Center will help promote behavior change among the teenagers to be more responsible in their sexuality. Makinano underscored that the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) aims to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies, early sexual involvement, early marriages, and other youth-related reproductive health concerns. The 2011 Family Health Survey shows teenage pregnancies has increased from seven teenage mothers for every 100 in 2006 to 15 for every 100 in 2011. Caraga Region has the highest incidence of teen-age pregnancy in the country. (Angie Balen- Antonio, PopCom-Caraga) PopCom, Butuan City, Agusan National High School ink Population Development Cooperation, partnership for youth center [Left to right] Former PopCom-Caraga RD Camilo Pangan and current RD Alexander Makinano, PopCom Executive Director Juan Antonio A. Perez III, Dr. Eduardo Corro, ANHS Principal, Ms. Marietta Pajo, OIC-City Population Office together with CPO staff and students at the ANHS Youth Center.

29. 29Vol. XVIII Issue 1 The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has established its liaison office in the Province of Dinagat Islands early this year. The DTI is among the first national government agencies to establish an operational unit in one of the country’s newest provinces. With the establishment of its liaison office in the island, the small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, investors and businessmen in general from the province’s seven municipalities can now avail of technical assistance from DTI in the areas of product development, skills trainings, market development, entrepreneurship development, financing facilitation, etc. Entrepreneurs used to take more than an hour’s boat trip from San Jose, the province’s capital town to Surigao City just to avail of DTI services which entail additional costs on these entrepreneurs. Local entrepreneurs can also avail of the services of the agency’s banner project, Shared Service Facility (SSF), which aims to improve the quality and productivity of microenterprises and MSMEs by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters through the provision of processing machines/equipment for the common use of the industry clusters all over the country. DTI will also promote the province to potential investors, and provide technical and business advisory services to local businessmen in the island. In the areas of consumer protection and business regulation, the agency will implement its mandate through the following programs: 1) promotion of stable, reasonable and affordable prices, 2) promotion of safe products and services, 3) Business Name registration, mediation of consumer complaints, among others. DTI is the government’s key agency charged with creating a business-friendly environment that is conducive to the growth of enterprises and supportive of fair and robust trade in goods and services, both within and outside the Philippines. The liaison office is headed by Mr. Arnold D. Faelnar as the team leader. It is located at Maribao Building, San Juan, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands and can be reached at 09173111973. DTI establishes its presence in the Province of Dinagat Islands Phil-JobNet, Caraga Council of Deans and Business Educators Association link websites The Phil-JobNet (http://www.phil -job.net/) and the Caraga Council of Deans and Business Educators Association (CCDBEA) (http:// ccdbea.org/) linked their websites in a ceremony at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City on February 6, 2014. Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, Regional Director, DOLE-Caraga, emphasized the significance of Phil-JobNet to the 1,099 students from all over Caraga Region in his inspirational speech during the launching at Almont Inland, Butuan City on February 7, 2014. “Phil-JobNet is an internet-based job and applicant matching system which aims to fast track jobseekers search for jobs and employers search for manpower. It is designed to identify gaps in the labor demand and supply and capture the current labor market information to address the pressing issue of jobs mismatch thru information drive and trainings in collaboration with partner agencies.” He urged the students to register in the Phil-JobNet website (http:// www.phil-job.net/) and reminded them to be ready for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. The AEC endeavors to achieve full economic integration in 2015 by creating a single market and production base that will allow the free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and labor throughout the region. CCDBEA is committed to help advocate Phil-JobNet’s website and require graduating students to register in the Phil-JobNet as a pre-requisite for graduation. (Iris C. Asis, DOLE-Caraga)

30. 30 caraga today The Department of Social Welfare and Development- Caraga (DSWD-Caraga) forged a partnership with 25 local government units for a data sharing initiative dubbed as “Listahanan.” The municipalities that signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD are Las Nieves, Buenavista, Carmen, Nasipit, and Remedios T. Romualdez of Agusan del Norte; Sibagat, Talacogon, San Francisco, and Veruela of Agusan del Sur; Sta. Monica, Gigacuit, Mainit, and Sison of Surigao del Norte; Libjo, Loreto, and San Jose of Dinagat Islands; and Marihatag, Bayabas, Cagwait, Cortes, San Miguel, Barobo, Bislig City, Lingig and Tagbina of Surigao del Sur. “I believed that the Listahanan is very helpful in identifying beneficiaries for our programs and services,” said Mayor Alan A. Pelenio of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur appreciating the Listahanan. He also expressed his support to the second round of household assessment for the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS- PR). “Listahanan is a database that contains information on poor households in the region – who they are and where they are located,” DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli said. This Listahanan will be useful to technical experts and the general public for planning and similar purposes,” she added. The “Listahanan” contains the names, addresses, dates of birth and ages of members of poor households. It also has information on the educational attainment, occupation, features of the housing structure and access to basic services like water, electricity, and sanitary toilet, households’ ownership of assets, tenure status of housing, and difference in cost of living and social services or programs availed by poor households.” Recipients of the Listahanan has to provide feedback on data utilization and ensure the confidentiality of the profile of the poor households. (DSWD- Caraga) DSWD-Caraga forges partnership with local government units on “Listahanan” A total of 50 Barangays of Agusan del Norte will receive agriculture aid from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) through Winrock International, a non- government organization under the Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP). The aid was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by USDA, Winrock International, and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, represented by Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba on February 7, 2014 at the US Embassy in Manila. The PCCP will provide US$200,000.00 to the province for the purchase of agricultural equipment; a portion of that grant will be allotted for micro -financing activities of institutions or cooperatives. The PCCP’s main objective is to increase agricultural productivity of the province. It also aims to assist farm families to increase their income, improve nutrition and 50 Agusan del Norte Barangays to Receive Agriculture Aid from US government food security, and provide higher value agricultural product for new markets. Strengthening national cold- chain and post-harvest infrastructure are high priorities for both the USDA and the Philippine’s Department of Agriculture (DA). (Brian Jay Ceballos)

31. 31Vol. XVIII Issue 1 The City Government of Butuan is collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Reintegration Center for OFWs (DOLE-NRCO) for the implementation of R.A. 10022 or The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed at Bo’s Coffee on February 13, 2014. The partnership is a move to intensify and update existing skills training programs and services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families facilitated by the Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMTC) and local and overseas employment services of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO). The City Government of Butuan will assign a focal person to facilitate the concerns of OFWs and their families, organize a group or committee that will provide appropriate services to the OFWs and their families, and assist in the identification, establishment, monitoring, and evaluation of livelihood projects for OFWs and families. Further, the MOA also stipulates that programs shall be technology-driven, resource- based, and sustainable for OFWs and their families, and that other partner-agencies shall be engaged to provide trainings, technologies, and resources. Partner agencies include the regional offices of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Public Service Employment Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Higher Education, Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board, Professional Regulation Commission, National Food Authority, Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund – Pag-ibig, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines – Butuan City Branch, Land Bank of the Philippines – Butuan Lending Center, and Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City. (D. Generalao/CMO-PIO) Butuan City collaborates with DOLE – National Reintegration Center for OFWs for the implementation of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act Dinagat Islands conducts mapshop, hazard profiling The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands through the Pro- vincial Planning and Develop- ment Office (PPDO) conducted a 3-day mapshop and hazard profiling on February 11-13, 2014 at Gateway Hotel, Surigao City. Ms. Graciela Harting and Mr. Julius Espejon from the National Economic and Development Au- thority (NEDA) Caraga facilitated the training-workshop. Mappers/cartographers from the seven Municipal Planning and Development Offices of the province and representative from the DENR-PENRO Dinagat Islands participated in the said mapshop. While technical staffs from PPDO, PDRRMO, OPAG, PENRO-LGU, MPDCs, MDRRMOs and MENROs participated in the hazard profiling. The training-workshop was conducted to orient, train, and capaci- tate mappers/cartographers of the province and municipal local government units in generating maps for their respective Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan and hazards-exposed areas and to level-off boundary conflicts be- tween municipalities and its barangays. On the other hand, the technical group was tasked to prepare the provincial hazard profile detailing the hazards and calamities occurring in the province. The training-workshop is antici- pated to fast track the crafting and completion of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) of the province and the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of the municipalities respectively. (JmC Daligdig)

32. 32 caraga today The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) expanded the Students Financial Assis- tance Programs (CHED - Stu- FAPs) for AY 2014-2015. The expansion was made pos- sible by the transfer of funds from the Priority Develop- ment Assistance Fund (PDAF). The selection of grantees for the expanded StuFAP will be based on CHED Memo Order No. 9, s.2014, “Enhanced Guidelines for the Implemen- tation of StuFAPs in Ay 2014 -2015.” However, CHED will only accept applicants who will enrol in CHED Priority Courses, prescribed by CHED Memo Order No. 1, s. 2014. In AY 2013-2014, 2,781 students benefited from CHED StuFAPs – 1,015 are scholars, grantees, and SNPLP borrowers; 1,226 are borrowers from institutionalized loans; and 540 are grantees from the nine congressional districts of Caraga. CHED-Caraga is coordinating with DepEd-Caraga for the dissemination of information to high school students. It is also coordinating with the representatives of the Con- gressional Offices in Caraga for assistance in the dissemination of StuFAP information and collection of application papers. Students and parents are en- joined to call CHED-Caraga at (085) 342-2064, visit the Scholarship Unit at CSU Campus, Ampayon, Butuan City or visit its website http:// scholars.chedcaraga.com for more information and to download the application form, guidelines and requirements. Likewise, students and parents are also encouraged to visit CHED-Caraga’s official Facebook page, http:// facebook.com/chedcaragaph. (Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez, CHED-Caraga) CHED expands Students Financial Assistance Programs Eating malunggay leaves lowers blood sugar level and more Moringa, or more commonly known among Filipinos as malunggay, is a plant acknowl- edged for its nutritional and me- dicinal value. Almost all parts of the moringa plant are edible, from the immature seed pods called drumsticks, to the leaves, mature seeds, and roots. The leaves are said to be the most nutritious part of the plant. Ac- cording to the Food Composition Tables (FCT) developed by the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI- DOST), malunggay leaves are significant sources of B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, potassium, and iron, among other significant nutrients. Malunggay is a very common ingredient in Asian cuisines in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan. In the Philippines, malunggay leaves are added to broth, like in the famous tinola, a traditional chicken soup dish with ginger and green papaya or chayote, to make a nutritious soup. The leaves are also processed with olive oil and salt to become pesto-like pasta sauce or crushed and mixed with lemons or citrus fruits to make juices or ice candies. Among its many miraculous benefits, moringa can balance blood sugar levels. The FNRI- DOST conducted a study to deter- mine the changes in glucose of people with moderately-raised glucose levels using malunggay leaves powder to verify this claim. It was found out that food products such as buns, fish sausages, and veggie soups with added malunggay leave powder decreased fasting blood sugar, thus, possessing strong potential in fighting diabetes. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect of malunggay leaves is yet to be established in humans by way of a thorough correlation research study involving repeated observa- tions over long periods of time. Malunggay, touted as the miracle tree, is very abundant in the Phil- ippines. It is therefore very practi- cal and gainful to undertake studies on how to maximize its health benefits for every Filipino’s well- being. (Jund Rian Doringo, DOST -FNRI, S&T Media Service)

Caraga Today January-March 2014

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