Bicol Development Updates June 2013

Volume VIII Number 2 June 2013

Quarterly Publication of the Bicol Regional Development Council

PNoy leads groundbreaking for Robredo Museum

President Benigno S. Aquino III led on March 21 the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) Museum in the Civic Center located at Barangay Balatas, Naga City.

A time capsule for the proposed structure was lowered at the JMR monument and museum and was witnessed by the local officials of Naga City headed by Mayor Bongat, Atty. Leni Robredo and daughters and local community leaders.

The proposed museum is a two storey building that will have cafes, restaurants, shops, and a gallery for exhibits on the ground floor. On the second floor of the building, will be the Jesse M. Robredo galleries which serves as an audio-visual room and function room for lectures and seminars.

City Budget Officer Frank Mendoza, in charge of the construction of the museum, said the chosen site for the museum is part of the Naga City Civic Center, a community refuge where almost everyone who grew up in Naga once played in its vast playgrounds, jogged in the early morning, or strolled in the afternoon.

Similar to Robredo's "tsinelas" leadership, the museum is designed with the same objective by being efficient and effective in its purpose.

Before the groundbreaking rites, President Aquino visited the tomb of the late DILG Secretary Robredo at the Eternal Gardens in Naga City.

PNoy also met with local community leaders to endorse the administration coalition Team Pinoy. With the President were Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Abaya and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

"Ang diwa ng pagtitipon natin sa hapong ito inilulunsad natin ang simula ng pagpapatayo ng monumento at museo ni Jesse Manalastas Robredo hindi lamang upang magbalik-tanaw at gunitain ang kanyang buhay, kundi upang maisakongkreto rin ang paninindigang ipagpatuloy ang mga adbokasiyang kanyang napasimulan upang bigyang-inspirasyon at lakas ang karaniwang mamamayan na makiisa sa pagtataguyod ng bayan," the President said in his speech during the groundbreaking of the Jesse M. Robredo monument.

President Benigno S. Aquino III lowers the time capsule for the proposed Jesse M. Robredo Museum in the Naga City Civic Center during the groundbreaking ceremony (right photo). With him are Atty. Leni Robredo, widow of the late Sec. Robredo, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Abaya and Mayor John G. Bongat of Naga City. Photo credit: PIA

E D I T O R I A LE D I T O R I A LE D I T O R I A L Poverty and Economic Growth

Publisher Atty. Romeo C. Escandor

RDC Vice-Chairman

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief Luis G. Banua Associate Editors Jasmin C. Zantua Gilberto A. Abion

Felix M. Lositaño Rosemarie O. Buan Flora F. Mangampo Production Staff

Production Coordinator Noe R. Racho

Graphics and Layout Gieza R. Esparraguerra Printing and Circulation Ma. Theresa B. Añonuevo

BICOL Development Updates

The Bicol Development Updates is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council. NEDA Regional Office 5, Arimbay, Legazpi City Telephone No. (052) 482-0498 Fax. No. (052) 482-0504 E-mail Address: nedabicol @gmail.com

2 Bicol Development Updates June 2013

Based on the latest poverty estimates released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) three out of ten Filipinos are considered poor. The poverty estimate for the first semester of 2012 is virtually the same as in the first semester of 2009. Poverty estimates are based on official poverty thresholds and family income and expenditure surveys conducted every three years. The most common question is why the proportion of poor Filipinos remained the same despite the country’s high economic growth (6.6 percent GDP growth rate in 2012). The simple answer is GDP growth alone will not reduce poverty. Although sustained and rapid economic growth may in the long run reduce poverty, there are several factors and existing conditions that hinder poverty reduction. First, the increase in real GDP (growth rate adjusted for inflation) in the last decade was slowed down by the increase in population. In 2003 real per capita GDP was P48,955; in 2006 it was P54,226; in 2009 it was P58,211; in 2012 it was P65,917 (an average annual increase in real per capita GDP of 3.4 per cent over a ten year period).

Second, the increase in the number of employed persons was only half the increase in total population. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employed persons increased by 2 million, but total population increased by 5 million. From 2006 to 2009, the number of employed increased by 2 million, while total population increased by 4 million. From 2009 to 2012, the number of employed increased by 2.5 million, while total population increased by 4.8 million. To reduce poverty, there must be substantial increase in real per capita GDP and increase in good quality employment. In 2009, Filipino families in the bottom 30% income group earned an average of P62,000 per year. Given the average family size of five, the per capita income was only P12,500 which is below the poverty threshold of P16,841. For most Filipinos, being employed in a well paying job is the only way to escape poverty. However, getting a well paying job requires good education. Improving the country’s educational system requires huge investments and will take a long time to produce results. Joblesss growth will perpetuate poverty. The creation of more high paying jobs should be the end result of investments in agriculture, industry, and services especially in the rural areas outside Metro Manila. To achieve that societal goal, substantial public investments in education, health, good governance, rural infrastructure, security, and promoting productivity must be given priority. Reducing poverty will take a long time given the prevailing social structure in the country. Economic mobility is shackled by lack of jobs and low productivity. Therefore, creating a competitive environment and providing support to move more people outside the poverty trap must be the primary mission of the national government.

June 2013 Bicol Development Updates 3

PNoy inaugurates newly upgraded Naga City hospital

President Benigno S. Aquino III inaugurates the newly upgraded Naga City Hospital on March 3. With him are Atty. Leni Robredo, widow of the late Sec. Robredo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the inauguration on March 3, of the newly upgraded Naga City Hospital for the health care needs of the poor Nagueños.

Among those who attended the activity were Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

The Department of Health allocated P15 million under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the upgrading of the hospital’s main building. Under the P15-million upgrade, the DOH enhanced the Naga City Hospital’s operating room and delivery room complex.

In addition to the facility upgrading, the DOH also allotted P3 million for the purchase and installation of modern medical equipment such as portable anesthesia machine, ECG machine, and oxygen therapy set.

Aside from enhancing the medical capabilities of the Naga City Hospital, the President said that the expansion and rehabilitation works of the Bicol Medical Center, also located in Naga City, is also ongoing to widen its services especially to poor

Bicolanos. He added that this initiative is being supported by the DOH and the office of Senator Franklin Drilon.

The Naga City Hospital is a non-profit, service oriented institution catering to the health care needs of poor Nagueños. Licensed to operate as a primary hospital, the Naga City Hospital has a bed capacity of 16 but actually implementing 29 beds. There are 10 beds for medicine, 10 for pediatrics, four for obstetrics, two for isolation room and three for infirmary.

Naga City Hospital’s services are limited to providing firsthand contact emergency cases and confinement for simple cases.

The Naga City Hospital upgrading under the new DOH classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medical cases.

With the upgrade, the hospital could now provide wider laboratory services for more patients requiring diagnostic examinations. As Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care hospital, the Naga City Hospital is now a referral hospital for emergency medical neonatal and obstetrical care cases. Source: PIA

ANNOUNCEMENT: Bicol RDP Midterm Updating

NEDA Region 5, as RDC 5 secretariat, began a series of provincial consultations for the updating of the Bicol Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2011-2016. The consultations aim to gather inputs for the RDP updating from local chief execu-tives, provincial department heads, representatives from the academe and pri-vate sector organizations. The Masbate provincial consultation was held on April 30 at Tio Jose Steak Grill and Restaurant in Masbate City. The Catanduanes provincial consultation was held on May 22 at the Provincial Capitol Dome, Virac, Catanduanes. The Camarines Norte and Sorsogon provincial consultations are scheduled on June 5 and June 25, respectively.


DSWD Secretary leads PDP consultation in Bicol DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman led the national planning committee representatives that headed to Legazpi City on April 24 for the regional consultation on the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). The consultation was held at the NEDA regional office in Arimbay, Legazpi City. DAR Undersecretary Gerundio Madueno and planning secretariat from the NEDA central office also came as resource persons during the consultation.

The conduct of consultations in all regions in the country is part of the PDP updating process, which is pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 43 issued by the President. The consultations aimed to gather inputs from the regions on the spatial and sectoral dimensions of the plan.

There were 91 participants from local government units, regional line agencies, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, and the academe. NEDA Regional Director Romeo Escandor welcomed the participants and encouraged them to give substantial inputs on regional concerns and priorities for inclusion in the PDP midterm update.

In his message, RDC Chairman and Albay Governor Joey Salceda urged the participants to dream big, not only for the current needs of Bicolanos but also for future generations. He mentioned the Bicol International Airport and the Bicol railway system that should be at par with the best in other countries. He expressed the need for these projects to be included in the country’s public investment program. USec. Madueno encouraged the participants to propose legislation that would address the challenges or constraints in the attainment of the plan’s desired outcomes.

Mr. Bien Ganapin of the NEDA National Planning and Policy Staff presented the PDP updating guidelines and the inclusive growth framework. He emphasized the sectoral and spatial dimensions of the PDP by presenting the identified priority sectors for Bicol, which are agribusiness, tourism, and infrastructure. Mr. Robert Sario of the NEDA Project Monitoring Staff presented the process of revalidating the PDP results matrices and the national core indicators.

The participants were divided into six groups corresponding to the national planning committees and cabinet clusters. These are: 1) economic development; 2) infrastructure development; 3) security, justice, and peace; 4) good governance and anti-corruption; 5) human development and poverty reduction; and 6) climate change adaptation and mitigation. The workshop groups provided inputs on the midterm plan assessment, challenges for the remaining plan period, major strategies, programs, and projects, the results matrices and core indicators.

Secretary Soliman and Gov. Salceda joined the workshop group on human development and poverty reduction. During the plenary presentation of workshop outputs, Secretary Soliman pointed out the need for a stronger linkage between the local government units and national government agencies implementing farm to market roads to ensure that these roads are linked to municipal roads, and then to provincial and national roads. This would make a great impact on the livelihood of farmers in the rural areas, who are among the poorest in the region. She called on everybody to work together and make the plan work, because “we own the dream and we own the process”.

From left to right: Mr. Bien Ganapin (NEDA-NPPS), Dir. Romeo Es-candor (NEDA Region 5), Gov. Joey Salceda (RDC Chairman) and USec. Gerundio Madueno (DAR) during the opening program.

Sec. Dinky Soliman as national representative of the planning committee on human development and poverty reduction during the breakout session.

RDC endorses proposed FY 2014 budgets


The RDC 5 approved the revised guidelines on updating the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) during its full council meeting last March 8. Executive Order No. 325 mandates the RDC to coordinate the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the RDIP.

While maintaining a three-year rolling program, the revised guidelines expand the RDIP coverage to include regular programs, projects and activities (PPAs) and special projects such as the Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs), the DOT-DPWH Convergence Program, the PAMANA projects and those covered by the Bottom Up Budgeting. Also, it calls for the inclusion in the updated RDIP of PPAs categorized as on-going, in the pipeline and proposed.

The amended guidelines ensure efficient and cost-effective allocation of funds and synchronizes planning, investment programming and budgeting processes. It also builds awareness among line agencies, SUCs, GOCCs, LGUs and special development bodies to be pro-active in project development.

NEDA Regional Director Romeo Escandor stressed that the bottom line of this initiative is to increase investments in the region, the same concern that RDC Chairman Joey Salceda has passionately appealed to members of the council. The updated RDIP guidelines are not just procedural, but encourage more development activities, more feasibility studies, more project proposals to be included in the RDIP, according to NEDA Regional Director Escandor.

On its first meeting for 2013, the RDC 5 endorsed the FY 2014 budget proposals of 33 Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 5 amounting to P 228.68 B.

The RDC 5 endorsed the budget proposals from 10 agencies in the economic development sector, four in the infrastructure sector, four in the development administration sector, and 15 in the social development sector. The latter included nine SUCs.

The P 288.68 B budget includes projects under the Bottom Up Budgeting proposed by nine agencies/ departments in the region mandated to participate in the FY 2014 BuB exercise under the DBM-DILG-DSWD-NAPC JMC No. 3.

Comparing the region’s budget allocation across sectors, the social sector has the largest share with 86.36 percent (P197.48 B); followed by the infrastructure sector, 10.40 percent (P23.78 B); economic sector, 3.06 percent (P7 B); and development administration, 0.36 percent (P832 M).

The RDC secretariat and the different sectoral committees reviewed the programs, projects and activities (PPAs) in the FY 2014 agency budget proposals during meetings held Feb.7 to 8, 2013. Representatives of RLAs, LGUs and the RDC private sector took active part in the review. They ensured that the proposed PPAs have positive impact on the major final output of the Regional Development Plan and that these are included in the Regional Development Investment Program.

RDC approves revised guidelines on RDIP updating

RDC begins selection process for new set of PSRs The RDC has started the process of selecting a new set of private sector representatives (PSRs) for the term 2013 to 2016. The three-year term of the current set of PSRs will end in June. The PSRs comprise one-fourth of the fully constituted RDC. Two PSRs come from each of the six provinces, two from the basic sectors, and one from the labor sector.

NEDA Region 5, as RDC secretariat, is conducting provincial briefings of private sector organizations (PSOs) to encourage more PSOs in the provinces to participate in the RDC PSR selection process. This is part of the revised guidelines in PSR selection that was approved by

the RDC during its full council meeting on March 8.

The PSO briefing in Masbate was held on April 29 at Tio Jose Steak Grill and Restaurant in Masbate City. The PSO briefing in Catanduanes was held on May 22 at the Provincial Capitol Dome in Virac, Catanduanes. The PSO briefing in Camarines Norte and Sorsogon will be held on June 5 and June 25, respectively.

Letters were sent to PSOs regionwide requesting them to submit updated PSO forms for evaluation and accreditation. If accredited, PSOs shall be requested to submit their nominees and official voters for the election to be held in August.

RDC opposes Oslob whale shark interaction practices

The RDC members voted to endorse the position paper on the Oslob, Cebu whaleshark interaction prepared by the Economic Development Committee. The paper strongly protests the practice among Oslob residents of luring whale sharks to the shallow water and hand feeding them. It argued that this violates the protocol on whale shark protection and conservation.

Having triggered international outrage from environmentalists, the Oslob practice would have serious repercussion on similar ecotourism attractions such as butanding interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon.

The paper quoted RDC Chairman Joey Salceda’s earlier reaction to published photos

showing whale sharks being fed and featured in an underwater shoot with international models as saying, “this form of promotion is an act of ‘eco-terrorism’ not ‘eco-tourism’ and would send wrong signal to the rest of the world with heightened ecological standard.”

In its resolution, the RDC endorsed the recommendations to immediately stop the hand feeding and touching of whale sharks, to undertake extensive public education campaign, and for tourists and all stakeholders to adhere to the code of conduct for whale shark interaction. The RDC forwarded its resolution to the central and regional offices of DOT, DENR, DA, and BFAR as well as to the LGU of Donsol, the Provincial Government of Cebu, LGU-Oslob and RDC Region 7.


Whale shark fashion shoot conducted in Oslob, Cebu. Photo credit: Shawn Heinrichs

A fisherman feeds the whale sharks brine shrimps by hand in Oslob, Cebu. Photo credit: Paul Hilton

RDC endorses poverty reduction projects The RDC endorsed a total P3.8 Billion for the

FY 2014 Bottom Up Budgeting (BuB) projects to the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Department of Budget and Management.

DILG Region 5 Director Blandino Maceda said that the BuB projects have been reviewed by the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT), which was authorized by the RDC sectoral committees to review and endorse the BuB projects to the RDC for integration in the FY 2014 agency budget proposals.

Director Maceda said that the BuB approach in preparing the budget proposal of agencies took into consideration the development needs of poor local government units (cities/ municipalities) with the strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations. It aims to

make planning and budgeting process more participatory and to strengthen convergence in the delivery of services of the participating agencies.

In Region 5, some 109 municipalities were covered by the BuB distributed per province as follows: Albay, 18; Camarines Norte, 11 (except San Vicente); Camarines Sur, 36 (except Gainza); Catanduanes, 9 (except Bagamanoc and Gigmoto); Masbate, 21; and Sorsogon, 15.

Local priority projects were based on a menu of projects that are within the mandate of the participating agencies. These include the DAR, DA, DepEd, DOE, DSWD, DOT, DTI, TESDA and NEA.

The LGUs selected and prioritized BuB projects in the area. Counterpart funds shall be provided by the LGUs.

Seven of the eight socio-economic concerns that were identified by the RDC in CY 2012 as needing urgent action still form part of its priorities in CY 2013. The RDC favorably acted on the recommendation by the sectoral committees for the sustained implementation of sector action plans for specific concerns involving economic, social, infrastructure and development administration issues.

The priorities per sector for CY 2013:

1. Economic sector: promoting rice sufficiency; promoting rural enterprises; and promoting tourism in all provinces of the region

2. Social sector: improving the secondary vocational education system

3. Infrastructure sector: reducing power rate in the region; and integration of the land

transportation system in the region.

4. Development administration sector: promoting the preparation of city and municipal comprehensive land use plans in the region.

Each concern has a technical committee that formulates a sector action plan and coordinates, facilitates and monitors its activities. The sector action plans translate the strategies in the Regional Development Plan into more focused, integrated and convergent programs, projects and activities.

The Social Development Committee has recommended the termination of the concern on improving the retention rate in elementary and secondary education. Assessment by the technical working group and by the RDC secretariat showed that there are already adequate interventions being implemented by the DepEd and other sectors in the region to address this social issue.

RDC approves CY 2013 priority sector concerns


RDC reaffirms MDG health strategies The RDC reaffirmed its support to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of promoting maternal health and reducing infant deaths through a resolution enjoining LGUs to support and provide funds for the implementation of the Commodity Self-Reliance (CSR) policy and the Maternal Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) strategy of the Department of Health.

The CSR is a set of measures to assure that supplies for family planning services will continue to be provided for increasing numbers of current and potential users to eventually eliminate unmet

needs for family planning. To that effect, the DOH authorizes LGUs to develop complementary means of financing contraceptives through a variety of options.

The MNCHN seeks to improve the health and nutritional status of both mothers and their newly-born infants and children to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality rates. The MNCHN core service package consists of health services that are both preventive and curative established to lower the risk of mortality and improve women’s and children’s health.

BSP Legazpi conducts financial forum About 120 participants from RLAs, LGUs, media, consumer and senior citizen groups, business sector, government agencies and overseas Filipino worker associations attended the Forum on Financial Frauds and Scams on March 1 organized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Legazpi Branch in coordination with the Regional Development Council of Region 5.

The forum was the first to be conducted in the region which aimed to create greater awareness on the different financial frauds and scams, and ways to avoid them, as an effort in protecting the public to be victims.

Topics include bank frauds, investment scams, and insurance related frauds. Resource persons were from the BSP, Securities and Exchange

Commission, and the Insurance Commission. BSP Consultant Mr. Pedro P. Tordilla, Jr and Ms. Editha Guevarra from the Financial Consumers Affairs Group of BSP also acted as resource persons during the open forum clarifying issues and addressing concerns on the banking industry.

During the open forum the participants suggested to further promote protection against financial scams and related frauds such as creation of a financial protection assistance desk in LGUs, conduct of BSP on financial empowerment course for PNP staff, requiring establishments to make point-of-sales machines visible to the public when credit cards are swiped by cashiers, BSP to provide list of participating banks in the PhilPaSS Remit System to OFW groups through OWWA; and Insurance Commission.


CSC 5 intensifies campaign for ARTA The Civil Service Commission (CSC), as one of the lead implementers of the Anti-Red tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, has consistently taken bold steps in making sure that the intent or objectives of the law gets across the bureaucracy and the public. The law provided CSC the impetus to adopt concrete initiatives and measures to ensure and monitor government offices' compliance with the Act.

In January 2011, ARTA Watch came into being. It has become a mechanism for spot check of agencies' compliance to the provisions of ARTA. The surprise visit is done at noon time to

specifically note if the agency continuously serves its clients even during noon time. It also serves as a support mechanism to the Report Card Survey (RCS) as it validates its results and provides venue to discuss agency rating or to prepare the agency for the conduct of the RCS.

The CSC Region 5 was able to conduct ARTA Watch in 31 agencies in 2011 and 51 agencies in 2012. For this year, CSC Region 5 is intensively campaigning compliance to ARTA and strictly monitoring agency’s compliance to the provisions thru the simultaneous conduct of ARTA Watch and ARTA – RCS.

2013 Agencies Subjected to ARTA - Report Card Survey Result

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board RO5 Good

National Bureau of Investigation, Legazpi City Good

Philippine Overseas and Employment AuthorityRO5 Good

Department of Soial Welfare and Development RO5 Good

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Legazpi City Acceptable

Securities and Exchange Commission, Legazpi Extension Office Good

Department of Tourism RO5 Good

Housing Land Use and Regulatory Board Outstanding

Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration Failed

Home Development Mutual Fund, Naga City Excellent

Land Transportation Office, Virac Good

Land Transportation Office, Legazpi City Good

Food and Drugs Administration (DOH-CHD, Bicol) Good

Bureau of Internal Revenue, Masbate City Good

Land Transportation Office, Masbate City Good

ARD Daisy Bragais of CSC Region 5 conducts RCS exit conference with DSWD Region 5, PCSO, Legazpi City and DOT Region 5


Albay Province wins Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award

The Province of Albay won the 2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its innovations and excellence in local governance. The award is considered a "Seal of Good Housekeeping" given to a local government unit for three years of consistent performance. Albay was the first province to win the award, besting 79 other provinces in the country, because of its pioneering programs in education, health, and the environment. It received the award in a ceremony in Manila on March 18, 2013.

Albay was cited for the Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme and its Education Quality for Albayanos Program. It has 34,000 scholars, the biggest-funded scholarship program granted by a local government unit. The two programs seek to achieve a "college graduate in every family" and a

high national achievement test rating to place Albay in the top 20 provinces by 2016.

Other initiatives of the province included (1) establishing a medical course at Bicol University in partnership with the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital, (2) sustaining universal health care services through PhilHealth coverage to bring down maternal and child mortality, (3) intensifying school-based feeding programs to address malnutrition in far-flung villages, (4) undertaking environmental protection, and weather adaptation, (5) investing in skills training, and (6) nurturing the arts, culture, and history.

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is a total award conferred on provinces, cities, and towns showing exemplary performance in governance, primarily based on ratings under the Local Governance Performance Management System.

Governor Joey S. Salceda of Albay receives the Gawad ng Lahi Award from DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas and DILG Region 5 Regional Director Blandino Maceda. Photo credit: Provincial Government of Albay

Ateneo de Naga offers trainings on local governance The Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) - Center for Local Governance is envisioned as a "credible center capable of providing technical assistance towards genuine participative governance through strong and sustainable partnership with various stakeholders." It is attached to the Graduate School of Ateneo de Naga University and serves as the extension arm for the Master in Public Administration program.

In order to strengthen the capacity of Client-LGUs, AdNU-CLG offers training programs to promote sustainable and competitive governance

down to the barangay level.

The AdNU-CLG can also be tapped to package technical assistance programs to answer specific concerns of client-LGUs design and facilitate training modules, workshops and/or participatory activities/events (e.g. visioning/ strategic planning, project monitoring and assessment, focus group discussion, assemblies, etc.)

These efforts are strategic to answer the concerns of the society especially the call for competent public servants with a renewed sense of integrity and public accountability.

Catanduanes Province sustains health care initiatives

The Universal Health Care-Catanduanes Initiatives (UHCCI) is a pioneer program of the Provincial Government of Catanduanes under the current administration of Governor Joseph C. Cua to attain better health outcomes, sustained health financing and a responsive health system.

The UHCCI undertaken by Juan M. Alberto Memorial District Hospital (JMAMDH), a level 1 hospital, situated in the Municipality of San Andres, is the adoption of Public Private Partnership, primarily aimed to bring significant improvements in

the health service delivery and address some of the constraints and inefficiencies inherent in government initiated health services. The provincial government has established the first “Dialysis Unit” in the province at JMAMDH. This has provided access to Catandunganons seeking dialysis treatment outside the island province and afforded quality life to patients. In 2012, JMAMDH received the Best Hospital Performance Award from the Salud Bicolnon Awards 2012 and in the same year, it also received the highest recognition from the PHIC as “Center of Excellence” Level 1 Hospital with 24 beds. Simultaneously, the UHCCI program was

implemented at the Pandan District Hospital (PDH) by enhancing its internal systems and revival of the Inter-Local Health Zone cooperation. PDH also received the “Best Hospital Performance, Level 2 Award” from the “Salud Bicolnon Awards 2012 and had the distinction of having the best written “Sustainability Plan” from Development Academy of the Philippines.

In order to fast track all efforts for health reforms, JMAMDH’s diagnostic services will be upgraded thru another PPP agreement.

Other Health Support Programs Catanduanes has explored options to bring about change in the health delivery system. In 2009, it instituted the Philippine Health Insurance Program by assisting municipal LGUs in enrolling the poor to the “Medicare para sa masa”. Likewise, the Provincial Government rehabilitated the provincial hospital of Catanduanes or the Eastern Bicol Medical Center. The following year, the health facility was transformed into an economic enterprise to rationalize its operational viability using an improved financial management system in an effort to help institutionalize revenue enhancement for fiscal sustainability. Also it was able to acquire funding assistance for the

construction of seven Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facilities, six RHUs and one BHS from AECID. The DOH Women’s Health Safe Motherhood Project 2 provided complementation by institutionalizing the support mechanisms in the form of training to service providers and the establishment of safe blood supply network.

In 2011, the health reform efforts have been expanded to the six remaining hospitals. In 2012, AECID expanded assistance in the amount of 16-M by rehabilitating the five remaining RHUs and three BHS to complete the province-wide BEmONC support services.


MOA Signing between Gov. Joseph C. Cua for the Province of Catanduanes and KEB Health & Wellness System, Inc. represen-tative for Dialysis Treatment & Services Project under PPP

MOA Signing between Gov. Joseph C. Cua for the Province of Catanduanes and Dr. Hernando B. de Lizo for HBD Partner Hold-ings, Inc.. For Diagnostic Services Project under PPP

Eastern Bicol Medical Center at Catanduanes

Fifteen business establishments in the Bicol region received the Bagwis Awards from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in recognition of their fair business practices and upholding the rights and welfare of consumers last March 15 at the La Roca Veranda Suites & Restaurant . They were awarded with the DTI Silver and Bronze Bagwis Seals of Excellence after having met the criteria.

The awardees for the DTI Silver Seal of Excellence are Olivan Builders’ Center (Cam Sur), ACC Hypermart (Catanduanes), CTL Trading (Catanduanes), Catanduanes Supermart (Catanduanes), Virac Fortune Enterprises (Catanduanes), One Centro Store (Sorsogon), RVT Merchandising (Cam Norte), Centro Department Store (Cam Norte) and Willy and Sons Corporation

Service Center (Albay).

The establishments that received the DTI Bronze Seal of Excellence are Chase Distribution, Inc. (Albay), Willy and Sons Corporation (Albay), Ten Seven General Merchandise (Masbate), S.V. Ang Hardware Corporation (Masbate), Nagaland E-Mall (Cam Sur) and Lisam Enterprises (Cam Sur).

The DTI’S Bagwis Program is recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection as one of the best practices of the country in consumer protection.

The program includes setting up of Consumer Welfare Desks in business places to provide accessible and speedy resolution of complaints.


Fifteen Bicol companies receive Bagwis Award

DSWD, DILG and Albay Province ink MOA on KALAHI-CIDSS

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman strongly emphasized that the citizens are crucial to the pursuit of progress. She made this point as she talked about how the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach can operationalize “inclusive growth” during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez for the pilot testing of the enhancement of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) engagement with Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).

“The communities are key to development”, said Secretary Soliman. She cited how the

community driven development (CDD) approach of Kalahi-CIDSS builds up on the Aquino administration’s thrust of “the people as the bosses”.

CDD is a poverty alleviation strategy which gives citizens the power and the responsibility to analyze and address local issues that impede their development through participatory decision-making. It is the principal strategy of Kalahi-CIDSS, one of the projects under the DSWD.

Secretary Soliman said that Albay was chosen as one of the two pilot sites for PLGU engagement because its PLGU showed consistent support to the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS in its constituent municipalities. Furthermore, it has proven its expertise in addressing provincial concerns, including disaster risk management.

(Left) Albay mayors and key DSWD personnel look on as Governor Joey Salceda signs the Memorandum of Agreement. (Right) DSWD Sec-retary Dinky Soliman (front row, center) signs the Memorandum of Agreement. Photo credit: Office of the President


DILG confers Seal of Good Housekeeping to 79 Bicol LGUs

On its 3rd year of implementation, the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” (SGH) was conferred by the Department of Interior and Local Government to 79 LGUs making them eligible for huge funding assistance. The SGH aims to recognize LGUs with good internal housekeeping in the areas of good planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability and valuing performance.

LGUs which qualified were selected after a thorough evaluation conducted by a team composed of representatives from government and private sectors. The primary qualifications were transparency and accountability especially on fiscal matters under the government’s full disclosure policy.

DILG is presently implementing the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award” which all bear cash incentives for those qualified. The programs all aim to improve the sense of accountability among local officials as a way of improving fiscal administration in particular and local governance in general.

Among the six Bicol provinces, only Camarines Sur failed to make it to the list of qualifiers as shown in the list from the DILG central office.

The provinces which received cash incentives under the LGSF were Albay-P20M,Camarines Norte-P10M, Catanduanes-P5M, Masbate-P15M and Sorsogon-P15M. The cities of Naga, Iriga, Legazpi, Tabaco and Masbate each received P20 million while Ligao City received P25 million.

The municipalities which received varying amounts under the LGSF were Camalig, Jovellar, Malilipot, Oas, Polangui, Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malinao and Tiwi for Albay and Baao, Bombon, Calabanga, Del Gallego, Goa, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Pili, Ragay, San Jose, Tigaon, Nabua, Gainza, and San Fernando in Camarines Sur.

Other recipients were Capalonga, Mercedes, Paracale, Sta. Elena, Basud, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Labo, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente

and Talisay in Camarines Norte, Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Pandan, San Miguel, Viga, Virac and San Andres in Catanduanes, Cataingan, Cawayan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Placer, Monreal, Baleno, Esperanza, Mobo and Palanas in Masbate, and Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Juban, Matnog, Prieto Diaz, Sta. Magdalena, Casiguran and Castilla in Sorsogon.

Those which received cash incentives under the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awards were the municipality of Tiwi with P1 million, Ligao City with P2 million and the province of Albay with P3 million.

Aside from the SGH, the Department has started last year the assessment for the Seal of Disaster Preparedness for all local government units to further motivate LGUs to prioritize disaster preparedness and response, especially for those high-risks or LGUs prone to disaster.

The LGUs were assessed on disaster preparedness (first level) and disaster response (second level). To qualify for the first level, LGUs must have in place leadership structure (organization of the disaster risk reduction and management council and the disaster risk reduction and management office); guide to action (risk assessment and mapping, and institutionalized planning and budgeting); and disaster preparedness (contingency planning, early warning and evacuation alert system, preemptive evacuation, stockpiling and equipping, technical competency and community awareness).

For the second level assessment, LGUs will be evaluated based on the following criteria: search and rescue (trained personnel, response time, equipage, and zero casualty); and evacuation center management (adequate temporary shelter for evacuees, power, food and water supply, health and sanitation, counseling, and trained center management personnel).

For 2012, the initial list of LGUs that passed the first level assessment for the Seal of Disaster Preparedness shall be subject to the final verification of the DILG central office and determination of final list of passers.

Local governments who will pass the first level assessment will be given a certificate of recognition and will qualify for the level 2 assessment. Those who will pass the second level shall be conferred with the seal plus a disaster management fund or disaster equipage.


A world class train service for Bicolanos An efficient railway system promotes inclusive economic growth. It is a cheaper and a more efficient means of transporting people and goods by land. It supports more socio-economic development activities.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the Bicol Regional Development Plan (RDP) identified the rehabilitation, expansion, and modernization of the national railway system as a priority infrastructure development program. However, compared to other transport sectors, the development of the railway system was not as fast as desired. The hindrances to the development of the railways system have to be addressed through collaboration among national government agencies, the concerned local government units, and the business sector.

In view of this, the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) proposed a railway development summit to push the revival, expansion, and modernization of the railway system through RDC Resolution No. 38 (S. 2012). The other Luzon RDCs were invited to join the summit.

Stakeholders consultations for the railway development summit were conducted on January 30 in Naga City, on February 27 in Sorsogon City, and on March 20 in Daet, Camarines Norte. A regional and Albay consultation was held on April 25 in Legazpi City. The consultations generated recommendations on railway development policies, plans, and strategies; preferred passenger and cargo train services; general and specific railway features and amenities.

Participants to the consultations included representatives of LGUs, academe, chambers of commerce and industry, civil society, media and national government agencies.

Presentations on the history and current state of

the Philippine National Railways were made during the consultations. The local chambers of commerce and industry presented their position papers on railway development. Workshops were conducted to gather the views and recommendations of the stakeholders.

A technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives of Luzon NEDA Regional Offices, the DOTC Planning and Project Implementation Offices, PNR, the NEDA Infrastructure Staff, and Metro Manila Development Authority was created to discuss the technical aspects of railway development. The TWG members determined data needs; identified technical issues; and discussed design options for the railway system. Railways technologies in terms of speed, services, capability, investment, and operating costs were also discussed.

The stakeholders unanimously agreed that a good railway system is essential to national and regional development. The business sector asserted that cargo and passenger train services are needed to propel trade and industry. Proposals to deal with squatters along railroad tracks, illegal railroad crossings, the role of the PNR, privatization of the railway system, and establishment of a world class railways system fully integrated with other modes of transportation were discussed.

The participants agreed on the immediate revival of passenger and freight train services in Bicol; the extension of railway service to Matnog, Sorsogon; the revival of spur lines to Legazpi, Tabaco and other ports; construction of spur lines to Daet and Caramoan and other major towns. The other recommendations include operationalization of multipurpose express freight train services; reducing passenger train travel time from Legazpi to Manila to less than six hours; and developing train stations as mix use commercial zones. They also suggested amenities in trains and stations such as internet connection; ATM; security systems; luxury passenger coaches; senior citizen, women and PWD friendly coaches; clean comfort rooms; medical services; amusement centers; online booking; and intermodal season tickets.

Based on the foregoing recommendations, it is proposed that the President will make a policy statement in his keynote speech during the railway development summit directing all concerned national government offices and local government units to formulate railway development policies, plans, investment programs, and projects to immediately revive, expand, and modernize the railway system in Luzon.

Joint Regional and Albay Consultation for the Railway Develop-ment held on April 25, 2013 at NEDA Region 5


Bicol Region Economic Situationer First Quarter 2013

A QUICK LOOK AT THE ECONOMY

Inflation rate reached an average of 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2013. As a result, prices of commodities increased and the purchasing power of the peso declined by 1.33 percent which in effect, lesser goods and services can be purchased by peso during the quarter compared to the fourth quarter last year.

More Bicolanos were employed in January 2013 than January last year while labor force participation rate was reduced to 62.8 percent. Bicol Region has highest underemployment rate among regions of the country.

Tourist arrivals achieved significant growth rate of eight percent for 2012. Albay is the leading and fastest growing tourist destination with growth rate of 49 percent. It is followed by Sorsogon with 31 percent growth; Camarines Norte, 23 percent; Masbate, three percent; Catanduanes, 1.04 percent; Camarines Sur, 0.62 percent. Camarines Sur still tops the distribution of tourist arrivals in Bicol.

In agriculture and fishery sector, the production of major crops in the region for the first quarter of 2013 has decreased by 21.40 percent due to a drop in production of major crops. Abaca production increased by 38 percent. Commercial fisheries production decreased by 24 percent due to rough seas and cold weather in February of 2013.

In terms of investments, 323 million was invested in the region which represents 88.7 percent rise in the total investments. The value of exports has also increased to 79.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Mineral production in Bicol declined by 1.80 billion. Non-metallic mineral production also decreased due to non-production of shale clay in Albay and very low production of perlite in Camarines Sur.

PRICES

Inflation rate in the Bicol region noticeably rose to an average of 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2013. The change in the inflation rate in the current quarter compared to last quarter of 2012 posted 32.43 percent. According to NSCB Region 5, he annual inflation rate in March reached 15-month record high. The rise in consumer prices accelerated to 3.7 percent year-on-year in March 2013.

The region's average quarterly Consumer Price Index was placed at 135.3, up by 1.7 point from last quarter's index. Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco commodity group reached the highest index in

February and March. The dramatic increase in Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco commodity group is brought by the implementation of Sin Tax Law (R.A. 10351).

The purchasing power of the peso in Bicol Region is 74 centavos which represents a decline of 1.33 percent from last quarter’s 75 centavos. This indicates that there are lesser goods and services that the peso can purchase during the quarter compared to the fourth quarter last year.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

The results of the January Labor Force Survey revealed that there were more Bicolanos employed in January 2013 than January last year. This translates to an employment rate of 94.2 percent, which improved by 1.07 percent from 93.2 percent in 2012. Less Bicolanos were unemployed in January this year, with unemployment rate slipping to 5.8 percent, 1.0 percentage point lower than the rate recorded in the same period the previous year.

Source: NSO Region 5


Indicator Period Percent Change

Consumer Price Index (2006=100)

1st Q 2013

4th Q 2012

All items 135.27 133.57 1.27 Food and Non-Alcoholic

Beverages 144.77 143.9 0.60 Alcoholic Beverages and

Tobacco 149.13 124.43 19.85 Clothing 119.73 117.53 1.87 Housing, Water, Elect.,

Gas and Other Fuels 124.17 122.53 1.33 Furnishings, HH Eqpt. &

Routine Maintenance 127 125.27 1.38 Health 122.37 121.33 0.85 Transport 139.43 138.73 0.50 Communication 93.8 92.5 1.41 Recreation and Culture 107.6 107.4 0.19 Education 135.9 135.83 0.05 Restaurants and Misc.

Goods and Services 129.97 128.67 1.01 Inflation Rate 3.3 2.5 32.43 Purchasing Power of the Peso 0.74 0.75 (1.33)

Indicator Period

Jan 2013

Oct 2012

Jan 2012

Labor Force (in thou) 3,814 3,774 -

LF Participation Rate 62.8 65.5 64.6

Employment Rate 94.2 95.1 93.2

Unemployment Rate 5.8 4.9 6.8

Underemployment Rate 35 34.6 34.8


The labor force participation rate or the proportion of those in the labor force to the population aged 15 years old and over was placed at an estimated 3.8 million persons. Out of this estimate, 2.4 million persons were in the labor force, or were ei ther employed or unemployed. These resulted in a labor force participation rate of 62.8 percent. The figure means that although there is an increase in the capable working population, there is decreasing number joining the labor force.

Underemployment rate, or the proportion of employed persons wanting more hours of work to total employed persons, however, inched up to 35.0 percent, 0.2 percentage points higher than that of the same period last year. Bicol Region continues to post the highest underemployment rate among regions of the country. TOURISM

Bicol region’s tourist arrival posted significant achievement with growth rate of eight percent in 2012. The total tourist arrivals accounted to 3,684,805 in 2012 from 3,413,610 in 2011. Most of this number comprises of domestic 2,911,919 tourists while 772,886 are foreign visitors.

Among the provinces, Albay is the leading and fastest growing tourist destination. It records a 49 percent growth rate of tourist arrivals from 350,629 in 2011 to 532,832 tourist arrivals in 2012. The big influx of tourists in Albay was brought by aggressive campaign and investment on tourism by the Provincial Government of Albay headed by Gov. Joey Salceda.

One of the milestones of the province of Albay is being the first local government unit in the Philippines to be featured in the 2013 Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB) – Berlin Fair, the world’s largest travel trade fair at Berlin, Germany. The growth may also be attributed to consistent monthly advertisings, full operation of international standard Oriental Hotel and the Misibis Bay Resort, the successful launching of Cagsawa 2012, and the promotion of virtually all town festivals even for municipalities like Pioduran, Manito and Jovellar.

While Albay proved to be the highest performing province in terms of last year’s growth in tourist arrivals, Camarines Sur continues to top the number of tourist arrivals, accounting for almost 2/3 of regional total as in the past year. Camarines Sur and Naga City combined, accounted for a total of 2,491,159 tourists.

Sorsogon came second, with 31% growth. Provincial Tourism Office of Sorsogon attributed last year’s increase in tourist arrivals to better roads, tourism campaigns and partnership with other government agencies like the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office and the Department of Education for encouraging the youth to help local tourism. Major tourist attractions such as the butanding (whale shark) in Donsol, Bulusan Lake in Bulusan; the mangrove formations in Prieto Diaz; and hot springs in Irosin, the Kasanggayahan Festival in October and the Sorsogon Festival in December contributed to the tourist arrivals of 173,700 last year from 132,696 in 2011.

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY The production of major crops in the region for the first quarter of 2013 decreased by 21.40 percent. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the total production of major crops posted 723,667.54 metric tons while the first quarter this year totaled 596,093.56 metric tons. Decline in production was noted among palay, corn, and coconut. On the other hand, abaca production has increased by 38.25 percent.

Slight increase in livestock production was recorded during the first quarter of 2013. The rise in production was only 5.53 percent.

Total fisheries production increased from 67,323.73 metric tons to 71,224.55 metric tons in the first quarter of 2013 which posted a minor change of 5.48 percent. However, fishing activities in the region were limited by rough seas and cold weather in February which resulted to the increase of prices of fishery products and the scarce supply of marine products in the markets.

Source: DOT Region 5

Source: BAS Region 5

Province 2011 2012 Growth

Albay 350,629 523,832 49%

Sorsogon 132,696 173,700 31%

Cam Norte 155,106 190,918 23%

Masbate 172,446 176,967 3%

Catanduanes 126,913 128,229 1.04%

Cam Sur 2,475,820 2,491,159 0.62%

TOTAL 3,413,610 3,684,805 8%

Tourist Arrivals in Bicol Region 2011 and 2012

Product 4th Q 2012 1st Q 2013 Change I. Crops (MT) 723,667.54 596,093.56 (21.40) Palay 325,991 275,454 (18.35) Corn 34,850 23,943 (45.55) Coconut 358,807.23 290,187.3 (23.65) Abaca 4,019.31 6,509.23 38.25 II. Livestock 1,209,382 1,280,158 5.53 Carabao 250,726 257,943 2.80 Cattle 81,233 91,254 10.98 Goat 116,905 123,060 5.00 Swine 760,518 807,901 5.86 III. Fisheries (MT) 67,323.73 71,224.55 5.48 Commercial 18,915.47 15,218.67 (24.29) Municipal 32,170.27 37.077.86 13.24 Aquaculture 16,237.99 18,928.02 14.21

This affected commercial fisheries production which showed a decrease of 24.29 percent in the first quarter of 2013. In improving agriculture and fishery sector, among the government and non-government interventions were construction of infrastructure, awarding of farming inputs, implementation of various programs and projects and conduct of trainings and seminars.

TRADE AND INVESTMENTS A significant increase in investments was recorded in the first quarter of 2013. An aggregate of 323 million was invested in the region during the said quarter compared to 36 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 which represents 785 percent rise in the total investments.

Registered stock corporations tripled with an increase of 75 percent in terms of paid-up capital. Additional 48 non-stock firms invested in the region with a total contribution of P 15,113,126.50 from P 6,716,116.50 in the last quarter of 2012. The increase of contribution accounts for 65.75 percent.

In terms of trade, the value of exports has increased from 50.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 79.4 million in the first quarter of 2013. Data show that exports in the first quarter of 2013, is expected to increase since data on exports in March 2013 will be added to the preliminary data provided. Most of the imports in the fourth quarter of 2012 were from Japan, Vietnam, China, Australia and Indonesia. Additional data on the imports for the first quarter of 2013 are yet to be included.

MINING

Mineral production in Bicol declined by 29.91 percent during the first quarter of 2013 from P 5.98 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012 to P 4.19 billion, a decrease of 1.80 billion. Gold is still the

biggest contributor to the production value. In Albay, a drop in mineral production was due to reduced production in gold and silver which posted double decrease in production value.

Non-metallic mineral production recorded the highest decrease brought by non-production of shale clay in Albay and very low production of perlite in Camarines Sur. The estimated production value of non-metallic minerals for the first quarter of 2013 accounts only for P 37,200 compared to P 2.90 million from the last quarter of 2012.

In 2012, Masbate remained the top performing province in terms of metallic production value throughout the year as shown in the graph above. The constant high metallic production in Masbate was due to its soaring gold production. In Albay, the metallic production increased during third and fourth quarters of 2012 brought by increase in production of gold and silver.

The municipalities of Aroroy and Rapu-Rapu benefited from tax contribution paid by the operators of Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project and Filminera Project, totaling to Php 375 million. Total taxes generated from Filminera Project amounted to 222 million while Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project accounts for 153 million.

The taxes generated during the first quarter of 2013 posted an increase of 12 percent compared to the total taxes of P336 million generated during the first quarter of 2013. Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project contributed an increase of 28 percent in total taxes while Filminera shows a slight increase of two percent.


Type of Firm 4th Q 2012 1st Q 2013 Change

Stock 24 42 42.86 Paid-up capital 29,296,950 305,454,425 90.41 Non-Stock 73 121 39.67 Contribution 6,716,116. 15,113,126 55.56 Partnership 4 6 33.33 Contribution 439,017.50 2,052,001 78.61 Total no. of firms 101 169 40.24 Total investments 36,452,084 322,619,552.5 88.7

Investments in Bicol Region

Source: SEC Legazpi Extension Office

Commodity Value

1 In rods, bars, profiles, foils and strips | Gold bullion 51,076,104.00

2 Crude oil | Other 14,365,000.00

3 Copper ores and concentrates | Concentrates 9,794,052.00

4 Zinc ores and concentrates | Concentrates 2,350,507.00

5 Of coconut or copra 1,671,100.00

Top Five Exports, Bicol Region (First Quarter 2013)


Quarterly Summary of Mineral Production of Large Scale Mining in Bicol Region for CY 2012

Source: MGB Region 5

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

Various practices and initiatives among provincial government and concerned key agencies were observed in line with disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/ CCA).

In Daet, Camarines Norte, the administration of Mayor Tito Sarion initiated the 13-point agenda of the Go Green Daet (G2D) program in line with its efforts to preserve the town’s remaining ecological resources and CCA. The agenda include daily tree-planting activities, plastic ban, strict enforcement of anti-logging, smoke belching rules and pollution control, stronger solid waste management, barangay beautification, river control and protection, healthy lifestyle, strengthening of the 4H and Rural Improvement Clubs, activation of the Green Brigade, launch of the Eco House and establishment of seed banks.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) conducted an intensive training-workshop that honed the capabilities of local emergency officials in Catanduanes on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). The activity aimed at institutionalizing disaster awareness and preparedness of the local government unit (LGU) including barangays. OCD assisted the formulation of DRRM Committees for the 63 barangays of the municipality as provided under RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

In Sorsogon, the German Society for International Cooperation is providing a flood warning system along Cadac-an River, which stretches from the lower slope of Mt. Bulusan and traverses several barangays within Juban and Irosin. The project seeks to empower LGU of Juban and Irosin and the communities they cover towards addressing flood disasters by way of enhancing their forecasting capacity and improving response capability through the early warning system.

The Department of Science and Technology Region 5 and the Libmanan Pulantuna Planters Federation, Inc. (LPPFI) signed a memorandum of agreement in support of the implementation of the project, “Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations.” The project is the main component of the nationwide operational assessment of hazards, popularly called Project NOAH. The partnership is in line with government’s campaign for a “zero” casualty during times of calamity and occurrences of disaster. The agreement will bind DOST and LPPFI to a commitment of supporting the establishment and operation of the weather instrument and equipment critical in establishing accurate data on real-time

weather situation prevailing in the locality. The accuracy of these readings will mean saving more lives and less damage to the community’s property.

DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Tourism industry of Bicol Region is expected to continue growing due to higher priority of some LGUs in improving the said sector. Cebu Pacific will add flight route from Cebu to Masbate starting June 1 and Skyline Airlines will launch its flight from Manila to Virac starting April 16 of this year. Tourism strategic synergies among provinces are also observed which can offer attractive tour packages to tourists. The celebration of Daragang Magayon, conduct of Rodeo Masbateño, and other festivals in the next quarter will highly contribute to the increase of tourist arrivals. Continued promotion of tourism industry in Albay has been a practice as it has now adopted its own tourism marketing brand “Indulge yourself in warm Albay!” Also, aiming to become major tourist destinations in the region, Metro Naga, an alliance of sixteen local government units at the core of Camarines Sur, launched its new tourism brand and products called “Naga Excursions.”

With an increase of investments in the region, the employment rate is expected to rise.

Improvements in infrastructure are continuously pursued in support to agriculture, social and environmental projects. These may contribute to the development in the concerned sectors.

Revenue and taxes from mining industry will retain its stable contribution to the economy.

Improving energy sector remains a challenge for the region with problems of unpaid obligations of electric cooperatives in Albay including concerns on its privatization. However, demand of electric energy may be augmented by the Bacman geothermal project as it resumes its operations of units 1 and 2 of the 150-megawatt Bacon-Manito geothermal plants following a two-year rehabilitation. Also, a wind energy farm is set to rise in Camarines Sur that is expected to generate at least 60 megawatts of electricity and generate green jobs for the province.


The fourth quarter 2012 project monitoring reports of 11 line agencies, five state universities and colleges (SUCs), and six local project monitoring committees (LPMCs) were reviewed and consolidated by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) secretariat.

Of the total programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) 47 percent (223 PPAs) were completed, 50 percent (239 PPAs) were on-going and three percent (17 PPAs) were not yet started (Table 1).

Development administration sector

The activities of Bureau of Fire Protection focused on the repair of fire trucks and fire stations. All the PPAs were already completed.

The Philippine National Police constructed and repaired municipal police station buildings. Construction/repair of four buildings is ongoing, one was completed and eight have not yet started.

Economic sector

The ongoing activities of Environmental Management Bureau include environmental impact assessment and programs on air and water quality management, toxic substances, hazardous wastes, and solid waste management.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau reported the ongoing programs on mining industry development, mineral investment promotion, communication plan for mineral development, and other geological services. The geologic mapping activity was already completed, while the program on assessment and clean up of abandoned/inactive mines was not yet started.

Infrastructure sector

Department o f Transportat ion and Communications continued the implementation of components of the Southern Luzon International

Airport which include site acquisition and construction of runway. The rehabilitation of runway of the existing Legazpi Airport is near completion. The construction of rock causeway at Caramoan port is on-going.

The Department of Public Works and Highways project management offices reported the implementation of 11 foreign assisted roads and bridges.

National Irrigation Administration reported implementation of 161 projects. These include communal irrigation and national irrigation systems. Of the total, 119 projects were completed while 42 projects are on-going.

Philippine National Railways rehabilitated the railway tracts at Maipon, Guinobatan and Bongalon, Daraga, Albay sections. The Travesia Bridge in Guinobatan, Albay was completed.

Philippine Ports Authority completed the repair works at various ports like the RoRo ramp at Matnog port. Ongoing works include: repair of damaged RC pier deck at ports of Pasacao and Matnog; reblocking of damaged concrete pavement and repair of drainage system at port of Masbate; repair of damaged causeway and sideslopes at port of Virac; and maintenance of physical facilities at port of Bulan.

Social sector

Department of Health is repairing and renovating of provincial, city, and district hospitals. Procurement of equipment to be given to the hospitals is on-going.

The National Commission for Indigenous People provided educational assistance to 20 students and implementation of ICT project providing access/connectivity to the internet. State Universities and Colleges

The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology completed the implementation of automatic sprinkler system installation and is constructing the 3-storey learning resource hub.

Camarines Norte State College implemented fourteen projects. The completed projects were: excavation of drainage system; tileworks; fabrication of furniture; installation of stage lighting, sound system facilities; repair of boys trade building; and sidewalk graveling of road. The implementation of aqua-silviculture project, construction of seed system facilities and fattening pens are on-going.


Highlights of First Quarter CY 2013 RPMC Accomplishments

Table 1: Summary Status of Programs, Projects, and Activities By Entity as of 4th Quarter CY 2012

Entity

Number of projects

Total Completed Ongoing Not Started

NGA 266 147 108 11 Dev.Ad. 32 20 4 8 Economic 13 1 11 1 Infrastructure 189 126 61 2 Social 32 0 32 0 SUC 32 11 15 6 LGU 181 65 116 0 TOTAL 479 223 239 17

Catanduanes State University completed the extension of the left wing of the main library building.

Partido State University is implementing the following projects: concreting of road network and covered path walk, construction of engineering building, rehabilitation of school buildings, and completion of two-storey building in Goa and Tinambac campuses.

Sorsogon State College completed the organic fertilizer facility project at Castilla campus. The implementation of aquasilviculture project and construction of audio visual building and bleachers are on-going.

Local Project Monitoring Committees

Six LPMCs reported the status of implementation of 181 projects. Of the total, 64 percent were completed and 36 percent is on-going. Projects implemented by the LGUs include construction/ repair of roads and bridges, spillway, river control structures and repair of buildings. Rehabilitation of micro- watershed areas and conduct of livelihood trainings were also implemented.

B. Field Inspection

The RPMC approved the 2013 1st semester project monitoring schedule to guide the Regional Project Monitoring Team (RPMT) in the coordination of field inspection activities.

The priority projects for field inspection include: presidential priority projects; tourism support projects; those reported as problematic by concerned entities; projects incurring negative slippage greater than 15 percent; and priority projects identified by the RDC, RPMC, and NPMC.

The project inspection guide was approved by the RPMC to direct the RPMT in conducting field inspection. The roles of the RPMT members are discussed in the guide.

The RPMT conducted inspection of the Libmanan-Canaman-Magarao-Naga City road and Skybridges Nos. 1 & 2 in Camarines Sur. The road

with bridge component was 76.72 percent completed as of December 2012. The skybridges 1 and 2 component is not yet started.

RPMES Website

The RPMES Online is being enhanced to be more responsive to the needs of the participating agencies, the local government units and other clients.

PROJECT POST EVALUATION

The RPMC conducted post evaluation on four projects in the region, namely: a) Paulba-Allang Water Supply System in Ligao, Albay; b) Farm-to-Market Roads in Calabanga, Camarines Sur; c) Establishment of Food Basin and Agri-Expo Center; and d) Partido Water Supply System.

The post evaluation of three projects were completed. The result of the post evaluation on Paulba-Allang WSS was presented to the stakeholders.

The results for San Vicente Agri-Expo Center project will be presented to the project beneficiaries and stakeholders in the second semester. The report on the FMR in Calabanga, Cam Sur is being finalized.

The guideline on the project post evaluation was finalized. The list of projects for post evaluation in 2013 is being prepared for presentation in the next RPMC meeting.


On-go ing cons t ruc t i on o f Bu laong Br idge

Completed road -Libmanan section

SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING LPMC

The evaluation committee for the search for outstanding LPMCs convened on January 24 to further refine the search guideline. The revised guideline was approved by the RPMC on February 6. It will be adopted for the 2012 search for outstanding LPMCs. The list of recommended awardees will be presented for approval in the 2nd quarter RPMC meeting. The outstanding LPMCs will be awarded by the RDC during its 2nd quarter full council meeting.

RPMC MEETING

The RPMC held its 1st quarter regular meeting last February 6. The items discussed were the RPMC work program CY 2013; project monitoring schedule 1st semester 2013; project inspection guide; project post evaluation guide; revised search guidelines for LPMCs; report on field inspection; and the RPMC accomplishment report, CY 2012.

Provincial and City Planning and Development Coordinators participated during the 1st quarter

RPMC meeting. It was agreed that the LPMCs will present monitoring reports in the next RPMC meetings. Other agreements include presentation/demo of the enhanced web-based system in the next RPMC meeting. The RPMES orientation seminars for the LPMCs will be conducted after the 2013 election.

ACTIVITIES FOR 2nd QUARTER CY 2013

For the second quarter CY 2013, the RPMC will prepare a database for on-going projects, conduct field inspection, review the monitoring reports submitted by the implementing agencies, test and approve the enhanced RPMES Online, complete the post evaluation report on FMR Calabanga, Camarines Sur, present to stakeholders the results of post evaluation of San Vicente Agri-Expo Center, identify completed projects for post evaluation in 2013, and conduct 2012 search for outstanding LPMCs.

Additional information on the Libmanan-Canaman-Magarao-Naga City road and Skybridges Nos. 1 and 2 project will be generated.


The Regional Development Council (RDC) 5 is inviting private sector organizations (PSOs) in the

Bicol Region to apply for RDC accreditation. This is in preparation for the election of private sector representatives (PSRs) to the RDC for 2013 to 2016.

RDC accredited PSOs nominate PSRs to the RDC and participate in the election of PSRs

to the RDC. A PSO must have the following qualifications to be able to participate in the nomination and se-

lection of PSRs:

Legal Personality. The PSO must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any government agency which registers organizations and associations for the purpose of be-stowing legal personality.

Track Record. The PSO must have conducted socio economic activities for the last three years.

The scope of its activities must be at least provincewide or citywide. Nationality. The PSO must be a Filipino organization. Organizations managed by foreigners,

whose officers and members are primarily composed of foreign nations, or are considered branches or affiliates of foreign organizations are disqualified.

Non-government. The PSO must be organized through private initiative. Organizations created

by government, those which have government officials and employees as ex-officio members or whose operations are funded by the government are disqualified. However, funding support by the government to specific projects will not be considered as funding support to operations.

Deadline for submission of application for accreditation is extended until 14 June 2013. Application forms are available at the NEDA Region 5, Arimbay, Legazpi City. They can also be

downloaded at www.neda5.net .

For more details please contact Jas Zantua at telephone 482-0501.

Invitation to participate in the selection of RDC PSRs

Bicol Development Updates June 2013

Documents

Transcript of Bicol Development Updates June 2013