regional development updates | vol 13 issue 3 | july - september 2015

1st International Folklore Fest in PH Draws in 400 Performers

2 | Regional Development Updates | July - September 2015

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO ROSA D. LEMANA

MA. LULU E. VALENCIA JULIET G. BOLANDO

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

LALAINE M. SAJELANEDEN F. RIDAO

LIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWE

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADOJUDD NICHOL L. LEONAR

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

ContributorsPIA XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, 2nd and 3rd Floors, RML Building, Jose Abad Santos Street, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 520-0006, Fax: (083) 520-0007. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on unpublished and unsolicited materials.

HOW TO REACH US

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

CONTENTS

Region XII’s economy decelerates to 6.4 percent in 2014

SOCCSKSARGEN Region Celebrates RDC Week

Dry Spell to Affect South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani – RDRRMC

RSC XII Endorses Four Nominees for SOV 2015- National level


Our cover captures some pictures of the 10-day International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) 2015 in Koronadal City, South Cotabato taken by Mr. Randy Labordo.

3

10

12

9

5

Volume 13 | Issue 3 | July - September 2015

NEDA XII Human Resource Management Achieves Maturity Level 1 Status

4

July - September 2015 | Regional Development Updates | 3

PSA XII Releases ... page 4

by Eden F. Ridao, NEDA XII-DRD

Region XII’s economy decelerates to 6.4 percent in 2014

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) XII has officially released the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) Report of SOCCSKSARGEN for 2014 during a press conference on the Report on the Performance of the Regional Economy of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region held on 30 July 2015 at the East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City.

The highlights of the 2014 GRDP were presented by Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, Interim Regional Director of PSA XII. The results showed that the growth of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s economy decelerated from 8.4 percent in 2013 to 6.4 percent in 2014.

“The deceleration was attributed to the slower growths posted by the Industry and Services sectors,” Director Manulon said.

“The Services sector’s overall

Ms. Herlita G. Caraan, Division Chief of PSA XII presented the report on the 2014 GRDP during the press conference on 30 July 2015 at the East Asia Royale Ho-tel, General Santos City.

performance decelerated from 9.5 percent in 2013 to 7.1 percent in 2014 as four of its six subsectors registered moderate growths, namely, Financial Intermediation, Trade and Repair, Transportation, Storage and Communication, and Other Services,” the PSA official added.

On the other hand, two subsectors of the Services sector, namely, Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities sector, as well as Public Administration and Defense posted higher growths in 2014.

“The Industry sector also reflected a decelerated growth, from 11.6 percent in 2013 to 7.4 percent in 2014 as three of its four subsectors also experienced modest growths, namely, Manufacturing, Construction, and Electricity, Gas & Water Supply,” Dir. Manulon further said.

On the other hand, the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) sector managed to accelerate from 3.5

percent in 2013 to 4.4 percent in 2014.

SOCCSKSARGEN ranked 8th among the 17 regions in terms of GRDP growth in 2014. Davao Region posted the fastest growth at 9.4 percent, followed by Central Luzon at 9.0 percent, and Central Visayas at the 3rd spot with 8.8 percent. Region VIII was the only region which posted a negative growth of 2.3 percent in 2014.

“But while Region XII’s performance decelerated in 2014, it managed to surpass the national growth rate of 6.1 percent and contributed 2.8 percent to the national GDP in 2014, which is slightly higher than its 2.7 percent share in 2013; it ranked 9th in terms of regional shares to the national economy,” Director Manulon stressed.

In his policy statement on the Implications of the 2014 GRDP


NEDA XII Human Resource Management Achieves Maturity Level 1 Status

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The NEDA Regional Office XII

achieved Maturity Level 1 status using the new Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) tools in the assessment conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office No. XII on March 11-13, 2015. This information was bared by CSC in its recent report to NEDA XII.

The PRIME-HRM is one of the programs of the CSC which inculcates meritocracy and excellence in the public service human resource management through program of reward, recognition, empowerment and continuous development.

The primary objective of the assessment was to validate the current Maturity Level of NEDA XII, as well as to identify strategies to assist the agency reach the next higher level of maturity. Seventeen (17) employees of NEDA XII

participated in the online and onsite assessments conducted by the CSC XII in the first quarter of CY 2015.

Three lenses were involved in the assessment, namely, systems, competencies and practices that covered four (4) core Human Resource (HR) systems using the HR Maturity Level indicators – Recruitment, Selection and Placement (RSP), Human Resource Development (HRD) – Learning and Development, Performance Management and Rewards and Recognition.

PSA XII Releases ... from page 3

Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, Interim Regional Director of PSA XII and Regional Director Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII answered questions after the press conference.

on Regional Development delivered during the presscon, NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero said “the availability of 2014 GRDP would be very useful to the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, the highest policy-making body in the region, in reviewing, calibrating, and fine tuning the commitments of regional line agencies, local government units and other Region XII-based government instrumentalities to ensure the attainment of the development vision, objectives,

and strategic outcomes of the Updated SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2013-2016.”

“The GRDP data will not only benefit government economic managers, they are valuable information for everyone,” Director Valero emphasized. “Information on the GRDP is not only valuable if it is growing, but also when it is on a downtrend because it can help government and its partners in the private sector and civil

society to strategize and introduce innovations in sectors that have not performed as expected.”

When asked by a media representative as to why poverty is still very evident among the majority of the population in the country despite the positive growths registered by some regions, Director Valero emphasized that “the GRDP only speaks about the overall growth of the economy but it does not speak about the income distribution among the population.”

The presscon, which was initiated by PSA XII, was attended by a total of 52 participants, 20 of whom were from the media, 10 from the regional and provincial offices of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the rest were from the regional line agencies of Region XII.

By: Lalaine M. Sajelan, NEDA XII-FAD


Koronadal City, South Cotabato - The SOCCSKSARGEN

Regional Development Council (RDC) observed the RDC Week this year, in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 1164, issued on February 28, 1998, declaring every 4th Week of September every year as RDC Week.

The observance of this year’s RDC Week was highlighted by the conduct of several activities on September 22, 2015. The day-long activities involved a motorcade from Koronadal City to Tacurong City; a zumba dance, executive games, and sports fest at the Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center; and bird watching at the Baras Bird Sanctuary.

The members of RDC XII’s four (4) Sectoral Committees (SecCom), namely, Macroeconomy, Development Administration, and Finance

Committee (MEDAFC), Economic Development Committee (EDC), Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC), and Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom), participated in the day’s activities.

The motorcade was joined by at least fifty (50) vehicles. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) XII deployed forty (40) of its staff, with the assistance of Philippine National Police (PNP) XII personnel, to ensure smooth movement of the motorcade. Aside from the LTO and the PNP, the City Government of Koronadal also provided assistance at the starting area of the motorcade.

After the motorcade, the RDC XII SecCom members and their staff partook a simple breakfast of pastil, boiled egg, pan de sal and coffee at the

Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center. Several food items for breakfast and lunch were likewise provided and/or sponsored by the following: Department of Agriculture (DA) XII, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) XII, LTO XII, the Provincial Governments of Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani, and the City Governments of Tacurong and Kidapawan.

A one-hour zumba dance fitness program organized by the City Government of Tacurong ensued that was actively participated in by everyone in the sports center.

During the opening program, the DA XII band led the doxology and the singing of the National Anthem. An audio-visual aided presentation of the Tacurong City Hymn, as well as the Sultan Kudarat hymn, was played.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region Celebrates RDC Week

By: Helen L. Vestal, NEDA XII-DRD

SOCCSKSARGEN ... page 8

RDC XII members joined the zumba dance inside the Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center after the motorcade from Koronadal City.


PROJECT MONITORING PROJECT MONITORING PROJECT MONITORING

Name of Project : Land Development of Kidapawan City Resettlement Project/LGU Pabahay

Location : Barangay Magsaysay, Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province

Project Cost : Php24,000,000.00

Implementing Agency : National Housing Authority (NHA) XII

Project Implementation Updates : As of March 18, 2015, the project is 100% complete. It involves the development of 4.9091 hectares of land located at Brgy. Magsaysay intended for the Pabahay Program of the City Government of Kidapawan for the identified informal settlers living along the road right-of-way, squatting on government-owned lands and those living in danger zones.

Name of Project : Davao-Cotabato Road (Jct. Digos-Cotabato Section), Km1617+(-40.60) to Km1617+560Location : Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province


Implementing Agency : Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII

Project Implementation Updates : As of 06 July 2015, the project is on-going with an overall physical accomplishment of 19.30% and a slippage of negative (-) 8.75%

Name of Project : Dressmaking/Tailoring and Other Related Handicrafts Making

Location : Tulunan, Cotabato Province


Implementing Agency : Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII/Local Government of Tulunan, Cotabato Province

Project Implementation Updates : As of 06 July 2015, the project in on-going with an overall physical accomplishment of 19.30% and a slippage of negative (-) 8.75% .


PROJECT MONITORING PROJECT MONITORING PROJECT MONITORING

Name of Project : Concreting of Barangay Lamsalome Road (Farm to Market Road)

Location : T’boli, South Cotabato


Implementing Agency : Muncipal Government of T’boli, South Cotabato

Project Implementation Updates : As of 07 September 2015, the project has an overall physical accomplishment of 52.43% with a slippage of negative (-) 32.57% based on the updated target.

Name of Project : Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project (MMIP) Phase II

Location : Pikit, Cotabato Province


Implementing Agency : National Irrigation Administration (NIA) MMIP-Project Management Office

Project Implementation Updates : As of 15 July 2015, the project is on-going at 89.41% overall physical accomplishment with a negative (-) 7.54% slippage.

Name of Project : Construction of Core ShelterLocation : Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat


Implementing Agency : Muncipal Government of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat

Project Implementation Updates : As of 04 August 2015, the project has completed 43.67% of its Program of Works for 58 units core shelter each with a floor area of 6 meters x 4 meters.


Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla thanked RDC XII for considering the city as the venue of the one-day activity that highlighted the celebration of the 2015 RDC Week. “In behalf of the constituents of Tacurong City, I am honored to host this year’s day-long celebration and I welcome you all to the City of Goodwill,” the mayor said. She provided information on the city’s resources in terms of its tourism potentials and economic direction under her administration.

In his opening message, RDC XII Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero, who is also the NEDA XII Regional Director, thanked Mayor Montilla and Tacurong City for hosting the activity. He also expressed his thanks to all agencies for their cooperation and support to all RDC XII undertakings. He informed the participants of the legal bases for the creation of regional development councils in the country, as well as the annual celebration of the RDC Week.

RD Valero also declared the sports fest open and led the ceremonial toss in the presence of Mayor Montilla and Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. of Cotabato City. RD

Putiwas M. Malambut of LTO XII led the oath of sportsmanship. The raising of the banners of the RDC XII sectoral committees followed.

Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato gave an inspirational message during the opening program. “I congratulate the RDC XII Secretariat led by RD Valero for this activity where regional line agencies and LGUs, with the private sector, are all together for this day’s activities in observance of the RDC Week. Even for a day, let us all enjoy and free our minds from our usual work,” the governor said.

The executive games followed which was gamely participated in by Regional Directors, Asst. Regional Directors, RDC XII Private Sector Representatives, and the staff of the regional line agencies and LGUs. The Sectoral Committee officials led their respective committees in the executive games, namely: Mayor Montilla for the MEDAFC, PSR Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis for the RSDC and PSR Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr. for the InfraCom. The EDC officials were not able to attend; however, RD Nelly Nita Dillera of DOT XII and

ARD Goldenia Ibay of DAR XII, actively participated in the games.

The awarding of medals for the winners of the friendship games was done during the closing program in the afternoon. MEDAFC was declared champion for Volleyball (Women), while the RSDC was champion in Basketball (Men). Featured in the closing activity were the Sultan Kudarat State University’s (SKSU’s) Zumba Dance Troupe and Tacurong City’s Dance Sport performers and the Talakudong Headgear Dance Troupe, whose performances awed the audience. The celebration was capped by the awarding of a Plaque of Appreciation to the City Government of Tacurong for hosting the celebration. The RSDC also awarded Tacurong City a Plaque of Recognition for its Health Governance initiatives. The city was declared a national awardee for health governance earlier this year.

The day’s activities ended with a brief trip to the Bird Sanctuary of Barangay Baras, one of Tacurong City’s tourist destinations, for bird watching.

SOCCSKSARGEN ... from page 5


By: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

Dry spell to affect South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani – RDRRMC

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The provinces of South

Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat in SOCCSKSARGEN Region will likely experience dry spell as “mature and strong El Niño” affects the country, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XII warned.

Regional Director Minda Morante of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XII and chair of the RDRRMC XII cited in an advisory released on September 11, 2015 that the region’s three (3) provinces are among the 21 provinces across the country that “may experience dry spell.”

Included in the list are Isabela, Sorsogon, Eastern Visayas (except Biliran), Zamboanga del Norte Misamis Occidental, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, Surigao

del Sur, Basilan, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“A mature and strong El Niño is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Consensus of climate models show that it will likely strengthen further before the end of the year and may last until the first half of 2016. This 2015-2016 El Niño event will potentially be among the four strongest events since 1950,” Morante said, citing PAGASA-DOST and NDRRMC.

The strongest El Niño occurrences were felt in 1972-1973, 1982-1983 and 1997-1998.

Dry spell is described as three consecutive months of below normal (21-60% reduction from average) rainfall conditions or two consecutive months of way

below normal (more than 60% reduction from average rainfall) conditions.

Sultan Kudarat may be among the provinces that will likely experience way below normal rainfall condition.

OCD XII and the NDRRMC XII met RDRRMC XII member agencies for an update on the weather situation and projections.

In the same meeting, the Department of Agriculture presented updates on the effects of El Nino on the agriculture sector.

Potential impacts on foods, fisheries, water supply, environment, as well as social, macroeconomic and security concerns were discussed.


RSC XII endorses four nominees for SOV 2015- National level

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Regional Search

Committee (RSC) XII headed by NEDA XII announced yesterday the endorsement of four volunteer- entries to the national Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV)2015.

Regional Director Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII, and chairperson of the RSC XII, said that documents of the nominees will be sent to the SOV- National Selection Committee for review and assessment to determine national awardees.

The nominees of SOCCSKSARGEN Region include three groups for the organization category and one youth for the individual- youth category.

The nominees under the organization category were

a) KABALIKAT Radio Communicators Blinker Base of Banga, South Cotabato; b) Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association, Inc. (LASIWWAI) of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; and c) Midsayap Habitat for Humanity in Midsayap, North Cotabato

The KABALIKAT Radio Communicators is a group of radio enthusiasts providing communication assistance to local celebrations, activities and monitoring of untoward incidents not only in Banga but also to neighboring towns.

LASIWWAI is a group of T’Boli women who champions women

empowerment and promotes T’Boli culture through T’nalak weaving.

The Midsayap Habitat for Humanity is an organization bringing people together to build homes and a peace-loving community as a whole.

The youth nominee, Mr. John Oliver Tablazon, a youth volunteer based in the areas of General Santos City and Sarangani Province. Tablazon, a nurse, is pushing for Lumad children’s access to basic education, as well as promotion of nutrition and sanitation among the

2015 Nominees are as follows: (L-R) Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association, Inc. (LASIWWAI) of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; KABALIKAT Radio Communicators Blinker Base of Banga, South Cotabato; Midsayap Habitat for Humanity in Midsayap, Cotabato Province; and Mr. John Oliver Tablazon of General Santos City.

Members of the Regional Search Committee XII visited different areas in the region to validate the nominees’ activities based on the documents submitted.

By: Shahana Joy Duerme-PIA XII


tribesmen of the hinterlands of his area coverage.

In his message during the presentation and final review of the of the SOV 2015 Region XII nominees, RD Valero emphasized the importance of the search as means of highlighting the works and efforts of simple people doing exemplary jobs for the welfare of the people especially for those underserved and underprivileged individuals.

“Volunteer individuals need to be recognized as their efforts are selfless doing their jobs without asking anything in return,” Valero added that the search will not only highlight the volunteers but is also an avenue in promoting volunteerism to other individuals and groups.

RD Valero thanked the members of the SOV 2015- Technical Working Group, who according to him, also became volunteers in conducting the search. He also expressed appreciation for the volunteers who shared their stories showing that Region XII has humanitarian individuals who are of service to the people.

Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, Philippine Normal University’s Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, ECD Dance Company of the Philippines, Bukidnon State University Dance Troupe, Zamboanga del Sur National High School Melengas Dance Ensemble, and Koronadal Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe.

As an associate member and country representative to the CIOFF, Piyesta Kolon Datal highlights the culture of the Blaan indigenous people.

“We want the world to know that in this part of the Philippines we have an indigenous cultural community that is very rich in tradition, rituals, songs, and dances,” Mayor Miguel pointed out.

Over 8 days, starting Tuesdays, participating groups were showcased in 2-hour matinee shows at the South Cotabato Gymnasium Cultural Center and 2-hour gala shows at the Rizal Park.

There were also pocket shows at KCC Mall, Ace Centerpoint and Gaisano Grand Mall in Koronadal and Veranza Mall and SM Mall in General Santos City.

Performers are also set to conduct demonstration lectures in their out-of-town shows in South Cotabato, General Santos, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

A comprehensive schedule of performances is posted in the CIOFF 2015 Koronadal

Philippines and City of Koronadal Facebook accounts.

Koronadal’s hosting of the CIOFF 2015 International Folklore Festival came after the former’s Piyesta Kolon Datal was voted as an associate member of the CIOFF and country representative when Mayor Miguel attended the 44th CIOFF World Congress and General Assembly held in Bautzen, Germany in October 2014.

CIOFF is an official partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is accredited with its Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

It leads in the “safeguarding, promotion and diffusion of traditional culture and folklore” in 110 countries by promoting intangible heritage, through forms of expression such as dance, music, games, rituals, customs and other arts as well as support activities of its members and those of non-governmental organizations working in the areas of folklore and cultural heritage.

1st International ... from page 12


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - Some 400 performers from

10 countries, including the Philippines are here for the 10-day International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) 2015-Koronadal International Folklore Festival.

Dubbed as “Piyesta Kolon Datal,” the international event showcases folk and traditional dances, music, songs and other art forms of the participating countries under the auspices of the CIOFF.

The folklore festival kicked off with a parade of performers along major thoroughfares here.

It was followed by an opening ceremony at the South Cotabato Sports Complex where each contingent presented a glimpse audiences should expect in their shows.

Mayor Peter Miguel, who is also the festival director, explained the 10-day event will showcase a “colorful pageantry, high energy performances and an extravaganza of world-class performances in a repertoire of hundreds of traditional songs and dances.”

Performers include the Academic Folk Dance Group (Ozara) of Slovenia, Pendik Halk Danslan Toplulugo (PENHAD) of Turkey, IOV Indonesia Youth Sector,

Weilkopolanie of Poland, the Folkloric Ballet of the State of Mexico, Chinese Taipei’s Lan Yang Dancers, Japan’s Super Taiko Junior, Russia’s Eline-Kitila Folk Dance Ensemble, and Sri Lanka’s Ranranga Dance Academy.

“These groups were endorsed by their respective national CIOFF organizations,” said Edwin Duero, festival artistic director.

The Philippines is represented by seven groups that have performed in international stages and events, namely: University of the Philippines’ Filipiniana Dance Group,

By: Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII

1st International ... page 11

photo by: Randy Labordo

photo by: Randy Labordo

regional development updates | vol 13 issue 3 | july - september 2015

Government & Nonprofit