PENINSULA REGIONAL RECOVERY PROGRAM 2020-2022

ABRIDGED VERSION

Regional Development Council Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Region IX

15 June 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Introduction 7

1.1 Background 9 1.2 Legal Bases 10 1.3 Rationale 10 1.4 Objectives 10 1.5 New Normal 11 1.6 The Program 11

Chapter 2. Rehabilitation and Recovery Framework 13

2.1 Long- Term Goal 16 2.2 Outcomes 16 2.3 General Strategies 16 2.4 Cross-Cutting Issues and Concerns 16

Chapter 3. Assessment of the Effects of Covid-19 17

3.1 Social Sector 19 3.1.1 Health 19 3.1.2 Nutrition 20 3.1.3 Education 20 3.1.4 Social Welfare 21 3.1.5 Labor Welfare 21 3.1.6 Housing 22 3.2 Economic Sector 22 3.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery 22 3.2.2 Industry and Services 23 3.2.3 Science and Technology 23 3.2.4 Tourism 24 3.3 Infrastructure Sector 24 3.3.1 Transportation 24 3.3.1.1 Land Transportation 24 3.3.1.2 Sea Transportation 25 3.3.1.3 Air Transportation 25 3.3.2 Water Supply 25 3.3.3 Communications 25 3.3.4 Power and Energy 25 3.4 Governance Sector 26

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.5 Environment Sector 28

Chapter 4. Strategies 29

4.1 Social Sector 31 4.1.1 Health 31 4.1.2 Nutrition 31 4.1.3 Education 32 4.1.4 Social Welfare 32 4.1.5 Labor Welfare 32 4.2 Economic Sector 32 4.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery 32 4.2.2 Industry and Services 32 4.2.3 Science and Technology 33 4.2.4 Tourism 33 4.3 Infrastructure Sector 33 4.3.1 Transportation 33 4.3.1.1 Land Transportation 33 4.3.1.2 Sea Transportation 34 4.3.1.3 Air Transportation 34 4.3.2 Water Supply 34 4.3.3 Information and Communications Technology 34 4.3.4 Power and Energy 35 4.4 Governance Sector 35 4.5 Environment Sector 35

Chapter 5. Financial and Investment Requirements 37

Chapter 6. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism 41

Chapter 7. Communication Strategy 45

6 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Chapter 1

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 7

Introduction

1.1 Background

The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, which has already claimed many lives and affected many people in many countries, including the .

The first case of the COVID-19 in (ZamPen) was confirmed in on 24 March 2020 by the Zamboanga Peninsula- Center for Health Development (DOH- ZPCHD). The region registered a total of 147 confirmed cases, three (3) deaths and nine (9) recoveries as of 18 May 2020.

The local government units (LGUs) in ZamPen issued Executive Orders (EOs) adopting community quarantine measures in their respective locality to minimize and contain the spread of the virus. During the quarantine period, the LGUs initiated measures to alleviate the plight of their constituents.

The LGUs were also engaged in COVID-19 efforts with regional government line agencies. With the support of Department of Trade and Industry, more products were made available to the public such as canned goods and other basic supplies and commodities.

Other efforts included the production of improvised face masks for distribution to barangay residents; initiation of health protocols such as the placement of disinfectant foot mats, hand washing, and body temperature checks at entry points of public areas and buildings; mandatory wearing of face mask and business owners providing alcohol in their respective establishments.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 9 1.2 Legal Bases

The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program (RRP) is guided by the following legal instruments:

• Proclamation No. 922, series of 2020 Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the entire Philippines, and prompting a whole-of-government approach in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. • Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act • Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 • National Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 16 dated 27 March 2020 • Committee on Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery (CDRR) of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) IX Resolution No. 002, series of 2020 dated 30 April 2020

1.3 Rationale

There is a need for a comprehensive plan containing strategies and interventions that will allow people to rebuild their lives, and build back stronger and more resilient communities from the pandemic. A comprehensive approach enhances the effectiveness of recovery efforts, increases transparency and accountability, and ensures that public interventions bring the desired results.

1.4 Objectives

The overall objective of the RRP is to address the adverse effects brought about by COVID-19 pandemic and facilitate the transition and adaptation of Zamboanga Peninsula to the “new normal”.

10 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Specifically, the Program aims to:

1. Assess the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in the region’s economy, infrastructure, livelihood, industry, health and education, among others; 2. Recommend mitigating measures/remedial actions in the short and long terms; 3. Recommend policies, measures, and funding sources to implement the proposed programs and projects; and 4. Propose implementation mechanisms and coordination arrangements to implement the RRP.

1.5 New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the political, economic, social, technological, infrastructure, legal, and environmental landscapes at varying degrees. Characteristics of the new normal include the following: (a) LGUs are taking on greater responsibility to deliver public services especially on health and social safety nets, (b) Increased consumer demand for health food, (c) Reconfiguration of working arrangements and schedules, (d) Reduced load factor in public transport to strictly observe physical distancing, (e) Increased demand for social protection programs among displaced workers and vulnerable groups, (f) Higher demand for stable, fast/high-speed internet, (g) Greater investment requirements in ICT and digital infrastructure facilities, (h) Implementation of quarantine protocols, which may result to restrictions on fundamental freedom, and (i) More hazardous wastes are generated.

1.6 The Program

The succeeding chapters of the Program deal with the following:

1. The Recovery Framework; 2. Assessment; 3. Strategies and Policy Recommendations; 4. Financing and Investment Requirements; 5. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism; and 6. Communication Strategy.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 11

Chapter 2

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 13

Recovery Framework

The General Framework for Post Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery is adopted in the formulation of the Regional Recovery Program. The framework seeks to align sectoral or thematic outcomes with medium-term outcomes for disaster risk reduction and the country’s long-term goal of having safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities.

The framework also provides a basis for designing the monitoring scheme for the recovery program, particularly on how program and project outputs contribute towards the attainment of the goal of building back better and fully restoring economic and social conditions in Zamboanga Peninsula under the new normal.

Figure 2.1 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Recovery Program Framework

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 15 2.1 Long-Term Goal

Consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Framework, the long-term goal of Zamboanga Peninsula for recovery from COVID-19 is to have a safer, adaptive and resilient Zamboanga Peninsula that is protected from the risks and can cope and recover quickly from disasters and pandemic. This goal incorporates the principle of build back better, where post pandemic reconstruction shall not only be restoration to its pre-pandemic condition but incorporating a higher level of resiliency standards, and adapting to new and even better ways of life.

2.2 Outcomes (Medium-Term)

The over-all expected outcomes of the RRP implementation are the following: the socio-economic conditions in Zamboanga Peninsula are restored, “new/better normal” standards are supported and practiced in all sectors, and the region is highly resilient to natural and man-made disasters, particularly health pandemic.

Consistent with “We Recover as One” Report of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases – Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF – TWG for AFP), the expected sector outcomes of the RRP are as follows:

1. Economic: support services to workers and MSMEs provided. 2. Social: social protection services available; health care system and facilities improved/upgraded; and alternative educational system considered. 3. Infrastructure: implementation fast tracked; transport system is available, reliable and affordable; adequate supply of water; and reliable power supply. 4. Governance: government agencies, LGUs and business sector worked collaboratively and harmoniously toward the achievement of the RRP’s goals and expected outcomes. 5. Environment: air quality improved; and health care and infectious wastes properly managed.

2.3 General Strategies

The general strategies identified for economic, social, infrastructure and governance outline the over-all approaches on how the expected outcomes shall be achieved. The specific strategies are the programs and projects proposed for the areas and sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.4 Cross-cutting issues and concerns

Consistent with the national policies, the issues of the vulnerable groups, as well as, concerns on culture sensitivity, gender and social inclusivity, poverty reduction, peace and security, and other concerns are incorporated in the recovery program.

16 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Chapter 3

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 17

Assessment

3.1 Social

3.1.1 Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the country’s health system to its limits, fighting to contain the spread of the virus and protecting the lives of millions of Filipinos. Thousands were infected and lives were lost, including frontline medical workers. The human to human transmission puts lives at risk, prompting the national and local government units to declare enhanced or general community quarantine measures in a bid to flatten the curve and give time for the health system to increase its capacity and capability to respond to the epidemic.

COVID-19 Cases

In Zamboanga Peninsula, the first case of the COVID-19 was confirmed on 24 March 2020 by the DOH Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (ZPCHD). As of 18 May 2020, the ZPCHD reported a total of 147 confirmed cases, three deaths and nine recoveries.

Data generated by Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using a Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler for Early Detection of Diseases (FASSSTER) showed that as of 19 May 2020, the case doubling time (CDT) of the region was 7.51 days and critical care utilization (CUR) rate was 29.46 percent.

Capacity of Health Care System for COVID-19 Response

The Zamboanga City Medical Center TB Reference Laboratory started to function as a COVID-19 testing laboratory on 06 May 2020. It used Xpert Xpress for SARS CoV2. The Department of Agriculture IX Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (DA9-RADDL) was certified by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) and started RT-PCR tests on 18 May 2020.

Zamboanga City Medical Center, Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center and Medical Center, with a total bed capacity of 199 beds, were identified by DOH as COVID-19 Referral Hospitals. As of 12 May 2020, more than 43 percent of the total beds were occupied.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 19 Other COVID-19 accepting hospitals were identified throughout the region with a total bed capacity of 219.

A total of 266 health personnel throughout the region were trained on contact tracing as of 14 May 2020. These included 16 doctors, 185 nurses, 49 medical technologists and 16 other health personnel. The region had 104 health facilities with trained personnel on contact tracing.

Functional Local Isolation and General Treatment Areas for COVID-19 cases or Ligtas COVID centers were also established throughout the region. Functional step-down facilities and facilities for repatriates were also established in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte and the City of Zamboanga. Issues and Concerns

A myriad of inter-sectoral concerns needs to be addressed by the whole of the nation as the government prioritizes the health and lives of the Filipino people. These include:

• Inadequate number of human health resource, health facilities, medical equipment including Personal Protective Equipment, test kits • Weak functionality of local Epidemiological and Surveillance Units • Non-disclosure of relevant information by suspect or COVID-19 patients • Poor health seeking behavior • Discrimination towards health workers and patients coming from barangays with confirmed COVID-19 cases

3.1.2 Nutrition

During the community quarantine period, the nutrition status of the vulnerable groups would likely to get worse due to the constraints on food access and a shift to increased consumption of processed foods.

National Nutrition Council (NNC) issued two advisories, Nutrition Cluster Advisory Nos. 01 and 02, s. 2020, to LGUs, NGOs and other civic organizations with nutrition services.

The first advisory enjoins LGUs to promote good nutrition, prioritize provision of assistance to barangays, cities, municipalities with high rates of under nutrition, and promote and protect exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6-month-old babies. The second advisory further enjoins LGUs to optimize the use of local fresh produce by buying them directly from the farmers, fisher folk, limit donation of processed food and promote home gardens and distribute vegetable seeds.

LGUs are reminded to activate their local nutrition committees and formulate Nutrition in Emergencies Plan to ensure that the nutritional status of the vulnerable populace will not deteriorate or worsen due to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.

Issues and Concerns

• Limited surveillance of the nutritionally-at-risk groups affected by the ECQ

3.1.3 Education

Several LGUs declared suspension of classes in all levels immediately after confirmation of COVID-19 cases in their respective jurisdictions. As the disease swept across the country, classes in all levels were eventually suspended.

20 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program On 16 March 2020, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued guidelines for public schools in the administration of final examinations and computation of grades. Graduation ceremonies were cancelled or postponed in all levels.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), on the other hand, advised higher education institutions to implement distance education methods and online classes to continue with the academic term despite the suspension of classes.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IX also adopted the suspension of classes and conduct of competency assessment as a measure for the management of COVID-19 health situation.

Issues and Concerns

• Impact of prolonged closure of basic, higher, and technical education to most disadvantaged students and their families • Few opportunities for at-home-learning • Accessibility to alternative options like distance learning was a challenge especially for those without means to connect or access online • Home-learning program is not a long-term substitute to face-to-face teaching and practical skills training

3.1.4 Social Welfare

The implementation of the community quarantine in the region affected the access of the most vulnerable sector to basic services and employment. Income in every household in the vulnerable sector was affected, depriving them of the means to earn and provide for their daily basic needs.

The government was able to implement emergency measures to address the needs of the affected households, such as the Special Amelioration Program (SAP). In-kind assistance was also provided by the LGUs to the affected households, such as food packages, in several tranches throughout the quarantine period.

As of 13 May 2020, a total of P3.017 billion was received by SAP beneficiaries (4Ps and non-4Ps members) in the region.

Issues and Concerns

• Some qualified families were not able to receive the relief assistance • Senior citizens who are gainfully employed were not able to work due to the mandatory quarantine • Delay in the pay-out of amelioration packages

3.1.5 Labor Welfare

As the labor sector was among the most severely affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided amelioration packages to assist workers and establishments affected by the work suspension, such as the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) and Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD).

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IX was able to provide support to 15,298 TUPAD beneficiaries amounting to P48.19 million since the implementation of work suspension. The implementation of TUPAD was set to be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 21 Development (DSWD).

Out of the 2,200 establishments that applied for CAMP in the region, only 758 or 34.4 percent were granted assistance, and 34.56 percent out of the 38,165 workers who applied were provided with such assistance. There were still 2,768 establishments and 83,364 workers to be accommodated.

Issues and Concerns

• Decline in revenues of sectors included in the work suspension • Repatriation of OFWs • Transfer in the implementation of CAMP to the Department of Finance

3.1.6 Housing

The effects of COVID-19 had lesser impact on housing as compared to other sectors that had gone through closures, lockdowns and quarantines. Nevertheless, the suspension of housing projects may have caused a dip in sales of construction materials and the displacement of construction workers. DOLE had its CAMP and TUPAD programs to address this issue.

Families that were living in the evacuation shelters had difficulty complying with the physical distancing and self-isolation measures.

In response to the pandemic, the National Housing Authority (NHA) crafted a memorandum suspending its collection of amortization or lease payments from residential account holders in all existing NHA Projects. The moratorium would cover payments from 16 March -15 June 2020. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was also crafting guidelines on the incorporation of health standards in land use planning to be implemented by the regional offices when they would conduct technical assistance to the LGU.

3.2 Economic

The COVID-19 global health emergency is not only a predicament of the health and medical sector but it has also drastically developed into an economic crisis. In view of the community quarantine imposed by the LGUs, the COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed the region’s economic and consumption activities which threatened food security, family income, and business continuity.

The total estimated losses due to the imposition of ECQ in the region was PHP4.91 billion or 1.26 percent of the projected 2020 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

3.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery

The result of the business rapid assessment survey for agriculture and fisheries sector conducted by NEDA showed that PHP5.8 million was lost from unsold produce in Zamboanga Peninsula. In spite of the losses on unsold produce, the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided assurance that supply of basic food commodities was available to the people. As of March 2020, the country’s rice stock inventory reached 2.18 million MT while corn inventory was 793,280 MT.

The National Food Authority (NFA) IX reported that, as of 23 March 2020, the region had enough rice stock inventory that was expected to last for 27 days. Also, there was enough supply of fruits, vegetables, meat, and fishery products.

To ensure sufficient supply and unhampered movement of basic commodities, concerned regional line agencies issued different permits and passes.

22 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Issues and Concerns:

• Food security • Unhampered delivery of food products • Changes in consumer demand

3.2.2 Industry and Services

The total foregone revenue in manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and construction in the region were PHP1.45 billion, PHP31.62 million, and PHP329.91 million, respectively. For manufacturing, it was assumed that there was no work interruption in the food subsector.

The region’s estimated revenue foregone of motor vehicles, personal household goods, and wholesale and retail trade amounted to PHP1.82 billion.

The imposition of quarantine measures adversely affected the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. During the lockdown period, from mid-March until end of April 2020, the MSME Development Report showed that 10,344 MSMEs were fully closed and there were 5,965 MSMEs with limited operation.

Issues and Concerns:

• Disruptions in the delivery of raw materials • Lack of raw materials (for MSMEs producing face masks/face shields) • Delayed shipments • Cancelled export or import orders • Loss of buyers or suppliers • Constrained logistics • Essential goods in supermarkets and grocery retailers initially went out of stock • Thirty to 50 percent capacity utilization of sardine companies • Decrease production and increase costs of food MSME • Closure of non-essential businesses, hence, no income for such businesses

3.2.3 Science and Technology

The imposition of community quarantine also caused difficulty in accessing appropriate raw materials for fabrication of innovative PPE for frontliners. Relatedly, there was a need for harmonized integration of mechanisms to facilitate transfer of essential goods and services across boundary checkpoints.

Majority of the DOST - SETUP MSME-beneficiaries had ceased or limited operations during the ECQ.

Issues and Concerns:

• Need for accurate/scientific data and information to ensure effective and efficient planning and decision-making • The pandemic has distorted the supply chain which impacted the production/ manufacturing sector • Some businesses were disrupted during the COVID-19, thus the need for Business Resiliency Plan, to minimize the risks of business disruptions, and enable continuity of operations • Limited local capability for research, development and innovation on COVID-19 related concerns

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 23 3.2.4 Tourism

The total estimated losses in the tourism industry in the region amounted to PHP1.27 billion. Foregone revenue was computed using estimated daily tourist arrivals from the 2018 annual tourist arrivals multiplied by 2017 daily tourist expenditure, multiplied by days of interrupted service, which is 60 days.

Tourism traffic only consisted repatriation of stranded tourists. Arrivals dropped to zero as tourism establishments had to temporarily close and other tourism services suspended in compliance with the guidelines on the ECQ imposed by the government. During the lockdown period, there were 55 non-operational accredited accommodation establishments in the region.

Issues and Concerns:

• Travel restriction is likely to continue • Enormous economic impact of COVID-19 to travel and tourism • Expected slow recovery and the resumption of tourism-related businesses under a new normal environment • The resiliency (recovery phase) of the sector will be dependent on the rate of how global economies recover from COVID’s economic blow • Expected employment emaciation and loss of income at local communities as a result of the decreased demand in tourism services

3.3 Infrastructure

Based on the report of six (6) implementing agencies in the region, namely: Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Agrarian Reform, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office of Zamboanga del Norte, a total of 980 projects were suspended. This resulted to about 16,000 laborers who were rendered out of work and an estimated foregone income of about PHP203.627 million.

The implementation of work-from-home arrangements magnified the need for a quality and stable power. This calls for appropriate interventions as frequent fluctuations continued to challenge the populace of the region.

3.3.1 Transportation

The transportation sector provides the physical support to stimulate economic growth, and it serves as a foundation for sustainable development in the region. With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of mobility restrictions, some land, seaport and airport operations/ activities, as well as, ongoing airport/seaport development projects were suspended. It also hampered the procurement of construction materials for ongoing and new projects which caused delays in the implementation of these projects.

3.3.1.1 Land Transportation

With the lockdown, the operations of all public land transportation such as mass transits, buses, taxis, vans, jeepneys, tricycles and motorcycles were suspended, except the trucks, cargo vans, among others, used for delivery of agricultural products, manufactured foods, and medical supplies/ equipment. This proved difficult for residents who were dependent on public transport when going to groceries and markets. On the other hand, among the positive impacts of the lockdown were clean air, lower price of fuel and ease of traffic.

24 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 3.3.1.2 Sea Transportation

Port of Dapitan

The Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) of Zamboanga del Norte posted a significant drop, both inbound and outbound passengers during the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of quarantine measures. In March 2020, inbound and outbound passengers decreased by 34.40 percent and 51.06 percent, respectively, compared with the figure from the preceding month. A slight decrease was also noted in the number of vessels/ship calls, cargo throughput, and container traffic in twenty-foot equivalent unit.

Port of Zamboanga

The Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) of Zamboanga suffered a 46.09 percent decrease in incoming passengers in March 2020 compared with the preceding month figure. Outgoing passengers also decreased by 42.57 percent. Reduction in the number of vessels/ship calls, cargo throughput (MT) and container traffic in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) was also noted.

3.3.1.3 Air Transportation

Passenger traffic in air transportation likewise decreased significantly. Compared with the number of flights in February 2020, incoming and outgoing flights dropped by 35.35 percent and 34.78 percent, respectively, in March 2020 in the case of Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA). Cargo throughput in MT, both loaded and unloaded, posted a decrease for ZIA, while airports of Dipolog and Pagadian posted a slight increase in unloaded cargo.

3.3.2 Water Supply

The need for frequent hand washing to prevent contamination as recommended by the WHO would be a challenge to other areas with least access to safe water. The ideal 24/7 supply of water is not yet attained in many areas. Residents, particularly in Zamboanga City, complained of difficulty in fetching water from communal faucets due to ECQ especially in areas where there was rationing in water access and distribution. The schedule of their quarantine pass did not jibe with the schedule for water rationing.

3.3.3 Information and Communications Technology

The COVID-19 crisis magnified the need for digital connectivity. As the crisis continues, critical challenges require immediate actions to improve efficiency in the delivery of public services, especially in healthcare and epidemic control in this time of health crisis. It is apparent that public health infrastructure needs to be supported by robust ICT.

3.3.4 Power and Energy

The existing issues on unstable power continue to beset Zamboanga City and other areas in the region as fluctuations and unscheduled power outages are still experienced by all sectors. Stable power is a basic necessity, which should also be given top priority. Power/energy supports the functions of almost all economic, social, and governance development endeavors, including digital infrastructures and health services, among others.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 25 Issues and Concerns

The infrastructure sector is faced with the following challenges.

Transportation

• The implementation of several infrastructure projects in the region was suspended and/or delayed significantly resulting to huge losses, including loss of jobs • High cost of port services posed potential deterrence in the use of seaports • Reduced logistic operators at seaports • Slow loading and unloading of cargos at seaports due to inadequate personnel and lack of facilities • Suspension of all modes of public transportation due to ECQ, except those used for delivery of basic necessities • The 50 percent passengers’ capacity of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) may discourage drivers/ operators from operating as they would not be able to meet their quota • Need to reconfigure current PUVs to implement the social distancing policy • Delay in the procurement of construction materials by contractors • Delay in the processing of biddings/procurement of services for new projects

Water Supply

• Many areas in the region are still with Level II water supply • Inadequate supply of water

Information and Communications Technology

• Majority of the people in the region have still no access to internet services • Slow internet connection and limited internet accessibility • Cyber security risks/data privacy issues • Proliferation of misinformation or fake news about COVID-19 issues in social media • Telecom operators faced with traffic growth, congestion, network continuity and security issues

Power and Energy

• Unstable energy supply

3.4 Governance

Good governance is key to effectively and efficiently manage the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its social and economic consequences in affected communities. It is the role of government to strike a balance between protecting health and minimizing socioeconomic disruption.

Along with the national government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, LGUs in the region issued EOs and Ordinances to prevent the entry and reduce possible transmission of COVID-19 in the region.

Imposition of Community Quarantine

With inadequate information and varying interpretation of national guidelines on the implementation of community quarantine at the onset, LGUs imposed mobility restrictions with different degrees. The varying degree of restrictions hampered interzonal movements.

26 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Compliance with National Issuances

Generally, LGUs in the region have high compliance rate with the national directives relative to COVID-19, except for the provision of temporary shelter for health workers and management of the dead and missing where LGUs needed to rev up their efforts.

LDRRM Fund Utilization

The proclamation of State of Calamity throughout the Philippines provided the LGUs with access to Quick Response Fund, bolstered by the enactment of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, which allowed utilization of more than five percent of the amount allocated for calamity fund, among others. As of 06 May 2020, LGUs in the region have relatively still enough resources to be used in addressing the present crisis and any unfortunate events in the near future.

Work-From-Home Arrangement

About half (51 percent) of the LGUs in the region issued a policy on Work-From-Home arrangement. Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2020, dated 07 May 2020, which covered the LGUs, sanctioned the implementation of Work-From-Home arrangement and made its applicability to retroact on 16 March 2020.

Peace and Security

The implementation of community quarantine did not only effectively reduce local transmission of COVID-19, but also crime incidents in the region. In April, index crime was reduced by half compared to the number of cases in January 2020. The total crime volume in April was also about 50 percent less compared to January 2020.

Disposition of Cases

The disposition of cases was likewise affected by the implementation of community quarantine. The Department of Justice-Public Attorney’s Office was placed on an “on-call” status where only inquest cases and urgent legal services were being attended to. Regular cases that were not urgent in nature were put on hold until the ECQ would be lifted, as people were ordered to stay at home. Also, courts were closed, except for urgent cases such as posting of bail bond. Others Private entities in the region helped in alleviating the COVID-19 crisis by donating goods, such as rice, bottled water, grocery items, and medical supplies like face masks and disinfectants, to frontline workers.

Issues and Concerns:

The following are the issues and concerns affecting governance:

• There is a need to enhance the technical capabilities of LGU personnel in managing COVID-19 • LGUs need to strengthen its decision-making based on evidence and scientific tool/s • No mechanism for inter-LGU information dissemination • Implementation of social distancing in offices requires re-configuration of workstations and may necessitate continued work offsite arrangement • There is a need for greater transparency in view of the great amount poured in by the government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 • Tightening of fiscal space, which may be aggravated by the resurgence of COVID-19

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 27 • Traditional transaction and mode of payments heightens the chance of COVID-19 transmission with the resumption of business operations • Public participation needs to be mainstreamed in disaster response • Lower revenue collection • Decreased rate of disposition of cases

3.5 Environment

The implementation of community quarantine resulted to an improved ambient air quality measured in terms of particulate matter (PM) 10 monitoring.

On the management of health care and infectious wastes, particularly on the disposal of hospital hazardous and infectious wastes, the region does not have a registered treatment storage and disposal facility. Nevertheless, there is continuous monitoring of hospitals that are designated as COVID-19 centers, especially on their proper disposal of healthcare wastes. Hospital wastes are disinfected in accordance with DOH protocol prior to their storage in septic vault. COVID-19 related wastes are stored in a separate septic vault, and disinfection of such is also being done.

Issues and Concerns

• Need for management of health care and infectious wastes • People may opt to use own vehicles as social distancing becomes new normal, hence possible air quality deterioration • Increased demand for water due to practice of hand washing and sanitation in households, workplaces and establishments, among others

28 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Chapter 4

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 29

Strategies

Moving towards the new normal, the following are the strategies.

4.1 Social

4.1.1 Health

• Increase capacity and capability of the health system to respond to epidemics and other infectious diseases • Conduct of widespread testing • Strengthen the functionality of local Epidemiological & Surveillance Units at all levels • Establish a Contact Tracing System • Strengthen coordination among concerned agencies on data sharing and feedbacking • Intensify public health campaign to encourage social distancing, wearing of face mask, good hygiene practices • Strengthen implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programs in schools and communities • Invest in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases • Promote use of IT in the delivery of primary care consultations • Invest on PhilHealth benefit packages for inpatient care of probable and confirmed COVID-19 cases • Ensure massive awareness and community engagement through multiple platforms • Strengthen planning and implementation of recovery responses, policies and measures at all levels of governance

4.1.2 Nutrition

• Provision of essential nutrition services to the nutritionally-at-risk groups

Policy Recommendations

• Passage of a comprehensive law strengthening the national response and preparedness for health emergencies and pandemics

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 31 • Review salient provisions of RA 10121 on increasing contingency budget for the management of health-related concerns • Review Magna Carta for Health Workers toward increasing benefits • Passage of Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholar

4.1.3 Education

• Design/conceptualize the Learning Continuity Plan per school’s division • Implement safe back to school standards • Develop education technology interventions for distance learning • Equip teachers and administrators with tools and processes to provide flexible learning options and blended learnings to students • Adjust to the school and academic calendar • Conduct of emerging and infectious diseases research in the State Universities and Colleges • Expand the implementation of TESDA Mobile Training Laboratory

4.1.4 Social Welfare

• Intensify implementation of supplemental feeding program • Ensure proper implementation of cash assistance programs to vulnerable sector • Increase pension for senior citizens • Adopt of clear policy guidelines to ensure protection of high-risks individuals • Ensure implementation of sustainable livelihood programs for the vulnerable sector • Implement the Balik-Probinsya Program.

Policy Recommendations

• Increase pension for senior citizens • Implement special services for the vulnerable

4.1.5 Labor Welfare

• Provide emergency funds/loans for businesses and temporary suspension of business-related payments/bills • Ensure proper distribution of amelioration funds for displaced workers • Strengthen cash-for-work program • Re-skill and re-tool workers • Implement staggered working hours to maintain appropriate social distancing • Implement the Balik-Probinsya program

4.2 Economic

4.2.1 Agriculture and Fishery

• Increase production of food and other basic necessities while strengthening the supply chain • Provide access to finance for farmers and fisherfolks

4.2.2 Industry and Services

• Improve access to finance • Strengthen resiliency of MSMEs

32 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 4.2.3 Science and Technology

• Strengthen the capacities of MSMEs and adopting the new normal business processes for Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) • Enhance collaborations on Health Research, Development and Innovations

4.2.4 Tourism

• Promote tourism and goodwill in the region • Implement protocols and interventions to ensure compliance with sanitation standards • Collaborate with LGUs in the identification of programs for tourism disaster/pandemic preparedness and management • Institutionalize local and regional coordination policies and protocols with partner agencies and stakeholders during the onset of disasters or pandemic

Policy Recommendations

• Passage of the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) to include the following provisions as suggested by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

1. Inclusion of the upstream and downstream of agriculture, as well as, land transportation sector as among the critically-impacted industries; 2. A system should be in place to ensure that the subsidy proposed under the Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) would go to the intended beneficiaries; 3. Inclusion of the Department of Health and the Food and Drugs Administration as agencies involved in regulatory relief; 4. Inclusion of those in the agriculture and fishery sectors in the availment of loan guarantees under the Philippine Guarantee Corporation; 5. Considering that potential MSME borrowers mostly do not have technical capacity to meet banks’ documentary requirements, the Department of Finance (DOF) and Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) should endeavor to ease the requirements for MSMEs; 6. Increase the loan allocation for agri-fishery, as well as, provide grants to the sector to cover production and post-production; and 7. Give emphasis on the role of innovation in the development process.

• Revision of DTI Circular Order 20-04 to waive payment of rentals during the quarantine period in view of the declaration of the extension of the ECQ in Zamboanga City by the National Government or until it is lifted. • Utilization of the interest earned from the Coco Levy Fund to provide assistance to coconut farmers who were affected by COVID-19.

4.3 Infrastructure

Despite the pandemic, the sector shall resume implementing development programs and projects following the “new normal” guidelines.

4.3.1 Transportation

4.3.1.1 Land Transportation

• Accelerate the implementation of road and bridges infrastructure projects to provide better connectivity

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 33 • Review public transport regulations • Ensure safe transportation system to quickly, safely, and securely move people and goods through the region and country • Reconfigure current Public Utility Vehicles to implement the social distancing policy • Ensure that all public transport modes to operate at reduced capacity • Provide government subsidies to PUV operators • Repair and construction of vital infrastructure (e.g., flyover, widening)

4.3.1.2 Sea Transportation

• Improve inter-modal connectivity between Zamboanga Peninsula and other parts of and the country • Improve seaport facilities and operations of municipal ports in the region • Fast track port delineation for Pagadian Port, as well as, the development and uprading of its facilities within the port, including other municipal ports • Fast track the completion of the feasibility study for Panguil-Pagadian Waterway project for efficient water transport • Fast track the bidding process for arrastre and stevedoring services at Zamboanga Port • Development of access road to decongest the seaport • Continual upgrading of other facilities within the seaport to meet the demand of the business group

4.3.1.3 Air Transportation

• Construction of new Zamboanga International Airport in Mercedes-Talabaan • Settlement of disputes over a parcel of the runway of Pagadian City Airport • Improvement of airport facilities and operations • Installation/operationalization of night landing facilities of all airports in Region IX

4.3.2 Water Supply

• Fast track the requirements for proposed water development projects • Persuade the national government to give financial aid to all Local Water Districts nationwide • Forge sustained partnerships with capable and reputable private entities in the implementation of water supply, development, and distribution projects • Institutionalize a National Emergency Management Program for Water Districts for emergency response network and resource procurement and pooling • Institutionalize water harvesting facilities in all residential, business, commercial and government offices

4.3.3 Information Communication Technology

• Enhance internet accessibility and reduce the digital divide • Push for internet connectivity in public places across the country and the region through the DICT’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” Program • Prioritize data privacy and security considerations • Companies, agencies and businesses to embrace additional guidance and information provided by government agencies and regulators • Provide free online trainings/courses • Use a variety of communication channels and influencers to amplify and provide reliable and accurate information from official health advisories • Ensure effective, integrated and coordinated communication

34 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 4.3.4 Power and Energy

• Concerned LGUs to avail/access funds under DOE Department Circular No. 2020-04-0008 • Provide continued financing support for energy projects that have long gestation period • Allow Qualified Third Party (QTP) program, enter into Partnership or Joint Venture through Private Sector Participation (PSP) in off-grid and unviable areas • NEA and ECs to be steadfast in their commitment to make the total electrification target • Provide alternative power supply facilities in remote and upland areas where conventional transmission lines are costly to install • Support the establishment of 105-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Zamboanga City • Interconnection of submarine power cable from Negros to Dapitan City

NEA to continue in its implementation of priority programs and projects

4.4 Governance

The fight against COVID-19 pandemic has indeed put the LGUs at the forefront. However, LGUs have different levels of technical capacity and capability in carrying out various programs, projects and activities to address the present health crisis.

The following are the strategies to stem the spread of COVID-19 and to quickly adapt to the new normal.

• Strengthen capacities and capabilities of LGUs as first responders and frontline service delivery units • Reinforce evidence- and/or science-based decision-making • Improve inter-LGUs information dissemination • Establish testing center in each province and scale up carrying capacity of hospitals • Strengthen LGUs digitalization/automation • Heighten transparency measures • Utilize responsively public funds • Promote cashless transaction • Provide platform for public participation • Promote participatory disaster response • Support MSMEs to optimally operate amidst the health crisis and provide good business environment for new investments to come in • Institutionalize the adoption of technology in the judicial system • Promote Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program

Policy Recommendations

• Creation of ICT Department/Division/Unit in the LGUs • Review of the Local Government Code provisions on Personnel Services (PS) cap

4.5 Environment

The identified strategies to mitigate/lessen the impact of COVID-19 to the environment are: • Streamline the management of health care and infectious wastes • Prioritize the protection and conservation of natural resources, especially in degradation hotspots and critical ecosystems

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 35

Chapter 5

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 37

Financial and Investment Requirements

Timely implementation of programs and projects is critical in mitigating the losses brought about by the imposition of community quarantine as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is also instrumental in preparing the region towards the new normal.

The assistance from the private sector in these trying times is significant, particularly in augmenting the necessary financial and investment requirements in addressing the crisis. Hence, complementary initiatives between and among the government and private sectors are imperative.

Summary of Investment Requirements

As a summary, the region requires an aggregate amount of PHP102.33 billion to carry out programs and projects in response to the COVID-19 crisis

Table 5.1 Investment requirement in response to COVID-19 crisis, Region IX by sector, 2020-2021 Sector/Subsector Annual cost (in Thousand Pesos) TOTAL 2020 2021 2022 (in Thousand Pesos) TOTAL 18,510,832.81 27,833,090.10 55,985,504.34 102,329,427.25 Economic 3,801,163.53 7,003,317.08 6,114,428.19 16,918,908.80 Production 2,926,341.48 6,680,837.08 5,768,204.47 15,375,383.03 Agriculture and Fisheries 1,046,239.48 1,498,676.08 969,452.72 3,514,368.28 Industry and services 1,880,102.00 5,182,161.00 4,798,751.75 11,861,014.75 Financial Services 811,672.38 216,089.50 237,698.45 1,265,460.33 Employment Assistance 63,149.67 106,390.50 108,525.27 278,065.45 Social Services 7,316,283.00 2,983,126.00 3,289,687.80 13,589,096.80 Health 57,900.00 56,900.00 107,500.00 222,300.00 Nutrition 160.00 160.00 - 320.00 Education 2,204,583.00 2,687,394.00 2,946,695.80 7,838,672.80 Social Protection 5,052,593.00 234,055.00 234,055.00 5,520,703.00 Housing 1,047.00 4,617.00 1,437.00 7,101.00 Environment 461,435.62 3,384,254.44 31,578,473.88 35,424,163.94

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 39 Governance 260,593.84 740,689.58 2,348,300.46 3,349,583.88 Transportation 6,492,171.82 13,721,703.00 12,654,614.00 32,868,488.82 Others 179,185.00 - - 179,185.00

40 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Chapter 6

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 41

Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism

The Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) as a monitoring tool created by virtue of Executive Order 93, series of 1993 shall also serve as guide for monitoring the implementation of major programs and projects contained in the Zamboanga Peninsula RRP.

Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX, as the monitoring arm of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX, shall include in its monitoring coverage the programs and projects included in the Zamboanga Peninsula RRP. The activation and engagement of the local project monitoring committees (LPMC) is crucial as they are responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of programs/projects under their respective jurisdictions.

The focus of the M&E is on the results or outcome levels as contained in the Results Matrices (RMs) of the various chapters of the Regional Development Plan as cascaded at the local level, Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation (RbME) system of major programs and projects, and community-based monitoring system of local government units, among others.

The LPMCs shall conduct quarterly project monitoring of the implementation of programs and projects under RRP implemented at the local level for submission to the RPMC, and subsequent endorsement to the RTF COVID-19. The RTF COVID-19 shall submit the quarterly monitoring reports to the NIATF-COVID-19.

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 43 Figure 6.1 RPMES: Overall System Framework

44 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program Chapter 7

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 45

Communication Strategy

Objectives

It is envisioned that people will be well informed of the appropriate government interventions to restore economic and social opportunities, health, ecological and public safety after COVID-19, especially for the poorest of the poor.

It is also the aim of the Program to let the people understand of the government’s efforts to continue to provide the basic social services necessary to prevent the recurrence of the pandemic disease.

Composition

As chair of the Task Group-Strategic Communications on COVID-19, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX takes the lead role in ensuring that people are informed of the government’s programs and projects to recover from the negative impact brought about by COVID-19. It shall also lead in the advocacy campaign all over the region together with other 18 agencies. Membership, however, shall be expanded to include other agencies whenever necessary.

NEDA IX shall act as secretariat of this activity. As the technical secretariat of RDC IX, it shall coordinate advocacy activities to ensure that what have been planned are implemented, and the desired outcome is achieved.

Methodology

To generate support to the RRP: 1. A forum shall be conducted in the provinces and cities 2. Heads of agencies and other experts shall serve as resource persons, highlighting the major goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the RDP to enable the region attain its vision 3. The Local Chief Executives shall also be invited to present their development thrusts of the LGU 4. Translation of the RRP’s vision in the vernacular and developing of messages may be explored 5. Trainings and workshops shall be conducted to TG-StratCom on COVID IX for capability building

ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program 47 Action Plan

Below are the advocacy activities to be undertaken from the second semester of 2020 until the 1st quarter of 2021, subject to further workshops and planning preparations by the TG-StratCom on COVID-19:

I. Communicating Priority Programs and Projects

• Utilization of traditional mass media and digital media in the production of news and feature stories, updates, and development of information materials for public dissemination. • Development of appropriate print collaterals (posters) for dissemination especially to far-flung infiltrated communities and TV & radio ads, and social media collaterals including airtime fees (for radio & TV), and dissemination through PIA IX regular channels. ll. Community Engagement/On-Ground Communication Activities

Engagement with communities through ground and grassroots communication activities through media forums, information-serbisyo caravans, conduct of communication research through situation reports, gathering of issues and concerns, etc. This includes the support given to Presidential Visits and PCOO-led activities.

III. Institutional Development and Capability Building

These are technical assistance provided to government institutions/development organizations through consultancy, content management, sharing of information and expertise, events management and media mobilization, training, inter-agency meetings, and networking with communicators and information volunteers.

48 ZamPen COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program