November 2013 The Official Newsletter of the Regional Development Council IV-A RDC adopts 2013-2016 directions

alabarzon Regional Development Council (RDC) adopted the Re- gional Development Plan 2011 to C th 2016 Midterm Update during the 4 Quar- ter RDC Full Council Meeting last No- vember 21, 2013. After two years of im- plementing the RDP, the update aims to improve cohesion of all efforts by all sec- tors and chart development directions Ms. Christine Joyce R. Betia of NEDA presenting the Calabarzon RDP (leftmost). Seated from L-R: OIC-ARD from 2013 to 2016 towards rapid and sus- Fidel Udarbe of NEDA, SCMDA Co-Chairperson Mr. Eduardo Nicolas III, SCED Chairperson Mayor Arlene tained inclusive growth in the region. Arcillas of City of Sta. Rosa , OIC-RD Agnes Espinas of NEDA, SCSD Chairperson Mayor Girlie Ejercito of Pagsanjan and SCID Chairperson Mayor Strike Revilla of Bacoor City

RDC Resolution No. IV-A-27-2013 ap- The region targets an economic growth underemployment rate below 17.5 percent proved the development goals and out- rate from 5.5 to 7.6 percent for the next until 2016. Millennium Development comes of Calabarzon until 2016. This was three years. The IT business processing Goal (MDG) indicators ,where the region defined by ’PNoy’s Social Contract with management, manufacturing, construction [or country] has been performing poorly, the Filipino People’s and with the region’s and logistics sectors will be among the will be strengthened along with the im- vision and development agenda of becom- fastest growth drivers in Calabarzon. The provements of social safety nets to ad- ing a global economic and livable region. development prospects and opportunities dress poverty in the region amidst eco- identified in the region include the impact nomic growth. Getting quality employ- The updated RDP is composed of 10 of the ASEAN Economic Community in ment and reducing poverty is also in- chapters discussing regional development 2015 to the major pipelined infrastructure cluded in the spatial dimensions of the goals, spatial strategy, and sectoral con- projects and an increased government RDP. The Midterm Update reinforced the cerns. New additions to the midterm up- spending due to the anticipated 2016 na- center-corridor-wedges planning approach date included the following: interventions tional election as well as the consumption that will stimulate west-east and north- and strategies on the region’s financial impetus brought about by the overseas south development. system; good governance and the rule of Filipino-dependent families and the grow- law and peace and security; and intensi- ing population and migration influx. The performance and progress of the fied strategies on economy, infrastructure, Moreover, more aggressive measures will Plan’s goals and outcomes, will be moni- social development environment and natu- be taken to achieve regional unemploy- tored and evaluated through the Results ral resources. ment rate within 8.6 to 9.4 percent and Matrix (RM). CSTARS hosts 12th CES conference

he Calabarzon Southern Tagalog ideals and purposes of Association of Regional Execu- CES; enhance the compe- tives (CSTARS) recently played tencies of CESOs as pub- T th host to the 12 Career Executive Service lic managers and leaders; (CES) Conference held last November 27 promote and strengthen – 29, 2013 at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagay- camaraderie between and tay City. CSTARS is the organization of among CESOs; provide a regional government executives in Region forum for discussion of IV-A Calabarzon headed by Chapter issues and solutions con- President, DILG IV-A Regional Director cerning national interests; Josefina E. Castilla-Go. and implement projects CES Board Executive Director Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco- that will contribute to the Allones (3rd from right) and NUCESO National President Mariano R. Alquiza (2nd from right) lead the ribbon-cutting for Themed “Fit @ 40! Renewing our Past, attainment of government the opening of the exhibit during the 12th Annual CES Confer- Leading the Future”, the conference was goals. ence held on November 27 – 29, 2013 at Taal Vista Hotel, Ta- attended by almost 1,000 Career Execu- gaytay City. tive Service Officers (CESOs) and Careers Other activities, highlights Executive Service Eligibles (CESEs) in- and attractions during the conference aside Wellness sessions; Simultaneous Compe- ductees from 14 Regional Chapters and from the induction of the CESEs include tency Development Sessions; NUCESO six (6) Central Office Chapter. The annual the following: Plenary Sessions; Testimo- General Assembly; and the Dinner and event, which coincides with the 40th Anni- nial Dinner/Gabi ng Parangal; CES Coffee Fellowship Night. versary of the CES, aims to keep alive the Table Book Launching; Photo exhibit and (DILG IV-A Calabarzon) Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 1

3rd GAD Convention strengthens local gender and development

he 3rd Calabarzon Gender and Development (GAD) Convention, with the theme “Localizing the Magna Carta of Women and Strengthening GAD T Implementation in the Region,” was held on November 12-14, 2013 at Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, . The annual convention provided the 200 participants with up to date and relevant guide that promotes and advocates gender equality in the region. Participants who attended the convention were from the regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and local government units within the region.

Talks on the differences of the concepts ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ and the implications of social constructs prepared the participants for the discussions during the conven- tion. Other emerging issues and concerns that were discussed included how ICTs shape people; the importance of GAD statistics in data audit and mapping; impacts of disaster to GAD focused on gender-based violence; and strategies on enabling a peaceful environment. Other issues tackled include institutional mechanisms and initiatives such as the Guidelines on Localizing the Magna Carta of Women, the preparation of GAD plan, budget and accomplishment report, and the harmonized guidelines in the use of GAD fund.

One of the issues that surfaced during the forum is on securing regular posi- tion for the GAD focal point system and incentive mechanism. Meanwhile, there was also a sharing of the best practices and initiatives in the region such as In- fanta, ’s formulation of gender responsive revenue code, DLSU-Manila’s project management in GAD and the DENR’s Gender Responsive Environment and Natural Resources Enterprises kit. The event concluded with the launching of the Search for Outstanding GAD Implementers in Calabarzon. The search endeav- ored to further mainstream GAD initiatives to diverse sectors of development in the region.

2 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

Calabarzon RDC conducts 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting

he Calabarzon Regional Develop- meetings of the SecComs there will be a ment Council (RDC IV-A) con- strengthening of the collaborative efforts T ducted its 4th Quarter 2013 Full between and among regional line agen- The Calabarzon RDC-Sectoral Council Meeting last November 21, 2013 cies, local government units and private Committee Chairpersons and at the TESDA Women’s Center, Taguig sector organizations. Co-Chairpersons: City. The meeting, with the theme “Rapid and Sustained Inclusive Growth”, was The newly confirmed SecCom Chairper- Sectoral Committee on Economic presided by the RDC IV-A Acting Chair- sons are the following: Mayor Arlene B. Development (SCED) person and NEDA IV-A OIC-Regional Arcillas of Sta. Rosa City; Mayor Girlie J. Chairperson: Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas City of Sta. Rosa Director Agnes M. Espinas. Ejercito of the League of Mayors and Pag- Co-Chairperson: Ms. Teresita M. Leabres sanjan, ; Mayor Strike B. Revilla PCCI-South Luzon During the meeting, the Calabarzon Re- of Bacoor City; and Mayor Casimiro A. gional Development Plan (RDP) 2011- Ynares III of Antipolo City represented by Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure 2016 Midterm Update was approved by PSR Eduardo R. Nicolas III of Employees Development (SCID) Chairperson: Mayor Strike B. Revilla the members of the Council. The Plan is Confederation of the -South Bacoor City composed of ten chapters, namely: (1) In Luzon. They have rendered their respec- Co-Chairperson: Engr. Ladislao L. Andal Pursuit of Inclusive Growth; (2) Macro- tive SecCom report which includes the PICE-Batangas economic Policy; (3) Competitive Indus- different issues and concerns within the try and Services Sector; (4) Competitive region. The Council approved the Cala- Sectoral Committee on Macroeconomy and De- velopment Administration (SCMDA) and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries barzon Regional Guidelines on the Utili- Chairperson: Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III Sector; (5) Accelerating Infrastructure zation of the Energy Regulation Fund 1- Antipolo City Development; (6) Towards a Resilient and 94, the Food Safety Inter-agency Program Co-Chairperson: Mr. Eduardo R. Nicolas III Inclusive Financial System; (7) Good and the creation of a Regional Task Force ECOP-South Luzon

Governance and the Rule of Law; (8) So- on the Amalgamation of SUCs in Calabar- cial Development; (9) Peace and Security; zon. The Technical Working Group on Sectoral Committee on Social Development (SCSD) and (10) Conservation, Protection, and Coconut Scale Insect Infestation was also Chairperson: Mayor Girlie J. Ejercito Rehabilitation of the Environment and requested to convene to discuss the con- League of Mayors and Pagsanjan, Laguna Natural Resources. The Calabarzon RDP cern affecting the coconut industry. Co-Chairperson: Ms. Josephine C. Parilla underwent a series of workshops and con- PATAMABA-WISE sultations with various stakeholders to ensure the integration of the different con- cerns across the region.

The RDC also confirmed the new set of officers and members of the Sectoral Committees (SecComs) for the term 2013- 2016.This is the first time that the differ- ent Calabarzon RDC-SecComs will be chaired by local chief executives (LCEs). The Council expects that with the LCEs L-R: SCMDA Co-Chairperson Mr. Eduardo Nicolas III, SCED Chairperson Mayor Arlene Arcillas of and the private sector representatives City of Sta. Rosa, SCSD Chairperson Mayor Girlie Ejercito of Pagsanjan, Laguna, and SCID Chairper- (PSRs) spearheading the activities and son Mayor Strike Revilla of Bacoor City.

tion to deserving LGUs, the ceremony • Regional Outstanding Barangay – 2013 Joint Regional also serve as an avenue for thanking the Brgy. Tagapo, City of Sta. Rosa, La- Nutrition Awards held partners and friends who supports pro- guna grams that ensures good nutrition of the • Best Performing Municipality in the he National Nutrition Council people. Among those present during the Region – Atimonan, Quezon (NNC) conducted the 2013 Joint awarding ceremony were the Local Chief • Best Performing Province in the Re- T Nutrition Awarding Ceremony for Executives, with their Nutrition officers, gion – Batangas, Province the Calabarzon and regions on as well as the Barangay Nutrition Scholars December 6, 2013. The event dubbed as (BNS) along with their Barangay Official Special awards were also given. These “Ang Parangal” was held at the Heritage partners. The RNETs of both regions were include the award for the first hospitals to Hotel, Pasay City. This annual awarding also represented during the ceremony. establish a Functional Lactation Station, ceremony aims to recognize outstanding The following are the notable awards re- and for the cities and municipalities in the local government units (LGUs) that have ceived by the cities and provinces in Cala- region with the lowest malnutrition preva- successfully implemented their local nutri- barzon: lence. Similarly, recognition was also tion programs. Prior to the awarding cere- • Outstanding City in the Region – City given to various organizations that con- mony, nominees were evaluated by the of Sta. Rosa, Laguna tinue to support the cause of nutrition, as Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team • Regional Outstanding BNS – Ms. Ce- well as to the RNET for their never ending (RNET) composed of various regional line cilia G. Santos of Tagaytay City, commitment to the undertakings of the agencies. Apart from bestowing recogni- NNC.

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 3 CAVITE 1st Calabarzon Small Enterprise Conference held Gov. Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr., Chairman of the Regional MSMED Council, extended his full support by hosting the event. To give emphasis on the rationale and objectives of the conference, Regional Director of DTI IV-A, Ms. Marilou Toledo highlighted the issues and concerns in the operation of the councils, as well as the need for sharing of best practices and establishing net- works/linkages with other business development providers. She also discussed the areas for MSME competitiveness. Participants to the 1st Calabarzon Regional SMED Council conference. Seated are Mr. Rene Tongson, Officer-In-Charge of PCLEDO and the Alternate to the Regional Meanwhile, USEC Zenaida C. Maligaya of DTI- MSMED Council Chair, Regional Director of DTI-IV-A, Ms. Marilou Toledo, USEC. Regional Operations and Development Group Zenaida C. Maligaya of DTI – RODG, Mr. Noly D. Guevarra Provincial Direc- tor DTI, Cavite Provincial Office. (RODG) gave the keynote address and which re- sponded to the participants’ inquiries on SME- o further promote and strengthen the Micro, Small, and related programs and concerns. Another important part of the Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, the 1st Cala- program is the sharing of experiences on Provincial Council T barzon Regional MSME Development (MSMED) Coun- SMED operations and presentations of past initiatives facilitated cil Conference was held last December 6, 2013 at the Cavite by the DTI Provincial Directors and Provincial MSMED Coun- Provincial Capitol Building Ceremonial Hall. It was spearheaded cil Presidents. As one of the expected outputs of the conference, by DTI IV-A and the Provincial Government of Cavite through Mr. Rene Tongson, Officer-In-Charge of Provincial Cooperative the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial De- Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) velopment Office (PCLEDO). and the Alternate to the Regional MSMED Council Chair, led to pass the resolution to draft the Calabarzon Regional MSME De- With the theme ‘Priming Calabarzon MSMEs for the ASEAN velopment Plan for 2014 -2016 which was moved and seconded Economic Community 2015”, the conference was attended by by representatives from the province of Batangas and Quezon. 120 participants from private and public sector members of the regional and provincial MSMED councils. To page 12 please Caviteños attend ICT training in South Korea

he Provincial Government of Cavite and the Jeollabuk-do Office of Education, Republic of Korea has been partner- T ing in educational development for the past eight years. Team leaders of the Cavite delegation with the Officials of Jeollabuk- do Office of Education, Republic of Korea headed by Mr. Kim Seung- Jeollabuk-do Office of Education have provided extensive ICT hwan, Governor. Training for Cavite Public School Teachers and donated numer- ding. The trainees also visited many cultural places such as the ous and various IT equipment. Korean National Heritages and the Hanok and Korean Folklore Villages of the old Jeoseon Dynasty in the now Jeonju City. The Last October 10-23, 2013, the ninth batch of the trainees com- trainees also toured the Samsung Electronics and other ICT posed of 16 public elementary and high school teachers and four Companies in South Korea. (4) staff members from the Provincial Information and Commu- nications Technology Office (PICTO) flew to Korea in order to Mr. Kim Seung-hwan, Governor of Education, Jeollabuk-do, learn more about the ICT education being implemented in the Korea met some representatives of the Province of Cavite country. headed by the team leaders, Mr. Silverio Carullo, Information Systems Analyst, PICTO and Ms. Elvira Ambagan, Principal II, The participants were trained in using the software’s Prezi, Lec- Santiago National High School. During the meeting, the officials ture Maker, and as well as various other ICT Programs. These of Jeollabuk-do Office of Education renewed the friendship be- programs were used in the education system in Korea and can tween South Korea and the Philippines. also be adopted in the Philippines. Trainees were also taught skills on Webpage Design, Basic Trouble Shooting, and Multi- Indeed, Jeollabuk-do Office of Education, Republic of Korea media and Smart Education. and the Provincial Government of Cavite, Republic of the Phil- ippines set a partnership that transcends the history of the two Aside from IT lectures, cultural exchanges also occurred through countries and both are looking forward to a stronger relationship mini-workshops on food preparation of Bibimbap, handcrafting in the future. Korean Traditional Fan and observing Korean Traditional Wed- (Rafael Dino T. Capacio) 4 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

LAGUNA PGL launches Oplan Hatid sa Pamilya ince November 16, a number of personnel from the Public Visayas who have relatives in Laguna were are assisted by PGL Affairs Office (PAO) and the Laguna Traffic Manage- and are given free transportation upon their arrival at the airbase. S ment Office (LTMO) were assigned to Villamor Airbase Laguna is the first provincial government to offer such service. in Pasay City for a special mission. In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and De- velopment Station at the Villamor Airbase and the Civil Affairs The Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) through the Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PGL was able to abovementioned offices launched the Oplan Hatid sa Pamilya transport five families (20 persons) to City of Sta. Rosa; four “Libreng Sakay Para sa mga Taga Laguna” – a special program families (14 persons) to San Pedro; two families (16 persons) to of PGL for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. The survivors from Biñan City; five families (30 persons) to Cabuyao City; one fam- ily (four persons) to Calamba City; one family (6 per- sons) to Calauan; two families (12 persons) to San Pablo City; two families (10 persons) to Sta. Cruz; and one family (2 persons) to Paete.

As of November 18, a total number of 23 families or 114 persons (68 adults and 46 children)) have been reunited with their relatives in Laguna. Four (4) Emer- gency Response Vehicles are still on standby to trans- port incoming victims to their families to any part of Laguna.

The said service would not be possible without the initiative of the Laguna Governor Jeorge “E.R.” Ejer- cito Estregan and Pagsanjan Mayor and League of Mu- nicipalities-Laguna Chapter President Girlie “Maita” Ejercito.

Victims of typhoon Yolanda who have been assisted during the Oplan Hatid sa Pamilya (Shairadelle R. Bermudez/Edward C. Aquino)

Though newborn screening is beneficial to ensure that a baby 3 Laguna hospitals receive DOH has no deficiency, it cannot be easily implemented especially in public hospitals. According to LPH-Luisiana Head Dra. Maria Achievers Award 2012 Eloisa Iñano, “it is really a challenge for a public hospital to have all babies screened after the delivery since screening is sub- ast November 4, Provincial Administrator Atty. Leo- ject for payment unlike those in private hospitals.” In spite of nardo M. Ragaza, Jr., on behalf of Laguna Governor this, three (3) out of nine (9) provincial hospitals in Laguna at- L Jeorge “E.R.” Ejercito, announced that three Laguna Pro- tained the award. vincial Hospitals (LPHs) received the Achievers Award 2012. (Clarisse B. Reyes/Gerardo R. de Leon, MPA)

The hospitals are LPH-Luisiana (formerly called Luisiana Dis- trict Hospital), LPH-Nagcarlan (Nagcarlan District Hospital), and LPH-San Pablo City (San Pablo City District Hospital). They were awarded during the New- born Screening Awarding Ceremony held at the Heri- tage Hotel Manila on October 29. The awarding cere- mony was led by the Department of Health (DOH) and University of the Philippines Manila-National Institute of Health (UPM-NIH).

The Achievers Award was given to the hospitals for their exemplary performance in newborn screening which in turn will help improve the health of Filipino children through early detection within 24 hours from delivery of deficiencies that may lead to mental retarda- tion and even death if left untreated. The award is granted to a hospital if 90-100 percent of babies born in Governor E.R. Ejercito Estregan (center) poses with the awardees. it have undergone screening during the first 24 hours.

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 5 Calabarzon Regional Deve

6 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news elopment Plan, 2011-2016

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 7 BATANGAS

Batangas holds 1st PDRRM summit

he first Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage- gan, Senior Science Research Specialist/Geologist from Philip- ment (PDRRM) Summit was held last November 28 at pine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) T the Provincial Auditorium, Capitol Compound, Batangas talked about volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. One of the City. Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto, with the support highlights of her presentation was the historical destructive erup- of the Provincial Assistance for Community Development Of- tions of Taal Volcano. fice headed by Mr. Pedrito Martin M. Dijan, Jr., PDRRM Offi- cer initiated the said summit. Municipalities were also encouraged to institutionalize their own LDRRMO through Dir. Vicente Tomazar, Chairman of Regional Participants include the City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction DRRMC and Executive Officer of the Office of Civil Defense Officers, City/Municipal Budget Officers, City/Municipal Engi- IV-A. He emphasized the establishment of the said office in neers, City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, every province, city, and municipality as a requirement of Re- and members of the PDRRM Council. This initiative aimed to public Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and orient the participants regarding the importance of the following: Management Act of 2010). PDRRM Officer Mr. Dijan, on the investing for DRRM programs and projects; formulating DRRM other hand, recognized the importance of the said office as he Plans in their respective city/municipality; institutionalization of also asked the municipalities to have their own. This is to better local DRRM office (LDRRMO) and proper utilization of local facilitate the DRR-related programs and projects and for easier DRRM funds (LDRRMF) and allotment of budget for DRR- coordination in the province especially on knowledge transfer related programs. and implementation of activities.

Various national and regional line agencies and representatives On the other hand, Provincial Director Noel Bartolabac, Depart- of other sector such as education, security, and the media were ment of Interior and Local Government – Batangas, discussed invited to discuss and share their expertise on topics related to about “Pampamilyang Gabay sa Panahon ng Kalamidad (TaMa DRR/CCA. Ka – Tahanang Maagap sa Kalamidad”), a simple guide for families during times of calamities. PD Bartolabac mentioned Officer-in-Charge of NCR PAGASA Regional Services Division that every family, being the basic unit of the community, must Dr. Esperanza Cayanan discussed Weather Hazards and PA- have such guide. In addition to his topic, he also talked about the GASA Warning System. In relation to this, the Department of Roles and Responsibilities of Local Chief Executives in the Education-Batangas discussed about the Implementation of Sus- DRRM. pension of Classes. On the other hand, Ms. Mabelline T. Cahulo- To page 11 please

BatStateU celebrates founding anniversary with Card. Rosales o start the celebration of the University’s110th Founding United States, to work as a professor in one of the prestigious Anniversary last September 16-21 and October 11, the universities in Los Angeles; that it was my calling to lead Batan- T BatStateU family led by Pres. Magnaye together with the gas State University. And now, my dear Cardinal, I am standing senior officials held a floral offering to the bust of the late great before you as the University President for seven (7) years and in Don Pablo Zamora Borbon at Main I Campus. His Eminence, memory of our Don Pablo Borbon, sharing with you the crucial Cardinal Gaudencio Borbon Rosales, his brother Gilbert, sister struggle on the fight for principles. Once again, I thank you dear Teresita with husband Cardinal, thank you very Teddy Pastor, Eileen Bor- much for being in the bat- bon and Atty. Alyssa Bor- tle with me, thank you for bon-Dimacuha graced the the trust you bestowed on occasion. me. Through you, I gained the courage to really stand In her speech, Dr. Mag- up for what is morally naye profusely thanked honorable in the name of the cardinal for the help God and just for the peo- he extended to her way ple of the province of back in 2006. Batangas.”

“Your Eminence, it has She then spoke about the been seven (7) years since Cardinal’s family and the you gave me your invalu- legacy of Gov. Pablo Bor- able support in my bid for the Presidency of the University. It bon and reported to the members of the Borbon clan the accom- has left an indelible mark in my mind and my heart. I could still plishments of the University under her administration. recall as if it was only yesterday: when you told me I wasn’t meant to go abroad to join my children and to work in the To page 11 please 8 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

RIZAL tops in human development program

or the fourth time, Rizal province received the “Gawad sa Makataong Pag-unlad” (Award for Human Development) during the 6thGawads a Makataong Pag-unlad. During the same event, the 2012-2013 F Philippine Human Development Report (PHDR) was also launched. The PHDR is given every three years by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in coordination with the Human Development Network (HDN) and the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Rizal province has been the recipient of the prestigious award for the past four staging of the human develop- ment award since 1997. For each year there are specific themes, namely: Gender (1997), Education (2000), Em- ployment (2002), Peace and Human Security (2005), and Institutions and Politics (2008/2009).

The HDR has advocated the use of concepts and indicators of human development as a center point in develop- ment policy-making and practice.

This year’s award is based on the 2008-2009 human development data for institutions and politics. The awardees include the provinces of Rizal, , , Cavite and . HDN President Dr. Emmanuel de Dios, NSCB Secretary-General Dr. Jose Ramon Albert, and UNDP Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka pre- sented the award for the Province of Rizal to Gov. Rebecca Ynares. In the latest Philippine Human Development Report, Rizal province was included in the top three provinces with a 10.1 mean years of schooling for adults; registered a 6.31 real per capita purchasing power (considered as one of the highest); and landed in the top three provinces with the highest human development index (HDI) lev- els at 0.734.

Rizal Gov. Rebecca Ynares said that her administration will continue to develop the province’s human re- sources because its people are the greatest assets of her province. Her good governance is anchored on educated and globally competitive human resources.

(Rizal Province)

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 9 QUEZON

Quezon conducts disaster relief drive for Yolanda survivors

he onslaught of Super Typhon Yolanda, said to be the strongest typhoon on record, has devastated thou- T sands of in the Visayas region last Novem- ber 8, 2013. In response to this, Quezon Governor David C. Suarez created a province-wide disaster relief drive dubbed “Oplan Make a Difference". The goal of the program is to collect and distribute donations and relief goods in the areas ( and ) heavily affected by the said calamity.

Gov. Suarez implored his fellow Quezonians –including private organizations, business establishments, schools, hos- pitals, local government units and other entities – to donate relief goods to “Oplan Make a Difference"organized by the Provincial Government of Quezon. With the media mileage and the ready-assistance of the provincial government em- ployees and other volunteers, Quezonians were encouraged to join the bundle drive and pitch in priority goods, basic necessities, medicines and other supplies at the Quezon Pro- vincial Central Warehouse.

The province also deployed a team composed of doctors, nurses, and social workers – as well as skilled workers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and heavy equipment operators to provide services to the relief victims and help rebuild communities.

(Quezon PIO)

Vietnam praises Quezon’s organic agricultural programs

he organic agriculture program of Quezon Province im- 32 s. 2010 – a directive which serves as the province’s response pressed Vietnamese experts, as well as the International to RA 10068, more commonly known as the Philippine Organic T Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) Agriculture Act. officials at the International Conference on Advancing and Insti- tutionalizing Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) held last Prov. Agriculturist Gajo also discussed the support services pro- September 25-26, 2013 in Hanoi, Vietnam. vided by their office. These services include the following: Que- zon Organic Producers’ Association (OK sa Quezon); Produc- Provincial Agriculturist Roberto Gajo, was invited by VECO tion and Market Support for farmers and merchants; and School- Vietnam as a resource speaker in the said conference where he on-the-Air-Program on Organic Agriculture and other similar discussed the province’s organic agriculture program under Ser- training-seminars. He also emphasized the importance of the bisyong Suarez for Agriculture, particularly Quezon Participa- local government’s backing and encouragement, and added that tory Guarantee System (QPGS). a clear communication channel with private and public sectors is similarly pertinent, such as those between the UPLB Agricul- QPGS is a system composed of farmers and other multi-sectoral tural Systems Cluster, MASIPAG Organization, OK sa Quezon, members who will serve as guarantors that the farm produce will and QPGS Committee. comply with the standards for organic farming employing new technology and will pass the province’s organic standard. IFOAM President Andre Leu from Chile said that Quezon is fortunate to have a leader like Gov. Suarez who has a heart for Quezon is the first LGU in the Philippines to implement PGS on farmers and recognizes the importance of agricultural work- a provincial scale, and according to Prov. Agriculturist Gajo, the ers. (OPA-Info.& Training Unit, Quezon PIO) success of the program is attributed to the formation of the Que- zon Provincial Organic Agriculture Technical Committee (QPOATC) through Gov. David Suarez’s Executive Order no.

10 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

RDC approves Calabarzon ER 1-94 regional guidelines

he Calabarzon Regional Develop- Development and Macroeconomy and resource and/or the energy-generating fa- ment Council (RDC) during the Development Administration. cility. The host LGUs and regions are enti- T Fourth Quarter Full Council Meet- tled to benefits from the energy resource ing last November 21, 2013, approved the The Section 66 of the Electric Power In- developer and/or power producer broken Proposed Calabarzon Energy Regulation dustry Reform Act of 2001 states the obli- down into the following: Barangay (ER) 1-94 Regional Guidelines. gations of generation companies and en- (25%), Municipality (35%), Province ergy resource developers to the host com- (30%) and Region (10%). Prior to its approval, the guidelines were munities of providing energy generating reviewed and endorsed to the RDC by the facilities and/or energy resource develop- In the region, projects to be funded by the Sectoral Committees on Infrastructure ers, which include privately-owned corpo- ER regional share are Development and rations or entities Livelihood Projects and Reforestation utilizing the na- Watershed Management and Environment tional wealth of the Enhancement Projects. This also includes locality. To opera- DRR/CCA projects. The implementing tionalize this, DOE agencies/entities are the regional line issued ER 1-94 for agencies, RDC, state universities and col- energy developers/ leges, and the non-host poor municipali- producers to pro- ties. vide direct benefits to the province, city The RDC, through NEDA IV-A as the or municipality, RDC Secretariat, shall serve as the execut- especially to the ing agency of the Regional ER 1-94 Share. community and the Implementation shall be undertaken by the people affected. ER concerned implementing agency/entity 1-94 also states the through a Memorandum of Agreement Mr. Valter L. Morada of NEDA Calabarzon presenting the proposed provision of equita- with the RDC, while an inter-agency Calabarzon ER 1-94 before the members of the Sectoral Committee ble and preferential group shall assist the implementing on Macroeconomy and Development Administration held at the DILG benefit to the region agency in developing project proposal(s). IV-A Conference Room on November 6, 2013. that hosts the energy

BatStateU… them, and said if only one half of this is true, then this is serious. When I heard the Batangas… from page 8 group of Nora and Tirso here who were from page 8 concerned, I said I would take a stake Engr. Gilbert B. Rosales, a chemical engi- also in this. The school was after all neer and a businessman and , said “We named in honor of our grandfather. And PSInsp. Joel L. Alvarez, Officer-In- hope the next President will be like Dr. so I made recommendations here and Charge, Provincial Operations and Plans Magnaye. A leader can provide the path to there, contacted this and that, and I said Branch of Batangas Police Provincial Of- good governance and the moral leadership I’m going for good leadership. Make fice also discussed the readiness of PNP in and the administrative talent, but the work someone a good person, and only then man-made and natural events. He talked would have to be done by all of you as a can he be a good someone, only then can about their Disaster Preparedness Plan team.” He also thanked the BatStateU he be a good politician, engineer or doc- known as “Sagip”. Other topics that were family for the continuous honor and re- tor. Virtues and values are important, if covered in the summit include on the fol- spect given to his grandfather. you make a good person --- honest, true, lowing: Landslide Affected Areas in the His Eminence Cardinal Gaudencio B. loyal to his God, loyal to his conscience province by Provincial Engineer Nerio L. Rosales also gave a very inspiring mes- and with values, you can make a good Ronquillo, Jr., How to mainstream DRR sage to the crowd of leaders. Here is an engineer, you can make a good politi- CCA into CLUP by Provincial Planning excerpt of his message: cian… We must develop the heart. In the and Development Coordinator Benjamin I. heart is where the values are. I’m happy Bausas; and Allocation and Utilization of When a leader loses his vision, the that the people who stand in leadership in LDRRM Fund by Provincial Budget Offi- people will scatter.”- Proverbs this University are people with values. cer Victoria B. Culiat. 29:18 Stick to those values and the moment you “God institutes that something has to pass transfer these to your students, then you There was also a presentation about Media through difficult moments, almost dis- are in the right path.” Participation in Balanced Reporting of Events made by Mr. Arnel Ozaeta, Presi- couraging moments, almost hopeless mo- The seven-day celebration saw the hold- ments..Thank God that when they were dent of Batangas Newswriters’ Associa- ing of the following events: Cultural Com- tion and Reporter from ABS-CBN. Mean- having this difficulty I returned from Min- petitions, Search for Mr. and Ms. BatSta- danao. When I came back here, I kept while, an audio-visual presentation was teU 2013, Intramurals, Students’ Fair, also made by PACD to show to the con- hearing about what was already bedevil- Students’ Night, College of Law Day, ling this institute. They brought to me tents of an LDRRM template. (Batangas Graduate School Day and the Awards and Province) documents, by the kilos, I read through Recognition Night. (BatStateU)

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 11 Ondoy never again!: The rehabilitation of the Upper Marikina River Basin

ndoy, never again! This is the battle rikina watershed’s protection and rehabilita- President PNoy wanted to bring back the cry after Typhoon Ondoy wrought tion made President Benigno S. Aquino III, forest to its best state. He recognized the O havoc in Metro Manila, Bulacan, upon the recommendation of Department of importance of healthy forests in the preven- Rizal and Laguna in September, 2009. Ty- Environment and Natural Resources tion of floods. While banning logging in phoon Ondoy left at least 73 persons dead, (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, issued natural forests by issuing Executive Order displaced nearly 70,000 families, and the Presidential Proclamation No. 296 last No. 23, he also issued Executive Order No. brought about immense damage to structures November 24, 2011. The said proclamation 26, launching the National Greening Pro- and properties. The Ondoy devastation was declared the Marikina Watershed Reserva- gram (NGP). The NGP aimed to plant 1.5 caused by an unusually high level of precipi- tion, situated in the City of Antipolo and in billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of de- tation. The heavy rains it dumped were ag- the Municipalities of Baras, Rodriguez, San graded public forestlands to hasten forest gravated by the situation of the forests in the Mateo, and Tanay, all in the province of rehabilitation, and involve the local commu- adjacent mountain range which could have Rizal, as Protected Area pursuant to Repub- nity in the rehabilitation while dissuading prevented the rush of the waters to the low- lic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated them from undertaking activities which lands. The deforestation, nay destruction, of Protected Areas System Act of 1992, known could degrade the forest or social fencing. the Sierra Madre range was blamed as one as the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected of the major reasons for the Ondoy disaster. Landscape or the UMRBPL. The NGP implementation in CALABAR- ZON region reports a total of 5,903 hectares Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in The UMRBPL covers an area of 26,125.64 rehabilitated with 3,581,500 seedlings the country, serves as Luzon’s protection hectares in Barangays Calawis, San Jose and planted in 2011, and 10,140.51 hectares with from typhoons coming from the east or the San Juan in Antipolo City, Barangay Pinu- 5,906,275 seedlings in 2012. Geotagging of Pacific Ocean. But its effectiveness has gay in the Municipality of Baras, Barangays the planted areas is currently being under- been greatly diminished. Its sorry state is Mascap, Puray and San Rafael in Rodriguez, taken. brought about by uncontrolled logging, slash Barangay PintongBocaue in San Mateo, and -and-burn farming, and mining and quarry- Barangay Cuyambay in Tanay, all in the Geotagging will also be done in the 22,326- ing. The continued destruction of the then Province of Rizal. hectare area targeted for rehabilitation, with biodiversity-rich forest will result in more 11,163,000 seedlings this year. Survey, devastating floods if nothing will be done PAMB Chairman, DENR CALABARZON mapping and planning, preparation for plant- for its protection and rehabilitation. Regional Executive Director (RED) ing, securing of seedlings, and mobilization Reynulfo Juan pushed for the preparation of of volunteer planters have been assured for The Marikina River Basin or Marikina Wa- a comprehensive management plan for the the planting activities which started at the tershed is part of the Sierra Madre range. UMRBPL. This plan has been presented to onset of rain in May, 2013. With an area of 67,409 hectares, it is in the the Secretary, and has been approved for northeastern part of the Rizal province. Due implementation. The same was prepared to NGP target for the whole Province of Rizal to its proximity to the urban Metro Manila serve as an indicative planning document is 8,300 hectares. Specifically for the area, it has seen better days. Its namesake and roadmap that would identify the roles of UMRBPL, a total of 1,200 hectares will be city, Marikina City, was the most devastated stakeholders, as well as the tasks to be un- planted with 600,000 seedlings. by Ondoy. dertaken to protect, conserve, rehabilitate In clamor for the Sierra Madre’s or the Ma- and sustainably manage the protected area.

EDITORIAL BOARD 1st Calabarzon... from page 4 Executive Editor: Dir. Agnes M. Espinas The conference is backed by Republic Act Under the Act’s Guiding Princi- Managing Editor: ARD Fidel T. Udarbe 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enter- ples on Decentralization --- “ prises. RA 6977, enacted in 1991, laid The State shall accelerate the Consultant: Aletheia G. Canubas down the legal basis for a comprehensive decentralization process by es- Sector Editors: Agnes A. Daantos, Valter L. Morada, approach to promote, develop and assist tablishing regional and provin- Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio, Christine Joyce small and medium sized enterprises cial offices in order to enhance R. Betia (SMEs) in the Philippines. and attain greater efficiency in NEDA Contribu- Luningning D. Llames, Alvin Caezar V. the provision of services to the tors: Olanday, Nelson J. Aman, Jr., Kathleen To further the develop the potential of countryside. DTI, then, organ- DC. Melendrez, Christine Joyce R. Betia micro enterprises to foster economic ized Regional/Provincial Small Layout Artist: Kathleen DC. Melendrez growth and employment generation and and Medium Enterprise Develop- Alvin Caezar V. Olanday provide a self-sufficient industrial founda- ment (R/PMSMED) Councils. tion for the country, Republic Act 9501 or Published by Regional Development Council IV-A (Calabarzon) the Magna Carta for MSMEs was then (Liza C. Gabatan) NEDA4A, 4/F Marcelita Bldg., Brgy. Real, National Highway, passed on 23 May 2008. The law Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines amended RA 6977 and expanded its cov- erage to include the promotion, develop- Contact Details ment and assistance of micro enterprises Tel. No. (049) 545 77 56 / (049) 545 00 91 in the Philippines. E-mail address: [email protected] Website: http://calabarzon.neda.gov.ph

12 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news