Second Quarter The Official Newsletter of the Regional Development Council IV-A June 2014

Page 2 DILG IV-A spearheads “Enhancing the Capacity of CSO Participation in the Local Governance” UNDP funds migration and development Page 6 project in Project Brief: SUMMID Calabarzon

by Lovely S. Mores, PFPD NEDA IV-A Page 12 Pinoys abroad learn PinoyWISE Calabarzon has been one of the Commission on Overseas, Financial Education Course pioneers in migration and and Local Government Academy. development (M&D) initiatives in the country with an estimated10 For the 22 months, the project aims million overseas Filipinos coming to mainstream M&D into local from the region. development plans, establish overseas Filipino database, organize Last April 15, the United Nations and strengthen provincial migration Development Program (UNDP) centers and develop knowledge officially awarded for products and tools utilizing the implementation the Joint Migration PhP11 million project fund. and Development Initiative (JMDI II) Project to Region IV-A. The The initial activities of the project Regional Development Council IV- include stakeholder consultations A, through NEDA IV-A, will meeting, orientation of local chief implement the project entitled executive and M&D focal persons on “Strengthening, Upscaling and establishing and operationalizing of Mainstreaming International the provincial migration centers. Migration and Development in Ultimately, the goal of the project is Calabarzon”. It will be in partnership to assist OFs in their successful with Union of Local Authorities of reintegration and link them to local the , Atikha Overseas economic development. Communities and Initiatives Inc.,

Calabarzon RDC holds 2014 Q1 meeting by Kathleen DC. Melendrez, DRD NEDA IV-A The officers and members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IV-A converged at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City for the First Quarter 2014 Full Council Meeting held last March 27. Present were representatives from the LGUs, regional line agencies, private sector and state universities and colleges. PSR Atanacio receives a plaque of recognition from the RDC by Acting RDC Chairperson and NEDA IV-A Dr. Adoracion Navarro of the Director Agnes M. Espinas, for having been awarded as one of “The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for Social Entrepreneurship”. With him are Gov. Jeorge “E.R.” Estregan and Sectoral Committee Vice Philippine Institute of Chairpersons. Development Studies presented the issues on the ASEAN Economic investments, capital and skilled for Information Technology- Community (AEC) Integration by labor. Calabarzon’s potential as Business Process Management 2015. The AEC integration will lead supplier to the demand chain for the to a free flow of goods, services, manufacturing and source of talents Continued on page 2 2 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Second Quarter 2014 DILG IV-A spearheads “Enhancing the Capacity of CSO Participation in the Local Governance” by Angela O. Maligaya, DILG IV-A

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Development: the province of attended the Building and Enhancing the Capacity of CSO Strengthening Participation in Local Governance CSO by ACF Workshop held last May 7-9 at Country Consultant Edwin Chateau Hotel in City. The C. Chavez; and Workshop aimed to empower the local CSO Legitimacy CSOs. and Accreditation by ACF Local During the workshop, the CSOs are tasked Governance to come up with proposals on how they Program EDITORIAL BOARD could participate more in local development Coordinator ACF Consultant Anna Theresia councils and to develop a provincial work Elaine E. Teope. “Risa” N. Hontiveros discusses the CSO Framework of Editor-in-Chief plan on Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Engagement with Government OIC-RD Agnes M. Espinas Process (GPBP) participation. They are also Other relevant for Community Empowerment to create an initial database of Cavite CSOs. topics that were and Good Governance during the orientation-workshop. Managing Editor included were the OIC-ARD Fidel T. Udarbe The discussion in the workshop revolved PhilHealth Benefit Packages for around the following topics: CSO Sponsorship Program and Informal Sectors; Consultant Framework of Engagement with SSS Alkansyang Bayan; DSWD Social Aletheia G. Canubas Government for Community Empowerment Welfare Packages and Sustainable

and Good Governance presented by Active Livelihood Program including KALAHI, Sector Editors Agnes A. Daantos Citizenship Foundation (ACF) Consultant SEA-K, 4P’s; Department of Agriculture Donald James D. Gawe Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros; Assistance Program for Small Farmers Valter L. Morada Community Organizing and Community Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio Continued on next page

Contributors Other Agencies Calabarzon RDC… Continued from page 1 CHED IV-A, DA RFU IV-A, DENR IV-A, DILG IV-A, DOH-CHD IV-A, DOLE IV-A, industries in the region was Representative Emerson DSWD IV-A, PinoyWISE, and discussed. B. Atanacio, for being Provincial Governments of , Cavite, Laguna, one of the “The , and Other issues deliberated and Outstanding Young Men approved during the (TOYM) for Social Layout and Design meeting were the following: Entrepreneurship” Alvin Caezar V. Olanday (1) Revised RDC Ground awardees given by the Rules and Regulations; (2) Junior Chamber Published quarterly by the Kaliwa Dam New International Philippines Regional Development Council Centennial Water Source and TOYM Foundation; IV-A (Calabarzon). The Dr. Adoracion Navarro of the PIDS Editorial Board reserves the Project of Metropolitan (2) UP Los Baños presents the issues on the ASEAN right to choose the articles to be Waterworks and Sewerage Electrical Engineering Economic Community (AEC) integration published due to the limited System, subject to the Student Jose Ramon G. by 2015. space. proponents securing of Saray, for emerging as Feedbacks and article documentary requirements; National Champion in the regional updates, including contributions are welcome. (3) Joint Migration and 22nd Philippine Statistics reports on the previous Please contact: Development Initiative Quiz (PSQ); and (3) UP Los year’s RDC Editorial Board Project; and the (4) Creation Baños, for its excellence in Accomplishments, the NEDA Regional Office IV-A of the RDC-Technical the field of statistics as coming year’s RDC Work 4/F Marcelita Building, Nat’l Highway, Brgy. Real, Working Group on Scale evidenced by the Program and the reports of Calamba City, Laguna 4027 Insect Infestation. outstanding performance of the Sectoral Committees on Tel: (049) 545-77-56 / 0091 The meeting culminated Mr. Saray during the 22nd Social, Economic, Email: [email protected] with the recognition of PSQ. Infrastructure, and outstanding group and Macroeconomy and individuals in the region, RDC meetings serve as Development namely: (1) Private Sector venue to discuss various Administration. Second Quarter 2014 3

NEDA IV-A holds DRR/CCA-Enhanced PDPFP Quality Workshop and Mainstreaming Aesthetic by Christine Joyce B. Mendoza, PFPD NEDA IV-A All Provincial Planning and Development Officers from the Calabarzon Region as well as some Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) members attended the Disaster Risk Reduction/ Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) – Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) Quality Workshop on March 19 - 21, 2014 at Sol Y Viento Resort, Calamba City. RLUC members include DA, DENR, DENR-MGB, DILG, DTI, and DPWH. Participants brainstorm on enhancing their respective Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) during the The workshop aimed to review the quality of and ensure workshop. that DRR/CCA are mainstreamed in the enhanced/ updated PDPFP as per the draft DRR/CCA guidelines Piggybacked in the activity was a brief workshop on prepared under the UNDP-Funded Integrating DRR/CCA Mainstreaming of Aesthetic in Development Planning Project. (MADP). The MADP seeks to make policy makers, planners and implementers receptive of aesthetic or art Two-workshop sessions were designated for the review of issues and ensure that mechanisms and structures are put the draft DRR/CCA-Enhanced PDPFPs with the RLUC in place to address the said concerns. Mainstreaming of members providing technical inputs and assistance in aesthetic promotes attractiveness of communities, its enhancing the provincial plans. An action plan for products and services and thereby improving the integrating comments and refining PDPFPs were country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. The prepared by the provinces while some RLUC members inputs of the workshop will be essential for participants to committed to provide additional data, information and come up with a simplified and practical guide for maps to the provinces. mainstreaming aesthetics in their local and national plans.

CHED IV-A awards financial assistance by Dr. Freddie B. Bulauan and Dr. Julieta M. Paras, CHED IV-A For 2014, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Development (GAD) – 1 scholar; Half Merit GAD – 1 Regional Office IV-A awarded 37,958 financial scholar; (B) Grant-In-Aid Program: Tulong Dunong assistance grants to poor but deserving students under the (regular) grantees – 109; Tulong Dunong (by CHED Student Financial Assistance Programs Congressional Districts) – 37,259 grantees; and (C) (StuFAPs ) for AY 2014-2015. This number is a lot Student Loan: Study Now Pay Later Plan (SNPLP) – 110 higher than that of last year. grantees.

The breakdown of StuFAPs scholars and grantees for this The scholars or grantees for this year were chosen based year from Region IV-A is as follows: (A) Scholarship on the results of the evaluation of their high school Program: Full Merit – 158 scholars; Half Merit -160 scholastic performance and family income which should scholars; Private Education Financial Assistance not exceed Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000) (PESFA) – 160 scholars; Full Merit Gender and annually.

DILG IV-A spearheads… Continued from previous page Organizations; Department of Labor Local Governance by Mr. Garry R. Chief of the DILG IV-A Local and Employment Program for Lazaro, Executive Director of the Government Capability Development workers, women and community; and Institute of Politics and Governance Division. The topic on Community Department of Trade and Industry (IPG); DILG’s Grassroots Issues and Claim Making on the other Programs. Participatory Budget Process (GPBP) hand was discussed by Mr. Jessie M. by Mr. John M. Cerezo, Chief of the Dimaisip of the ACF’s For the LGU engagement, topics DILG IV-A Project Development and Communication Unit. discussed were the General Powers of Monitoring Unit, and the Finance and LGUs, Local Development Planning Administrative Division; and the The workshop was led by DILG and Budgeting Process, and the DILG Programs and Services for Region IV-A in partnership with Windows for CSO participation in LGUs by Ms. Vilma B. Torres, OIC- Active Citizenship Foundation (ACF). 4 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

DENR IV-A holds Marikina watershed summit by Gaudencio Audie L. De la Cruz, DENR IV-A The Upper Marikina Watershed Summit held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Conference Center in Quezon City on May 29 gathered about 180 participants from local government units, watershed community leaders, private sector groups, and government agencies.

With the theme “Learning and Living the Lessons of Typhoon Ondoy,” the participants had workshops on future rehabilitation, conservation, protection, management and development efforts within the Marikina Watershed or the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. Rehabilitation efforts of the Upper Marikina Watershed include the building of check dams to slow down the flow of water and help prevent flash floods.

The workshops also discussed solid waste management, “We have introduced upland farming technologies such water quality and resource management, climate change as the sloping agricultural land technology or SALT and and disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity management have built small water impounding dams and silt check and conservation, and environmental law enforcement. dams to prevent soil erosion and avoid siltation and conserve water of the creeks and rivers. We now have According to DENR Calabarzon Regional Director 136 units of check dams which can contain about 163,000 Reynulfo A. Juan, the results of the workshops will be cubic meters of water and slow down the rush or flow of packaged into proposals to be presented in the ‘Partner’s water downstream, have been constructed” he added. Forum’ which was set tentatively on June 18. The said forum will be organized with government agencies, donor However, he said there are still much to be done thus, the groups and private organizations - who will be summit. “The success of this multi-sectoral effort will encouraged to put in new or additional investments in the contribute to reducing the potential impact of future Upper Marikina Watershed. flooding in the Metro and nearby areas, as well as enhance the ecological functions of the Upper Marikina Dir. Juan also reported that the Comprehensive Protected as a critical watershed,” Juan added. Area Management Plan of the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape was affirmed by the Protected The DENR Calabarzon was supported by the USAID’s Area Management Board (PAMB) last January 20, 2012. Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger He said that with the help of local residents, national and Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (BWiser) and the local government agencies and private groups, 10,167 ha Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) in of forestlands within the watershed have been organizing the event. rehabilitated.

DSWD holds Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP forum for LGUs by DSWD IV-A In preparation for the implementation The said forum , which was held in the regular KALAHI-CIDSS of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa City, Quezon, aimed to program. It now covers more Kahirapan (Kalahi)-Comprehensive familiarize the 22 targeted LGUs on localities based on a set selection and Integrated Delivery of Social the features and processes of criteria including those affected by Services National Community- NCDDP, to solicit comments and Typhoon Yolanda. It also applies an Driven Development Program insights about the program based on improved fund allocation system, (CIDSS NCDDP), the Department of past experiences and to ensure their and includes disaster responsive Social Welfare and Development commitment in supporting the projects in the list of projects that can (DSWD) recently conducted a Local program implementation as well. be followed, among others. Government Unit (LGU) Forum among its target municipalities in the According to DSWD Field Office IV Aside from the program features and Calabarzon region. -A Dir. Leticia T. Diokno, the Kalahi process, also presented during the -CIDSS NCDDP is the scaling up of Continued on next page Second Quarter 2014 5

Tanauan City and Carmona, Cavite to implement Accelerated Poverty Profiling by DILG IV-A Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili Development Goal (MDG). The After the training workshop, other and Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola system also includes training the expected outputs from the CMBS signed a Memorandum of Agreement LGUs in building-up the CBMS MOA signing include the following: (MOA) to implement the the database. Further, the CBMS is Improved data banking system; Community Based Monitoring designed to equip the designated report/analysis on consolidated and System (CBMS) with the DILG, led technical staff of the LGU and the validated CBMS results; presentation by Regional Director Josefina E. DILG Regional CBMS Trainers with of CBMS information through Castilla-Go last April 3, 2014 at the the necessary information and skills poverty maps generated from CBMS regional office of DILG in Taguig to implement the system. database; dissemination of CBMS City. results; integration of CBMS results Stated in the MOA, the CBMS is in Local Development Plans and The said LGUs will be utilizing the expected to be implemented in investment programs; and CBMS Accelerated Poverty Profiling Tanauan City and Carmona, Cavite documentation of best practices and (APP), which is the latest module starting with the conduct of training lessons learned during CBMS developed by the CBMS Network. workshops on CBMS data collection, implementation. and data processing for key The CBMS intends to establish a personnel at regional, provincial, Other signatories of the MOA were monitoring tool for poverty diagnosis municipal/city, and levels. Dr. Celia M. Reyes, CBMS Network and monitoring of the Millennium Leader and OIC-Director Anna Liza F. Bonagua of the DILG Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD). The MOA was signed in the presence of PEP-CBMS Research and Administration Officer Ms. Anne Bernadette E. Mandap, Network; DILG Cavite Provincial Director Allan V. Benitez; DILG Batangas OIC-PD Noel R. Bartolabac; DILG Cavite Cluster Head Divinamor De Pano; and Signatories for the April 3, 2014 CBMS MOA signing held at DILG IV-A Regional Office in Taguig Tanauan CLGOO Marissa City from left are Carmona, Cavite Mayor Dahlia Loyola; CBMS Network Leader Dr. Celia M. Marasigan. Reyes; DILG IV-A Regional Director Josefina E. Castilla-Go; DILG BLGD OIC-Director Anna Liza F. Bonagua; and Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili.

DSWD holds… Continued from previous page forum was the highlight of the 10 to respond to their respective forum are: Mayor Joselito Alega year (2003-2013) accomplishment of constituents’ needs, the targeted (San Francisco), Mayor Pepito Reyes the Kalahi-CIDSS program in the LGUs must participate and support (Perez), Mayor Ramon Orfanel Region. the Kalahi-CIDSS NCDPP. (), Mayor Erwin Caralian (), Mayor Cesar Isaac III Mayor Fernando Mesa of Alabat, “Nakita ko kung paano natulungan (), Mayor Nelson Traje Quezon, shared the positive impact ng Kalahi-CIDSS ang aking lugar. (), Mayor Crispin Clacio of the Kalahi-CIDSS in his locality. Kaya patuloy akong makikiisa sa (Quezon), Mayor Luisito Visorde He proudly related how the program Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP,” Mayor (), and Mayor Gil empowered ordinary community Mesa said. As an acceptance to the Establecida (). members and even women to implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS participate and take the lead in NCDDP, the local government The other target municipalities implementing projects that respond officials of 22 municipalities agreed represented during the forum : to the communities’ identified needs. to undergo the enrollment process, , , Buenavista, which is a requisite for program San Antonio, Candelaria, , Mayor Mesa also expressed that implementation, within June. Unisan, Sariaya, Plaridel, San taking into consideration the Andres, Lopez, and General Luna. assistance to be provided under the Aside from Mayor Mesa, other local program and the need of every LGU chief executives present during the 6 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Strengthening, Upscaling and Mainstreaming International Migration and Development Project Partners: in Calabarzon (SUMMID Calabarzon)

Project Brief Project Calabarzon Regional Development Council Major Proponent c/o National Economic and Development Authority

Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiatives Inc. Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) Project Partners Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) Overall objective Local Government Academy (LGA) SUMMID Calabarzon aims to strengthen, upscale and mainstream Project Duration April 16, 2014 to February 15, 2016 migration and development in the local level through inclusive and sustainable USD249,364 (~PhP11.0 million) programs that will minimize social Project Cost cost and maximize gains of overseas migration. United Nations Development Program through Funding Source European Union and the Swiss Development Cooperation Specific Objectives To develop and institutionalize alabarzon is a top overseas development framework in mainstreaming migration and Filipino sending region in Despite the benefits derived from development (M&D) into the the Philippines and one of remittances, there are also social subnational/local development the pioneers of M&D costs and challenges that have to be C planning in the identified project initiatives. The influx of remittances addressed to sustain the gains of areas; in the country kept the national migration, as follows: (1) the need to To develop a unified and economy afloat and serves as sources continuously explore opportunities disaggregated M&D database in of non-traditional investment for where the economic gains of the region for better targeting and Calabarzon. An estimated US $ 26.7 migration are harnessed and identification of appropriate million annual remittances were effectively managed, and (2) the interventions; received by the region from 2010 to rights of migrant workers, especially To reinforce convergence initiatives, 2012. women, need to be protected and the develop engagement models and social costs of migration on the knowledge products, and M&D interventions in the region had families left behind had to be strengthen capacities of local developed champions from the ranks minimized. government units, NGOs, migrant of the LGUs, migrant and family organizations, private sector in organizations, cooperatives and other The Updated Calabarzon Regional establishing operational migration private sector and civil society Development Plan 2011-2016 resource centers and providing organizations in Laguna, Batangas identified migration as one of the comprehensive social and and Cavite. The region has a big opportunities that should be tapped in economic gender-sensitive potential in implementing migration spurring local economic activities. programs to minimize the social cost and maximize the gains of and development initiatives that can Moreover, RDC recognizes migration; impact family, community and institutionalizing interventions that To enhance the engagement of OFs regional levels. The region had been would address not only the cross and their families in the mobilizing the OF remittances cutting issues relative to the social mobilization of migrant resources toward local economic development cost of migration particularly those through various initiatives locally through various convergent public affecting women and children, but and overseas to promote and private initiatives during the past also mainstreaming of M&D in the investment and entrepreneurship to five years such as investment existing policy structures and create jobs and economic missions held in Italy (2010) and in development plans to ensure opportunities. the United Arabs Emirates (2012). inclusive growth in the region.

Funded by the European Union And the Swiss Agency for Implemented by the UNDP Development and Cooperation Second Quarter 2014 7

DOH pushes for upgrading health facilities with minimum cost by DOH-CHD IV-A Combating maternal and neonatal mortality has been one of the reasons for conceptualizing the Health Facility Enhancement Program Ibaan Birthing Home (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH).

According to DOH Secretary Dr. Enrique T. Ona, the HFEP aims to improve Lipa District Hospital peoples’ access to quality hospital and health care they are PhilHealth accredited as 5-in We came up with the standard facilities by upgrading public health -1 centers. They can offer services birthing home plan which is facilities. HFEP provides funding for for PCB, MCP, TB Dots Animal compliant to DOH’s licensing the capital outlay requirement of Bites, and Malaria. requirement. A newly constructed selected health facilities. standard birthing home was recently However, upgrading and improving inaugurated by Secretary Ona. In the Calabarzon region, which has of health care facilities can be about 14 million people in 2014, the difficult with the limited budget Cost-effective projects such as these focus of HFEP is the construction of available. Most of the LGUs were generate savings to the agency. In Birthing Facilities through allotted only 2 million pesos for their 2012, after completing the HFEP renovating and reconstructing Rural healthy facility upgrading. It is in projects, a total of P13 million was Health Units and Municipal/City this context that the Project generated as unobligated funds/ Health Centers to provide space for Management Unit of DOH-CHD IV- savings while P16.1 million was labor / recovery and delivery rooms. A conceptualized a standard plan that saved in 2013. These funds will be is economical – with a ceiling used to construct health care In addition, health care facilities can amount of P20,000 to P22,000 per facilities in GIDA areas of the be more efficient if they can offer sqm - but still has modern design and region. services with minimum payments if uses high quality materials.

Beyond Steel Bars: DOLE Laguna’s YES Program sparks dog cage business for students by DOLE IV-A

A pile of steel bars and wire mesh the technical sparked an idea in their young minds. school so they Six students from Jacobo Z. can start Gonzales Memorial School of Arts working on and Trade got an idea of building and their project of selling dog cages as an income building dog generating activity while in school. cages. The Ms. Lorena Gacosta of the DOLE Laguna Provincial Office turning over Albert, Arnel, Efren, John Michael, amount will the check to school officials. Melvin, and Michal’s dream was be used to buy turned into a reality by the DOLE the materials. With the assistance of Youth Employment for Students their professors, the students will The boys will still have to stay in (YES) program. design and build dog cages while school to earn their certificate but studying at the technical school. with the YES Program they are given DOLE Laguna Provincial Office They will then sell their product to the chance to earn while learning. awarded a check worth P100,000 to pet shop owners. 8 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news Provincial News Batangas Environment Response Team (BERT) formed by Provincial Government of Batangas Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Before it’s Recto formally signed the Executive establishment, series Order 2011-12 which organized the of meetings were Batangas Environmental Response already held to Team (BERT). The team was formed formulate the during the Provincial Environment Operation Plan to be Summit 2014 held at Hotel Pontefino implemented by on March 26. BERT.

BERT aims to encourage This year’s 3- day Stephen Adrian Ross (PEMSEA), Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, stakeholders to strictly impose Batangas and Bro. Joaquin S. Martinez (DLS-Lipa) signs the Memorandum environmental compliance in the Environmental of Agreement between PEMSEA and Academe. province of Batangas. Forming Summit was BERT also intends to strengthen the participated by the national and local agencies- committed in the collaboration and harmonious government officials and technical stewardship of coastal areas and the relationship of the municipalities, members from different environment in general. especially the coastal municipalities organizations – NGOs, business in the province. communities, and government Continued on page 11

Kingdom of Bhutan officials visit Cavite Provincial Capitol by Cavite Provincial Information and Community Affairs Department Last May 30, the 12-man delegation from the Department • History of the PGC ISO 9001:2008 Certification of Local Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan, led by presented by Quality Management Representative Dr. Mr. Tshering Keznag the Dzongdag or Governor of Eva Defiesta; and District Administration, came to City. The • Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Bhutanese government officials and executives came to Development Office Programs and Projects by OIC Mr. learn and customize good practice tools and procedures in Rene Tongson. Cavite’s local governance for application in their country. The delegation, together with representatives from the Delegates were welcomed by Governor at ISO Quality Management Office, also toured the Office the Provincial Capitol alongside Vice Governor Jolo of the Provincial Administrator, the Legislative Building, Revilla, 7thDistrict Board Member Irene Bencito, as well and the Finance Building for a briefing on Cavite’s ISO as the department heads from the different agencies. certification experience and its continuous expansion. The Bhutanese delegation learned of Cavite’s good practices through various presentations by the following Since Cavite’s ISO 9001:2008 certification in May 2012, offices, namely: the provincial government has assisted various provinces • Cavite, First Class, World Class by the Provincial to share its best practices in local administration and Information Office; legislation, investment promotion, revenue collection and • Cavite’s Vision/Mission by Provincial Planning and other areas of governance for replication by visiting local Development Coordinator Jesus Barrera; and international government units.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla (in blue top) poses with the delegates from Kingdom of Bhutan led by Mr. Tshering Keznag (center) during a learning visit to the Cavite Provincial Capitol. Second Quarter 2014 9

Provincial News Former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan graces Konsultasyon Kontra Coco-Lisap by Laguna Web Team Presidential Assistant for Food Laguna and other provinces in the eradicate the said pest. “Dapat sabay- Security and Agriculture Philippines. sabay natin itong gawin at hindi tayo Mechanization (PAFSAM) Secretary magkanya-kanya,” he said. After the Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan graced the PAFSAM identified five steps how discussion by Secretary Pangilinan, Konsultasyon Kontra Coco-Lisap on to eradicate the pest, namely: those who attended signed the June 11 at the Cultural Center of pruning; trunk injection; organic covenant of commitment which Laguna in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. spraying; biological control; and tree strengthened their promise to fertilization. eradicate Coco-Lisap not only in Concerned stakeholders gathered to Laguna, but in the Philippines as discuss ways to fight the widespread Though the procedure is simple, Sec. well. infestation of scaled-insects on the Pangilinan stressed the importance of coconut trees or Coco-Lisap in coordinated and holistic efforts to Continued on page 10

Quezon launches Adopt-A-Reef Project in Catanauan by Reygan Mantilla and Geneva Palma, Quezon Provincial Information Office About 300 fishermen from protection of the province’s saltwater Barangays Ajos, Pala, and Madulao fishing resources. in the town of Catanauan are set to benefit from the Adopt-A-Reef Prov. Agriculturist Gajo went on to project. The Office of the Provincial add that since the initial execution of Agriculturist (OPA) launched the the project, fishermen have reported project in Brgy. Ajos last June 2. fishcatch increase from roughly a kilo or so to 3-5 kilos daily – tangible The Municipality of Catanauan proof of the positive results from the Locals and sev eral staff of the Provincial initiated the project in cooperation of OPA’s impact assessment. Agriculturist's Office prepare to place the artificial the private sector through Oscar “Ka reefs in Catanauan, Quezon this June 4, 2014. Oca” Tan. According to Provincial ”Patuloy na isinasagawa ng Agriculturist Roberto Gajo, Quezon gobernador ang iba pang proyektong Ka Oca Tan, the private counterpart Governor David Suarez established pampangisdaan para higit mabigyan of the said project, also expressed his the said project because of the ng kakayahan ang mga kababayan growing concern regarding the nating mangingisda,”said Gajo. Continued on page 10

Rizal launches YES to Green Program by Provincial Government of Rizal YES (Ynares Eco-System) To Green Environment Protection, and Program was launched by the Rizal Disaster Risk Reduction Provincial Government in response Management. to the environmental challenges that the province and the country has Through this project, Rizal been facing. The program was Province under the stewardship launched through Executive Order of Governor Rebecca A. No. 11 series of 2013 and Executive Ynares, intends to protect and Order No. 8 series of 2014. preserve the natural environment while also giving Rizal Gov. , through the YES Program, The program will be Rizal’s importance to the provision of has partnered with various national government agencies and civil society organizations in the ecological banner. It has six (6) development of protected landscapes such as the components, namely: Cleaning, Continued on page 11 Tinipak na Bato of Daraetan River in Tanay, Rizal, for Greening, Recycling, Tourism, tourism purposes. 10 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Sanchez Farms making. She also intends to plant organic lettuce and siling by DA RFU IV-A pansinigang to make good use of the Ms. Edna Sanchez’s 2-hectare farm support given to her by the in Jala-Jala, Rizal has dragons – but Department of Agriculture (DA) IV- not the mythical creature that we A. She was a recipient of starter know of. She plants dragon fruits vegetable seeds and a greenhouse, (red variety). The trees last for about courtesy of the High Value Crops 15 years and can bear fruit once to Development Program of DA IV-A. thrice a year. Dragon Fruit Lady of Rizal: Ms. Edna Sanchez Prior to her being a dragon fruit harvests the fruits of her labor. farmer, she used to plant bitter gourd, In 2012, Ms. Sanchez was able to with the okra, tomatoes, eggplant, and garlic. earn P353, 000 from her harvest of and Municipal Officials of Jala-Jala, 4,400 kilos. She sold them at P80.00 visited her farm. She and her farm’s Apart from the healthy benefits per kilo. This year, she was able to produce was also featured in ABS- provided by dragon fruit and the harvest 5,000 kilos of dragon fruits. CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda during good income, Ms. Sanchez has also She started dragon fruit farming the town fiesta of Jala-Jala last used her farm to help some out-of- when she attended a seminar and met September 2013. school youth find work. She has also Mr. Ed Silan of . housed and provided on-the-job Aside from dragon fruits, she also training (OJT) to BS Agriculture Because of her success, Rizal engages in value adding activities students who are also Meralco Governor Rebecca A. Ynares, along like vinegar-, juice-, wine-, and jam- Foundation scholars.

Former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan… Continued from page 9 Present in the consultation were the Agriculturist Marlon following: Laguna Governor Ramil Tobias; and Laguna L. Hernandez; Department of Interior Provincial Police and Local Government (DILG) Office Provincial Undersecretary Prof. Edel Guiza; Director (OIC) Philippine Coconut Authority Region PSSUPT. Romulo IV-A Manager Joselito Alcantara; Sapitula. Laguna Liga ng mga Barangay President Lorenzo Zuñiga, Jr.; DILG [L-R] Laguna ABC President and Board Member Lorenzo Zuñiga, -Laguna Provincial Director Lionel Jr.; PAFSAM Sec. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan; Laguna Governor ; DILG-Laguna Provincial Director Lionel Dalope; Dalope; Laguna Provincial and Provincial Agriculturist Marlon Tobias after signing the covenant of commitment to eradicate Coco-Lisap.

Quezon launches… Continued from page 9 confidence in the Adopt-A-Reef The Adopt-A-Reef project for protecting and Project works replenishing the richness of through a Catanauan’s waters. partnership system between the Aside from receiving 9 concrete beneficiary barangay artificial reefs, 20 bottom set payao, and the OPA. The and 7 bamboo racks, Governor provincial Suarez also donated 2 motorized government boats to Brgy. Ajos, which can be provides the used by the residents to look after the necessary materials artificial reefs. for the artificial reef, which will then be Provincial Agriculturist Roberto Gajo with Mayor Ramon Orfanel Aside from Catanauan, the project turned over to the during the turn-over of motorized boats at the launching of Adopt-A- had also been launched in the community. The Reef project last June 4, 2014. municipalities of Infanta, Sariaya, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic responsible for taking care of the Padre , Unisan, San Resources Management Council, the project at the community level, while Francisco, Plaridel, Gumaca, and beneficiary’s barangay council, and the OPA monitors and controls the Guinayangan, Quezon. other concerned local sectors shall be activity at the helm. Second Quarter 2014 11

Batangas TIPC puts new wage order on the spotlight by DOLE IV-A A total of 345 labor, management, and government During the discussions, the representatives attended the 2nd General Assembly (GA) participants asked about to discuss the recently issued Wage Order No. IV A-16. issues on performance-based The assembly was headed by the Batangas Province pay and wage distortion. Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BPTIPC), in Several key questions, which coordination with the Department of Labor and arose during the GA, were Employment-Batangas Provincial Office (DOLE-BPO). the following: It was held last May 9 at the Cinema 1 of SM City Lipa Why is the increase under with Ms. Rovelinda dela Rosa of the Regional Tripartite Wage Order No.IVA-16 in Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) as a resource the form of an allowance? person. Why don’t we just add the CTPA and the SEA to the Ms. Dela Rosa, as she discusses Previous GAs were usually held at the DOLE Region IV- basic pay? the new wage order in the region. A WODP Training Center in Lipa City but to If the employee is already accommodate the expected number of participants, the receiving an above minimum wage, do we still need to council decided to conduct it at a bigger venue, thus the add the SEA? cinema. How do we convert the Service Incentive Leave (SIL), regular holiday falling on a day-off, and half-day? The RTWPB issued the Wage Order No. IV A-16 on The participants also recommended mechanisms how the April 8 to take effect on May 1, coinciding with the wage board can conduct consultations as well as the celebration of Labor Day. term limit and nominations of board members.

Batangas Environment Response Team… Continued from page 8

Another highlight during the Summit for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) Magnaye of the Batangas State was the Memorandum of Agreement Project. University, Board Member Dexter (MOA) signing between Partnership Buted also representing the Lyceum in Environmental Management for The MOA signing was witnessed by of the Philippines University- the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and representatives and officials of Batangas, Dr. Florencio Reyes of the the Academe followed by another PEMSEA led by Stephen Adrian University of Batangas and Dir. MOA signing between Bureau of Ross, Mr. Geronimo T. Silvestre of Esmeralda Paz Manalang of BFAR. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ECOFISH, Bro. Joaquin S. Martinez (BFAR) and Ecosystems Improved of De La Salle Lipa, Dra. Nora

Rizal launches… Continued from page 9 livelihood by maximizing its agricultural productivity.

This project was inspired by the Governor’s desire and vision that cleaning the environment, like the water tributaries, could avoid massive flooding and will subsequently protect the Laguna de Bay from further siltation and degradation and could provide for additional sources of income to fisherfolks. It is also viewed that tree The provincial government of Rizal headed by Gov. Nini Ynares (5th from left) conducted recently planting could help in preventing the first ever YES (Ynares Eco System) Environmental Summit at the Ynares Hall, , Rizal, landslides leading to improved which aims to assess the progress of the YES to Green Program of the province. agricultural productivity. Additional trees will produce cleaner air that more cash because the YES To can provide extra income promotes better health while Green Program also aims to turn opportunities to the people of Rizal. recycling will mean less trash and garbage into reusable materials that 12 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Pinoys abroad learn PinoyWISE Financial Education Course by Ms. Aileen Constantino-Peñas, Atikha Many Filipino migrants, despite long years of working abroad fail to achieve their long-term goals for migration because they cannot save and invest.

This is due to the migrants’ lack of financial education or they have family issues such as luxurious lifestyles, dependency, and family break-up. Some of the migrants also had failures in the businesses they’ve Training of Trainers held in Singapore set up due to lack of information and skills or they were victimized by Communities Initiative, a non- trainings: unscrupulous money-lenders and government organization. The course - Understanding the Positive and bogus investments. is designed for migrants and the Negative Impact of Migration; families left behind. - Goal Setting; Family Income The alarming financial and family Management; situation of overseas Filipinos abroad PinoyWISE Movement critically - Saving and Investing; and their families left behind in the looks at the realities of both sides of - Borrowing and Getting Out of Debt; Philippines prompted the various the migration corridor. Recently, the - Family Issues and Coping stakeholders to organize PinoyWISE Financial Education program reached Mechanism; and Movement. Filipinos in Italy, Qatar, United Arab - Return and Reintegration Emirates, Hongkong and Germany. PinoyWISE or Pinoy Worldwide Together with Filipino migrants, In Calabarzon, PinoyWISE Financial Initiative for Investment, Savings and leaders from Myanmar and Indonesia Education Course is being Entrepreneurship Movement is a attended the Training of Trainers held implemented in the provinces of convergence initiative in minimizing in Singapore. Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna, with the social cost and maximizing the some municipalities already gains of overseas migration. It is Minda Teves, a migrant leader in institutionalizing it. Aside from top made up of a network of national and Italy and an accredited PinoyWISE migrant sending provinces in Region local government agencies, civil trainer said,“Salamat sa Pinoy WISE IV-A, activities of PinoyWISE society organizations, and the private Financial Education Course, Movement are also held in , sector involved in promoting maraming nabago sa buhay ko at , Mindoro, and City. financial education, investment inihahanda ko na ang aking sarili sa mobilization, trade and eco/agro- muling pagbabalik sa Pilipinas.”. PinoyWISE Movement is part of the tourism to migrants and families. She added that they do not only share activities of the Migration and what they learned on financial Development Committee of Regional One of the important contents of management through formal seminars Development Council in Region 4-A. PinoyWISE is the Financial but also in informal settings such as It is the only region in the Philippines Education Course developed by when they are riding buses with other with such committee that is engaged Atikha Overseas Workers and Filipino migrant workers in Italy. in programs and services for overseas Filipinos and their families. The course is presented PinoyWISE financial education through hands- trainings and other capacity building on trainings activities of Atikha abroad are made where the possible through the support of migrants and International Fund for Agriculture families are Development (IFAD), International provided a Labor Organization ( ILO), Deutsche workbook, Gesellschaftfuer Internationale which serves as Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), European their Financial Union United Nation Joint Migration Planner. The and Development Initiatives ( EC-UN following JMDI) and private sector partners Workshop with overseas Filipinos in Germany topics are such as the Bank of the Philippine discussed in the Islands ( BPI).