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Home , Bondoc Peninsula, Lucena, Proceso Alcala

October 2012

iCalabarzon—The Strategy for a Smarter Region

alabarzon is positioning itself as a ‘smart re- gion’ to lead the coun- C try in its drive to com- pete in the knowledge economy through public-private partnership (PPP) and handle growing demand for business process outsourcing from various global industries.

This strategy called iCalabarzon, or Intelligent , was thus firmed up as the brand of the campaign to promote information ICT Stakeholders: BPAP Sr. Exec. Director Gigi Virata , DOST-ICTO Project Manager Emmy and communications technology Lou Delfin, DTI 4A Dir. Marilou Toledo, RDC Representative Mr. Donald Gawe, Sta. Rosa (ICT) in the region. Aligned with Planning Officer Mr. Dan Pablo and representatives from DOST IV-A, PLDT, CHED IV-A, DTI IV-A, and JICA the vision of the Philippine Digital Strategy, the brand will promote an digital and borderless economy by man capital, social capital and ICT innovative, digitally-empowered, 2020. infrastructure. globally competitive, and a prosperous region where everyone has reliable, A smart city is defined as a developed In the region, the City of Sta. Rosa has affordable and secure information ac- urban area that creates sustainable emerged as a first rate location to lead, cess. economic development and a high guide or test-run the aspirations of a quality of life by excelling in multiple smart, intelligent region with the col- The strategy is based on the world- and seam less key areas that is econ- laboration between government and wide bandwagon concept of 'smart omy, mobility, environment, people, private partners, particularly develop- cities' which is now sweeping living and government. Excelling in ers, locators and technopreneurs. and Asia where countries brand them- these key areas can be achieved selves as ‘smart’ as they gear up for a through programs that strengthen hu- Next page please Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 1

product (GDP) growth for 52 consecu- In Calabarzon, the ICT Committee of “All the signs are up. tive quarters since 1999. It has a stable the Regional Development Council banking system with low interest worked with the Department of Trade An intelligent region is rates, and a low inflation environment. and Industry (DTI) to gather stake- on the rise towards a holders - the local government units, Moreover, the ranked no. industry organizations (BPAP, LINK 21st century knowl- 1 in the call center sector and no. 2 in IT), regional line agencies (NEDA, edge economy and the BPO, worldwide. This stellar per- DOST, DEPED and DILG), and the formance has confirmed the to the telecommunications sector (PLDT) - knowledge world the Philippine Value Proposi- to take proactive roles in adopting the society.” tion, helping increase IT investments industry cluster approach for ICT un- by 66.2 percent (from PhP11.1 million der the National Industry Cluster Ca- iCalabarzon is anchored on a frame- in 2010 to PhP18.3 million in 2011) pacity Enhancement Project. work that should help realize national that generated employment of 643,000 development goals such as: (a) raising and an annual revenue of USD 11 bil- The objective here is to come up with US$25 billion in IT-BPO revenues; lion. a roadmap that would address the gaps (b) reducing poverty incidence from identified under the following strate- 26 percent to 16 percent by the year The National Competitiveness Council gies: talent development, promotion 2016; (c) decongesting traffic from has been responsible advancing and and marketing, infrastructure and sup- major cities including Metro ; improving the rank of the Philippines port services, and business develop- (d) transparent, effective, and account- to 20 places higher in the World Eco- ment. The three-year project consists able governance; (e) reducing vulner- nomic Forum Competitiveness Report of training and planning, consensus- ability to climate change; and (d) en- during the first two years of President building, and implementation and couraging successful globally- Aquino's administration. learning and is carried out by DTI and competitive Filipino entrepreneurs. in cooperation with the Japanese Inter- The National ICT Confederation of national Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Philippines is said to possess one the Philippines has been collaborating of the brightest prospects in the global with government for the development (Tess Tawingan & Charlie Dajao, DTI IVA) economy. Currently, the country has a of cities towards ‘Smart City’ booming real estate market, a strong status. performing stock market in Asia since 2011, and a positive gross domestic DOST’s Project NOAH to Strengthen Nationwide Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts

he Department of Science aster situations. These include Hy- and Technology (DOST) is dromet sensors development, putting into place a nation- DREAM-Lidar, FloodNET, Haz- wide disaster mitigation sys- ards Information Media, Landslide temT that will help key agencies and Hazards Mapping, Doppler System personalities make informed decisions Development, and Storm Surge In- to save lives and properties. undation Mapping.

Called NOAH or the National Opera- With DOST on the lead, NOAH volcanic eruptions, some of them tional Assessment of Hazards and brings together experts from 21 insti- highly-destructive, the NOAH project Risks, the system is designed to tutions in close collaboration, includ- comes as helpful as Noah’s ark of the “enable the government to address the ing DOST’s PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, Biblical times. Natural hazards inflict serious challenges brought by extreme Advanced Science and Technology loss of lives and costly damage to hazard events,” according to DOST Institute and Science and Technology property, with economic losses Secretary . “We will Information Institute; DILG; UP- amounting to billions of pesos each apply advanced S&T tools, such as National Institute of Geological Sci- year. Also contributing to the losses is enhanced vulnerability maps and a ences and Department and College of the continued development in hazard- shortened six-hour monitoring and Geodetic Engineering; and Smart prone areas and the rapid growth of warning system for communication Communications, , and the population. along the major river basins.” Globe Telecommunications. (FV Anonas, DOST) NOAH has seven components that In a country frequently visited by ty- will meet major needs in various dis- phoons, tsunamis, earthquakes and

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RICTC Pushes Support to Calabarzon ICT-BPO Development he Regional Information consultation with the members of the the local IT-BPO industry to higher and Communication Tech- Committee and other stakeholders. growth levels. nology Committee (RICTC) has taken the lead role in To harmonize ICT-BPO development The RICTC supports the upcoming pushingT the development of ICT and in the region, the RICTC oversees the 5th National ICT Summit on Novem- business process outsourcing (BPO) in alignment of all regional and subre- ber 22-23, 2012 to be hosted by the the Calabarzon region by harmonizing gional ICT plans with the regional and Sta. Rosa City government. The sum- efforts among the key development national goals. The Committee pro- mit aims to attract BPO investments in players to promote viable contribution motes integration of various IT-BPO the Next Wave Cities and transform of the industry to the overall growth courses in high school and college the City of Sta. Rosa as well as the targets of the Regional Development programs and enhancement of basic Calabarzon region into World-Class Plan. English skills trainings to avert a ICT Hub. looming talent supply and help spur The Committee, headed by BPAP Senior Executive Director Gillian PEZA IT COMPANIES IN CALABARZON Joyce Virata, consists of representa- TeleTech Call Center tives from regional line agencies, local AMCA Smart Solutions, Inc. Software Development government units, academe and pri- vate sector as members. American Power Conversion Call Center Analog Devices Shared Services The RICTC, with the aim of building Astec International Engineering Design a common vision and strategies on ICT and BPO development, has con- Line Seiki Engineering Design cluded a multisectoral Strategic Plan- Schneider Electric BPO ning Workshop on May 28-29, 2012 at TeleTech Call Center Kimberly Hotel in City Convergys Call Center where the participants were able to formulate a draft Calabarzon ICT Encore Receivable Call Center Roadmap. The Roadmap seeks to cre- Furukawa Automative Engineering Design ate an environment conducive to the KGB Phil. Inc. Call Center growth of ICT-BPO industries. Mektec Phil. Corp. Engineering Design

Among the priority areas in the region Microprecision Engineering Design are those included in the list of top ten SPI Technologies BPO next wave cities in the country TeleTech Call Center namely, Metro Laguna, Metro Cavite TeleTech Call Center and Lipa City in Batangas. Finaliza- tion of the document is underway in Source: PEZA

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RDC TREEmendous Planting Activity he Regional Development Council (RDC), together with the Department of En- vironment and Natural Re- sourcesT (DENR) and STAR Tollway Corporation, led a region-wide tree planting activity last September 21 to celebrate the 112th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service and to support the National Greening Program of the Philippines.

A total of 23 regional agencies gath- ered at the office of the STAR Toll- way Corp. for the opening program of the activity. The welcome remarks from Mr. Melvin Nazareno, President DOH IV-A Dir. Edgardo Gonzaga, NSO IV-A Dir. Rosalinda Bautista, CSC IV-A Dir. Lucy Ramos, NEDA IV-A OIC-Dir. Agnes Espinas, DILG IV-A Josefina Go, DENR IV-A Dir. of the STAR Tollway Corp. was fol- Reynulfo Juan, DENR IV-A RTD Arnulfo Hernandez, DENR IV-A Manuel Escasura lowed by addresses from OIC-Dir. Agnes M. Espinas of NEDA IV-A and the activity’s guest speakers. They OCD, TESDA, CSC, BFAR, and Dir. Reynulfo A. Juan of DENR IV-A shared insights on environmental pro- LTO. Respective Regional Directors who gave an overview of the planting tection and encouraged everyone to be of the abovementioned agencies took activity and MOA on the maintenance more loving and caring of the environ- part on the ceremonial tree planting. of trees planted respectively. ment. Different types of plant, depending on DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Igna- After the short program, the partici- the planting site, were provided by cio, Jr. and Dir. Lucina Flor B. Ramos pants were deployed to their respec- DENR. As for the staffs of NEDA IV- of Civil Service Commission IV were tive planting sites: Tanauan Inter- A, their assigned planting site was change, Interchange, Lipa City Lipa City Interchange where they Interchange, and Interchange. planted at least 10 narra seedlings per The ceremonial tree planting also took participant. place in the Lipa City Interchange. Safety and traffic instructions were Volunteer planters, showing their love provided by a STAR Tollway Repre- and care for the nature, took initiative sentative to ensure safety and coordi- and planted as many seedlings as they nation of the planters. can—an action which shows the true meaning of being makabayan and Participants in the tree planting activ- makakalikasan. The TREEmendous ity included officials and staffs from: Planting Activity carried the theme NEDA, DENR, DILG, DOT, NIA, “KAWANI, IKAW AY ISANG DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio Jr. delivering his mes- DTI, DAR, PCA, PIA, DOLE, NSO, LINGKOD BAYANI”. sage during the opening program DSWD, PNP, DOST, DOH, DEPED, DPWH (Lipa and Tanauan), BLGF,

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RDC Endorses the Creation of the Calabarzon Regional Competitiveness Committee

The creation of the Calabarzon Re- gional Competitiveness Committee (RCC) has been approved last July 19, 2012 after its endorsement by the Sec- toral Committee on Economic Devel- opment during its meeting on July 10, 2012. RDC Endorses Expressway, Bridges and Rail Projects The RCC aims to strategically map-out Calabarzon Region’s competitiveness he Sectoral Committee on the RDC has issued a resolution en- vis-a-vis ASEAN cities/localities, and Infrastructure Development dorsing to the Department of Public to address the challenges that confront (SCID) endorsed three ma- Works and Highways the prioritiza- the region from becoming competitive. jor transport infrastructure tion of P1 billion for the road-right-of- projectsT during its two quarterly meet- way. The activities of the RCC include: (a) ings this 2012, namely: the South Lu- collection of a standard set of competi- zon Expressway (SLEX) Extension Consistent with the region’s strategy tiveness, compare and track them Toll Road 4 (TR4) to , Que- in enhancing its competitiveness as a against selected benchmark data col- zon; Spanish-Assisted Bridge Con- global business hub, four bridges were lected from selected ASEAN coun- struction Project; and Light Rail Tran- endorsed for reconstruction through tries; and (b) harmonization of efforts sit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension. the Spanish-Assisted Bridge Con- and promotion of the optimum use of struction/Replacement Project, resources towards improving local eco- The SLEX TR4 is a priority project of namely: Timalan Bridge (, nomic competitiveness and accelerat- the national government to improve Cavite), Sico Bridge (Lobo, Batan- ing investment promotion. traffic to and from Metro Manila and gas), Kinahulasan Bridge (Perez, Que- to stimulate interregional economic zon), and Pinagdanlayan Bridge The RCC mirrors the competitive func- growth. The Regional Development (Dolores, ). These bridges are tions being undertaken by the National Council (RDC) has endorsed the TR programmed for implementation in Competitiveness Council at the na- extension up to Brgy. Talipan, Pagbi- 2013. tional level. The Calabarzon RCC is lao, Quezon to provide an alignment composed of DTI as Chair and a repre- for a port access road leading to the The LRT Line 1 South Extension Pro- sentative from the Private Sector as Co Dalahican Fish Port and the ject, for its part, was endorsed for -Chair, with equal number of represen- Port which both link , public-private partnership (PPP) fi- tatives both from the private and the , and . To promote nancing. The project aims to reduce government sectors as members. An road safety and faster movement of traffic congestion between the south- organizational meeting was held on vehicles, the RDC has recommended ern portion of Metro Manila and September 5, 2012 which discussed that TR4 be constructed Cavite province. It will involve exten- among others, the with dual two-lane car- sion of the existing 20.70 km. LRT 1 committee member- riageway with provi- by approximately 11.70 km. from Ba- ship and processes in sions for future expan- claran to , Cavite. managing the competi- sion. tiveness indicators in The LRT project will be implemented the region. Another RDC resolu- through a hybrid PPP arrangement tion was passed to ex- where the private sector undertakes tend TR4 in Brgy. civil works, electro-mechanical Mayao, Lucena City works, system enhancement works, since the exten- and operation and maintenance of the sion can still integrated Line 1. The Government of accommodate the Philippines will provide the rolling the port access stock and the depot through official road. For the imme- development assistance (ODA) from ment diate implementa- the Japan International Cooperation ap Align TR4 M tion of the project, Agency.

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RPMC Monitors Two Strategic Transport Infrastructure Projects

Richard Albert I. Osmond and Atty. Apolinario Macalintal, and Palacio and Sanchez. In response to the call from the CLISC, the Committee endorsed to the RDC the PPA manage- ment’s full development of the said port.

Also visited was the 42 kms. Batangas- Tabangao-Lobo Road concreting project which is part of the Calabarzon Coastal Road that will interconnect the prov- inces in the region as well as serve as an alternate route to the . The ongoing project is comprises the con- creting of 4.52 kms. intermittent sec- tions and has a project cost of PhP94.56 The Regional Development Council 2012 at Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Million. It has a physical accomplish- (RDC) has monitored the implementa- Club, Lipa City. The mayors of Calata- ment of 70.11 percent as of October 1, tion of the Port and Batangas- gan and Lubang namely, Sophia G. 2011 and is expected to be completed Tabangao-Lobo Road last October 3-5. Palacio and Juan M. Sanchez, respec- on November 23, 2012. tively, were present at the meeting to The monitoring team comprised Sec- support the project. The monitoring team has recognized the toral Committee on Infrastructure De- need to widen the coastal road due to velopment (SCID) Chairman Engr. It was recommended that a Task Force encroachment of the road right-of-way Ladislao L. Andal, SCED Chairman be created to resolve problems being and that the funding should be priori- Atty. Apolinario M. Macalintal, PMS- encountered by the Calatagan Port and tized to open the 17-km. untouched sec- OP Representative Mr. Rex D. Yurong, elevate them to the PPA Board for fa- tion between Malabrigo-Balibago-Biga DPWH Representative Engr. Josephine vorable action. The Task Force will be in Lobo to the coastal road in San Juan, Baquiran and the RPMC Technical Se- chaired by DPWH IV-A and PPA as Batangas that extends to , Que- cretariat Engr. Josephine D. Hapil and Vice-Chair. Members include NEDA IV zon. Engr. Alan del Socorro. -A, PSRs Engr. Ladislao L. Andal,

The visit to Calatagan Port enabled the team to conduct a problem-solving- session (PSS) with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the concerned lo- cal government units (LGUs) of Calata- gan and Lubang to address difficulty in dredging and poor access roads, among others.

Calatagan Port has continuously bee developed for the past 10 years as a sis- ter port of Lubang Port through the Ca- latagan-Lubang Island Steering Com- mittee (CLISC) composed of selected inter-agency members from Regions IV- A and IV-B. The CLISC, through a The ongoing Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo Project terminates at Brgy. Malabrigo resolution, has requested the concerned Lobo, Batangas where the 17 km. untouched section starts RDCs to endorse to PPA the prioritiza- tion of the full development of Calata- gan Port as Roll-on Roll-off port.

The result of the port visit was one of the items on agenda during the Third Quarter SCID meeting on October 12, The Regional Project Monitoring Team with the PPA personnel

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PNOY Inaugurates Candelaria Bypass Road

resident Benigno Simeon on the two-lane concrete road with The project, which costs PhP557.5 Aquino III inaugurated the three bridges on a 20-meter wide road million, will decongest traffic along 7.5-kilometer Candelaria By- right-of-way. Daang Maharlika, enhance tourism pass Road located in the industry and promote economic devel- Pprovince of Quezon under the jurisdic- The Secretary also mentioned the on- opment in the province of Quezon and tion of Department of Public Works going construction of the Eco-Tourism other nearby areas and provide faster, and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-A, Road which will improve the access of safer and shorter travel time from on September 17, 2012. motorists from Quezon to Batangas Metro Manila to the Bicol Region. and other nearby provinces. Accompanied by DPWH Secretary “Mabanggit ko lang Mr. President, “Kaya nung tinitingnan ko yung kal- Rogelio L Singson, Quezon 2nd Dis- ang proposed budget po dito sa Que- sada, siguradong makakatulong itong trict Congressman Irvin Alcala and zon ay halos dodoble sa isang taon. mabawasan ang trapik dito papuntang DILG Secretary , PNoy led Kung nakikita nila, marami pong tra- Quezon at talaga naman pong masa- the inaugural drive-through from baho dito sa Quezon ngayon, mas sabi nating medyo may pagbabago na Brgy. Bukal Sur to Bukal Bridge. The marami pa ho next year,” the DPWH po maski umpisa pa lang po yan,” the DPWH Secretary briefed the President head said that made the crowd cheer. President said. He also enumerated the increasing demand for coconut water inside and outside the country. Que- zon is one of the nation’s leading ex- porter of coconut-based products. The President also reiterated that if Quezon government officials could save more money and spend their budget wisely, support for additional projects by rais- ing allocations in the province is pos- sible.

The President ended his speech by affirming that development of the country starts with the cooperation of everyone and the desire to change their own lives. Regional Director Luis A. Mamitag, Jr. explains the location map of the bypass road to DPWH Secretary Singson. (Bren Ramos, DPWH) Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 7

DEPED Salutes Teachers come remarks from DepEd Regional critically, process information from Director Lorna Dig Dino stressed that several sources, work cooperatively, of Teachers the international day is an opportunity tackle problems and make informed to emphasize the challenges facing the choices” Asec. Ruiz said in her inspi- “Those who educate children well are teaching profession. It is essential to rational message which was resound- more to be honored than they who give this day much visibility and im- ingly applauded by the audience. produce them; for these only gave pact as much as possible, she added. them life, those the art of living well.” Highlight of the program was the giv- -Aristotle The celebration became more mean- ing of recognition to teachers of teach- ingful with the presence of special ers who provided impeccable leader- This inspiring quote carried the perfect guests from DepEd Central office ship, defined direction and inspiration message to highlight World Teachers headed by Dr. Elena R. Ruiz, Assis- to others in their immediate sphere of Day celebration last October 5 at De- tant Secretary for Programs and Pro- influence. Awarded during the cere- pEd Calabarzon. In consonance with jects, Dr. Socorro Pilor, Director of mony were the different Schools Divi- DepEd Memorandum No. 147, s. IMCS and Dr. Beatriz Torno, Teacher sion Superintendents, Assistant 2012 entitled National Teachers’ Education Council Director. Schools Division Superintendents, Month and World Teachers’ Day Na- Education Program Supervisors in the tionwide Celebration, DepEd Region “There can be no quality education 15 divisions of DepEd IV-A including IV-A (Calabarzon) recognized and without competent and motivated those from the regional office. honored the teachers of teachers teachers. Teachers are among the through a simple program. many factors that keep children in (Christopher Diaz, DepEd) A thanksgiving mass commenced the school and influence learning. They day’s activity which was officiated by help students think Bishop Efraim Perez-FCS, the Sec- Y’ EST POLIC retary of Interfaith at Malacañang TY IS THE B Palace. This was followed by wel- ‘HONES public in Quezon province and adja-  In-house Briefing on the Role of Learning Center on cent provinces of Calabarzon. BSP in the Philippine Economy, Money, Credit and Bank- New Generation Currency (NGC) Aside from conventional reading and and Clean Note Policy; ing in Calabarzon information materials on money,  Information Campaign on the Role credit and banking like books, maga- of BSP in the Philippine Econ- n July 30, 2012, Governor zines and newspapers, EFLC-Lucena omy, New Generation Currency Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. is now able to provide technology- (NGC), Clean Note Policy, Coin of Bangko Sentral ng based interactive learning modules, Recirculation Program – An Out- O Pilipinas (BSP) hosted the informative video clips and educa- reach Program; Relaunching of the Economic and Fi- tional computer games. Researchers  Lectures on BSP advocacies lik nancial Learning Center of BSP Lu- are also able to browse the digitized microfinance, financial literacy cena Branch (EFLC-Lucena). library collections and download sta- and financial consumer protection. tistical data and information from its EFLC-Lucena is actually operational interactive statistical database. Schools, private and non-government since 2008 but has expanded its scope organizations, banking institutions, and services, hence the relaunch. It The other learning programs of EFLC- business groups, among others, can upgraded its facilities and was linked Lucena which aims to bring the infor- avail of information campaigns and with the EFLC national network to mation on money, credit and banking lectures upon request. ensure that all electronic resources at closer to the people include: EFLC-Manila are also available to the Next page please

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Learning Center...

EFLC-Lucena is located at the 2/F BSP Lucena Branch Building, Que- zon Avenue, Lucena City (in front of Perez Park). It is open from Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Researchers from the other provinces of Calabar- zon can access the virtual services of EFLC-Lucena through email at mcon- [email protected]. To some extent, the services of EFLC-Lucena can also be accessed through telefax number (042) 660-1012 - Melanie N. Condes, Sr. Research Specialist, BSP Lucena Branch.

(Melanie P. Condes, BSP)

Technical Assistance on Planning for Bondoc Peninsula EDA IV-A (Calabarzon) growth and development. It also seeks were conducted by the NEDA and embarked on a partnership to provide TA to the municipalities of UPLB-CHE. The first was intended with the University of the BP namely: , Buenavista, for the UPLB-CHE practicum students N Philippines, Los Baños- , General Luna, , assigned to the project, who then be- College of Human Ecology (UPLB- , Padre Burgos, Pitogo, San came trainers in the second batch that CHE), in collaboration with the Pro- Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso was participated in by the representa- vincial Government of Quezon and the and Unisan in coming up with their tives from the local planning offices of 12 municipalities of Bondoc Peninsula respective updated databases and hu- Agdangan, Buenavista, Catanauan, (BP) for the implementation of the man ecological profiles as well as Gen. Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Pa- Technical Assistance on Planning for craft an integrated area development dre Burgos, Pitogo and Unisan. UPLB BP (TAP-BP) project. plan (ADP). -CHE Instructor Joan P. Talubo and NEDA GIS Expert Kathleen DC. The TAP-BP project aims to facilitate The ADP may serve as basis for con- Melendrez served as resource persons. lagging socioeconomic development vergence by various stakeholders During this training, the LGU partici- of the area, in line with PNoy’s social identifying and providing major inter- pants were able to generate maps us- contract and policy that emphasizes ventions to promote the growth of the ing the QGIS. the need to address the concerns of area. The TA activities will include vulnerable sectors and areas to ensure technology transfer, capability build- A three-day site visit was also con- ing and trainings ducted by the project implementers on on Quantum September 18-20, 2012. The UPLB- Geographic In- CHE Team, headed by Prof. Ronaldo formation Sys- Rogel and Ms. Talubo with six practi- tem (QGIS), de- cum students, together with Alvin velopment plan- Caezar V. Olanday of NEDA visited ning and build- the municipalities of Agdangan, Cata- ing partnership nuan, General Luna, Macalelon, Padre and linkages Burgos, Pitogo and Unisan to validate among the aca- the data initially gathered by the deme, local gov- UPLB-CHE students and conduct ernment units group discussions to collect input on and regional line the draft human ecological profiles. agencies. The team was also able to pay cour- tesy calls to some local chief execu- Two batches of tives during the site visit. QGIS trainings

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NEDA Spearheads Preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for Recovery and Rehabilitation is intended to direct post- disaster actions of govern- ment, the private sector and the official development assistance community to- wards immediate and me- dium- to long-term pro- grams and projects, to be mainstreamed into the regular agency and local development plans.

The plan will cover the as- sessment of physical dam- age to assets and estimation of indirect losses from said hazard event. It will also Photo by JPD. Biñan, Laguna on 08 August 2012 include a description of the hazard’s impact on the re- he National Economic and This effort is in line with the Republic gional economy, income, employment Development Authority, Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster and means of livelihood, social cohe- through its Regional Offices Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) sion and governance, among others. 3, 4A, 4B and 6, has been Act, which mandates NEDA to lead in These critical information would serve directedT to prepare a Strategic Action the preparation of Rehabilitation and as basis for coming up with a rehabili- Plan (SAP) for the rehabilitation and Recovery Plan of areas heavily af- tation strategy and drawing up of reha- recovery of areas affected by the fected by disasters. bilitation and recovery programs in Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Ty- The SAP aims to assess the damages order to achieve full recovery of eco- phoon Haikui that hit the said regions arising from the typhoon and to deter- nomic activities and overall regional last August 6-9. mine the interventions necessary for economy as well as to reduce disaster the rehabilitation of affected areas. It risk factors, respectively. RDC Conducts line agencies and educational institu- The highlights of the panel discussions tions. were on the allowable activities for the 2nd Calabarzon GAD use of 5 percent GAD fund, passive Convention From the best practices, the partici- responses of responsible agencies in pants could integrate in their GAD the review and Calabarzon gender advocates organ- plans and budget; discussing current approval of ized the 2nd Regional Gender and De- and emerging gender issues and velopment (GAD) Convention held concerns such as Violence May 31 to June 1, 2012 at Kimberly Against Women and Chil- Hotel, Tagaytay City with the theme dren, Sexual Orientation, “A Call for Partnership among Local Gender Identity and Trans- gendered Rights, Adoles- Government Units (LGUs), Govern- GAD Plan cent Sexuality, HIVs and ment Agencies, Private Sector and and AIDs and institu- Civic Society Organizations to Budget, tional mechanisms Strengthen Gender Mainstreaming and the and initiatives in Efforts in Calabarzon”. need to fur- addressing gender ther capaci- issues such as crea- This convention was participated in by tate regional line tion of Committee around 250 GAD focal persons/ agencies and LGUs on on Decorum and In- program coordinators, budget and GAD mainstreaming to efficiently and vestigation for Sexual Harassment planning officers, academe from both effectively identify and implement Cases in an Agency, and Organization the public and private sector, and programs and projects. of Men Opposed to Violence Against other program implementers. It served as a venue for sharing best practices of Women Everywhere. Next page please the local government units, regional

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2nd Calabarzon GAD Convention...

The RDC-Sub Committee on GAD spearheaded the convention through the Calabarzon GAD Resource Center -University of Rizal System, with the support and cooperation of the officers and staff of Batangas State University, Cavite State University, Laguna State and Polytechnic University, Southern State University, CHED IV-A, DILG IV-A, DSWD IV-A, NEDA IV- A, POPCOM IV-A, PGAD-Batangas, Cavite Province, PGAD-Quezon and The panelist on GAD implementation issues (from left to right): Dir. Wilma Naviamos of Rizal Province. The Cavite State Uni- DSWD, PSSupt. Rolando Opeña of PNP, OIC-Dir. Agnes M. Espinas of NEDA, Director versity sponsored the fellowship night, Lolita Layser of POPCOM IV-A, Assistant Commissioner Lourdes Castillo of COA, Atty. Aileen Chua of CHR IV-A, Dr. Prescilla Tulipat and Mr. Eric Julian Manalastas of UP wherein the participants enjoyed sing- Diliman and ARD Ariel Iglesia of DILG IV-A. ing and dancing with the CavSU band.

Engaging Migrants in Agricultural Development

At the height of overseas labor migra- ng Pamilya”, and; (2) “PinoyWISE: migrant leaders in Italy. The remark- tion, agriculture emerged as an aban- Pagbabalik Paghandaan, Siguraduhing able results of PinoyWISE Movement doned sector in most part of the region Bukas May Daratnan.” in Italy and the enthusiastic response as farmers and relatives left their of migrant-sending communities in the farms and fishing boats for jobs Atikha, a nongovernment organiza- Philippines inspired Atikha to scale up abroad. This situation was exacerbated tion, provides economic and psycho- PinoyWISE movement and its activi- when the earnings started coming in social services for the OFWs, their ties. and those who remained joined the families and communities. It conducts exodus. information, value formation and edu- For the next four years, PinoyWISE cation campaigns to encourage OFWs intends to promote the campaign in Where agricultural lands were left un- and their families to save and invest top destinations of OFs which com- attended, these were added to earlier the hard earned money wisely. It also prise countries of: UAE, Saudi Ara- land that were transformed and devel- links hometown associations with bia, Qatar, Kuwait, Hongkong, Singa- oped into subdivision, villages and community and agricultural develop- pore, Taiwan, Belgium, Netherlands, industrial parks. For OFW families ment in the Philippines. Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, UK and who still clung to their land, depend- Germany. The activities abroad will ence on remittances became the norm Atikha’s model on savings and invest- have counterpart activities in top send- instead of investing into modern farm ment campaign towards agriculture ing provinces to ensure the significant equipment and learning new technolo- was initially accomplished in Italy as reach in both migration corridors and gies to improve their lives. an output of Atikha project funded by to serve OFWs and their families. International Fund for Agricultural This was the reality that prompted Development. In less than two years The international launching of Pinoy- Atikha to launch the PinoyWISE of its implementation, PinoyWISE WISE will commence through the Pi- Movement. Movement mobilized more than noyWISE Overseas Filipinos Market PhP10 million in investments and en- Place Event in Abu Dhabi UAE on PinoyWISE which stands for Pinoy rolled around 300 overseas Filipinos November 23, 2012 at the Abu Dhabi Worldwide Initiatives on Investment, (OFs) with an agri-based cooperative. National Theater which will be partici- Savings and Entrepreneurship, has two pated in by nine provinces nationwide core messages: (1) “PinoyWISE: This was achieved through the signifi- of which three are from Calabarzon. Maging Wise sa Pamamahala ng cant involvement of the PinoyWISE Pera, Maging Wise sa Pangangalaga Financial Counselors, a pool of trained Next page please

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 11

he Calabarzon Region plays As we approach the year 2013, the  feature the region’s diverse char- a dynamic role in our coun- midterm period of the six-year RDP, it acter and promote its image in try’s development, contrib- would be fitting for the RDC to show- the global arena through its world- uting significantly to the case the region’s achievement through class products, best practices and overallT growth of its economy. Under a regional exposition. The activity is innovations; and the Aquino Administration, the Re- envisioned to be led by the private  establish a platform for inter- gional Development Plan (RDP) 2011 sector members of the RDC with the change of ideas, creation of part- -2016 was formulated to guide the de- participation of the LGUs, line agen- nerships and networking opportu- velopment of the region and to opera- cies, members of the House of Repre- nities tionalize the Social Contract of the sentatives, entrepreneurs, industry President with the Filipino people. chambers, property developers, ex- The event components include exhibi- The RDP also supports the thrusts of porters, among others. tion through trade and consumer promoting the public-private partner- (selling), conferences, seminars, busi- ship in programs and projects that Likewise, as the Calabarzon Region ness sessions, exhibits on best prac- shall provide the foundation for also celebrates its 10th year after its tices, inventions, skills demonstra- growth. creation under Executive Order (EO) tions, among others. 103 in May 2002, the regional expo is To implement the Plan, the Calabar- one way of highlighting what the re- The Expo is spearheaded by the RDC zon Regional Development Council gion has accomplished through the and the Calabarzon– (RDC), composed of national govern- years and its significant contributions Association of Regional Executives. ment agencies, local government units to national and regional development. This will be held on March 6-9, 2013 (LGUs) and the private sector, has The Calabarzon Exposition aims to: at the World Trade Center CCP Com- played a pivotal role in achieving the plex, Roxas Blvd. City. vision set forth in the Plan. It is envi-  showcase and demonstrate the re- sioned to make the region a place with gions accomplishments in EDITORIAL BOARD thriving urban centers, vibrant com- the form of exhibits, trade Executive Editor: OIC-Dir. Agnes M. Espinas mercial and trade activities and superb fair, conferences and quality of life. seminars; Managing Editors: OIC-ARD Liberty A. Abellon and Arlita E. Lopez Editor-in-Chief: Donald James D. Gawe PinoyWISE... PinoyWISE partner institu- Associate Editor: Agnes A. Daantos tions joining in the event are Sector Editors: Josephine D. Hapil, Valter L. Morada, An Exhibit which will showcase agri- Landbank and Development Antonio F. Robles Bank of the Philippines to- based investment packages and busi- NEDA Contributors: Kevin H. Abuso, Josephine D. Hapil, ness opportunities for OFs, and Ecot- gether with Calabarzon’s Luningning D. Llames, Kathleen DC. leading cooperatives, namely: Melendrez, Alvin V. Olanday, Elisa I. our/Agro-tourism destinations of each Pandela province will be the highlight for the Soro-soro Ibaba Development Cooperative and Cavite Farm- Layout Artists: Kathleen DC. Melendrez, event. Luningning D. Llames ers Feed milling and Market- ing Cooperative. The conve- Advisers: Engr. Ladislao L. Andal, Atty. Apolinario A. Other activities include the symbolic Macalintal, Andrew O. Nocon, MOA Signing of PinoyWISE stake- nors and technical working group of PinoyWISE Move- Sr. Mary Rebecca E. Rogacion, RGS holders with Agriculture Secretary Published by , Administrator Carme- ment is composed of Depart- ment of Agriculture- Regional Development Council IV-A (Calabarzon) lita Dimzon of Overseas Workers Wel- NEDA4A, 4/F Marcelita Bldg., Brgy. Real, National Highway, fare (OWWA), Governor Alfonso Agribusiness Marketing As- Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Umali, national president of the sistance Services, OWWA, Union of Local Authorities of Contact Details League of Provinces, Philippine Em- Tel. No. (049) 5457756, (049) 545 00 91 bassy UAE, Atikha with migrant or- the Philippines and Atikha. E-mail address: [email protected] ganizations of UAE. Website: http://calabarzon.neda.gov.ph (PSR Aileen Constantino Peñas) Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 12