Third Quarter The Official Newsletter of the Regional Development Council IV-A September 2014

NEDA IV-A bags Outstanding Partner for Source of Information Award

by Alvin Caezar V. Olanday, NEDA IV-A

OIC-RD Luis G. Banua (3rd from left) together with other awardees, and BSP Lucena Deputy Director Rogel Joseph V. del Rosario (2nd row, leftmost), Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos (center), Assistant Governor for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Gerardo S. Tison (2nd from right) and Acting Deputy Director of Department of Economic Statistics Marriel M. Remulla (right most).

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office IV-A was awarded the “Outstanding Partner for Source of Information” during the 2014 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Stakeholders held last September 2 at Days Hotel, Tagaytay City.

The award recognized NEDA IV-A’s efforts in providing BSP with valuable information necessary in preparing the Report on Regional Economic Development in the released annually.

Other nominees from the region include the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO).

NEDA IV-A OIC-Regional Director Luis G. Banua NEDA IV-A receives the BSP Outstanding Partner for Source of received the trophy, designed by renowned sculptor Juan Information on Regional Economic Development Award. Sajid Imao. The award was presented by BSP Assistant (L-R): BSP Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos, Mr. Alvin Caezar V. Olanday and OIC-RD Luis G. Banua of NEDA, and BSP Governor for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Assistant Governor Gerardo S. Tison. Gerardo S. Tison and Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos. means of information gathering and conduct of advocacy campaigns to achieve the BSP’s ultimate goal of According to BSP, the award “is expected to further safeguarding price stability and promoting a healthy strengthen the partnerships between the BSP and its financial system as well as ensuring an effective stakeholders, resulting in more efficient and effective payments and settlements system in the country”. 2 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news On this Issue Most competitive municipalities include Page 2 • Most competitive Calabarzon LGUs municipalities include by Russiel V. Pitogo, DTI IV-A Calabarzon LGUs The municipalities of General Trias (2nd) and Carmona (4th), both from Cavite, ranked Page 3 among the most competitive municipalities in the Philippines for 2014 according to the • Calabarzon RDC holds National Competitiveness Council. Data were gathered from the 2014 Cities and nd 2 Quarter Meeting Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) among 399 first class municipalities. The 2014 CMCI results were released during the Regional Competitiveness Summit held on Page 4 August 7 at Bayview Hotel, . • Pres. Aquino approves Laguna Lakeshore Project Other LGUs from Calabarzon also received high ranks for various measures in the CMCI. st The following LGUs were given high ranks under economic dynamism: Tanza, Cavite (1 ); nd rd th Page 5 General Trias, Cavite (2 ); San Pedro, Laguna (3 ); Carmona, Cavite (4 ); and Taytay, Rizal (5th). For the infrastructure category, Rodriguez, Rizal was ranked 2nd. • Luzon Spatial

Development Framework Speakers during the Regional Competitiveness Summit underscored the significant role of Workshops held the Regional Competitiveness Councils (RCCs) all over the regions in evaluating cities and

municipalities. They further emphasized the role of government agencies, the private sector, Page 6 th and development partners in contributing to inclusive growth in the country in light of the • 5 RDC-PSR National ASEAN Economic Community integration in 2015. Convention successfully held in Iloilo City NCC Private Sector Co-Chairman Guillermo M. Luz encouraged the stakeholders to cooperate in building affordable, accessible, socially acceptable, environment friendly, Page 7 economically viable, and climate resilient measures in pursuing competitiveness in cities • Provincial News and municipalities.

Page 8 From 122 cities and 163 municipalities in the preliminary run in 2013, this year’s CMCI • SLSU implements presented data from a total of 136 cities and 399 municipalities. From Calabarzon, 17 cities ‘Yamang Lupa’ Program and 44 first class municipalities participated in the survey. The CMCI measures in Luzon competitiveness of local governments by using 28 weighted indicators measuring: a) economic dynamism; b) government efficiency; and c) infrastructure.

Page 9 (L-R) NCC Co-Chairman • DTI funds bamboo Mr. Guillermo M. Luz, DTI industry in Cardona Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes A. Parreño, Mayor Antonio A. Ferrer of Page 10 Gen. Trias, Cavite, Socio- economic Planning • Calabarzon welcome its Secretary Arsenio M. new Heads of Agencies Balisacan, and Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal of DTI during the Page 11-14 awarding at the 2nd Regional Competitiveness • Calabarzon Regional Summit last August 7 at the Economic Situationer Philippines International Convention Center.

Page 15-16 © Local Communications Group, Gen. Trias (http://generaltrias.gov.ph) • RPMC Bulletin

Third Quarter 2014 EDITORIAL BOARD Feedbacks and article contributions are welcome. Please contact: Editor-in-Chief Editors OIC-RD Luis G. Banua Agnes A. Daantos Editorial Board Donald James D. Gawe NEDA Regional Office IV-A Michael R. Lavadia Published quarterly by the Managing Editors 4/F Marcelita Building, Valter L. Morada Nat’l Highway, Brgy. Real, Regional Development OIC-ARD Fidel T. Udarbe Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio Calamba City, Laguna 4027 Council IV-A (Calabarzon). Rudy R. Carlos Tel: (049) 545-77-56 / 0091 The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the articles to be published due Layout and Design Consultant Email: to the limited space. Alvin Caezar V. Olanday Aletheia G. Canubas [email protected] Third Quarter 2014 3

Calabarzon RDC holds 2nd Quarter Meeting by Armina O. Espiritu, NEDA IV-A

The Calabarzon Regional Development Council endorsed and approved three major projects in the region during the Second Quarter Full Council meeting held last June 26 at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City.

These projects were the Cavite-Laguna Expressway or CALAx Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project, and the Tanauan City Public Market Redevelopment Project. The CALAx Project is a 47.02 km tolled expressway that will connect CAVITEX from NEDA OIC-RD Agnes M. Espinas leads on taking oath of the new Kawit, Cavite to Mamplasan Exit of the SLEX. Similarly, geographic PSRs Rosalina DC. Dulog from Cavite; and Guillermo M. Ocampo from Batangas. the dike project in Laguna is a 47 km, 6-lane highway- cum flood control dike that will run from the proposed terminus of C6 Phase 2 Expressway Project in Bicutan, Dulog of the Lasallian Community Development Center Taguig, through Calamba City and ends at the National from Cavite and Director Guillermo M. Ocampo of the Road at the Los Baños/Bay boundary in Laguna. Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) from Batangas. Other projects approved by the council included the inclusion of the proposed Tanauan New City Hall with Plaques of appreciation were also awarded during the Public Market in the Revalidated Regional Development meeting to Dir. Leonida S. Calagui of CHED, Dir. Investment Program 2011-2016. It was also agreed during Roberto L. Almonte of NCIP and Dir. Erlinda Pearl V. the meeting to adopt the Revitalization of Calabarzon Armada (transferred), and Dir. Norito A. Cabotaje of PIA Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (retired) for their service to the Council. The Council also (RPMES) through Web-based Technology, and commended DOTC-LTO IV-A for its exemplary and Mainstreaming of Aesthetic in Regional and Local transparent performance of its mandated tasks. Development Planning. Representatives from local government units, regional New geographic private sector representatives were also line agencies, private sector and state universities and confirmed last June 26. They are Director Rosalina DC. colleges attended the meeting.

Calabarzon RRC identifies research gaps on growth drivers by Michael R. Lavadia, NEDA IV-A

The research agenda for Calabarzon was firmed-up and Concerns and suggestions raised include the following: validated during the Regional Development Research a) a need to enhance advocacy to stimulate the interest of Agenda (RDRA) Workshop held on August 20 in LGUs in prioritizing R&D; b) insufficient funding Calamba City. support on researches and studies; c) inclusion of R&D as priority in agency investment programs; d) need to Twenty-six representatives from various government further refine implementation and monitoring regional line agencies, the academe, research mechanisms; and e) preparation of regional inventory of consortiums, local government units, and the private proposed/pipelined researches to avoid duplication and sector were present in the workshop. The Regional promote complementation and sharing of resources Research Committee prepared the draft of the RDRA. among research institutions.

Priority research agenda focused on the challenges and The RDRA is crafted to define research gaps in response opportunities of the region’s growth drivers in the to the issues and challenges identified in the Calabarzon following areas: agriculture and fisheries; manufacturing Regional Development Plan 2011-2016. It aims to guide and services; information technology and business various research institutions and partners on the priority process management (IT-BPM); tourism; energy; and researchable areas that would address development international migration. issues, concerns, and challenges of the region’s economic drivers, to further spur sustainable development and Other highlighted areas for research are the region’s innovations towards improving the productivity, capacity to address environmental pressure on natural competitiveness, and inclusive growth of the region. resources as well as the region’s resiliency to disaster and The RDRA will be launched during the Statistics and climate change. Research Forum on October. 4 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Pres. Aquino approves Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project by PIO Laguna Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez announced that the national government has approved the construction of the coastal road that will run along the towns around the Laguna de Bay. The coastal road aims to serve as an alternate route going to and will connect the areas near the lake decongesting traffic and reducing travel time from Manila to Laguna. The project also aims to control flooding in these areas.

However, Gov. Hernandez said that the project will take years to complete, so there is still a need to prepare for flooding. He has already given instructions to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMC) to set up all equipment and to always ready its manpower for any eventualities. Prepared by Ms. Kathleen DC. Melendrez, NEDA IV-A

Community radio project in Tagkawayan kicks off by DA-AMAS, IV-A

Tagkawayan now has its own radio Radio equipment were provided by valuable assistance extended to station in DWDH 101.7 DA while the counterpart of the LGU his municipality. Radyo Tagkawayan. is the location and other expenses to be incurred by the station. Programs Witnessing the launching and The radio station is housed at the will be aired starting at 4:30 in the induction of Tagkawayan Radio were Tagkawayan Municipal Hall in morning up to 10:00 in the evening. former Director of Information Quezon broadcasts through 100 Services of the DA, Mr. Noel Reyes, kilowatts that can reach a radius of Ms. Pat Bulanhagui – Regional 70 kms. Its pilot broadcasts were Mayor Jonas A. Frandoso, Mayor of Information Officer, Ms. Emy interviews with Tagkawayan Mayor Tagkawayan thanked the Department Villanueva of DA IV-A Marketing Jonas A. Frandoso and the officials of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Division, Agricultural Program of the Department of Marketing Assistance Service (DA- Coordinating Officer Cora Gallego, Agriculture (DA). AMAS), as well as the Executive and members of the Sangguniang Director of Region IV-A for the Bayan of Tagkawayan. According to Mr. Cezar R. Piscano, Executive Director of Ploughshares Incorporated, having a radio station operated by the local government units can immediately address the need for agricultural knowledge of people in the field.

“Tagkawayan has been chosen by DA-AMAS, basically, because of its strategic location,” Mr. Piscano said. The Bicol region is near Tagkawayan. The radio station can provide agricultural information, such as prevailing prices of products and the projects of the DA, all of which aim to help farmers. Participants were briefed during the hands-on training on radio broadcasting. Third Quarter 2014 5

Luzon Spatial Development Framework Workshops held

by Revy Jolongbayan, NEDA IV-A

The Luzon Regional Development Committee (RDCom) conducted validation workshops on the Luzon Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) 2013-2045 and Investment Program on July 3-4 and August 19-20 at the PNVSCA in Quezon City and at the NEDA Regional Office 3 in San Fernando City, Pampanga, respectively.

The workshops aim to harmonize regional priorities and competitive advantages of the regions consistent with the National Spatial Strategy.

The LSDF will guide policy makers and investors in bringing about efficient settlement, production and NRO3 Regional Director Severino Santos welcoming the participants in service delivery systems consistent with sustainable land the workshop emphasizing the need for the LSDF as a tool to harmonize regional priorities in Luzon and ensure consistency with the National use and natural resource management in the next 30 Spatial Strategy. years. Also, it is expected to enhance inter-regional complementation for an effective Luzon spatial and The total investment requirement of 217 PPAs in Luzon economic integration. is PhP 2 trillion. Out of these 217, 42 PPAs amounting to PhP 696 million (34.8 %), will be implemented in the The priority investment programs, projects and activities Calabarzon Region. (PPAs) of the LSDF were identified based on the three core strategies of Concentration, Connectivity, and The workshops were attended by NEDA Regional Vulnerability Reduction. The local area application of Directors and Luzon technical staff. The Visayas and these strategies considered the unique socio-economic Mindanao regions have also formulated their own island and bio-physical features of the various regions in Luzon. spatial development frameworks.

LTO offices get excellent ratings from CSC by Jun Icban-Legaspi, LTO IV-A

“We mean business and we vow to serve the public example is the de-clogging of the DOs - the processing of better,”- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Spokesperson new registrations are now restricted to the Regional Jason Salvador. Offices so that DOs concentrate more on motor vehicle renewal registration. Both processes showed marked This was in light of the excellent ratings that LTO offices improvements, hence, the positive, if not excellent, got from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Report feedback from the public. Card Survey, under the Anti-Red Tape Act program. Although CSC survey is subject to re-validation, the LTO From January to June 2014, the CSC conducted surveys does not concern itself much with the ratings but is more among the District Offices (DOs) of LTO nationwide. focused in giving excellent service with or without the Although not yet completed, 26 offices already garnered ARTA Watch. excellent ratings from the CSC Report Card Survey. An excellent rating is given to a government agency if it accumulates a grade of at least 90%. “While we welcome these excellent ratings, such being a manifestation of our perseverance to prove what the From Calabarzon, the Quezon Licensing Center got a President said, that the public we serve are our bosses, rating of 90.16%. Last year, only the Roxas District nonetheless we rather that all our offices get a passing or Office from Region VI received an excellent rating. acceptable grade, only then can we say that we are truly excellent,” according to Salvador. “This is a true testament to the present leadership of the LTO,” according to Salvador. “It is the thrust of our The Report Card Survey or the ARTA Watch is used to Office, especially those serving in the frontline, to deliver obtain feedback on how the agency follows its Citizen’s quality service to the public,” he added. Charter, complies with ARTA provisions (which includes the no- noon break policy, no fixing activities, easy-to- Salvador further attributes the improvement of the LTO read IDs or nameplates, and presence of public assistance DOs ratings, to the streamlining of its processes. One and complaints desk) and fulfills customer satisfaction. 6 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

5th RDC-PSR National Convention successfully held in Iloilo City Iloilo City Informal Settler Families Housing Project by NEDA VI (Western Visayas)

A total of 172 participants from all 15 regions of the country gathered in Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City last August 13-15 to take part in the 5th Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives National Convention. The event was hosted by RDC-VI supported by its Secretariat, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA VI). The theme for this year is “PSRs: RDC’s Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation”

The Convention was highlighted by the message of Socio -Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan as conveyed by NEDA Deputy Director-General Margarita PSRs at Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park R. Songco who emphasized that it is the private sector who will create jobs and that government’s role is to make it easier and less costly for the private sector to do business and to encourage investments in the country.

The delegates were reassured by DDG Songco of the fact that under the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the government is focusing its strategies on fostering a more conducive business environment to facilitate economic activities. The PSRs were called upon to promote the country’s overall development and their fellow Filipinos’ welfare, as well as, to reflect and reassess how they can better contribute to their respective region’s development, vision and goals. Job Creation Thru Green Growth), and NATCCO CEO Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya (Cooperatives and Their DDG Songco’s talk was followed by the signing of the Contribution to Development). Manifesto of Support for the Updated PDP and Regional Development Plans by the heads of each Overall, the Natcon’s success was not only measured by regional delegation. the quality of the inputs from the resource persons nor the relevance of the outputs from the delegates nor the The participants then went into workshops to discuss excellence of the work rendered by the hosts but also by 1) issues/concerns related to their participation in the the unquantifiable benefits of networks established and RDC; and 2) priority agenda that should be taken up in friendships built among the private sector leaders in RDC meetings. the RDC.

Among the roster of speakers include the following: The next RDC-PSRs National Convention will be hosted DDG Margarita R. Songco (Role of the Private Sector in by RDC X in Cagayan de Oro City. Creating More Employment Opportunities and Better Jobs), DOT ASec. Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. (Roles of Private Sector Organizations in Tourism Development), Jones Lang LaSalle Country Head David Leechiu (Bright Spots/Challenges in Putting-up Investments in the Regions), DTI ASec. Rafaelita M. Aldaba (The Challenges of the Asean Economic Community Integration), ProGED-GIZ Regional Coordinator Miriam I. th Bacalso (Enhancing SME Role in Region VI PSRs turn-over the Convention banner to RDC X, the 2015 6 RDC-PSR NatCon Host Third Quarter 2014 7

Provincial News

Cavite promotes ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’ by Cavite Office of Public Safety

Since July 4, 2014, the ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’ program has already reached 36 barangays in the towns of Noveleta, Kawit, and Silang in Cavite. It is currently ongoing in other barangays and is set to be concluded by September of this year.

The program aims to raise the awareness of barangay communities on the disaster risk reduction and management issues, to prepare them especially those who are in hazard- prone areas, and to improve their capabilities for self- protection and safety in times of disasters. The ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’ program is also in line with the celebration of the 2014 National Disaster Consciousness Month being observed every July. The month long campaign highlights the importance of community participation, establishing safe and resilient communities, and climate change adaptation. Gov. Juanito Victor C. Remulla gracing the ‘Barangay Ko Alerto’

Gov. Hernandez aims to digitize hospital systems in Laguna by PIO Laguna

Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez seeks to develop a from one government hospital to another, will be treated digitized referral system to facilitate patient admission or immediately since their initial diagnosis will already be transfer connecting all the hospitals in the Province in the system for access by the attending physician. This of Laguna. hopes to minimize the time and effort when patients transfer to other government hospitals. The system will manage information on the availability of doctors, beds, or medicine in any government hospital in The health sector is a vital part of Gov. Hernandez’ Laguna. With this system in place, patients who transfer 7-Point Program in the province of Laguna.

Quezon Province to reclaim top coconut producer of Luzon by Quezon Provincial Agriculture Office

For the past two decades, the Quezon province had To cater the farmers’ demand for high-yielding coconut slipped from the ranking as one of the country’s top varieties, the Quezon Seed Farm was established in Brgy. coconut producer mainly due to the scale insect Sto Domingo, Calauag, Quezon. The seed farm will serve infestation. To reclaim its spot as top coconut producer, as the source of seed nuts for the commercial planting and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) continues replanting program of the province. High-quality seed its aggressive campaign to enhance coconut production nuts will then be nursed in Quezon’s strategically located through its three- part approach: a) establishment of the coco-nurseries created to continuously supply the need Quezon Seed Farm; b) establishment of Coco-Nurseries; for coco seedlings. and c) distribution of coconut seeds.

In the implementation of these approaches, the Provincial In addition to the approaches, the OPA partnered with Government of Quezon initially distributed 150,000 seed local government units, and private enterprises (Tropical nuts which produced 70,670 good quality seedlings. The Prime Coir, and Cocos Nucifera Pacific Enterprises) for seedlings were planted to 7,067 hectares which benefited the conduct of Coconut Fiber Twining Training that was 345 coconut farmers. This planting/replanting activity is launched in November 2013. The training program projected to annually produce an additional 5,653.60 MT intends to provide coconut farmers with additional of coconut in copra terms upon reaching the income by taking advantage of the demand for fiber productive stage. products in domestic and foreign markets. 8 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

SLSU implements ‘Yamang Lupa Program’ in Luzon by Southern Luzon State University

‘Yamang Lupa Program’ aims to improve rural livelihoods of small- holder and marginal farmers in the Philippines by increasing productivity through the use of best-bet soil, water, crop and nutrient management options

o help local farmers in Quezon province and cultivars through Village Seed Banks with enhanced seed eventually the whole of Luzon, the ‘Yamang delivery and production system; d) good soil health and Lupa Program’ has been implemented by the available land use maps depicting micro and macro- Southern Luzon State University (SLSU). In nutrient status; and e) intensified system on market-led Tthe Visayas and Mindanao regions, Visayas State agricultural products with better price for small-holder University (VSU) and Western Mindanao State farmers through cost reduction, risk management and University (WMSU) are in charge of the value addition opportunities. These gains are expected to program, respectively. be and documented program learning, impacts and successes as an exemplary up-scaling model on Since SLSU implemented the project in Sariaya, Quezon agriculture research development and extension for other in December 2013, the institution already accomplished provinces of the country. the program’s key objectives. They have conducted soil sampling and analysis and have issued soil health cards. SLSU has also identified farmer cooperators and leaders For the ‘Yamang Lupa Program’, SLSU works in and have conducted trials involving traditional versus partnership with the following agencies and institutions: with intervention tests. SLSU President and Project Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Leader Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, is in-charge with Phase 1 Research (DA-BAR); International Crops Research of Bhoochetana concept. Institute for the Semi-Acrid Tropics (ICRISAT); Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC); Bureau of Soils and Water ‘Yamang Lupa Program’ is a holistic and science-led Management (BSWM); Agricultural Training Institute development program that uses the principles and (ATI); Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Quezon approaches of the Bhoochetana or soil rejuvenation (OPA); and Office of the Municipal Agriculture of program from India. It aims to improve rural livelihoods Sariaya, Quezon (OMA-Sariaya, Quezon). of small-holder and marginal farmers in the Philippines by increasing productivity through the use of best-bet soil, water, crop and nutrient management options. Apart SLSU and its partners are looking forward to replicate the from the abovementioned component of the program, it impact of Bhoochetana in other areas and are aiming for also aims to strengthen the existing seed delivery system; the continuous success of Yamang Lupa program. develop and pilot test farmer- friendly Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabled innovative extension and delivery system; and to build capacity of the different stakeholders for increasing agricultural productivity.

With the Bhoochetana approach used in the Yamang Lupa Program, the following gains are expected: a) agricultural productivity and farmers’ income to increase by 20 percent in the pilot provinces; b) cropping intensity to increase by 30%; c) greater seed availability of high-yielding Researchers collect soil sample for soil analysis. Third Quarter 2014 9

DTI funds bamboo industry in Cardona by Charlie S. Dajao, DTI IV-A

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded a P400,000 fund for the promotion and development of the bamboo industry in Cardona, Rizal.

DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that the fund, released through the Department of Budget and Management’s grassroots participatory budgeting process, will be used for capability building, product development, advocacy, and marketing of the town’s bamboo products.

Capability building activities include trainings, seminars, and benchmarking missions, while the product development component will L-R: DTI IV-A Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo, Cardona Mayor Bernardo P. San Juan, consist of seminars on product Jr., Vice Mayor Teodulo Campo, and DTI Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes A. Parreño during the awarding of the P400,000 fund for a sustainable bamboo industry in Cardona. development and design trends on bamboo products. Cardona more than 500 school desks processing centers called bamboo made of engineered bamboo. nodes, all located in Talim Island. In DTI Rizal Provincial Director these nodes, bamboo poles are Mercedes Parreño added that part of The demand for bamboo desks is in processed into slats of standard the fund will also be used to create pursuant to Executive Order 879 configuration and dimensions, the Cardona Bamboo Development which orders the use of bamboo for treated and dried, and then further as well as to facilitate bamboo at least 25 percent of the desk and processed into intermediate and entrepreneurs’ participation in other furniture requirements of finished products in a bamboo hub. trade fairs. public elementary and secondary schools, according to Dir. Toledo. Dir. Parreño said that a bamboo hub The fund was formally awarded to established and funded under DTI’s The municipality of Cardona selected Cardona, Rizal through Mayor Shared Service Facilities Project is bamboo as a priority industry due to Bernardo P. San Juan Jr. during flag expected to operate early in July and its abundant supply in the area. It has raising ceremony at the will produce for public schools in already established three primary Municipal Hall.

Tanauan City math wizards win international competitions by DepEd IV-A

Three students from Tanauan City In South Korea, Albriz Moore Comia international competition because of proved that Filipinos are on par with Bagsic received a Merit Award and a the rigid training and high caliber international math whiz kids as they Silver Medal for team category in the math trainers in their division. bagged awards in two international International Math Competition. math competitions held in Hong Kong and Korea, respectively. The students were able to qualify in “The winnings shall be of great help the two competitions after a series of in promoting math education to the In Hong Kong, Andrei Philip David math elimination exams conducted learners and in developing new of Tanauan City High School won by the Mathematics Trainers Guild mechanism for the learners to enjoy third place in the International Math thru the Mathematics Development mathematics,” Mr. Ramilo added. Competition, while Princess Khysia Academy of the Philippines. The Schools Division of Tanauan De Guzman of Bagumbayan shall send participants representing Elementary School got the Merit According to Mr. Ronald Ramilo, the country to another international Award in the Chung Hua Cup Division EPS in Math, the students math competition in Singapore on Creative Math Competition. were able to make it in the August 1-3. 10 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Calabarzon welcomes its new Heads of Agencies!

Dr. TIRSO A. RONQUILLO EMMYLOU B. YANGA, Ed.D. RUBEN S. BASTERO President, BatStateU Director IV, CHED IV-A Director, NCIP IV

Engr. LUIS G. BANUA CARLO P. GONZAGA OIC-Regional Director OIC-Regional Director NEDA IV-A PIA IV-A

URS serves as Calabarzon GAD Resource Center by Dr. Wilhelmina Masinsin, URS

The University of Rizal System (URS) was designated as from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the host of the Gender and Development Resource Center University of the Philippines Center for Women’s (GADRC) for Region IV-A. In line with this, URS Studies, as well as other GAD advocates. formulated their manual of operations, organizational structure, and work program in cooperation with the In support of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the members of the Sectoral Committee on GAD. PCW in partnership with NEDA and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the ‘Guidelines Since 2009, the Calabarzon GADRC has been conducting in the Preparation of the Annual GAD Plan and Budget Gender Sensitivity Training and Orientation in URS. The and GAD Accomplishment Report to Implement the center has also collected gender-related reading materials Magna Carta of Women’. In support of this, the for faculty, students, and researchers. Calabarzon GADRC conducts seminar-workshops on GAD mainstreaming, planning and budgeting. The GADRC also holds GAD conventions every year since 2000, to gather partner agencies, regional lines Other activities of the resource center include the agencies (RLAs), local government units (LGUs), and following: a) holding of consultations with different state, universities and colleges (SUCs) in Calabarzon to agencies and institutions in the region; b) conducting strengthen their capability to mainstream gender research studies on gender issues and concerns; and development. c) integrating GAD concepts in the National Service Training Program curriculum; and d) providing skills The Calabarzon GADRC has initiated various capacity development program and livelihood trainings for both building activities with the technical assistance of experts men and women. Third Quarter 2014 11

Regional Economic Situationer January-June 2014 by Policy Formulation and Planning Division, NEDA IV-A

Glance at Calabarzon’s economy for 2nd Quarter 2014 • Higher consumer price index at 138 • Higher average inflation rate at 4.1% • Lower purchasing power of peso at P 0.73 • Higher labor force participation rate at 65.8% • Higher employment rate at 91.0% and unemployment rate at 9.0% • Lower underemployment rate at 17.9% • US $ 11.2 billion or 52.0% of the national PEZA export sales is from Calabarzon • Increase in rice, cattle, carabao, goat and hog production • Decrease in corn, chicken, fishery production • Decrease in overnight tourists by over 180,000 visitors • Increase in same day tourists by 2.7 million visitors • Slight decline in the crime and solution rates by 0.2 percentage points

Prices and Inflation Consumer Price Indices, Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso, Calabarzon Calabarzon’s average consumer price index (CPI) in 2014 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014) registered an increase from 136.7 in the first quarter to 138.0 in the second quarter. Compared with last year, the Indicator 2014 2013 first and second quarters inched to 5.3 and 5.4 index 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr points, respectively. All the commodity indices also posted increase based on year-on-year and quarter-on- Average CPI 138.0 136.7 132.6 131.4 quarter comparisons especially on education, food and Food and non-alcoholic 151.4 149.1 142.4 142.0 non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear and beverages health commodities. Alcoholic beverages 192.8 192.0 189.2 170.5 Regional average inflation rate remained the same at 4.1 and percent for the first and second quarters of 2014. The tobacco inflation rate rose 1.5 times this period compared to the Clothing and footwear 132.5 130.4 126.3 124.3 same period in 2013. The year-ago increase generally came from food commodities, especially rice, bread and Housing, water, 128.1 128.0 124.7 123.4 cereals; electricity, gas and other fuels; and electricity, gas and hospital services. other fuels

Furnishings, HH 128.6 128.0 125.7 124.5 The average purchasing power of peso (PPP) is recorded constant at P 0.73 during the first and second quarters of equipment and routine 2014. PPP continued to decline by P 0.03 compared to maintenance the same period in 2013. Health 138.0 136.3 132.3 130.7 Transport 124.6 124.1 122.9 123.0

Communication 95.2 95.1 94.8 94.8 Recreation and culture 112.0 111.4 109.8 108.5 Education 140.1 137.7 136.0 135.2 Restaurants and Misc. 136.4 135.3 132.4 130.1 goods and services Average Inflation Rate (%) 4.1 4.1 2.4 2.3 Average PPP (P) 0.73 0.73 0.76 0.76

© http://www.tzuchi.org.ph Source: PSA-NSO IV-A 12 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

Labor and Employment Labor and Employment Data, Calabarzon January and April (2013 and 2014) The population of ‘15 years old and over’ is growing at an average of 2.0% annually and will be estimated at 8.42 Indicator 2014 2013 million in April 2014. Labor force participation rate April* Jan April Jan minimally increased by 0.02 percentage points from January to April of 2014. Population 15 years and 8,424 8,364 8,267 8,200 above (in 000) The employment rate in the region slightly dropped from Labor Force 65.8 65.6 63.9 64.0 91.1% in January to 91.0% in April 2014 which is attributed to the number of graduates who joined the labor Participation Rate force. On a year-on-year basis, employment rates Employment rate 91.0 91.1 89.3 91.1 remained stable in January 2013 and 2014, while there was an increase of 1.7 percentage points for April 2013 Unemployment rate 9.0 8.9 10.6 8.9 and 2014. Underemployment rate 17.9 19.1 14.6 18.7

Unemployment rates remained single-digit for the Source: PSA-NSO Labor Force Survey/ *Preliminary Estimates 1stquarter of 2014, but worsened in the2ndquarter with a 1.0 % increase. From January to April 2014, there were last year. Underemployment rate declined by 1.2 12 establishments that reported retrenchment due to percentage points from January to April 2014. On a year- economic reasons causing the displacement of some on-year basis, underemployment rate is 0.3 and 4.4 workers. It is notable that unemployment rate in April percentage points higher in January and April 2014, than 2014 is 1.6 percentage points lower than the same period the same period in 2013.

Investments and Foreign Exchange Flow

Calabarzon as a highly industrialized region is home to Calabarzon. Laguna posted the highest amount of exports many industrial estates, particularly economic zones. The sales at US$ 5.99 billion followed by Cavite at US$ 3.35 Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported a billion. Batangas, likewise, posted significant sales total of 46 registered economic zones from January to amounting to US$ 1.75 billion and Rizal with US$ 0.03 June of 2014. These include 32 manufacturing economic billion. Cavite had more sales than Batangas due to the zones, 6 information technology centers, 4 information significant number of locators (636) in the former’s technology parks, 1 medical tourism park, 1 tourism eco-zones. economic zone, and 1 agro-industrial economic zone. The operating economic zones in the region are concentrated Among the interventions needed to further boost foreign in Laguna (19), while 13 are in Batangas, 10 in Cavite, 3 and direct investment in the region include the facilitation in Rizal and 1 in Quezon. of tax incentives and other related mechanisms, the

promotion of value adding as in the case of the More than half or US$ 11.12 billion of the total national manufacturing sector, and the development of business- PEZA export sales were generated by the ecozones in friendly policies.

Agriculture and Fishery

Calabarzon's agriculture performance generally recorded significant decline in rainfed and upland production in all an upward trend as most commodities posted the provinces. considerable increase in production. In the 2ndquarter of 2014, rice and livestock posted growth in production The volume of corn production, both white and yellow while corn, chicken, and fishery production registered corn, declined from 16,270 metric tons (MT) to 5,177 MT decline. On a year-on-year basis, all crops, except corn, during the 1stand 2ndquarters of 2014. In terms of year-on- decreased, while the fisheries and livestock production year quarterly production, corn increased on the average showed improvement. by 15.7%, with the growth coming mostly from the yellow corn variety. The year-on-year growth in corn is Rice production, particularly irrigated rice, increased by the result of the sustained use of high yielding varieties more than 1.3 times in the 2ndquarter of 2014 compared to and the initiative of LGUs to assist farmers. the previous quarter. The 1stand 2ndquarter productions in 2013 decreased an average of 11.3% due to unfavorable Major crops, including coconut, coffee, sugarcane, and weather conditions such as heavy rains, strong winds, and pineapple all posted decline in production based on the a longer dry period. These natural occurrences affected 1st quarter data of 2013 and 2014. Prolonged unfavorable the seasonal cropping calendar and have caused a weather conditions and high moisture stress resulted to Third Quarter 2014 13 premature flower drop in most annual and perennial crops, Volume of Production in Crops, Livestock, Poultry and Fishery thereby reducing production. Another notable event, Calabarzon 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014) attacking not only the coconut industry but also fruit Commodity 2014 2013 bearing trees, is the coconut scale insect infestation (Cocolisap) which affected Batangas, Laguna, 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr and Quezon. Crops (in MT) Meanwhile, the livestock and poultry sub-sectors posted Rice/Palay 111,555 82,904 119,462 98,629 increasing growth performance. The volume of production was generally increasing from the 1stquarter to the 2nd Corn 5,177 16,270 4,974 12,784 quarter of 2013 and 2014, except for a 1,200 MT decrease Coconut - 62,266 285,634 276,498 in chicken production from the 1st and 2ndquarters of 2014. Year-on-year comparison showed that the 2014 volume of Coffee - 4,310 223 4,818 production was higher than the previous year’s Sugarcane - 1,237,438 205,919 1,316,243 production performance. Pineapple - 9,732 59,332 11,214 The 10.6% increase in the volume of cattle and carabao Livestock and Poultry (in MT) could be attributed to high demand and a commanding price for beef and carabeef. The increase in production of Cattle 9,122.0 5,430 8,068.0 5,170.0 goat, hog, and chicken was the result of an increasing Carabao 1,873.0 1,384 1,685.0 1,272.0 demand from the food and beverage establishments. Still, the bulk of livestock and poultry supply in the region Goat 1,015.0 731 999.0 675.0 comes from Batangas, Cavite, and Rizal. Hog 79,241 71,206 76,102 69,104

The fisheries sub-sector posted the highest increase in Chicken 68,610 69,811 65,138 68,721 production among the agricultural commodities, with Fisheries (in MT) municipal fisheries as the main contributor growing an average of 1.8 times annually. From the 1st to 2ndquarter of Commercial 20,384 20,472 19,489 19,168 2014, commercial and municipal fishery production grew Municipal 49,146 52,572 27,974 29,868 at 6.8% and 76.0%, respectively, while aquaculture slipped at 2.1%. The slight decrease for aquaculture was Aquaculture 42,010 47,432 41,675 48,472 due to the instances of sulphur upwelling in Taal Lake causing high mortality of aquaculture fish. Among the Source: PSA-BAS IV-A/ - no data reported factors which contributed to the increasing production Given the performance of the agriculture sector, the performance include the favorable and prolonged cold sea region, however, still needs to focus on provision of conditions, increased interventions, and assistance from support services to farmers. Such services inlude the the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). following: a) providing access to reliable supply of good Assistance from BFAR included increased distribution of quality raw materials/inputs; b) facilitating value adding fingerlings and the sharing of good management practices such as packaging, processing, and marketing/networking; which encouraged farmers to regulate stocking density c) integrating local and international value chain and resulting to high survival rate. d) promotion of organic and sustainable farming systems.

Tourism Tourist Arrivals Tourist arrival in the region is increasing. Foreign Calabarzon, 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014) national tourists were at 95%. This maybe due to the strengthened promotion of and improved access to Indicator 2014 2013 tourism destinations in the region. However, overnight 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr visitors declined by 42.8% or over 180,000 visitors from the 1st to 2ndquarter of 2014. On a year-on-year basis, Total overnight 245,863 429,855 651,790 573,629 there was a 25.0% decrease in the 1st quarter and 64.0% tourists in the 2ndquarter,largely due the decrease in foreign Foreign 235,810 395,134 648,646 519,193 tourist arrival. Domestic 10,053 34,721 3,144 54436 Same day tourists posted strong growths during the Total same day 5,755,278 3,100,846 3,763,726 2,790,447 1stquarter of 2014, registering an additional 2.7 million tourists visitors (85.6%) in the 2ndquarter of 2014 compared to the previous quarter. The foreign tourists constituted 99.6% Foreign 5,733,599 2,954,166 3,650,016 2,622,058 of the same day tourists in the 2ndquarter. Year-on-year data on same day foreign visitors also reflected an Domestic 21,679 146,680 113,710 168,389 st nd increase of 12.7% in the 1 quarter and 57.1% in the 2 Source: Provincial Tourism Offices 14 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news

quarter. Same day domestic visitors continued to decline The region is yet to intensify the promotion and on a year-ago basis by 12.9% in the 1st quarter and 80.9% marketing of its tourist destinations, establish additional in the 2nd quarter. tourism facilities to meet the demand in case of influx of tourists, improve transportation facilities, standardize rate Among the notable regional events and activities during of tourism establishments and tour packages, and secure the period were visiting religious and cultural destinations the safety of tourists. in Antipolo City, experiencing summer and eco-adventure getaways in Tagaytay City in Cavite; Calamba City and © http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/ Pagsanjan in Laguna, and Nasugbu and coastal municipalities in Batangas; and celebrating the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban in Quezon. The conduct of the Palarong Pambansa in Sta.Cruz, Laguna also provided additional receipts in the tourism sector.

Despite the increasing number of tourists in Calabarzon, tourism in the region is still not yet harnessing its full potentials, thus further improvements have to be done.

Public Order and Safety

The situation of public order and safety remained The Philippine National Police (PNP) shifted to the new conducive for the region’s economic development, method of reporting under the universal crime statistics despite a slight decline in the crime and solution rates in which included crimes in the barangay as well as traffic the region. incidences. The decline in the crime solution rates was mostly due to unresolved traffic incidents. Regional crime rates during the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2014 declined by 0.2 percentage points from 28.5 to 28.3 Rates of Crime, Index Crime, per 100,000 person. The rates increased in the second Non-Index Crime and Crime Solution, Calabarzon semester of 2014 by about 7.0 percentage points 1st and 2nd Quarters (2013 and 2014) compared to the same period in 2013. Indicator 2014 2013 Index and non-index crime rates remained almost stable 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr at 13 and 15 per 100,000 person during the 1stand 2nd quarters of 2014, with decline in percentage points of 0.1 Crime Rate 28.3 28.5 21.4 21.0 and 0.2. Index crime rates increased by more than 3.7 Index Crime 13.4 13.5 9.7 9.1 st percentage point during the 1 quarter of 2014 compared Rate to the same period in 2013. For non-index crime, an increase of 3 and 8 per 100,000 person in the 1st and 2nd Non-index 14.8 15.0 6.5 11.9 quarters of 2014, relative to 2013, was reported. Crime Rate Crime Solution Rate 47.3 47.5 71.1 72.0 Increase in unresolved crimes in the 1st half of 2014 were reflected as there were 23 to 24 more crimes per 100,000 persons compared to the same period in 2013. Source: PNP Regional Office IV-A

Development Outlook The effects of Typhoon Glenda will be felt during the 3rd will be on the upbeat before the quarter ends in quarter with decline in vegetable and chicken productions preparation for the 4th quarter holiday season. and price spikes on basic commodities especially food Unemployment rate may reflect slight increase due to the commodities and household furnishings. At the end of the typhoon but is expected to remain single-digit. next quarter, prices will normalize as a more favorable weather condition is expected. The region's coconut Major infrastructure projects having significant impact in industry sector is expected to increase its performance the next quarter regional construction and employment due to the improvements in eradicating Cocolisap. are in procurement stage. These include the New Centennial Water Source Project - Kaliwa Dam, Laguna The typical seasonal dampening in demands for Lake Expressway Dike Project, and the Philippine Rural manufacturing and industry is expected in the 3rd quarter. Development Project and the on-going Cavite-Laguna *But manufacturing industries and wholesale/retail trade Expressway Project.

*Third Quarter 2014 Business Expectations Survey, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 26 August 2014. Third Quarter 2014 15 RPMC Bulletin

Highlights of the RPMC 2nd Quarter III and IV-A under Build-Lease-and Transfer (BLT) scheme. Accomplishments

As of June 2014, there are 5,038 classrooms or 1,540 sub- The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) projects that are already completed and 3,365 classrooms secretariat reviewed and consolidated 29 progress or 733 sub-projects have started construction in the three monitoring reports of projects implemented in the region regions. Specifically, Calabarzon has been a major by the national government agencies. The projects recipient of the project where 1,454 classrooms were include flood control/drainage and road projects of already completed and 1,911 classrooms are being DPWH, Laguna De Bay Institutional Strengthening and constructed (as of April 30, 2014). The proponent's target Community Participation Project (LISCOP) of LLDA, to construct the remaining classrooms is until Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure November 2014. Project (PSIP) Phase 1 of DepEd and Health Facilities

Enhancement Program (HFEP) of DOH, among others. The project will help supplement the current initiatives of the DepEd on classroom construction nationwide thereby RPMC Meeting expanding the supply of classrooms in all public school system as fast as it could be reasonably done to cut the The RPMC held its Second Quarter Meeting for CY 2014 current shortage of around 66,800 classroom on May 22. The progress of ongoing major programs/ units nationwide. projects that were presented to the RPMC were: a) PPP For School Infrastructure Project (Phase 1); b) Health Facility Enhancement Program; c) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and; d) Status of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process Projects. Likewise the Committee supported and adopted the: a) Proposed Purchase of a Regional Project Development, Appraisal, Monitor and Evaluation Service Vehicle Under DOE ER 1-94; b) Revitalization of the Calabarzon Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) through Web Based Technology; c) 2014 Project Monitoring Plan/Schedule of Project Visits/Inspection; and d) Selection of PSR and NGO members of the RPMC.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program

Major Programs and Projects Public-Private The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a Partnership for School Infrastructure Project human development program of the government that (PSIP) Phase 1 invests in health and education of poor households particularly of children aged 0-18 years old. The Pantawid Pamilya provides cash grants to eligible The PSIP Phase 1 is a Php 16.28 Billion project of the beneficiaries provided that they comply with the set of Department of Education (DepEd) which involves the conditions required by the program. design, construction, maintenance and financing of 9,300 classrooms in one and two-story buildings in Regions I, The program has two major objectives namely, social assistance and social development. The objective on social assistance involves cash assistance to the poor families to alleviate their immediate need (short term poverty alleviation). On the other hand, social development involves investment in human capital aimed at breaking the intergenerational poverty cycle.

The Pantawid Pamilya operates in 79 provinces covering 1,484 municipalities and 143 cities in 17 regions nationwide. The program has 4,090,667 registered households as of June 25, 2014. In Region IV-A, all provinces, municipalities and cities are 100 percent covered while 80 percent are covered at the barangay 16 Calabarzon there is knowledge in news RPMC Bulletin

b) reiterate on the Memorandum Circular Order No. 175. S. 1988 for the creation of the project monitoring committees in the provinces and municipalities; c) standardize the reporting format of project progress reports of LGUs and RLAs; and d) to consider the project monitoring performance of LGUs as one of the criteria in the DILG's Seal of Good Governance.

The activities planned after the consultation workshop would involve inclusion of workshop outputs to the preliminary design of the online system within the month of August, design of capability building for LPMCs and implementing agencies by fourth quarter of 2014, and conduct of trainings and design of the electronic system to start by first quarter of 2015. level. As of March 2014, DSWD reports showed a total of 306,197 households including 1,420 Indigenous People households in the region are registered under MELLPI Monitoring Continues in Calabarzon the program. The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) is conducting the The program is considered to significantly contribute in Monitoring and Evaluation for Local Level Plan the country’s commitment to meet the Millennium Implementation (MELLPI) of the nutrition programs of Development Goals specifically on poverty, education, various barangays in different municipalities in the gender and equality, child mortality and maternal health. region. The activity is a year-long monitoring activity which started last March and will continue until October this year.

NEDA IV-A Conducts RPMES Consultation As of September 12, 2014, the RNET already visited 18 The orientation cum consultation workshop is a major municipalities and 56 barangays in the region and is activity in the Re-entry Project (ReP) of Engr. Josephine expected to finish the remaining municipalities/barangays Hapil entitled “Revitalization of Calabarzon Regional within the scheduled timeframe. The activity will be Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) highlighted by giving various awards to LGUs with through Web-based Technology”. It primarily aimed to outstanding nutrition program management like the gather comments and suggestions from the stakeholders Nutrition Honor Award and the Consistent Regional on the development of the online monitoring system as Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award. well as advocate RPMES. A short survey was also conducted on the participants to gauge their awareness on The guideline on the MELLPI was formulated in 1979 to RPMES and online systems. The survey questionnaire guide the M&E field implementers. Said guideline is was given together with the invitation of participants. intended for use by implementers of the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition (PPAN) in conducting the The orientation and consultation workshop was MELLPI at the national, regional, provincial, city and conducted by NEDA Region IV-A on August 6, 2014 at municipal levels. The MELLPI monitoring activity is an Bayview Park Hotel, 1118 corner inter-agency effort led by the NNC. , Manila. It was participated in by 51 stakeholders in the region and 12 from NEDA Regional Office. The total attendees per stakeholder The MELLPI aims to: a) assess the efficiency of local group are as follows: a) 17 from the regional line level plan implementation, as indicated by the outreach of agencies; b) two (2) from the government owned and activities undertaken relative to the local nutrition action controlled corporations; c) 24 from the local government plan, funds expended as well as the management and units; d) four (4) from the state universities; and e) four support given by local executives and other implementing from the private sector representatives of the Regional agencies; b) measure changes in weight status of Development Council. preschool and school children during the evaluation year and the immediate past two years; c) determine the extent The major recommendations from the participants after to which nutrition is integrated into local development the workshop are: a) reactivate and improve capabilities plans and programs; and d) advocate for the continuing of the local project monitoring committees (LPMCs); support for local nutrition programs.