RDC IX Chair, Gov. Victor J. Yu presiding the meeting, with RDC IX Vice-Chair RD Phlorita A. Ridao of NEDA IX RDC IX endorses Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Regional Action Plan

The Regional Development Council (RDC) IX conducted its The updates on the Undervoltage and Power Fluctuation 171st Regular Meeting via Zoom Application on 03 December in Region IX were presented by Atty. Engr. Edgar Fronda of 2020. One of the 35 resolutions passed was the endorsement National Grid Corporation of the . of the Peninsula Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag- asa Action Plan 2020-2030 to the National BP² Council. Other major resolutions passed were the following: (a) The Plan was earlier approved by the RDC IX-BP² Special Endorsement of the Farm to Market Development Program of Committee chaired by Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista Department of Agriculture IX for CY 2020 under Bayanihan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and 2; and (b) Approving the Priority Programs and Projects of Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORDS) IX and for presentation during the subsequently endorsed to the Council. Leaders’ Summit in January 2021.

In attendance were Governor of , Atty. The 172nd Regular Meeting of the council is tentatively Wilter Y. Palma, and President of League of Municipalities for scheduled on 04 March 2021 via Videoconference. (Ric Luke , Mayor Roberto L. Uy Jr. of . Also in B. Garcia, NEDA IX) attendance were directors and representatives of 21 regional line agencies, representatives of five local government units, 11 Private Sector Representatives and six special non-voting members.

RDC IX Chairperson and Governor of , Hon. Victor J. Yu presided the meeting. In his opening remarks, he stressed the major accomplishments of the council despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19. “We were greatly challenged by the circumstances, and our way of life changed in an instant. But our resilience, dedication to public service, and collective effort helped us adapt to the new and better normal” Chair Yu said. Some of the participants of the meeting

EDITORIAL STAFF CONTRIBUTORS INFO Contact:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ric Luke B. Garcia, NEDA IX The RDC Communicator is published quarterly The Editorial Board: NEDA Regional Office IX Phlorita A. Ridao, RD Loreta E. Lapad, NEDA IX by the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX. President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Angel A. Chua-Elloren, DICT IX The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose Government Center Balintawak, ASSOCIATE EDITORS Rick Dalid, DTI IX the articles to be published due to space City 7016 Susan C. Valerio, OIC-ARD Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX limitation. Articles and pictures will become Telephone Nos: (062) 913-0164, 0165, 0168 Renato C. Herrara, CEDS, PDIPBD Joni Sarina R. Mejico, DOLE IX property of RDC IX. Comments and Fax No: (062) 945-0049 Eleanor M. Reyes, CEDS, DRD Angel A. Chua-Elloren, DICT IX suggestions are welcome. Email Address: [email protected], Leticia O. Lobren, CEDS, PMED Francis Melanie Temonio, DOST IX [email protected] Rodrigo A. Manuel, OIC, PFPD Melody Anne H. Donio, DOST IX URL: http://nro9.neda.gov.ph Ronald Von D. Rivera, CAO FAD Marielle Atilano, DOST IX NNC IX PUBLICATION COORDINATORS DAR IX Arthur N. de Guzman OCD IX Graebert S. Echin

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Lloyd E. Duhaylungsod RTF-ELCAC IX responds to the needs of ZamPen barangays

The concerted efforts of the Provincial Task Forces to End sector and the civil society organizations collaborated and Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Zamboanga provided these needed interventions. Peninsula and the 11 Clusters of Regional Task Force (RTF) ELCAC IX focused on responding to the needs of barangays Regional Director Pinky Grace P. Pareja of the National affected by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). The Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) IX presented the reports from the PTF-ELCACs and Clusters were the highlights issues of the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous during the 5th RTF-ELCAC IX meeting on October 27, 2020 Peoples (ICC/IPs) in Zamboanga Peninsula. These issues through video conference. were generated during the inter-agency visit in September 2020 of NCIP Chair Allen Capuyan in the region. On the tribal “It is important that we concentrate our efforts as the leaders’ conflict, Dir. Pareja expressed a “need to strengthen Regional Task Force into ensuring that the communities know the IP Structures to finally resolve the division and foster unity that the government is working for them and that we are a among the IP Tribes.” government that truly cares for all our constituents”, said the Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista of the Department of National Security Council Deputy Director General Damian L. Social Welfare and Development, Cabinet Officer for Regional Carlos, DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Development and Security for Region IX. Peace and Head of the RTF-ELCAC IX Secretariat Rene Glen O Paje, RDC IX Chairperson Governor Victor J. Yu, and 68 The PTF-ELCAC and the Department of the Interior and members and guests of the RTF-ELCAC IX participated in the Local Government IX in collaboration with the Armed Forces meeting. of the Philippines conducted the needs assessment through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the 86 Sec. Bautista capped the meeting saying that “there is no fast barangays affected by the CTGs in Zamboanga Peninsula. route in resolving the insurgency crisis with the CTGs to attain Basic services like access roads, concrete bridges, potable a just and lasting peace. However, through the RTF-ELCAC water, power lines, irrigation system, pre-and post-agriculture platform, we are able to harmonize and improve coordination facilities, housing, health centers, school buildings including in the implementation of government programs and projects internet connectivity, were identified during the RCSP. The for an efficient delivery of service”. (Loreta E. Lapad, NEDA IX) PTF-ELCAC of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay, the regional line agencies, private

RDC IX Executive Committee endorses TEACEP

The Regional Development Council Executive Committee evaluation activities, with data analysis,interpretation, (RDC ExCom) IX endorsed the Teachers Effectiveness reporting and utilization. and Competencies Enhancement Project (TEACEP) of Department of Education (DepEd) IX. The TEACEP is a P5.5 For Region IX, the province of Zamboanga del Sur has been billion or USD 120 million project, of which USD 110 million is selected as the program’s pilot beneficiary, as the other proposed to be financed through a World Bank loan and a provinces are currently recipients of other international Philippine government counterpart of USD 10 million. assistance in the fields of education, health, water and sanitation, among others. TEACEP is a 4-year project to be implemented by DepEd which aims to improve the quality and equity of access to Prior to the endorsement of RDC IX Executive Committee, the instruction from kindergarten to Grade 6 in regions IX, XII, and project was reviewed and endorsed by the Regional Social Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Development Committee IX.

RDC IX Chairperson and Governor Victor J. Yu of Zamboanga In attendance during the RDC IX ExCom meeting were, among del Sur convened the RDC IX Executive Committee on October others, Dir. Isabelita M. Borres of DepEd IX who presented 12, 2020 via video conference to deliberate the said project. the TEACEP, representatives from the city and provincial local government units, chairpersons of the Regional Social The components of the project are as follows: Development Committee IX, Economic Development Committee IX, and Infrastructure Development Committee IX. • provision of support to teachers and school leaders in (Ric Luke B. Garcia) improving teaching practices, • provision of adequate materials for effective teaching and learning, and • conduct of project management, monitoring and

October - December 2020 3 DAR distributes land titles, projects in Region 9

implements and farm machineries 21,742 ARBs. These includes the sub-projects which were sourced from the five programs of DAR namely; Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE), Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project (CLAAP), Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP), Village Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) and Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP). Likewise, certificates of full payment on land amortization where also awarded to 336 ARBs.

Atty. Emily Padilla, Undersecretary for the Support Services Office, emphasized that their goal is to reach out to the farmers in the field and provide them the support they needed, as well DAR Secretary John Castriciones goes to Zamboanga del Sur where he leads as, to encourage ARBs to produce high quality products at par the distribution of CLOAs and projects to the agrarian reform beneficiaries of with the international market. Region 9 DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones led the distribution of 720 DAR 9 Regional Director expressed his gratitude to land titles and projects amounting to a total of P65,950,392 Secretary Castriciones who came all the way to Region 9 to to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and organizations personally turn over the land titles and projects to the farmer (ARBOs and ARCs) in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del beneficiaries. The ceremonial distribution was also attended Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. by Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co, Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Congresswomen Divina Grace C. Yu, “Mabuhay ang mag-uuma!” exclaimed the Secretary during Zamboanga del Sur 2nd District Representative Congressman the grand event held at Pagadian City Function Hall on Leonardo L. Babasa Jr., officials from CARP implementing line December 16, 2020. agencies and other DAR 9 regional and provincial officials and staff. (DAR IX) The titles cover a total of 1,030 hectares of land benefiting 707 ARBs from the three provinces. Projects include farm

DICT IX awards 6 outstanding ICT centers in Region 9

Six community-based ICT Centers under DICT’s Technology Centers’ commitment to equip and empower the Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs with ICT resources and contents, and at the same time urged and Economic Development (Tech4ED) program were winners to continue delivering unhampered service to the awarded for their resilient and exemplary work amid the people. “Your moment does not end here in the spotlight. To pandemic in 2020 during a virtual awarding ceremony for the those whom much are given, much will be expected. And so, Search for Outstanding Centers in Mindanao Cluster 1 held we are looking forward to more from you: more heroic efforts last December, 2020. to improve the lives of our people through ICT,” she quipped.

Mindanao Cluster 1 is one of eight Field Offices of DICT covering Tech4ED Centers are one-stop computer facility helping Zamboanga Peninsula, , Sulu, and Tawi-tawi. This year residents to access contents on digital literacy, eLearning, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte; Perfecto, RT Lim, Zamboanga freelancing, agriculture, livelihood, and other government Sibugay; and Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, were awarded services. As of writing, over 4,500 communities in the country under the Emerging category; and Rural Impact Sourcing Hub now host Tech4ED Centers. (Angel A. Chua-Elloren, DICT IX) , Zamboanga del Norte; Lamitan City, Basilan; and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology , won under Outstanding category.

These Centers were honored for their innovative contributions such as conduct of Digital Literacy training, opening space for online freelancers, harnessing ICT resources for faster government transaction, and hosting ICT training or Social Media Marketing classes for indigenous groups. Regional Director Maria Teresa M. Camba honored Tech4ED

4 RDC Communicator Zampen business counselors, project officers attend UP financial management counseling course

Forty Negosyo Center business counselors, Shared Service As a pre-requisite to the completion of the course, participants Facilities (SSF) project officers and RAPID Growth project were asked to diagnose the financial status of selected officers from all over the region attended a course on Small MSMEs in their area, and present their financial reports Business Counselor 105 Financial Management Course on and recommendations on the last day prior to their virtual November 16-20, 2020. The 5-day course was conducted graduation ceremony. The selected MSMEs were Lozada by the University of the Philippines-Institute for Small Scale Pharmacy, and Ponce Convenience Store in Zamboanga del Industries (UP-ISSI). Sur; Imperial Farm in Zamboanga del Norte; Angie’s Yakan Cloth in Zamboanga City; Don Rio Pharmacy & General During the opening ceremony, DTI IX RD Ceferino J. Merchandise and MFC Food Products in Zamboanga Sibugay. Rubio challenged the participants, as the frontliners in the countryside, to be adept on the basics and complexities of To date, there are already fifty-seven (57) established small business counseling for they are expected to capacitate Negosyo Centers in Zamboanga Peninsula: 5 in Zamboanga MSMEs in their upscaling journey. City, 19 in Zamboanga del Norte, 17 in Zamboanga del Sur and 16 in Zamboanga Sibugay. As of October 2020, these The course focused on: Day 1- Introduction to Financial Negosyo Centers have already assisted 57, 620 MSMEs. Management Understanding and Preparing Financial Assistances came in various programs and services, such as Statements, Accounting Records and Systems by Prof. Business Registration Assistance, Business Advisory Services Mikhael Anjelu Magana Faculty Member, Virata School of and Business Information and Advocacy. Business, UP Diliman; Day 2- Forecasting Financial Statements Financial Statement Analysis and Profitability by Prof. Mikhael Apart from Financial Management (SBCC 105), participants Anjelu Magana; Day 3- Capital Investment Analysis Cost have also attended these small business counseling courses: Accounting, Cost Volume Profit Analysis by Prof. Mikhael Diagnosing an Enterprise (SBCC 101), Business Environment Anjelu Magana; Day 4- Planning and Monitoring Workshop on (SBCC 102), Marketing Management (SBCC 103), Operations Financial Analysis Report and Consultation Sessions, and; Day Management (SBCC 104), and Investment Management 5- Presentation and Critiquing of Financial Analysis Reports (SBCC 106). (Rick Dalid, DTI IX) by Prof. Raniel Jude Pamatmat Faculty Member, Virata School of Business UP Diliman.

DOST turns over 15 stalls, facilities to City BBQ vendors

The Department of Science and Technology IX, together with Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, turned over new sets of stalls and facilities, with a project cost of ₱1,424,850, to the city’s famous row of barbeque vendors at its Sunset Boulevard last 25 November 2020.

Members of Dipolog City Barbeque Vendors Association DOST IX Dir. Martin A. Wee with Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy assisting in were given food safety-compliant barbeque stalls, grillers, the cutting of the ribbon. and dishwashing stations. This includes training on Good Manufacturing Practices. The assistance is packaged under the DOST IX’s Grant-in-Aid project of the entitled Rebranding washing and dilution, cross contamination, and use of dirty the operation of Dipolog City Boulevard Barbeque Vendors processing utensils. and Operators, the DOST way. In consultation with the Association members, and the local The 15-stall area is a popular dining destination because of its government, DOST launched this project to promote food accessibility and affordability. However, the need for sanitary safety in the local food establishments. facility, water connections, and food safety enforcement is a concern. The ceremony is part of DOST IX’s celebration of the National Science and Technology Week in Zamboanga Peninsula In a research study conducted by faculty-researchers of Jose from 23-29 November 2020. Other activities conducted Rizal Memorial State University - Ms. Kristine Gladys Jambre were different webinars focusing on health, research and and Ms. Maria Jyl Lagorra, there were pathogens present in development, DRRM, Invent School Program, launching of the the area, namely: Total Coliform, Escherichia coli, Yeast and Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (iFAIM), Mold, and Salmonella. This presence is linked to improper and Inauguration of SEA SEED Program in Zamboanga City. handling and processing, use of contaminated water during (Melody Anne H. Donio, DOST IX)

October - December 2020 5 LGU-Lakewood conducts supplemental feeding for pregnant mothers

December 7, 2020 with nutrient-dense food composed of rice, eggs, chicken, monggo and milk. For easier distribution and access to the target beneficiaries, the program was made per while following the COVID-19 health protocols to secure the safety of the pregnant mothers against corona virus. The activity is now on its 3rd week and mothers were weighed weekly to monitor changes on their nutritional status. Since the start of the program, the LGU noted a promising outcome and good improvement on their weights.

This program is also consistent with the scientifically- Realizing the importance of maternal nutrition to the First 1000 supported fact that the F1KD of life, starting from conception Days (F1KD) of the infant’s life, the municipality of Lakewood to the second birthday of the child, is the “Golden Window conducted a month-long supplemental feeding to 135 of Opportunity” that guarantees better future of the next pregnant mothers of 14 barangays in December 2020. This generation. initiative aims to guarantee that pregnant women, especially those who are nutritionally at-risk, will receive adequate The National Nutrition Council IX commended the efforts of nutrition to ensure safe and healthy delivery of the baby and LGU-Lakewood in prioritizing the nutritional well-being of to prevent early onset of malnutrition and its consequences. its constituents especially the pregnant mothers. May this laudable nutrition and health program initiatives continue and Headed by Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) Chairperson, influence other LGUs to do the same. Hon. Mayor Domingo V. Mirrar, with Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Stefano Menjid, Municipal Health Officer Saludo kami sa inyo ka-nutrisyon! (MHO) Dr. Doreen Bosleng, and the Rural Health Unit staff, the Local Government Unit (LGU) conducted the activity starting (NNC IX)

103 schools in ZamPen now have free Wi-Fi

One hundred three (103) schools in Zamboanga Peninsula for the free internet connectivity and access. “The Internet are now internet-connected through the Department of connectivity provided by DICT brings huge help for us Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Free teachers as well as to non-teaching personnel. Teachers Wi-Fi for All project. The initiative is part of the Department’s now can have easy access on the different platforms which is efforts to provide assistance to the education sector in now useful for the new normal set-up. As of today, the online transitioning to the new normal of learning. platform is now feasible, and students are very happy to learn in a modern way with the use of the Internet provided,” Adrian Among the schools provided with free Wi-Fi include Basilan G. Refugio, Principal of Zamboanga del Norte National High National High School, Mariki Elementary School in Zamboanga School, stated. City, Western Mindanao State University, the Zamboanga del Norte National High School–Main, Jose Rizal Memorial “It (Free Wi-Fi) provided us with better Internet connectivity State University, Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Government that we need for our schoolwork and to be more productive College, Mindanao State University in Zamboanga Sibugay. despite restrictions of the new normal. It allows us to perform our duty on the go without thinking that we will run out of data,” “Your DICT recognizes the importance of Internet in the Maria Lisa B. Elopre-Valdehueza, Principal of Dipolog City continuance of education in the new normal and is aware that, National High School (Barra) added. “It maximizes information despite this, a lot of our teachers and students still don’t have dissemination, lessens the burden of teachers because Internet connectivity within their households—for various communication with our students is made easy through FB reasons. With the provision of Free Wi-Fi Internet within these messenger and other google platforms.” communities, we hope to be able to help address some of the challenges faced by our learners and teachers in adjusting to All in all, there are 158 active hotspots across these 103 blended learning—at least on the availability and affordability academic institutions: 50 in elementary schools, 22 in public of Internet connectivity,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan highschools, 86 in State Universities and Colleges. (Angel A. II said. Chua-Elloren, DICT IX) Various school heads expressed their gratitude to the DICT

6 RDC Communicator DOLE 9, OWWA 9 continue to release AKAP financial assistance to OFWs

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Land-based and Sea-based Overseas If an OFW falls under any of the categories mentioned, they Filipino Workers (OFWs) displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply online and upload the following documents: may still apply for financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9) and Overseas Workers • Copy of Passport or Travel Document; Welfare Administration (OWWA 9) under Abot Kamay Ang • Copy of flight ticket or boarding pass evidencing return Pagtulong ( AKAP) Program. to the Philippines or arrival stamp/sticker attached in the Passport; Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that OWWA 9 is • Proof of overseas employment i.e. valid verified overseas still accepting online applications via its website. employment, OEC, residence I.D.s, visa/re-entry visa, among others or permit to stay in the receiving country; “Our processing for AKAP is still ongoing. So far for region 9, and there are 1,900 that have been given the cash aid and we are • Proof of loss of employment on account of COVID19 or still expecting more this coming week,” Dir. Buenafe shared. proof that the host country/ies are included in the list of those heavily affected by the COVID-19. He said they will continue to approve applications until the end of the year since they have been given additional allocation Director Buenafe also said that in line with the safety protocols, under Bayanihan 2, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One. payouts are done with partner financial institution M Lhuillier to avoid queuing and reduce person to person contact. The program covers regular or documented OFWs with valid passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay and work in the Interested applicants may access submit applications thru receiving country, qualified undocumented OFWs who were https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/.(Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE originally regular or documented workers but for some reason IX) or cause have thereafter lost their regular or documented status; and Balik-Manggagawa who are unable to return to their host country in view of host country lockdown due to COVID19.

100 displaced fishing & canning workers benefit from DOLE’s TUPAD program

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- At the start of the Closed Fishing period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, Season in December, hundreds of fishing and canning depending on the nature of work to be performed. industry workers in Zamboanga Peninsula are temporarily displaced until resumption of work in February the following The TUPAD Beneficiaries will be working for 15 days at the year. Project HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Economically) Demo Farm earning a daily minimum wage of 316 pesos. The closed fishing season policy was imposed on sardines in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines for December 1 to To educate the beneficiaries about the program and March 1, to allow for a more productive spawning season and occupational safety and health protocol, DOLE 9 conducted address the declining fish catch. This, in turn, temporarily an orientation on December 1, 2020 at the Project HOPE affects the operation of the fishing and canning companies Demo Farm in Zamboanga ECOZONE. in the region. Dir. Buenafe discussed his hopes of maximizing the manpower The Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9) in resources to make the Project HOPE Demo Farm sustainable partnership with the Office of the 1st District of Zamboanga not just during the annual Closed Fishing Season but all year City Representative, Congressman Ceasar “Jawo” L. Jimenez round. provided emergency employment to 100 displaced workers from various fishing and canning companies. The 100 TUPAD Beneficiaries were from Big Smile Shaan Fishing Corp., Z.C. Victory Fishing Corp., Aquatic Food DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe shared that Manufacturing Corp., Bigfish Foods Corp., Century Pacific the assistance is under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Food Inc., Fortune Group Corp., Permex Producer and Exporter Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program. Corp., Southwest Asian Canning Corp., and Universal Canning TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that Inc.(Joni Sarina R. Mejico & Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX) provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum

October - December 2020 7 DOLE 9 leads Project HOPE Common Service Facility Inauguration

(left to right) Dir. Martin Wee of DOST IX , Dir. Roy Buenafe of DOLE IX, Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena of WMSU, Chairperson Raul Regondola of Zamboanga ECOZONE, and PSR Jose Suan of Labor Sector leading the inauguration ceremony

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Project HOPE Agricultural Cooperative bags and seedlings while DOLE 9 also turned-over Kabuhayan (PHAC) member-beneficiaries can now manufacture and Starter Kits for vegetable growing and production worth Php process more super hots chili products as the new Common 300K under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Service Facility (CSF) was formally inaugurated yesterday morning at the Demo Farm in Zamboanga Ecozone and In his message, Director Buenafe thanked the various Freeport Authority, Talisayan, Zamboanga City. partners who offered support, financial resources and technical assistance to the DOLE-assisted cooperative. He Regional Directors Atty. Roy L. Buenafe of Department of mentioned that Project HOPE is DOLE’s holistic intervention Labor and Employment and Martin A. Wee of the Department to the perennial problem brought about by the Closed Fishing of Science and Technology (DOST) led the inauguration Season thru the provision of a package of assistance as well ceremony for the facility. as services to affected workers of the fishing and canning industry and their families. The setting up of the Common Service Facility started on January 27, 2020 through a grant amounting to PHP Present during the inauguration ceremony were government 1,224,100.00 which DOLE awarded to SOPHIL Fishing officials and private sector partners who shared messages Association, DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner. Meanwhile, of support – Zamboanga ECOZONE Chairperson Raul M. DOST 9 provided the equipment such as food processors, Regondola, DA Agricultural Center Chief Arnulfo Estrada, freezer, range hood and stainless steel fixtures as well as NWPC Commissioner and Labor Leader Jose J. Suan, training on product packaging and labeling. Congressman Cesar Jimenez Jr represented by Eileen Jane Wee, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar represented by Director Buenafe said that the CSF is one of the solutions to the Engr. Al Urao, Western Mindanao State University President Dr. cooperative’s production difficulties as most of the processes Ma. Carla Ochotorena and SOPHIL President Engr. Johnson are done by hand. With the addition of the CSF and added Jaydrick Yap. implements, workers productivity will increase and product lines may expand. Project Hope Workers Association President, Mary Jean D. Gonzaga in her message, expressed her thanks to the DOLE At present, the PHAC currently manufactures Chilicious and its partners for the relentless support to the cooperative Products such as the Vinagre Special (Sukang Pinakurat), and committed to make the most out of the assistance they Chili Garlic Paste, Chili Garlic Sauce and Chili Garlic Crunch – received.(Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX) whose main ingredient - chili – are being organically grown at the demo farm.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) 9 and the Office of the City Agriculturist turned over farm inputs consisting of fertilizer

8 RDC Communicator DOST IX turns over first seaweed dryer in Zambo Sibugay

Sitio Katipunan, Barangay Magdaup Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Seaweed Floating Dryer is an innovative approach developed is populated by Kalibugan Tribe, were most of the folks are by Engr. Ronel Pangan of the University of the Philippines engaged in fishing and seaweed farming, as it is their primary Los Baños funded by the DOST – Philippine Council for means of livelihood. It is a community seldom reached by Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and government assistance due to its conflict-vulnerable image. Development (PCAARRD) to support the post-harvest needs of the seaweeds industry in the country. The Katipunan Vegetable and Agar-agar Growers Association (KVAGA), is an association of farmers in the community with Aside from Seaweed Floating Dryer, the Association also 30 active members, and is fortunate to be the beneficiary of received a Seaweed Nursery, Fiber Boat, and technology the first seaweed floating dryer established in Zamboanga trainings from DOST IX, amounting to Five Hundred Thousand Sibugay. pesos (500,000.00). (Francis Melanie Temonio, DOST IX)

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology IX (DOST) thru its Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Zamboanga Sibugay headed by Provincial Director Jennifer A. Pidor, turned over the Seaweed Floating Dryer to KVAGA President, Ms. Radzma Gumapi along with its members.

The dryer can accommodate 2000 kg fresh seaweeds and equipped with Solar power to support the lighting and exhaust fan for better air circulation.

During the ceremony, Gumapi conveyed her appreciation with kind words, saying “Nagpasalamat mig dako sa DOST IX kay nakab-ot namu ang dugay na namong gipangandoy nga ma improve ang among pamaagi sa pag dry ug seaweeds ug among e promise nga amping ug palambo-on namu kini nga proyekto”

Also present to witness the ceremony were the partner agencies- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture (DA)- Ipil, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), UP Mindanao Pull and Landcare Foundation. Photo with KVAGA and partner agencies (DOST, DTI, BFAR,DA, MENRO, UP-MIN- DANAO PULL, LANDCARE FOUNDATION) and Bongbong Mechanical Shop

SEAWEEDS FLOATING DYER, Magdaup, Ipil, ZSP Interior View of the Seaweed Floating Dryer

October - December 2020 9 Laboratory works on the waste utilization and optimization of calamansi peels

Research on calamansi peels receives 570k DOST funding

A researcher in Zamboanga City had recently received a grant of Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of San worth Five-Hundred Seventy Thousand, Five-Hundred Sixty Carlos in 2018 and a product of Three Pesos and Seventy-Eight centavos (₱570,563.78) with a degree in Pharmacy. to develop studies on the utilization and optimization of calamansi peels. Fernandez’s study on the waste utilization and optimization of calamansi peels becomes the fifth research funded locally Calamansi fruit serves as an important fruit crop in the through the ZCHRD – RRF. This study is expected to produce Philippines. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority, calamansi peel essential oil, biodegradable organic calamansi the country produced 14.86 thousand metric tons in the first microbeads, hand sanitizer with calamansi microbeads, and quarter of 2019. In the regional level, Zamboanga City is one facial gel exfoliant with calamansi microbeads within the of the major growing areas of calamansi in Mindanao with course of 6 months. 1,077 hectares. As the demand of calamansi juice increased, the wastes that were produced also increased. The peel The DOST, through its various R&D councils, provides funding constitutes for the majority of the waste products, but contains for studies in designing, implementing, and managing essential oils that can be used in variety of ways and can be research projects. profitable, and it can also replace the plastic microbead in cosmetics and cleaning products that pollutes the marine Regular staff and faculty members of research institutes, resources and affect the marine food chain. medical and allied health sciences, hospitals, and other health-related agencies are encouraged to submit research The study focuses on upcycling the peels of calamansi fruit proposals to the ZCHRD secretariat via electronic mail. as a source of high quality essential oils and as alternative (Marielle Atilano, DOST IX) biodegradable organic microbeads in cosmetic preparations.

The grant will be utilized to obtain the necessary provisions, supplies and materials, and chemical reagents for extraction of essential oils and microbeads of calamansi peels.

Leading the study is Mr. Rusell Alen V. Fernandez, graduate

10 RDC Communicator 151 Filipinos arrive in Zamboanga City from Sabah ZAMBOANGA CITY, November 13 (DOLE) – A total of 151 Cesar B. Yano of the Department of National Defense (DND) Returning Filipinos from Sarawak, Malaysia comprising the and Assistant Secretary Joseline P. Niwane of the DSWD. sixth batch arrived in Zamboanga City yesterday afternoon at the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) aboard Malaysian USec. Yano thanked the various agencies present: Airlines. “To everyone, thank you for another job-well done. I personally Based on the data released by the Department of Social witnessed the commitment of every individual from our Welfare and Development, of the returning Filipinos, 34 are Embassy Team to the last driver and food server composing from Zamboanga City, 1 from Zamboanga Del Sur, 31 from the support group. Let’s also thank the Almighty for the safe Zamboanga Del Norte, 12 from Zamboanga Sibugay, 13 from flight of our brothers and sisters and hope that they will remain Tawi-Tawi, 32 from Jolo, Sulu, 11 from Basilan Province while safe in their travels to their respective destinations. Again, 17 are from other provinces. All returnees have been issued we have shown that if we work as one, we can do wonders. medical certificates following the customs, immigration, Thank you.” quarantine and security (CIQS) protocols at the ZIA. The arrival process was made possible with the help of the Upon arrival at the ZIA, the returnees were brought to the following government agencies: Philippine Ports Authority Travelers Hub at the Philippine Ports Authority for document (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Office of Civil Defense validation, profiling, distribution of travel authority. Various (OCD), Department of Social Welfare and Development government agencies under the Inter-Agency Task Group (DSWD), Ministry of Social Services and Development – Western Mindanao – Management of Returning Filipinos from BARMM, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Joint Task Force Sabah (IATGWM-MREFS) provided assistance to the ReFs: Zamboanga (JTF-Zamboanga), National Commission on food packs from OWWA, hygiene kits from DSWD and New Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), PNP-Maritime Group, Zamboanga Zealand International Organization for Migration, libreng tawag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office from NTC, medical aid from Philippine Red Cross, DOH and (ZCDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of OCD. The Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE Quarantine (BOQ), Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western 9) provided IEC materials and livelihood program application Mindanao Command (AFP-WESTMINCOM), Department forms to returning Pinoys. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Returnees residing outside of Zamboanga City were directly Administration (OWWA), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau ferried to their hometowns via vehicles of their respective local of Quarantine (BOQ), Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), the government units. Meanwhile, returnees from BARMM shall City Health Office (CHO) and the local government units of be housed temporarily at the DSWD-Processing Center for Zamboanga City and of the ROFs’ home provinces and cities. Displaced Person (PCDP) in Brgy. Talon-Talon, Zamboanga (Karen Claire Q. Grafia, DOLE IX) City in preparation for their respective flights and trips. Present to oversee the whole process were Undersecretary

Informal sector workers in , Zamboanga del Norte receive emergency employment

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some 25 informal sector workers in underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum Barangay Malayal, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte whose period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, livelihoods are affected by the imposed community quarantine depending on the nature of work to be performed. against COVID-19 received emergency employment from the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9). Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao handed the check amounting to PHP 79,000.00 to Chairman Cabatingan Barangay Malayal is considered a small barangay with a on November 13, 2020 at DOLE 9, Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga general population of less than 4,000 per 2015 census. It is City. DOLE Chiefs Wesley D. Tan and Elsa B. Tan, Labor and located near the coast and is closer to Zamboanga City than Employment Officer III Michael Vincent Macrohon and Sibuco Zamboanga del Norte. Municipality PESO Manager Philip S. Magug stood witness to the turn-over. Barangay Chairman Oscar Cabatingan said that since the imposition of quarantine measures in the area, his constituents ARD Gatinao explained the mechanics of the program and have no means of generating income. Thus, DOLE’s program, informed the Chairman that the beneficiaries must work for TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ 10 days on community disinfection/sanitation activities. The Displaced Workers Program is a welcome respite for the amount awarded covers their wages computed at Php316/ citizens of Brgy. Malayal. day as the region’s minimum wage, personal protective equipment and accident insurance for one year. (Karen Claire Regional Director Atty Roy L. Buenafe, in an interview, said Q. Grafia, DOLE IX) that TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers,

October - December 2020 11 CIVIL DEFENSE IN ACTION: Leading the response operations against COVID-19 in Region IX

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, later known as COVID-19, Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena, provided technical has caused disruptions to the world’s healthcare systems, assistance during the conduct of the said activity. economies, social mobility and security. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the 2019 Novel OCD IX as Chair of RTF COVID-19 Zamboanga Peninsula Coronavirus as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, encouraging all nations to take a whole-of-government, Pursuant to item B, paragraph 1 of the IATF-MEID Resolution whole-of-society approach “built around a comprehensive No. 23, Series of 2020 dated 13 April 2020, the Office of Civil strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimize Defense, through its regional offices, was designated as Chair impacts.” of the Regional Task Force against COVID-19, as established by IATF Resolution No. 16, Series of 2020 dated 30 March In the Philippines, the advent of the pandemic was met by the 2020. Declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 922, With this, the OCD IX has been functioning as Chair for both dated 08 March 2020, and later, the Declaration of a State RDRRMC IX and RTF IX, in addition to its continuous delivery of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus of internal PAPs (programs, activities and projects) and Disease 2019 through Presidential Proclamation No. 929 participation in various meetings and activities of the different dated 16 March 2020. regional line agencies.

On March 18, 2020, the National Disaster Risk Reduction RTF COVID-19 ZamPen – Advanced Command Post (ACP) and Management Council (NDRRMCissued Memorandum No. 27, s.2020 raising the Alert Status to RED at the National To ensure efficient coordination for prompt COVID-19 response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center and establish close coordination with the Health Cluster, the (NDRRMOC) and Activation of the Response Cluster for RTF COVID-19 ZamPen established the Advanced Command Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) to facilitate coordination, Post (ACP) situated at DOH Zamboanga Peninsula – Center response and humanitarian assistance during the pandemic. for Health Development, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City. The alert also intensified the monitoring of the possible effects of the outbreak and ensured timely dissemination of The OCD IX personnel assigned at the ACP are in-charge of warnings/advisories to the public. This led to the activation of the Logistics Hub located at Edwin Andrews Air Base, Sta. the Response Cluster of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Maria, Zamboanga City, and facilitate the requests for PPEs and Management Council (RDRRMC) IX. of various response agencies in Zamboanga City. The ACP Team provides support to the COVID-19 Special Team, which is the implementing arm of the DOH – CHD IX in the fight Proclamation No. 922 also brought about the creation of a against COVID-19. Health Cluster leading the response operations. A COVID-19 Special Team headed by the Regional Epidemiology The ACP Team also coordinates and facilitates the conduct Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH - CHD IX was constituted as of Special Handling Operations for Returning Filipinos from its implementing arm. Sabah (SHOREFS), and attends meetings in Zamboanga City, for both COVID-related and non-COVID-related matters. At the regional level, the RDRRMC IX held a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) on February 03, 2020 at LM Hotel, Activation of the COVID-19 Regional Incident Management Zamboanga City to discuss the preparedness and preventive Team (RIMT) measures of the region against COVID-19. The RTF COVID-19 Zamboanga Peninsula activated the From February 17 to 20, 2020, the RDRRMC IX, through the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) to manage Health Cluster led by the Department of Health Zamboanga and supervise the six (6) Regional Quarantine Control Points Peninsula – Center for Health Development, conducted (QCPs) strategically situated around the Region, as well as, a Technical Working Group (TWG) Contingency Planning manage the arrival of locally stranded individuals (LSIs). Workshop for COVID-19 at Terra Cotta Hotel, Zamboanga City. The Regional Contingency Plan for COVID-19 Zamboanga The RIMT is composed of the following agencies and Peninsula “details the roles of relevant agencies, in both public LDRRMOs: PNP – Police Regional Office 9, Bureau of Jail and private sectors, including civil society organizations, Management and Penology IX, Bureau of Fire Protection while harmonizing available resources and synchronizing IX, Philippine Red Cross – Pagadian Chapter, PDRRMO – existing policies, and looks at the access to support from Zamboanga del Norte and CDRRMO – Dipolog. other sources”. The plan is alignedwith the 2012 Philippine Preparedness and Response Plan for Pandemic and Avian OCD IX provided food provisions (groceries) and financial Influenza, the draft National Action Plan for Health Security. support to the six (6) QCPs.

The Office of Civil Defense IX, through the leadership of

12 RDC Communicator Shadow Support to the EOCs of LGUs Under Tight Watch full assistance, cooperation and mobilization of the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate tasks OCD IX has been providing “shadow support” to the COVID-19 to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Zamboanga Peninsula. Special Team, Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) of the Local Government Units / Local Task Forces that have been RAP Phase I under tight watch due to rising COVID-19 cases. These are the EOCs of Zamboanga Cityand Pagadian City. To date, there are two (2) phases of the RAP. Phase I focuses on identifying the goals, approaches and critical tasks of Dir. Manuel Luis Ochotorena personally visited other EOCs partner-agencies outlined from the PDITR strategy of the around the region, which provided a venue for discussion with National Action Plan. The RAP Phase I Organizational Structure the Local Task Forces to improve their COVID-19 response utilizes the Response Cluster Framework as prescribed in operations in their respective AORs. the NDRRMC Memorandum No. 27, s.2020 dated 18 March 2020 and Executive Order No. 168, s.2014, thus organized Zamboanga City had the greatest number of COVID cases in as follows: the region, while Pagadian City showed gradual and steady increase in their cases during the latter part of last year.The The Regional Action Plan Phase I Concept of Operations latter is in the list of high-risk LGUs in the country based on the (ConOps) provides for the application of the Incident October 25 - 31, 2020 report of the OCTA Research Group. Command System (ICS) which is implemented by the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT). The RIMT takes charge Interviews and Guesting Stints on the management of the Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) at six (6) strategic provincial and regional borders, ensuring To keep the public updated on the RTF’s response operations, the unhampered flow of essential goods and services within RTF IX Chairperson and OCD IX Regional Director Manuel the region and neighboring areas without compromising the Luis Ochotorena hasbeen actively guesting on PIA’s Kapihan safety of frontliners. na Zamboanga: Bantay COVID-19 ZamPen, as well as, in interviews by other local media outlets. The same provides for the establishment of the RTF COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Command and OCD IX provided support to the Strategic Communications Control located at the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office Cluster through the augmentation of communication IX, Balintawak, Pagadian City. The EOC is a facility equipped allowance (prepaid loads) for media practitioners in Region IX with personnel and resources that serves as a repository for regular online press conferences. of information and main coordination hub to support the management of an incident (COVID-19) and sustain the Regional Action Plan (RAP) against COVID-19 initiative.

The Regional Task Force COVID-19 Zamboanga Peninsula, RAP II under the leadership of the RDRRMC IX Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IX Regional Director Manuel The Phase II of the National Action Plan shall roll out by August Luis Ochotorena, drafted the Regional Action Plan (RAP) 2020. It will still focuson ensuring the health of Filipinos, but against COVID-19 in support of the National Action Plan at the same time, aiming at the gradual re-opening of the (NAP) COVID-19. The Regional Action Plan serves as a guide economy. It aims to sustain the goals of the initial phase of for RTF COVID-19 ZamPen member-agencies in rendering the NAP, while preparing the country in the transition to the and the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, respectively. “new normal”, as well. The NAP Phase II will introduce the Zoning Containment Strategy or the application of localized Basically, upon the detection of a COVID-19 positive or lockdown, an initiative that provides guidelines to national, suspect individual, the concerned Local Task Force shall regional and local authorities in the implementation of the P-D- identify and designate the CrZ, CZ, BZ and OBZ. Task Group I-T-R interventions on different levels of localized community HIOPS shall immediately isolate the COVID-19 positive or quarantine measures. In the Zoning Containment Strategy, suspect patients, while the Task Group ACOPS shall right there are four (4) zoning classifications, to wit: away contain the particular house, edifice, street, block or barangay by cordoning the identified CrZ and CZ. 1. Critical Zone (CrZ): areas where the initial number of cases or several clustering cases have been identified The RTF COVID-19 ZamPen provided for this delineation within the past seven (7) days; of efforts and defined their respective roles to hasten and 2. Containment Zone (CZ): areas without new cases, but strengthen the application of the Zoning Containment are adjacent to a geographic unit categorized as CrZ; Strategy and interoperability. It provided a more systematized 3. Buffer Zone (BZ): areas without new cases, but are mechanism in containing the spread of the virus whilst adjacent to areas categorized as CZ; and reviving the economy and minimizing disruptions in people’s 4. Area Outside Buffer Zone (OBZ): all the remaining areas daily lives. without new cases not categorized as CZ or BZ The RTF COVID-19 EOC, apart from being the center of Furthermore, the NAP II utilizes the “hammer and dance” communication and coordination of response actions to theory, which refers to the implementation of localized provide timely and efficient delivery of technical assistance lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus, while gradually and resource augmentation (TARA), shall be in constant opening the economy, still with the continuing observance of coordination with the Local Task Forces’ EOCs (LTFs – EOC), minimum health protocols. which in turn shall be in close supervision of and coordination with their respective Task Groups HIOPS and ACOPS. To support the balance between health and economy, the Regional Action Plan Phase II of the RTF COVID-19 OCD IX AS RTF COVID-19 LOGISTICS CLUSTER LEAD Zamboanga Peninsula highlights the integration of two (2) new concepts in the RTF’s operations against COVID-19, Apart from its chairmanship of the RTF COVID-19 Zamboanga namely: Human Isolation Operations (HIOPS) and the Area Peninsula, OCD IX has also been performing its role as lead Containment Operations (ACOPS). agency of the RTF IX Logistics Cluster.

In HIOPS, the functionaries are the health workers under the NDRRMC Memo No. 35, s.2020 re: Activation of Logistics Health Cluster led by DOH IX, while the uniformed troops Hubs and Streamlining of Management of Donations ICOW under the Law and Order Cluster shall lead in the execution COVID-19 Response establishes and activates the Western of the ACOPS operationalized by the COVID-19 Special Team Mindanao Logistics Hub located at Edwin Andrews Air Base

14 RDC Communicator (Zamboanga International Airport), Zamboanga City, with OCD regional executives and spearheaded by RTF IX Chairperson IX as the office-in-charge. The said COVID-19 Logistics Hub and OCD IX Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena went for Western Mindanao caters to Regions IX, X and BARMM. around the Region for its Townhall Consultation with the LGUs.

OCD IX has been actively facilitating the distribution of The C.O.D.E. Team is a strategic response mechanism that personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other logistical ensures application of the PDITR of the National Task Force needs to the various health facilities, frontline agencies and against COVID-19. The C.O.D.E. Team Townhall Consultation local government units in the Region in the fight against provides an avenue for the Local Task Forces and the CODE COVID-19. Team to identify and understand the issues and concerns encountered in the fight against COVID-19 as they apply the SPECIAL HANDLING OPERATIONS FOR RETURNING measures, methodologies and strategies prescribed by the FILIPINOS FROM SABAH (SHOREFS) NTF and RTF.

OCD IX has also been hands-on in the Special Handling The COVID-19 C.O.D.E. Team ZamPen is composed of the Operations for the Returning Filipinos from Sabah (SHOREFS) following agencies: OCD IX, DILG IX, DOH IX, PNP-Police under the supervision of USec Cesar Yano, chief implementer Regional Office IX, AFP, DPWH IX, DTI IX, DEPED IX, DOT IX, of TG MROF of NTF COVID-19. The RTF COVID-19 ZamPen DOLE IX, DOST IX, DICT IX, PIA IX and TESDA IX. led the activation of the SHOREFS – Incident Management Team, and supported the Incident Command Post (ICP) The Office of Civil Defense continues its leadership located at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), R.T. Lim commitment in continuously developing strategic and Boulevard, Zamboanga City. systematic approaches to reduce the community’s vulnerabilities to risks and hazards, and to manage the The SHOREFS – IMT holds Planning Meetings at the ICP prior consequences of disasters. to the scheduled arrival of the Returning Filipinos from Sabah at Zamboanga City. As the OCD IX continues its leadership in Covid 19 response The Office of Civil Defense, being the Logistics Cluster Lead operations, it also ensures and reinforces a multi-level of the National Task Force on COVID-19, provided the financial collaboration thru a whole-of-government and whole-of- requirement in transporting REFS from Sabah to Zamboanga society approach for a safer and more resilient Zamboanga City via Aleson Shipping Lines. OCD Memorandum No. 439A Peninsula. (OCD IX) dated 22 September 2020 approved the recommendation for the Office of Civil Defense – Regional Office IX Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to be constituted as a Special BAC to facilitate the payment of Php 26 million for the voyage/ transportation services of these (REFS).

COVID-19 C.O.D.E. TEAM TOWNHALL CONSULTATION

The COVID-19 C.O.D.E. (Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic) Team Zamboanga Peninsula composed of the

October - December 2020 15 2020 ARES ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER

MACROECONOMY

Prices

In 2020, the consumer price index (CPI) was 127.1 as against Among the commodities, alcohol, beverage, and tobacco 124.1 in 2019, or an increase of 3.0 in the average retail prices posted the highest CPI in both 2019 and 2020, while of goods and serices commonly purchased by households. transportation and recreation declined by negative 1.7 and The purchasing power of the peso (PPP) was down to 0.79 negative 1.1, respectively. from 0.81 in 2019, reflecting an inflation rate of 2.4 percent in 2020 or up by 1.4 percentage points when compared with 1.0percent in 2019.

16 RDC Communicator EMPLOYMENT

Preliminary data showed that there were 2,511,000 total 2019 2020* population 15 years old and over in 2020, or an increase of Employed 1,341,326 1,289,574 37,000 from 2019. The labor force participation rate in 2020 Unemployed 51,536 141,696 improved to 57.0% as against 56.3% in 2019. However, Underemployed 219,978 219,228 employed persons in 2020 were lower than in 2019, while Source: PSA * preliminary unemployed individuals were more than the 2019 record.

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY

The production of palay, corn, poultry, carabao and cattle income during the pandemic. Poultry eggs, hogs, goats and production decreased in 2020. As a result of weather all types of fishery production increased in 2020. disturbances, the major crops were mostly affected. The decrease in the number of carabao and cattle was due to the selling/slaughtering of existing stocks to augment farm

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY PRODUCTION

Production Growth Major Crops Area Harvested (ha) Production (mt) Rates (2019-2020) PALAY 2019: 164,939.10 677,436.78 -4.73% 2020: 157,626.59 645,407.04

CORN 2019: 118,081.75 184,636.71 -8.5% 2020: 116,081.75 168,854.81 Livestock and Poultry, Volume of Production, Growth Rates, 2019-2020 Particular 2019 2020 Growth Rate (%) Carabao 8,104 7,628 -5.9% Cattle 11,045 9,861 -10.8% Hog 82,135 82,950 1.0% Goat 3,155 2,943 -7.0% Chicken 36,476 35,848 -1.7% Chicken Eggs 16,185 16,882 3.1% Duck 314 310 -1.3% Duck Eggs 1,847 2,050 11.0% Fisheries 548,651 585,127 7.0%

Source: PSA IX

INVESTMENTS and TRADE

A more robust economy was expected in 2020 as the number of business name registration reached 18,434 in the beginning of 2020, or 28.0% more than in 2019 (14,434). The total number of business establishments in the region was 53,160. When the pandemic struck during the first quarter of 2020 and continued for the rest of the year, business name registration dwindled as lockdowns and quarantines were imposed to stem the spread of the pandemic.

October - December 2020 17 TOURISM Visitors Occupancy Rates The visitors in the region who stayed overnight at accommodation establishments in 2020 were 166,522 or 2020 2020 a decrease of 86% from 1,172,840 in 2019. In like manner, occupancy rate at accommodation establishments was down 86% 10% to 42% from 52% in 2019.

HEALTH

As of December 28, 2020, the number of confirmed Isabela City had the least number. There were 229 reported cases was 5,206. Of this number, 2,193 and 3,013 were deaths. The 594 bed capacity of the treatment facilities in the symptomatic and asymtomatic, respectively. Zamboanga region accommodated 196 COVID-19 patients. City reported the most number of confirmed cases while

Confirmed Cases Total Province/City Symptomatic Total Cases Deaths Asymptomatic Mild Severe Critical

Zamboanga del Norte 99 26 13 195 333 21 Zamboanga del Sur 213 20 10 607 850 35 Zamboanga Sibugay 27 9 2 133 171 3 Zamboanga City 1,334 256 119 1,942 3,651 165 Isabela City 49 14 2 136 201 5 TOTAL 1,722 325 146 3,013 5,206 229

Source: RTF/RDRRMC IX Health Cluster

TAX REVENUE COLLECTIONS

As a result of the strict imposition of community lockdown/ collected increased, while VAT and other taxes collected quarantine, the economic activities of the different industries dropped in 2020. in the region were greatly affected in the 4th quarter of 2020, registering a 5.0% decrease in total tax collections as compared to 2019. Income, percentage and excise taxes

Income Tax VAT

2020: PHP3,775,680.30 2020: PHP1,556,895,123.72 2019: PHP3,325,649.54 2019: PHP1,558,231,086.00

Percentage Tax Other Taxes

2020: PHP245,591,493.46 2020: PH 449,086,390.82 2019: PHP237,253,015.00 2019: PHP654,139,100.00

Excise Tax

2020: PHP96,304,318.62 2019: PHP12,273,097.00

Source: BIR RR No. 15

18 RDC Communicator ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

The percentage of criminal, civil, administrative and labor cases and the continuous influx of referrals. Rehabilitation and handled and terminated by DOJ-Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) intervention services rendered to clients lessened because of IX dropped in 2020. The DOJ-PAO IX accomplishments are the limited access to tap community resources by the DOJ- dependent on the number of walk-in clients. The increase for PPA IX field offices investigation and supervised cases for parole and probation in 2020 were due to carry over investigation cases from 2019

% Change (2019-2020) Cases Handled Terminated Criminal -8.1% -15.5%

Civil -12.3% -41.1% Administrative -12.3% -27.0% % Change (2019-2020) Labor -22.0% -44.0% Investigation 40.4% Supervision 42.0% Rehabilitation (58.0%) Sources: DOJ-PAO IX and DOJ-PPA IX

PEACE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

There were 5,738 total crime volume for peace and order incidents reported from January to November 2020, of which 4,235 were solved while 5,451 were cleared. This translates to crime solution efficiency (CSE) of 74.24% and crime clearance efficiency (CCE) of 95.59%. The CSE and CCE for January to November 2020 were higher compared to 2019 of the same period at 68.06% and 80.97%, respectively. There were 3,278 incidents for public safety crime volume categorized as Quasi Offenses and the Vehicular Accidents from January to November 2020 as against the same period in 2019 at 5,270. This figure was 1,992 incidents or 37.80% lower than the same period in 2019.

The BFP IX in 2020 was able to inspect 53,612 establishments in the region, or a 107.83% accomplishment as compared with 49,715 in 2019. The number of fire incidents in 2020 decreased to 438 as against 725 in 2019 with estimated damages of PHP88,344,350.00 and PHP130,588,450.00, respectively.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2021

The economy is expected to rebound in 2021 as the outbreak is contained, the economy is further opened, and more government stimulus measures are implemented. Specifically, with the easing of community quarantine restrictions, the main drivers of the economy such as manufacturing, construction, household consumption are expected to help the region’s economy recover. The government will boost the country’s health systems capacity along with monetary and fiscal stimulus measures. Government spending improves as a result of the timely passage of the 2021 national budget to implement recovery programs, while investments will pour in ready to implement projects under the Build Build Build Program, health related- facilities, and digital infrastructures.

The new and better normal 2021 will usher in the increase in demand for digital goods and services. The resumption of more public transport operations, domestic tourism, diversification of programs in agriculture toward high-value crops, and infrastructure investment will push the region back to its course towards development.

October - December 2020 19 Regional Development Council IX 171st Regular Meeting via Zoom | 3 December 2020

Resolutions Passed Res. No., series of Working Title 2020 094 Requesting Infrastructure Development Committee IX to Conduct a Forum to Discuss Voltage Fluctuation in the Region 095 Confirming RDC IX Executive Committee Resolution Endorsing the Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project of the Department of Education 096 Confirming the Group Representatives to Regional Development Council IX Executive Committee 097 Confirming RDC IX Executive Committee Resolution Supporting the Retention of Dr. Isabelita M. Borres as Regional Director of Department of Educa- tion Regional Office IX 098 Approving the Priority Programs/Projects of Zamboanga Peninsula for Resource Mobilization and Endorsing the Same to the Mindanao Leaders’ Summit 099 Approving the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program Action Plan and Endorsing the Same to the BP2 Council 100 Requesting the Office of the President to Issue a Presidential Proclamation Reserving Portion of the Existing Timberland in the Municipality of , Zamboanga del Norte for Agricultural Production and Resettlement Site for the BP2 Program 101 Endorsing the Concreting of Access Road to the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program Site in the Municipality of Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte to the Department of Public Works and Highways 102 Endorsing the Energization of the Site of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in the Municipality of Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte to the National Electrification Administration 103 Endorsing the Resolution of the Municipality of Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte Requesting the Department of Agriculture to Allocate Funds for the Agricultural Support Program of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program in the Municipality 104 Requesting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to Conduct an Investigation on the Alleged Non-Implementation of Banks of the BSP Policy on Lowering Interest Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Impose Sanctions, If Warranted, and for the BSP to Ensure Access to Credit and Financial Inclusion 105 Requesting President Rodrigo R. Duterte to Certify the Passage of the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act as Urgent 106 Expressing Support to the Passage of the Proposed Subscriber Identification Module Card Registration Act Filed in the 18th Congress 107 A Resolution Requesting the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur and City Government of Pagadian to Provide Funding Support for the Site Development Project for the Construction of the Bureau of Fire Protection IX Regional Office Building at the Regional Government Center Site, Balintawak, Pagadian City 108 A Resolution Requesting the Concerned Municipal Local Government Units to Allocate and Donate Lot for the Construction of Fire Stations in their Respective Areas Without Cost 109 Requesting the National Bureau of Investigation to Establish an NBI Provincial Office or Satellite Office in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay 110 Endorsing the Student Housing Project of Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College in the Amount of PHP130 Million for Inclusion in its FY 2022 Investment Priorities and Budget Proposal 111 Endorsing to the Department of Education (DepEd) the Adoption of Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality in Basic Education, Subject to the Ap- proval of the Local Government Units, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Under Strict Supervision of the DepEd Division Offices 112 A Resolution Requesting the Philippine National Police IX to Strictly Implement DILG MC No. 2020-140 113 Requesting the National Food Authority Council, National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture to Review Re- public Act No. 11203 by Assessing its Implementation and Impact to Farmers 114 Endorsing the Utilization of the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan, CY 2020-2022, of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur 115 Endorsing the Utilization of the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan, CY 2020-2022, of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte 116 Supporting the Coconut Farmers’ Opposition to the Export of Mature Coconuts 117 Reiterating RDC IX Resolution No. 094, series of 2019 for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to Fast Track the Release of the Initial Amount of PHP200 Million for the Acquisition of Lot for the New Zamboanga International Airport 118 Requesting Department of Budget and Management to Fast Track the Release of the Special Allotment Release Order of the Initial PHP200 Million to the Department of Transportation for the Acquisition of Lot for the New Zamboanga International Airport 119 Endorsing Additional Twelve Projects Under Farm-to-Market Road Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) IX in the Amount of PHP144 Million for CY 2020 Under the Bayanihan 2 120 Supporting the Port Zone Delineation Plan Lamao Port in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte 121 Accepting the Report of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee IX Monitoring Team 122 Requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office to Provide and Fast Track the Release of Funds for Road Right-of-Way Acquisition for all its Road Projects in Region IX 123 Requesting the Implementing Agencies to Strictly Monitor the Compliance of their Contractors to the General Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Standards 124 Approving the CY 2021 RPMC IX Indicative Monitoring Plan 125 Creating the Special Regional Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SRC-SDG) Technical Working Groups on Economic, Environment, Social, Peace, Security and Governance 126 Accepting the Report of the Regional Land Use Committee IX

The RDC Communicator Regional Development Council IX President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City 7016 Telephone No: (062) 945-0049 Email Address: [email protected] http://nro9.neda.gov.ph