Inside this issue

PAGE 3 ABOUT THE COVER

Going digital for Eight MSMEs sign agreement to produce economic recovery enhanced nutribuns in .

PAGE 7

SIGAW: an early warning system for tsunamis

2 there is knowledge in news

Photo by: irri.org The headquarters of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is in Los Baños, .

The institute is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.

IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and more than 1,000 staff. Photo by: irri.org

Published quarterly by the Regional Development Council IV-A TABLE OF CONTENTS (CALABARZON). The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose the Know Your Region articles to be published due to the 2 limited space. CALABARZON gets ready for returnees with the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa Action Plan EDITORIAL BOARD 3 Going digital for economic recovery

Editor-in-Chief 6th CALABARZON RSI Forum focuses on achieving RD Luis G. Banua 4 sustainable and inclusive development

Managing Editors Study reveals carrying capacity of Tagaytay ARD Gina T. Gacusan 5 Marlo E. Chavez CellulaTM: a locally-developed plant tissue culture growth chamber Editors Agnes A. Daantos 6 BioSyn-F: the aquafeed supplement that can boost Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio milkfish production Valter R. Morada Theresa Jane C. Medenilla Controlling electrical devices at home through your cellphone Michael R. Lavadia 7 SIGAW: an early warning system for tsunamis Layout and Design Mary Deemple D. Ariate Provincial News Christine Flores 8 Angela Llamas 10 The Nutribun makes a comeback Feedback and article contributions are welcome. Remembering a dedicated public servant Please contact: NEDA Regional Office IV-A, 12 Nutrio™: the biofertilizer for sugarcane and eggplant Barangay Milagrosa, Calamba City, Laguna 4027 Quarterly Regional Economic Situationer Tel: (049) 502 –0289 13 Email: [email protected] RPMC Bulletin 17

Fourth Quarter 2020 3

in meeting the needs of the people who wish to return or reside in CALABARZON. The Action Plan focuses on four key result areas: a) empowerment of local industries; b) food security and agricultural productivity; c) housing, social welfare, health, employment, and human resource development; and d) infrastructure development. The Plan ensures the development of sustainable and The CALABARZON Balik Undersecretary Epimaco V. inclusive communities. Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa Densing III also approved the (BP2) Committee endorsed creation of the Regional BP2 According to NEDA Region the BP2 Action Plan to the Communication Group to IV-A Assistant Director Gina Regional Development take the lead in the T. Gacusan, “the preparation Council (RDC) during its information campaign. of the CALABARZON meeting on November 19, BP2 Action Plan used both 2020. The meeting which The BP2 Action Plan was the top-down and was chaired by DILG crafted to prepare the Region bottom-up approach”.

Shifting to digital transactions particularly those involving Cherryl R. Ofracio discussed is one way to help the financial transactions. The Digital Peso Equity and economy recover. This was use of online financial Retirement Account or stressed during the 5th transactions is necessary to PERA; while BSP Bank CALABARZON Economic boost the economy. Officer Marie Kristine V. and Financial Forum last Pajarillo talked about the October 29, 2020. The Financial experts shared the uses and benefits of theme for this year’s forum is, various digital channels of PESONet and InstaPay. “Bridging Digital Gaps: monetary transactions in Making Economic and coping with the “new normal”. From the private sector Mr. Financial Information Online transactions are Joshua Jerald Deomano Available to All”. encouraged to avoid touching elaborated on the emerging money in order to prevent payments acceptance The forum was conducted to contamination or spread of solutions such as PayMaya, inform the public on the safe the virus. Smart Padala, PayMaya use and practicability of Negosyo, while GCash was digital transactions, In keeping with the theme, discussed by Ms. Mynt BSP Deputy Director Racquel B. Holazo.

4 there is knowledge in news

The 6th CALABARZON Research, Express Program of Singapore Polytechnic. Statistics, and Innovation Forum conducted As the Country Manager for the Philippines on October 15, 2020 via Zoom webinar of Singapore Polytechnic, they have focused on how research, statistics, and engagements with several State innovation can help achieve sustainable Universities and Colleges (SUCs). She and inclusive development. shared the Learning Express program with these SUCs wherein students learn through Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. exposure with the people they are tasked to Guevara of the Department of Science and help and explore various innovations in Technology (DOST) said, “DOST believes the process. that research leads innovation and innovation drives sustainable economic The CALABARZON Regional Development growth even in the face of pandemic”. She Council-Regional Research and Innovation emphasized that accurate statistical data, Committee awarded the winners for the research and development, and innovation best papers and posters from the Social, are important in achieving resilience of Environment, and Agriculture sectors during businesses, communities, and society as a the Oral and Poster presentations held in whole in times of pandemic. August and September. Mr. Teofilo Palsimon Jr. of DOH was awarded the Speaking for the business sector, Dr. Dan overall best paper and best paper in Social C. Lachica, President of the Semiconductor sector, while Mr. Micklare Angelo Zepeda and Electronics Industries in the Philippines and Mr. Clayre Gerald Villas, both from Foundation, Inc. presented how research SHS in San Nicholas III were awarded the and technological innovations in best paper in Environment and Agriculture semiconductors and electronics industries sectors, respectively. For poster contribute to the development of the presentations, Mr. Aaron Tristan Arbolado country. He recommended that the of SHS in San Nicholas III won 1st place, semiconductor and electronics industry Dr. Helene Daya of SLSU won 2nd place, pursue Integrated Circuits design as this is Mr. Allen Christopher Estabillo of SHS in where the value is highest in the entire San Nicholas III won 3rd place, and Ms. value chain. He asked that the colleges and Sheryl Andal of Rosario National High universities include Integrated Circuits School won the Viewers’ Poster Design in their curriculum to prepare their Choice Award. students who will enter this industry. This year’s forum was in partnership with From Singapore, Ms. Ng Aik Min of DOST Region IV-A, PSA Region IV-A, and Singapore Polytechnic shared the Learning CHED IV-A Research Council Inc.

“DOST believes that research leads innovation and innovation drives sustainable economic growth even in the face of pandemic”.

Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara Department of Science and Technology

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A study by the National Economic and various development plans to prioritize and Development Authority (NEDA) Region IV-A implement short and revealed that Tagaytay City had reached medium-term interventions.” critical levels on road capacity, water supply and air quality, causing pressure on its According to NEDA IV-A Regional Director physical and natural resources. Luis G. Banua “knowing a city’s urban carrying capacity will help the local The most critical concern is the water government and the region’s planners and supply as the current supply of 23,340 decision-makers to formulate more m3/day is not enough to meet the daily responsive plans, policies and priority demand of 28,176 m3/day which includes programs and projects, especially during not just the residents but commercial periods of economic shocks such as the establishments catering to tourists. Without recent Taal Volcanic eruption and the the tourists, the current water supply will be ongoing COVID-19 pandemic”. enough for the projected population in 2026. The water shortage is evident as According to Assistant Regional Director water rationing is being experienced by Gina T. Gacusan, the pandemic bought the those interviewed in the study. local government time to act on the critical indicators presented. She added that time is Another major concern is road capacity. of the essence in addressing the challenges The major roads leading to the City already on the carrying capacity of Tagaytay have moderate to heavy traffic throughout towards the central goal of improving the the year. Heavy traffic is a norm during quality of life of the City. weekends and holiday seasons making travel to the City very challenging to The results of the study under the Tagaytay tourists, while locals opt to stay at home to City Urban Carrying Capacity Research avoid heavy traffic. Project of NEDA Region IV-A were presented during the Public Consultation, Air quality has also suffered. Carbon and Regional Dissemination Forum held on emissions of motor vehicles have reached October 30 and November 25, 2020, over the capacity for carbon sequestration respectively via Zoom Videoconference. of the City’s green cover. According to Both activities were participated by local public opinion, Tagaytay City has officials and planners from the provincial grown warmer. and city government, regional line agencies, academe and private sector. According to NEDA Assistant Secretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos, “NEDA NEDA Region IV-A through the REECS and intends to promote the conduct of Urban Tractebel Consultants also conducted a Carrying Capacity (UCC) studies across the Training on the Methodology in Estimating country to improve planning of the local the Tagaytay UCC to local planners and the government units and provide inputs for academe from November 17-18, 2020.

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The “CellulaTM” developed by the National Coffee Research, Development and Extension Center of the State University, is a locally-fabricated plant tissue culture growth chamber.

plant embryos. The chamber enhancement of growth, can hold a maximum of 384 increase the germination plantlets per operation. A efficiency, and decrease the plant germination efficiency plant contamination of the of 92.5 percent and 7.50 micropropagated coffee and percent plant contamination makapuno plantlets. were observed based on the conducted There is a growing demand performance evaluation. for quality planting materials for coffee, makapuno, and The tissue culture growth other high-value crops chamber was developed exhibiting the "true-to-type" through the research project traits of their mother plants. entitled “Design and This increasing demand has Development of a PLC- led to government and Based High Capacity Tissue private entities to venture Culture Growth Chamber” into income-generating led by Engr. Gerry M. tissue culture laboratories. Castillo. The research was Typical laboratories do not This growth chamber creates funded by the Department of have growth rooms for their a suitable environmental for Science and Technology- tissue-cultured plants and tissue-cultured plantlets. A Philippine Council for this makes the plants prone programmable logic Industry, Energy, Emerging to contamination. Moreover, controller (PLC) controls the Technology Research and their tissue-culture plants temperature, relative Development thru their were observed to have a humidity, and photoperiod Grants-in-Aid program. The lower plant germination rate. inside the chamber which is grant aimed to produce crucial for the growth of the low-cost equipment for the

In these challenging times, has probiotics and focus is on sustainable food prebiotics that enhance the production. Providing safe nutritional value of the and affordable food is one aquafeed. When BioSyn-F of the top priorities of is fed to the milkfish, there is the milkfish with BioSyn-F government. The Laguna an improvement in their enriched aquafeed can lead State Polytechnic University survival rate and growth. to increased milkfish responded to this call production which can revive through its College of With the use of BioSyn-F in the declining fish industry. Fisheries headed by Prof. cultured milkfish production, Christian Paul P. de la Cruz the Philippines may regain The development of and his team which its title as the world’s leader BioSyn-F was made developed a technology to in milkfish production. possible through the support increase milkfish BioSyn-F can help address of the Department of aquaculture production. the problems in the milkfish Science and Technology- industry such as high Philippine Council for The research team created mortality rate, low growth, Agriculture, Aquatic and a supplement called and emergence of antibiotic- Natural Resources BioSyn-F. This supplement resistant bacteria. Feeding Research and Development.

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As communities near the shore are vulnerable to tsunamis, the State University (BatStateU) developed the Solar-Powered Isotropic Generator of Acoustic Wave or SIGAW.

SIGAW is a network of cost-efficient tsunami early warning systems. Communities are warned of a tsunami through an alarm and a text message. Data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology triggers the sensor of the SIGAW before the tsunami hits the shore, which gives enough time for the residents to What will you do if you are wireless communication prepare and proceed to safer areas. on vacation and forgot to between the transmitter and switch off your electric stove receiver module of the SIGAW was first deployed in 2016 at home? This is one system. The control system in the province of Batangas. The nightmare that Prof. Leo C. having the SMS, Wi-Fi, and project was funded by the United Rio of the University of Bluetooth components Nations - World Food Program. System tried to solve with his allows multiple electrical Through this partnership, 17 units research entitled “SMS, devices to be controlled and have been installed in the different Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-Based monitored from different coastal areas in the municipalities Electrical Loads distances or locations at any of Batangas. Control System”. time of the day. In November 2017, BatStateU, Many of us have probably The SMS, Wi-Fi, and through the funding of DOST encountered that problem of Bluetooth components were CALABARZON, deployed three units forgetting to turn off all found very accurate in of Tsunami Early Warning System in appliances when we leave sending and receiving province. A total of 20 our house and rush back to signals to switch on and off SIGAW units have been installed in turn them off. Knowing this electrical devices and as somewhat a common monitor them as well. The the provinces of Batangas and problem, Prof. Rio embarked capability to monitor electric Quezon. And at present, three more on a research that uses the load can alert the user of units are being developed and are set cellphone to turn off, on, or overloading which can to be installed before the end of 2020. monitor electrical devices. prevent fires due to The university takes care of the His research merged the use electrical problems. maintenance of all the units. of Bluetooth, SMS, Wi-Fi to develop a mobile The publication of the communication- based research of Prof. Rio last security system. October 25, 2020 in the Solid State Technology, a The design was based on Scopus-indexed journal, wireless communication created an avenue for him to principles and their articulate the meaning of respective technology doing and being engaged in applications using electronic research as he quoted, circuits, module/boards, “There is always a way to components and devices for make something old new, signal and data transmission something small big; and and reception. A something simple as pre-programmed something amazing. That is communication apps was the very essence why we installed in a mobile phone to should keep on researching, establish exclusive developing, and innovating.”

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The Provincial Government of Cavite together were the conduct of province wide with the National Task Force targets to disinfections, sanitary inspections, and conduct Aggressive Community Testing on assistance on the transport of Locally COVID-19 to 10,000 Caviteños from the Stranded Individuals including that of 23 cities and municipalities of Cavite. Returning Overseas Filipinos. A Contingency Plan on Biological Hazard (COVID-19) and a A molecular laboratory was established in Recovery Rehabilitation Program were partnership with the De La Salle Medical already prepared. Health and Science Institute to increase the testing capacity of the province while testing To cope with the New Normal, the stations were installed. provincial government is conducting trainings and seminars online to build the skills and Governor has been proactive capabilities of government workers. It also in his social media posts to increase people’s adopted alternative work arrangements for awareness on health and safety protocols its employees without compromising the while the is also operation of offices and strictly observes very responsive in the fight against COVID-19. minimum health protocols in the workplace in order to continuously Other activities to stem the spread of the virus serve Caviteños.

Through its Local Economic Agenda, the Hanapbuhay - Simulan sa Tahanan” province of Laguna is working to give a boost specifically designed for thousands of not only to the sectors that are already members of Serbisyong Tama Kababaihan performing well, but also those that are women’s groups in Laguna, featuring demos underperforming. It will help the province on paper bag, doormat/potholder making, maintain its existing job opportunities while paper beads, crochet, dishwashing liquid, creating wider opportunities for its constituents. fabric conditioner, candle making, bread and pastry, meat processing, herbs and spices, The latest project of the provincial government plant propagation, artificial insemination, under Governor Ramil L. Hernandez is the nail/ beauty care, massage, and welding, online livelihood training program “Ratsada among others.

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“Being tired is not an excuse when helping residents of the affected areas. Apart from the others”, said Governor Hermilando I. slippers, relief goods, hygiene kits and Mandanas during the unveiling of the necessities were also provided. The Provincial Government of Batangas’ new provincial government is also in continuous project, “HAKBANG IKAW, MAGITING: coordination with private partners and Tsinelas para sa mga binaha sa Batangas” at investors to immediately provide jobs. Brgy. Libjo, Batangas City, last November 5. The governor also acknowledged the The project is an initiative of the Governor in significance of the volunteers like Barangay partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health and Development Office to provide slippers to Workers, and Barangay Tanods as those who were severely affected by Typhoon they offered significant Rolly. The slippers were from the donations contributions in helping of different partners of the government in the community. providing services for community development.

Mandanas emphasized that the Provincial Government is always ready and on the move in giving assistance to the

Agricultural provinces must modernize local “CALABARZON continues to show farming practices with research and agriculture industrialization in many ways, but technology to improve their productivity and of course [a] value adding business approach become more resilient to disasters. will be critical.” Dar said.

During the launch of the Cash and Food According to the Agriculture chief, Subsidy for Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk mechanisms, such as post harvest facilities (CFSMFF) program in Brgy. Mayuwi, and financial safeguards; including crop Tayabas City, Quezon, Agriculture Secretary insurance, partnership with reliable William Dar recognized the contribution of the financial institutions, distribution of farming province not only as the country’s leading inputs and encouragement of loan producer of coconut and livestock, but also guarantee funds are available to farmers to for its hardworking and committed farmers help them become more productive. and fisherfolk.

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by: Demee Angelica S. Ludia, DOST IV-A

With calamities shaking our country one after another, having nutritious and healthy food is difficult have sealed the deal by to attain with the standard signing a Technology relief food packs. Hence, Licensing Agreement (TLA) the Department of Science as the official first batch of and Technology through its producers of the E-Nutribun Food and Nutrition in the Region. Research Institute (DOST- When asked about their decision to adopt the FNRI) launched the “ready The eight E-Nutribun E-Nutribun, Mr. Emmanuel Munda, to eat complete meal”- technology adopters, after Enhanced Nutribun undergoing several virtual the General Manager, said that this (E-Nutribun). evaluations, have adoption is in line with their successfully passed the set cooperative’s vision- “Our coop’s meeting with DSWD And guess what? The standards and are now tagline is Kooperatiba para sa Region IV-A and DepEd Region CALABARZON region will closer towards becoming malusog na Pilipino. [This] IV-A, even up to paving the way for soon get a taste of the full-fledged adopters. One of partnership with DOST-FNRI is a the conduct of the very first E-Nutribun from none other the eight technology golden opportunity to promote DOST-FNRI virtual site visit and healthy products such ocular inspection. than their “kababayan" adopters is the San Jose as E-Nutribun. bakers and manufacturers in Workers’ Multipurpose ” the Region. Cooperative from San The initiative to have MSMEs as Jose, Batangas. DOST- E-Nutribun technology adopters Eight DOST CALABARZON also aims to help the MSMEs CALABARZON-assisted since September of recover from economic losses they micro, small, and medium this year has been have experienced. Initial enterprises (MSMEs) actively endorsing coordination with DepEd Region and contributing to IV-A and DSWD Region IV-A have the efforts for the already been made to ensure that adoption and the eight technology adopters can commercialization of become the suppliers for the the E-Nutribun. agencies' feeding programs. From series of orientations with Swisspharma Research DOST-FNRI and Laboratories, Inc. from Cabuyao different MSMEs, to Laguna, another technology intensive promotions adopter, noted that the by the Provincial E-Nutribun as well as the Science and partnership with DOST is a Technology Centers, promising angle for to a consultative their enterprise.

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The technology adopters have undergone a three-day Virtual Technology Transfer Training on the Production of E-Nutribun which included topics on food safety, 5S, and good manufacturing practices. A test production of the actual E-Nutribun was also conducted. Some MSME technology adopters have already begun their commercial production and selling.

As part of DOST- CALABARZON’s Regional E-Nutribun Launching, DOST will be giving away samples to partner national government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and private organizations.

Meanwhile, assistance to aspiring technology adopters is still on-going. With the CALABARZON region receiving the most number of Letters of Intent for E-Nutribun adoption, DOST- CALABARZON continues to assist more MSMEs in their E-Nutribun journey. For interested adopters, send an email to [email protected] or through DOST- When asked about CALABARZON’s their decision to adopt the Facebook page. E-Nutribun, Mr. Emmanuel Munda, the General Manager, said that this adoption is in line with their cooperative’s vision- “Our coop’s meeting with DSWD tagline is Kooperatiba para sa Region IV-A and DepEd Region malusog na Pilipino. [This] IV-A, even up to paving the way for partnership with DOST-FNRI is a the conduct of the very first golden opportunity to promote DOST-FNRI virtual site visit and healthy products such ocular inspection. as E-Nutribun.” The initiative to have MSMEs as DOST- E-Nutribun technology adopters CALABARZON also aims to help the MSMEs since September of recover from economic losses they this year has been have experienced. Initial actively endorsing coordination with DepEd Region and contributing to IV-A and DSWD Region IV-A have the efforts for the already been made to ensure that adoption and the eight technology adopters can commercialization of become the suppliers for the the E-Nutribun. agencies' feeding programs. From series of orientations with Swisspharma Research DOST-FNRI and Laboratories, Inc. from Cabuyao different MSMEs, to Laguna, another technology intensive promotions adopter, noted that the by the Provincial E-Nutribun as well as the Science and partnership with DOST is a Technology Centers, promising angle for to a consultative their enterprise.

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Secretary Jose Maria the helm, CALABARZON was Nicomedes “Dennis” the first to organize the Hernandez was a constant Regional Task Force. His presence in the RDC and interest in ending armed other regional bodies. As the conflict in CALABARZON led Presidential adviser for the him to participate in the RDC Southern Tagalog region, he Community Outreach activities would always say that he and in personally providing the serves as the eyes and ears of venue where rebel returnees the President in Southern can officially surrender. He Tagalog. This he has taken to strongly believed and heart by finding ways to be supported the Community with those in need and by Mobilization Support Program giving assurance that the as it addressed both the President will know of problems of insurgency and their situation. drug addiction.

His untimely demise last His advocacies on combating October 18, 2020 at the age of insurgency, drug addiction, 1948-2020 72 left a void in the RDC and and making Southern Tagalog Secretary Jose Maria in the many institutions and a better place is his legacy to Nicomedes F. Hernandez committees he has closely us. We honor his memory by Presidential Adviser for worked with. Foremost among continuing the work he has Southern Tagalog these is the Regional Task left behind. To a dedicated Force to End Local Communist public servant, Armed Conflict. With him at we say THANK YOU.

Nutrio™, a microbial-based foliar spray improve Nutrio™ through field trials, which have biofertilizer that promotes plant growth and been mostly successful especially in promoting replaces up to 50 percent of the required the technology to end-users. chemical fertilizer for eggplant and sugarcane. Dr. Padilla has applied for patent for the Nutrio was developed by Dr. Virginia Padilla biofertilizer and was granted the trademark for when she was at the UPLB National Institute of the name Nutrio™. The technology is also Microbiology and Biotechnology with the thought registered with the Fertilizer and of helping farmers. Her research was funded by Pesticide Authority. the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and To continue producing Nutrio™ so that more Natural Resources Research and Development farmers can benefit from it, Dr. Padilla applied (DOST-PCAARRD). for its commercialization by establishing a spin-off company. She and her husband Dr. Padilla did not stop from improving and created a small family corporation called introducing Nutrio™ to farmers even when she Fullmight Agricultural Corp., and signed a retired last year. Despite being in the market licensing agreement with UPLB, to market and already, Dr. Padilla continues to test and distribute the biofertilizer nationwide.

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Increased Increased  Employment rate  Average inflation rate  Average consumer price index  Underemployment rate

 Palay, corn, sweet potato, and Decreased cassava production  Average purchasing power of Peso  Chicken eggs production  Coconut, , and pineapple production  Total ship calls  Hog, cattle, carabao, and goat production  Number of passengers in Batangas and  Chicken, duck, and duck eggs production Lucena Ports  Aquaculture, municipal, and commercial fishing  Total cargo throughput  Same-day and overnight  Volume of shipping containers tourist arrivals

Prices and Inflation

This quarter’s transport prices increased by more Average Inflation Rate than 10 percent from last quarter while prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 2.33 and 1.97 percent, respectively.

High transport price was a result of surge in tricycle fares due to restrictions on number of passenger.

Figure 1. Quarterly average inflation rate, 3rd Quarter 2019 to 3rd Quarter Multiple oil price hikes were also experienced during 2020. this quarter which prompted higher prices Third quarter inflation rate was recorded at 2.70, of transport. 0.70 percentage points higher than last quarter and 1.07 percentage points higher than the same period last year. 3Q Inflation Rate Growth Drivers

Average Purchasing Power of Peso

Average purchasing power of Peso declined by PHP0.01, from PHP0.83 during the last quarter to this quarter’s PHP0.82. Higher prices in housing, water, electricity, gas and Figure 2. Average Purchasing power of other fuels were brought by increase in prices of Peso, 2nd Quarter 2020 and 3rd Quarter cooking gas which was driven mainly by 2020. international market rates coupled with price increase in home rentals and water supply during this quarter. Average Consumer Price Index Safety restrictions and quarantine protocols continue to affect recreational and cultural services Average consumer price as reflected by 0.59 percent decline in prices. index increased by 1.42 percent from last Food prices, which constitutes the bulk of inflation quarter’s PHP120.10 to rate, continue to increase at a steady pace as a PHP121.80 this quarter. result of slow increments in prices of fish and meat and lower prices of vegetables.

Figure 3. Quarterly average consumer price index, 3rd Quarter 2019 to 3rd Quarter 2020. Source: Philippine Statistics Authority Region IV-A

14 there is knowledge in news Labor & Employment*

of business operations. Temporary closure of 53 establishments affected 4,024 employees.

A total of 777 establishments reduced their work force affecting 22,985 employees while 86 establishments had to shut down affecting 2,117 employees. The implementation of flexible work arrangement in 279 Employment rate in the region increased to 87.6 percent, establishments affected 12,830 employees. higher by 4.3 percentage points compared to the previous quarter but 5.0 percentage points lower compared to the same quarter in 2019. This quarter-on-quarter increase is due to more workers returning to work due to the easing of community quarantine.

Underemployment rate at 21.9 percent is1.8 percentage points lower than the previous quarter but 9.8 percentage points higher year-on-year. Figure 4. Percentage of employees affected by retrenchment, shutdown, temporary closure, and flexible work arrangement, Financial loss and loss of market caused most of business rd establishments to retrench and permanently close. All the 3 Quarter 2020 temporarily closed establishments declared the enforcement Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority Region IV-A of community quarantine as reason for the temporary cease Department of Labor and Employment Region IV-A *Estimates are preliminary and subject to change. r– revised Agriculture Production of major agricultural commodities declined from third quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2020. There were decline in production of livestock and poultry, fisheries, and some crops like coconut, banana, and pineapple. Crops Palay, corn, sweet potato, and cassava Coconut and banana production increased while coconut, recorded a continued banana and pineapple recorded year-on-year reduction in production decrease. volume of production with 2.29 percent and Palay production increased by 26.95 5.61 percent losses, percent from 31,837 metric tons in the respectively. This third quarter of 2019 to 40,418 metric downtrend can be due to the strong tons in the third typhoons in the province of Quezon. quarter of 2020. Corn production also went up by A similar trend can be observed for pineapple 24.93 percent from 22,428 production and this metric tons to 28,019 metric tons for was exacerbated by the same time period. the effect of Taal Volcano eruption in Increased production of major crops is the production areas due to favorable weather condition for in the provinces of rice and other crops as well as Batangas and Cavite. increased demand for rice, corn and root crops during the peak of COVID-19 quarantine.

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Fisheries The livestock and poultry sub-sectors suffered Total fisheries production production losses for all commodities except for went down from 81,434 chicken eggs which posted an increase of 4,222 metric tons in the third metric tons (MT) in the third quarter of 2020. quarter of 2019 to 67,293 metric tons in the same The following declines in production were recorded for quarter of 2020. major commodities: hog (5,857 MT), cattle All fishing sub-sectors posted production (497 MT), carabao (307 MT), goat (78 downtrends. Aquaculture production is down by MT), chicken (14,631 MT), duck 11,522 metric tons(23.4 percent). Municipal fishing (36 MT), and duck eggs declined largely because of decrease in production (65 MT). of marine municipal fishing by 9.26 percent and inland municipal fishing by 4.56 percent. Meanwhile, The decline in production of commercial fishing recorded a loss of 1,107 metric livestock and poultry can be tons for the same time period. due to the decline in demand from institutional buyers such as hotels and The lower production restaurants who were greatly affected by can be due to limited the pandemic. mobility and fishing activities in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority Region IV-A Revised data on 2019 municipal and commercial fisheries

Ports Batangas Port Container volume, imports and exports, significantly Total ship calls in increased in the third quarter compared to the Batangas port including previous quarter with increase in exports by around government and private 30 percent. ports significantly increased by 43 percent The gradual restarting of economic activities in the third quarter contributed to the positive performance compared in compared to the the previous quarter. However, this was not enough to previous quarter. match the performance in the same period in the However, compared with previous year, pre-pandemic. the same period in 2019, fewer ship calls were Source: Philippine Ports Authority-PMO Batangas recorded due to the pandemic. Lucena Port and Private Ports in Quezon Figure 5. Total shipcalls in Batangas Port, 3rd Quarter 2020 Domestic ship calls comprised 93 percent of Total ship calls in Lucena the total ship calls in Batangas port. The Batangas port and other private Port is the only government port with international ports in Quezon doubled operations in the Region. quarter-on-quarter while passenger traffic There was an increased by 81 increase of 9 percent in percent quarter-on- foreign cargoes from quarter. This can be the second to third attributed to higher ship quarter of 2020 but calls in transportation this was lower by 17 of cargoes. percent compared to Figure 7. Total shipcalls in Lucena the same period Ports and Private Ports in Quezon, Year-on-year total ship rd last year. 3 Quarter 2020. calls slightly declined by 3 percent while total Domestic cargoes passenger traffic significantly declined by 70 percent. declined quarter-on- quarter by 4 percent but Total cargo throughput in Lucena Port and private higher by 22 percent ports increased by around 76 percent in the third compared with Figure 6. Foreign cargo throughput quarter compared the previous quarter. in Batangas Port, 3rd Quarter 2020 last year. Source: Philippine Ports Authority-PMO MarQuez

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Compared to the same period in 2019, there was also a slight increase of 2.26 percent. The top commodities transported in Lucena Port were coconut oil and copra. Less restrictions in the Quezon Province due to its lower COVID-19 cases contributed to higher mobility in the Province’s ports.

Figure 8. Total cargo throughput in metric tons, 3rd Quarter 2020 Tourism Tourism

Tourism was significantly affected by travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, only around 2 percent of same day tourists recorded in the third quarter in 2019 were able to visit the region in same period in 2020. The same is also true for overnight tourists.

Based on the partial report of the provinces, the region recorded 160,631 same-day tourists and 31,400 domestic overnight tourists during the third quarter of 2020. As expected, there were almost no foreign visitors in the region. Figure 9. Same-day tourists arrival, 3rd Quarter 2020

Source: Department of Tourism Region IV-A

Development Prospects and Challenges

 Recent reforms such as the Rice Tariffication  Surge in global crude oil prices following the positive Law contributed to the stability of food prices, developments in COVID-19 vaccines will likely push however, several typhoons and series of prices up but price freeze in kerosene and adverse weather conditions in the recent household liquefied petroleum will be implemented months might induce food price upticks in the in areas under state of calamity due to region in the last quarter of 2020. recent typhoons.

 To prevent significant disruptions in food  Intensified implementation of Prevent, Detect, prices, there is a need to ensure stable food Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate strategies will likely supply which can be done by prolonging the maintain current jobs and create new job shelf life of agricultural products, particularly opportunities as these will boost business during times of unfavorable weather conditions. confidence and restore consumer demand.

 Due to higher electricity demand following the  Upskilling and retooling of displaced workers and re-opening of the economy and transitioning to new entrants to the labor force are needed to modified general community quarantine in the develop the essential and in-demand skills in the region, higher electricity rates may be new normal. effective in October which may affect inflation rate in the next quarter.  The gradual reopening of economic activities, including travel destinations, hotels and restaurants, while ensuring strict compliance in health and safety protocols is expected to contribute to the recovery of the industry and tourism sector.

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The Outstanding Local Project Monitoring In recognition of the performance of the LPMCs Committees (LPMC) in 2020 are the Provinces the Regional Project Monitoring Committee of Quezon and Batangas, San Pablo City, and conducts the Search for the Outstanding Municipality of Carmona, Cavite. Quezon LPMCs every year. Province bagged the Hall of Fame Award for being the Outstanding LPMC at the provincial For this year, the NEDA Region IV-A chaired level for three consecutive years. the Search Evaluation Committee with DILG, DBM, OP-PMS and two RDC private sector These four LPMCs exemplified remarkable representatives as members. The Search performance in project monitoring and facilitation Evaluation Committee was able to complete the with their timely submission reports and conduct assessment of the shortlisted LPMCs through of field monitoring activities. They also actively virtual validation. participated in trainings to further equipped themselves and assisted other LPMCs through The 2020 SOLPMC Awardees will be the provision of training on the Regional Project recognized during the fourth quarter meeting Monitoring and Evaluation System. These efforts of the CALABARZON RDC on December 10. resulted in the early resolution of projects issues at the local level.

Newly organized LPMCs are being encouraged to members of LPMCs on RPMES monitoring and undergo training on project monitoring in order to evaluation concepts, activities, and procedures. effectively operationalize the RPMES at the local The project development cycle and logical levels. In line with this, the Secretariat provided an framework were also discussed during the training. online orientation seminar on Regional Project Monitoring System (RPMES) for the newly The quarterly submission of the RPMES input created LPMCs of Candelaria, Quezon and forms and how to accomplish it were highlighted Nagcarlan, Laguna on October 18 and during the training to guide the LPMC secretariat. November 18, respectively. More orientation seminars will again be conducted before the end of 2020 as requested The objective of the training was to orient the by Provinces of Laguna and Batangas.

Three projects were subjected to a virtual Problem Solving Session by the RPMC on October 13 to address issues in implementation. The School Building Program of DepEd, the Health Facilities and Enhancement Program of DOH, and the Lipa-Padre Garcia Diversion Road of DPWH were experiencing delays which prompted the RPMC to call for a Problem Solving Session.

The Taal Volcano Eruption and the COVID-19 Pandemic caused the delay in the School Building Program and the Health Facilities and Enhancement Program. However, for the expedite project implementation amidst the Lipa-Padre Garcia Road, right-of-way issues are pandemic while frequent coordination with the causing the delay in construction. LGUs and stakeholders was needed to address right-of-way problems. In the future, a more During the Problem Solving Session, it was stringent post-qualification of contractors was recommended to have a catch-up plan to suggested to avert project delays.

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Fifty-five projects were identified as priority for monitoring by the RPMC for 2021. These projects were identified based on the following criteria: a) priority projects of the President; b) projects for monitoring requested by NEDA Central Office; c) projects amounting to PHP 500 million and above; d) inter-provincial/regional projects; e) projects with implementation issues/concerns or best practices; and e) other priority projects identified by the RPMC and RDC.

Scan or visit rpmes4a.com for project updates

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Going to Antipolo City and Cainta, Rizal will be Santolan Station at Marcos Highway fronting SM faster with the targeted completion of the LRT will end at Masinag Junction or the Line 2 East (Masinag) Extension Project in the intersection of Marcos Highway and Sumulong second quarter of 2021. The LRT Masinag Highway. The constructed two stations are Extension is expected to provide a rapid and located at (a) Emerald Drive in front of reliable mode of transportation from Rizal to the Robinson’s Place Metro East in Cainta, Rizal and other commercial, industrial and commercial (b) Masinag Junction in Antipolo City, Rizal. The centers of Metro . The 3.79-kilometer project started in 2016 with funding assistance eastern extension of the existing Line 2 from from Government of Japan.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Tech4ED) Project is a partnership of DICT with the LGUs which aims to establish sustainable ICT centers in the communities. The centers will be equipped with computers with internet connection for the use of the general public and students at any reasonable hours on weekdays.

A total of 496 free Wifi access sites and 105 Tech4ED centers were established by the DICT paving way for a more virtually connected CALABARZON. The Free Wifi for All Program aims to provide free internet access in all public places. As of October 20, 2020, there are still 128 remaining sites to be established in the region, out of the 624 sites targeted for the region, or an overall accomplishment of 79 percent. Among the five provinces, Rizal Free access to information on ICT, government Province has completed its free public services, non-formal education, skills training, Wifi project. telehealth, job markets, and business portals will be provided in the centers. The Tech4ED On the other hand, the Technology projects in the Provinces of Rizal and Quezon Empowerment for Education, Employment, are already complete.

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