November 2013 The Official Newsletter of the Regional Development Council IV-A

Calabarzon RDC holds reorganizational meeting

RDC members strike a pose with Gov. Jeorge ‘E.R.’ Ejercito (seated, middle), Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas (seated, mid- dle), and Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla. he Regional Develop- IV-A Acting Chairperson and NEDA IV- The fully constituted RDC is composed ment Council (RDC IV-A) con- A OIC-Regional Director Agnes M. Espi- of the LCEs of the provinces and cities, T ducted its Reorganizational Meet- nas. directors of the regional line agencies, ing on September 26, 2013 at the Tech- presidents of the state universities and nopark Hotel, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Guided by Executive Order No. 325, the colleges SUCs, and private sector repre- The meeting was hosted by the City Gov- reorganization of the RDC is being done sentatives (PSRs). ernment of Sta. Rosa through Mayor Ar- every three (3) years, following the elec- lene Arcillas and, was presided by RDC tion of the local chief executives (LCEs). Next page please

Top 50 Most Competitive include Calabarzon Pilot LGUs

ased from the Overall Cities and nections; travel time Municipalities Competitiveness to airports and sea- Ranking released by the National ports; percentage of households with (18th); Lucena City, (19th); Sta. B st Competitiveness Council this year, 10 landline and Internet connections; num- Rosa City, Laguna (21 ); Lipa City, out of 15 pilot municipalities and 5 out of ber of hotel rooms, cell sites, hospital (24th); and Batangas City, 6 pilot cities from Calabarzon made it to beds, among others; and the ease of busi- Batangas (34th). the Top 50. ness permits and licensing systems in a particular area. The result was presented to the pilot The Regional Competitiveness Councils LGUs during the 3rd quarter Calabarzon (RCC) identified from among the 122 The pilot LGUs from Calabarzon that RCC meeting held last September 16, cities and 163 first class municipalities made it in the Top 50 competitive mu- 2013. nationwide the most competitive LGUs. nicipalities were: Carmona, (3rd); The selection was based on 30 weighted General Trias, Cavite (5th) ; Taytay, According to the DTI IV-A, some pilot indicators measuring: (a) economic dyna- (9th); San Mateo, Rizal (16th); Rosario, LGUs that were not included in the rank- mism; (b) government efficiency; and (c) Cavite (17th); Sta. Cruz, Laguna (22nd); ing either submitted incomplete informa- infrastructure. San Pedro, Laguna (31st); Gumaca, Que- tion or did not submit any data at all. The zon (37th); Candelaria, Quezon (39th); and top municipalities and cities in Calabar- Specifically, these indicators included Cainta, Rizal (46th). zon will be recognized during the RDC rankings on the number of business regis- Full Council Meeting to be held Decem- trations; power and water rates and con- For the city level: Antipolo City, Rizal ber 19, 2013.

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 1 Calabarzon RDC elects Private Sector Representatives

Oathtaking of the newly-elected PSRs. (From L-R) Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla, Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Laguna Governor Jeorge ‘E.R.’ Ejercito Estregan, NEDA Director Agnes M. Espinas, Ms. Teresita M. Leabres, Ms. Josephine C. Parilla, Ms. Aileen Constantino- Peñas, Mr. Emerson B. Atanacio, Ms. Jocelyn Rosemarie Cris C. Garcia, Mr. Joselito B. Rodriguez, Jr., Mr. Rodrigo M. Camia, Mr. Eduardo R. Nico- las III, Ms. Gillian Joyce G. Virata, Ms. Victoria V. Wieneke, Dr. Felino SM. Angeles, Jr., Mr. Victor S. Marasigan, Ms. Remedios Baclea-An, Engr. Ladislao L. Andal. dherence to Executive Order No. socio economic activities, regional opera- 325 which is the Reorganization tion, and is registered as a Filipino A of the Regional Development organization. are the Private Sector Representatives Council (RDC) and with the guidelines to the RDC? approved and prescribed by the NEDA The election for provincial/geographic j{É Board, the RDC Secretariat conducted the representatives is underway in coordina- election of the Private Sector Representa- tion with the respective Provincial Devel- Sectoral Committee on Economic Development tives (PSRs) to the Council. The EO pro- opment Councils (PDCs) of the Calabar- Ms. Jocelyn Rosemarie Cris C. Garcia vides that twenty five percent (25%) of zon provinces. The PSRs whose PSOs are Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. the fully constituted RDC shall be com- duly accredited by the Sangguniang Ms. Teresita M. Leabres Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) posed of PSRs. For Calabarzon RDC, a Panlalawigan and are members of the South Luzon total of twenty one (21) PSRs is required PDC are qualified to vie for geographic Ms. Aileen Constantino-Peñas to represent the social, economic, devel- representation. The election shall be held Atikha Overseas Workers & Communities Initiative, Inc. opment administration, and infrastructure in the respective provinces upon the or- Mr. Joselito B. Rodriguez, Jr. sectors (15), geographic/provincial (5), ganization of the PDCs. Meanwhile, for Enrique Zobel Foundation Ms. Gillian Joyce G. Virata and labor sector (1). the labor sector, the representative shall Information Technology and Business Process be endorsed by the Department of Labor Association of the The election for the sectoral representa- and Employment subject to the compli- tives was held last September 19, 2013 at ance of requirements prescribed in the Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure TESDA Women’s Center, Taguig City. selection guidelines. The provincial and Development The PSRs who participated in the election labor sector representatives shall also be Engr. Ladislao L. Andal were nominated by their respective Pri- confirmed by the RDC. Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Batangas Chapter Mr. Emerson B. Atanacio vate Sector Organizations (PSOs) that Cavite Technical Vocational Educators, Inc. qualified based on the legal personality, Mr. Victor S. Marasigan First Cavite Industrial Estate Association, Inc. Calabarzon RDC … from p. 1 Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards). The project is Sectoral Committee on Macroeconomy and The newly elected PSRs took their oath part of the efforts of the government to Development Administration of office before Dir. Espinas, witnessed prevent and mitigate the effects of natural Dr. Felino SM. Angeles, Jr. by Gov. Jeorge “E.R.” Ejercito Estregan Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines of Laguna, Mayor Arlene Arcillas of disasters and risks associated with it. The Mr. Rodrigo M. Camia project NOAH also aims to help people Cavite Metro Credit Cooperative Santa Rosa City, and Mayor Strike Re- Mr. Eduardo R. Nicolas III villa of Bacoor City. The RDC also con- by working with various warning agen- Employers Confederation of the Philippines firmed its members and selected the cies and disseminating disaster-related South Luzon nominees for the positions of Chairperson information as early as possible. It con- and Co-Chairperson. The names will be tains the following information: weather Sectoral Committee on Social Development submitted to the Office of the President Ms. Remedios Baclea-An outlook (probability of rain in a particular for his official appointment. Also during Shoreline Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran, Inc. area); flood map (location or areas prone Ms. Hyacinth T. Oblea the meeting, the terms and reference of Sinag Foundation, Inc. the RDC was revisited to further to flood, including flood height); and Ms. Josephine C. Parilla strengthen the RDC. weather stations (amount of rainfall, tem- PATAMABA-Workers in the Informal perature, wind speed and direction, air Sector Enterprise (WISE) Ms. Victoria V. Wieneke Another matter taken up during the meet- pressure, and humidity in an area). The Kabisig ng Kalahi, Inc. ing was the Department of Science and Project NOAH website can be accessed Technology (DOST)’s presentation of the through www.noah.dost.gov.ph.

2 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

Calabarzon- RSCC launches Regional Social and Economic Trends

n time for the celebration of the 24th She added, “we wish that through the Post. National Statistics Month, the Re- RSET, we would effectively achieve the I gional Development Council (RDC), development goals of the Calabarzon Other presentations through the Regional Statistical Coordi- Region by providing vital statistics as we during the said nation Committee (RSCC), launched the march towards the attainment of inclu- event include the Regional Social and Economic Trends sive growth”. following: 2012 (RSET) for 2007 to 2013. It was held last Input-Output Sur- October 29, 2013 at the TESDA Looking back, the latest publication of vey of Philippine Women’s Center, Taguig City. Other the RSET was in 2007, thus, Director Business and Industry by NSO IV-A Di- selected statistical products from various Candido J. Astrologo, Jr. of the NSCB rector Rosalinda P. Bautista; the 2012 other agencies were also launched at the mentioned that the revival of the RSET List of Establishments and Selected Sta- event. 2007-2013 is special since it is an initia- tistics by Ms. Maria Agnes B. Lindo; and tive of the RSCC. the statistics available at the BSP website RSET is a publication of the National presented by Ms. Melanie M. Condes of. Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Driven by the call for evidence-based BSP. containing data from various sectors with decision-making, the RSCC Technical annual series that captures the social and Working Group composed of NSCB, Meanwhile, other statistical products economic climate of the region. In her NEDA, NSO, DENR, BAS, DOT, DOH, were also distributed, including the Na- message, RSCC Chairperson and NEDA DepEd, DSWD, DOTC-LTO, DOE, tional Household Targeting System for Director Agnes M. Espinas said, “Our BLGF, BSP, and PNP, collaborated to Poverty Reduction of DSWD, Financial decision and our planning should be evi- provide updated and relevant data for all Literacy materials of BSP, Summary of dence-based, and what best evidence do users. Other data sources are BFP, BIR, Census of Household Population of NSO we have but the data itself, the statistics CDA, CHED, COMELEC, DAR, and Statistics in Brief of NSCB. that cover all sectors.” DPWH, DTI, NEA, NIA, NTC, and Phil- The RSET was made available in CD form and has been distributed to all mem- ber agencies.

Those who attended the event were the Regional Line Agencies, Local Govern- ment Units, and State Universities and The participants spearheaded by RSCC Chair and NEDA IV-A Director Agnes M. Espinas Colleges. (seated, 4th from left), and RSCC Co-Chair and NSO Director Rosalinda P. Bautista (in yellow). Inset: NSCB Director Candido J. Astrologo, Jr. presented the contents of the updated RSET.

erty reduction for the remaining plan RDC conducts RDP Consultation period.

he Regional Development Coun- and comments on the draft RDP. NEDA IV-A, in collaboration with the cil (RDC) conducted a Regional regional line agencies and local govern- T Consultation for the Calabarzon The Plan spells out the goals and strate- ment units in the region, prepared the Regional Development Plan (RDP) Mid- gies to attain the thrusts of President Be- Plan. It has undergone a series of Plan- term Update last October 22, 2013 at the nigno S. Aquino III’s Social Contract ning Committee Consultations to deliber- Harana Pavilion, Splash Mountain Re- with the Filipino People and his agenda ately translate and integrate the regional sort, Los Baños, Laguna. It was attended to promote good governance. It focuses framework to specific strategies that the by various stakeholders from both the on three (3) broad strategies, namely: government agencies and the private sec- government and private sectors and was rapid and sustained economic growth; tor can work on together towards its re- aimed at validating and generating inputs creation of quality employment; and pov- alization.

of the Regional Development Plan into gas City CPDOs, Cavite and Batangas NEDA conducts programs and projects (P/Ps) to charter PPDOs, CVSU, SLSU, and LSPU. the region into an inclusive and livable Calabarzon industrial region. The consolidated Calabarzon RDIP 2011 -2016, which involves 28 RLAs/LGUs/ RDIP consultation The consultation aimed to revalidate and SUCs, amounted to PhP 80.99 billion. consolidate the investments programs of The RLAs took the lion’s share of 61.05 he NEDA IV-A held a 2-day con- the RLAs/LGUs/SUCs, and at the same per cent, followed by the Cities with sultation on the Calabarzon Re- time, to harmonize and integrate the stra- 27.92 , Provinces 9.38 and SUCs with T gional Development Investment tegic P/Ps in the region. Participating 1.65 percent. Program (RDIP) 2011-2016 on Septem- entities include DTI, DAR, NIA, ber 16 and 17, 2013 at the Tagaytay In- DENR, DOT, DOLE, DOST, POPCOM, The consolidated RDIP shall be pre- ternational Convention Center, Tagaytay DepEd, DSWD, DA, DPWH, Trece sented to the RDC Full Council on No- City, Cavite. The RDIP is the translation Martires City, Calamba City and Batan- vember 2013 for approval. Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 3 CAVITE Cavite: A frontrunner on human development

avite, once again, was recognized by the Human In aggregate, Cavite Province improved its rank from Development Network during the 6thGawad sa Top 5 in 1997 up to Top 4 in the 2009. Cavite came after C Makataong Pag-Unlad for its outstanding rating (1), (2) and Rizal (3). in the Human Development Indices. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a tool that measures the overall achievements of a province in three basic dimensions of human development such as longev- ity, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

Longevity is the Life Expectancy Index or the length of years that a resident of a particular province is expected to live. Nationwide, Cavite ranked second in the life ex- pectancy with a score of 75.8 years next to (76.4 years). This results to a Life Expectancy Index of 0.883 which rose from 0.780 in 1997. Cavite is the 6th largest gainer from 1997 to 2009.

In terms of Knowledge or the Education Index, Cavite ranked 4th in terms of mean years of schooling at 9.8 years. In this parameter, Batanes ranked first with 11.5 years. In 2009, the education index of Cavite is 0.901.

The last indicator is the Income Index that measures the standard of living or purchasing power of people. The income index of the province decreased from 0.476 in Trophy awarded to Cavite Province during the 1997 down to 0.449 in 2009. 6th Gawad sa Makataong Pag-Unlad in recognition for its outstanding rating in the Human Development Indices. (PPDO Cavite) Cavite: First to have DRR-CCA–enhanced PDPFP

he Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage- ment Council (RDRRMC) IV-A s recognized T Cavite as the first province to have a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) – Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) during the 1st Regional Sum- mit on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) for Local Chief Executives held last August 6-7, 2013 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.

Cavite’s PDPFP has already been approved by the Re- agencies and the private sector organizations in climate gional Land Use Committee and by the Sangguniang proofing its programs and projects. Panlalawigan. Also, part of the recognition is their pro- vincial government’s relentless efforts in providing tech- Similarly, other selected LGUs were recognized during nical and logistical assistance to its component cities and the event for their notable accomplishments in the imple- municipalities for the completion of their respective DRR mentation of their respective DRRM and CCA activities. -CCA-enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs). Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Mr. Jesus Barrera and COPS Head Ms. Cecil Miranda were The RDRRMC also acknowledged Cavite’s determina- among the representatives of the Provincial Government tion to fully implement RA 10121 or the “Philippine of Cavite (PGC) present in the said summit. The PGC DRRM Act of 2010”, as manifested by the Provincial featured its best DRR-CCA practices through an audio- DRRM Council chaired by Governor . visual presentation shown during the awarding ceremony Cavite was also lauded for the creation of its DRR Divi- and a poster exhibited at the venue. sion under the Cavite Office of Public Safety (COPS). (Claudette Trixia M. Flores) and for the continuing partnerships with national line 4 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

LAGUNA ER Mobile Computer School launch in Bay and Majayjay

he Education Revolution (ER) Mobile Computer nicipal Government of Bay, signed a Memorandum of School of the Provincial Government of Laguna Agreement for the implementation of the program in the T (PGL) was launched last October 20 and 23 in the municipality. Municipalities of Bay and Majayjay, respectively The team returned to the municipality last October 23 to The event was launched the ER Mobile Computer School orient 36 OSY participants who will be the students for – a mobile training center offering basic Computer and 20 days starting November 4. The Management Informa- Internet Literacy tion Systems Office IT instructors - Rowena Palacol and Course (CILC) to Henry John Sablan, will facilitate free computer training out-of-school youth classes for Bay students. (OSY) and adults. It is Technical Edu- On that same day, the launching and MOA signing for cation Skills and the ER Mobile Computer School in Majayjay was also Developmental held as requested by Dr. Edith Esquinas, Majayjay Agro Authority or Industrial Development (MAID AGRO) President. TESDA - accred- ited and those who PGL and MAID AGRO agreed to give free computer will finish the lectures and hands-on training also to 36 beneficiaries for course offered by 20 days. Starting November 4, Mr. Eugene Delos Santos the ER Mobile Computer School will be given a certifi- and Mr. Ralph Ramille Halili will be handling the train- cate from TESDA. The program is jointly managed by ing of the students. the Office of Provincial Governor (OPG), the Youth De- velopment Affairs Office (YDA), and the Management Governor Jeorge “E.R.” Ejercito Estregan, with the help Information Systems Office (MISO). of YDA and MISO, aims to increase the computer liter- acy rate of Laguneños. On October 20, YDA Head Fatima Villaseñor and Mayor Bruno Ramos, as representatives of the PGL and the Mu- (Mark Joseph A. Porca/Edward C. Aquino)

Laguna to host the 2014

he Provincial Government of Laguna won the bidding to host the 2014 Palarong Pambansa. This was announced T by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro and Assistant Secre- From L-R: Governor Ejercito’s Chief-of-Staff Carlos Dolendo; Laguna tary Tonisito Umalion last October 24 at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Trade Office-International Relations and Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City. Trade Division Chief Gregorio Arcangel; DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro; Governor Jeorge ‘E.R.’ Ejercito Estregan; Mayor Girlie ‘Maita’ Ejercito; Provincial Administrator Atty. Leonardo M. Ragaza, Jr.; Pro- The Palarong Pambansa is the biggest annual sports competi- vincial Architect Mansley Kimhoko. tions in the country where athletes from all 17 regions compete in various events. It is facilitated by DepEd with its partner Development Head Albert Abarquez; and Laguna Tourism, agency, the Philippine Sports Commission. Culture, Arts and Trade Officer Delto Abarquez, Jr.

For 2014, a total of 21 sporting events will take place in the According to Mr. Delto Abarquez, “That was an overwhelming Palaro, namely: , , athletics, , , win because after the presentation, Secretary Luistro addressed basketball, billiards, , chess, football, , , Governor Ejercito’s presentation as very comprehensive and , , swimming, table , , ten- passionate.” nis, , , and wushu. He added that it was the “construction of billeting quarters to Another bidder for the said sports event is the City of Marikina accommodate athletes and new modern sports facilities” which represented by City Mayor Del de Guzman. Against Marikina, won for Laguna the hosting rights. Laguna had a total of 14 out of 21 votes from the National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC) of the Pala- Governor Ejercito also distributed Tourism Kits of Laguna to rong Pambansa. show what the delegates can experience if Laguna hosts the event. Together with Governor Ejercito were Provincial Administrator (Clarisse Reyes/Edward C. Aquino) Atty. Leonardo M. Ragaza, Jr.; Provincial Sports and Games

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 5 “I believe farming will remain an asset in this A farmer...a woman? country of ours... The farmers are our food producers.”

Writer’s Note: This is a story of an emerging farmer who was At first, I was not sure of all the things she was telling me touched by the unrelenting assistance, technical or otherwise of about agriculture. In fact, I had that inkling that perhaps she the Department of Agriculture Region IV-A (DA IV-A) headed was just taking me for a ride for some reason or another. How- by OIC-Regional Executive Director Vilma M. Dimaculangan. ever, after seeing her farm, I said to myself, it must be real. To date, many farmers of this region are reaping the benefits Indeed, her passion is not only to make good on this field but that this office is giving them. One way of saying that indeed also to assist other people who are planning to make good in this office under the untiring efforts of RED Dimaculangan is farming serious in implementing all Agri-Pinoy Programs with the foremost interest of providing service. “As a Business Administration major in Marketing Manage- ment graduate at De la Salle University, Dasmarinas, Cavite, I armers are about to be considered ‘endangered species’ learned everything about marketing. I am really good at it. as revealed by several studies. Data revealed that the Now, I wonder why is it that the farmers who produce the F average age of farmers is 55-57 years old. Considering products are poor and yet middle men without shelling out the life span of Filipinos which is 70 years old, they concluded even a penny are the ones raking good money? It is on this that 15 years from now, farmers may well be gone. The results note that I began to realize that I need to go on farming and of which is food insecurity in the real sense of the word. really try this venture. At first, it was just a let me know thing, but soon I realized that I am into it seriously,” Kate said. This scenario can already be observed based from the number of enrolees in colleges and universities. As years pass, there is According to Kate, it was actually her husband, a Seafarer by an obvious decrease of the students in agriculture and its allied profession, who prompted her to get serious in farming and be fields. In the Kalinga- State College (KASC), four or passionate about it. “I considered him an agri-buff,” she said. five years ago, the enrolees for Moreso, her chil- agriculture courses was be- dren are all inclined tween 400 to 500 students. But to food production, in this last school year, it was like her youngest only about 300. According to who would like to Dr. Eduardo Bagtang, KASC go into swine pro- President, the youth today shun duction, the second farming because of perceived child wants poultry, hardships. while the eldest wants to become a restaurant owner. Can we still abate this She was very happy that all on-going problem? members of her family are making In an interview with one emerg- farming not only a ing farmer from Batangas, I hobby but a busi- Ms. Tee shows part of her farm. was placed in a very different ness as well. dimension as to who is a real farmer and where is the farmer’s standing in society. This “Imagine, my two kids who although at a very young age, are emerging farmer denied the concept of farmers being gone in already interested in farming while my eldest is the one who 15 years. will use their produce in a restaurant business that he would want to establish in the future. With the picture that my small “I believe farming will remain an asset in this country of ours. kids are painting right now as well as my husband’s dream to If studies were made that our farmers are aging and there is be a successful farmer in the near future, what else can I ask continuous dwindling in the number of enrolees in agriculture for?,” she said as she smiled. courses, I firmly espoused the idea that it will never go out of style. The farmers are our food producers. What are we going As we were walking through a portion of their six (6) hectare to eat, if we have no farmers? For sure, the government will farm located at Barangay San Isidro, Rosario, Batangas, I saw never abandon our farmers, not in the presence of the Depart- her grinning upon seeing that the “sili panigang” that they ment of Agriculture,” she said. planted are showing some fruits. It is indeed a happy sight to see someone see the fruits of her labor. She said that at first This positive outlook came from someone who is young, edu- she had zero knowledge in farming. However, her being in- cated and a mother of three beautiful children. No words can quisitive and insistent to know the ins and outs of it led her to describe this woman’s passion for agriculture. Young people the reseach people of the Integrated Agri- should follow her footsteps, for her ultimate dream is to see the culture Research Center (STIARC) at Lipa City, Batangas. agriculture sector in a very enviable state. That is Ms. Catherine “Kate” Tee, a woman terribly obsessed to make agriculture “When I first started farming last May of this year, I had so everyone’s word of mouth. many loses and I almost backed out, but I said to myself this is

6 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

A portion of 6 hectare land of Ms. Kate Tee. On the left side is her goat house and on the right side is her plantation.

a challenge to me. I simply shrugged it off and said, if before a ment,” she further said empathically. doctor can’t find the cure for tuberculosis and now it is just an ordinary disease, so much so in farming. If before I was not This young farmer, only in her mid 30’s, at first wanted to be a successful, now it is my time to shine,” Kate shared with much lawyer, but opted to become a farmer instead but not just a optimism. farmer but a “ farmer with entrepreneurial skills”.

Kate believes that a farmer need not be poor. In fact, according I asked her what she thinks is the reason why the younger gen- to her, they should be the ones reaping the fruits of their labor. eration are not into farming. She said, there is a need for a com- In her continuous search for better and progressive farming she plete make-over of what a farmer should be. In the first place, found herself mingling with DA IV-A personnel assigned in the farmers should be knowledgeable in all its facets of farming. province of Batangas, particularly in the STIARC. Being friends with technical people of DA made things easy for Ms. “The youth today have a wrong notion as what farming is all Kate to hone her skills in farming. about. However, the farmers themselves are to be blamed for this wrong impression about farming. They would always say – “Farmers should not be hesitant to look for avenues to better mahirap ang magsasaka, mag-aral kang doctor o abogasya their craft. God gave us mouth to talk and feet to walk. In my anak. In so doing, young people’s mindset is leaning towards experience, I never stopped searching for the right people to white collar jobs,” she explained. teach me the right way to plant and all the intricacies surround- ing the same. I do read and research for valuable information. “The best tool for me as farmer is planning. From day one up to Never did I stop learning and educating myself,” she said. the last stage of the cropping season, I usually see to it that eve- rything should be within the calendared activities that I “Farmers need not be poor because crops, livestock and fisher- planned. Hindi basta tanim ng tanim, dapat isaalang-alang ang ies are products that are profitable in reality. Without us, food klima, akma ba ang pananim ko sa pagtatamnan kong lupa at will not be available. Hence, as a farmer, let us give muscles to saan ang merkado nito,” Kate added. our profession for we are feeding the people. In doing so, let us use all the available opportunities afforded to us by the govern- She also clarified that market is really a key factor to consider. “I heard so many disgruntled farmers because of the lack of market to bring their produce. Hence, at the end of the day, they incurred losses beyond their imagination. Likewise, farm- ers should know some technologies about value adding. Thus, in the event there will be surplus in their production, they can easily make it into another product,” Kate added.

There you have it, a woman, an emerging farmer whose vision is to turn farming into a more reliable and dependable sector of the society. I believe, there are other farmers of Kate’s calibre, let your breed continue to multiply for the world needs you now and tomorrow. We salute you!

(Ms. Pat T. Bulanhagui, RAFID DA IV-A)

Ms. Tee personally inspects her Sili Plants.

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 7 BATANGAS Geotagging as transparency tool for successful PRDP implementation

he Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) parency on all PRDP subprojects and transactions. It is also served as a model in the implementation of agricultural called Geolocation, where digital resources are associated with T infrastructure projects and the precursor of the Philip- physical locations through photos with corresponding coordi- pine Rural Development Program (PRDP). nates. It is now used for subproject identification and valida- tion, progress monitoring, and supervision in PRDP projects, PRDP is the nationwide replication of the MRDP, with im- even without actual site visit. The technology provides location provements focusing on the value chain, enterprise/cluster de- information in terms of latitude and longitude with a high de- velopment, and vertical integration from production to process- gree of precision and can pinpoint any place in the planet . ing and marketing. It is a six-year program (2013-2018) which will showcase a strong link between the national strategic ob- Aside from promoting transparency and accountability, applied jectives of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Plan geotagging technology is also a tool for subproject management (AFMP) with the regional plan, as well as the local stake- and planning. The province can also benefit much with the holders’ interest. It aims to contribute to the National Develop- technology since it can be used even outside PRDP. Other uses ment Goals of poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and job of Geotagging include measuring distances, reading elevations, creation. organizing and preserving photo documents, and mapping out barangay profiles. Products of geotagging can also be used in PRDP will initially cover six regions, namely: Calabarzon the marketing and site development of eco-tourism areas and (Region 4A); (Region 4B); Bicol (Region 5); the establishment of geo-hazard maps, among others. (Region 6); (Region 7); and (Region 8). To make infrastructure projects The DA has chosen Batangas as the pilot province for the im- more transparent and cost-efficient, the Department of Agricul- plementation of PRDP in the Calabarzon region. And to famil- ture (DA), through its experience in the success of MRDP, has iarize the Technical Staff of Provincial Program Management tapped the use of the geotagging technology. According to DA Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of Batangas, a four-day training Secretary Proceso Alcala, “Geotagging would be a big help in on Applied Geo-Tagging Technology was conducted at project implementation which the WB suggests to be done in Venezia Hotel in Subic, last October 22-25, 2013. other projects, too.” Two personnel from the province, one representing I-PLAN Geotagging is a basic digital Global Positioning System (GPS) and one representing I-BUILD, attended the said training. technology used as a tool to promote accountability and trans- Please turn to page 12

Sec. Aboitiz Cleanergy Science Petilla congratu- Center and Museum now open lated the manage- he Aboitiz Cleanergy Science Center and Museum had ment of its formal operning last [date]. It is currently located Makban T within the Makban Geothermal Plant in Sto.Tomas, Geother- Batangas and Bay, Laguna. Present during the opening cere- mal monies were Governor Vilma Santos Recto of Batangas , Power Governor E.R. Ejercito of Laguna, Department of Energy Sec- Plant in retary Carlos Jericho Petilla, members of the Aboitiz family advocat- and differentgovernment officials and guests. ing the Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and repre- renew- sentatives of the Aboitiz family looks on as the Clean- ergy Center is being unveiled. According to Mr. Warren Maralit, Makban Geothermal Power able en- Manager, the center aims to provide vital information for stu- ergy in the Philippines. Renewable energy sources serve as dents about the use of clean, renewable and sustainable energy alternative to non-renewable energy sources such as bunker and how to keep up the balance and the sustainable relation- fuel and coal which has proven to have a negative impact in ship between the environment and industry. the environment. Sec. Petilla also commended the plant’s ef- forts to use renewable energy to increase capacities in provid- The Cleanergy Center includes a walk around Museum to ing energy in the Philippines. showcase the legacy of the Aboitiz Family. This portion high- lights Engr. Ernie Aboitz’ efforts in advocating the use of Furthermore, he suggested that a partnership with the Province clean energy in our country. It also has a modern amphitheatre of Batangas, through the leadership of Gov. Vilma Santos- “tailor faces it” where presentations on the birth of energy Recto can lead to progress as Batangas is known to be the industry in our country will be made. Most of all, the museum most powerful province in terms of Electric Power Generation boasts of an Interactive Science Center which showcases the because of its gigantic power plants in the province. process of energy conversion through science models. This is only made possible through the available facilities and re- (Edwin Zabarte Batangas PIO) sources in the hydroelectric power plant.

8 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

RIZAL Rizal home to more than 17,000 scholars

or school year 2013-2014, the Rizal Provincial Education is one of the priorities of Gov. Ynares’ admini- Government’s Scholarship Office reported that stration, thus the expanded scholarship program to cater F there are 2, 706 new scholars. This was an addi- to the needs of economically-challenged students. Other tion to the province’s list of 14,593 scholars since 2007. programs were added to the existing RCSP and SAP to Among the scholars, 1,592 scholars (11%) received full include scholarships for teaching and non-teaching per- scholarship amounting to Php 10,000.00 per academic sonnel who want to pursue post graduate studies, techni- period (semester) while the remaining 13,001 (89%) cal-vocational courses, or ecclesiastical courses for those scholars received who want to be pastors, priests and nuns. The program student assistance also covers those who want to take up medicine and law, amounting to Php working students, differently-abled persons, and students 2,500.00 per aca- from poorest of the poor families who do informal job to demic period. finance their studies. Recently, the scholarship program for Overseas Filipino (OFs) workers was added to the Since 2007, a total long list of scholarship grants. budget of Php 250.686 million At the close of the previous school year, 396 new schol- has been allotted ars were included in the RCSP roster while 3,406 were by the provincial admitted under the SAP. Total budget allocation for the government to last school year stood at Php 12 million. Due to the ex- finance the studies of these scholars. The scholarship panded scholarship program of the provincial govern- program, started in 1996 by former Gov. Ito Ynares un- ment and the additional 2,706 new scholars for school der the then Rizal College Scholarship Program (RCSP). year 2013-2014, the number of beneficiaries of the It has increased dramatically in 2007 and has since ex- “Iskolar ni Gob” program now stood at 17,299 scholars, a panded to include the Student Assistance Program (SAP) record high increase of more than 3,000 percent in six for students who did not reach the cut off score for RCSP years. in the qualifying examination. (Rizal Province)

Environment tops Rizal government agenda romising to continue the programs, which has earned local and international recognitions for P the province, initiated by her son and now Anti- polo City Mayor Jun Ynares, Rizal Gov. announced during her inaugural message re- cently, that at the top of her administration’s agenda is environmental management and protection.

Gov. Ynares pointed out that the revived “Ynares Eco System” (YES) will be the anchor of her flagship pro- gram which is divided into three components: cleaning, true for Gov. Ynares as greening and recycling. she sees recycling as a major component in waste man- agement; thus, she intends to build, in partnership with She emphasized the need to clean the environment to local governments, more Materials Recovery Facilities avert the loss of lives and properties due to flooding. The (MRFs) to help clean the environment and reduce risks of program highlights de-clogging major and minor tributar- calamities and disasters as well as ultimately alleviate ies leading to Laguna Lake, which has silted this second poverty. largest fresh water basin in Asia and affected the liveli- hood of people who depend on fishing for their living Meanwhile, Gov. Ynares pointed out that other programs and projects on health, education, housing and resettle- First among the projects of the Governor’s office, in part- ment, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, welfare of nership with other stakeholders, is the tree planting pro- women and children, and good governance, among oth- gram to avoid erosion of mountain slopes that causes ers, will also be continued and pursued vigorously to at- landslides and flooding and to clean the air. tain the highest standard of public service for the prov- ince’s constituents. Secondly, the dictum “mayroong pera sa basura” rings (Rizal Province)

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 9 QUEZON

Quezon holds disaster preparedness capability demonstration

or the first time, Quezon Province engaged in a Ronnie Or- disaster preparedness capability exercise held at doyo, Com- F Brgy. Dalahican last September 12, 2013. The manding Gen- exercise was to test their readiness and responsiveness in eral of South- disaster situations. ern Luzon Command, the According to Regional Dir. Vicente Tomazar of the Of- capability fice of Civil Defense, IV-A, this capability exercise dif- demonstration fers from an ordinary drill as it includes ocean/sea disas- provides an ter scenarios as well as terrorism and hostage-taking. The accurate esti- combined forces of public and private institutions show- mate of a cased their specialized procedures to neutralize the simu- concerned lated situations using air, water, and land assests like a agency’s re- helicopter, rescue boats, bomb dispersal units, hazardous sponse time. materials and K9 teams, as well as special operation units of AFP, PNP, PCG, BFP, and disaster task groups of Dr. Henry LGUs. Buzar, Pro- vincial Disas- Quezon ter Risk Re- Province’s duction experts on (PDRRMC) disaster risk and Manage- reduction ment Council Action Officer, added that besides being and re- virtually ready 24/7, Quezon’s PDRRM Office and res- sponse also cue team are ready to provide assistance not only to those displayed affected by calamity in the province, but in nearby re- their com- gions as well. Dr. Buzar also said that they placed a par- petence in ticular focus on catastrophe that could happen in oceans, handling like the MV Carmela tragedy. He also highlighted the mass casu- importance of proper coordination between agencies as alty evacua- communication is a key component to save lives and tion using Incident Command System - a systematic tool control disaster situations. used for the command, control, and coordination of (Quezon PIO) emergency response. According to Lt.Gen. Caesar

concluded Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Canadian Government, PCW Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project, where the Canadian Government, through DFATD, pro- commend Quezon Province vided technical funding and support. The GREAT Women Project is a governance and capacity develop- or its programs and projects promoting the em- ment project that aims to promote and support a gender- powerment of women, the Canadian Department responsive enabling environment for women’s economic F of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development empowerment, particularly those in microenterprises. (DFATD), and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) honored the Provincial Government of Quezon According to Ofelia Palayan, PGAD Focal Person, the through its Gender and Development Office (PGAD) province would not have won its awards and citations during the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) without the support of Quezon Governor David C. Forum last September 19-20, 2013 held at Crowne Plaza Suarez, who staunchly believes in providing every Que- Hotel, Mandaluyong City. zonian with equal opportunity.

Quezon Province received the following recognition Quezon received the Extra Mile Award for pushing be- from the forum: two plaques - Extra Mile Award, WEE yond the GREAT Women Project’s target by making the Responsive LGU Partner; and five citations - Out- project available to 15 municipalities instead of the re- standing WEE Champion, Outstanding WEE Partnership, quired 3. Quezon is also the first province in the country WEE Responsive Policy, WEE Responsive Programs to officially create a Gender and Development Office. and Services, and Functional WEE Structures and Sys- tems. The said forum was held in relation to the recently (Quezon PIO)

10 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news

Batangueño teachers upgrade computer skills through K-ITO eacher from the Batangas City Jessa Catilo, Stefanie Jara, Apple Babes 788, “Promoting A Youth National Ser- District once again had a chance Salazar and Marc Christian Dy, all BS vice”, which aims to improve informa- T to be students. This is through the Computer Science graduating students tion technology literacy among out-of- Department of Labor and Employment’s from LPU. school youths and other disadvantaged Kabataan Information Technology Op- sectors. The project gives opportunities portunities (K-ITO) Project. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DOLE at Ly- for unemployed IT-literate youth to earn ceum dahil makakasama na ako sa train- an hourly stipend and to receive a Cer- Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU)- ing sa Baguio at dahil computer tificate of Recognition by serving as Batangas College of Computer Studies literate na ako”, said Mrs. Loida mentors. For its beneficiaries, this will headed by Dean Rose Alday and Univer- Delgado, a Grade 1 teacher and one of serve as venue to learn skills in ICT nec- sity PESO Manager and Linkages, the 32 participants for this first batch of essary to have access to government pro- Alumni and International Affairs Office training. grams and services, thus bringing the Executive Director Leon R. Ramos Jr. government closer to the people. recognized the need to upgrade the teach- They all learned that the knowledge and (DOLE IV-A) ers’ knowledge and skills on computer skills they gained from this training will use and operation to help them face the make their work easier. IT skills would challenges of modern technology and help them in the preparation of their become more effective and efficient in lesson plans and in the computation of the performance of their duties. grades of their students, among others. Prior to the start of the session, the The 5-day session included lessons on teachers were given a pre-test to evaluate computer hardware – parts of the com- their level of IT awareness. A Certificate puter such as CPU, monitor, keyboard, of Completion was given to each partici- etc; computer software - word process- pant after they have passed the post test. ing applications using MS Word; and Internet use and navigation. Those who The K-ITO is an earning and learning served as the teacher’s teachers were project of DOLE in relation to EO No. A teacher is being assisted by BS Computer Science student in her IT training. Calabarzon Newly- Elected Officials’ orientation held

ILG IV-A spearheaded the two- day orientation with the objec- D tive of capacitating the 2013 newly-elected City and Municipal May- ors in the CALABARZON Region. It was held at the Development Academy of the DILG IV-A Personnel and the 2013 Newly-elected (Newly-minted) Mayors of CALABARZON dur- ing the 2013 NEO Program held last July 18-19, 2013 at the Development Academy of the Philip- Philippines (DAP) in Tagaytay City. pines (DAP) in Tagaytay City.

Dubbed as the NEO (Newly-Elected Offi- cials) Program, the activity was attended 2) Sharpening their management compe- the Common Pitfalls in LGU Manage- by 37 Local Chief Executives (LCEs) as tencies and leadership skills; and ment; Knowing my Tasks and Responsi- well as LCE representatives from the 3) Enhancing their awareness of the so- bilities; the DILG LG Sector Conceptual provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, cial and political environment, at the Framework and Programs; the Local Rizal, and Quezon. DILG IV-A RD same time, enabling them to build alli- Governance Performance Management Josefina E. Castilla-Go welcomed the ances with national government agen- System (LGPMS); the Executive- participants by sharing the “essence of cies and other LGUs to ensure that Legislative Agenda (ELA); Understand- public service”. their development agenda are consis- ing My Environment; and My First 100 tent with the Social Contract of Presi- Days in Office. Through the NEO, LCEs will be capaci- dent Aquino and with the priorities at tated in order for them to translate the the national, regional, and local levels. Presenters and discussants who facili- national agenda into their own LGU’s tated in the activities as well as the vision and agenda that can be implement Its ultimate objective is to sharpen the workshop were the DILG IV-A Regional over the course of their term. As a capac- capacities of LGUs to achieve inclusive and Field Officers. ity building program, the NEO focuses on growth and reduce poverty in the com- three areas: munities. Oversight and sectoral agencies were 1) Improving the knowledge of local offi- also invited to dialogue with the partici- cials on the operations and develop- The following topics were discussed and pants as they presented their PPAs ment challenges of their respective presented during the NEO: President local governments; Aquino’s Social Contract on the Ground; Next page please

Calabarzon There is knowledge in news 11 in full swing and even ahead of Calabarzon schedule. Phase 1, which includes the site development, Building 1, and the Podium of the Calabarzon

Regional Government RGC is scheduled to be finished by December 2013 and shall be ready Center: Updates for occupancy by January 2014.

ngr. Isaac S. David, President Three other buildings will soon rise of MTD Philippines, Inc. and within the next 18 months, hopefully E City Engineer Irwin Pacada, to be finished by June 2015. By then, representing Calamba City Mayor it can accommodate at least 5,000 Building Construction as of Justin Marc SB Chipeco, said, as of government employees from 50 differ- October 2013 last August 30, 2013, that they have ent agencies which will be within the already “topped off ” the roof deck of Equus Hub–a 25-ha commercial facil- the 5th floor of Building 1 of the Cala- ity envisioned to be a “complete city” barzon Regional Government Center to be simultaneously developed. (CRGC) located at Brgy. Mapagong, Calamba City, Laguna. Mayor Timmy Chipeco said that the DOTC Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) This is in line with the expected inau- had already issued the go signal guration of the country’s first every- through its provisional notice to pro- one-stop-shop RGC for Calabarzon on ceed with the construction of an access Senate. The senator said renting January 2014,one year after the Joint road from the CRGC to SLEX, as ap- spaces at a cost is like throwing Venture Agreement was signed be- proved by the TRB Board. According money down the drain."Yes, we need tween Calamba City and MTD Philip- to former Calamba City Mayor and spaces and buildings to operate and pines, Inc., David added. current Cong. Joaquin Chipeco of the function properly. But renting is a 2nd District of Laguna, this world-class short term solution with no long term Last January 23, 2013, the public- government facility will benefit mil- gains in terms of helping us to effi- private partnership through a Joint lions of Filipinos by making govern- ciently allocate scarce re- Venture Agreement between Calamba ment services more convenient and sources." (Source: Bulletin, City and MTD Philippines, Inc was accessible to the public. Aug.9, 2013). witnessed by the Board of Directors of (Alloy MTD) the Alloy Mtd Group from Malaysia, "By way of policy, the govern- the Calamba City Council and Cala- ment should make a shift in barzon officials and by Director Gen- three years and should not be eral Lilia de Lima of the Philippine renting office spaces any- Economic Zone Authority. more", according to Senator Chiz Escudero, Chairman of Engr. David, said that construction is the Finance Committee in the

-Sabtang, Batanes Geotagging … from page 8 The training focused on teaching the participants on how to do to offline EDITORIAL BOARD and online geotagging using different applied geotagging tools like Google Earth, Picasa, PicasaWeb and MyTracks, and their salient fea- Executive Editor: Dir. Agnes M. Espinas tures. Engr. Arnel V. de Mesa, Deputy Program Director of PRDP, em- Managing Editor: ARD Fidel T. Udarbe phasized that subprojects that are not properly geotagged will not be ap- proved to show that the Department of Agriculture is serious in eliminat- Consultant: Aletheia G. Canubas ing ghost projects and making program implementation a success. Sector Editors: Agnes A. Daantos, Valter L. Morada, (Batangas PPDO) Marcelo Cesar R. Palacio NEDA Contributors: Liberty A. Abellon, Luningning D. Llames, Orientation … from previous page Alvin Caezar V. Olanday, Nelson J. Aman, (Programs, Projects, and Activities). Jr., Kathleen DC. Melendrez, Christine Joyce R. Betia The agencies which presented were the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), the Civil Service Com- Layout Artist: Alvin Caezar V. Olanday mission (CSC), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Commission on Audit (COA), the National Economic and Development Published by Authority (NEDA), the Department of Environment and Natural Re- Regional Development Council IV-A (Calabarzon) sources (DENR), the Police Regional Office (PRO4A), the Department of NEDA4A, 4/F Marcelita Bldg., Brgy. Real, National Highway, Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Social Welfare and Develop- Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

ment (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Contact Details Health – Center for Health Development (DOH – CHD), and the Philip- Tel. No. (049) 545 77 56 / (049) 545 00 91 pine Army’s (PA) 202nd Infantry Division (IB). E-mail address: [email protected] (DILG IV-A) Website: http://calabarzon.neda.gov.ph

12 Calabarzon There is knowledge in news