The Official Publication of Regional Development Council XII Volume 12, Issue No. 3: July - September 2014

RDC XII 47th Regular Meeting Showcases Council’s History

Editor-in-ChiefRD ARTURO G. VALERO

Associate EditorARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN

Contributing Editors JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG

PHLORITA A. RIDAOMARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO

ROSA D. LEMANAMA. LULU E. VALENCIA

RDU Focal PersonsHELEN L. VESTAL

LALAINE M. SAJELANEDEN F. RIDAO

LIBERTY B. ARUMPACAPOLLO Y. MANLAWE

GWYNETH GRACE B. COLLADO

Photographer APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

Layout Artist APOLLO Y. MANLAWE

ContributorsDENR XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Regional Development Updates (RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII with editorial office at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office XII, 2nd and 3rd Floors, RML Building, Jose Abad Santos Street, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 520-0009, Fax: (083) 520-0007. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit the manuscript for reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes no responsibility on the unpublished and unsolicited materials.

HOW TO REACH US

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? Send your letters with complete name and address to our editorial office mentioned above, or email us at nedaxii@gmail.com or nedaxii@yahoo.com.

The Official Publication of the Regional Development Council XII

Contents

RDC XII 47th Regular Meeting Showcases Council’s History

Tupi, 2nd Most Competitive Municipality for Government Efficiency

Region XII Good Governance Summit Highlights Local Good Practices

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RDC XII Confirms PIA XII, NCIP XII, and NCMF XII as Special Non-Voting Members

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RDC XII InfraCom Recommends Further Review of Speed Limits9

RSC XII - SOV 2014 Endorses Nominees for the National Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2014

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About the CoverOn the cover is the 47th Regular RDC XII meeting held at Cinco Niñas, Koronadal City on September 23, 2014 with Acting Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero presiding, and pictures of previous RDC XII meetings way back 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

SOCCSKSARGEN chalks 0.42 M Seedlings on TreeVolution Day11

Vol. 12, Issue No. 3: July-September 2014

2 | Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014

Region XII Hosts 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC) 2014

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RDC XII 47th Regular Meeting Showcases Council’s Historyby Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, DRD/NEDA XII

RDC XII . . . page 4

Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014 | 3

The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII conducted its 47th regular meeting

on September 23, 2014 at Cinco Niñas, Koronadal City, with Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero presiding. The meeting was highlighted by a throw back to RDC XII’s history, its functions and officials over the years of its existence, as part of the RDC Week Celebration. Hon. Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza of Cotabato Province and representatives of other local chief executives (LCEs) were among those who attended the meeting.

In his welcome message, Acting Chairperson Valero emphasized the importance of RDC in the region. He pointed out some of the recent developments in the region resulting from the coordination efforts of RDC XII and its member LGUs/agencies/private sector representatives, such as the proposed upgrading of the Surallah District Hospital to a Regional Hospital; provision of funds for the opening of road from Tupi municipality to Banga municipality; the increasing tourist arrivals and hosting of the first international paragliding competition in Sarangani, which is part of the region’s promotion of the 12th Paradise; the sustained growth of the region’s economic performance as indicated in the latest Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP); and the continuing development of the Regional Government Center with the planned construction of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) XII Regional Office building, among others.

During the meeting proper the Council discussed the following: Good Governance Summit Report; Listahanan; Halal Certification andAccreditation; Report on the RDC PSR 5th National Convention; and important issues and recommen-dations of the Council’s Sectoral and Affiliate Committees.

RD Valero reported on the Good Governance Summit that was conducted to kick off the RDC Week Celebration. The Summit showcased the good practices of two area alliances, namely, the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLADA) and the Pigcawayan, Alamada, Midsayap, Aleosan, Pikit and Banisilan Alliance (PALMA+PB); and the LGUs of Tacurong City and Polomolok.

Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) was presented by Ms. Jackieya Lao of DSWD XII. The system puts real face on poverty as it identifies on the ground who and where the poor are. The database, thus, helps in the focused-targeting of the poor, specifically in identifying beneficiaries for the 4Ps program.

The Council encouraged all program implementers to use Listahanan for identifying their beneficiaries by executing a Memorandum of Agreement with DSWD.

RD Zenaida P. Hadji Raof-Laidan of DOST XII presented the state of the art Halal Laboratory of DOST XII and requested the Council to encourage all manufacturing industries in the region to avail of the services offered by the laboratory, especially in certifying halal products so that the country can have better chances in penetrating the huge foreign halal market, particularly countries with large Muslim populations.

PSR Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr. presented a report on the RDC PSR 5th National Convention held in Iloilo City on August 13-15, 2014. He cited the agreements reached during the convention which include, among others, the following: (a) standardization of the honoraria for the PSRs; (b) RDCs’ appeal to the Office of the President for the appointment of the RDC Chair and Co-Chairpersons in all regions; (c) amendment of the

L-R, Gov. Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza of Cotabato Province and Acting RDC Chairperson and Regional Director of NEDA Region XII Arturo G. Valero, during the 47th Regular RDC XII Meeting on 23 September 2014.

RDC XII . . . from page 3

4 | Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014

provisions in identifying the four (4) PSRs in the NEDA Board Regional Development Committee; (d) conduct of a summit to forecast manpower skills requirements that will guide formal educational, technology and vocational institutions; (e) adoption of industry clustering and encourage convergence to enhance productivity, higher yields, and higher incomes for the agriculture and fisheries sector; (f) strengthening the role of cooperatives in assisting small farmers/fisherfolks/growers and SMEs; (g) support to the move to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution; (h) reduction and simplification of business permit applications and other certifications to encourage more investors in the regions; (i) advocacy for and monitoring of compliance of government and private sector to adopt infrastructure projects that are resilient to natural disasters, climate change, and man-made calamities; and (j) fast-tracking of the delineation of ancestral domains and completion of CADTs.

Governor Mendoza raised some concerns on the various issues discussed and also provided updates on the Central Mindanao Airport (formerly M’lang Airport) Development Project.

A total of 34 resolutions were passed covering the concerns and recommendations of the sectoral and affiliate committees. The meeting was capped by a presentation of an AVP on the history of RDC XII, its functions, membership and officials.

The meeting was attended by 40 Council members. Aside from the LCEs, directors of regional line agencies, private sector representatives and special non-voting members were present.

The municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato SOCCSKSARGEN region

was ranked 2nd most competitive municipality for Government Efficiency in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) in the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). Tupi got a score of 20.012571 following Kalibo, Aklan of Western Visayas which was rated 20.287496.

The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the NCC through the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs) with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. The rankings were based on data collected and submitted by the RCCs.

This year’s CMCI featured a record number of 399 municipalities, 59.25% higher than the number of municipalities during the pilot run in 2013.

Government Efficiency scores were based on data on transparency, economic governance, local taxes and revenues, local competition-related awards, business registration efficiency, investment promotion, compliance to national directives, security, health, and education.

Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. believes that unity and participation of his constituents contributed to the continuing progress and development of Tupi.

Tupi, 2nd Most Competitive Municipality for Government Efficiencyby Apollo Y. Manlawe, DRD/NEDA XII

Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. received the award on August 7, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Metro Manila during the 2nd Regional Competitiveness Summit.

TUPI

Region XII Good Governance Summit Highlights Local Good Practices by Rosa D. Lemana and Gwyneth Grace B. Collado, NEDA XII

Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014 | 5

The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII conducted the first SOCCSKSARGEN

Region Good Governance Summit on September 17, 2014 at the Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. The Summit, which was the 3rd one in three years after the Regional Road Summit in 2012 and the Regional Tourism Summit in 2013, started off this year’s RDC Week celebration in Region XII.

Honorable Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato was the Summit’s keynote speaker. Governor Fuentes pointed out the difficult tasks confronting local government units (LGUs) in the pursuit of good governance due to the “rigid and unmovable bureaucracy,” which appears to paralyze politicians. She described the Summit organizers and participants as “matatapang” because achieving good governance is not an easy task. She challenged everyone to make sure that what they will pledge in the Summit can be achieved because there are several obstacles to good governance. She cited the inconsistent implementation of some guidelines and policies by the Commission on Audit (COA), which has left government with a feeling of “helplessness.” The Governor, who is also the Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XII, stressed that all concerned should adopt the following principles to achieve good governance, namely: transparency, efficiency, consistent implementation of policies, greater

consultation, revenue generation, nurturing of moral conviction toward public service, personal sacrifice, and creation of an environment towards “Daang Matuwid.”

Honorable Mayor Peter B. Miguel of Koronadal City, who welcomed the participants, also cited the message of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III during a recent meeting on the efforts of his administration toward the “Daang Matuwid.” He said that the President shared his sentiments on the need to sustain his advocacy against corruption. As a local chief executive, Mayor Miguel acknowledged the increasing participation of the private sector in facing the challenges of good governance and transparency. He appealed for the private sector’s help to check and improve the governance system. He also quoted the President’s message during the State of the Nation Address in July this year that “the Filipinos are worth dying for,

Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato described the Summit organizers and participants as “matatapang” because achieving good governance is not an easy task. ----------------------------------------

the Filipinos are worth fighting for, and the Filipinos are worth living for.”

RDC XII Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII Regional Director, gave the rationale of the Summit. He also emphasized the importance of institutional development in good governance. He mentioned the success stories of Asian countries like Japan and Korea that resulted from building good institutions. He envisioned that we may be able to achieve what they had done and even surpass their performance in terms of good governance.

Asst. Regional Director Josephine Leysa of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)briefed the participants on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). She said that after the successful run of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) was launched earlier this year to provide greater challenge to local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better services. The SGH only measured the levels of compliance to DILG’s full disclosure policy, particularly in the areas of budget, revenues and procurement, among others, having no adverse COA findings, as well as meeting the requirements of the Anti-Red Tape Act.

SGLG covers the following areas: good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, social protection,

6 | Regional Development Updates | July-September2014

peace and order, environmental management and business-friendliness and competitiveness.

Two alliances of LGUs and two individual LGUs were invited to share their success stories. The two LGU alliances are PALMA + PB or the Pigcawayan, Alamada, Midsayap, Aleosan, Pikit and Banisilan Alliance and the AVLDA or the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance. The two individual LGUs are Tacurong City and the municipality of Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Honorable Mayor Vicente C. Sorupia, Jr. of Aleosan, Cotabato Province, PALMA + PB Chairperson, presented the success stories of the alliance. He cited that the alliance was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement with a common goal to address the continuing land degradation and forest denudation that threatened the biodiversity and the balanced ecosystems in the Libungan-Alamada River Watershed that eventually affects the irrigation water supply for rice producing municipalities of Pigcawayan, Midsayap and Aleosan. Aside from conserving

the watershed, the alliance also implements the programs and projects for the rehabilitation of deteriorated local roads, increasing agricultural productivity, promotion and strengthening of health services, and economic empowerment of the women.

Mr. Rogelio L. Acosta, AVLDA Executive Director, shared that the alliance is composed of LGUs, line agencies and other stakeholders in the Allah Valley. It was created to address the pressing problems of the valley in a cooperative and coherent manner. The alliance primarily aims to protect and manage its resources like lands and watersheds thru interventions anchored on environmental, economic, social, cultural and institutional development. To support its operations and projects, AVLDA members pool their resources. Since its creation in 2003, the alliance has implemented the following programs: public awareness and education on maintaining the integrity of the environments; riparian zone management; rain forestation and upstream resource management; sub-watershed and co-management of forest areas; revenue mobilization; data management and support to

eco-cultural tourism, among others.

Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti of Polomolok informed the participants that her municipality ranked 8th in the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) of the Philippines in terms of competitiveness among municipalities nationwide. Her administration has been implementing the following programs: Paeskwela Tabang sa Batang Pobre (PATABA-PO), a scholarship program which was able to produce achievers in different fields; Empowerment and Development for a Living (Project EDL) to reduce poverty through Rapid Savings mobilization Technique (RSMT); Special Projects for Senior Citizens, such as birthday gifts and mortuary assistance; and Infrastructure Project by Administration Implementation Scheme, wherein the municipality was able to increase savings from project construction cost and employed skilled workers that resulted to the decrease in its unemployment rate.

The Tacurong City success story, as shared through an AVP, focused on the city’s Aid to Barangays, an additional support from the city

Seated in front are the resource persons of the Summit on Good Governance, namely (L-R): Alberto Sero, Jr. (rep. of Mayor Lina Montilla) of Tacurong City, Mayor Vicente Sorupia, Jr. of Aleosan, Cotabato Province, Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti of Polomolok, South Cotabato and Mr. Rogelio L. Acosta, AVLDA Exec. Director.

Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014 | 7

government to all its barangays to achieve balance, fair and equal distribution of resources and to enable them to develop and nurture their own capabilities in implementing projects. The city was proclaimed 3rd place in the overall Citizen’s Satisfaction Category nationwide of the just concluded National Forum on Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS).

The Summit culminated with the signing of a Declaration of Support to Local Governance by the participants.

The activity was attended by various officials of the regional line agencies, (RLAs); local chief executives of the provinces, cities, municipalities, and the presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay; and representatives of the private sector, civil society organizations, peoples’ organizations, and non-government organizations, and the academe.

In closing, Retired Colonel

Celestino F. Desamito, Jr. encouraged everyone to keep their commitment to foster global culture of open government and to advance the ideals of transparent and participatory government. He further challenged other LGUs to set their hearts in pursuing good governance and to follow the models set by AVLADA, PALMA+PB, Tacurong City and Polomolok municipality.

RDC XII Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero gave emphasis on the importance of institutional development in good governance

Honorable Mayor Peter B. Miguel of Koronadal City, who welcomed the participants, also cited the message of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III during a recent meeting on the efforts of his administration toward the “Daang Matuwid.”

Asst. Regional Director Josephine Leysa of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII briefed the participants on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

Retired Colonel Celestino F. Desamito, Jr. challenged other LGUs to set their hearts in pursuing good governance.

Participants lined up to sign the Declaration of Support to Local Governance at the end of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region Summit on Good Governance.

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RDC XII Confirms PIA XII, NCIP XII, and NCMF XII as Special Non-Voting Membersby Apollo Y. Manlawe, NEDA XII

The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII confirmed the Philippine Information

Agency (PIA) XII, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XII and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) XII as special non-voting members (SNVMs) during its 47th Regular Meeting on September 23, 2014 at Cinco Niñas, Koronadal City.

The said agencies manifested their intention to become members of RDC XII and were referred to appropriate sectoral committees of the Council for evaluation and endorsement during their 3rd quarter meetings.

The Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) has determined that the participation of NCIP XII and NCMF XII in RDC XII’s deliberation and resolution of development issues pertaining to indigenous peoples (IPs) and Muslims is highly relevant given the region’s large population of IPs and Muslims.

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) considered the PIA’s important role in the operation of the council, particularly in the advocacy of the regional development plans, investment programs, and project monitoring evaluation, among others. Both RDC Committees favorably endorsed the

membership of the three agencies to the Council as special non-voting members for the term 2014-2016.

Executive Order No. 325, Series of 1996, does not include the said agencies as members of the RDCs but allows them to become Special Non-Voting Members, subject to the endorsement of any of the RDC sectoral committees and with the concurrence of majority of the Council’s regular members.

The new SNVMs of RDC XII will take their oath of office during the 4th quarter meeting of the Council on December 3, 2014.

RD Galay M. Makalinggan of NCMF XII expressed his heartfelt gratitude to RSDC XII for endorsing his office as SNVM of the RDC XII, during the 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Committee on September 23, 2014 in Koronadal City. In picture, (L-R) PSR Jose Ronie V. Mondragon of the Labor Sector; RD Makalinggan; RD Joey L. Bogay of NCIP XII, and; RD Edwin Mateo P. Quijano of POPCOM XII.---------------------------------------

Visit our websites: NEDA XII (http://nro12.neda.gov.ph) and RDC XII (http://nro12.neda.gov.ph/rdc12)

Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014 | 9

The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom) of Regional

Development Council XII conducted a special meeting on September 25, 2014 at the FB Hotel, Koronadal City to tackle issues related to the ordinances on speed limits passed and enforced by the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok. RDC XII PSR Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr., Committee Chairperson, presided over the meeting.

The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Tupi passed Ordinance No. 688, Series of 2014, which provides that all four-wheel motor vehicles and motorcycles shall effect a speed limit of not more than 80 kph along the national highway passing through Barangay Polonuling and Barangay Acmonan; and not more than 40 kph from Crossing Acmonan to Barangay Cebuano. The SB of Polomolok likewise passed Ordinance No. 12, Series of 2014, setting speed limits for the same kind of vehicles plying the national highway through its poblacion area. The passage of these ordinances was intended to reduce, if not eliminate, road accidents due to reckless driving and overspeeding.

These local legislations, however, elicited mixed reactions from the public. While many were relieved that road accidents decreased

along the areas covered by the speed limits, some complained of travel delays and the high cost of penalties.

During the consultation, RD Putiwas M. Malambut of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XII, who also hosted the meeting, explained the salient features of RA 4136 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines; RA 8794 (Motor User’s Charge); RA 8750 (the Seat Belt Use Act); and RA 8749 (the Clean Air Act).

Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. of Tupi and Councilor Alan Ines of Polomolok presented the important provisions of their respective ordinances and the penalties imposed against violators.

It was noted that the LGUs concerned imposed higher penalties than those provided for in RA 4136, particularly the provision on imprisonment for 30 days. Mayor Tamayo promised a review of his municipality’s ordinance.

Other concerns discussed were the confiscation of a driver’s license and the issuance of Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or citation.

RD Malambut clarified that the TOP is issued only by LTO deputized personnel to those who violate a national law. A citation is issued to those who violate a local ordinance, which requires the issuance of a TOP if the penalties in the citation are not settled within three days.

In the course of the discussion, Vice Gov. Cecile Diel stressed the need for the Sangguniang Bayan and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato to be well-informed about the provisions of national laws as local ordinances must conform with them. She cited the presentation of RD Malambut on 4136 which states that: “… No provincial, city or municipal authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance or resolution specifying maximum allowable speeds other than those provided in this Act.” She further explained that no matter how antiquated a law is, if not amended, shall remain a law. “The spring cannot rise above its source,” she further explained. She invited LTO XII to conduct another consultation to be participated in by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato and the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipalities of the province, for them to be guided in the drafting of ordinances on speed limits.

RDC XII InfraCom Recommends Further Review of Speed Limits by Rosa D. Lemana, DRD/NEDA XII

RD Putiwas M. Malambut of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XII, explained the salient features of RA 4136 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.

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Three (3) nominees from SOCCSKSARGEN Region were favorably endorsed

by the Regional Search Committee (RSC) XII-Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) 2014 to the National Search Committee-SOV 2014 in its meeting and final interview on 22 September 2014 at Cinco Ninas, Koronadal City.

The regional nominees were Datu Lamberto A. Delfin of the Mindanao Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCPD) of Kidapawan City for the Individual-Adult category; General Santos City-Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Incorporated (GSC-SMEDCI) of General Santos City and United Transport Operators and Drivers Cooperative (UTODCO) of Koronadal City for the Organization category.

The SOV is an annual recognition spearheaded by the Philippine National Volunteers Service Coordination Agency (PNVSCA) to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. Nominees for both the organization and individual categories are judged on the following criteria: Volunteer Qualities – 25%, Performance – 40%, and Impact – 35%. Awards to outstanding volunteers will be conferred in Manila in December 2014.

Datu Delfin is the current Chairman of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCPD)

in Kidapawan City. He was nominated by Mr. Januario S. Espejo, Jr., Private Sector Representative to Regional Development Council (RDC) XII. The nominee, an Obo Manobo tribal leader, is also known as the “peacekeeper for progress and prosperity.” He is actively involved in the conduct of medical outreach activities, training/education against drug, senior citizen care, regular hosting at the Radio Ukay, conduct of information dissemination on the effects of violence, and advocacy for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples.

The GSC-SMEDCI, nominee for the Organization category, was nominated by Mr. Joaquin Tiongco of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office of General Santos City. Some of the volunteer programs of SMEDCI are: Trade and Product Development Program, On-the-Job Training Program, Feeding Program, Health and Wellness Program, and Socio-Economic Program. SMEDCI is also a consistent partner of the City Government of General Santos in the implementation of economic programs, such as the Yaman GenSan (Yabong Maliliit na Negosyo sa Gensan), in support of the LGU’s development thrusts.

Another regional nominee for the Organization category is the United Transport Operators and Drivers Cooperative (UTODCO) which was endorsed by Mr. Rafael P. Parcon of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, Koronadal City. UTODCO is a transport cooperative which conducts volunteer activities

related to road safety advocacy and training, technical skills training, environmental protection and feeding program, in coordination with the LGUs of Koronadal City and South Cotabato, private institutions, and other government agencies.

The RSC XII-SOV 2014, composed of agency heads/representatives of NEDA, DILG, CHED, TESDA, PIA, and RDC XII Private Sector Representative Ronnie S. Mondragon, interviewed the nominees. Prior to the panel interview, the nominees underwent an assessment process, which included validation visits to their offices and projects by the RSC XII-SOV Technical Working Group.

The regional nominees will be awarded a Plaque of Recognition during the 4th Quarter Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council XII on 3 December 2014.

RSC XII - SOV 2014 Endorses Nominees for the National Search for Oustanding Volunteers 2014by Lalaine M. Sajelan, FAD/NEDA XII

The RSC XII of SOV 2014 visited Datu Lamberto A. Delfin (in yellow) of the Mindanao Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCPD) of Kidapawan City for the Individual-Adult category.

Regional Development Updates | July-September 2014 | 11

SOCCSKSARGEN chalks 0.42 M Seedlings on TreeVolution Dayby MJDomingo/MCLocsin, DENR XII

Planters came in support of the Treevolution: Greening MindaNOW - a joint project

of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) held in various planting sites in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region last September 26.

Treevolution: Greening MindaNOW (Nurturing Our Waters) is an attempt to snatch the current world record India has set for having the most number of seedlings planted in an hour totaling to 1,945,535 back in 2011.

A total of 28,079 participants from various offices of the local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, non-government organizations, the academe, and private individuals participated not only to beat a world record but, more importantly, in making Mindanao a lot greener.

Based on the partial, unofficial tally of the DENR XII, a total of 421,835 seedlings were planted during the campaign. Seedlings

planted were those of timber, and various plantation and fruit tree species, such as rubber, cacao and coffee. DENR and MinDA advocated the planting and growing of cacao seedlings to farmers in the region because of the crop’s soaring market demand and its economic impact on local farmers in effect.

These data shall be handed over by DENR to MinDA to finalize the results prior to its submission to the Guinness World Records for the official proclamation and awarding of plaque.

In the forefront of the greening activity was DENR XII Regional Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol. According to RD Saikol, he is overwhelmed by the support that DENR received throughout the activity. “Treevolution: Greening MindaNOW was once thought of as impossible but with everyone’s hard work and cooperation, it came true,” the environment executive added.

Staged in 20 planting sites across the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and

Sarangani, the greening activity covered a total planting area of 912 hectares out of the targeted 1,000 hectares regionwide.

The activity was in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) to help augment the completion of the program’s goal of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of land across the country by year 2016. Now, on its fourth year, the program sets to plant this year some 164 million seedlings in 300,000 hectares of government lands nationwide.

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Region XII successfully hosted the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC)

2014 at the SAFI Ranch fly-site in Sitio Seguil, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province on August 22-24, 2014. This was revealed by RD Arturo G. Valero, RDC XII Acting Chairperson, who graced the event.

The international sports competition drew the participation of forty (40) professional paragliding athletes and enthusiasts from various countries, such as the United States, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Singapore, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada and the Philippines. The Malaysian Team emerged as the overall champion of the competition.

Accuracy is one of the most important elements of paragliding. The basic idea is for the pilot to fly towards a circular target pad and aim to land at the pad’s exact center. The distance between the center of the target and the landing point determines the skill of the pilot. Hitting the center is a perfect score of zero (0).

Spearheaded by the Air Sports Adventure Philippines (ASAP) in coordination with the Department of

Region XII Hosts 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC) 2014by Helen L. Vestal, DRD/NEDA XII

Tourism and the local government of Sarangani Province, RD Valero said that the event aims to promote paragliding, aerial and outdoors sports; boost local and inbound tourism, culture and trade; and encourage beneficial and progressive collaborations between multiple and cross industry sectors.

RD Valero also said that this international event affirms the region’s giving priority to tourism as one of its development drivers as expressed in the region’s updated development plan until 2016. It also supports the region’s tourism brand, the 12th Paradise.

The event opened with cultural and air shows and a motorcade. It also featured a trade fair, nature adventure, such as downhill mountain biking, trail run, and the 12th Paradise tour with the Ms. Earth Philippine beauties adding glamor to the occasion.

Sitio Seguil in Maasim, Sarangani was primarily chosen for this international competition by ASAP, the only facility that provides pilot training and certification courses in paragliding and paramotoring in the country, since it has the longest flying season in the country with 300 days suitable for this air

sport. Safety paragliding and free-flying are primarily dependent on weather conditions and in the Philippines, fly sites may be open up to about 120 days as dictated by habagat and amihan winds. In addition, the SAFI Ranch fly-site offers a scenic view of the most majestic aerial views in this part of the archipelago, making it an ideal site for an international paragliding competition.

Aside from RD Valero, DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncato and Region XII Director Nelly Dillera also attended the event.

Photo Source: http://www.aaatrike.com

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ource: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/