CARAGA TODAY APRIL-JUNE 2015

todaycaraga Vol. XVIII, Issue 2
April - June 2015
A Publication of the Caraga Regional Development Council
PAGE 20
2014 Regional
Economic Situationer
PAGE 30
Q1 2015 Regional
Project Monitoring
Report
Caraga Regional Development Council to
formulate regional research agenda
PAGE 4

Published quarterly by the Caraga Regional Development Council with editorial office at the National Economic and Development
Authority-Caraga, Nimfa Tiu Building I, JP Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.
For questions, comments, and suggestions email us at neda13caraga@yahoo.com or call (085) 341-4195.
caraga today
Volume XVIII Issue 2 April-June 2015
PAGE 4
Caraga Regional
Development Council to
formulate regional
research agenda
PAGE 5
Caraga Regional
Development Council
endorses PhP87.39B
proposed budgets for
fiscal year 2016
PAGE 6
Caraga Regional
Development Council
holds teambuilding,
leadership training
PAGE 7
DOST presents the road
to Caraga’s development
PAGE 8
PhP128M irrigation
projects of Jabonga,
Agusan del Norte gets
Caraga Regional
Development Council
nod
Caraga Regional
Development Council
endorses procurement of
Rapidly Deployable
Communications
Equipment
On this issue
FEATURE
PAGE 10
On this issue, we feature the State of the
Region Address of the Caraga Regional
Development Council Chairperson Gov. Sol
Matugas
CENTERFOLD
The Race to Universal Coverage
HIGHLIGHTS
PAGE 17
High Impact 5
PAGE 20
2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer
PAGE 30
1st Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring
Report
PAGE 32
How the local government units are rated:
The 2015 Cities and Municipalities
Competitiveness Index
PAGE 34
What has been done: The ASEAN Economic
Community Integration
PAGE 9
What is the Philippine
Rural Development
Program
PAGE 36
DOST 12 invites public
to its Halal Laboratory

3Vol. XVIII Issue 2
Editor-in-Chief
Jazmin D. Berido
Writers
Sherwin E. Verdun
Michelle P. Dela Calzada
Mirasol P. Montenegro
Shiela M. Bermoy
Ann B. Jaquilmac
Paris Raymond S. Gaballo
Ian G. Miculob
Design Editor
Sherwin E. Verdun
Advisers
RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño
ARD Roy B. Kantuna
Editor’s Note
Jazmin D. Berido
On this issue, we highlight the
accomplishments of the
Caraga Region in 2014 in the
State of the Region Address
delivered by the Chairperson
of the Caraga Regional
Development Council (RDC)
Gov. Sol Matugas.
We report the projects
endorsed by the Caraga RDC
during the first quarter of
2015 as well as the proposed
budgets for fiscal year 2016 of
regional line agencies and
state universities and colleges.
This year, the Caraga
RDC will embark on an
important endeavor and that is
formulating the Caraga
Regional Research Agenda.
For the attainment of the
Millennium Development
Goals, we feature the
Universal Health Care High
Impact Five Strategy of the
DOH which consists of the
following: (1) Maternal care;
(2) Infant care; (3) Under five
vaccines and integrated
management of childhood
illnesses; (4) Diagnosis,
treatment, and peer
counseling for HIV-AIDS;
and (5) Profiling, mapping
and matching of recipients.
Further, at the centerfold
is the achievement of the
National Health Insurance
Program in the region for the
past twenty years.
This year is important for
all cities and municipalities
since they will be evaluated
for the 2015 Cities and
Municipalities Competitive
Index. We feature here the
Editorial Board
various indicators for rating
our local government units
primarily to encourage them
to participate and provide
guidance in gathering such
data.
Relatedly, we feature the
achievement of the ASEAN
Economic Community for
advocacy and continually
provide inspiration to
stakeholders in embracing this
direction.
As a regular input, we
feature the 2014 Caraga
Regional Economic
Situationer to provide
overview of the region‟s
economy to all stakeholders.
Finally, we feature the
projects monitored in the
region for the first quarter of
2015.

The Caraga Regional Development
Council (RDC) will endeavor to
formulate a unified regional research
agenda to guide development efforts of
the region.
The Caraga RDC recognizes the crucial
role that research plays in the improvement
of plan formulation, investment
programming, budgeting, and monitoring
and evaluation in the region and in attaining
the goal of the region of becoming the
FAME (fishery, agro-forestry, mineral, eco-
tourism) Center of the country. Further, the
Caraga RDC recognizes the challenges that
will result from ASEAN integration that
may require research for
informed decision-
making.
The goal is to
generate knowledge
support needed to attain
Caraga Region‟s goal of
becoming the FAME
Center of the
Philippines.
The objectives of
the endeavor are: provide
a framework for
developing research
agenda; identify
knowledge gaps;
determine specific
research topics; identify
research institutions,
collaborators, and
4 caraga today
funding institutions.
The research agenda will be organized
as a framework of two broad streams as
follows: FAME research agenda (broad
research topics in fishery, agro-forestry,
mineral, eco-tourism); and support research
agenda (broad research topics that covers
the macro-economy, good governance,
human development, and peace and order).
To prepare the unified regional research
agenda, all regional line agencies (including
attached agencies and government owned
and controlled corporations), academe
(government and private higher education
institutions), local government units
(provincial and city), and research consortia
in the region will formulate their research
agenda. NEDA-Caraga, as Secretariat, will
then integrate all research agenda into a
publication available for consumption of all
stakeholders.
The research agenda will cover broad
scale research activities in the following
areas:
 Assessment of problems
 Assessment of causes
 Evaluation of solutions (programs)
 Program or project review
 Policy Review
The research problems that will be
identified must correspond to the goals of
the RDP; can be addressed through
government intervention; should be suitable
for empirical analysis; and analysis should
lead to potential policy initiatives.
by Sherwin E. Verdun, NEDA-Caraga
Caraga Regional Development Council
to formulate regional research agenda
The research process
The strength of the research agenda is
attributed to the academe’s optimism;
the local government units’ creativity,
the research consortia’s determination,
and the regional line agencies’ vigor.

5Vol. XVIII Issue 2
Council (RDC) endorsed PhP87.39
billion proposed budgets for fiscal year
2016, Thursday, March 26, 2015 during
its 82nd Full Council Meeting at LJ
Mega Convention Hall, Butuan City.
The said budget represents the 2016
proposed budgets of regional line
agencies and state colleges and
universities of the region.
The endorsement came after a rigorous
process of consultations with different
stakeholders including civil society
organizations.
About 58.8% of the total endorsed
budget came from the Infrastructure Sector
amounting to PhP51.40 billion, of which
PhP47.14 billion is proposed by the
Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH).
The Social Sector has a proposed
budget of PhP29.36 billion with the
Department of Education (DepEd) posting
the highest proposed budget of PhP19.43
billion.
Meanwhile, the Economic Sector has a
proposed budget of PhP5.04 billion; while
the Development Administration Sector
has a budget of PhP1.59 billion.
Besides deliberations in the four
sectoral committees, the Caraga RDC has
conducted a Budget Forum and a Budget
Consultation with Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs) and the Private
Sector on March 3 and 6, 2015,
respectively.
Caraga Regional Development Council endorses
PhP87.39B proposed budgets for fiscal year 2016

6 caraga today
Council (RDC) in coordination with the
Province of Surigao Del Norte conducted
a teambuilding cum leadership training
last April 6-7, 2015 at Parklane Hotel,
Cebu City.
Caraga RDC Chairperson Gov. Sol
Matugas led the activity along with the 22
members of the RDC. Also present were
the department heads of Surigao Del Norte
and the RDC Secretariat.
The activity was aimed at further
strengthening the leadership capacities of
the Caraga RDC members as well as
fostering camaraderie between and among
the members. Further, it also served as an
avenue to learn from the good practices of
other local government units particularly,
Cebu City.
“The activity provides an opportunity
to enjoy the success journey towards
unlimited possibilities of unlocking new
ideas that would lead to knowledge
breakthroughs and insights related to the
burning issues of today that are seriously
affecting our day to day lives,” said
Governor Matugas during her inspirational
message. She also shared John Maxwell‟s
principles for personal growth encouraging
the members to reflect on these to become
better key players in the region.
Mr. Mennen Aracid, a managing
consultant of the Center for Leadership and
Change, Inc. was the resource person. He
shared insights on leadership styles,
sensory preferences, handling perceptions
and mindsets, values and personality
theories through lectures and workshops.
Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor
Edgardo Labella graciously hosted a dinner
for the members of the Caraga RDC.
As coordinated by the office of Mayor
Rama, the members visited areas in Cebu
City where good practices on governance,
industry and tourism development are
showcased.
Caraga Regional Development Council holds
teambuilding, leadership training
by Ann B. Jaquilmac, NEDA-Caraga

7Vol. XVIII Issue 2
Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam.
The theme is coined by the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) to highlight
the advancement of science and technology as
one of the important catalysts of inclusive
growth and development for the entire
country.
DOST together with the Caraga Regional
Development Council spearheaded the
Science and Technology Forum in Butuan
City on May 27, 2015. The forum was
attended by RDC members, the academe,
regional agencies, and private sector of
Caraga.
“This is the first Science and Technology
Forum in this region,” declared RDC
Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol
Matugas. Thus, Caraga Region is grateful for
the visit of DOST Sec. Mario Montejo.
Montejo delivered his keynote address
emphasizing how science and technology
could help alleviate poverty. “It is the build-
up of our know-how and developing our
capabilities to come up with innovative
solution that directly address the concerns and
problems of the community…There are many
presentations in this forum and all of them
will showcase how science and technology
can contribute to inclusive growth,” he said.
Several DOST key projects and programs
were highlighted to promote knowledge and
awareness to the public about their critical
role in Caraga‟s pursuit of inclusive and
sustainable development. Dr. Andrei Coronel
of Ateneo de Manila University showed the
usefulness of the eHealth TABLET
(Technology-Assisted Boards for LGU
Efficiency and Transparency) for Informed
Decision-making of local government units
(LGU) or eHATID for LGU, a tablet-based
electronic medical record system. Aside from
managing medical records, the eHATID
serves as decision-making tool for local
government units by allowing them to access
summarized medical data and identify their
community‟s medical situations.
Dr. Rowena Varela of Caraga State
University presented the Responsible Mining
Program in Mindanao, a research and
development initiative aimed at assessing the
mining industry and providing policy options
to ensure responsible mining. CSU Project
Leaders Engr. Meriam Santillan and Engr.
Michelle Japitana presented Phil-LiDAR
Project- Flood Modelling and Resource
Mapping.
Caraga State University is one of the few
SUCs across the country that implements
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
Programs, which means another technological
edge for Caraga.
Further, the region‟s science and
technology sector is made more innovative as
DOST launches the Eastern Mindanao
Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies
Research Alliance for Development
(EMIEERALD). EMIEERALD is a
partnership among regional line agencies,
academe, and private institutions in the region
which aims to provide solutions to issues and
development challenges through research and
development activities relating to industry,
energy, and emerging technologies.
The event further strengthened
partnerships and commitment among
stakeholders, specifically the Caraga Food
Safety Team Members during Commitment
Signing and the Governors and Mayors
during MOA Signing for the installation of
Early Warning Devices.
DOST presents the road to Caraga’s development
by Shiela M. Bermoy , NEDA-Caraga

8 caraga today
Two irrigation projects amounting to
PhP128 million in Jabonga, Agusan del
Norte were endorsed by the Caraga
Regional Development Council (RDC)
through RDC Resolution No. 11, series
of 2015 last March 26, 2015.
The Puyo Small River Irrigation
Project will irrigate 380 hectares costing
PhP120 million while the Cuyago Small
River Irrigation Project will irrigate 30
hectares and costs PhP8 million.
These irrigation projects are expected
to stimulate the agriculture sector of
Agusan del Norte by expanding the
existing irrigated area for agricultural
production.
The projects are consistent with the
goals and objectives of the Caraga
Regional Development Plan 2013-2016 to
improve rice productivity and ensure food
security in the region.
The Provincial Development Council
of Agusan del Norte through Resolution
No. 1, series of 2015 endorsed the above-
mentioned projects to the Caraga RDC-
Infrastructure Development Committee
(IDC). Likewise, the Caraga RDC-IDC
endorsed the projects to the Caraga RDC
through Caraga RDC-IDC Resolution No.
7, series of 2015 during its first quarter
meeting on March 19, 2015.
PhP128M irrigation projects of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
gets Caraga Regional Development Council nod
In recent years, Caraga experienced
several disasters that resulted in deaths
and destruction of properties.
The timely sharing of information has
been identified to minimize or lessen the
adverse impact of calamities. However, the
immediate reestablishment of a fast and
reliable communications network during
disasters is a challenge.
The National Telecommunications
Commission-Caraga has identified the
establishment of a Rapidly Deployable
Communications Equipment as crucial in
providing vital information to decision-
makers, emergency service responders and
other stakeholders especially in the
aftermath of disasters.
On March 26, 2015, the Caraga
Regional Development Council endorsed
the procurement of Rapidly Deployable
Communications Equipment through
Resolution No. 12, series 2015.
The Rapidly Deployable
Communications Equipment includes
various radio communications equipment
and accessories amounting to PhP2 million.
The project aims to provide an
immediate, 24/7 reliable, stand-alone, all-
weather communications network that will
link ground zero to the rest of the world;
and to assist various emergency responders
during emergencies.
A project monitoring team will be
created to ensure the successful project
implementation.
Caraga Regional Development Council endorses procurement
of Rapidly Deployable Communications Equipment

9Vol. XVIII Issue 2
The Philippine Rural Development
Program (PRDP) is a six-year program
(2013-2018) designed to establish the
government platform for a modern, climate
-smart, and market-oriented agri-fishery
sector. It focuses on expanding market
access and improving competitiveness
while introducing reforms in the internal
operations of the Department of
Agriculture.
The program contributes to inclusive
growth by unleashing the economic
potential of rural producers by investing in
targeted, climate resilient agri-fishery
infrastructure and by upgrading value to
agri-based enterprises identified in ground-
validated Provincial Commodity
Investment Plans linked to national
commodity road maps.
The program‟s development objectives
include the following:
1. at least 5% increase in annual real
household incomes of farmer
beneficiaries;
2. 7% increase in value of annual
marketed output; and
3. 20% increase in number of farmers and
fishers with improved access to DA
services.
Moreover, the PRDP is designed to
complement the programs of other national
agencies, notably:
1. DAR – by seeking the participation of
agrarian reform communities in
identified priority commodity value
chains and by ensuring
complementation in the bridge program
using the DA‟s geotagging tool that
maps various rural infrastructure
facilities;
2. DPWH – by tapping its technical
assistance and by complementing its
national road network;
3. DSWD – by providing agri-fishery
enterprise opportunities for farm
families and landless rural poor
graduating from the conditional cash
transfer program; and
4. DTI – by tying up with its OTOP (one
town, one product) program in the
localities and by accessing its
enterprise training packages and value
chain studies.
The program has the following
components:
1. Investments in Agriculture and
Fisheries Modernization Program
Planning at the Local and National
Levels;
2. Intensified Building up of
Infrastructure and Logistics for
Development (I-BUILD);
3. Investments in Rural Enterprises and
Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity
(I-REAP), and
4. Implementation Support to PRDP (I-
SUPPORT).
PRDP has a total cost of PhP 27.5
billion, of which 92% is designed to deliver
goods and services directly to the people
through I-BUILD and I-REAP. It is funded
by the World Bank (75%), National
Government (13%), local government units
(11%) and a grant from Global
Environment Facility (1%).
PRDP employs geo-tagging and geo-
mapping to enhance transparency and
supervision of development projects. The
said tools are used for strategic planning
for agricultural development intervention,
informing project implementation,
effectively communicating gaps and
overlaps and engaging beneficiaries for
citizen‟s feedback.
Likewise, it employs vulnerability and
suitability analysis in ranking of
municipalities for PRDP prioritization
while mapping and spatial analysis is used
to inform and target PRDP project
allocations and funds.
What is the Philippine Rural Development Program

10 caraga today
State of the Region Address
by Gov. Sol Matugas, Caraga Regional Development Council Chairperson
Trade, Industry and Services
The Service sector contributed most to the
region‟s economic growth in 2013 with 3.3
percentage points, while the Industry sector
chipped in 2.9 percentage points. Industry
decelerated from 18.2% in 2012 to 8.5% in
2013. Mining and Quarrying, the largest
contributor of the region‟s economy, slowed
down from 20.5% in 2012 to 8.8% in 2013
due to the decrease in the value of metallic
mineral products caused by a decline in the
world market prices.
Mineral exports were valued at PhP29.84
billion in 2013, which represents a 9.98%
decline from 2012 figure. The Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XIII recorded
618 shipments reflecting a 1.64% growth
from 2012 shipment.
Mining and quarrying generated
PhP596.88 million in excise tax and PhP1.2
billion in royalties. Both excise tax and
royalty tax decreased by 10% and 11%,
respectively compared to the previous year‟s
figures because of the decline of the gross
value of metals exported.
Macroeconomy
The region exhibited strong economic
performance for the last four years because
of our unwavering commitment and
concerted efforts. Caraga‟s Gross Regional
Domestic Product (GRDP) continues to be
one of the top five fastest growing economies
in the country for four successive years.
In 2013, Caraga‟s economy amounted to
PhP83.55 billion posting a growth of 7.8% –
the 4th fastest growing region for the said
year. It is higher than the country‟s GDP
growth of only 7.2%. In 2012, the region
grew by 10.7%, which was the second
highest among all regions for that particular
year. For two consecutive years, the region‟s
growth performance was higher than the
neighboring regions of Regions X and XI.
The Service sector constituted the biggest
share in the region‟s economy at 44.8% in
2013. It was followed by the Industry sector,
which accounted for 34.4%, while
Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery, and Forestry
(AHHF) contributed 20.8%.
Twenty years ago, Republic Act 7901 created the Caraga
Region. Since then, various developments have taken place that
changed the region’s social, economic, and even political
landscapes. Today, as we celebrate its 20 years of founding, we
ask ourselves what have we attained and what have we become
as a region that deserves celebration? As your RDC
Chairperson, it is my privilege and duty to apprise you on the
region’s performance in the past year.

11Vol. XVIII Issue 2
One notable accomplishment in the
mining sector is the start of the full
production of mixed sulfides of the Taganito
High Pressure Acid Leaching (THPAL)
Nickel Corporation Mineral Processing Plant
(MPP) in Claver, Surigao del Norte in
October 2013. The plant produced 8,000 MT
of mixed sulfides, with a total gross value of
US$48,025,628.28 equivalent to PhP
2,092,324,065.04.
In 2013, the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) XIII recorded total domestic
sales of PhP 458.86 million, which is 8.25%
or PhP41.26 million lower than the 2012
sales of PhP500.12 million.
DTI also recorded 6,095 new business
names registered in 2013. This represents an
increase of 5.67% or 327 new business
registrations from 2012. Agusan del Norte
contributed the biggest share of 40.25%,
followed by Surigao del Norte with 26.33%.
Based on the 2014 Cities and
Municipalities Competitiveness Index,
among the 136 cities and 399 municipalities,
2 cities and 3 municipalities in Caraga
figured in the top 50. Butuan City ranks 16th
overall while seven Caraga municipalities are
among the top 25% of the 399 municipalities
covered in the index and 15 municipalities
are in the top 50%.
Tourism has sustained its growth with
861,767 tourist arrivals in 2013 or an
increase of 15.73% compared to the 2012
tourist arrivals. Among the provinces,
Surigao del Norte recorded the most number
of tourists.
Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry
The overall performance of our agriculture
sector showed a slight drop in its output
because of the decrease in the production of
the livestock and fishery sub-sectors. On the
other hand, forestry sub-sector performed
better in 2013 by the increase in private
land‟s timber production.
From a 4.13% growth in 2012, the
growth was slower the following year,
registering only a meager 3.48% increase.
The crops subsector, which contributed the
bulk of the region‟s agriculture production,
grew only by 3.99%. The growth figure was
lower than the 4.82% registered in 2012. On
the other hand, livestock, which already had
a dismal performance in the previous year,
continued to contract by 1.38%. Among the
subsectors, fisheries had the biggest drop at
6.11% although it only had about 1% share
to the production for the year. The poultry
subsector had an impressive performance. It
offset its negative growth of 7% in 2012 with
a 20.85% expansion the following year.
Total agricultural production was
estimated at about 1.976 million metric tons,
which is higher by 3.48% from the previous
year‟s production. In terms of value, the
production was pegged at about PhP31.461
billion pesos at current price. This is 5.21%
higher than the 2012 gross value of
PhP29.903 billion.
The Department of Agriculture reported
that Caraga Region is already self-sufficient
for rice. It is attributed to the production of

12 caraga today
Agusan del Sur with 305,171 metric tons
which is equivalent to 52.7% of the total
palay production of Caraga.
Overall, crops posted an increase of
7.87% in terms of production value. In 2013,
the gross value was about PhP18.211 billion,
which is way better than the gross value of
PhP16.882 billion in 2012. Cereals‟ gross
value posted an increase of 27.71% because
of the combined strong growth of palay and
corn at 28.65% and 21.40%, respectively.
The performance of the fisheries
subsector continue to decline in 2013.
Volume of production contracted by 6.11%,
which is equivalent to a drop of 5,725.81
metric tons. Municipal fisheries posted the
highest decrease of 7.21% followed by
aquaculture. Commercial fisheries had a
slight drop of 0.65%. One of the factors
affecting fishery productivity was the
occurrence of typhoons/tropical cyclones in
2013 that reduced the number of fishing days
in the region‟s fishing grounds. The decline
in the seaweeds production was affected by
the „ice-ice‟ disease notably in Surigao del
Sur, which is the biggest aquaculture
contributor.
In terms of value, fisheries subsector
showed an increase of 2.26% based on the
data of the Philippine Statistical Authority. In
2012, gross value of fisheries production was
at PhP5.393 billion and grew to PhP5.515
billion in 2013. Aquaculture proved to be the
driver of growth for this sector with its
11.78% climb in 2013, the highest among the
three subsectors. In 2013, several Bottom-Up
Budgeting Projects in fisheries amounting to
PhP39.467 million were implemented.
Log production‟s growth rebounded in
2013. From its 37.19% drop in 2012, it
recorded an increase of 112.81%. On a three-
year period, the region produced an average
of 431.704 million metric tons of logs. The
growth in 2013 was due to the Private Tree
Plantation Ownership Certificates (PTPOC)
production, which increased by 115.04% or
306,306.34 m3. The PTPOC accounted for
98.06% of the 2013 total log production.
Access, Logistic and Other Infrastructure
Services
Through the years, we have continuously
improved our road networks. The region‟s
national road network is 80% concrete in
surfacing or 1,183.55 km out of the total
length of 1,477.925. Among all provinces in
the region, the Province of Dinagat Islands
has only 26% of paved national road and will
require a total investment of PhP991 million
to be implemented until 2016 on road
concreting and construction of 17 bridges.
Meanwhile, the proportion of paved
roads in the Province of Agusan del Sur
stands only at 69%, which is the lowest in
mainland Caraga. DPWH commits that a
total of PhP 6.89 Billion will be invested in
Agusan del Sur until 2016 for road
preventive maintenance, concreting of east-
west lateral roads, circumferential road, and
roads leading to major tourist destinations.
Of the 790.56 kilometers national arterial
roads, only 26.29 km. remains unpaved.

DPWH implemented a number of multi-
million national arterial road projects
improving the percentage of paved arterial
road from 93.71% in 2012 to 97% in 2013.
The national secondary road development
stands at 61% – an impressive
accomplishment when compared to the
51.70% secondary road development in
2012.
With regards to improving our
connectivity and accessibility through air,
our three operating airports, had a total
number of 6,484 flights in 2013. Total
incoming passengers reached 322,371,
signifying an increase of 1.93%. Total
outgoing passengers reached 333,781
indicating an increase of 4.49% from last
year‟s 319,441 passengers. Butuan airport
became the preferred airport of passengers
from some areas of Misamis Oriental due to
the relocation of the Cagayan airport to
Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Good Governance
How did we fare when it comes to regional
development finance?
The Region targeted a 10% annual increase
in the collection of different types of taxes
for 2013 until 2016. Data from the Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR) XIII for the period
2012-2013 shows that among the types of
taxes, only value-added tax and other taxes
achieved the Region‟s target of 10% annual
increase. The percentage tax also performed
above the target but only by 2.43%. While
the aggregate collection for the Region in
2013 surpassed the collection in 2012, the
increase did not reach the Region‟s target
with an increase of only 5.35%. There is also
a large decline in the collection of excise tax
at (83.33%). This is because many of the big
taxpayers within the region‟s coverage were
transferred to the jurisdiction of the Large
Taxpayer Service hence their tax payments
were credited to the said service.
Our local government units remained to
be dependent on the Internal Revenue
Allotment (IRA). Among the provinces and
cities in the Region, Butuan City has the
lowest IRA dependency with 67% followed
by Surigao City with 74%. The most IRA
dependent among the provinces are Surigao
del Sur and Dinagat Islands, while among the
cities, it is Bayugan City with 93%.
The Region‟s annual growth target for
Real Property Tax (RPT) is 10% for the next
three years. Among the cities, Bislig City and
Cabadbaran City surpassed the target with
66.67% and 13.04% increases in collection,
respectively. It should be noted that all the
cities posted increases in their RPT collection
from 2012-2013. Among the Provinces,
Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur had
the biggest increases in RPT collection with
46.15% and 47.38%, respectively.
Moreover, the LGUs have been effective
in collecting business tax as the region
significantly surpassed the annual increase of
10% in 2013.
It also noteworthy that the provinces and
cities spending on health, nutrition and
population management is above the regional
target of 5% – 15% except for Tandag City
and Province of Dinagat Islands.

14 caraga today
Peace and Order
Caraga‟s peace and order situation remains
relatively stable, contributing to the
achievement of high economic growth in the
region for the past years.
From 2012 to 2013, while the crime
volume surged at a rate of 103.74% it is only
due to better recording of the PNP, with the
inclusion of women and children protection
cases, traffic accidents and barangay cases
which were previously not included in the
crime volume count.
As a banner program to strengthen peace
building and development in conflict-
affected areas, the Payapa at Masaganang
Pamayanan (PAMANA) was implemented.
In 2013, PhP223.30 million worth of
PAMANA projects were implemented. This
is 41.33% more than the previous year‟s. Of
the PAMANA projects implemented in 2013,
99.87% or PhP223 million were allocated for
the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to
-market roads.
The entry of the German International
Cooperation (GIZ) in the region with the
implementation of the Conflict Sensitive
Resource and Asset Management
(COSERAM) is a significant development.
COSERAM aims at reducing the number of
violent conflicts over land/land use. The
program is indeed successful, as resource-
based violent conflicts in Butuan City and
Agusan Del Norte were reduced by 41%.
Further, there was also a 60% reduction of
violent conflicts involving Ancestral Domain
Titling in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del
Sur.
Millennium Development Goals
The attainment of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) is a priority of
the region. We have made progress in our
commitment to eradicate extreme poverty as
the region‟s economic growth rate was
accompanied by a massive reduction of
poverty incidence in the region. Based on the
latest poverty statistics as of year 2012,
Caraga is no longer the poorest region in the
country. It has improved by six notches and
now ranks 11th out of 17 regions in terms of
poverty incidence. It is among the least poor
regions in Mindanao, along with Region XI.
Caraga Region dramatically reduced its
poverty incidence among families from
46.0% in 2009 to 31.9% in 2012. Likewise,
its poverty incidence among population
reduced from 54.4% in 2009 to 40.3% in
2012.
However, despite this remarkable
progress, the probability of achieving our
target of halving extreme poverty is very
low. Nevertheless, we can applaud ourselves
as we have exceeded our target of reducing
malnutrition among 0-5 years old children.
In terms of achieving universal primary
education, we have high probability of
attaining a 100% elementary participation
rate. However, the challenge is how to keep
children in school. As our elementary cohort
survival rate stood at 71.99% in 2013, there
is a medium probability of attaining our

target.
Our performance in terms of reducing
child mortality is commendable. We are
positive that we will attain our under-five
mortality rate and infant mortality rate targets
as 2013 figures stood at 7 and 4.76 per 1,000
livebirths, respectively. On the other hand,
we need to double or even triple our efforts
in curbing maternal deaths, as maternal
mortality ratio in the region remains high at
1.35 per 1,000 livebirths. Making
contraceptives more accessible and
acceptable is also a challenge, as our
contraceptive prevalence rate only stood at
56.14%.
In terms of halting the incidence of
malaria and other diseases, our malaria and
TB morbidity rates have been dramatically
reduced, thus attaining our targets would be
easy. However, the rising incidence of HIV/
AIDs is a cause for alarm. As of 2013, DOH
has reported that there are 31 HIV cases in
the region with Butuan City registering the
most number of cases.
In terms of providing basic amenities, we
have already attained our target relative to
making safe drinking water accessible.
Environment and Sustainable
Development
Our efforts to ensure sustainable
development continues. Parallel to the
issuance of EO 23 series of 2010, declaring a
moratorium in the harvesting of natural
grown forest, the President issued EO No. 26
institutionalizing the National Greening
Program (NGP). From 2012 to 2013, a total
of 28,091 hectares were planted through
NGP. The region performed well in the
implementation of the said program in 2013
by exceeding its target by 43.87%.
Exemplary performances were noted in
Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and
Surigao del Norte.
The declaration of Taguibo River as
Water Quality Management Area is a
milestone in our watershed management
efforts. We have established a critical habitat
for the conservation of the Philippine Eagle
in Surigao Del Sur. We also invested on
strengthening local capacities and promoting
sustainable management of natural resources
through:
 Updating of CLUPs by mainstreaming
biodiversity concerns through the
Biodiversity Partnership Project (BPP);
 Piloting of Caimpugan Peat in San
Francisco, Agusan del Sur under the
ASEAN Peatland Forest Project; and
 Institutionalization of conflict
transformation through the Conflict
Sensitive Resource and Asset
Management (COSERAM) Program
funded by GIZ.
To comply with Republic Act No. 9003
or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management
(ESWM) Act of 2000,” waste segregation
has already started in the region with a waste
diversion rate of 35% in 2013. While this is
low considering that the ESWM Act was
enacted 13 years ago, it increased
significantly by 10 percentage points from

16 caraga today
the 2012 figure of 25%. A number of LGUs
have been recognized for their ESWM best
practices including the municipalities of
Esperaza, Veruela and Trento in Agusan del
Sur; Hinatuan and Carrascal in Surigao del
Sur; Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte; and
Socorro in Surigao del Norte.
Given the region‟s exposure to different
types of hazards, we have implemented
initiatives to ensure the resiliency and
adaptability of the region‟s population
against disasters. The Regional Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council
(DRRM) launched on February 28, 2013 the
Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management (DRRM) Plan 2013-2017.
In partnership with different stakeholders, the
RDRRMC approved the Regional Alert
Level System; facilitated the updating of the
Regional Contingency/Cluster Plan;
conducted drills and simulation exercise at
the local level; and facilitated the
formulation/updating of local DRRM plans
of some municipalities in Agusan del Norte,
Agusan del Sur and Province of Dinagat
Islands.
Our Path Forward
We achieved these milestones because we
toiled hard, we worked together, and we
were one. We conquered because we are
committed to our vision of One Caraga: One
Vision, One Mission. And I thank all of you,
public servants and servant leaders of
Caraga, for your hard work, passion and
dedication to bring Caraga to greater heights.
While the region has performed well, we
should not be contented. There is still much
to do for us to attain our goal of making the
region the Fishery Agri-forestry, Mineral and
Ecotourism (FAME) Center of the country
and in making development inclusive.
Thus, the Caraga RDC affirms its
commitment to bring a rapid and sustained
growth that benefits everyone. We stand by
our commitment to bring forth inclusive
growth. We shall continue to create
productive employment, increase our human
capital, curb poverty and ensure sustainable
development.
Our priorities and strategies to attain
these commitments have been laid out in the
Revised Caraga Regional Development Plan
2013-2016. As your RDC Chairperson, I
assure you of my unfaltering commitment to
implement the RDP, our roadmap for
development. We will implement the
programs and projects laid out in the RDIP
and deliver results.
Let us bear in mind that we are entrusted
with the mandate and responsibility of
bringing into fruition a development that is
high and sustainable, generates mass
employment that draws the majority of our
people into the economic and social
mainstream and facilitates the reduction of
poverty. To us servant leaders of this region,
let us make Caraga‟s development agenda
our personal mission and commitment.
Together let us rise up to the challenge of
surpassing our current gains and paving the
way for a greater Caraga Region.

2004
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo signed RA 9241
(amending RA 7875) on
February 10
2002
Institutionalized the Non-
Paying Program (NPM) on
February 14
2000
Introduced the Out-Patient
Benefit Package (OPB) for
indigent families enrolled
under the regular
sponsored program and the
first outpatient diagnostic
package in Laguna and
Provider Capitation
Scheme on July 19
1998
Turned-over the Medicare
Programs to PhilHealth
from SSS on April 16
The Race to Universal Coverage
1995
Pres. Fidel V. Ramos
signed RA 7875 on
February 14
1997
Implemented the Indigent
Program on October 1
from GSIS on October 1
1999
Established the unified
benefits for all on
December 1
Established the first
Regional Health Insurance
Office in Iloilo City
signaling the start of
decentralization of
frontline services to the
locals on March 8
Implemented the
Individually Paying
Program on October 1
2001
Opened the PhilHealth
Member‟s Assistance
Center (PMAC) on July 2
Visi
Bawat Pilipin
Bawat Miyemb
Kalusugan Na
946,358
members
1,616,511
dependents
2,644,590
beneficiaries
96%
coverage
RA 7875
February 14, 1995
RA 9241
February 10, 2004
RA 10606
October 6, 2014
The National Health Insurance Program was created and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was
established through RA 7875 on February 14, 1995 and amended by RA 9241 on February 10, 2004 and RA
10606 on October 6, 2014 to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available,
and accessible health care services for all Filipinos.
PhilHealth-Caraga has achieved the following in 2014:

2012
Launched the race to
Universal Health Care on
February 15
Covered DSWD‟s 4Ps
beneficiaries on
November 6
PhilHealth introduced
MOVES, CARES,
SHINES, Expo Express
on August 28
2014
Launched the Alaga Ka on
March 25
2010
Introduction of the HIV
Package October 1
2008
Introduction of the Malaria
Package on December 1
2006
Expansion of Maternity
Care Package for 3rd
NSD
on October 1
Newborn Care Package on
December 1
2005
from OWWA on March 1
2011
Implemented the 23 case
rates and the No Balance
Billing (NBB) on
September 1
2013
Launch the first
Nationwide Simultaneous
Run on February 17
Pres. Benigno S. Aquino
III signed RA 10606
(further amending RA
7875) on June 19
Launched the all case rates
and Z morph on October
31
Introduced the Point of
Care Enrollment Program
(POC) on November 29
Enrolled 14.7 million
indigent families
ion
no, Miyembro
bro, Protektado
atin, Segurado

production declined by
1.60% due to insufficient
rain water and lesser area
planted. Increased timber
production by private
plantation contributed
significantly to the 17.99%
growth of log production.
On the other hand, livestock
declined by 1.86%; while
poultry and poultry products
increased by 14.05%and
72.25% respectively. Fish
sub-sector posed a 33%
decrease.
On trade, regional
domestic sales improved by
33.35% in 2014 with a value
of PhP611.86 million. New
business also increased by
6.19%.
Mining and quarrying
continue to be the main
source of export posting an
increase of 166.20% or
PhP79.44 billion. Gold
bullion reached a total
volume of 87,920.97 oz.
representing a 30.64%
increase from 2013‟s figure.
On the other hand, silver
production contracted by
58.10%. MGB noted a
22.82% increase in
shipment. Mining activities
remitted PhP1.59 billion
The Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) noted the
continuing growth of
Butuan City. BSP
recognizes the growing
business establishments,
new malls, real-estate
companies and the
construction of many
subdivisions all over the city
and other parts of the
region.
Inflation rate is at
5.31%. Food and non-
alcoholic beverages
exhibited the biggest price
increases followed by
housing, water, electricity,
gas and other fuels.
Labor force increased by
1.47% while labor force
participation contracted by
1.02% in 2014.
Employment rate grew by
0.27%. Subsequently
unemployment decreased by
4.12%. Underemployment
rate declined by 6.82%.
In terms of outputs,
agriculture, forestry and
fishery productions
presented varied trends.
Corn, fruit and vegetable
productions increased by
16.68%, 14.77%and 3.34%
respectively; while palay
20 caraga today
2014 Caraga Regional Economic Situationer
excise tax and PhP 2.70
billion royalties. Foreign
export throughput grew by
9.29%for a total of
36,575,040.92 MT.
Moreover, manufactured
forest products dropped by
36.28%.
On services, both total
assets and total operating
income of the region
declined by 6.58% and
54.93%, respectively.
Nevertheless, tourist arrivals
increased by 41.66% for a
total of 2,440,635. Total
flights also posed an upturn
of 7.68% for a total of
6,982.
The considerable
increase in crimes
committed in Butuan City
and Agusan del Sur
contributed to the increased
crime incidence in the
region by 24.50%. Both
index and non-index crimes
were recorded highest in
Butuan City and observed to
be most rampant during the
1st quarter of 2014. Crime
clearance and crime solution
presented lower efficiencies
as well.
Overview of the Economy
Key Labor Statistics, Caraga, 2013-2014
2013 2014
Labor Force Participation Rate 66.50 65.83
Employment Rate 93.93 94.18
Unemployment Rate 6.08 5.83
Underemployment Rate 27.13 25.28
Source: PSA-NSO

provinces in 2014.
With the constant spike in
the prices of basic
commodities and services in
2014, the purchasing power
of peso (PPP) in all provinces
of Caraga consequently
declined, reducing money
value by 4.93%, which
indicates that goods and
services have become more
expensive.
Agriculture, Forestry, and
Fishery
Palay
Palay production decreased in
2014 by 1.60% from 583,838
MT in 2013 to 574,499
metric tons (MT) in 2014.
This is attributed to lesser
harvest area which contracted
by 1.35% (2,389 ha) from
176,559 ha in 2013 to
174,170 ha in 2014. More
areas were not harvested in
the third to fourth quarters
due to insufficient rainwater.
Lesser rains during vegetative
to reproductive stages,
Malayan Black Bug,
Stemborer and rats also
contributed to the overall
decline in productivity of
palay particularly in the
second semester of 2014.
Agusan del Sur remained
as the top producer of palay
contributing 50.83% of the
overall output in 2014 or a
total of 292,019 metric tons
Macroeconomic
Performance
Labor and Employment
The region‟s labor force
increased by 1.47% from
1,733,000 in 2013 to
1,759,000 in 2014. However,
the labor force participation
rate slightly shrunk by 1.02
% from 66.50% in 2013 to
65.83% in 2014.
Employment rate
increased by 0.27 percentage
point from 93.93% in 2013 to
94.18% in 2014. DOLE said
that this growth was
attributed to new mall
openings. Consequently,
unemployment rate decreased
by 4.12% from 6.048% in
2013 to 5.86% in 2014.
Underemployment rate
decreased in 2014 by 6.82%
from 27.13% in 2013 to
25.28% in 2014.
Inflation and Consumer Price
Indices
Inflation rate inched up by
39.08% from 3.82% in 2013
to 5.31% in 2014.
Prices of basic
commodities and services
generally increased in 2014.
The average Consumer Price
Index (CPI) grew by 5.30%
from an average of 147.86 in
2013 it increased to an
average of 155.69 in 2014.
Surigao del Sur has the
highest CPI level among the
22 caraga today
followed by Surigao del Sur
with 19.58% contribution or
112,493 metric tons. Agusan
del Norte, on the other hand,
has produced a total of
99,786 metric tons while
Surigao del Norte and
Dinagat Islands produced
63,694 metric tons and 6,507
metric tons, respectively.
Despite the damages on
crops and other agricultural
products brought about by
tropical depressions
“Agaton” in January 2014,
and “Senyang” towards the
end of December, Caraga
attained rice self-sufficiency
at 107.16% based on 2014
projected population and
2008-2009 Survey on Food
Demand and Consumption.
Although the region was
reported to have produced
enough rice for local
consumption, the National
Food Authority (NFA)
recorded 339,499 bags of
imported rice that were used
as buffer stocks in cases of
calamities and other
emergencies to ensure food
security for the year with
consideration on rice
requirement for the 1st
quarter of 2015.
About 38.45% of the
imported rice (130,534 bags)
were distributed to accredited
retailers and government
agencies such as DSWD and
LGUs with Memorandum of
Inflation Rate, 2013-2014 (%) Consumer Price Index, 2013-2014 (PhP)

per bearing tree and the
decrease in coffee production
brought about by lesser
berries developed due to
prolonged hot weather. On
the other hand, an increase in
production of oil palm was
recorded due to continued
recovery from Typhoon
“Pablo.”
Although coconut
production decreased by
1.61% in 2014, it remained as
the top contributor with
83.54% share. Palm fruit,
which presented a 3.00%
increase in 2014 compared to
previous year‟s output,
followed with a 14.28%
share.
Despite production
decline, major non-food
crops, contributed the highest
with 85.36% share or
839,460.02 MT. It is
followed by priority non-food
crops contributing 14.49%.
Livestock and Poultry
Livestock production
contracted by 1.89% from
46,065 MT in 2013 to 45,196
MT in 2014.
Swine production, which
contributed 88.12% of the
total livestock production in
2014, decreased by 1.22%
compared to 2013‟s total
output.
On the other hand,
poultry production increased
by 14.05% reaching
17.014% from 208,303.19
MT in 2013 to 243,791.92
MT in 2014. This growth is
attributed to expansion of
harvested area for Cavendish
by DOLE and Sumifru.
Vegetables
Vegetable production
79,164.11 MT in 2013 to
81,811.85 MT in 2014
despite decreases in
production of soybeans,
jackfruit young, camote tops,
pao galiang and green
papaya. The growth is
attributed to expansion of
harvest areas for camote,
eggplant, squash, okra,
pechay and gourd.
Camote contributed
39.18% followed by cassava
with a 21.00% share. In terms
of production by groups,
major vegetables contributed
65.72% share followed by
priority vegetables with
26.45% share while other
types of vegetables had a
7.86% share.
Non-Food and Industrial
Crops
Non-food and industrial
crops declined by 0.88% with
a total production of
983,427.98 MT compared to
992,188.68 MT in 2013. This
lower yield is largely due to
the decrease in production of
coconut, lesser nuts harvested
Agreement on Credit Sales
with NFA.
Corn
Corn production increased by
16.68% from 107,476 MT in
2013 to 125,406 MT in 2014
making Caraga one of the
five regions in the country
that hit their target for the
year.
The increase is due to
increases in yield and area
harvested with 41,957
hectares in 2014 compared to
38,017 hectares in 2013 as
farmers opted to plant corn
instead of rice in anticipation
of the onset of El Niño
phenomenon. This favors
corn production under Caraga
condition and the appropriate
farming technologies and
facilities that were
established for the
commodity.
Agusan del Sur
contributed 78.04% to the
total regional yield with a
total production of 97,864
MT in 2014. Agusan del
Norte followed with 15,153
MT.
Fruits
Fruit production increased by
14.77% from 243,509.92 MT
in 2013 it increased to
279,475.29 MT in 2014.
Banana contributed
87.23% of the total fruit
production as it grew by

24 caraga today
communal bodies of water.
The stock served 142 LGUs
including 67 academic
institutions. Such activity was
conducted in an effort to
guarantee sufficient supply of
fish in worn-out areas.
To augment fisher folk
income as well as boost
fisheries production in the
region, inputs such as
bangus/tilapia fingerlings,
prawn fry and lobster
juveniles were distributed to
small fishpond and fish-cage/
pen operators in 2014. A
total of 970,000 pieces of
bangus fingerlings were
dispersed in the Provinces
Dinagat Islands, Agusan del
Norte, Surigao del Norte and
Surigao del Sur benefitting
313 fish-farmers. Further,
10,000 pieces prawn fry were
distributed to 45 fishpond
operators in the Province of
Agusan del Norte. A special
request for 38,000 pieces of
tilapia fingerlings was also
provided.
In addition, 200 seaweed
growers in the Provinces of
Surigao del Norte, Surigao
del Sur and Dinagat Islands
were provided seaweed
propagules and seaweed farm
implements.
Through the formation of
the Fisheries Post-Harvest
and Marketing Division in
2014, marketing activities
were strengthened. Around
fish harvest in 2014.
In 2014, BFAR recorded
more harvest of milkfish in
brackish water fishpond and
marine cage, better yield of
tilapia in freshwater cages
and more appearances of
Skipjack and yellow fin tuna.
On the other hand, seaweed
production decreased
particularly in the 2nd quarter
of 2014 brought about by ice-
ice disease and stunted
growth in silted areas of
Barobo and Lianga. Further,
lesser area harvested for
Tiger Prawn in brackish
water fishpond and fewer
transient commercial fishing
vessels were noted during the
year.
To produce quality tilapia
and carp fingerlings and
disperse the same to fishpond
and fish cage/pen operators in
the five provinces of the
region, BFAR Caraga
continue to support the
Caraga Fisheries Research
and Development Station for
Freshwater Development at
Anibongan, Kitcharao,
Agusan del Norte. A total of
10.177 million pieces of
tilapia and carp fingerlings
were produced in 2014 and
distributed 2.579 million
pieces to 1,429 deserving fish
farmers region-wide.
There were also 3.85
million fingerlings of carp
and tilapia stocked in 30
18,221.00 MT in 2014
compared with 15,976.00 MT
in 2013.
Further, all poultry
products increased led by
chicken with a total
contribution of 72.25%.
Caraga‟s total chicken
production contributed 0.84%
to the total volume of the
country‟s production placing
the region at the bottom four.
In 2014, the inflow of
dressed chicken shipped in
Caraga increased by 58.90%
with a total of 732,424 heads
due to the increase of demand
by commercial
establishments.
The largest volume of
dressed chicken outflow was
recorded in the period of
September 2014 at 179,780.8
kg. No records of dressed
chicken outflow were
reported in the months of
April and December.
Fishery
Fish production declined by
3.33% or 2,927.83 MT less
than the recorded total of
88,040.65 MT in 2013. The
decrease was attributed to the
lesser production of
commercial and aquaculture
sub-sectors by 5.65% and
12.05% respectively.
Municipal fisheries
contributed 67.56% to toral
production while aquaculture
shared 26.58% of the total

56 market matching activities
were conducted.
Furthermore, this division of
BFAR intensified the
promotion of developed
fishery products of the
region.
Forestry
Estimated log production in
2014 demonstrates a growth
of 16.17 % with a total of
688,904.25 cubic meters
(cu.m.) compared to 2013‟s
production of 593,031.98
cubic meters. A substantial
portion of the growth was
contributed by increased
Private Tree Plantation
Ownership Certificates
(PTPOC) production.
Pursuant to Executive
Order 26 issued by President
Benigno S. Aquino III, the
implementation of the
National Greening Program
(NGP) was declared as a
government priority program
which strategically addresses
the interrelated concerns on
food security, biodiversity
and climate change
mitigation and adaptation.
In 2014, DENR-Caraga
achieved 101% % of its NGP
annual target under the
Regional Office-Based fund
covering 16,292 hectares of
land with 8,883,839 seedlings
of various species of timber,
rubber, cacao, coffee,
mangrove and indigenous
tree species. Agusan del Sur
accounted for 80 % of the
said total area. Under its
Central Office-Based Funds,
DENR accomplished 100%
of its target with a total of
130 hectares covered.
According to DENR,
NGP aims to plant 1.5 billion
seedlings in a total of 1.5
million hectares of land all
over the country from 2011-
2016. As of 2014, the
department exceeded its
target by 11.6 %. In the entire
country, a total of 1,005,013
hectares were already
developed out of the actual
target of 900,000 hectares
from 2011 to 2014.
The implementation of
Executive Order No. 23
provided clear directives to
DENR on intensifying
campaign against illegal
logging operations to
safeguard the remaining
natural and residual forests
while encouraging the
establishment of industrial
tree plantation. To
complement the said order
and to express Caraga‟s full
commitment in protecting the
remaining forest against
illegal activities, the Regional
Multi-Sectoral Forest
Protection Committee was
institutionalized in the DENR
system pursuant to DAO No.
95-17. The initiative was
strengthened though RDC
Resolution No. 14 Series of
2012 recognizing the
committee as part of the RDC
working committees.
Per record of DENR-
Caraga, the protection of
some 391,806 has. untenured
forest resulted in the
confiscation of 3,715.73
cu.m. and 8 paraphernalia
and conveyances with an
estimated value of PhP32.05
million. This amount
compensated for the PhP15.7
million invested by the
government on forest
protection activities.
Morever, based on the
report submmited by
different ENR Offices,
Caraga Region had collected
a total of PhP 3.75 Million
for 2014 in which PhP 2.12
Million was collected from
forest charges and PhP 1.63
Million from other fees and
charges.
Trade and Industry
In 2014, Caraga‟s total
domestic sale reached 611.86
million showing a 33.35%
growth from 458.85 million
posted in 2013. Around
30.30% of the total domestic
sale in the region or
PhP185.37 million was
attributed to the sales of
Agusan del Sur. It was
followed by Agusan del
Norte with 22.62%
(PhP138.40 million); Surigao

del Norte and Surigao del Sur
followed with 19.86%
(PhP121.50 million) and
19.51% (PhP119.40 million)
respectively; the Province of
Dinagat Islands covered
7.71% or PhP47.19 million.
In terms of growth,
Agusan del Sur led the
provinces with a 54.08%
increase in 2014 compared to
previous year‟s figure.
Agusan del Norte followed
with a 38.16% growth.
Surigao del Sur posted a
4.32% increase while Surigao
del Norte‟s domestic sale
contracted by 1.95%.
On registration of new
business names, DTI-Caraga
recorded an aggregate of
6,472 in 2014. This
represents a 6.19% growth or
377 new business names
registered in DTI from 6,095
in 2013. Agusan del Norte
contributed the biggest share
with 41.92%, followed by
Surigao del Norte with
23.78%. Accordingly, the
highest increase of new
business name registration in
2014 was in Agusan del
Norte with 10.60 , closely
followed by Agusan del Sur
with 10.19%.
Mining and Quarrying
Twenty-five mining
companies were involved in
mineral production in the
entire region. Twenty-two of
these firms hold Mineral
Production Sharing
Agreements (MPSA), one
with Mineral Processing
Permit (MPP) and two with
Joint Operating Agreement
(JO).
Nine of the MPSA
companies are located in the
Province of Dinagat Islands
(PDI), seven in Surigao del
Norte, three in Surigao del
Sur, two in Agusan del Norte
and one in Agusan del Sur.
On the other hand, 28
mining companies conducted
exploration activities. Twelve
of these are under MPSA
while 16 are with Exploration
Permits (EP).
Mineral exports in the
region increased by 166.20%;
from PhP29.84 billion in
2013 it increased to PhP79.44
billion in 2014. This growth
is attributed to increase in
nickel ore volume by 33.58%
representing an aggregate of
43.21M wet metric tons
(WMT). As for Gold
Bullion, 87,920.97 oz.
representing a 30.64%
increase from 2013‟s figure
was recorded. Around
99.94% of the uptick is on the
17 shipments of Philsaga
Mining Corporation to Hong
Kong; and the remaining
0.06% or 50.46 oz. to
Greenstone Resources
Corporation‟s sole shipment
to Switzerland.
26 caraga today
On the other hand, silver,
dropped by 58.10% from
55,440.83 oz. in 2013 to
23,230.61 oz. in 2014.
Subsequently, this reduced
silver‟s total value of exports
by 66.36%. Shipments of
silver were recorded to have
been dominated by Philsaga
Mining Corporation with 17
shipments to Hong Kong.
About 46,767.35 WMT
of mixed sulfides (nickel and
cobalt) worth PhP346.85
million was shipped to Japan
by Taganito HPAL Nickel
Corporation. Moreover,
Krominco, Inc. exported
5,289.56 oz. of chromite.
MGB-Caraga recorded
759 shipments reflecting a
growth of 22.82% from 2013
performance. The shipments
generated PhP1.59 billion in
excise tax and PhP2.70
billion in royalties
representing 166.39% and
125.00% growth from 2013
figures, respectively.
Mining and quarrying
industry provided 22,296
employment, a 9.49%
increase compared to 2013
figures. In addition, 94% of
those employed in 2014 are
males.
Manufacturing
Manufactured forest products
considerably dropped
compared to 2013‟s output.
Manufactured products in

2014 (493,049.84 m3
) is
36.28% lower than 2013‟s
production of 773,742.74 m3
.
Major manufactured
products include veneer,
plywood, lumber and
blockboard owing 36% to
veneer production followed
by plywood at 26%.
Services
Financial Services
Total Assets of the region
decreased by 6.58% in 2014
of a total of PhP34,324.73
million compared to previous
year‟s sum of PhP36,740.72
million. Of the total assets,
Universal and Commercial
Banks comprised the biggest
share with 77.69%. It was
followed by Rural Banks and
Thrift Banks with 13.61%
and 8.70% shares
respectively. In terms of
provincial distribution,
Agusan del Norte contributed
42.32% of the total assets
followed by Surigao del
Norte with 24.73 percent
share.
Total Operating Income
decreased significantly by
54.93% from PhP2,144.93
million in 2013 to an
aggregate of PhP966.65
million in 2014. All bank
types posted a declining
operating income with
Universal/Commercial Banks
exhibiting the greatest drop
of 59.11%, followed closely
by Rural Banks with 54.38%
and Thrift Banks with a
50.43% decrease.
Tourism
Tourist arrival increased
by 19.90% in 2014. It peaked
during the fourth quarter
covering 41.66% of the total
number of tourists which
reached a total of 2,440,635.
Among the provinces, tourist
arrivals were highest in
Surigao del Norte where the
famous Surfing Capital of the
country is located, the
Siargao Islands. Both foreign
and local tourists crowded the
islands all year-round and
peaked in the summer season
and during the International
Surfing Cup and International
Game Fishing Tournament. It
was followed closely by the
Province of Agusan del Sur.
Among cities, Butuan
City had the highest tourist
arrivals contributing 25.21%
share to the region‟s total
tourist arrivals followed
closely by Surigao City with
24.76% share.
Surigao del Sur tourist
sites were most visited in
2014 including Tinuy-an
Falls (Bislig City), Enchanted
River (Hinatuan) and Britania
Islands (San Agustin).
Siargao Islands and Bucas
Grande in Socorro were
among the most visited in
Surigao del Norte.
Local tourists also
considered Lake Bababu in
the Province of Dinagat
Islands and Sarnimian Inland
Resort in Rosario Agusan del
Sur. Nature lovers and
adventurers opted for Agusan
Marsh; while tourists who
preferred history and culture
visited the Church Ruins in
Banza, Butuan National
Museum and Balanghai
Shrine in Butuan City,
Agusan del Norte.
Air Transportation
Flights reached a total of
6,982 in 2014, which is
7.68% higher than the flights
in 2013. The increase is
attributed to the reopening of
Tandag City Airport in the
third quarter of the year and
the development of additional
evening flights by Cebu
Pacific Air at Butuan City
Airport.
Total incoming
passengers reached 343,978,
which is a 6.70% increase
from 322,371 in 2013. On the
other hand, overall number of
outgoing passengers reached
357,226, which is a 7.02%
increase from the figure in
2013.
Butuan airport was the
preferred airport of
passengers from several areas
in Misamis Oriental because
Laguindingan International

28 caraga today
Airport is an hour away from
Cagayan de Oro City proper.
Butuan City Airport hold
the record of most number of
flights in 2014 with a total of
4,328 with an aggregate of
550,899 passengers for both
incoming and outgoing
flights. Surigao City Airport
follows with figures two or
three folds lower than that of
Butuan. Moreover, a slight
increase of 0.15% in the 2014
total incoming cargoes of
3,739,104 kilograms was
noted; while total outgoing
cargoes of 2,547,923
kilograms registered a drop
of 2.22% from its 2013
figure.
Shipping and Cargoes
Ship calls increased by
105.89% in 2014 which
reached a total of 20,085
compared to 9,755 in 2013.
Domestic ship calls
contributed 95.97% to this
growth because it increased
from 9,059 in 2013 to 19,276
in 2014 or an increment of
112.78%. This increase was
the result of MV Seaborne
Cargo‟s and MV Super
Shuttle RoRo 8‟s entry at
Nasipit Baseport and increase
in vessels at Masao for
shipment of sand and gravel.
On the other hand,
foreign ship calls also
696 in 2013 to 809 ship calls
in 2014 because of the entry
of Agata Mining Ventures,
Inc. (AMVI).
AMVI is a joint venture
company with TVI Resources
Development (Phils.) Inc.
(TVIRD), the Philippine unit
of Canada‟s TVI Pacific Inc.,
holding 60% interest in
AMVI; the remaining interest
being held by Mindoro
Resources Ltd. TVI currently
has a 30.66% interest in
TVIRD as well as a 14.4%
equity interest in Mindoro,
and thereby has a 24.2%
indirect ownership interest in
AMVI.
AMVI is authorized to
develop, extract and trade
iron, nickel and other
associated minerals. With a
clearance to establish port
facility, AMVI has conducted
direct shipping ore operations
of high-iron laterite resources
at the Agata Project.
Generally, inbound
domestic cargo throughput is
higher than outbound. In
2014, inbound increased by
19.30% or 313,983.12 MT
due to an increase in
shipment of iron and steel,
general cargoes and
equipment transport.
Outbound likewise
demonstrated a 6.31%
increase or 48,187.84 MT
from the 2013 figure. This
upturn is attributed to the
increase in the shipment of
crude palm oil, sand and
gravel, grains, fruit and
vegetables, bottled goods and
other general cargoes.
Foreign import
throughput increased by
173.30% from 356,867.00
MT in 2013 to 975,313.64
MT in 2014. Foreign export
throughput reached
36,575,040.92 MT in 2014
posing a growth of 9.29%.
Land Transport
Motor vehicle increased by
2.69% from 116,735 in 2013
to 119,880 in 2014. The
increase was attributed to the
upturn of private motor
vehicles registration during
the year comprising 89% of
the total registered vehicles.
Agusan del Norte posted the
most number of motor
vehicle registration which
comprised 58.19% of the
total registration.
Development Prospects
Transport Services
With the influx of 6,000
foreign and local tourists
visiting Tinuy-an falls in
2014, the city is becoming a
promising place for the
Philippine Airlines‟ (PAL‟s)
business venture. On this
note, PAL plans to establish
flights from Bislig City to
Cebu City or Manila utilizing
a 77-seater turbo prop planes.

The planned direct flights
to Bislig City will make the
city more accessible and
would open new doors for job
creation for the residents,
boosting the economy of the
city.
Agricultural Development
Caraga Region recognizes
soybeans as one of the food
sources used by local
government units in fighting
malnutrition. To support the
endeavour, the Department of
Agriculture (DA) Caraga will
spearhead the updating of the
region‟s Soybean Roadmap
and organize soybean
producers in order to
establish an aggressive
marketing linkage to big
buyers or processors.
Furthere, DA envisions an
expansion of areas to be
planted with soybeans mostly
in San Miguel and Tago,
Surigao del Sur and in
Trento, Agusan del Sur.
On its 2nd
year of
implementation, the
Philippine Cold Chain
Project (PCCP) will continue
to establish and upgrade two
ice plants with cold storage
facilities in the Provinces of
Dinagat and Surigao del Sur
as well as the establishment
of a Regional Integrated
Marketing Center in Agusan
del Norte.
Mining Industry
The Philippine unit of
Canada‟s TVI Pacific Inc.
pronounces a continued
increase in Agata Mining
Ventures Inc. (AMVI) direct
shipment of nickel ore with a
goal of 2.5 million WMT in
2015. In order to achieve this
goal, AMVI expects to
increase its shipment
schedule to four shipments of
limonite ore per month and at
least one to two shipments of
saprolite ore per month once
causeway expansion and
stockpile area development
work is completed.
In February 2015, AMVI
completed a shipment of
55,400 wet metric tons
(WMT) of nickel limonite ore
with an estimated worth of
30.6 million pesos. In
addition, AMVI plans to ship
nickel saprolite ore of higher
grade to secure higher selling
prices.
Forestry
The Department of
Environment and Natural
Resources Caraga targets to
plant 11,948,600 seedlings in
a total of 16,591 hectares of
land in the five provinces of
Caraga under the National
Greening Program for 2015.
Agusan del Norte is set to
plant 2,229,900 seedlings in a
total of 2,998 hectares of land
while Agusan del Sur aims to
plant 5,190,000 seedlings in a
total of 7,705 hectares. On
the other hand, Surigao del
Sur committed 2,809,400
seedlings to be planted in a
total of 4,274 hectares and
Surigao del Norte targets a
total of 782,200 seedlings for
1,341 hectares land area.
Dinagat Province targets to
plant 136,500 seedlings in a
total of 273 hectares of land.
Tourism
According to the Department
of Public Works and
Highways, Agusan del Norte
can expect a boost in tourism
with the newly completed
road improvement project.
The PhP133-million project
funded by 2014 Department
of Tourism-DPWH
Convergence Program
involves the upgrading of 6.8
kilometers of the NRJ
Tagcatong-Vinapor Road in
Carmen town. This allows
better access to tourists
heading to Jurassic Beach
Resort, Bollihon Beach and
the unspoiled Diwata Cave.

30 caraga today
1st Quarter 2015 Regional Project Monitoring Report
The Regional Project Monitoring
Committee conducted its 1st
Quarter 2015
project monitoring on March 11-13, 2015
in the four provinces of the region. A total
of 20 projects were monitored of which
ten were in Agusan del Norte, five in
Surigao del Sur, four in Agusan del Sur
and one in Surigao del Norte. These
projects include roads, irrigation, airport,
public market, wharf and school buildings.
Average slippage for these projects is -
48.54, which unduly delays the completion
of the projects. The figure indicates that
project implementation were delayed by
almost half of the period indicated for
completion which is measured in number
of calendar days. The highest slippage was
registered by the rehabilitation project of
Baleguian Communal System in Baleguian
in Agusan del Norte. Some of the causes of
slippage include contract termination,
security issues, equipment failure and onset
of typhoon.
Name of Project Location
Implementing
Agency
Cost in
Million
(PhP)
Physical Accomplishment in %
(as of February 28, 2015)
Status
Planned
(%)
Actual (%)
Slippage
(%)
Agusan del Norte
Road Upgrading (Gravel
to Concrete) of
Buenavista-Bunaguit
Road
Buenavista DPWH RO 128.612 100 100 -
NEDA/RDC Building Butuan
City
NEDA Caraga 48.206 80 80.49 0.49 Ongoing
Rehabilitation of
Baleguian Communcal
System in Baleguian,
Package 1 (main canal)
Jabonga DAR/NIA 10.518 38.16 76.21 38.05 Delayed due to
security issues,
unfavorable weather
condition and
financial capacity of
the contractor
Butuan City Pianing-
Tandag Road
Butuan
City
DPWH RO 139.107 45.13 75 29.87 Ongoing and ahead
of schedule
Butuan Airport
Development Project
Butuan
City
DOTC Central
Office
33.149 100 100 - Completed
Construction of Butuan
City South Market
Butuan
City
Butuan City
LGU
49.792 100 99.58 '(0.42) For completion
Rehabilitation of
Baleguian Communcal
System in Baleguian,
Package 2 (Diversion
Dam)
Jabonga DAR/NIA 18.679 16.32 100 (83.68) Contract terminated;
continued under
Force Account Work
Construction of Drainage
System along Surigao
Wharf Road
Surigao
City
DPWH 1st
DEO
16.302 100 93.75 (6.25) Project ongoing but
delayed due to
RROW
Improvement/Widening of
Daang Maharlika
Surigao
City
DPWH SDN
1st DEO
46.200 97.38 92.37 (5.01) Project ongoing but
delayed due to
RROW

Name of Project Location
Implementing
Agency
Cost in
Million
(PhP)
Physical Accomplishment in %
(as of February 28, 2015)
Status
Planned
(%)
Actual (%)
Slippage
(%)
Expansion of Surigao
Airport Existing Passenger
Terminal Building
Surigao
City
DOTC Central
Office
23.758 100 100 - Completed
Agusan del Sur
Umayam River Irrigation
Project (URIP) -
Construction of Diversion
Dam and its Appurtenant
Structures
La Paz &
Loreto
NIA-URIP
PMO
173.036 26.6 19.52 (7.08) Ongoing but delayed
to Concrete) of NRJ
Bayugan-Calaitan-Tandag
Road
Bayugan
City
DPWH RO 66.69 100 100 - Project completed
Rehabilitation/Major
Repair of Sta. Irene
Bridge along NRJ
Bayugan-Calaitan-Tandag
Road
Bayugan
City
DPWH ADS
1st DEO
11.000 Notice to Proceed just issued on
March 3, 2015
Some portions need
repair; PE to submit a
variation order
regarding proposed
repair
Construction of 2-Storey,
10-Classroom Doǹa Adela
Central Elementary
School
La Paz
ADS
DPWH ADS
2nd DEO
11.944 100 100 - Completed
Surigao del Sur
Rehab./Improv't of NRJ
Dughan-Javier, FMR
(PCCP) with Bridge,
D'San Javier ARC
Barobo DPWH RO 41.218 75.14 65.42 (9.72) Delayed due to
equipment failure
Tago-Lapaz Bridge along
Surigao-Davao Coastal
Road (Alternate Road)
Tago DPWH SDS
1st DEO
60 100 100 - Substantially
completed
Construction of Additional
one (1) Span Hubo Bridge
and Bank Protection along
Surigao-Davao Coastal
Road
San
Agustin
DPWH SDS
1st DEO
81.091 59.5 54.61 (4.89) Slightly delayed due
to washed out detour
staructure caused by
TS Seniang
Aras-asan Port
Improvement Project
Cagwait PPA Head
Office
71.554 no data no data no data Ongoing; no PPA
personnel was
present in the project
site
to Concrete) of Surigao-
Davao Coastal Road
(Boundary SDN-
Carrascal, SDS)
Carrascal DPWH RO 100.239 100 100 - Project is completed
31.05% ahead of
schedule
Surigao del Norte
Construction/Improvement
of Access Roads Leading
to Tourism Destination,
Circumferential Road
Leading to Lake Mainit
Mainit DPWH SDN
1st DEO
45.838 98.56 98.66 0.10 Ongoing for
completion

32 caraga today
A more competitive Philippines.
This is the vision of the National
Competitiveness Council (NCC) created in
2006 to promote and develop national
competitiveness strategies and push for the
implementation of the competitiveness agenda
and link this to the Philippine Development
Plan (PDP).
To be a competitive country, the cities and
municipalities have to be competitive as well to
attract investors and create employment. Thus,
raising regional standards.
NCC aims to improve the Philippines‟
standing in international competitiveness
rankings and move the country from the
bottom third to the top third tier by 2016.
The Cities and Municipalities
Competitiveness Index (CMCI), which is
designed by NCC will measure
competitiveness of a city or municipality using
28 indicators grouped into three equally-
weighted pillars: Economic Dynamism,
Government Efficiency, and Infrastructure.
Scores on each pillar are combined to form the
overall rating used to rank cities and
municipalities.
Economic dynamism refers to "activities
that create stable expansion of businesses and
industries and higher employment" and is
measured by the following eight indicators:
1. Size of the local economy (as
measured through business
registrations, capital, revenue, and
permits);
2. Growth of the local economy (as
measured through business
registrations, capital, revenue, and
permits);
3. Capacity to generate employment;
4. Cost of living;
5. Cost of doing business;
6. Financial deepening;
7. Productivity; and
8. Presence of business and professional
organizations
Government efficiency refers to "the
quality and reliability of government services
and support for effective and sustainable
productive expansion" and is measured by the
following ten indicators:
1. Transparency score in Local
Governance Performance Management
System;
2. Economic governance score in Local
Governance Performance Management
System;
3. Ratio of LGU-collected tax to LGU
revenues;
4. LGU competition-related awards;
5. Business registration efficiency;
6. Investment promotion;
7. Compliance to national directives for
LGUs;
8. Security;
How the local government units are rated:
The 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index
Source:www.competitive.org.ph

9. Health; and
10. Education
Infrastructure refers to "the physical
building blocks that connect, expand, and
sustain a locality and its surroundings to enable
the provision of goods and services" and is
measured by the following ten indicators:
1. Existing road network;
2. Distance from city/municipality center
to major ports;
3. DOT-accredited accommodations;
4. Health infrastructure;
5. Education infrastructure;
6. Availability of basic utilities;
7. Annual investments in infrastructure;
8. Connection of ICT;
9. Number of ATMs; and
10. Number of public transportation
vehicles
For 2015, the CMCI Assessment will cover
1,000 local government units (LGUs), doubling
last year‟s coverage of 535 LGUs. This year‟s
search will have four different categories,
namely: highly urbanized cities; component
cities; 1st and 2nd class municipalities; and 3rd
to 6th class municipalities.
The CMCI will also introduce a new
ranking methodology for provinces and will
give away 39 awards to the best performing
local government units. Evaluation has started
last February and will end May 2015.
2014 Ranking
City Score Rank
Butuan City 40.34 16
Surigao City 36.05 29
Cabadbaran City 31.73 62
Bislig City 30.34 77
Bayugan City 30.30 78
Tandag City 30.20 80
Municipality Score Rank
Prosperidad 34.25 32
San Francisco 33.75 41
Buenavista 33.65 42
Sibagat 31.47 76
Claver 31.21 82
Esperanza 30.98 87
Talacogon 30.35 99
Bunawan 29.20 119
Nasipit 29.02 122
Cantilan 29.00 123
San Miguel 28.52 139
Barobo 26.84 172
San Jose 26.49 178
Loreto 25.80 196
La Paz 25.71 199
Trento 24.55 215
San Luis 12.70 366
The Philippines‟ rankings in major international competitiveness reports.
Source: www.competitive.org.ph/rankings/
Source: www.competitive.org.ph

34 caraga today
foreign investors.
 Pilot program for the ASEAN Self-
Certification System for exporters
launched.
 Member States testing preliminary
exchange of trade data and information
through the ASEAN Single Window
Gateway.
 Mutual Recognition Arrangements
(MRAs) in place on testing standards
in many areas.
 Stock exchanges from ASEAN-5 and
Viet Nam have collaborated to form
ASEAN Exchanges.
 MRAs concluded in eight professions
to facilitate the movement of ASEAN
professionals in these areas through
recognition of their qualifications.
Pillar 2: Competitive Economic Region
 AEC seeks to foster a culture of fair
competition, including institutions and
laws that underpin the effort, including
protection for consumers and
guarantees for intellectual property
rights.
 ASEAN Member States intensifying
their efforts to introduce competition
policy and law by 2015.
 Outreach activities underway to
educate the public on the importance of
competition policy.
 The ASEAN Highway Network is
physically connecting key roadways,
including the priority Transit
Transport Routes, a vital
infrastructure and logistics component.
 Six (out of planned 16) cross-border
connections of the ASEAN Power
Grid already in operation. The Trans-
ASEAN Gas Pipeline will connect
ASEAN‟s gas pipeline infrastructure.
 The agreements and protocols under
This report sourced from the ASEAN
Secretariat shows by far the
accomplishment of the ASEAN in
creating the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) by 2015 which is
characterized by free movement of
goods, services, investment, skilled labor,
and freer flow of capital.
By integrating ASEAN economies, the
AEC will become a single market and
production base as such, ASEAN would
become more dynamic and competitive.
There are four pillars to the AEC: 1)
Single Market and Production Base; 2)
Competitive Economic Region; 3)
Equitable Economic Development; and 4)
ASEAN‟s Integration into the Global
Economy.
ASEAN has made significant progress
in each of these pillars that opened up new
opportunities for both investors and
ASEAN nationals.
Pillar 1: Single Market and Production
Base
The first AEC pillar has five core elements,
namely, free flow of goods; free flow of
services; free flow if investment; freer flow
of capital; and free flow of skilled labor.
 Tariffs already near zero.
 The ASEAN Trade in Goods
Agreement created a legal framework
to realize the free flow of goods within
the AEC.
 The ASEAN Framework Agreement
on Services eases restrictions on cross-
border trade in at least 80 subsectors.
 The ASEAN Comprehensive
Investment Agreement liberalizes,
protects cross-border investment
activities, and embraces international
best practices in the treatment of
What has been done: The ASEAN Economic
Community Integration

the ASEAN Open Skies Policy have
been concluded and implemented.
 Telecommunication infrastructure is
also undergoing continuous
enhancement.
Pillar 3: Equitable Economic
Development
 There are thirty business incubators and
innovation centers under the ASEAN
Business Incubator Network to
promote business matching and
development.
 The ASEAN SME Guidebook
towards the AEC 2015 has been
developed.
 The Initiative for ASEAN Integration
has developed new approaches so that
the benefits of the AEC are evenly
shared between all Member States.
 The ASEAN Framework for
Equitable Economic Development
was introduced in 2011.
Pillar 4: Integration into the Global
Economy
 “ASEAN+1” Free Trade Agreements
(FTAs) with the People‟s Republic of
China, Japan, the Republic of Korea,
Australia, New Zealand and India
position ASEAN at the centre of global
supply chains.
 ASEAN is negotiating the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), a regional agreement
involving ASEAN and its six FTA
partners. RCEP will represent a
combined GDP of about US$21.2
trillion, which is about 30% of global
GDP, and a market of 3.4 billion
people (48% of the world‟s
population).
 A survey conducted by the US
Chamber of Commerce revealed that
54% of American companies had an
ASEAN strategy in place.
 The ASEAN Business Advisory
Council (ABAC) report noted that in
the 2013 ABAC Survey on
Competitiveness, almost half of the
businesses surveyed (48% of
respondents) said they take into
account the attractiveness of the
ASEAN region as a whole when
planning investment strategies.
According to this report, business
interest in the AEC will continue to rise
and start to develop ASEAN strategies as
part of their corporate policies.

36 caraga today
The Halal Industry is emerging as a
lucrative global market force with the
growing demand for Halal certified
products, both in Muslim and non-Muslim
countries.
The Department of Science and
Technology-12 (DOST-12) through the
Caraga Regional Development Council
(RDC) is inviting manufacturing firms,
food exporting entities, and Halal
accreditation and certifying bodies to
utilize its Halal Laboratory to ensure Halal
integrity in food and non-food products.
The Regional Development Council-12
supported DOST-12 in promoting its Halal
Laboratory and Science Center by issuing
Resolution No. 150, series of 2014,
“Endorsing the Institutionalization of the
Philippine National Halal Laboratory and
Science Center” during the 36th RDC-12
Regular Meeting last December 7, 2014.
Located in Koronadal City, the Halal
Laboratory and Science Center envisions to
serve as the country‟s clearing house for all
Halal products manufactured and processed
for domestic and international
consumption, as well as the country‟s
accrediting body for laboratories and as
certifying body of all Halal products in
terms of their scientific and technical
aspects.
One of DOST‟s thrusts is to achieve
innovative, cost-effective and appropriate
technologies that enable micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop
and produce competitive products that
meet world-class standards.
DOST 12 invites public to its Halal Laboratory
The Global Forum on Research and
Innovation for Health 2015 Film
Festival
August 24-27, 2015
Manila, Philippines
Qualified Genres
Short Film - minimum of 5 minutes,
maximum of 20 minutes
Documentary - minimum of 5 minutes,
Animation - minimum of 5 minutes,
Awards (Short Film, Documentary and
Animation)
5 shortlisted entries in each genres will win
PhP 15,000 and 1 winner of PhP 100,000.
Start of Submission and Deadline of
Entries
Open for submission May 18, 2015 – July
15, 2015.
Visit the website for details: http://
filmfest.forum2015.org/

CARAGA TODAY APRIL-JUNE 2015

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CARAGA TODAY APRIL-JUNE 2015