SOCCSKSARGEN RDP 2011-2016

Philippine Copyright @ 2011
by the National Economic and Development Authority
Regional Office No. XII
Establishing Its Role as the
Sustainable Food Center of the South
SOCCSKSARGEN:
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2011-2016

M E S S A G E
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
NEDA sa Pasig, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
The Regional Development Plans (RDPs) represent the aspirations of Filipinos
in different areas of the country. As accompanying documents of the Philippine
Development Plan (PDP), 2011-2016, the RDPs also provide the spatial
dimension to the national plan by identifying the regions‟ contributions to our
goal of a high, sustained and broad-based growth. This “inclusive growth”
involves rapid economic expansion that must reach population groups
throughout the country through the provision of productive employment
opportunities, thereby reducing poverty.
The attainment of our goals requires massive investments in infrastructure,
social services and other productive activities. The PDP, along with the RDPs
are the key instruments that will guide the proper and equitable allocation of
resources to ensure improvements in the welfare of our people. Likewise, our
plans shall direct our efforts in protecting the environment, reducing climate
and disaster risks, promoting good governance and ensuring peace and
stability.
The RDPs provide the framework for local development. We thus enjoin the
local government units to align their local plans and programs with the RDPs.
We likewise seek the support of regional institutions and the private institutions
in the realization of the plans which many of them have helped prepare. We
need to strengthen multistakeholder cooperation particularly as we promote
public-private partnership to improve the provision of services for our people.
I thank the Regional Development Councils (RDC) for spearheading the
preparation of the RDPs and we count on their continued leadership in
coordinating development efforts in the regions.
iii

The Regional Development Plan, 2011-2016 is the roadmap charted by the
Regional Development Council and the stakeholders of SOCCSKSARGEN towards
a vibrant and sustained growth of the economy; in which everyone is included and
no one is excluded. Over the years, despite the region‟s rich development
potentials, it continued to face the challenges of slow economic productivity and
high poverty as it struggled with natural disasters and lack of peace in some
areas.
This Regional Development Plan enunciates our vision for Region XII. It
spells out the major programs and projects and the priorities that shall be
pursued to increase and sustain economic growth; generate employment
opportunities; improve access to basic social services; improve infrastructure
facilities; sustain peace and order in SOCCSKSARGEN; and, strengthen
government and non-government partnership in local development planning. We
believe we can attain these through our dynamic and progressive partnership with
the private sector.
I wish to extend my commendation to all Planning Committees led by our
Private Sector Representatives (PSRs); concerned Regional Line Agencies (RLAs);
Local Government Units (LGUs); and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and
People‟s Organizations (POs) for their efficiency and hard work in the formulation
of the Regional Development Plan, 2011-2016.
Mabuhay!
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
SOCCSKSARGEN Region, Koronadal City
F O R E W O R D
iv

This Regional Development Plan (RDP) is the blueprint of Region XII‟s development
directions guided by the vision that “By 2016, Region XII is the home of God-centered and
empowered culturally diverse people, provider of world class high value crops, fishery, mineral
and tourism products and services, propelled by dynamic and dedicated leaders and, living in a
green and healthy environment.”
With this vision, the plan fleshes out the region‟s strategic outcomes upholding the
dreams and aspirations of its people generated through a series of consultations. Further, it
addresses the development challenges on: a) low economic productivity; b) inadequate access
to quality basic social services; c) inadequate infrastructure support; d) inadequate and
unreliable energy supply; e) environmental degradation; f) good governance; and, g) sustaining
peace and development.
The formulation of the SOCCSKSARGEN RDP is in harmony with the over-arching goal of
President Benigno S. Aquino‟s Social Contract with the Filipino People which is to “stabilize the
macro-economic situation by attaining a broad-based, inclusive and sustainable growth in a
peaceful society”.
The Region XII RDP, is a product of the efforts of the RDC XII Sectoral Planning
Committees led by the Private Sector Representatives, with the support of the Local Chief
Executives and Heads of key regional line agencies.
It is a plan crafted out of broad-based consultation and participation of the region‟s
stakeholders. Hence, on behalf of NEDA Regional Office XII, the technical backbone of Regional
Development Council XII, I wish to express my deep gratitude for all the support and cooperation
given by various stakeholders during the formulation of the Plan.
At this point, what is important is for us to move forward and put this plan into action.
Together let us propel the region towards our vision…… “Kilos Abante, Rehiyon Dose!”…..
God Bless us.
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regional Office No. XII, Koronadal City
P R E F A C E
v

Excerpts from the Minutes of the RDC XII Special Meeting on the Draft Medium-Term Regional Development
Plan (MTRDP) 2011-2016 on December 7, 2010 at Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, General
Santos City
RDC XII Resolution No. 73, series of 2010
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
REGION XII MEDIUM-TERM REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (MTRDP), 2011-2016
WHEREAS, in consonance with the formulation of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan
(MTPDP) and Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP) for 2011-2016 as
enunciated by the President through Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2010, Regional
Development Council (RDC) XII per EO 325, series of 1996 has embarked on the preparation
of the Region XII Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP), 2011-2016;
WHEREAS, following the issuance of the Planning Committees for the formulation of the MTPDP by the
NEDA, RDC XII approved and adopted the Supplemental Guidelines on the Formulation of
the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP) for 2011-2016 and the
corresponding Calendar of Activities for plan formulation;
WHEREAS, during the 31st
Regular Meeting of the Council, Resolution No. 30, series of 2010 was passed,
approving the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Agenda (RDA) 2010-2020 as a
major reference in the formulation of the MTRDP, 2011-2016;
WHEREAS, using the RDA as its basic document, a series of workshops was conducted by the various
RDC XII Planning Committees/Technical Working Groups to formulate the initial draft
MTRDP; and, the same was subjected to Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders’ Consultations in the
four provinces and two cities of the region;
WHEREAS, the draft plan was thereafter enhanced and subjected to a final review by the four RDC XII
Sectoral Committees and subsequently endorsed to the Council on December 1, 2010;
NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of Hon. Alfredo Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr., Private Sector Representative and
Chairperson of the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom) and
unanimously seconded, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, That RDC
XII approve and adopt the Region XII MTRDP, 2011-2016, subject to the consideration of
comments and recommendations of the Council in its finalization.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That a copy of this resolution be provided to all members of the Council, the Office
of the President, the NEDA Regional Development Office (RDO), and other concerned
entities, for consideration and/or appropriate action.
DONE this 7th
day of December 2010, in General Santos City, Philippines.
vi

CONTENTS
Title Page
Message ii
Message iii
Foreword iv
Preface v
Regional Development Council XII Resolution No.73, series of 2010 vi
Table of Contents vii
List of Tables x
List of Figures xi
List of Acronyms xii
Administrative Map of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region xviii
Chapter 1 Area and Physical Features of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region 1-1
Chapter 2 Comparative Advantages of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region 2-1
Chapter 3 Development Challenges That Need to be Addressed in 2011-2016 3-1
Low Economic Productivity 3-1
o Gross Regional Domestic Product 3-1
o Investments and Exports 3-3
o Prices 3-3
Low Income & Lack of Access to Productive and Decent Employment 3-4
o Population 3-4
o Average Family Income 3-4
o Poverty and Food Threshold 3-5
o Poverty Incidence 3-5
o Poorest Municipalities in Region XII 3-6
o Livelihood and Employment 3-7
Inadequate Access to Quality Basic Social Services 3-7
o Education 3-7
o Health and Nutrition 3-8
o Land and Land Rights 3-9
o Housing 3-9
Inadequate Infrastructure Support 3-9
o Roads and Bridges 3-9
o Seaport and Airport 3-10
o Water Resources Development 3-10
o Communications 3-11
o Energization 3-11
vii

Title Page
Environmental Degradation 3-12
o Forest Condition 3-12
o Flooding in Settlement and Production Areas 3-12
o Low Rehabilitation Rate of Degraded Forest/Mangrove Areas 3-12
o Weak Enforcement of Environmental Laws 3-13
Sustaining Peace and Development 3-13
o Rehabilitation and Development of Conflict-Affected Areas 3-13
o Peace and Order Councils 3-14
o Presence of Government in Far-flung Communities 3-14
o Spaces for Peace 3-14
o Peace Talks with Various Groups 3-14
o Public Order, Peace and Security 3-14
Good Governance 3-15
o Reforms in Institutions 3-15
o Local Governance 3-16
o Revenue Generation and Expenditures 3-16
o Disaster Risk Reduction 3-17
o Establishment of the Regional Government Center 3-18
Chapter 4 SOCCSKSARGEN Vision of Development 4-1
Chapter 5 Development Goals and Strategic Outcomes, 2011-2016 5-1
Inclusive Growth and Poverty Alleviation 5-2
o Achieving 7% Economic Growth by 2016 5-2
o Meeting the MDG Poverty Reduction Targets by 2016 5-4
o Management of Population Growth Rate 5-6
o Stable Inflation Rates 5-7
Increased and Sustained Growth in Agriculture, Fishery and Industry 5-7
o Boosting Agriculture and Fishery Production Agri-
Industrialization
5-7
o Development of High Impact Industries 5-15
o Propagating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 5-20
o Science and Technology 5-23
Equal Access to Quality Basic Social Services 5-24
o Ensuring Universal Access to Quality Health Care and
Sanitation
5-25
o Raising Quality Education and Training for Globally
Competitive Human Resource
5-27
o Promoting Strong and Effective Social Protection Services 5-32
o Equal Access to Land and Land Rights 5-34
o Equal Access to Adequate and Safe Housing 5-35
Effective Infrastructure Support 5-36
o Integrated and Effective Transport System 5-36
o Efficient Water Resource Management 5-39
o Communication 5-43
Adequate and Reliable Energy Supply 5-43
o Energy Independence 5-43
o Energy Savings 5-44
o Barangay Electrification 5-44
o Legislative Agenda 5-45
viii

Title Page
Improved Ecological Integrity 5-45
o Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection of Ecosystems 5-45
o Enforcement and Compliance to Environmental Laws 5-47
Sustained Peace, Development and Security 5-49
o Strengthened Justice System 5-49
o Improved Peace and Order 5-50
o Improved Public Safety 5-53
o Resilient and Progressive Communities in Conflict-Affected
and Vulnerable Areas
5-53
Good Governance 5-55
o Establishment of Regional Government Center 5-55
o Reforms in Institution 5-56
o Enhancing Local Governance 5-58
o Strengthened Private / Civil Society Participation in the
Development Process
5-62
Chapter 6 Roles of Provinces and Cities in Regional Development 6-1
Chapter 7 Kilos Abante Priority Programs and Projects 7-1
Social Development 7-1
Economic Development 7-1
Infrastructure Development 7-1
Governance and Institutions Development 7-1
Chapter 8 Plan Implementation and Monitoring 8-1
Review, Approval and Adoption Process 8-1
Phasing of the Plan 8-1
Integration of Plan and Planning Processes 8-1
Financing of the Plan 8-1
Monitoring and Evaluation 8-2
Plan Advocacy 8-2
Capacity Building Programs 8-2
Resource Mobilization and Other Related Activities 8-2
Annex Directory of Regional Development Council (RDC) XII
Composition of the Planning Committees
The RDC XII Secretariat / The NEDA Regional Office XII
ix

LIST OF TABLES
Chapter /
Table No.
Title Page
Chapter 3 Development Challenges That Need to be Addressed in 2011-2016 3-1
3.1 Total Population and Growth Rate by Province/City, 2000 & 2007 3-4
3.2 Average Annual Family Income In Thousand Pesos, 2006 & 2009 3-5
3.3 Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence by
Area, 2003, 2006 and 2009
3-5
3.4 Poverty Incidence by Basic Sector, Region XII 3-6
5.1 GRDP Growth Targets, 2011-2016, Region XII 5-2
5.2 Poverty Targets in 2015, Region XII 5-5
5.3 Employment Targets, 2011-2016, Region XII 5-5
5.4 Livelihood and Micro-financing Programs Targets, 2011-2016 5-6
5.5 Existing Irrigated Areas and Targets, 2011-2016 (In Hectares) 5-8
5.6 Cereal Crops Existing Production Level and Targets (In MT) 5-9
5.7 Cereal Crops Existing Area Harvested and Targets (In Hectares) 5-9
5.8 Existing Crop Production Levels and Targets 5-11
5.9 Livestock Production Levels and Targets in Region XII (in MT of
live weight)
5-13
5.10 Existing Fishery Production Levels & Targets in Region XII (in MT)) 5-14
5.11 Total Tourist Arrivals and Hotel Occupancy Rate Targets by
Province/City, 2011-2016
5-17
5.12 Targets for the Selected Indicators of the Mining Industry 5-19
5.13 Cooperatives Development Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016 5-20
5.14 Priority Industry Clusters, 2011-2016 5-20
5.15 MSMEs Indicators and Targets 5-22
5.16 Science and Technology Development Targets, Region XII 5-23
5.17 Targets for Selected Health Indicators, 2016 5-27
5.18 Basic Education Targets, 2011-2016 5-28
5.19 Targets on Selected TVET Indicators, 2011-2016 5-32
5.20 Target Number of Beneficiaries for Various Social Protection
Programs, 2016
5-34
5.21 Target for the Completion of Land Distribution under CARP, 2014 5-35
5.22 Roads and Bridges 5-37
5.23 Targets for the Selected Indicators of the Environment Sector 5-47
5.24 Police to Population Ratio Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016 5-51
5.25 Critical Infrastructure Target of the PNP, Region XII, 2011-2016 5-51
5.27 Fire Prevention and Suppression Targets , Region XII, 2011-2016 5-53
5.28 Annual Targets for Selected Indicators, 2011-2016 5-59
5.29 Targets for the Formulation of DRR/CCA-enhanced PDPFP /
CLUP, 2011-2016
5-60
5.30 Tax and Internal Revenue Collection Targets 2011-2016 5-61
x

LIST OF FIGURES
Chapter /
Figure No. Title Page
Chapter 1 Area and Physical Features of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region 1-1
1.1 Location Map of Region XII 1-1
1.2 Map of Region XII 1-1
Chapter 2 Comparative Advantages of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region 2-1
2.1 Region XII Location Map within the BIMP-EAGA 2-1
Chapter 3 Development Challenges that Need to be Addressed in 2011-2016 3-1
3.1 Development Challenges 3-1
3.2 GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009 3-2
3.3 Shares to Mindanao GDP, 2009 3-2
3.4 Inflation Rate (%), 2004-2009 3-3
3.5 20 Poorest Municipalities in Region XII, 2003 3-6
Chapter 4 SOCCSKSARGEN Vision of Development 4-1
4.1 Development Vision 4-1
5.1 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 5-1
5.2 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Inclusive
Growth and Poverty Alleviation)
5-2
5.3 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Increased &
Sustained Growth in Agriculture, Fishery & Industry)
5-10
5.4 SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism Circuit 5-15
5.5 Priority Industry Clusters, 2011-2016 5-20
5.6 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Equal Access
to Quality Basic Social Services)
5-23
5.7 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Effective
Infrastructure Support)
5-34
5.8 Transportation Map of SOCCSKSARGEN Region 5-36
5.9 Irrigation Development Map 5-39
5.10 Map of Flood-prone Areas in Region XII 5-40
5.11 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Adequate and
Reliable Energy Supply)
5-40
5.12 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Improved
Ecological Integrity: Green and Healthy Environment)
5-42
5.13 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Sustained
Peace, Development and Security)
5-45
5.14 Region XII Development Framework, 2011-2016 (Good
Governance)
5-51
Chapter 8 Plan Implementation and Monitoring 8-1
8.1 Monitoring Organizational Structure 8-3
xi

LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACO Agency Central Office
ACT Action for Conflict Transformation
AO Administrative Order
ADSPP Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan
AFF Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry
AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines
AIP Annual Investment Plan
ALMAMA Alabel-Malungon-Malapatan
AMO Agency Municipal Office
APO Agency Provincial Office
ARMM Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
ARO Agency Regional Office
ARTA Anti-Red Tape Act
AusAID Australian Agency for International Development
AVLDA Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance
BFAD Bureau of Food and Drugs
BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
BFP Bureau of Fire Protection
BIMP-EAGA Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area
BIR Bureau of Internal Revenue
BJMP Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
BLGF Bureau of Local Government Finance
BMBE Barangay Micro Business Enterprises
BnB Botika ng Barangay
BPO Business Process Outsourcing
BSP Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
CAAP Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
CARP Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
CCA Climate Change Adaptation
CCCH Ceasefire Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities
CCSPC Cotabato City State Polytechnic College
CCTV Closed-Circuit Television
CDA Cooperative Development Authority
CDC City Development Council
CDP Comprehensive Development Plan
CEMS Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems
CFCST Cotabato Foundation College for Science and Technology
CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamp
CG Criminal Group
CHED Commission on Higher Education
CHR Commission on Human Rights
xii

CIDSS Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services
CIPH City-wide Investment Plan for Health
CIP Communal Irrigation Project
CIS Communal Irrigation System
CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan
CNN Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front
CNO Certificate of Non-Overlap
CNSP Children in Need of Special Protection
COE Centers of Excellence
CoP Culture of Peace
CPP-NPA-NDF Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front
CPR Contraceptive Prevalence Rate
CSC Civil Service Commission
CSO Civil Society Organization
CSR Cohort Survival Rate
CY Calendar Year
DA Department of Agriculture
DAR Department of Agrarian Reform
DBM Department of Budget and Management
DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources
DepED Department of Education
DFA Department of Foreign Affairs
DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government
DOE Department of Energy
DOF Department of Finance
DOH Department of Health
DOJ-PPA Department of Justice - Parole and Probation Administration
DOLE Department of Labor and Employment
DOST Department of Science and Technology
DOT Department of Tourism
DOTC Department of Transportation and Communications
DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DRRMO Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate
EC Electric Cooperative
EDC Economic Development Committee
EFA Education for All
EIB Efficiency and Integrity Board
ELA Executive-Legislative Agenda
EMB Environmental Management Bureau
xiii

EO Executive Order
EP Exploration Permit
EPIRA Electric Power Industry Reform Act
FAD Fishing Using Aggregate Device
FIC Full Immunization of Children / Fully-Immunized Children
FIES Family Income and Expenditure Survey
FPA Final Peace Agreement
FPIC Free and Prior Informed Consent
FTAA Financial Technical Assistance Agreement
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GID Governance and Institutions Development
GIS Geographic Information System
GPH Government of the Philippines
GRDP Gross Regional Domestic Product
GRP Government of the Republic of the Philippines
GSC General Santos City
GVA Gross Value Added
GWh Gigawatt-hour
HEI Higher Education Institution
HIV-AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
HLRB Housing and Landuse Regulatory Board
HUDCC Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
HVCC High Value Commercial Crop
IA Irrigator‟s Association
ICC Indigenous Cultural Communities
ICT Information and Communications Technology
IDPs Internally Displaced Persons
ILHZ Inter-Local Health Zones
IMR Infant Mortality Rate
INFRACOM Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee
IPRA Indigenous Peoples Rights Act
IPs Indigenous Peoples
IPSP Internal Peace and Security Plan
IRA Internal Revenue Allotment
JAGSCT Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle
K2MIPP Kabulnan-2 Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project
KALAHI Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan
KFRG Kidnap for Ransom Group
KMM Kidapawan-Magpet-Makilala
KP Kalusugan Pangkalahatan
KV KiloVolts
LBP Land Bank of the Philippines
LDC Local Development Council
xiv

LGFSP Local Government Finance Support Project
LGPMS Local Governance Performance Management System
LGU Local Government Unit
LPOC Local Peace and Order Council
LTO Land Transportation Office
MAKIMA Maitum-Kiamba-Maasim
MATUMLA Makilala-Tulunan-M'lang
MCLET Municipal Coastal Law Enforcement Teams
MDC Municipal Development Council
MDG Millennium Development Goal
MEDAFC Macro-Economy, Development Administration and Finance Committee
MFPC Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee
MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau
MILF Moro Islamic Liberation Front
MINDA Mindanao Development Authority
MIPH Municipal-wide Investment Plan for Health
MKDA Metro Kutawato Development Alliance
MMIP Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project
MMR Maternal Mortality Rate
MNCHN Maternal, Neo-natal and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy
MNLF Moro National Liberation Front
MPSA Mineral Production Sharing Agreement
MRB Mindanao River Basin
MRDP Mindanao Rural Development Program
MRF Materials Recovery Facility
MSU-GENSAN Mindanao State University-General Santos
MT Metric Tons
MTF-RDP Mindanao Trust Fund for Reconstruction and Development Project
MTRDP Medium-Term Regional Development Plan
MVUC Motor Vehicle Users' Charge
NAPOLCOM National Police Commission
NAT National Achievement Test
NBI National Bureau of Investigation
NCBTS National Competency-Based Teacher Standard
NCIP National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
NCMF National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
NER Net Enrolment Rate
NFA National Food Authority
NGCP National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
NGOs Non-Government Organizations
NHA National Housing Authority
NHIP National Health Insurance Program
xv

NHTS National Household Targeting System
NIA National Irrigation Administration
NICA National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas
NIS National Irrigation System
NNC National Nutrition Council
NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board
NSO National Statistics Office
NSTP National Services Training Program
NTIC National Tuna Industry Council
NYC National Youth Commission
OCD Office of Civil Defense
OCG Organized Crime Group
ODA Official Development Assistance
OP Office of the President
OPANGC Office of the Presidential Adviser on New Government Centers
OPAPP Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
PA Philippine Army
PAG Private Armed Group
PAMANA Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan
PAMB Protected Area Management Board
PAO Public Attorney's Office
PAR Philippine Area of Responsibility
PCCP Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
PCJS Philippine Criminal Justice System
PDC Provincial Development Council
PDP Philippine Development Plan
PDPFP Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan
PIA Philippine Information Agency
PIPH Province-wide Investment Plan for Health
PMS Presidential Management Staff
PNP Philippine National Police
POPCOM Commission on Population
PPA Philippine Ports Authority
P-PALMA Pikit-Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libunga, Midsayap, Aleosan
PRO Police Regional Office
PSR Private Sector Representative
PWDs Persons With Disabilities
RPOC Regional Peace and Order Council
RA Republic Act
RATE Run After Tax Evader
RDC Regional Development Council
RDCC Regional Disaster Coordinating Council
xvi

RDCom Regional Development Committee
RDP Regional Development Plan
REMM Results Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix
RGC Regional Government Center
RPMC Regional Project Monitoring Committee
RPMES Regional Project Monitoring Evaluation System
RSDC Regional Social Development Committee
SDAH Sector-wide Development Approach for Health
SDEC Social Drug Education Center
SERD-CAAM Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development of Conflict-Affected Areas in
Mindanao
SK Sultan Kudarat Province
SKSU Sultan Kudarat State University
SLF Sanitary Landfill
SLR School Leaver Rate
SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises
SMI Sagittarius Mines Incorporated
SNA Senator Ninoy Aquino
SOCCSKSARGEN South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani,
General Santos City
SRIP Small River Impounding Project
SUCs State Universities and Colleges
TB Tuberculosis
TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
TRANSCO Transmission Corporation
TVET Technical-Vocational Education and Training
TVIs Technical Vocational Institutions
U5MR Under-5 Mortality Rate
UDHA Urban Development and Housing Act
UDP Upland Development Program
UHC Universal Health Care
UN United Nations
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UP University of the Philippines
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USM University of Southern Mindanao
WB World Bank
WCPFC Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
WDP Wastewater Discharge Permit
WFP World Food Programme
WQMA Water Quality Management Area
ZO Zoning Ordinance
xvii

CHAPTER 1:
Area and Physical Features of
the SOCCSKSARGEN Region
The SOCCSKSARGEN Region or Region XII is strategically located
at the heart of Mindanao (Figure 1.1). It has a total land area of
19,165.87 square kilometers or about 17% of the total land area
of Mindanao.
The region is composed of four provinces, five cities, 45
municipalities and 1,192 barangays. The provinces are Cotabato,
South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat. The cities are
Cotabato, General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, and Tacurong.
Koronadal City is the administrative center of Region XII and is
located in South Cotabato (Figure 1.2). The municipalities and
cities of the region are grouped into seven congressional
districts.
Among the provinces, Cotabato has the largest land area with
6,019.78 sq. km., or about 30.4% of the region‟s land area, while
Sultan Kudarat has the smallest at 4,401.06 sq. km. Of the
cities, General Santos City has the biggest land area at 668.49
sq. km., while Tacurong City has the smallest at 161.96 sq. km.
The physiographic characteristics of the region vary from flat,
fertile plains to irregular landscapes to wide valleys, scattered
hills and intensive mountain ranges. Its coastline is extensive
and stretches to 320 kilometers, particularly along the Sultan
Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City coastal zone.
The region falls under the 4th Climatic Type having rainfall that is
more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. This rainfall
pattern contributes to the high production levels in agriculture of
the region.
The region is also richly endowed with abundant watersheds and
water resources more than adequate to supply the region‟s
requirement for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses. There are several river basins in the
region. Five of these basins have been proclaimed and given priority for their conservation and
development. These watersheds are Siguel River, Allah Valley, Lake Sebu, Mt. Matutum and
Malitubog-Maridagao River. Among the major rivers that traverse the region are the Rio Grande
de Mindanao and the Ala River. In addition, SOCCSKSARGEN is located within the second largest
basin in the Philippines which is known as the Mindanao River Basin.
Figure 1.1
Location Map of Region XII
Source: NAMRIA
Figure 1.2
Map of Region XII
Source: NAMRIA
LUZON
VISAYAS
MINDANAO
COTABATO
PROVINCE
SOUTH
COTABATO
SARANGANI
SULTAN
KUDARAT
CELEBES SEA
1-1

CHAPTER 2:
Comparative Advantages of
the SOCCSKSARGEN Region
Given its natural endowment, SOCCSKSARGEN Region has great potentials for high levels of
agriculture production, tourism development, energy generation, and other resource-based
industries. Support to develop these industries includes the implementation of high impact
infrastructure amenities, such as airports and irrigation dams.
The following are among the comparative advantages of Region XII:
a. Region XII is strategically located in Mindanao
and the BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA).
Its location facilitates the export of various
products and eases mobility of people in the
area. (Figure 2.1).
b. SOCCSKSARGEN is among the leaders in the
country in palay and corn production. It is the
top producer of high value crops like coffee,
banana, asparagus, and oil palm. General
Santos City is host to 80 percent of tuna
industry in the country. And the region is No. 7
in terms of livestock inventory.
c. With the establishment of Halal Laboratory, the
region could become the source of Halal-
certified products for export to the billion dollar Halal markets in Southeast Asia and the
Middle East.
d. The region has world-class infrastructure facilities, such as the General Santos International
Airport and the General Santos Port. In support of the development of the agriculture and
fishery sector, the Malitubog-Maridagao River Irrigation System currently services around
5,500 hectares of rice fields in the Provinces of Cotabato (Pikit, Carmen) and Maguindanao
(Pagalungan, Pagagawan).
Figure 2.1
Region XII Location Map
within the BIMP-EAGA
Source: MINDA
2-1

e. Eighty percent of the country‟s tuna canneries are located at the General Santos Fishport
Complex.
f. The Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant located in Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province contributes to
the power requirement of the Mindanao Grid.
g. The region boasts of various eco-tourism destinations, such as, Lake Sebu, Mt. Apo, and the
Gumasa beaches, including diving sites, historic caves and bird and bat sanctuaries.
h. The development of mining industry has great potential for spurring economic growth in the
region. Investments in this sector is expected to reach 191.4 billion pesos that would
generate around 15,000 jobs in the next six years.
i. The socioeconomic growth and development of the region is propelled by talented and highly
skilled population.
2-2

CHAPTER 3:
Development Challenges that
Need to be Addressed in 2011-2016
Over the past six years, the region pursued strategies towards increasing economic growth and
job generation, the provision of basic social and infrastructure services, and sustainable peace
and good governance.
Actual performance of
regional development
indicated low and
erratic economic growth
trend and high poverty
incidence. (Figure 3.1).
These two major
challenges were
attributed to low
economic productivity
and low income
because of lack of
access to productive
and decent
employment.
Persistent challenges
such as inadequate
access of the people to
basic services, low infrastructure support, inadequate and unreliable power supply for
socioeconomic development, environmental degradation, and poor governance, further push
economic productivity down and poverty levels up. If these challenges are not addressed, the
development of the region would remain unbalanced. Majority of its people will remain poor and
would not benefit from the little gains of economic growth.
3.1 Low Economic Productivity
The economic productivity of the region is measured by the gross regional domestic product
(GRDP). Over the years, the GRDP posted irregular trends and recorded a slight shift in the
structure which remains predominantly agriculture.
3.1.1 Gross Regional Domestic Product
The GRDP measures the contribution of all the industry sectors to total regional economic output
and growth. For the period 2004 to 2009, the GRDP grew at an average annual rate of 4.6%.
This is lower than the targeted growth range of 5.8% – 6.4% in 2009. Figure 3.2 reflect the
fluctuating annual growth rate pattern of GRDP. The regional output was adversely affected by
both natural and man-made calamites that hit the region during the period.
Figure 3.1
LOW ECONOMIC
PRODUCTIVITY
Inadequate
Infra support
Environmental
Degradation
Good Governance
SustainingPeace &
Development
Inadequate& Unreliable
Power Supply
LOW INCOME AND LACK OF
ACCESS TO PRODUCTIVE/
DECENT EMPLOYMENT
Inadequateaccess
to basic services
3-1

The agriculture, fishery and
forestry (AFF) sector contributed
the biggest share to total GRDP.
However, a slight decrease was
noted in its contribution to the
regional output from 43.6% in
2004 to 41.5% in 2009.
The decline in fishery production
was attributed to a drop in
commercial fishing. This was due
to the three-month ban on
fishing using aggregate device or
FAD that was imposed by the
Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries Commission during the
spawning period of tuna to
accelerate its restocking.. The
closure of high sea pockets in
the Pacific Ocean due to
overfishing of various types of
tuna had also adversely affected
the region‟s tuna production. Furthermore, the observed scarcity of tuna within Philippine fishing
grounds and the rising prices of oil and fuels adversely affected commercial fishing production.
On the other hand, the share of industry increased from 29.8% in 2004 to 31.8% in 2009. The
sources of growth were from intensified manufacturing and construction activities in the region.
A turnaround was noted in construction and mining and quarrying as they recovered from their
negative growths in 2005. Sharp decline was recorded in 2008 due the global financial crisis.
The share of the Services GVA to
total GRDP remained constant at
around 27% during the two
periods. It recorded a 5.8 %
growth in 2005, from a 5.0%
growth in 2004. But the services
expanded in 2009 with almost all
of its subsectors posting
accelerated growths except for
ODRE.
Tourism as one of the sources of
growth in the Services GVA posted
sluggish growth. Tourist arrivals
was recorded at 557,463 in 2004
and 659,163 in 2009, registering
an average annual growth rate of
3.44%. Hotel occupancy rates
showed minimal increase from
2004 to 2009 and is observed to be supported heavily by domestic travels consisting 98.67% for
the last five years.
Figure 3.2
Source: NSCB XII
Figure 3.3
Source: NSCB XII
GRDP GROWTH RATES, 2004-2009
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
AFF
GRDP
Industry
Services
SHARES TO MINDANAO GDP, 2009
Region IX
15%
Region X
28%
Region XI
26%
REGION
X I I
19%
ARMM
5%
Caraga
7%
3-2

In 2009, SOCCSKSARGEN GRDP ranked third among the Mindanao regions in terms of its
contribution to the total Mindanao (Figure 3.3). The largest share came from Region X at 28%,
followed by Region XI at 26%. Region XII contributed about 19% to total Mindanao GDP.
3.1.2 Investments and Exports
Total investments consistently increased, from 2.77 billion pesos in 2004 to 6.49 billion pesos in
2008, registering a high annual average growth rate of 25.78%. Increases were attributed to the
establishment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through investment mission, business
matching, business name registration, and investment facilitation; and, the conduct of
information and communication technology (ICT) activities.
Exports recorded fluctuating trends and these were affected by market-based regulations.
Exports value was recorded at $346.81 million US dollars in 2004 to $541.98 million in 2009,
registering an average annual growth rate of 10.92%. The marine sector dominates regional
export trade accounting for 50% of aggregate exports with canned and fresh tuna taking up a
combined share of 45%. Fruits and vegetables comprise the second largest exports with canned
and fresh pineapples accounting for 27% of total. Resource-based products are the third largest
exports with crude coconut oil accounting for 17% of total exports. Exports are supplied by
General Santos City, South Cotabato and Sarangani. Cotabato Province is also an exporting
province; however, its products are mainly shipped via ports in Davao City. The United States
remains to be the region‟s largest individual export destination, followed by European Union and
Japan. On the whole, Region XII contributes less than 1% to the national export performance.
3.1.3 Prices
The region targeted to maintain below 5 percent inflation rate from 2004 to 2010. However, in
2004, inflation rate was over the target at 6.6 percent and increased to 6.7 percent in 2005.
While it dropped to 5.3 percent in 2006 and 3.4 percent in 2007, it surged anew to 11.6 percent
in 2008. The double-digit inflation rate during the period was attributed to the escalating prices
of fuel and rice.
The average inflation rate in 2004-2009
was estimated at 6.2 percent. The
commodity groups that posted high inflation
rates were: a) Fuel, light and water which
recorded at an average inflation rate of 8.7
percent; b) Food at an average rate of 7.4
percent, due to price increases in corn,
cereals, rice, cereal preparation, fruits and
vegetables and dairy products; and c)
Services with an average of 6.1 percent,
due to price increases in transportation and
communication, medical and educational
services.
The purchasing power of the peso in 2004 was estimated at 0.84 considering the year 2000 as
the base period. This means that the one peso (P1.00) in 2000 has a real value of eighty four
cents (P0.84) in 2004. In 2006, purchasing power of peso was 0.75 and further decreased to
6.6 6.7 5.3
3.4
11.6
4.1
0
5
10
15
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Figure 3.4
INFLATION RATE (%), 2004-2009
Source: NSO XII
3-3

0.62 in 2009. The declining purchasing power of peso is due to the increasing prices of goods
and services.
3.2 Low Income and Lack of Access to Productive /
Decent Employment
3.2.1 Population
The 2007 census reported that the population of Region XII was about 3.8 million. Among the 17
regions nationwide, Region XII ranked 12th in terms of population count. Its population is also
about 18 percent of the total population of Mindanao and 4.3 percent of the total population of
the country.
The population of the region grew at an annual average of 2.41% between 2000 and 2007,
which is 0.37 percentage point higher than the national growth rate of 2.04 percent.
Table 3.1
Total Population and Growth Rate by Province/City, 2000 and 2007
Province/City
Total Population Average Annual
Growth Rate (%)2000 2007
Philippines 76,506,928 88,574,614 2.04
Mindanao 18,133,864 21,582,540 2.43
Region XII 3,222,169 3,829,081 2.41
Cotabato Province 857,438 1,004,364 2.21
South Cotabato Province 556,942 617,632 1.44
Sarangani Province 410,622 475,514 2.04
Sultan Kudarat Province 510,151 593,098 2.10
Cotabato City 163,849 259,153 6.53
General Santos City 411,822 529,542 3.53
Tacurong City 76,354 82,546 1.08
Kidapawan City 101,205 117,610 2.09
Koronadal City 133,786 149,622 1.56
Source: NSO XII
3.2.2 Average Family Income
Average Annual Family Income (at current prices) in the region increased by about P40,000.00,
from P114,000.00 in 2006 to P154,000.00 in 2009. The 2009 figure is P52,000.00 lower than
the average annual family income of P206,000.00at the national level. (Table 3.2)
At constant prices, average annual family income in the country in 2009 was P129,000. This is
about 3.2% higher than the 2006 figure of P125,000.00. In the region, 2006 average annual
family income was P85,000.00. It increased by about 12.9% in 2009 that recorded an average
income of P96,000.00.
3-4

Table 3.2
Average Annual Family Income In Thousand Pesos, 2006 and 2009
Area
At Constant 2000 Prices At Current Prices
2006 2009 2006 2009
Philippines 125 129 173 206
Region 12 85 96 114 154
Source: NSO XII
3.2.3 Poverty and Food Threshold
The annual per capita poverty threshold is the amount needed by an individual to satisfy the
food and other basic needs for the year. In 2009, the threshold in Region XII was estimated at
P15,762.00 (Table 3.3). This was higher by P3,232.00 compared with the 2006 poverty
threshold. Cotabato City posted the highest poverty threshold at P16,520.00, while Sarangani
Province had the least P14,987.00.
The annual per capita food threshold of the region was P11,014 in 2009. This amount was
higher by P2,257 than the P8,757 estimate in 2006. This implies that a family of five would be
needing P55,070 per year (or P4,589.16 per month) for its food requirements.The total number
of families whose earnings cannot cope their food requirements was estimated to be about
10,204 families or about 11.3% of the total families in the region.
Table 3.3
Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence by Area,
2003, 2006 and 2009
Area
Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold
(In Pesos)
Poverty Incidence Among Families (%)
2003 2006 2009 2003 2006 2009
Region XII 10,277 12,530 15,762 27.2 27.1 28.1
North Cotabato 10,104 12,314 15,486 22.2 23.3 25.6
Sarangani 9,780 11,953 14,987 36.7 34.0 40.7
South Cotabato 10,702 13,046 16,413 22.8 22.8 23.6
Sultan Kudarat 10,215 12,463 15,661 37.3 38.7 35.2
Cotabato City 10,768 13,133 16,520 25.3 20.6 23.7
Source: NSCB XII
3.2.4 Poverty Incidence
While the average family income rose from 2006 to 2009 based on the Family Income and
Expenditure Survey, poverty incidence among families in 2009 was estimated at 28.1% or an
increase of 1.0 percentage point from the 2006 estimate of 27.1%. This means that out of the
total 321,370 families of the region in 2009, 28.1% or about 90,305 families were living below
the poverty threshold or whose earnings were not enough to meet their basic needs. The Region
XII poverty incidence was 7.2% higher than the national estimate of 20.9%. Nonetheless, the
Region XII incidence was about 9.9 percentage points lower than the MTRDP target of 38%.
Among the eight basic sectors, the children sector posted the most number of poor individuals,
followed by the women sector in 2006 (Table 3.4). In terms of poverty incidence, it was highest
among fishermen (47.3%); followed by children (47.2%), farmers (41.0%), and women (38.1%).
3-5

Poverty incidence of most of the sectors showed improvement between 2000 and 2006.
However, the fishermen group remained almost in the same poverty situation.
Table 3.4
Poverty Incidence by Basic Sector, Region XII
Sector
2000 2003 2006
Poverty
Incidence
Magnitude
of Poor
Poverty
Incidence
Magnitude
of Poor
Poverty
Incidence
Magnitude
of Poor
Women 46.5 765,776 38.5 646,018 38.1 684,760
Youth 38.0 383,873 34.2 343,079 35.5 381,174
Children 54.4 848,175 46.6 749,942 47.2 755,053
Senior Citizens 39.4 60,483 24.8 43,014 24.9 53,021
Urban Poor 30.0 400,484 32.3 334,207 28.7 318,163
Migrant and formal
sector workers
34.8 175,822 30.7 201,439 28.9 195,519
Farmers 51.6 180,106 39.7 110,534 41.0 123,503
Fishermen 47.4 14,061 50.2 22,828 47.3 19,931
Source: NSCB XII
3.2.5 Poorest Municipalities in Region XII
Based on the 2003 Small Area Poverty Statistics, the poorest municipality of Region XII was
T‟boli in South Cotabato with poverty incidence of 66.50%. At the national level, it ranked 107th.
The rest of the ten poorest municipalities in the region are: Malapatan, Lake Sebu, Maasim,
Senator Ninoy Aquino, Palimbang, Bagumbayan, Columbio, Kalamansig and Esperanza. Figure
3.5 shows the top 20 poorest municipalities of the region. Thirteen of these have poverty
incidence of more than 50%.
Figure 3.5
20 Poorest Municipalities in Region XII, 2003
Source: NSCB XII
20 Poorest Municipalities
in Region XII, 2003
Poverty Incidence:
Source:
NSCB 2003 City and MunicipalLevel Poverty Estimates
1 T’boli, South Cotabato 66.50
2 Malapatan, Sarangani 66.37
3 Lake Sebu, South Cotabato 65.31
4 Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat 63.63
5 Maasim, Sarangani 62.18
6 Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat 61.13
7 Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat 56.95
8 Columbio, Sultan Kudarat 55.19
9 Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat 54.19
10 Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat 53.78
11 Banisilan, Cotabato 52.58
12 Arakan, Cotabato 50.67
13 Malungon, Sarangani 50.63
14 Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat 49.92
15 Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat 49.27
16 President Roxas, Cotabato 48.84
17 Maitum, Sarangani 48.66
18 Magpet, Cotabato 48.41
19 Pikit, Cotabato 47.64
20 Kiamba, Sarangani 46.41
3-6

3.2.6 Livelihood and Employment
a. Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment
A declining labor force participation rate was recorded from 68.8% in 2004 to 65.1% in 2007,
but showed a slight increase in 2009 at 66.6%. The average annual growth rate was 66.5%. On
the average, around 65% of the employed were males and 35% were females. By major
occupation group, 55% were absorbed by the agriculture, fishery and forestry activities; while
37% were engaged in services. The remaining 8% were into industry activities. Conversely,
unemployment rate dropped from 9.6% in 2004 to 3.6% in 2009.
While the region‟s employment rate showed increasing trend, underemployment remained to be
high. Underemployed persons are employed persons who expressed the desire to have
additional hours of work in their present job or in an additional job, or to have a new job with
longer working hours. The desire is caused mainly by low paying jobs and the need to augment
income to satisfy the basic needs of the family. Underemployment rate was recorded at 21.7%
in 2004. This increased to 30.4% in 2005. However, it went down to 20.6% in 2009.
b. Livelihood and Employment Opportunities
Even with high and increasing employment in the past six years, there is a need to intensify the
provision of livelihood and employment opportunities, particularly for the vulnerable groups.
Livelihood and microfinance assistance should be boosted to provide a highly sustained source
of income particularly for self employed individuals. The influx of skills not needed by the
industries also contributes to unemployment and underemployment. The job mismatch problem
must be addressed to encourage competitiveness and productivity.
3.3 Inadequate Access to Quality Basic Social Services
The high incidence of poverty in the region, underpins the critical role of the social development
sector in ensuring equal and broader access to quality basic social services. These services
must enable families and individuals to live a life of dignity, as mandated in the Constitution.
With the growing number of people living below the poverty line, it is but unfortunate that the
services, policies, programs, and structures that the government needs to provide are not
sufficient to meet the burgeoning demand for these services.
3.3.1 Education
a. Basic Education
The State mandates that basic education should be free in all public schools to ensure that even
the poorest would have access to basic education. In Region XII, out of its total 1,194 barangays,
there were still 66 barangays which had no day care centers, as of 2010.
The Net Enrolment Rate (NER), commonly known as the Participation Rate, showed a declining
pattern during the first half of 2004-2010 (Table 3.17). An improvement was observed with
72.99% in SY 2007-2008 to 77.01% in SY 2009-2010 (the latter represents data for public
schools only). The region would need an increase of about 23 percentage points to meet the the
MDG target of 100% NER in 2015. The secondary level attainment of MDG targets is similarly
situated.
3-7

The growth in Cohort Survival Rate (CSR) has not likewise been sustained. The CSR in the
elementary level showed minimal increases between SY 2006 to 2008. The figure sharply
dropped by 4.07 percentage points in SY 2009-2010, placing the CSR at 61.94. The region
needs to fast track providing the necessary interventions to close the gap between 61.94% and
the EFA target of 95% by 2015.
The MDG target for school leaver rate by 2015 is zero. However, regional figures went up during
the period 2007-2008 to 2009-2010, from 8.33% to 12.44%, respectively.
Data showed that the NER, CSR and the SLR for the secondary level are even much lower hence
the likelihood to achieve the MDG and EFA goals is even more remote, and the gap is more
acute. There is also a need to review the accreditation policies and curriculum standards of
madaris to boost the quality of and access to education by the Muslim school-going population.
Lastly, instructional classroom backlog is severe at 1,973 in the elementary level, and 1,102 in
the secondary level. Teacher backlog is also high at 1,330 for elementary teachers and 1,136 for
secondary teachers as of 2010. School facilities and resources have to be upgraded to
contribute to the attainment of lifting the standards of education to its highest desired level.
b. Higher Education and Manpower Development
Total enrolment in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) showed fluctuating
trend over the period 2004-2009. Compared to SY 2004-2005, a deceleration in enrolment was
observed for SY 2005-2006 and SY 2007-2008. The decline in enrolment may be attributed to
the high cost of school fees and other incidental expenses, poverty and economic difficulties
brought about by external shocks like oil price hike and economic recession. However, total
enrolment showed increments in SY 2006-2007 to SY 2009-2010. Generally, it was observed
that concomitant to the increased number of enrollees in the aforementioned school years were
the increases in the number of scholars/grantees/ beneficiaries of government-funded
scholarship programs during the same period. Enrolment in public HEIs grew at an average of
0.61 percent, while enrolment in private HEIs grew at an average of 0.37 percent.
Access to quality and higher education has been found wanting in the region. The higher
education sector must similarly address the mismatch in education sector outputs with the
manpower requirements of an agri-industrial economy. Appropriate curricula must be developed
to be attuned to the needs of industries in the region. The region is in urgent need of a Regional
Training Center to cater to the increasing number of young boys and girls who dropped out of
school for lack of financial capability to pursue degree programs. The center shall also serve the
unemployed and employed who need up-skilling and or re-skilling to respond to the needs of the
labor market, both domestically and internationally.
3.3.2 Health and Nutrition
Basic health services are aimed at nurturing healthy individuals to make them productive
members of the society. The lack of access to health and nutrition is due to non-availability, non-
affordability, and poor quality of health services. With very little improvements, there is small
likelihood to meet MDG targets by 2015.
The incidence of maternal deaths remains high and the probability of hitting the MDG target is
very remote. The infant mortality ratio and the under-five mortality ratio showed declining trend,
indicating good results on efforts to bring down IMR and Under Five (U5) mortality rate. However,
3-8

there is still a need to intensify interventions designed to thwart incidence of child deaths.
Record shows that Full Immunization of Children (FIC) in the region (89.09% in 2009 against the
target of 95%) is still low. Also, the proportion of births delivered utilizing health facilities (RHUs,
hospitals, clinics) remained low (40% only). Some of the birth deliveries in far-flung areas,
especially those outside of health facilities, were not attended by the trained health personnel.
The number of dengue cases in the region is increasing. Some cases of HIV-Aids have also been
reported. On manpower resources, there is an acute need for doctors, medical technologist,
sanitary engineers and inspectors especially in district hospitals and municipalities.
3.3.3 Land and Land Rights
Ensuring greater access of the vulnerable groups of indigenous people to land and land rights,
and mainstreaming them into the society remain to be the major challenge of the sector. In
2009, 54 applications for certification precondition were received by the National Commission
on Indigenous Peoples, but only one was issued with the said certificate, 4 were issued with
certification of non-overlap (CNO).
Other concerns that need to be addressed include concerns on social justice and preservation
of indigenous culture, rights and traditions; and, the lack of knowledge by the target groups on
the IPRA law.
3.3.4 Housing
The demand for decent housing in Region XII is still unmet despite past efforts to address the
problem. There is still a need to increase the supply of low-cost housing, especially for the poor
who have less or no access to financing or credit. To address local housing needs, LGUs should
endeavor to formulate or update their respestive shelter plans. The participation of the private
sector is likewise needed to address the housing backlogs in the region.
3.4 Inadequate Infrastructure Support
The presence of infrastructure support facility provides an enabling environment that contributes
to accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction. Areas of strategic importance are still
not linked by road network and not yet served by transportation facilities. As an agricultural
economy, the need for farm-to-market roads and production support facilities need to be
sustainably addressed.
3.4.1 Roads and Bridges
There is a need to provide an integrated and effective transportation system that connects to
other industrial and social services facilities, and provides linkage with other institutions. The
sector is still faced with several challenges. Many sections of concrete pavement along arterial
national roads have already deteriorated. Several stretches of roads of strategic importance,
roads along potential economic corridors, roads that connect growth centers and access roads to
tourism sites still await construction and/or improvement. The deterioration of major roads and
bridges may be attributed to the overloading of vehicles due to non-observance of tonnage limit.
The two-lane width of most arterial national roads and bridges is no longer appropriate for the
increasing volume of traffic along these major highways. Road signage and road safety
3-9

structures need to be placed in required sections of the roads, particularly, along-accident prone
areas. There is a lack of bicycle and motorcycle lanes along major thoroughfares.
3.4.2 Seaport and Airport
Facilities of some seaports in the region are still inadequate, while those of the airports need
upgrading/improvement. Despite being categorized as an international airport, the General
Santos Airport still lacks facilities to make it at par with international standard. Passengers have
to deal with a lot of inconvenience boarding and disembarking the airplane and walk some
length under the heat of the sun. Even the trolleys which are supposed to be a necessity for
moving luggage are used by passengers for a fee. The airport needs a jet bridge, an enclosed,
movable connector which extends from the airport terminal gate to the airplane that will allow
passengers to board and disembark without having to go outside. Trolleys and other airport
facilities should be made available for free considering that passengers already pay terminal
fees.
3.4.3 Water Resources Development
a. Irrigation
There is low and poor maintenance of irrigation facilities in the region. Only about 55.19% of the
total potential irrigable area of 173,410 hectares in the region is provided with irrigation
facilities. About 77,705 hectares of agricultural land still await irrigation development.
From 2006 to 2009, the rate of irrigation development of the region increased by 6.58%.
However, in 2007 there was a slight decrease due to the closure of communal irrigation systems
(CIS) in Sultan Kudarat Province (Lebak CIS and Senator Ninoy Aquino CIS ) and some CIS in
Cotabato Province that underwent major rehabilitation funded by the Mindanao Rural
Development Program (MRDP).
Other reasons for the drop in areas for irrigation development include the conversion of irrigated
land into residential areas and the flash flood in 2009 caused by typhoon Frank which damaged
irrigation facilities and affected about 3,500 hectares of irrigated land in particularly in
Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
b. Water Supply
The access of the region‟s households to safe water supply remains inadequate. About 11.19
percent of the region‟s total household still have no access to safe water as of December 2009,
despite abundance of water sources, e.g. springs, rivers, underground water. Most local
government units do not have water supply master plan.
While the region is on track in attaining its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in terms of the
population having access to safe drinking water, there remains a number of households which
have unsafe sources and without access to water supply facilities. In 2009, the total number of
households served with potable water was estimated at 713,391 households or 88.81 percent
of the total households in the region. Among the provinces, Cotabato posted the highest access
to potable water with 92.88 percent of its household already served with potable water, while
Sultan Kudarat had the lowest access with only 80.19 percent.
3-10

c. Flood Control and Drainage
Recent years saw the occurrence of flooding that resulted to displacement of people, destruction
of property and infrastructure facilities, disruption of economic activity resulting to income loss,
and realignment of budget from basic social services to rehabilitation. The flooding is attributed
to river siltation caused by denuded forest. In settlement areas, flooding in is due to poor
drainage and improper garbage disposal. Interventions are inadequate to address the flooding
problem in the region.
3.4.4 Communications
During the last four years, from 2005 to 2009, mobile phone companies were into a massive
construction of cell site towers to expand and improve cellular phone signal in the region. In
2006, a total of 131 cell site towers were constructed and this increased to 233 in 2009. Aside
from the provision of cellular sites, a total of 22 Local e-Centers were established in the region in
CY 2006. These e-Centers provide internet services to the municipalities in the region.
In spite of these investments infused in Region XII to improve communication services in the
region, the challenge of linking many areas in the region which do not have cellular sites or
where signals are weak, remain. Some areas experience difficulty in linking telecommunication
services among private telephone companies, especially landline long distance communications
to other provinces within the region and local inter-connection calls within the city areas. Due to
increasing demand for the use of internet for generating information and networking, the
establishment of internet connections at municipal centers has been found to be very necessary.
3.4.5 Energization
The region is continually being confronted with inadequate and unreliable energy supply due to
continued increase in demand for energy. While the region is host to various sources of energy,
these sources have remained untapped due to lack of investors in the energy sector. In 2009,
the region attained 94.79% barangay energization. However, this is still short of the target of
100% by 2010.
The Mindanao gross power generation mix has an average of 7,758.67 Gigawatt-hour (GWh)
from 2006-2008. This includes all types of generating facilities, such as, hydro, oil-based, solar,
coal and geothermal. However, in 2009, there was an abrupt decline in power generation of
3,909 GWh, a huge decrease of more than fifty percent in the supply of power for Mindanao. The
drop in generation capacity was due to the decrease in power generation in Agus-Pulangi Hydro
Complexes in Iligan City.
Region XII is solely dependent on the Mindanao Grid. In 2009, the Mindanao Grid continued to
experience deficiency in power supply generation. Widespread power outages have become
prevalent in Region XII. As the grid continues to experience deficiency in power supply
generation, Region XII also suffered much. Most of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in the region
implemented power rationing within their franchise areas. In highly urbanized cities, business
establishments have incurred considerable losses caused by widespread and continuing power
outages.
The existing generating capacity can no longer meet the future demand for energy in the region.
Although the region hosts the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Kidapawan City and the Southern
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Philippines Power Corporation in Alabel, Sarangani, these power plants still transmit their power
outputs to the Mindanao Grid. From the grid, power is transmitted to the electric cooperatives in
the region through the facilities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
NGCP, thus, dictates how much load is to be forwarded to each electric cooperative (EC) in the
region.
3.5 Environmental Degradation
The general trend of forestland utilization particularly for activities such as commercial monocrop
farming, road development, formation of settlements, continued harvesting and/ or cutting of
forest cover, result in widespread loss of biodiversity, erosion and sedimentation of water bodies.
3.5.1 Forest Condition
The Mindanao River Basin (MRB) has a forest area of about 1,048,648 hectares. Only about 19
percent of the forest land has a closed canopy, meaning with mature trees covering >50 percent;
18 percent is open canopy with mature trees covering less than 50 percent while 63 percent of
the forest land has been converted to various land uses. Subbasins that greatly impact in the
region, such as Ala, Arakan, Banga, Buayan-Malungun, Buluan, Cotabato, have forestlands with
mixed uses as follows: 49%, 80%, 89%, 78%, 80%, and 96%, respectively.
If no interventions are put in place to reverse the state of the MRB, perennial problems on
erosion of the uplands and sedimentation of water bodies will continue and subsequently cause
other disasters such as flooding in settlements and production areas. While new reforestation is
being undertaken every year, the sector also maintains the forest plantations it has completed
for the previous years.
Accomplishment on forest maintenance was alarmingly low considering that the annual targets
of 2,408 hectares for forest maintenance and 1,245 hectares for forest protection have not
been met. There is a need to reverse the declining trend noted in forest protection program
which was attributed to limited funds allotted for the program. Hence, activities were sustained
to only those areas identified with high stumpage value.
3.5.2 Flooding in Settlement and Production Areas
Flooding such as those brought about by Typhoon Frank was attributed to the siltation of major
rivers in the region such as Ala, Mindanao and Tamontaka; siltation of Liguasan Marsh which
functions as a natural flood control; and, the accumulation of water hyacinths which congested
the Mindanao River and diverted the flow of upstream waters in the low-lying areas of Cotabato
City, Sultan Kudarat and other neighboring areas. A total of 49,135 families were affected and
the damage was estimated at P2.483 billion pesos. Poor solid waste management and pollution
of waterways have also contributed to flooding in settlement areas.
3.5.3 Low Rehabilitation Rate of Degraded Forest and Mangrove Areas
While appropriate forest cover is only about 37 percent as indicated by the closed and open
canopy cover aforementioned, accomplishments of the sector show minimal interventions
relative to the areas needing immediate rehabilitation.
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Management of the Coastal and Marine Resources were also undertaken in support to the
rehabilitation efforts of degraded forest and mangrove areas in the region. However, the sector
needs to seriously consider pushing more efforts in the establishment of mangrove plantations
to other areas not yet covered while simultaneously maintaining those that were already
established.
3.5.4 Weak Enforcement of Environmental Laws
Environmental laws to address concerns on poor air and water quality as well as problems on
solid wastes are in place. Potential sources of air pollution were monitored based on the
compliance to DENR‟s emission standards. The high cost of installing Continuous Emission
Monitoring Systems (CEMS) prevented the achievement of the target of 28 units to be installed
for the whole plan period. Companies practicing self-regulation by requesting the services of
Accredited Third Party sampler to monitor the emissions of their Air Pollution Source Equipment
and Control Facilities were regularly monitored.
Efforts toward enhancing water quality in Sarangani Bay and Silway River have been initiated
with the designation of Sarangani Bay and Silway River as Water Quality Management Areas
(WQMA).
Solid waste is one of the pressing problems which is being addressed by the Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act. Under the law, LGUs are required to establish Sanitary Landfill (SLF),
Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and other forms of technology to manage solid waste. Twenty
one (21) LGUs in the region have either closed or converted their open dumps to controlled
dumps.
3.6 Sustaining Peace and Development
In Region XII, among the strategies toward attaining peace and development include the
acceleration of barangay-focused rehabilitation and development in the conflict affected areas;
mobilizing and strengthening peace and order councils; intensification of activities to establish
presence of government in far-flung communities; and the review and assessment of the
accomplishments of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) between the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
3.6.1 Rehabilitation and Development in Conflict-Affected Areas
With the aim of accelerating the rehabilitation and development of conflict-affected areas in
Region XII, barangay-focused interventions were implemented. Through the concerted efforts of
concerned local government units and regional line agencies, including the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and donor agencies, several barangays in the region have been recipient of various
peace and development projects.
Among the programs and projects implemented were: (a) Sala‟am Projects, Police Centers and
Conflict Management and Peacebuilding activities; (b) The ACT for Peace Programme, that are
aimed at strengthening communities; (c) KALAHI - The Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI)
is the Government‟s Program for Poverty-Reduction; (d) Socio-economic Reconstruction and
Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (SERD-CAAM) Project; and, (e) Mindanao
Trust Fund for Reconstruction and Development Project (MTF-RDP).
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3.6.2 Peace and Order Councils
The Regional and Local (Provincial/City/Municipal) Peace and Order Councils (R/LPOCs) in the
region were strengthened, particularly along finding solutions to peace related pressing issues
and concerns, as well as, in mitigating possible escalation of hostilities and untoward incidents
in their respective areas of concern. In 2006, there were about 1,248 Regional/
Provincial/City/Municipal Peace and Order Councils organized. A total of two hundred sixty four
(264) meetings were conducted at all levels to address local peace and order concerns.
3.6.3 Presence of Government in Far-flung Communities
The region likewise strengthened its efforts to establish government presence in far-flung
communities. This is to make people appreciate and be aware of the various government
services available for them. Various line agencies, including the Regional Development Council
(RDC) XII, have initiated convergence projects among the poorest communities in the region. The
government military forces, on the other hand, continued to extend technical, manpower and
equipment assistance to communities in need.
3.6.4 Spaces for Peace
The Spaces for Peace is a Grassroots Peace Process resulting from the efforts of the Church,
Non-Government Organizations, the Local Government Unit (Municipality and Barangays), and
the residents themselves to finally put an end to confrontation and evacuation and establish
lasting peace in GiNaPaLaDTaKa. Having experienced the long suffering brought about by armed
hostilities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), seven (7) barangays in the Municipality of Pikit, Province of North Cotabato decided
to declare their communities as “Spaces for Peace.”
3.6.5 Peace Talks with Various Groups
The region remains supportive in pursing government‟s peace agenda toward the completion of
comprehensive agreements with rebel groups resulting in the permanent cessation of armed
hostilities. The government has existing peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF); the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People‟s Army – National Democratic
Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
3.6.6 Public Order, Peace and Security
The effective enforcement of the law coupled with the active participation of the different LGUs
and citizenry in maintaining peace and order have minimized conflicts that resulted to peaceful
environment in most areas of Region XII. The region lagged behind In terms of the ideal police to
population ratio of 1:500.
Moreover, the military played a vital role in securing government flagship projects and vital
installations, as well as, in rendering support to the LGUs and government agencies in
implementing development projects, particularly those in remote areas of Region XII. To
facilitate its operations, the AFP created Task Forces/Task Groups to address imminent threat
and danger posed by terrorist groups for the major urban areas of the region.
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3.7 Good Governance
Despite fiscal, as well as, political constraints in the implementation of programs and projects
geared toward the attainment of good governance, the region made progress in institutionalizing
some reforms which resulted to gaining the trust and confidence of the population. This has
been proven with the active participation of the civil society in most of the government‟s efforts
for development.
3.7.1 Reforms in Institutions
Efficient and Effective Governance. The provision of capability building programs/trainings was
institutionalized in almost all government entities at all levels. These were aimed at enhancing
the workers‟skills, as well as, engendering commitments to provide honest and dedicated public
services to the population. Rights-based approach to development had been integrated in all
these trainings which were conducted/facilitated by all government entities in the region.
Elimination of Graft and Corruption. Efforts towards the goal of eliminating graft and corruption in
government service was likewise pursued. However, considering the absence of data, the
region‟s stride towards eliminating graft and corruption was difficult to assess. Nonetheless, with
the introduction and implementation of different government systems, particularly on the
processing of documents, delivery of services, employment of qualified work force, disseminating
information, indicate the region‟s quest of minimizing, if not, eliminating graft and corruption in
all levels of governance.
Administration of Justice. To uphold the dignity of the government workforce, administrative
cases, both disciplinary and non-disciplinary, filed against some government personnel from
2007-2010 were given priority actions by the concerned government agency.
Advocacy. To make government services accessible and known by its constituents, the region
continually intensified its advocacy on government activities and services. Websites were
developed. Radio, print and TV were utilized. With the cooperation of all agencies and LGUs, this
collegial effort was also geared towards marketing the region as a potential investment and
tourism area to ward off the negative image tagged to Region XII.
Monitoring and Evaluation. Regular monitoring and evaluation of Official Development Assistance
and nationally funded projects in the region were also regularly undertaken by the Regional
Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII and various agencies and monitoring bodies to ensure
efficient and effective implementation of development programs and projects and quality and
timely delivery and completion of projects in the region. At the local level, monitoring of locally
funded programs and projects were undertaken by the local monitoring bodies. In addition, post
monitoring meetings, as well as, problem solving sessions were conducted to discuss findings
and issues gathered during the monitoring activities and generate recommendations for the
resolution of issues discussed.
Mainstreaming Gender Concerns. Gender concerns on the other hand, have already been
mainstreamed in the development planning process in the region, as evidenced by the
implementation of gender-sensitive programs and projects. At the local level, some LGUs gave
priority on gender-related concern, such as the putting up of women‟s desks, women training
centers and the organization of Local Council for Women.
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Promotion of Human Rights. Geared towards promoting social justice, respect for human rights
and ethnic tradition, police investigation were mostly undertaken in close coordination with
other agencies, particularly with those concerned with legal/judicial services for the affected
population. Representation of indigents in judicial cases, investigation of human rights violations,
inmates and parolees‟ welfares, parolees and other services were likewise provided during the
period. Among the programs and projects implemented were free legal services to the indigent
members of the community, legal documentation assistance, and investigation of human
violations, mediation and conciliation services, and legal assistance extended to walk-in clients
with regard to human rights violations.
Strengthening of Regional and Local Development Councils and Other Special Bodies. In its effort
to strengthen the linkage of regional and local planning and programming, the Regional
Development Council (RDC) XII has been steadfast in exercising its mandate to coordinate and
facilitate the preparation of the plan and investment program for the region. It likewise,
spearheaded the conduct of regional budget reviews to ensure that the regional priorities are
appropriately addressed by the regional line agencies through their respective budget proposals.
In addition, the RDC reviewed and forwarded appropriate recommendations on the
issues/concerns affecting the implementation of laws and policy proposals affecting regional
development, among others.
In response to the administration‟s thrusts on mitigating the effects of global financial crisis, the
RDC facilitated the formulation of Economic Resiliency Plan with inputs coming from all regional
line agencies and local government units.
Parallel to RDC, the local development councils (LDCs) have also been focusing to local level
governance as mandated under the Local Government Code of 1991. Aside from the LDCs,
there are other special bodies at the local level which tackle issues that need action from the
concerned local entities, such as the Local Health and Local School Boards.
The region has likewise, been active in pursuing and supporting development agenda for
Mindanao, in general, and Region XII in particular through the Regional Development Committee
(RDCom)-Mindanao.
3.7.2 Local Governance
In 2009, the application of Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS)
revealed that all 54 local government units of Region XII have complied with the requirements of
the system. This implies that the performance of the LGUs had been moderate, particularly in
line with the use of their financial and human resources and delivery of services.
3.7.3 Revenue Generation and Expenditures
Total revenue collection in the region increased over the 6-year period, but this is below target.
Aggregate income of LGUs increased from P6.3 Billion in 2004 to P9.7 Billion in 2008, while the
aggregate expenditures also increased from P5.6 Billion in 2004 to P8.8 Billion in 2008.
The total internal revenue allotment for all LGUs in Region XII for the period 2004-2009
amounted to P 43 Trillion, with Region XII ranking No. 13 among the 17 regions of the country.
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On real property tax, the collection in Region XII during the period reached P3.17 Billion with an
average annual accomplishment of 89.05%. In 2008, the onslaught of typhoons Frank and
Cosme adversely affected the accomplishments of the local government units, particularly Sultan
Kudarat Province. In consideration of the extent of damage to production areas brought about
by typhoons, as well as, the unstable peace and order condition, the Bureau of Local
Government Finance deliberately adjusted the targets for real property tax in all areas of the
region.
Local tax revenues generated significantly increased during the period 2004-2009. Total
collection reached P5.24 Billion or about an average annual accomplishment of 112.24%. The
collection performance in 2009 recorded a high 177% accomplishment. The bulk of the
collection was generated from business taxes. General Santos City was the top contributor with
P308.07 Million collection.
In terms of internal revenue collection, the region posted an average annual accomplishment of
96.19% for the period 2004-2009. However, the collection trend vis-à-vis the yearly target had
been decreasing. From a 102.38% accomplishment in 2004, it went down to 87.93% in 2009.
Among the reasons cited for the decrease and unmet revenue collection targets were as follows:
(a) implementation of Republic Act 9504 in 2008 – which increased the personal exemptions of
taxpayers and consequently affected the collection from withholding tax on compensation; (b)
the adverse effect of Typhoons (Ondoy and Cosme) that brought damage to agricultural
products; (c)Transfer-out of taxpayers to other regions and the direct remittance (of centralized
account/multinational corporations) to Large Taxpayers Division in Manila; (d) Non-compliant
taxpayers which included the stop filers; (e) effects of global financial crisis; and, (e) the
unstable peace and order condition.
The average annual expenditure of provincial LGUs for the period 2004-2008 was P2.3 Billion.
For the cities and municipalities, their average annual expenditure was estimated at P1.7 Billion
and P3.0 Billion, respectively. Expenditures for general services, education, labor, social services
and debt servicing exhibited a decreasing trend from 2004-2008. The highest decrease was
recorded in education with 0.87 percentage point difference between 2004 and 2008. Health,
housing, economic and other services showed increasing expenditure trends, with other services
recorded the highest increase of 1.21 percentage points. In terms of average annual
expenditure by service, the highest was spent for general services at about 44.11 percent,
followed by economic services (17.98%), other services (17.31%), and health services (10.55%).
About 3.37% was allotted for education and 2.36% for social services. Below one percent (1%)
was for housing and labor services.
3.7.4 Disaster Risk Reduction
Although Region XII is typically a typhoon-free region, recent occurrences of tropical storms that
entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) have also affected Mindanao and the region,
as well. Typhoons Frank, Cosme, Jolina, Ondoy and Pepeng triggered flashfloods and landslides
in various parts of Region XII in 2008 and 2009. Likewise, the onslaught of other natural
disasters such as, flashfloods, tornadoes, earthquakes, the El Nino and La Nina phenomenon
had not spared the region.
Emergency assistance was provided by the various line agencies to the affected population.
Through the joint efforts of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), Regional
Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), the national
government issued Executive Order 743-A and B and Executive Order 753, creating the
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Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development (PTF-MRBRD)
to spearhead the preparation of the Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation Plan to address the
flooding issues in Mindanao.
With the assistance from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Australian Agency
for International Development (AusAID), NEDA Regional Office XII launched the DRR Advocacy
and Institutionalization of DRR in development planning through a forum attended by
representatives from regional line agencies, LGUs, academe and non-government organizations
in the region.
Private sector representatives have been actively participating in all development efforts of the
regional and local development councils and special bodies. This has likewise, enhanced the
support and cooperation of other non-government organizations in the region towards promoting
regional and local development. People‟s participation in government-initiated endeavors has
also been noted during the past six years. In the government‟s arm in monitoring of government
programs and projects, both at the regional and sub-regional levels include private sectors/NGOs
as members of the committees.
Responding to the call for documentation of best practices being espoused by the regional line
agencies and LGUs in the region, the Koronadal City LGU in partnership with Asia Foundation and
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implemented a program which
geared towards improving transparency and accountability in governance through quality
investment promotions and business license and permit processing. On the other hand, the LGU
of Tacurong City has successfully implemented its waste management program for the locality.
3.7.5 Establishment of the Regional Government Center
By virtue of Executive Order No. 304, series of 2004, the administrative center of Region XII or
the SOCCSKSARGEN Region has been transferred from Cotabato City to Koronadal City. The
transfer was effected to make the administrative center more accessible to stakeholders and to
be able to achieve a more equitable spread of economic growth in the region. Towards the end
of 2007, coordination with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for New Government Centers
(OPANGC) and the Offices of the Department of Secretaries of the different line agencies was
undertaken by RDC XII to effect the smooth transfer of regional line agencies to Koronadal City.
Koronadal City has donated 8 hectares of land located at Barangay Carpenter Hill to serve as
regional government center site for the offices of the various regional government agencies
operating in the region. As of date, a total of forty (40) regional offices have already transferred
their offices in Koronadal City. A total of twenty-four (24) agencies are still operating in their
offices in Cotabato City.
3-18

CHAPTER 4:
SOCCSKSARGEN Vision of Development
The development vision of the people of SOCCSKSARGEN reflects their desire to become a
people of integrity and faith - communing with God and living out His laws, and walking the paths
of righteousness, justice, peace and respect for human rights and the environment; a people
who are empowered and are able to empower
others; and a people led by dynamic and
dedicated leaders toward a better and
productive way of life.
The socioeconomic development of the region
is accelerated by the people‟s concerted
efforts in harnessing the region‟s natural
endowments in a manner that is sustainable.
The region shall be known as provider of
quality products and services, particularly, from
the creative, innovative and responsible
development of high value crops, fishery,
mineral resource and tourism potentials.
It is likewise the vision of the people of the
region to be living in an environment where all
its elements (land, water, air, climate and
genetic resources) are green and healthy and
giving them the needed care and attention for
a sustained economy. The sustainable
management and utilization of the natural
resources is the region‟s legacy to its future
generation.
“By
2016,
Region
XII is the
home of
God-
centered
and empowered, culturally
diverse people, provider of
world class high value
crops, fishery, mineral and
tourism products and
services, propelled by
dynamic and dedicated
leaders and, living in a
green and healthy
environment”
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CHAPTER 5:
Development Goals and Strategic Outcomes,
2011-2016
To attain its
development vision,
the region shall
address the
challenges that are
confronting it. Its
desire to move
forward has been
hindered by its low
and erratic
economic growth
and high poverty
incidence.
These two major
challenges are the
combined effects of
low economic
productivity, low
income and lack of
access to
productive/decent
employment,
inadequate access
to quality basic
services, inadequate
infrastructure support, and environmental degradation, as well as, the concerns on sustaining
peace, inadequacy of power supply, and governance.
The region‟s stakeholders have therefore agreed to work together and take advantage of its
strength in agriculture, eco-tourism and rich natural resources to propel its socioeconomic
development. This shall be attained through higher and sustainable growth which would provide
productive employment and adequate income and redound to the reduction of poverty incidence
among families and individuals in the region. (Figure 5.1).
Such growth is expected to provide productive employment opportunities; better and equal
access to development. This shall be attained through opportunities for all sectors; and
implement effective social protection, particularly for the vulnerable groups.
Figure 5.1
5-1

5.1 Inclusive Growth and Poverty Alleviation
Consistent with the Social Contract of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III and the
Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2011-2016, the overarching development goals of
SOCCSKSARGEN are inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
The attainment of the following strategic outcomes is expected to contribute to the achievement
of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, viz; (a) increased and sustained growth in the regional
economy, particularly in agriculture, fishery and industry; (b) adequate income and access to
productive employment for families; (c) equal access to quality basic social services has been
covered; (d) efficient infrastructure support to socioeconomic development efforts; (e) adequate
and reliable power supply for local industries and households; (f) green and healthy environment;
(g) sustained peace, development and security; and, (h) good governance. (Figure 5.2)
5.1.1 Achieving 7% Economic Growth by 2016
The regional economic growth as
measured by the Gross Regional
Domestic Product (GRDP) is targeted to
grow from 5.0% in 2011 to 7.0% in
2016.
All the industry groups are expected to
post positive growths during the period
(Table 5.1). Nonetheless, the
agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF)
shall remain as the lead contributor to
the economy of the region.
Table 5.1
GRDP Growth Targets, 2011-2016, Region XII
Indicator
2009
Actual
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Gross Regional Domestic
Product (GRDP)
1.3 5.0 5.3 5.8 6.2 6.6 7.0
- Agriculture, Fishery
and Forestry
(2.0) 4.6 4.9 5.3 5.7 6.1 6.5
- Industry 3.8 5.4 5.7 6.3 6.6 7.0 7.4
- Service 3.8 5.1 5.4 5.9 6.3 6.7 7.1
Source: NSCB XII
Figure 5.2
Region XII Development Framework
5-2

The expected growth of the regional economy shall be bolstered, among others, by the following:
a. Increasing Growth Rates in Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, from 4.6% in 2011 to 6.5% in
2016
i. Increase in palay production with the support of irrigation development, use of high yielding
varieties, utilization of new production technologies, and proper post harvest management.
ii. Expansion of commercial crop export base, such as corn, pineapple, banana, coffee,
coconut, sugarcane, oil palm, and rubber.
iii. Expansion of the aquaculture farming areas for pangasius, crabs, tilapia, bangus and prawn
products in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani Provinces, as well as, in Cotabato City.
iv. Reduction of underlying risks to food security and adoption of appropriate technologies to
mitigate potential negative impacts of climate change to agriculture, fishery and forestry
production. Reforestation activities in different areas of the region shall likewise supplement
the output of the AFF.
b. Higher Growth Rates in Industry, from 5.4% in 2011 to 7.4% in 2016
i. Increased processing activities for the major export winners of the region:
 fish/tuna processing and canning/packaging in General Santos City
 Pineapple (DOLE Philippines), coconut, asparagus, coffee, banana and rubber
 Other agri-processing activities in South Cotabato (Kablon Farm Corporation, T‟boli Agro
Development Corporation, Pioneer Hybrid Seeds, Bioseed) and in Sultan Kudarat.
ii. Mining development, particularly the implementation of preparatory activities for the
Tampakan Copper-Gold Project. This involves the construction of its infrastructure facilities
such as: pipelines, transportation support, drainage pond, tailings/dam, housing units, power
plant.
The project is expected to pour in P2 Billion of investments in the region starting 2010 and
another P2 billion by 2011. Additional investments are expected to be poured in by the
project from P5 Billion in 2012 to P25 Billion each year starting 2013 until 2015. The bulk of
these investments shall go to constructions and partly in agriculture and forestry production,
as well as, in the services. Mining activities are expected to start towards the end of the plan
period, from which the project is expected to yield P10 Billion investments.
iii. Increased construction activities in power generation, establishment of schools, commercial
and housing facilities, etc:
 Coal-fired power plant in Sarangani which is targeted to generate P1.0 Billion investment
starting January 2011.
 Public and private constructions of commercial and housing in the urban areas of the
region, including the construction of SM Mall in General Santos City in 2011, entry of
Gaisano Commercial Center and hotels/suites in Koronadal City.
5-3

 Establishment of new schools, such as, the University of the Philippines (UP) School of
Medicine in and the Philippine Science High School in South Cotabato.
iv. Development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). While most of the MSMEs
push the growth of the industry sector, other MSMEs have activities which also contribute to
AFF and Services.
c. Increasing Growth Rates in Services, from 5.1% in 2011 to 7.1% in 2016
i. Increased activities in transportation, communication and government services.
ii. Strengthening trading, finance, tourism, ICT activities.
Tourism services shall be improved considering the rich tourism potentials of the region,
such as, Mt. Apo in Cotabato province; Lake Sebu, in South Cotabato; the presence of caves,
waterfalls, rivers and the conduct of several festivals celebrated in the different areas of the
region.
iii. Operationalization of power plants and transmission lines. The ongoing P1.626 Billion worth
of General Santos-Tacurong 138 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project by the
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines shall contribute to the growth in the service
sector. Moreover, the 200 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Sarangani is targeted to be
operational by 2013.
iv. Expansion and opening of new commercial and business establishments, particularly in the
urban centers of the region. The SM Mall in General Santos City, for example, is expected to
open by 2011 which would offer a lot of services and employment opportunities in the
region. Similarly, the Gaisano Commercial Center is also expected to start operation in the
same year. Additional department stores, restaurants, and sports and recreational centers
are also expected to be opened in Cotabato City, Koronadal City, Kidapawan City and
Tacurong City, as well as, in the secondary growth centers of the region.
5.1.2 Meeting the MDG Poverty Reduction Targets by 2015
With the expected growth in the regional economy during the plan period, greater number of jobs
is expected to be created which would provide higher and more stable source of income,
particularly for the vulnerable sectors. Adequate income and access to productive employment
are expected to translate into the reduction of the poverty levels in the region.
a. Reducing Poverty Incidence to 23.4%
The poverty incidence of population in the region is targeted to be reduced from 46.8% in 2000
to 23.4% by 2015; and, the poverty incidence among families from 40.7% in 2000 to 20.4% in
2015 (Table 5.2). These targets are consistent with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
target of halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty between 1990 and 2015. In
the case of Region XII, latest available poverty data for the reconfigured region
(SOCCSKSARGEN) is in year 2000.
5-4

Table 5.2
Poverty Targets in 2015, Region XII
Indicator
ACTUAL TARGET
2000 2003 2006 2015
Poverty Incidence of Population 46.8 38.4 40.8 23.4
Poverty Incidence of Families 40.7 32.1 33.8 20.4
Source: NSCB XII
To achieve the target of 23.4 % poverty incidence of population by 2015, major programs and
projects shall be vigorously implemented to increase and sustain economic growth, generate
more jobs and ensure equal access of the population to quality basic social services. This shall
be supported by the improved infrastructure facilities, sustained peace and order condition and
strengthened government-non-government partnership in development activities at all levels.
b. Providing Livelihood and Employment
Employment rate is targeted to hit 96.4% by the end of plan period (Table 5.3). On the other
hand, underemployment rate is targeted to decline from the rate of 20.6% in 2009 to 17.9 % in
2016.
To support the employment and underemployment targets, increased economic activities which
would contribute to job generation in the agriculture, fishery and forestry sector; as well as, in the
industry and services sectors shall be pursued. Most of the underemployed are those engaged
in agriculture, fishery and forestry activities. Likewise, the provision of skills training for out-of-
school youth and jobless individuals by government agencies and local government units shall
be expanded, as well as, the introduction of new livelihood skills to low income families for
additional source of income. Educational institutions shall undertake job matching programs,
considering the forecasted skill/job requirements in the region and the courses being offered by
these institutions.
Table 5.3
Employment Targets, 2011-2016, Region XII
Indicator 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Labor Force Participation
Rate (%)
65.9 66.1 66.3 66.5 66.7 66.9
Employment Rate (%) 96.0 96.2 96.4 96.6 96.8 97.0
Unemployment Rate (%) 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.0
Underemployment Rate (%) 18.9 18.7 18.5 18.3 18.1 17.9
Source: NSO XII
Cognizant of the importance of the workers as the country‟s most important economic resource,
creating relevant jobs through livelihood and micro financing shall be pursued in the region. Self-
employment and entrepreneurship development programs shall be established. Livelihood
convergence models shall be developed. The LGUs, NGOs and cooperatives shall be oriented on
accessing funds for microenterprise development.
In pursuit of empowering the labor and management sectors programs on labor and
management education with focus on labor relations, human relations and productivity, shall be
continually conducted. The Efficiency and Integrity Board (EIB) shall be created in the region to
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curb graft and corruption in government and employers in the private sector. In monitoring
harmony in the workplace, network with the private sectors shall be strengthened.
To address the problem on job mismatch, programs on Career Counseling through the Career
Counselors Associations in the region shall be improved.
Targets on livelihood and micro-financing programs are reflected in Table 5.4.
Table 5.4
Livelihood and Micro-financing Programs Targets, 2011-2016
Indicator/Program 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
A. Livelihood
1. No. of livelihood/ training projects 20 20 25 25 28 28
2. No. of beneficiaries 500 500 600 650 700 750
B. Microfinancing
1. No. of loans/micro-enterprise
financing 12 12 14 14 15 15
2. No. of beneficiaries 1,200 1,200 1,300 1,300 1,400 1,400
C. PESO
1. No. of job applicants registered 32,000 33,000 35,000 35,000 36,000 36,000
2. No. of job applicants placed 18,000 18,500 19,000 19,500 20,000 20,000
D. Jobs Fairs
1. No. of jobs fair conducted 18 20 23 23 25 25
2. Applicants deployed/hired on the
spot
100 125 150 150 175 175
E. SPES Program
1. No. of students registered/placed 5,699 5,750 5,750 5,800 5,800 5,850
F. Labor Relations
1. LHP Conducted 100 105 110 110 115 115
2. No. of Participants 1,500 1,600 1,750 1,750 1,900 1,900
Source: DOLE XII
5.1.3 Management of Population Growth Rate
The rapid population growth in the Philippines has been seen as a factor that hindered economic
growth and poverty reduction over past decades. In the case of Region XII, its average annual
population growth rate of 2.41% from 2000 to 2007 is relatively higher than the national growth
rate of 2.04%. The population is expected to double in 2036 or about 25 years after 2011.
The region shall therefore strive to manage its population growth by intensifying the
implementation of programs and projects that focus on responsible parenthood, family health,
and other health-related programs, including advocacy on acceptable reproductive health
measures.
Utilizing medium growth population assumptions, the region is expected to achieve a lower
population growth of 2.06% by 2016.
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5.1.4 Stabilizing Inflation Rates
The region shall strive to maintain an inflation rate of not more than 5% within the plan period.
Regular price monitoring shall be implemented to avoid higher price mark up by the business
sector/traders.
5.2 Increased and Sustained Growth in Agriculture,
Fishery and Industry
In order to contribute to the attainment
of the vision and address the low and
erratic economic growth and high
poverty incidence, the region shall
strive to attain inclusive growth and
poverty alleviation through increased
and sustained growth in agriculture,
fishery and industry.
The achievement of this primary
strategic outcome shall be hinged on
the strategies of boosting the
agriculture and fishery production and
agri-industrialization; development of
high-impact industries; and,
propagating micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs). These strategies
are designed to create productive and
decent employment and generate
better income for workers.
5.2.1 Boosting Agriculture and Fishery Production and Agri-industrialization
a. Basic Food crops (rice and corn)
To enhance cereal production the following shall be pursued:
i. Rehabilitation, expansion and/or development of new irrigation systems, protection dikes
and other related facilities.
The MALMAR Irrigation Project (MMIP) is expected to propel production of palay in its
service areas in North Cotabato. This shall be supported by all other National Irrigation
Systems (NIS) and Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) operating in the region. The full
operationalization of Kabulnan-2 Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (K2MIPP) in
the next 6 years is expected to serve the potential irrigable areas of about 19,330
hectares, covering three municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and one municipality of
Figure 5.3
(Increased & Sustained Growth in
Agriculture, Fishery & Industry)
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Maguindanao Province of the ARMM. Targets for irrigation development are shown in
Table 5.5.
ii. Provision of support to regulate the high cost of production inputs and low farm gate
price of basic food crops and institutionalize support for farm inputs through
cooperatives.
iii. Intensifying LGU extension, promotion, advocacy and adoption/application of new and
efficient technologies on basic food crops production.
iv. Regulation on the land conversion of irrigated areas and other productive agricultural
lands. LGUs shall be engaged in monitoring land conversion.
v. Intensifying advocacy initiatives to increase awareness on the management and
preservation of key production areas.
vi. Intensifying of promotion and advocacy on the adoption of organic farming using organic
fertilizer and providing incentives for organically grown foods. Support shall be provided
for the establishment of composting facility for organic fertilizer production. Efforts
towards the establishment of a Local Certification System or body for organically grown
food shall also be pursued.
vii. Establishment of infra support facilities, such as, grains terminal/trading pre- and post-
harvest facilities, Cold Storage Plant and Warehouse for fruits and vegetables.
viii. Ensuring the adherence of producers/growers to market regulations.
ix. Establishment integrated soil laboratory at strategic locations in the region.
x. Liberalizing the investment environment through investment policies/code, tax incentives
or tax holidays in order to encourage more investors in agricultural production.
xi. Promotion on collective farming and marketing through consolidation of single crop to
develop a plantation type of agriculture.
Table 5.5
Existing Irrigated Areas and Targets, 2011-2016 (In Hectares)
Area
Irrigated
Areas
(As of
2009)
Irrigable
Areas
Target Area to be irrigated
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cotabato
Province
38,100 65,678 38,199 40,250 42,479 44,117 45,185 46,528
Sarangani 6,709 11,308 6,780 7,759 9,655 11,113 13,521 15,735
South
Cotabato
22,507 34,622 22,832 23,332 24,098 24,895 25,628 26,831
Sultan
Kudarat
28,381 61,802 28,436 28,966 30,145 31,322 32,615 33,756
Source: NIA XII / DA XII
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As a result of the interventions to be put in place, the volume of rice and corn production is
expected to reach 1,769,681 MT and 1,326,842 MT, respectively (Table 5.6). Production areas,
on the other hand, shall be expanded from the existing total area of 430,182 hectares to
502,100 hectares (Table 5.7).
Table 5.6
Cereal Crops Existing Production Level and Targets (In Metric Tons)
CEREAL
CROPS
Existing
Production
(2009)
Target Crop Production
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
RICE
Irrigated 996,995 1,029,396 1,187,732 1,333,693 1,427,021 1,493,220 1,494,925
Cotabato 371,340 385,702 493,349 563,395 576,131 603,575 607,920
Sarangani 34,016 36,355 46,918 56,000 62,762 65,110 64,960
SK 331,654 354,232 371,682 411,807 475,802 498,257 490,692
Rainfed 232,045 257,361 274,756 292,052 278,672 274,756 274,756
Cotabato 117,069 127,582 135,460 135,460 137,728 135,460 135,460
Sarangani 13,547 12,083 12,853 12,853 12,976 12,853 12,853
South Cot. 40,628 35,290 40,393 40,393 41,113 40,393 40,393
SK 60,801 82,406 86,050 103,346 86,855 86,050 86,050
Total 1,229,040 1,286,757 1,462,488 1,625,745 1,705,693 1,767,976 1,769,681
CORN
White 287,903 269,980 288,471 304,881 317,133 330,757 342,529
Cotabato 96,514 90,610 96,706 102,056 106,257 108,736 112,016
Sarangani 66,164 60,375 64,389 67,601 70,722 72,570 74,497
South Cot. 65,446 57,384 61,341 65,224 66,916 72,794 75,112
SK 59,779 58,832 63,068 66,864 69,522 71,934 75,240
Yellow 858,726 835,595 892,799 941,050 952,542 967,548 984,313
Cotabato 263,517 247,028 264,544 278,077 280,651 283,774 288,000
Sarangani 69,793 73,059 78,050 81,939 84,748 86,579 92,156
South Cot. 359,103 343,648 366,370 387,641 390,287 396,633 399,621
SK 166,313 155,743 166,654 175,250 177,383 179,096 181,243
Total 1,146,629 1,105,575 1,181,270 1,245,931 1,269,675 1,298,305 1,326,842
Notes: SK – Sultan Kudarat
Source: DA XII
Table 5.7
Cereal Crops Existing Area Harvested and Targets (In Hectares)
CEREAL
CROPS
Existing
Areas
(2009)
Target Area to be Developed
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
RICE
Irrigated 267,039 262,331 282,234 294,691 310,530 310,776 310,930
Cotabato 91,411 92,102 106,469 110,487 111,737 111,837 111,857
Sarangani 9,685 9,672 11,659 12,839 14,089 14,165 14,159
South Cot. 69,750 67,947 69,414 74,936 75,436 75,476 75,516
SK 96,188 92,610 94,692 96,429 109,268 109,298 109,398
Rainfed 82,634 85,788 85,788 91,360 85,788 85,788 85,788
Cotabato 41,248 41,693 41,693 41,693 41,693 41,693 41,693
Sarangani 5,272 4,388 4,388 4,388 4,388 4,388 4,388
South Cot. 13,704 11,849 11,849 11,849 11,849 11,849 11,849
SK 29,410 27,859 27,859 33,431 27,859 27,859 27,859
Total 349,673 348,119 368,022 386,051 396,318 396,564 396,718
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5-9

Table 5.7 (cont‟d.)
CEREAL
CROPS
Existing
Areas
(2009)
Target Area to be Developed
CORN
White 153,429 155,845 164,820 173,039 176,730 180,028 184,467
Cotabato 46,542 46,414 48,954 51,460 52,553 53,489 54,501
Sarangani 47,454 47,959 50,773 53,431 54,821 55,542 56,864
South Cot. 33,427 33,018 34,984 36,624 37,175 38,260 39,215
SK 26,006 27,236 28,819 30,168 30,741 31,208 32,273
GSC 1,218 1,290 1,356 1,440 1,529 1,614
Yellow 276,753 278,648 295,477 310,428 312,662 315,335 317,633
Cotabato 84,912 79,521 84,233 88,434 89,028 89,927 90,705
Sarangani 26,809 28,558 30,346 31,922 32,275 32,751 33,056
South Cot. 107,591 109,775 116,281 122,177 122,677 123,362 123,868
SK 57,441 56,394 59,938 62,973 63,608 64,026 64,396
GSC 4,400 4,679 4,922 5,074 5,269 5,608
Total 430,182 434,493 460,297 483,467 489,392 495,363 502,100
Notes: SK – Sultan Kudarat; GSC – Gen. Santos City
Source: DA XII
b. High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC): coffee, banana, mango, rubber, oil palm, coconut,
other fruits and vegetables
The region has been a consistent top producer of coffee, banana, mango, pineapple, oil palm
and rubber. On the other hand, coconut-based crude oil continues to be a major export product.
Various fruits and vegetables are likewise produced and sold to other regions, namely: Durian,
Lanzones, Rambutan and Papaya for fruits, and the “pakbet” ingredients for vegetables.
Production of these commodities shall continue with increased productivity as an overriding goal.
The latter shall be achieved by value-adding through the establishment of micro, small and
medium scale industries while “pakbet” vegetables shall be sold as fresh vegetables.
The following strategies shall be pursued to enhance production and productivity of Priority
Industry Clusters (coffee, muscovado, banana, mango, rubber and oil palm) and other high value
crops:
i. Intensifying the support for the expansion of production areas for priority industry clusters for
coffee, sugar (muscovado), banana, mango, rubber and oil palm (Table 5.8).
Rubber production will be increased through the expansion and rehabilitation of rubber
areas. Among the targeted expansion areas include the establishment of a 30,000 hectare-
rubber plantation at the Arakan Valley Complex (Arakan, Antipas, Carmen, Matalam,
President Roxas) and a Manufacturing Plant under the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative.
Support shall be provided for the intensification of coffee production in the Province of
Sultan Kudarat, as the top coffee growing area in the country. Coffee production will be
increased through the expansion of coffee areas and rehabilitation of existing coffee
plantations in the region. In support to this move, a coffee scion grove Nursery,
Demonstration Farm and Training Center shall be established, through a joint project of the
LGUs of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, Lebak, Bagumbayan and the province Sultan
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Kudarat with the Department of Agriculture providing genetically superior planting materials,
showcasing good agricultural practices and hands-on training. To agro-industrialize coffee, a
processing plant has also been proposed as one intervention to boost production.
For both coffee and rubber, village type processing plants shall also be established.
ii. Financial support shall be provided to HVCC growers (fruits and vegetables) with less
requirements. “Plant now pay later” scheme shall be implemented for coffee, rubber, oil palm
and other HVCC. Key production areas shall be designated for tradable HVCCs, e.g. rubber, oil
palm, to strengthen production, processing and marketing. Post-harvest facilities for other
HVCCs shall likewise be provided in key production areas.
The Province of Cotabato shall likewise continue to increase its sugarcane production. It shall
also be further promoted in Sultan Kudarat areas to support its muscovado production.
Sultan Kudarat shall remain as the major source of oil palm products in the region.
Pineapple production areas in South Cotabato Province shall be expanded towards
Sarangani Province. On the other hand, the banana production areas in Cotabato Province
shall be expanded to South Cotabato Province.
iii. Contract growing shall be promoted for the expansion of coconut areas, as well as, abaca.
iv. Other strategies shall involve ensuring adherence of producers/growers to market
regulations; establishment of quarantine choke points for crops; and, establishment and
institutionalization of Halal Food requirements/certification.
Table 5.8
Existing Crop Production Levels and Targets
Commodity
Existing
production
level (2009)
Target area to be developed/for expansion (in hectares) and
target production (MT)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Coffee
Area 23,493 24,393 24,993 25,690 26,500 27,400 28,393
Production 27,553.93 28,783 29,492.53 30,314 31,270 32,332 33,504
Banana
Area 28,876 29,430 29,800 30,200 30,500 31,050 31,500
Production 1,024,009 1,071,252 1,087,700 1,102,300 1,113,250 1,133,325 1,149,750
Mango
Area 16,736 16,850 16,900 16,950 16,980 17,000 17,000
Production 53,655 57,290 57,460 57,630 57,732 57,800 57,800
Rubber
Area 31,235 35,000 35,350 36,057 36,778 37,514 8,200
Production 169,479 182,000 183,820 187,491 191,246 195,073 198,640
Oil Palm
Area 12,006 12,490 12,750 13,005 13,265 13,530 13,800
Production 102,237.28 106,165 108,375 110,542 112,753 115,005 117,300
Coconut
Area 169,254 169,700 170,000 170,200 170,400 170,500 170,600
Production 894,067.31 899,410 901,000 902,060 903,120 903,650 904,180
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5-11

Commodity
Existing
production
level (2009)
Target area to be developed/for expansion (in hectares) and
target production (MT)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Pineapple
Area 24,218 24,758 25,358 25,858 26,000 26,500 27,000
Production 860,836 913,570 938,246 954,160 959,400 977,850 996,300
Asparagus
Area 525 575 600 625 650 675 700
Production 8,629.37 9,775 10,200 10,625 11,050 11,475 11,900
Sugarcane
Area 12,850.50 13,050 13,150 13,350 13,500 13,600 13,650
Production 714,397.68 730,800 736,400 747,600 756,000 761,600 764,400
Other Fruits
Durian
Area 1,815 1,895 1,935 1,975 2,015 2,055 2,095
Production 2984.56 3,108 3,250 3,318 3,385 3,452 3,520
Lanzones
Area 1,312 1,392 1,430 1,470 1,512 1,550 1,590
Production 325.14 1,392 1,573 1,617 1,663 1,705 1,749
Rambutan
Area 1,352 1,368 1,380 1,390 1,400 1,410 1,410
Production 1,975.55 2,188 2,346 2,363 2,380 2,538 2,600
Papaya
Area 1,332 1,382 1,422 1,462 1,472 1,490 1,500
Production 59,856.83 60,800 62,568 64,328 64,768 65,560 66,000
Vegetables
Area 15,484.68 15,550 15,600 15,630 15,700 15,750 15,800
Production 119,286.07 108,850 109,200 109,410 109,900 110,250 110,600
Source: DA XII
c. Livestock
To increase productivity in livestock, the following strategies shall be employed. Livestock
production targets are shown in Table 5.9.
i. Government representation in marketing of products not affected by national issues, e.g.
Foot and Mouth Disease/Ebola, bird flu, etc. Region XII shall pursue its advocacy for the
declaration of SOCCSKSARGEN as a separate bio-security region.
ii. Upgrading of livestock through the establishment of techno-demo and breeding centers and
by infusing high quality stock through natural and artificial insemination;
iii. Establishment of marketing or bagsakan centers, as well as, quarantine choke points for
livestock; and,
iv. Establishment and institutionalization of Halal Food Requirements/Certification.
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Table 5.9
Livestock Production Levels and Targets in Region XII (in MT of live weight)
Livestock/
Poultry
Existing
Production
level (2009)
Target Production
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Carabao 12,116 12,853 13,239 13,636 14,045 14,466 14,900
Cattle 17,111 18,153 18,698 19,259 19,837 20,432 21,045
Hog 116,503 123,598 127,306 131,125 135,059 139,111 143,284
Goat 7,113 7,400 7,548 7,774 7,929 8,088 8,250
Chicken 32,455 34,432 35,465 36,529 37,625 38,754 39,917
Duck 3,910 4,068 4,190 4,274 4,359 4,446 4,535
Source: DA XII
d. Fishery
It is expected that the leading companies in aquaculture farming in Sarangani shall expand their
operation in the province. In the same manner, municipal marine fishing in the coastal areas of
Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani shall be increased, as well as, the municipal inland fishing in the
region‟s fresh water like Lake Sebu, Ligawasan Marsh and Buluan Lake. Restocking and
fingerlings dispersal program shall continue to support fish production in the municipal waters of
the region.
In its efforts to provide world class fishery products, the region shall pursue the implementation
of the following strategies:
i. Promotion and enhancement of the productive capacity of the private sector through
implementation of appropriate and profitable technologies supported with comprehensive
capability building and technical assistance. This shall be carried out with the active
collaboration among the stakeholders;
ii. Harnessing the optimum production potentials of the region through establishment of mass
production facilities and other support infrastructure with the active participation of
investors, LGUs, people‟s organizations and other relevant government agencies;
iii. Strengthening of the regulation functions of the office for adherence to domestic and
international standards and in support to sustained productivity and trades; and,
iv. Advocacy of policies for improved utilization of fishery resources within and outside the
region.
d.1 Strategies for the Tuna Industry
Commercial fishing shall be sustained in General Santos City, specifically for tuna and the
processing of its products for export. Affirmative steps shall be taken to shore up the
region‟s tuna industry. A strong partnership between government and the industry players
will be sustained in order to pursue the strategies for the sector. A Philippine Team
composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Mindanao Development Authority
(MINDA) and representatives of the fishing industry, shall be responsible for the country‟s
strategic positioning, bargaining and negotiations with the Western and Central Pacific
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Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Among the measures that could be pursued to assist the
industry would be the following:
d.1.1 Pursue the establishment of a Special Management Area in High Seas Pocket 1,
where Filipino fresh and ice-chilled vessels may be allowed;
d.1.2 Strengthen the National Tuna Industry Council (NTIC);
d.1.3 Build better relations with Indonesia and other Pacific Island countries; and,
d.1.4 Delineate Philippine territorial waters that overlap with those of Indonesia and Palau,
to create a mutually beneficial arrangement on maritime boundaries among the
three countries. This will strengthen security programs in Southern Philippine waters,
protect Filipino fishermen and lead to the sustainable development of the country‟s
tuna industry.
SOCCSKSARGEN contributes 60-70% of the value of commercial fishing and hosts around
80% of tuna canneries in the country.
During the plan period, the region shall endeavor to attain fishery production target of about
150,000 MT increase by 2016, from its current level (Table 5.10).
Table 5.10
Existing Fishery Production Levels and Targets in Region XII (in Metric Tons)
Fishing Type
Existing
Production
level
(2009)
Target Production
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Commercial 226,330 240,113 256,921 274,906 294,149 314,740 336,772
Cotabato
Sarangani 435 461 493 528 565 605 647
South Cot. 220,867 234,297 250,698 268,247 287,763 307,907 329,461
Sultan Kudarat 5,028 5355 5730 6131 5821 6228 6664
Municipal
(inland)
26,046 28,049 29,956 31,999 34,188 36,534 37,275
Cotabato 14,473 15,586 16,646 17,781 18,997 20,301 20,713
Sarangani
South Cot. 259 279 298 318 340 363 373
Sultan Kudarat 11,314 12,184 13,012 13,900 14,851 15,870 16,189
Municipal
(Marine)
22,598 24,561 24,764 24,910 24,998 25,018 26,740
Cotabato
Sarangani 14,800 16,090 16,219 16,315 16,373 16,386 17,514
South Cot. 1,434 1,559 1,572 1,581 1,587 1,588 1,697
Sultan Kudarat 6,364 6918 6973 7014 7038 7044 7525
Aquaculture 25,461 30,808 33,889 37,277 41,005 45,106 49,616
Cotabato 428 518 570 627 690 759 835
Sarangani 9,349 11,312 12,443 13,687 15,056 16,562 18,218
South Cot. 2,979 3,605 3,966 4,362 4,798 5,268 5,795
Sultan Kudarat 12,705 15,373 16,910 18,601 20,461 22,517 24,768
Total 300,435 323,531 345,530 369,092 394,340 421,398 450,403
Source: BFAR XII
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e. Agri-industrialization
The region‟s dominance in the production of coffee, rubber, banana, asparagus and cereals shall
be translated to earn bigger income for the region. This shall be done through processing of
these commodities into quality goods that can compete in the world market.
However, while it is true that the region is the dominant producer of cereals and high value
crops, its total production areas is actually an aggregation of small individual landholdings. The
operationalization of Sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Development Zones (SAFDZs), which is
a consolidation of small landholdings and the expansion of new production areas of the priority
commodities, is expected to bring about economies of scale.
The agri-industrialization of the region shall be pursued as follows:
i. Intensifying investment promotion on the establishment of processing/manufacturing
plants/facilities for priority industry crops like coffee, rubber, palm oil, coconut, bangus, and
tuna;
ii. Establishment and upgrading of processing/manufacturing plants/facilities for other
commodities;
iii. Establishment of economic zones, such as, the Maitum-Kiamba-Maasim (MAKIMA) Industrial
Triangle and the Alabel-Malungon-Malapatan (ALMAMA), among others; and,
iv. Strengthening of LGU alliances, such as, Pikit – Pigcawayan Alamada Libungan Midsayap
Aleosan (P-PALMA); Arakan Valley Complex, Metro Kutawato Development Alliance (MKDA);
Kidapawan Magpet Makilala (KMM); Makilala Tulunan M‟lang (MATUMLA); and, Allah Valley
Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA); Maasim Kiamba Maitum (MAKIMA).
5.2.2 Development of High Impact Industries
a. Tourism
Republic Act 9593 otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009 recognizes the potential
contribution of the sector to the economy. The whole of the hospitality industry, has the potential
for phenomenal growth, both in the number of people employed and in the investment which can
be attracted. Tourism as an indispensable element of the regional economy shall be harnessed
as an engine for socio-economic growth in the region. It is an industry that promotes
infrastructure investments, catalyzes entrepreneurship, creates jobs, generates foreign
exchange and enhances cultural pride.
In Region XII, tourism development seeks to contribute to the socio-economic growth by
promoting tourism activities that are ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically and ethically viable, and socially equitable for local
communities.
To position Region XII as tourism destination by choice, the SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism Circuit
shall be developed during the plan period (Figure 5.4).
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Figure 5.4
SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism Circuit
To fully realize the development of tourism in the region the following strategies and activities
shall be pursued in partnership with key stakeholders:
i. Networking with LGUs, NGOs, private sectors, NGAs and other stakeholders in facilitating
infrastructure support projects and enhancement/development of tourism offerings and in
creating a favorable image for the region.
ii. Strengthening partnerships and coordination among LGUs and the region in the promotion of
Region XII as a tourist destination and in the packaging of tourism destinations and
festivals/events through the active participation of the regional and local tourism councils.
iii. Coordination among partner LGUs in the enforcement of tourism laws and regulations and
capacitate tourism service providers through trainings.
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iv. Upgrading capacities of LGUs and other stakeholders in planning and implementing local
tourism plans, including the formulation of LGU tourism master plans; integration of LGU
plans to Regional Tourism Master Plan, provision of LGUs with support in planning and
implementing tourism programs and projects; and, assistance to LGUs in the generation,
collection and utilization of tourism statistics.
v. Tourism Investment Promotion, specifically in the development of community-based eco-
tourism, packaging and marketing; and,
vi. Establishment and development of tourism information centers.
Tourism development shall be monitored by tracking the tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy
rates in the region. During the plan period, the region targets to attain at least 65% hotel
occupancy rate (Table 5.11).
Table 5.11
Total Tourist Arrivals and Hotel Occupancy Rate Targets by Province/City
2011-2016
Province/City Tourist Arrivals Hotel Occupancy Rate (%)
Sultan Kudarat 529,469 69.30 (70)
Cotabato 638,360 74.40 (75)
Sarangani 490,827 65.00
South Cotabato 654,737 73.00 (75)
Cotabato City 596,769 75.00
Kidapawan City 550,305 70.00
Gen. Santos City 884,740 78.00 (80)
Tacurong City 482,527 64.50 (65)
Koronadal City 648,634 75.00
Source: DOT XII
b. Mining
Minerals development in the region shall continue to be pursued based on the principles of
sustainable and responsible mining. With the region‟s vast mineral reserves consisting of the
metallic and non-metallic minerals, the mining industry has the potential of bringing about
enormous economic benefits to the region and the country, as a whole.
Metallic mineral reserves, such as, gold, copper and iron are found in the Provinces of Cotabato
(Pigcawayan and Magpet), Sultan Kudarat (Kalamansig, Palimbang, Bagumbayan and Columbio),
South Cotabato (Tampakan, Lake Sebu and T‟boli) and Sarangani (Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim and
Glan) Non-metallic reserves such as limestone, sand and gravel, manganese and clay are also
present in the Provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato and General
Santos City.
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Potential mining areas, however, are determined based on the approved mining applications for
mining explorations conducted in the area which may come in the form of Mineral Production
Sharing Agreement (MPSA), Exploration Permits (EP) and, Financial Technical Assistance
Agreement (FTAA). Among the provinces which have mining applications under MPSA and FTAA
are South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani Provinces
have pending mining applications for exploration permits.
Government efforts are also geared towards forging genuine partnership with Local Government
Units (LGUs) and private sectors to include business, academe and civil society. With this
initiative the region is expected to emerge as economically secure in the next plan period.
The development of the mining industry as the region‟s economic driver shall be pursued
through the following:
i. Intensifying investment promotion in responsible mining both small and large scale
operations;
ii. Strengthening the delineation and segregation of mineralized areas except in critical
protected areas;
iii. Intensifying the enforcement of mining laws and regulations to minimize if not totally
eradicate illegal mining;
iv. Adoption of the “polluters pay principle” in the conduct of large and small scale mining and
quarrying operations;
v. Simplification of procedures in the acquisition of mining agreements or permits;
vi. Strengthening implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment System under the EIS
rules and regulations;
vii. Streamlining/harmonizing/aligning policies on minerals development to attract and protect
investments in the region; and,
viii. Supporting the Tampakan Copper - Gold Project as the region‟s flagship project in minerals
development and ensuring convergence of government efforts towards responsible mining.
From 2011 to 2016, total investments in the mining industry are expected to reach P189.02
Billion and create about 14,476 jobs (Table 5.12).
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Table 5.12
Targets for the Selected Indicators of the Mining Industry, Region XII
Indicators 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
1. Metallic Mineral Production
Gold Ore
Copper
2. Non-Metallic Mineral Production
Coal
Sand and gravel (cm3) 906 951 999 1,049 1,101 1,157 6,163.00
Agricultural Limestone (MT) 2,776 2,915 3,061 3,214 3,374 3,543 18,883.00
3. Revenue Collection
Occupational Fees(M) 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 14.40
Mining-related Fees (M) 11.5 12 12.4 12.9 13.6 14.1 76.50
MGB Collection (M) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 14.10
4. Investments (In Billion
Pesos)
2.525 10.2 50.31 50.31 50.33 25.34 189.02
5. Job Generation 706 960 2,530 4,590 2,630 3,060 14,476.00
Source: MGB XII, DOE and SMI
c. Cooperatives Development
As stipulated in the Cooperative Code of 2008, the Government and all its branches,
subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies shall ensure the provision of technical guidance,
financial assistance and other services to enable cooperatives to develop into viable and
responsive economic enterprises in order to bring about a strong cooperative movement that is
free from any conditions that might infringe upon their autonomy or organizational integrity.
Thus, the following strategies shall be undertaken:
i. Issuance of basic prudential rules and regulations for the safe and sound operation of
cooperatives (i.e., adherence to internationally accepted sound financial practices, good
governance and management principles and risk management);
ii. Implementation of appropriate remedial measures in the operations of distressed primary
cooperatives;
iii. Intensifying advocacy on Cooperative Development through strengthening of Cooperative
Development Councils; conduct of cooperative summit, congress, teamshop, fora, trade
fair/exhibit, business matching, road shows and related activities; and, establishment of
business centers/show room to show case the products and services of cooperatives.
iv. Implementation of the mandatory creation of Cooperative Development Office in the Local
Government Units (LGU);
v. Provision of credit facility; and,
vi. Massive advocacy for consolidation, merger and federation of cooperatives.
Investment targets under cooperative development shall be around P30.146 Million in 2011 and
to increase to P38.445 Million in 2016 (Table 5.13).
5-19

Table 5.13
Cooperatives Development Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016
Indicators 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Registered
Cooperatives for
the year
102 124 147 168 189 200
Operating
Cooperatives
905 927 950 971 1037 1052
Cooperative
Assets (P'000)
10,000,493 10,570,951 6,259,198 11,821,051 12,505,852 13,234,267
Cooperative
Investments
(Pesos)
30,146,018 132,062,020 33,235,986 34,897,784 36,642,674 38,444,907
Cooperative
Membership
82,624 86,755 91,092 95,649 100,430 105,452
Source: CDA XII
5.2.3 Propagating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
To ensure the development of MSMEs and enhance their productivity, the Industry Clustering
Strategy shall be adopted. This strategy is a goal-oriented cooperation of producers and industry
players to find and respond to business opportunities not normally accessible to individual
players. It is a private-sector led and government-supported initiative that promotes private and
government collaboration.
The region shall develop the following industry clusters during the plan period, namely: food,
fishery, coconut, mining, ICT-BPO, tourism, industrial crops and engineered bamboo (Table 5.14).
The food cluster shall focus on banana, coffee, mango and muscovado; while rubber and oil
palm shall be the focus of the industrial crops cluster. Fishery cluster, on the other hand, shall
focus on tuna, bangus and pangasius. Under mining, the banner products are coal and copper.
Lead agencies have been identified to coordinate and facilitate development efforts of these
clusters.
Table 5.14
Priority Industry Clusters, 2011-2016
Industry Cluster
Sub-Clusters/
Value Chain
Status/Level Lead Agency
1. Food Banana Emerging DA
Coffee Emerging DA
Mango Emerging DA
Muscovado Emerging DOST
2. Fishery Tuna Full DA-BFAR
Bangus Emerging DA-BFAR
Pangasius Potential DA-BFAR
3. Coconut Emerging PCA
4. Mining Coal Potential DOE
Copper Potential DENR-MGB
5. ICT-BPO Emerging DTI
6. Tourism Emerging DOT
7. Industrial Crops Rubber Emerging DA
Oil Pam Emerging DA
8. Engineered Bamboo Potential DENR
Source: DTI XII
5-20

Figure 5.5
Priority Industry Clusters, 2011-2016
To maximize the benefits and development of MSMEs through the Industry Clustering Strategy,
the following specific strategies shall be pursued:
i. Provision of assistance to MSMEs on accessing credit and financing (e.g. LGU financing
assistance, technical assistance/capability building to MSMEs to access credit/capital from
financing institutions, increase/provide additional credit windows, etc.);
ii. Intensifying promotion and adoption of Industry Clustering;
SARANGANI
- Coconut
- Bangus
- Pangasius
- Mango
GEN. SANTOS CITY
- ICT / BPO
- Tuna
SOUTH COTABATO
- Mining
- Toursim
SULTAN KUDARAT
- Oil Palm
- Muscovado
- Mango
COTABATO
- Rubber
- Banana
- Tourism
5-21

iii. Assistance and provision of support to MSMEs in establishing market linkages in promoting
and selling their products (e.g. access/linkages to international markets, etc.), as well as, in
adopting and accessing available technologies and technological services to create quality
and globally competitive products;
v. Supporting the exporting industries and SMEs through trade negotiations, promotion and
development of products for global market; and,
vi. Establishment of LGU Economic Enterprise Development Office & Investment Promotion.
Capacity building for government agency partners shall be also be pursued inorder to strengthen
government sector collaboration and support to the private sector-led industry clusters.
In terms of policy support, the following are recommended for review and appropriate action of
concerned agencies:
i. Review/revisit, update and strengthen the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Law
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to become responsive to the current
needs and demands of MSMEs;
ii. Liberalize/harmonize the stringent requirements on export products; and,
iii. Regulate the proliferation of sub-standard products and importation of “ukay-ukay” that
adversely affect the local garment industries.
During the plan period, an increase of about one billion pesos in investment is expected from the
development of DTI-assisted MSMEs, that is, from P2.207 Billion in 2011 to P3.094 Billion in
2016 (Table 5.15). The value of exports, on the other hand, is targeted to grow from $503.192
Million in 2011 to $642.214 Million in 2011. On the average, these investments are expected to
generate about 33,559 jobs per year.
Table 5.15
MSMEs Indicators and Targets
Indicators 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Value of Investments (in
billion Pesos)*
2.207 2.361 2.526 2.703 2.892 3.094
Value of exports (in million
US$)*
503.192 528.352 554.769 582.507 611.632 642.214
Number of MSMEs
developed/assisted
641 673 707 742 779 818
• Food (banana, mango,
coffee & muscovado)
280 294 309 324 340 357
• Fishery (pangasius,
tuna & bangus)
192 200 209 216 226 235
• ICT-BPO 68 71 74 77 81 85
• Tourism 8 10 11 12 13 15
• Mining (coal & copper) 50 50 50 50 50 50
• Industrial Crops (rubber
& oil palm)
15 16 17 18 19 20
• Coconut 10 12 15 20 23 25
• Engineered Bamboo 18 20 22 25 27 31
No. of Jobs Generated 28,149 30,119 32,227 34,483 36,896 39,479
 Based on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) targets only.
Source: DTI XII
5-22

5.2.4 Science and Technology (S&T)
In recognition of the crucial role of MSMEs in generating employment, foreign exchange and
stimulating growth and development in the countryside, the region shall continue to support and
sustain the development of a wide range of globally competitive products and services which
have high technology content.
To fully realize the benefits and maximize the development impact on technological changes,
priority strategies shall be geared towards the following:
i. Prioritizing S&T interventions based on market niches and industry clusters;
ii. Providing support to MSMEs – assuring their broadened access to available technologies
and technological services through infusion of new/advanced technologies, provision of
limited funds for technology acquisition, manpower training, technical assistance and
consultancy services, design of functional packages and labels, establishment of product
standards including testing and data base information system;
iii. Strengthening government-industry-academe-civil society and international linkages
specifically by breaking down the barriers to partnerships and networks;
iv. Promoting and popularizing S&T – specifically in terms of promoting the culture of
innovation;
v. Strengthening support to the Halal industry by addressing the scientific and other
requirements to ensure Halal integrity in food and non-food products thereby accessing the
world Halal market;
vi. Conducting research and development activities that are geared toward satisfying the
requirements of the MSMEs in the region.
At the end of the plan period, a total of 27 technologies commercialized and 8,450 technology
interventions are targeted to be attained generating about P165,500,000 gross sales and
57,350 employment (in man-months) and assisting 3,856 firms under the Small Enterprise
Technology Upgrading Program (Table 5.16). Likewise, a total of 323 firms are expected to be
assisted under the consultancy services while 270 networks are programmed to be established /
maintained. In addition, the total number of firms targeted to be assisted during the 6-year plan
period for technology trainings, testing and calibration, and packaging and labelling are 1,155
firms, 382 and 307, respectively. Moreover, a total of 5,755 services rendered under the testing
and calibration are expected to be attained.
Table 5.16
Science and Technology Development Targets, Region XII
Strategic Intervention/
Output Indicator
TARGET
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTAL
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
No. of RDI Technologies
Commercialized
2 3 4 5 6 7 27
No. of technology
interventions
1,100 1,210 1,330 1,460 1,600 1,750 8,450
5-23

Table 5.16 (Cont‟d)
Strategic Intervention/
Output Indicator
TARGET
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTAL
No. of firms assisted
(existing and start up)
510 561 610 665 720 790 3,856
Gross Sales (PhP „000) 22,000 24,000 26,000 28,500 31,000 34,000 165,500
No. of employment
generated/man-months
7,500 8,250 9,000 9,900 10,800 11,900 57,350
Science and Technology Services
Consultancy Services
(MPEX, CAPE & CPT)
44 47 51 56 60 65 323
Networking & Linkaging
No. of networks
established/maintained
45 45 45 45 45 45 270
Technology Trainings
No. of firms assisted 150 165 180 200 220 240 1,155
Testing and Calibration
No. of services rendered
750
50
825
55
900
60
990
66
1,090
72
1,200
79
5,755
382
Packaging & Labeling
No. of firms assisted 40 44 48 53 58 64 307
Source: DOST XII
5.3 Equal Access to Quality Basic Social Services
To live a life of dignity is an inherent
human right. Thus, it is the obligation of
the State to ensure that the well being of
all Filipino Families and individuals are
protected and promoted through equal
access to education, health, housing,
and social protection.
In general, the region shall endeavor to
improve human security as individual
entitlements are provided, protected
and promoted. Further, the region shall
ensure equal access to productive
opportunities and basic social services,
curve poverty, empower communities,
and produce socially and economically
healthy and productive members of the
society.
Specifically, the strategic outcomes for the social development sector are categorized into three,
namely, ensuring universal access to quality health care and sanitation; raising quality education
and training for globally competitive human resource; and, promoting strong and effective social
protection services.
Figure 5.6
(Equal Access to Quality Basic Social Services)
5-24

5.2.5 Ensuring Universal Access to Quality Health Care and Sanitation
The region shall vigorously promote the health and well being of the population, prevent
diseases, disabilities and premature deaths, and ensure provision of quality health care at its
highest standard.
In support of the Aquino Health Agenda towards achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) for all
Filipinos or “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan”(KP), and to address the inadequate access to quality
outpatient and inpatient care from health care facilities, the region shall undertake rapid
expansion of enrolment to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the poorest families
and improve the benefit delivery using the national subsidies. It shall also work towards the
improvement of access to quality hospitals and health care facilities through accelerated
upgrading of public health facilities. More importantly, it will strengthen efforts towards the
attainment of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly on problematic
areas, such as, the reduction of maternal and infant mortality. This shall be done by providing
and/or mobilizing additional resources particularly in localities with high concentration of
families who are unable to receive critical public health services, women with unmet need for
family planning, mothers giving birth outside health facilities and children not fully immunized.
These health reforms/thrusts shall be implemented through the following health systems,
namely: Health Financing, Health Service Delivery, Health Human Resources, Health Regulation,
and Governance for Health, and Health Information. This shall be pursued through a
collaborative partnership among concerned government agencies, LGUs and the private sector,
including NGOs.
The specific strategies that shall be undertaken by the region during the plan period are as
follows:
a. Strengthening and Improving Health Financing
The region shall mobilize resources for health care spending and ensure effective resource
allocation and utilization, and improve financial risk protection. It shall support the achievement
of universal health insurance coverage within six years. Advocacy shall be strengthened on
social health insurance among LGUs to increase access of families particularly the poor to quality
health care. Resources shall be mobilized for increased investment in health, both at the
regional and local level. Local health database/accounts shall be established and regularly
updated. Efforts shall also be undertaken to strengthen local health boards for them to be able
to function efficiently as mandated by law.
b. Intensifying Effective Health Service Delivery
The health service delivery structure shall be transformed to address variations in health service
utilization and health outcomes across socio-economic variables in the region. Activities shall
therefore be undertaken to achieve the following: (a) elimination of public health threats and
diseases like malaria, filariasis, schistosomiasis, rabies and leprosy; (b) prevention and control of
infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Dengue & other emerging & re-emerging
diseases; (c) increase in coverage of households with access to safe drinking water and
sanitation facilities; (d) achievement of Zero-open defecation in all barangays as provided for in
DOH Administrative Order 2010-0021; and, (e) increased access of families to health facilities
providing basic & specialized health care services. LGUs shall undertake the formulation of their
5-25

respective Sustainable Sanitation Plan and allocate corresponding budget for its implementation
through their respective Province-wide Investment Plan for Health (PIPH) / Municipal-wide
Investment Plan for Health (MIPH) / City-wide Investment Plan for Health (CIPH). The
implementation of the Maternal, Neonatal & Child Health & Nutrition Strategy (MNCHN), Safe
Motherhood Plus Family Planning shall likewise be intensified during the plan period.
c. Implementing and Enforcing Health Regulations and Standards
The region shall ensure equitable access to essential medicines, services and technologies of
assured quality, availability and safety. Licensing shall be enforced on all health facilities, food &
drug establishments, laboratories, clinics, drug testing centers and other health related facilities.
Technical assistance to LGUs shall be provided on compliance of health facilities to PHIC
accreditation & licensing requirements. The localization and implementation of national health
laws shall be strengthened, such as, the Breastfeeding Act, Anti-Tobacco Act, Sanitation Code of
the Philippines and Anti-Rabies Act. Moves shall likewise be made for the strengthening of the
functions of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to cover food monitoring and regulation and
enforcement of food laws. The region shall ensure that families would have improved access to
low cost quality drugs and medicines.
d. Building Competency of Workforce and Health Human Resource
The region shall likewise ensure that its constituents have access to professional health care
provider capable of meeting their health needs. Health human resource management &
development system shall be established and local health professionals shall undergo retooling
and retraining programs. Service providers shall be deployed to the underserved areas. Human
resource systems at the regional and sub-regional levels shall likewise be installed.
e. Implement Modern Health Information System
A modern information system shall be established in the region for immediate and efficient
health care. Field health services information system shall be automated to respond to the
demand for accurate and timely health information/data. ICT shall be utilized to deliver universal
health care, particularly the geographically isolated and depressed areas. Reliable and timely
data with demographic disaggregation shall be generated and they shall be utilized for policy and
program development process. The region shall also provide an enabling environment for the
generation and utilization of the health information system.
f. Strengthen Good Governance of the Health Sector
To establish mechanisms for efficiency, economy and transparency and prevent opportunities for
graft and corruption, the region shall strengthen the utilization of appropriate tools (scorecards)
for the assessment of health sector performance, feedbacking and linkage for resource
allocation. It shall likewise institutionalize the systems needed for Sector-wide Development
Approach for Health (SDAH). Inter-LGU cooperation shall be strengthened through the
establishment and operationalization of the Inter-Local Health Zones (ILHZ). It shall also
strengthen accountability and internal management systems within the sector.
With the implementation of the Universal Health Care for All Filipinos or the “Kalusugan
Pangkalahatan (KP)” and priority health reforms and activities, targets concerning health and
well being of the population are expected to be attained by 2016 (Table 5.17) with deliberate
consideration on the attainment of the MDG targets by 2015. Th-e concerted efforts of all
5-26

stakeholders and the provision of critical support and assistance in the delivery of priority public
health services in the region, particularly among the poor families are expected to reduce the
infant mortality rate (IMR) to 17 per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to
52 per 100,000 live births by 2016.
Table 5.17
Targets for Selected Health Indicators, 2016
Health Indicators Targets (2016)
a. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) 17.0 per 1,000 live births
b. Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) 26.67 per 1,000 live births
c. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) 52 per 100,000 live births
d. Facility-based deliveries and attended by a health professional 70 %
e. Prevalence of malnutrition among pre-school children 10.5 %
f. Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) among married couples of
reproductive age
80 %
g. Fully-Immunized Children (FIC) 95 %
h. Fully-Immunized Mothers 80 %
i. TB Cure Rate 85 %
j. TB Case Detection Rate 70 %
k. Dengue and malaria mortality 0 %
l. Households with access to safe drinking water 94 %
m. Households with access to sanitary toilets 90 %
n. Percent coverage for the enrolment of poor and informal sector
to PHIC
100 % (Universal)
o. Establishment of Botika ng Barangay (BnB) 1 BnB for every two
adjacent brgys.
p. (Ideal) Ratios to population of health personnel
Doctors 1 : 20,000 population
Sanitary engineers/inspectors 1 : 20,000 population
Dentists 1 : 50,000 population
Medical Technologists 1 : 50,000 population
Source: DOH XII
5.2.6 Raising the Quality of Education and Training for Globally
Competitive Human Resource
Region XII shall continue to strive toward raising the quality of learning to the highest standard of
education. The passing rates for the National Achievement Tests (NAT) have remarkably
improved during the past years, making Region XII as the most improved region as far as
improving the standard of learning is concerned.
The region shall therefore sustain the gains achieved in this area. In addition, greater efforts
shall be undertaken to implement programs and projects aimed at attaining universal quality
basic education embodied in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It shall endeavor to
bridge the gap between performance and MDG and Education For All (EFA) targets.
5-27

a. Equal Access to Quality Basic Education
The region shall ensure to provide equal access to quality basic education and keep up with the
highest standard of teaching and learning processes through synergy, equity and strategies. It
shall continue to pursue the strategies and targets in providing equal access to quality early and
basic education. The active participation and full support of all stakeholders and the community
shall be enjoined in this endeavor. Local policy institutional support, such as the local school
boards, shall be strengthened. The needed interventions shall be prioritized to include the
following:
i. Mainstreaming the requirements of attaining the MDGs through the construction/
rehabilitation/improvement of school facilities. such as, basic science laboratory rooms,
computer rooms, clinics, libraries and sanitary toilets with water supply; provision of well-
edited books, furniture and other school equipment; provision of teachers; improvement of
leadership/management and instructional supervision; adoption of National Competency-
Based Teacher Standards (NCBTS); and, intensifying curriculum materials development;
ii. Implementation of the priority strategies of the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda;
iii. Construction of 500 high schools;
iv. Establishment of one technical-vocational high school in every division;
v. Rationalizing/synchronizing curricular and co-curricular activities;
vi. Strengthening/Rationalizing/Synchronizing human resource development and in-service
training cum capability building;
vii. Strengthening research and testing program; and
viii. Prioritizing teacher welfare programs.
With the implementation of the above strategies, the region expects to achieve 98% net
enrolment, completion and cohort survival rates, for both elementary and secondary levels by
2016. The targets for the other basic education core indicators are shown in Table 5.18.
Table 5.18
Basic Education Targets, 2011-2016
Indicators
Measurable Outputs/Targets, 2011-2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Net Enrolment Rate
Elementary
Secondary
82.77
59.38
85.22
66.50
87.67
73.62
90.12
80.74
92.57
87.86
98.00
98.00
Completion Rate
Elementary
Secondary
67.74
76.92
73.19
80.54
78.64
84.16
84.09
87.78
89.54
91.40
98.00
98.00
Cohort Survival Rate
Elementary
Secondary
69.73
81.23
74.79
83.99
79.85
86.75
84.91
89.51
89.97
92.27
98.00
98.00
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Source: DepED XII
b. Equal Access to Technical –Vocational Education and Training
During the plan period, the technical-vocational education and training aims to produce quality
middle-level skilled graduates who shall be competitive both in the domestic and international
labor market. The sector is committed to provide quality technical education and skills training to
develop a Filipino workforce with world-class competence, as well as, positive work values.
Efforts shall also be undertaken to match labor market supply (available skills) and demand
(requirements of industries).
To address the pressing challenges in technical vocational education and training, the region
shall pursue the following strategies:
i. Full scale implementation of Technical-Vocational Education and Training
The need for radical improvement in Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) shall be
addressed, both in the secondary and tertiary levels. The TVET shall focus on areas related to
manipulative skills, arts and applied sciences, which are also the major domain of the
polytechnic area and may be offered in universities. National competency standards shall be
effectively used as defined by industry to address employment mismatch and critical skills
aligned to 2010-2020 Jobs Fit of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Perception
on technical vocational education and training shall be raised by designing a qualitative leap to
change negative perception and its association with less able students. The region shall likewise
endeavor to achieve a holistic perspective/approach in steering education towards the
envisioned role it has to play in society. Career guidance and counseling shall be strengthened to
assist both parents and students in choosing careers.
ii. Further Development of Centers of Excellence
The development of Centers of Excellence (COE) shall serve as the apex and source technology
and act as demonstration centers for TVET institutions on new and advanced technological
Indicators
Measurable Outputs/Targets, 2011-2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
School Leaver Rate
Elementary
Secondary
5.52
6.07
4.14
5.55
2.76
3.03
2.76
3.06
1.38
1.52
1.00
1.00
National Achievement Test
(Passing Rate)
Elementary
Secondary
75.61
53.58
79.49
60.88
83.37
68.18
87.25
75.48
91.13
82.78
90.00
80.00
Classroom-Pupil Ratio
Elementary
Secondary
1:40.13
1:50.2
1:39.1
1:48.16
1:38.07
1:46.12
1:37.04
1:44.08
1:36.01
1:42.04
1:35
1:40
Teacher-Pupil/Student Ratio
Elementary
High School
1:36.16
1:36.80
1:34.93
1:35.44
1:33.70
1:34.08
1:32.47
1:32.72
1:31.24
1:31.36
1:30
1:30
Furniture-Pupil/Student Ratio
Elementary
High School
1:1:13
1:1.21
1:1.10
1:1.17
1:1.07
1:1.13
1:1:04
1:1.09
1:1.02
1:1.05
1:1
1:1
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developments shall be pursued. In Region XII, the General Santos City School of Arts and Trade
has been serving as SOCCSKSARGEN‟s Center of Excellence for TVET.
iii. Strengthen Assessment and Certification Program
The Registry of Certified Workers shall be improved to provide updated information on the
qualifications, work experiences and other relevant information, and link with the National
Registry of Skills as database and source of information on available skills in the country. The
region shall ensure that competency/skills certificates are considered prerequisites for hiring
both local and overseas employment. Competency assessment shall be mandatory for all
graduating students in TVIs. TESDA, on the other hand, shall expand its free assessment
services. Mutually beneficial arrangements shall be worked out with labor receiving countries
where bilateral arrangements on technical cooperation are available to allow assessment of
workers based on the host country‟s qualification standards.
iv. Strengthen Academe-Industry Linkages
Efforts shall be undertaken to strengthen linkage between education and training and the labor
market in the region. Enterprise-based training shall be strengthened by consolidating the
apprentice/learnership, dual training, on-the–job training and all other industry-based training
arrangements into one rationalized system. The Industry Board shall be revived to provide direct
participation of employers and workers in the design and implementation of skills development
schemes, trade skills standardization and certification and such other functions in the
achievement of the Authority‟s objectives.
The targets for massive training, assessment certification, scholarships and capability programs
are shown in Table 5.19.
Table 5.19
Targets on Selected TVET Indicators, 20011-2016
INDICATORS 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
A. Massive Training (All Delivery
Modes)
1. Institution-Based/School-Based
2. Community-Based
3. Enterprise-Based
41,629 43,710 45,895 48,189 50,598 53,127
B. Assessment and Certification
1. No. of Persons Assessed
2. No. of Persons Certified
28,567
21,425
28,730
22,067
29,304
22,729
29,890
23,410
30,487
24,112
31,000
24,835
C. Scholarships (No. of Slots)
1. Private Education Student
Financial Assistance (PESFA)*
2. Training for Work Scholarship
Program (TWSP)*
718
1,300
790
1,430
868
1,573
954
1,730
1,049
1,903
1,153
1,922
E. Capability-Building Program
(No. of TVET Trainers Trained) 105 110 115 120 125 130
Notes: * Centrally-managed
Source: TESDA XII
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c. Equal Access to Higher Education
It is recognized that increased investments for human capital, such as education for the
population, is one way of reducing poverty and building national and global competiveness. In
this regard, the region shall continue its efforts to broaden the access of students to quality
higher education. It shall likewise take necessary steps towards realizing the matching of
education outputs with labor market demand/requirements.
It is the aim of the region to attain the national passing rate for every professional
licensure/board examination taken by its students. To attain this and to pursue equal access to
higher education, the region shall undertake the following strategies:
i. Sustaining, expanding and ensuring equal access to student educational assistance and
incentive support services in partnership with the private sector;
ii. Matching education sector outputs with the manpower requirements of Region XII‟s agri-
industrial economy. Studies on manpower and supply requirements shall be conducted;
iii. Strengthening mechanisms and instruments for coordination, monitoring and evaluation of
higher education institutional resources, quality requirements, and ensuring compliance to
standards of quality and excellence;
iv. Resource generation through entrepreneurial programs/projects;
v. Increasing budgetary allocation for research, development and extension programs of State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs);
vi. Reviewing of school curriculum to be more relevant and responsive to the needs of the
industries in Region XII and be comparable with international standard;
vii. Improving and sustaining the performance in professional licensure examinations;
viii. Improving and strengthening network and linkages between and among various
stakeholders towards collaborative endeavors in higher education, such as the conduct of
Graduate Tracer Studies;
ix. Strengthening of accreditation programs;
x. Intensifying community involvement and collaboration/involvement of private/public
universities and colleges in education development planning;
xi. Strategic linkages between private-public academe/institutions for the improvement of
educational standard;
xii. Intensifying information, education and communication of in-demand courses in the local
and global market through tri-media;
xiii. Strengthening implementation of the National Service Training Program (RA 9163) to
improve values formation/discipline of students;
xiv. Strengthening of the ladderized education program;
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xv. Increasing scholarship slots for indigenous people (IP);
xvi. Review the policy on budgetary allocation for the SUCs.
5.2.7 Promoting Strong and Effective Social Protection Services
The region shall pursue the Social Protection Operational Framework and Strategy to ensure
broader access of the very poor and vulnerable to social protection services. This entails the
implementation of policies and programs that seek to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks
and enhance the social status and rights of the marginalized. Social protection embodies labor
market programs, social insurance, social welfare, and social safety nets. The convergence
strategy shall be utilized in the implementation of these programs with service providers and
NGOs as partners.
In line with the formulation and promotion of social protection programs and services, the
National Household Targeting System (NHTS) shall be utilized. Rights based and climate proofed
sectoral plans shall likewise be formulated, particularly for children, youth women, older person,
persons with disability and family sectors. Social protection handbooks shall be prepared for the
LGUs.
Advocacy activities shall be conducted on RA 7610 and other protection laws for children,
women, older persons, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups, as well as,
on the mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction in local planning.
There shall be convergence of projects to focus expenditures toward areas with greatest impact
to the poor and vulnerable sectors in terms of increased income and sustained livelihood. In
addition, regulatory function on registration/licensing of social welfare development agencies
shall be strengthened.
Strategies for specific groups shall be pursued as follows:
For Children in Need of Special Protection
i. Strengthening of regional and local bodies/institutions, particularly the local councils for the
protection of children on the implementation of laws for children in need of special
protection;
ii. Intensifying monitoring of cases of abused and exploited vulnerable groups;
iii. Strengthening and improving the care help/rehabilitation centers that address the survival,
protection and rehabilitation needs of children including those community-based structures;
iv. Improving existing frontline services to prevent children from being victimized, abandoned
and neglected;
v. Fast tracking the development of an updated database for children to have a strong basis
for exposing the true nature, magnitude of children in need of special protection;
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vi. Conducting massive advocacy on RA 7610 and other protection laws for children, women,
older persons, PWDs, and other vulnerable groups;
vii. Strengthening enforcement of laws protecting children;
viii. Sustaining the Child Friendly-Movement in Region XII; and,
ix. Advocating the putting up of at least one “Bahay Pag-Asa” in every province to cater to the
increasing children in conflict with law cases;
For Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances
i. intensifying the conduct of training and capability programs to increase women‟s opportunity
for self-employment;
ii. Improving centers and institutions to protect and rehabilitate women in especially difficult
circumstances (women‟s help desks, community-based residential care and substitute
homes);
iii. Intensifying enforcement and monitoring of women-related laws such as Anti-Rape Law, Anti-
Sexual Harassment Law, Anti-Trafficking Law, Anti-Violence Against Women and their
Children; and,
iv. Strengthening partnership with LGUs and NGOs in pursuit of intensifying the delivery of basic
social services to the vulnerable groups.
For Empowering Poor Communities
i. Replicating KALAHI-CIDSS Program to other areas not yet covered; and,
ii. Institutionalization of the KALAHI-CIDSS process in the region.
For Internally Displaced Persons
Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) shall be sustained as needed. In collaboration
with LGUs, United Nations - World Food Programme (UN-WFP), Department of Health (DOH),
Department of Education (DepED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through the “Payapa at
Masaganang Pamayanan” (PAMANA) Program, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other
government agencies and non-government organizations, interventions to address the needs of
IDPs shall be implemented and these include, among others:
i. Emergency relief and food assistance;
ii. Supplemental feeding for children and pregnant and lactating mothers;
ii. Provision of temporary shelter;
iii. Stress debriefing and assessment toward rehabilitation and recovery phase; and,
iv. Skills training and livelihood programs.
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Table 5.20 shows the target number of beneficiaries by 2016, for specific interventions on social
protection.
Table 5.20
Target Number of Beneficiaries for Various Social Protection Programs, 2016
Programs Target by 2016
KALAHI-CIDSS 150 barangays
Institutionalization of Community Driven
Development Process
252 barangays
4 Ps 147,556 households
SEA-K Program 5,225 economically active poor families
Day Care Program 74,203 children
Children in Need of Special Protection 4,970 CNSP
Youth with Special Needs 2,390 youths
Women is Especially Difficult Circumstances 1,670 women
Assistance to Persons with Disability 1,790 PWDs
Assistance to Older persons 4,244 older persons
Rice Subsidy to small-scale farmers and fisher
folks
135,862 farmers/fisher folks
Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons 31,956 IDPs
Source: DSWD XII
5.2.8 Equal Access to Land and Land Rights
During the plan period, the region shall pusue the following strategies toward the completion of
the asset reform program; recognition, protection, and promotion of rights and well-being of
Indigenous Peoples (IPs); and, social justice for the indigenous peoples:
i. Strengthening of multi-stakeholder partnership and collaboration in IP development;
ii. Interfacing socio-economic programs, projects, and services with the adopted/approved
Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPP);
iii. Enjoining government and private sector investment in agro-forestry, eco-tourism, renewable
energy, and sustainable mineral resources;
iv. Facilitating implementation of programs and enhancing participation of the Indigenous
Cultural Communities / Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) on environmental protection,
conservation, and rehabilitation of rainforest, reforestation, biodiversity, watershed areas /
other bodies of water;
v. Strengthening the development of IPs on its Self-Determination;
vi. Massive education on Indigenous People‟s Rights Act (IPRA); and,
vii. Enforcement of compliance with Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC).
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It is targeted that by 2016 greater strides have been achieved relative to the following:
i. Ancestral Domains and lands recognized, titled and utilized as productive asset of the IPs;
ii. Self determination and governance of IP acknowledged and strengthened;
iii. Social justice and human rights of IPs recognized, protected and strengthened; and,
iv. Culture, tradition and institutions promoted, preserved and protected.
Table 5.21 shows the target for the completion of land distribution under the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by 2014.
Table 5.21
Target for the Completion of Land Distribution under CARP, 2014
Area / Province Target by 2014 (hectares)
Cotabato Province 58,503
Sarangani 24,500
South Cotabato 24,813
Sultan Kudarat 24,726
TOTAL: 132,542
Source: DAR XII
5.2.9 Equal Access to Adequate and Safe Housing
The implementation of housing, land and shelter development programs and strategies as
provided in the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) shall be strengthened. Specifically,
the region shall pursue the following:
i. Production of socialized and low cost housing for the poor;
ii. Expansion/establishment of resettlement areas for socially disadvantaged families;
iii. Formulation/Updating of Local Shelter Development Plan for Cities and Provinces;
iv. Strengthening/Institutionalization of Local Housing Boards for Cities and Provinces;
v. Intensifying awareness on Newly Rationalized and Instituted Housing Finance Policies; and,
vi. Improvement on networking with private sector and private developers.
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5.3 Effective Infrastructure Support
The region shall continue to pursue the
attainment of an effective infrastructure
support system that would make
possible the achievement of the twin
goals of inclusive growth and poverty
alleviation.
Such system is expected to facilitate the
production and processing of goods and
services and their distribution to local
and international markets. It is likewise
expected to contribute to improvements
in the delivery of basic social services to
the region‟s stakeholders, particularly
the vulnerable groups.
An effective infrastructure system would
enable the integration of local and
economic units not only with the major
trading and service centers within the
region, but also with the other regions in Mindanao and rest of the regions in the country and the
world.
5.3.1 Integrated and Effective Transport System
The transportation system in the region shall be further improved during the plan period. Focus
shall be given to areas of strategic importance which are still not linked by road network and not
yet served by transportation facilities.
An integrated and effective transportation system shall be provided that connects to other
facilities and provides linkage with production areas, tourism sites, and services centers.
The region shall therefore construct and improve roads along potential economic corridors, roads
that connect growth centers, and access roads to tourism sites. The local government units shall
be engaged in identifying these areas.
The region shall likewise rehabilitate deteriorated pavement along arterial and secondary
national roads. Arterial national roads and bridges shall be widened. Dilapidated road signages
shall be restored and road signage and safety structures shall be put up in required sections of
the roads, particularly along-accident prone areas. Loads of vehicles shall be monitored by
installing weighbridges.
For bicycle riders, bicycle lanes shall be constructed / provided along thoroughfares.
The seaport facilities and the airports of the region shall likewise be improved and upgraded to
meet international standards.
Figure 5.7
(Effective Infrastructure Support)
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a. Roads and Bridges
As of December 2010, the region had a total length of 1,511.94 kilometers (km.) of roads, of
which, 257.84 km. are asphalt (17.02%); 679.79 km. are concrete (44.96%); and, 574.81 km
are gravel (38.02%). There are also a total of 297 bridges of which, 242 are concrete (9,532.03
lineal meter – lm.); 34 steel bridges (1,244.71 lm.); and, 21 bailey bridges.
To improve the current state of the region‟s road network, plans for roads and bridges for 2011-
2016 would involve the construction and improvement of inter and intra national roads and
bridges.
This will cover construction, rehabilitation, improvement, concreting, widening and completion;
bridge construction; replacement of damaged Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP);
implementation of foreign-assisted projects and various infrastructures including local projects;
and, establishment of loading and unloading bays along national roads. Targets, in terms of road
lengths, are shown in Table 5.22.
Table 5.22
Roads and Bridges
Programs/Projects
No. of
Projects
Annual Target (in km or lm) Total
Target2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
National Roads and Bridges
A. Locally Funded
1. Rehabilitation/
Improvement (km)
8 22.84 11 10 10 11 11 75.84
2. Concrete/ Widening
(km)
8 19.81 12.5 12.5 12.5 13 13 83.31
3. Bridge Construction/
Widening/ Completion
(lm)
18 150.64 375 348 310 270 210 1,663.64
4. Construction/
Improvement (km)
8 15.93 21 17 16 16 16 101.93
5. Concreting (km) 14 28.465 35 31 31 29 29 183.465
6. Replacement of
Damaged PCCP (km)
1 - 4 4 4 2 2 20.00
B. Foreign-Assisted Project
(km)
6 8.426 - - - - - 8.426
Source: DPWH XII
b. Port Development
Several activities shall be undertaken for the improvement of facilities in various ports in the
region, particularly at the ports of General Santos City, Kalamansig, Cotabato City, Glan, and
Timako (new port in Cotabato City).
c. Airport Development
The proposed rehabilitation and improvement activities for major airports in the region during the
plan period include the Cotabato/Awang Airport and General Santos Airport.
d. Railway Development
The region shall push for the inclusion of General Santos City among the stations of the proposed
Mindanao Railway System.
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Figure 5.8
Transportation Map of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region
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e. Legislative / Policy Agenda
i. Legislation of measures to address road safety considering the high incidence of road
accidents, e.g. Motorcycle Modification Law.
ii. Conduct Route Measured Capacity Survey on major routes to address oversupply of public
transportation.
iii. Formulation of Transport and Traffic Management Plan by LGUs and improvement of Traffic
System of urbanized cities in the region.
iv. Review of policies / regulations in the utilization of Motor Vehicle Users‟ Charge (MVUC)
towards a more transparent, accessible and equitable share of Special Local Road Fund.
v. Improvement of law enforcement to address proliferation of illegal mode of transportation
and cutthroat competition.
vi. Study the possibility of placing the municipal seaports under the supervision and maintenance
of local government units, instead of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) providing for the
maintenance of municipal seaports.
5.3.2 Efficient Water Resource Management
The region shall address the various challenges confronting the development of water resources
in the region, such as, the low rate of irrigation development and poor maintenance of irrigation
facilities, inadequate access to safe water supply; occurrence of flood due to river
siltation caused by denuded forest; and, flooding in settlement areas due to poor
drainage and improper garbage disposal.
The priority strategies and targets that the region shall pursue during the plan period shall be as
follows:
a. Irrigation
The region shall fast track the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in the region.
Higher priority shall be accorded to the implementation of:
i. Malitubog-Maridagao (MALMAR) Irrigation Project Stage 2; Malitubog Libungan Transbasin;
and, Kabulnan 2 Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project;
ii. Construction of new dam and irrigation facilities for the Buayan-Tinagakan River Irrigation
System (RIS);
iii. Restoration and survey/detailed engineering of isolated area (2,700 hectares) of the
Lambayong RIS;
iv. Rehabilitation of existing National Irrigation Systems (NIS); and,
v. Construction of communal irrigation projects (CIPs) and rehabilitation of existing communal
irrigation systems (CIS).
The implementation of the Irrigation Management Transfer of NIS to qualified and capable
irrigator‟s association (IAs) shall be continued. A scheme shall be developed wherein the
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management, operations and maintenance of NIS shall be transferred to the direct beneficiaries
of the facilities.
The region shall likewise pursue Small River Impounding Projects (SRIPs) and Small Water
Impounding Project/Rainwater Collection System to ensure availability of irrigation water during
dry season; and, adopt the use of hydraulic ram pump technology in drawing water for irrigation
and domestic use particularly in elevated areas.
The six-year Physical Target for the region is the rehabilitation of 61,833 hectares and
generation of 5,738 hectares new areas for NIS; rehabilitation of 15,044 hectares and
generation of 2,562 hectares new areas for CIS; construction of communal irrigation projects to
generate 12,817 hectares new areas; and, installation of 64 pump irrigation projects. Figure 5.9
presents the proposed irrigation areas for Region XII.
b. Water Supply
The local government units (provincial, municipal, barangay) shall be the primary entities
responsible in the implementation of water supply projects in the region using their respective
water supply master plans as bases and guide in the prioritization and programming of such
projects. Advocacy activities shall be intensified among LGUs on the formulation of
policy/guidelines on the conservation of water sources (e.g. flowing/springs, etc.) in their
respective areas.
The implementation of water resource management measures/strategies shall be towards
conservation of water by major manufacturers/industries. Waste water and sanitation
infrastructure facilities (e.g. water treatment facilities, septage treatment plant, etc.) shall
likewise be implemented.
The water districts serving five cities and 24 municipalities in the region shall continue to
improve their operation, particularly in expanding their service areas even beyond the
poblacions. Nonetheless, special programs of the national government which have water supply
components such as KALAHI-CIDSS, Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), etc. being
implemented in the region shall continue to be tapped as other fund source for water supply
projects.
c. Flood Control
The region shall continue dredging/desilting and construction of flood control structures along
major rivers in the region (Rio Grande de Mindanao, Tamontaka, Ala, Banga, Buayan and etc).
The region shall also pursue the completion and implementation of the Mindanao River Basin
Integrated Management and Development Master Plan. The six-year target is to undertake 158
flood control projects along major rivers in the region. Figure 5.11 identifies the flood prone
areas of the region.
All local government units of the region are expected to formulate their respective Drainage
Master Plan. During the plan period, the target is to implement 47 drainage projects in the
region. Drainage facilities shall be constructed and maintained along main thoroughfares and
settlement areas.
To prevent soil erosion and siltation of rivers, aggressive implementation of the National
Greening Program involving tree planting along river banks shall be undertaken. Strong advocacy
shall be undertaken to regulate the use of charcoal as fuel for cooking.
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Figure 5.10
Irrigation Development Map, Region XII
Source: NIA XII
TOTAL AREAS TARGETED FOR IRRIGATION BY 2016 = 122,850 has.
from EXISTING IRRIGATED AREAS of 95,697 has. in 2009
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Figure 5.11
Map of Flood-prone Areas of Region XII
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d. Legislative Agenda
LGUs shall be enjoined to look into the extent of denudation resulting from the cutting of trees
that are used for making charcoal. An ordinance may be passed to ban charcoal making from
trees cut and for the LGU to provide alternative livelihood for charcoal making.
5.3.3 Communication
To facilitate integration of the region through digital infrastructure, the region shall pursue the
provision of cell sites in areas with poor or no signal. More mobile phone companies shall be
invited to provide services to the region. An inter-face forum shall be conducted with private
telecommunication companies to encourage improvement of landline long distance
communications and local inter-connection calls. Local e-Centers shall also be established at the
municipal centers for internet connectivity.
5.4 Adequate and Reliable Energy Supply
Region XII is a fast growing region in
terms of agri-industry, processing and
services activities. Refineries, canneries
and processing centers also sprouted in
the provinces Sarangani, Cotabato and
South Cotabato and the cities of General
Santos, Cotabato and Kidapawan region
during the last six years. The services
sector likewise grew with the
establishment of malls, hotels,
recreation and other social service
institutions. The number of medium and
large industries has tremendously
increased, triggering a rise in the
demand for constant supply of energy.
The average annual increase in demand
for electricity in region is about 2%.
The region shall continue to pursue
energy independence, energy savings, and barangay electrification as its priority strategies to
attain adequate and reliable power supply during the plan period.
5.4.1 Energy Independence
The region shall develop new power generation plants to meet the ever increasing demand for
energy in Mindanao. Development of geothermal power projects shall be stepped up and the
Pulangi V 348 Hydroelectric Power Plant along Cotabato and Bukidnon shall be implemented.
The region shall push for the early completion of Leyte-Mindanao power interconnection. The
interconnection of Leyte and Mindanao Grids will allow Mindanao to use the excess power from
Leyte.
Figure 5.12
(Adequate and Reliable Energy Supply)
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Through the PNOC Exploration Corporation, the region shall pursue further the gas exploration it
has started in the region. Areas initially identified which may have the potential for gas deposits
include the municipalities along Liguasan Marsh. However, any exploration activities shall be
properly coordinated with the stakeholders, particularly the native inhabitants. By 2012, it is
expected that a 200 megawatt Conal Coal Power Plant located in the Municipality of Maasim,
Sarangani shall be constructed.
The region shall likewise pursue commissioning and energization of transmission line by the end
of 2011. The Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated (SMI) has proposed a coal-fired power plant in
Malalag, Davao del Sur which is expected to generate about 500 megawatts of energy and
provide a minimum additional excess power of about 50 megawatts for the Mindanao Grid.
Once made operational in 2016, Region XII is expected to benefit from the said power plant
through the power transmission line from the power station to the SMI Tampakan Copper Gold
Project in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
5.4.2 Energy Savings
The local government units are expected to implement fuel-consumption savings program and
adopt schemes, such as, car pooling, carless days, number/color coding, to save energy.
The use of bicycles shall be promoted as substitute for motorized vehicles in going to school and
work. Private associations shall be enjoined to assist in the campaign for the use of bicycles.
The private sectors are encouraged to engage in coco-bio-diesel production as fuel blend. This
substance from coconut when mixed with diesel will improve engine efficiency with less fuel
consumption. The technology in the manufacture of the coco-bio-diesel blend is already
available. It only needs promotion by appropriate agencies of the government. The use of
biogas shall be promoted for households cooking. Animal wastes from hogs, chicken can be
used as biogas fuel for household cooking. It is the most practical and cheap alternative for
liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene.
Energy efficiency and conservation shall also be promoted. Energy providers do not only address
the power crisis by looking for alternative sources to increase their power generating capacities,
but they also employ a demand side management (DSM) strategy. Strong advocacy on DSM
shall be pursued as these programs are designed to influence customer users of energy to
produce the desired changes in demand. These programs consist of the planning, implementing,
and monitoring activities of electric utilities that are designed to encourage consumers to modify
their level and pattern of electricity usage This includes load management, efficiency resource
programs and conservation.
5.4.3 Barangay Electrification
The region shall push every Rural Electric Cooperative to energize all barangays, including
individual households within their franchise areas. It shall encourage LGUs to share resources
with electric cooperatives that could hardly afford to extend their distribution lines to reach
remote barangays.
Solar, micro hydro, and wind power shall be utilized where applicable as alternative sources of
electricity in off-grid communities and areas not accessible through distribution lines.
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5.4.4 Legislative Agenda
i. Local governments units (LGUs) to enact laws banning the use of woods (and the pulling
out of roots since this prevents further regeneration of trees) in making charcoal for use
as fuel. Charcoals made of coconut shells; briquetted rice hulls and rice stalks; corn
husks; saw dusts; and, other bio fuels may be used as substitute.
ii. LGUs to strictly enforce law requiring the replacement of all traditional bulbs with
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in their lighting fixtures. Incentives may be provided to
encourage consumers to give up use of traditional bulbs.
iii. LGUs, particularly the municipal government to enact policies enjoining barangays to
prepare their respective 3-year Barangay Development Plan, with priorities in energizing
their respective barangay down to the last households who have no access to electricity,
by way of technologies using renewable sources, i.e, solar, wind and micro/mini
hydropower, prior to the release of their Internal Revenue Allotments.
iv. LGUs to enforce laws on the strict observance of the appropriate building designs prior to
the issuance of building permits, e.g. Use of septic tanks as a possible source of biofuel
for household cooking, use of solar power.
v. Push for the assessment of the implementation of R.A. 9136 or the EPIRA Law of 2001
to determine the extent it has improved power generation, transmission, distribution, and
supply.
5.6 Improved Ecological Integrity: Green and Healthy
Environment
To contribute to the vision of attaining
green and healthy environment, the
region shall improve its ecological
integrity by rehabilitating, conserving
and protecting its ecosystems and
enforcing compliance to environmental
laws.
5.4.5 Rehabilitation,
Conservation and
Protection of
Ecosystems
The environment sector shall take a
proactive stance to provide a stable and
predictable environment that would
enable communities and enterprises to
carry out their production and consumption with minimum risk and uncertainty. Protection land
use shall be of high priority not only to National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) but also to
Figure 5.13
(Green and Healthy Environment)
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Non-NIPAS areas such as coastal and freshwater wetlands, second growth forest reserves,
easements along waterways and shorelines, bird sanctuaries and ecotourism sites.
Intensive implementation of a Greening Program for Region XII shall be pursued by the sector, in
close coordination with LGUs and concerned regional line agencies, for a more efficient and
effective convergence of efforts and resources. To effect inclusive growth and address the
challenges that confront the sector, the following strategies shall be pursued during the plan
period:
1. Accelerate efforts on reforestation of denuded upland and wetland areas and sustain
ecological management;
Total estimated areas of 783,725 hectares of forestlands are either grasslands or open and
cultivated lands. Within these areas are the denuded forestlands, actual area of which could
not be determined at this time.
2. Strengthen existing structures such as the Multi-Sectoral Committees on Forest Protection
and Committees on Forest Products Monitoring;
3. Strengthen agro-forestry activities in agriculture-producing areas;
4. Strengthen advocacy on forest protection laws and management geared towards increased
protection downstream and clean water, clean air and sufficient water supply;
5. Undertake rehabilitation/establishment of marine sanctuaries and mangrove nurseries in
every coastal LGU;
6. Institutionalize the environment impact statement, environmental accounting and tree
planting activities along riparian zones;
7. Sustain the management and protection of National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS), environmentally critical areas and strengthen the operation of Protected Area
Management Boards (PAMBs);
8. Intensify advocacy at all levels on disaster risk management and encourage public
participation in the rehabilitation, conservation/protection and disaster mitigation measures
especially in environmentally challenging areas/ecosystems;
9. Strengthen existing alliances and formation of the new ones for the improvement of
ecological integrity;
10. Issuance of guidelines in the availment of Carbon Sink Trading at the regional/local levels;
11. Require industry polluters to plant trees in designated areas;
12. Encourage public-private sector collaboration in the development and management of
forestlands and potential eco-tourism sites; and,
13. Intensify the existing initiatives particularly the dredging of rivers, riverbank stabilization and
reforestation of mangrove and watershed areas.
Programs and projects that would promote the judicious utilization and conservation of the
region‟s natural resources and in support to the above strategies shall be the priority of the
region.
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At the end of the plan period, the following targets should have been achieved:
o 3,455 has. of agroforestry farms developed;
o 9,014 has. of upland reforestation established;
o 8,910 has. of watershed areas maintained;
o 7 eco-tourism plans prepared;
o 4 eco-tourism sites developed;
o 30,547 has. of untenured forest land patrolled/protected;
o 27 Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs) organized/strengthened; and,
o 2,441 has. of mangrove stands/plantations protected/maintained.
5.4.6 Enforcement and Compliance to Environmental Laws
To address the problems confronting the environment, it is not only important that environmental
laws are passed. Equally important would be the enforcement of such laws. Structural
mechanisms to this effect will be put in place. Laws and policies that should be enforced include
the following:
1. Total log ban on remaining old growth forest and compliance with all other environmental
laws and policies; and,
2. Regulation of established settlements by providing buffer and protection zones to
environmentally critical areas.
At the end of the plan period the following targets should have been achieved:
o 4 Municipal coastal law enforcement teams organized;
o 3 Ambient Air Sampling Stations established;
o 9 water bodies monitored yearly with quality water content;
o 6 Sanitary landfills established;
o 840 Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) issued; and,
o Php18M revenues generated from fees related to ECC application, Wastewater
Discharge Permit (WDP) and POA issuances.
Table 5.23
Targets for Selected Indicators of the Environment Sector in Region XII
Strategic Interventions/
Indicators
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1. Agro-Forestry Development
 No. of Agro-forestry
farms developed
(ha.)
155 500 800 500 500 500 500
2. Upland Development Program
 Area reforested (ha.) 2,443 1,071 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100
3. Watershed Management
 Watershed areas
planted (ha.)
2,258 1,614 638 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100
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Indicators
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
4. Eco-tourism Development
 Ecotourism plan
prepared
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
 Ecotourism Site
developed
1 1 1 1
5. Forest Protection
 Untenured
forestland
patrolled/protected
(ha.)
30,547 30,547 30,547 30,547 30,547 30,547 30,547
 Multi-sectoral Forest
Protection
Committees
(MFPCs) organized/
strengthened
27 27 27 27 27 27 27
6. Management of PA
 PAMB Strengthened
(no.)
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
 PA managed (has.) 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7. Coastal Management
 Mangrove
stands/plantations
established/maintai
ned
2,441 2,441 2,441 2,441 2,441 2,441 2,441
 Municipal Coastal
Law Enforcement
Teams organized
(MCLET)
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
8. Air Quality Management
 Ambient Air
Sampling Stations
maintained
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
9. Water Quality Management
 No. of water bodies
classified/re-
classified and
monitored with
good water quality
9 10 10 9 9 9 9
10. Solid Waste Management
 Sanitary Landfills
established
- 1 1 1 1 1 1
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Indicators
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
11. Environment Management
 No. of ECCs issued 120 100 100 100 100 100 100
 Revenue generated
related to ECC
permit application,
WDP and POA
Issuances
(in Million)
2 2 2 3 3 3 3
12. WQMA Governing
Board Maintained
and Operationalized
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Source: DENR XII & EMB XII
5.5 Sustained Peace, Development and Security
Region XII shall continue to support peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies of the
National Government. It shall contribute to President Aquino‟s goal that there will be no more
armed conflict when he turns over the government to the next administration, at the end of his
term.
Specifically, the region shall strengthen its justice system, improve peace and order and public
safety and develop resilient and progressive communities in conflict affected and vulnerable
areas.
Strengthening the Justice
System
a. Social Justice System
Maintaining a just and orderly society is
one of the concerns that shall be given
priority through effective, efficient
delivery of justice. Efforts to act on
complaints, requests for assistance and
legal queries for the indigent members
of our community shall be continually
pursued. This includes continuing
provision of assistance to victims of
unjust imprisonment or detention and
victims of violent crimes.
To prevent the commission of abuses and exploitation, human rights violations, particularly to
the vulnerable sectors, calls for uniting and mobilizing all stakeholders in the community shall
be made regularly. Database on the number of victims of abuses, the number provided with
Figure 5.14
(Sustained Peace, Development & Security)
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legal and all other forms of assistance shall be institutionalized. This shall serve as basis for
properly identifying programs and projects to address the needs of the victims.
Addressing the decongestion of jails and inadequate manpower and logistics support to
properly respond to the needs of the population and the community with regard to the
protection of life and property shall also be considered during the plan period.
To make the system more accessible to those in need of justice, LGUs shall be encouraged to
implement measures towards this end, such as the “Justice on Wheels” of the Province of
Sarangani.
b. Juvenile Justice and Welfare
Efforts shall be made to fully implement RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of
2006. All concerned entities/agencies shall be enjoined to follow what is prescribed in Chapter
2, Sections 23-31 of RA 9344, which is the implementation of Diversion Programs, particularly
at the barangay level.
c. Criminal Justice System
It is expected that the various institutional reforms that shall be implemented by national
government agencies comprising the pillars of the Philippine Criminal Justice System (PCJS)
shall lead in the strengthening of the PCJS not only at the national level but also at the regional
level. The 5 pillars of the PCJS, namely: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, correction, and
the community, are expected to work with dispatch and in full coordination with each other.
The various programs/projects/activities for the period 2011-2016 of each government agency
in the PCJS (e.g. Philippine National Police – PNP; National Bureau of Investigation – NBI;
Department of Justice – Public Attorney‟s Office - DOJ-PAO; Judiciary, thru the Supreme Court;
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology -BJMP; Department of Justice - Parole and Probation
Administration – DOJ-PPA) shall be supportive and contributory to attaining social justice in
Region XII.
5.5.1 Improved Peace and Order
All program interventions initiated by government law enforcement agencies, as well as, the
communities for crime prevention during the plan period shall be geared towards creating a
peaceful Region XII to make it more conducive to investments and other economic development
opportunities.
a. Crime Prevention
The region shall endeavor to attain marked improvements in its crime situation. One way of
making this possible is by increasing the number of police in the region. Particularly, the region
shall reduce the gap of current police-to-population ratio of 1:852 to at least 1:550 inhabitants
by 2016. The ideal ratio is 1 policeman for every 500 inhabitants as prescribed in Section 27 of
Republic Act (RA) 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.
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Table 5.24
Police to Population Ratio Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016
Indicator 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Police to Population
Ratio
1:780 1:721 1:668 1:624 1:584 1:550
Source: PRO XII
In connection with the above, the region shall establish and maintain highly professional,
competent, disciplined, credible and trustworthy government uniformed men and women
charged of keeping peace in the region and providing internal security to the general population.
The thrust of promoting responsive and effective community-based crime prevention programs
shall be further improved. Mechanisms or organizations to promote community involvement and
participation in crime prevention shall be created. Monitoring of the various activities of
fraternities and other “gangs” in schools and universities shall be intensified.
The logistical requirements of the police force shall be substantially addressed in order for its
units to effectively carry-out its mission which is “To Serve and Protect.” Modern equipment
shall be provided to support its operations, which include, mobility; communication; search and
rescue; SWAT; and, disaster response and crowd control operations. Standard Police Station
Buildings shall be constructed especially in areas/municipalities, where these are not present.
Table 5.25
Critical Infrastructure Target of the PNP, Region XII, 2011-2016
Target 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Construction of South Cotabato
Provincial Police Office
1
Construction or Completion of City /
Municipal Police Stations
2 5 4 1
Source: PRO XII
The region shall relentlessly implement check points, choke points and security inspections,
particularly in places frequented by people (malls, markets, places of worship, airports,
seaports, overland terminals, etc.)
In exercising their critical role in crime prevention and maintaining peace and order in the
region, the LGUs are expected to undertake the following:
i. Utilize LGU Peace and Order Funds efficiently and effectively;
ii. Adopt a Reward System to capture persons and groups who are engaged in the sale of
illegal drugs and to expedite the capture of criminal suspects particularly for high profile
cases (e.g. bombings);
iii. Adopt and institutionalize of modern technology in crime prevention specifically the
installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in strategic locations;
iv. Implement of community policing and the activate of Barangay Police for community-
level crime prevention equipped with logistical requirements for mobility and
communications
v. Strengthen the Barangay Peace and Order Committees which are effective apparatus in
establishing stable peace and order condition at the community level;
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vi. Exercise strong political will against the enemies of the State or forces opposing the
government;
vii. Regularly display posters of Most Wanted Persons in conspicuous and strategic places
so that the public may be always alerted on the identities of these criminals;
viii. Encourage the operationalization of Force Multiplier System inorder to aid the regular
law enforcement units in crime prevention; and,
ix. Intensify the implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) in the region.
Table 5.26
Crime Prevention and Control Program Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016
Activity
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Number of Activities
Development and Management of
Crime Prevention and Deterrence
Program
410 427 444 462 480 500
Source: NAPOLCOM XII
b. Internal Security
To ensure internal security, both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) shall maintain strong lateral coordination and partnership. Until respective
peace accords have been forged with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH),
the AFP and PNP, as determined by higher headquarters or as need arises, shall implement
internal security operations against the elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and
the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People‟s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN).
In similar manner, the government forces are expected to pursue various groups which are
labeled as: Terrorist Group (Local Terror Groups), Armed Lawless Groups; and, Organized Crime
Groups (OCGs) - Criminal Groups (CGs), Kidnap For Ransom Groups (KFRGs), and Private Armed
Groups (PAGs).
Intensified operations shall be carried out relentlessly by the soldiers and policemen inorder to
eliminate and/or neutralize these local terror groups, the OCGs and CGs who are involved in the
criminal activities like kidnapping, carnapping, bombing, extortion, robbery/hold-up, “akyat-
bahay”, banditry and other crimes against person and property. The activities of the PNP and
AFP shall continually be improved and intensified to protect the vulnerable population against
crimes. Vital public and private infrastructure facilities shall constantly be secured.
Furthermore, the stakeholders of the region shall support the different AFP units deployed in the
SOCCSKSARGEN in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), 2011-
2016. The AFP IPSP, which is also known as “Bayanihan” gives equal emphasis on the combat
and non-combat dimensions of military operations, and at the same time, focuses on winning
the peace instead of defeating the enemies of the state.
For its part, the Police Regional Office (PRO) XII, in carrying out its mandate of Serving and
Protecting the People, shall pursue the objectives of the PNP Integrated Transformation
Program (ITP) aimed at transforming the organization into a highly capable, effective and
credible police force.
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The region‟s crime environment shall be further improved towards attaining an acceptable
peace and order situation in the region. This shall be done with the cooperation of all agencies
comprising the security sector, the LGUs and community.
As may be necessary, Social Integration Programs shall be implemented by concerned agencies
so that members of the threat groups shall be mainstreamed into the society.
Efforts shall also be undertaken by the region to implement Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Greater awareness on the evil effects of illegal drug uses shall be
promoted. Public cooperation shall be engaged in the government's anti-drug campaign. By
2016, it is envisioned that a Drug Rehabilitation Center, as well as, a Social Drug Education
Center (SDEC) under Article 4, Section 46 of RA 9165, shall be established in Region XII.
5.5.2 Improved Public Safety
Fire prevention is one form of promoting public safety. In this regard, the region shall undertake
necessary measures to suppress and prevent all forms of destructive fires.
During the plan period, efforts shall be undertaken to pursue the target of having at least one
fire station per municipality in the region. New fire stations shall be constructed where
necessary and dilapidated stations rehabilitated. Fire fighters shall be provided with necessary
plantilla positions. The facilities of fire stations shall be upgraded. New trucks and modern
firefighting gears shall be secured.
More Volunteer Fire Brigades and Emergency Medical Services and Special Rescue Units shall
be organized, trained and mobilized to assist the firefighters during emergency. Fire Safety
Campaign, Trainings and Seminar for various stakeholder groups shall be intensified.
In the exercise of its mandate, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) XII shall aggressively pursue
the collection of fire code fees in accordance with RA 9514.
Table 5.27
Fire Prevention and Suppression Targets, Region XII, 2011-2016
Target 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Establishment of Fire Stations 2 1 2 2 3 2
Repair / Rehabilitation of Fire
Stations
2 3 2 3 3 8
Repair / Rehabilitation of Fire
Trucks
3 3 3 3 3 3
Source: BFP XII
5.6.4 Resilient and Progressive Communities in Conflict-affected and
Vulnerable Areas
The region‟s peace strategy shall be anchored on the PAMANA Program (Payapa at Masaganang
Pamayanan) which is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
(OPAPP). The Program shall promote peaceful and prosperous communities as a
complementary track to the primary task of ending armed conflict and achieving peace through a
negotiated political settlement. It is aimed at empowering communities to pursue peace through
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economic integration and development. One aspect of this is to improve the delivery of basic
services and institute a more transparent and responsive governance to strengthen community
resilience amidst armed conflict.
Through the implementation of the PAMANA, thrusts and priorities shall focus on:
1. Support for the resumption of the GPH-MILF Peace Process and other rebel groups in the
region;
2. Support of the National Government for the determination of an appropriate body to
handle Peace and Development Initiatives in Region XII;
3. Mainstreaming of Peace and Development Initiatives, with the culmination of Act for
Peace Programme, to support the gains of the 1996 Government of the Republic of the
Philippines-Moro National Liberation Front Final Peace Agreement (GRP-MNLF FPA).
Priority strategies shall include:
i. Transforming Conflict-affected Areas into Progressive Communities. Support shall be
directed at initiatives that would facilitate the transformation of conflict affected areas
into resilient and progressive communities. The efforts that shall be implemented in the
region shall be with due recognition of the root causes of conflict in Mindanao,
particularly in Region XII; the primacy of the peace process and the various initiatives by
government to settle all armed conflicts; and the assistance provided by local
government units, communities, nongovernmental organizations and foreign funding
institutions to rehabilitate and develop the affected areas.
ii. Institutionalizing a Culture of Peace. The region shall continue to advocate and promote
the institutionalization of a Culture of Peace (CoP) based on nonviolence, respect for
fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity principles. This
shall be done through various seminars, trainings and workshops for different
stakeholders.
The region shall also pursue the full implementation of Executive Order 570 – Integrating
Peace Education in the Curriculum. The region shall continue with its peacebuilding,
conflict prevention and conflict transformation activities, such as, the conduct of Inter-
Faith and Intra-Faith Dialogues, non-violent peace-building activities, and Cultural
Sensitivity Training, and Orientation/Briefing on Human Rights.
iii. Sustaining and Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution. The effective and
time-tested mechanisms in conflict resolution shall be continued, such as the Traditional
System headed by the tribal leaders and elders. The region also supports the strategy of
maintaining existing ceasefire mechanisms to uphold and maintain peace in conflict-
affected areas. These mechanisms among others are: Joint Ceasefire Committee on the
Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), as well as, Civil Society Organization / Non-Government
Organization (CSO/NGO)-initiated grassroots ceasefire mechanism like Bantay Ceasefire.
iv. Setting the Foundations for Good Governance in Conflict-Affected Areas. Support shall
be provided to peace and development initiatives toward setting the foundation for good
governance in conflict-affected areas in the region; in the implementation of Reform
Agenda for the Indigenous Peoples in Region XII; ending impunity on human rights
violations and extra-judicial executions; and, resolution of the situation of internal
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displacement due to armed conflict. Support shall also be provided on the review towards
the reform and enhancement of existing re-integration programs for former rebels.
In addressing the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Region XII, transitional
activities shall be conducted, from rehabilitation assistance towards implementation of
sustainable projects.
v. Peace Advocacy and Promotion through Best Practices and Success Stories. Success
stories and best practices in promoting peace, conflict resolution and conflict
transformation shall be replicated in different conflict-affected areas of Region XII. One
such best practice is the KALINAW SARANGANI spearheaded by the Provincial
Government of Sarangani. The Program aims to promote and preserve a peaceful and
livable Sarangani where people enjoy basic services and are actively involved in planning
development and exercising governance.
Another peacebuilding showcase is the establishment of a Peace Camp located in the
headquarters of the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. The establishment of
Fort Sarangani was conceptualized and developed by this army unit under the leadership
of its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Adolfo Espuelas. Among the goals that shall be
pursued by this army battalion is to formulate the Fort Sarangani Development Plan. The
Peace Camp is strategically located in the Municipality of Maasim, Sarangani and
overlooking Sarangani Bay.
5.6 Good Governance
Governance provides the necessary
political and social environment toward
the realization of the vision of
development of the region. To be able to
be responsive to the needs of the
society, all the actors of development
shall therefore continue to exercise
good governance where the principles of
participation, accountability,
transparency, effectiveness and
efficiency, equity and inclusivity, and
rule of law are widely practiced.
During the plan period, the region shall
therefore pursue reforms in institutions,
strengthening of private/civil society
participation in the development
processes, and enhancing local
governance. On top of these strategies, would be the establishment and operationalization of
the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Government Center, to serve as the administrative center for
regional development.
5.6.1 Establishment of the Regional Government Center (RGC)
One of the key strategies in truly uniting and harmonizing the efforts for the social, political and
economic growth of the SOCCSKSARGEN, is the establishment of the Regional Government
Center in Koronadal City. Apart from the aims of making the center more accessible to the
Figure 5.15
(Good Governance)
5-55

region‟s stakeholders and spreading development more equitably, the regional center shall
also cluster the regional line agencies in one area which would facilitate more efficient
government transactions. A lot of eight (8) hectares has been donated by the City Government
of Koronadal for the said purpose.
To pursue the establishment of the RGC, the following shall be undertaken:
i. On-site Development of the Regional Government Center of Region XII
On-site development of the government center needs to be in place, i.e. requirements for
utilities, roads, drainage, to facilitate the construction of office buildings of the regional offices
that are ready for the construction of their respective buildings in the center. In coordination
with the local government of Koronadal City, the region shall strive to tap possible funding
agencies for the desired development of the government center.
Ii. Construction of Office Buildings
Within the planning period, the region shall continue its effort in coordinating with all line
agencies on their compliance to EO 304. The proposed budgets for the construction of office
buildings of the regional line agencies of Region XII shall continually be included in the annual
Investment programs of the region. Parallel to this action, the region shall exert efforts on
tapping possible funding institutions that may be willing to provide long term loan for office
buildings construction.
By 2016, it is expected that all line agencies operating outside of the government center shall
have transferred in Koronadal City.
5.6.2 Reforms in Institution
Taking off from the administration‟s thrusts of institutionalizing reforms in the bureaucracy, the
region shall pursue the following development strategies geared towards addressing
institutional reforms and streamlining of government bureaucracy:
a. Professionalization of the Civil Service
Professionalizing the civil service entails strict adherence to the guidelines in the hiring of
government workers, as well as, the election of public officials. The conduct of civil service and
other competency examinations to thoroughly screen the qualifications of prospective
government personnel shall be continually undertaken. In addition, the emotional quotient of
these prospective government workers and elective officials shall form part of the recruitment
processes. These would ensure a pool of qualified and competent workforce who are expected
to deliver government services with integrity, professionalism, commitment and dedication to
public service; and, at the same time, discourage the exercise of hiring and appointing
personnel without going through the standard civil service rules in the hiring of government
employees.
All government entities at the regional and sub regional levels shall be encouraged to
continually prepare or update their respective Human Resource Development Management
Plans which shall be their bases for recruitment and promotion of qualified personnel.
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To foster dedication and commitment to public service, the region shall support the review of
the compensation package of the government workforce. In particular, the review shall
consider the risks that are associated with the services delivered by the workers.
Moreover, there may be a need to assess the retirement age of government workforce to give
way to new entrants to government service at the same time for the retirees to enjoy longer
retirement phase of their lives. The region shall support the lowering of age requirements for
optional retirement to 55 and the compulsory retirement to 60.
With the emerging technology modernization, all government instrumentalities at all levels of
governance need to adopt information and communication technology not only to be
competitive and at par with the global community but more importantly to attain well-
coordinated and well-planned development efforts and further enhance productivity, efficiency
and effectiveness of government operations.
b. Rationalizing Government Expenditures
In consonance with the pronouncement of President Aquino on zero-based budgeting, the
region shall support a move for a synchronized conduct of national and local/barangay
elections.
The region shall likewise support the strict implementation of audit processes and evaluation,
as well as, the conduct of surprise review and evaluation of projects vis-a-vis fund utilization of
projects implemented by the government offices.
The Annual Investment Plans (AIP) of all government instrumentalities shall be religiously
prepared every year to consider the activities that are doable and can be funded during the year
in consultation with other service providers. The concept of convergence of services shall
continually be popularized and applied to realize the impacts of services delivered and avoid
duplication of services and beneficiaries.
The Rationalization Plan (EO 366) which provides for rationalizing the bureaucracy with regard
to agency functionality and the appropriate number of manpower with appropriate qualifications
with the approved plantilla/positions is expected to be fully implemented during the plan period.
This would address the concerns on the cost cutting of government expenditures at the same
time, retaining competent and qualified government workforce.
Flagship anti-corruption programs shall be implemented such as moral and integrity
development activities aimed at promoting integrity development, good governance, ethical
leadership and spiritual deepening, viz: Moral Renewal Program, Integrity Development Reform,
Integrity Development Action Plan and other related programs and activities.
c. Capacity Building
To continually enhance and upgrade the skills of government workforce both at the regional and
sub-regional levels, capacity building will be sustained. These programs shall be in the areas of
governance, administration and finance, planning and investment programming, skills
development, productivity and quality enhancement, ICT and other relevant training programs
that would address improvement in the delivery of government services and governance.
Similarly, executive level capacity building activities shall be pursued in the said priority areas.
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To further strengthen the competence of civil service, merit and fitness in the government
service shall be pursued through the conduct of and/or provision of skills re-tooling and other
related activities to government workers every five years.
To cope with rapid changes in technology, all government instrumentalities at all levels of
governance need to be continually trained on updated information and communication
technology to improve government systems in the delivery of service.
d. Advocacy
A Comprehensive Communication and advocacy program for the implementation of the plan
shall be formulated to be able to harness resources for convergent, synchronized and purposive
actions towards the attainment of the regional development vision.
Advocacy on government activities and services which are geared towards improving the image
of the region shall be intensified, with the end of attracting more investors and tourists to locate
and visit the region, respectively. Close coordination between the peacekeeping forces and the
media shall be regularly undertaken to ensure that only reliable information as to peace,
development and security of the area are disseminated to the public.
Coordination in the conduct of advocacy activities by government agencies shall be tightened
inorder to create more impact. The use of multi-media shall be encouraged for wider reach
among the region‟s stakeholders. The private sector shall likewise be encouraged to participate
in providing right and relevant information to the general public.
Local festivals shall be promoted to showcase tourist destination areas. The region‟s best
practices shall also be documented and highlighted. Technical assistance for appropriate
documentation shall be provided, particularly for the local government units.
For the barangay population to be aware of government efforts and at the same time provide
venue for addressing local issues, Barangay assemblies shall continue to be implemented by the
local government units, at least once every quarter.
5.6.3 Enhancing Local Governance
In line with improving local governance, the region shall focus on empowering the LGUs to be
self-reliant by putting premium on accountability in the delivery of public good and services. This
shall involve policy development and reforms, capacity development for program delivery,
strengthening of local special bodies, and public accountability through the use of Local
Government Performance Measurement System (LGPMS). The LGPMS shall be highlighted as
overall local governance performance. Compliance with Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape
Act (ARTA) of 2007 and enforcement of the Citizen‟s Charter shall likewise be pursued
vigorously.
c. Plan and Policy Formulation
The Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) shall continue to be utilized as a benchmark on how
much the LGU has attained at the end of the officials term of office, 2010-2013 and 2013-
2016.
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In the area of local development planning and Investment programming, the formulation and
implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs)/ Zoning Ordinances
(ZOs)/Comprehensive Development Plans (CDP)/Provincial Development and Physical
Framework Plans (PDPFPs) shall be monitored by the appropriate agency. For plan period 2011-
2016, all 54 LGUs shall have formulated their respective CLUPs/ZOs/CDPs/PDPFPs.
d. Local Special Bodies
To further measure improvement of local governance, organization and monitoring of the
functionality of local special bodies shall be undertaken. The concerns of vulnerable groups
(elderly, women, children, basic sectors) shall be addressed by these special bodies.
For the local government units to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities
and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals, the region shall
support the implementation of genuine and meaningful local autonomy as articulated in RA
7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
This also points to the need to collaborate with non-government organizations (NGOs)
particularly in the implementation and monitoring of programs and projects at all levels of
governance.
In addition, the spirit of volunteerism shall be promoted through LGU-Civil Society partnership
program.
Table 5.28
Yearly Targets for Selected Indicators, 2011-2016
Indicators 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1. No. of LGUs compliant with ARTA All cities and capital towns of the region
2. No. of LGUs enforcing the Citizens Charter 54 54 54 54 54 54
3. No. of cities/capital towns adopting the
BLPS reforms
4 4 4 4 4 4
4. LGPMS
 No. of LGUs prepared State of Local
Governance
All Provinces/Cities/Municipalities of the region
5. ELA formulation
No. of LGUs with ELA 54 54 54 54 54 54
6. No. of LGUs that adopted and
implemented CBMS for planning,
budgeting and program targeting
5 10 12 15 18 20
7. No. of LGUs with CBMS data and poverty
maps uploaded in the national repository
and DILG Website
5 10 12 15 18 20
8. No. of LGUs with:
 CDP
 PDPFPs
54
4
54
4
54
4
54
4
54
4
54
4
9. No. of LGU-CSO partnership undertakings 2 2 2 2 2 2
10. No. of Functional Special Local Bodies:
 Local Peace and order Councils
 Local Development Councils
 Local Council for the Protection of
Children
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
597
Source: DILG XII
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e. Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
The Philippines, due to its location and geographic landscape, is considered as one of the most
disaster prone countries in the world. Development efforts are disrupted by natural hazards
since budgets intended for pursuing planned development are diverted to finance disaster
response, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. During the plan period, it is expected that
the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaption (CCA) in local
planning and decision-making processes shall be fully realized and institutionalized.
Mainstreaming the DRR/CCA concerns in all development plans, particularly in the respective
CDPs/PDPFPs of the areas in the region shall be pursued. It is also expected that the DRR/CCA-
enhanced local plans shall have a component of Forest Land Use Plans. These steps are
intended to adequately address the problems and threats brought about by hazards to people
and property due to the occurrence of natural calamities in Region XII.
Table 5.29
Targets for the Formulation of DRR/CCA-enhanced PDPFP /CLUP, 2011-2016
Province / City / Municipality
Year Completed
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Province 2 2
City (Highly Urbanized and
Independent Chartered)
1 1
City (Component) 1 1 1
Municipality 7 10 11 17
TOTAL 2 2 8 12 12 18
Sources: LGUs, NEDA XII, DILG XII, HLRB
Likewise, advocacy efforts on understanding the importance of and application of the DRR/CCA
concepts in everyday living shall be intensified in collaboration with the academe, media outlets
and other NGO groups.
All the LGUs in the region are expected to establish their respective Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office (DRRMO), create their DRRM Committees and have implemented
DRRM/CCA related projects during the plan period.
In Region XII, the Private Sector has begun to forge a partnership with the academe to support
capacity building activities in DRR/CCA. It is expected that for the period 2011-2016, many
more trainings initiated by the private sector and academe shall be realized.
f. Local Income
Fiscal imbalance characterized by high government spending with low revenue collection is a
major concern of the government. To address this, fiscal reforms need to be in place. Revenue
generation efforts shall be strengthened following the pronouncement of the President on no
imposition of higher taxes or introduction of new taxes. Reforms shall be geared towards
addressing the issues on smuggling and tax evasion of high profile taxpayers, thereby increasing
revenue collection. In addition policy reforms on maximizing, and judicious utilization of
resources to generate savings and income, and the review of government expenditures vis-à-vis
revenue collection with an end view of lowering yearly budget deficit shall be pursued.
i. Real Property Tax
The region shall continue to strengthen its efforts towards increasing revenue collection by
implementing the provisions in the Local Revenue Code in allowable percent increase to real
5-60

property taxes every three years. This calls for the periodic updating of the local revenue code by
all LGUs to incorporate the allowable increase in the general revision. Tax mapping shall be
continually carried out and monitored by the concerned agencies. Tax maps database shall be
periodically updated.
The continued implementation of the Local Government Finance Support Project (LGFSP)
proposed under the World Bank with Three (3) Packages shall be supported by the region. This
proposal is for LGUs which have not yet availed the LGFSP.
ii. Local Revenue Tax
On the other hand, for Local Revenue Tax, the Tax Enhancement Program and Tax Collection
Enforcement and Data Computerization shall be sustained and further strengthened to meet the
targets set for collection. The LGUs shall also be encouraged to formulate their own revenue
codes (economic enterprise code, cemetery code, and slaughterhouse code, market code) to
generate local revenues.
Table 5.30
Tax and Internal Revenue Collection Targets 2011-2016, Region XII
Source: DOF-BLGF XII
iii. Internal Revenue Tax
Information drive, business education infomercials, official receipts issuance campaign through
tax mapping, close monitoring on tax compliance, “Oplan Kandado”, support to Project RIP,
intensify campaign against tax evaders through “Run After Tax Evader (RATE)” and other
activities aimed at increasing internal tax collection shall be continuously intensified during the
plan period.
Strict monitoring of taxes due from professional services shall likewise be sustained.
The review of yearly goals to deduct transfer-out accounts and those with centralized remittances
including those of the multinational corporations which directly remit to Large Taxpayer Division
in Manila, shall be adopted in the region.
The following are other strategies to be pursued during the next six (6) years to address the
challenge of low revenue collection:
 Promotion of delivery of fast, efficient and courteous service to taxpayers as well as
institute a system for measuring the level of taxpayer satisfaction with BIR services thru
the “Handang Maglingkod Project”.
 Provision of income tax holidays during special occasions.
Indicator
TARGETS (In Million Pesos)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Real Property Tax Collection 689 758 796 836 920 966
Local Revenue Tax Collection
(Business Taxes, Fees and
Charges, and Economic
Enterprise
789 856 929 1,008 1,094 1,187
Internal Revenue Collection 3,801 4,371 5,027 5,781 6,649 7,646
5-61

 Supporting the rationalization of tax performance based incentive and sustaining the
same to invite more investors to conduct business in the country. This includes conduct
of information campaign on the tax incentives implemented applicable to business
enterprises and other type of taxpayers.
 Intensification and strengthening of the implementation of the Joint Memorandum
Circular # 1, series of 2007, particularly the sound, efficient and effective management
and utilization of government resources; and the l mobilization of LGU resources through
different strategies in revenue generation.
 Simplification of taxation system by coming up with a simplified taxation system in
accounting the tax due for business sector. This will facilitate and encourage easy filing
of taxes due. On gross sales tax receipt, computation of taxes shall be based on gross
profit margin rather than on gross sales. The increase of prices of goods due to the level
of inflation rate will also increase the total gross sales but not the gross profit margin.
Internal Revenue Allotment
The high dependency on Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of most local government units
in the region shall be addressed during the plan period. There may be a need to conduct a
policy review or revisit the formula use in the allocation of IRA share by lowering the percent
share allocation on population. In effect, this will encourage LGUs to manage the population
growth in their area.
The current formula adopted is based on the following factors: population (50%), land area (25%)
and equal sharing (25%). The higher the population means bigger IRA share. As of 2008, the
level of IRA dependency of Region XII LGUs was placed at about 82 percent.
Following the MDG goal, the region shall strive to lower the IRA dependency of the LGUs from its
current level of 81.7 percent starting 2010 to 2016.
5.6.4 Strengthened Private/Civil Society Participation in the
Development Process
GO-NGO partnership in all development endeavors shall be strengthened through continuing
involvement and participation of NGO/Private sectors in government efforts at all levels of
governance. Linkage shall start with the private sectors‟ membership in any special bodies of
development councils at the regional and sub-regional levels, as voting members.
Development planning and investment programming are significant areas where the private
sector and NGOs could meaningfully participate. The practice of allowing the Private Sector
Representatives (PSRs) in the Regional Development Council (RDC), to sit as Chairpersons of
the major Sectoral Committees shall be sustained. These Committees are the working arms of
the Council in formulating and coordinating the implementation of the Regional Development
Plan (RDP) and its Investment Program (IP). Their participation in the budget prioritization, as
well as, in the monitoring of development projects shall continue to be encouraged.
The private sector / NGO members of the development councils shall also be considered in
Government‟s capacity building programs or advocacy related activities geared towards skills
upgrading or providing new information on government efforts.
5-62

CHAPTER 6:
Roles of Provinces and Cities in
Regional Development
The LGUs, particularly the Provinces, Independent Chartered Cities, as well as, Component Cities,
have very crucial roles in attaining the inclusive growth and povertry alleviation goals of the
region. Their respective potential contributions to regional development shall therefore be
enjoined and supported. Their roles complement each other. Propelled by strong and dynamic
leaders, the economic growth of the provinces and cities shall bring to fruition the vision of
SOCCSKSARGEN as one integral and progressive economic unit which is at par with the other
developed regions in Mindanao.
 Cotabato Province is the agro-industrial center in the northern part of the region, specializing
in the production of organic rice; fruit and vegetable farming, and processing of industrial
plantation crops like rubber and sugar.
 Sarangani is the fishery, aquaculture and integrated upland development center of the
region. It is being positioned as tourism labyrinth with the proposed development of the
Sarangani Tourism Estate.
 South Cotabato is the agro-industrial center in the southern part of Region XII, processing
high value export crops like banana, pineapple, asparagus and other fruits; and the prime
agricultural producer of rice, corn and other food crops. It is also enhancing its role as the
emerging eco-tourism capital of the region.
 Sultan Kudarat Province is the palm oil and coffee production and processing center of
Region XII; and producer of organic muscovado sugar and aquamarine / seaweeds.
 Cotabato City is the cultural and historical center of Region XII, being known as the cradle of
the Cotabato Empire Province; and producer of exotic mud crabs and prawns.
 General Santos City is the metropolitan center of Region XII and continues to be the Tuna
Capital of the Philippines. With the presence of the international standard port and airport, it
is the transshipment hub of the region to other parts of the country and the rest of the world.
It shall also become the prime business, banking, financial and services center of the region.
 The City of Koronadal is the Administrative Center of SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
 Kidapawan City is the agro-industrial processing center for crops such as rubber, sugar and
tropical fruits and provincial market and distribution center of Cotabato Province.
 Tacurong City is the processing center for African palm oil, cereals and grains, meat and
poultry and provincial market and distribution center of Sultan Kudarat Province.
6-1

CHAPTER 7:
Kilos Abante Priority Programs/Projects
Amont the numerous interventions that need to
be pursued in the Region, Regional
Development Council XII has identified 17
priority projects which shall be pursued in the
next 6 years. These projects are considered
crucial in the attainment of the region‟s
strategic outcomes and for which have firm
fund commitments have to be pursued. These
interventions are also called the “Kilos Abante
Projects.” In the next 6 years, RDC XII shall
push for the realization of these projects:
7.1 Social Development
 Establishment/Upgrading of South
Cotabato Provincial Hospital into a
Regional Hospital
 Establishment of Drug Rehabilitation
Center in Region XII
 Establishment of Regional Training
Center
7.2 Economic Development
 Tampakan-Copper Gold Project
 Environment Conservation and Protecion Package (Allah Valley, Kabulnan Biodiversity,
Mindanao River Basin)
7.3 Infrastructure Development
 Kalamansig-Palimbang-Maitum Road
 Lake Sebu-Maitum Ecology Road Development Project
 Banisilan-Guiling-Alamada-Libungan Road
 Sarangani-Davao del Sur Coastal Road (includes the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani
Cooperation Triangle (JAGSCT)
 Road Widening of Marbel-Makar Road
 General Santos City International Airport Development Project
 Construction of Integrated Public Transport Terminals (Koronadal City, Tacurong City,
Cotabato City and General Santos City)
 Flood Control Project for Lower Cotabato River Basin (Ala, Koronadal City, Simuay,
Lambayong, Cotabato City)
 Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II
 Kabulnan Multi-Purpose Irrigtion and Power Project II
7.4 Governance and Institutions Development (GID)
 Full Operationalization of the Regional Government Center in Koronadal City
 Establishment of Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices
7-1

CHAPTER 8:
Plan Implementation and Monitoring
8.1 Review, Approval and Adoption Process
The formulation of the Regional Development Plan of Region XII, 2011-2016 has undergone a
series of planning workshops and consultations with the various stakeholders, e.g, LGUs, private
sector groups/NGOs, regional line agencies and others, for its enhancement. The final draft plan
was subjected to further review and workshop by the RDC XII before it was finally approved and
endorsed by the Council.
8.2 Phasing of the Plan
The RDP, 2011-2016 which covers a six-year planning period contains strategic programs and
projects which will address the attainment of the region‟s vision for 2016. The identified
programs/projects/activities shall be targeted to be implemented within the planning period.
8.3 Integration of Plan and Planning Processes
a. Horizontal Integration
The implementation of the plan shall be built in the entire development planning and
implementation machinery and process, with the Regional Development Council (RDC) as the
central organizational structure that spearhead the regional development process. This shall be
pursued through the key programs and projects, identified by the different regional line agencies
and LGUs and approved and endorsed by the RDC as priority programs and projects of the
region.
The development strategies contained in the RDP shall be translated into specific programs and
projects which shall be then be consolidated into Regional Development and Investment
Program (RDIP). The RDIP shall likewise be the basis for the formulation of the Annual
Investment Program (AIP) which serves as reference in the annual review of budget proposals of
line agencies, state universities and colleges and the government owned and controlled
corporations.
b. Vertical Integration
Policy issues/concerns with national and/or interregional implications contained in RDPs of all
regions, shall be integrated in the MTPDP. At the sub-regional level, the RDP shall serve as the
framework for the formulation or updating of the Local Development Plans.
8-1

8.4 Financing of the Plan
The programs and projects identified n the RDIP are consistent with the mandates of the
concerned agencies. These identified programs and projects would find their way in the agency
regular budgets and shall be included in the yearly budget proposals of the agencies. Funds
from ODA and other possible sources shall also be tapped, specifically for projects needing huge
budgetary requirements and have potential of generating revenues which could significantly
address the region‟s development vision or possibly finance other high impact government
projects with considerable development benefits to the populace.
8.5 Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring of plan implementation shall be done regularly. The Results Evaluation and
Monitoring Matrix (REMM), a companion document of the RDP, shall be used as reference in
tracking the attainment of strategies and targets contained in the RDP. The Regional Project
Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES), on the other hand, shall be used in monitoring
programs and projects that shall be implemented within the plan period. At the regional level,
the Regional Project Monitoring Committee spearheads the monitoring of ODA and other
development programs and projects. Each regional line agency shall monitor and evaluate the
implementation of their individual mandated programs and projects, particularly agencies with
environmental and ecology concerns from which issues may need immediate actions.
Under the system, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) is chaired by NEDA with
DBM, DILG, OP-PMS and private sector representatives as members. At the local level,
coordination will be undertaken by the Provincial/City Monitoring Committee.
With the different PMCs already organized at the regional, as well as, at the sub-regional levels,
what calls to be attended to is the strengthening of the said PMCs to enable them to perform as
expected
8.6 Plan Advocacy
To generate support for the implementation of the RDP, 2011-2016, RDC XII shall spearhead the
conduct of advocacy activities during the plan period based on a Comprehensive Communication
and Advocacy Program for the plan. An RDC XII Advocacy and Information Group shall be
organized for this purpose. Activities that may be conducted to advocate the plan may include
conduct of forum, preparation of flyers that contain major information of the plan for distribution,
include plan information in agencies having regular radio/television programs, etc.
8.7 Capacity-building Programs
Capacity building programs on development planning, investment programming and project
monitoring and evaluation shall be pursued to equip with and/or enhance and strengthen the
knowledge, skills and capabilities of the agency/LGU planners in the preparation of plans and
other development reports.
8-2

In addition, institution building activities shall likewise, be strengthened to address networking
and development of strong functional linkages among partner agencies and LGUs. This includes
sharing of information technology, operationalization of GIS to particularly address the region‟s
concerns on disaster risk reduction.
8.8 Resource Mobilization and Other Related Activities
RDC XII shall initiate actions leading to identification of potential fund sources that are willing to
fund development projects for the region. The conduct of resource mobilization forum or any
related activities to invite foreign/local donors to provide assistance for the development
programs and projects identified in the RDP, 2011-2016 shall be pursued within the planning
period.
8-3

DIRECTORY OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL XII
OFFICIALS REGIONAL LINE AGENCIES REGIONAL DIRECTORS
DARLENE MAGNOLIA R. ANTONINO-CUSTODIO
Chairperson
RAMON N. FLORESTA
Co-Chairperson
TERESITA SOCORRO C. RAMOS
Vice-Chairperson
PHLORITA A. RIDAO
OIC-Secretary
LGU LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES
EMMYLOU ‘LALA”J. TALIÑO- MENDOZA
Governor, Province of Cotabato
MIGUEL RENE A. DOMINGUEZ
Governor, Province of Sarangani
SUHARTO T. MANGUDADATU
Governor, Province of Sultan Kudarat
ARTHUR Y. PINGOY, JR.
Governor, Province of South Cotabato
JAPAL J. GUIANI, JR.
Mayor, City of Cotabato
DARLENE MAGNOLIA R. ANTONINO-CUSTODIO
Mayor, City of General Santos
RODOLFO Y. GANTUANGCO
Mayor, City of Kidapawan
PETER B. MIGUEL
Mayor, City of Koronadal
LINA O. MONTILLA
Mayor, City of Tacurong
MAYORS OF DESIGNATED PROVINCIAL CAPITALS
DIOSDADO G. PALLASIGUE
Mayor, Municipality of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
CORAZON S. GRAFILLO
Mayor, Municipality of Alabel, Sarangani
AMALIA J. DATUKAN
Regional Executive Director
Department of Agriculture (DA) XII
ALIKHAN B. MAROHOMBSAR
Regional Director
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XII
ALFREDO S. PASCUAL
Regional Executive Director
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XII
LEONARDO E. DINOPOL
OIC-Regional Director
Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF-DOF) XII
BUAGAS B. SULAIK
Regional Director
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII
ABDULLAH B. DUMAMA, JR.
Regional Director
Department of Health (DOH) XII
MA. GLORIA A. TANGO
Regional Director
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XII
SUBAIR S. DIRON
Regional Director
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII
IBRAHIM K. GUIAMADEL
Regional Director
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XII
NASSER M. MUSALI
Regional Director
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) XII
ISABELITA M. BORRES
Regional Director
Department of Education (DepEd) XII
BAI ZORAHAYDA T. TAHA
Regional Director
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII
JOSE B. CABULANAN
Officer-In-Charge
Department of Tourism (DOT) XII
HADJA SITTIE SHAYMA ZENAIDA P. HADJI
RAOF-LAIDAN
Regional Director
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII
ELOISA W. PADERANGA
Regional Director
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) XII
SONIA S. DELOS REYES
Deputy Director
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) - Gen. Santos City
ARLAN M. MANGELEN
OIC-Chairman, RMC-DOTC XII
OIC-Regional Director
ALIMBZAR P. ASUM
Regional Director
Telecommunication Office XII
JOVENCIO L. AGUS
Officer-In-Charge / Regional Consul Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs - Regional Consular
Office - General Santos City
MANUEL M. LLANEZA
Director
Mindanao Field Office, Department of Energy (DOE)
MARY ANN V. LUCERO
Head
Presidential Management Staff (PMS)
Regional Field Unit XII
ROSEMARIE B. TAASAN
OIC-Housing Coordinator for Region XII
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating
Council (HUDCC)
ZEUS P. AMPUYAS
Regional Director
Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) XII
PROVINCIAL LEAGUE OF MAYORS PRESIDENT REGIONALLY DESIGNATED VOTING MEMBERS
LORETO V. CABAYA, JR.
President, Cotabato Provincial League of Mayors
DIOSDADO G. PALLASIGUE
President, Sultan Kudarat Provincial League of Mayors
ISIDRO D. LUMAYAG
President, South Cotabato Provincial League of Mayors
REYNALDO F. CONSTANTINO
President, Sarangani Provincial League of Mayors
MODESTO ANDERSON M. TOLENTINO
Regional Manager
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) XII
SANI D. MACABALANG
Regional Director
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XII
PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES
RAMON N. FLORESTA
Private Sector Representative – Cotabato Province &
Kidapawan City
VISPOCIOUS E. RAMOS, SR.
Private Sector Representative - Sultan Kudarat & Tacurong
City
MARTINIANO L. MAGDOLOT
Private Sector Representative - South Cotabato
ALFREDO BRONX P. HEBRONA, JR.
Private Sector Representative - Sarangani Province.
YUSOPH "OSKIE" I. MOHAMMAD
Private Sector Representative- Cotabato City
RODRIGO G. OLARTE, JR
Private Sector Representative - Gen. Santos City
ROLANDO S. DORIA
Private Sector Representative - Economic Development
KARL VINCENT M. QUEIPO
Private Sector Representative - Social Development
RICHLIE LYNDON L. MAGTULIS
Private Sector Representative - Infrastructure Development
ENRIQUE V. MARCELINO
Private Sector Representative - Governance and Institutions
Development
JOEMARIE P. ANGELES
Private Sector Representative - Labor Sector
ARCELI M. LATONIO
OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator
National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII
DATU TUNGKO M. SAIKOL
Regional Director
Environment Management Bureau (EMB) XII
EDWIN MATEO P. QUIJANO
Regional Director
Commission on Population (POPCOM) XII
NELSON J. ESTARES
Regional Director
National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency XII
RAMON F. ARISTOZA, JR.
Regional Vice-President
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) XII
NESTOR S. LUMAWIG
Private Sector Representative - Koronadal City

RDC XII PLANNING COMMITTEES
MACRO-ECONOMY, DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE (MEDAFC)
Officials:
RICHLIE LYNDON L. MAGTULIS
Chairperson
MIGUEL RENE A. DOMINGUEZ
Co-Chairperson
Governor, Province of Sarangani
Vice-Chairperson
Regional Director, NEDA XII
Members:
DILG XII, DBM XII, DOF-BLGF XII, DOJ-PPA XII, BIR RR18, BFP XII, BJMP XII,
BSP-Cotabato, BSP-General Santos, CSC XII, CHR XII,NAPOLCOM XII, NBI XII,
NICA XII, NSCB XII NSO XII, OCD XII, PAO XII, PDEA XII, PIA XII, PRO/PNP XII,
POPCOM XII, 6TH Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army,1002ND Infantry
(Bagwis) Brigade, Philippine Army, PSR Karl Vincent M. Quiepo, PSR Alfredo
Bronx P. Hebrona, Jr., PSR Enrique V. Marcelino
REGIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (RSDC)
Officials:
KARL VINCENT M. QUEIPO
Chairperson
JAPAL J. GUIANI, JR.
Co-Chairperson
Mayor, Cotabato City
MA. GLORIA A. TANGO
Vice-Chairperson
Regional Director, DOLE XII
Members:
DEPED XII, DOH XII, DSWD XII, CHED XII , HUDCC XII, NCIP XII, NCMF XII, NHA
XII, NNC XII, NSCB XII, NYC-Zamboanga Office, PHIC XII, POPCOM XII, TESDA
XII, CFCST, CCSPC, MSU-GENSAN, SKSU, USM, PSR Joemarie P. Angeles, PSR
Enrique V. Marcelino, PSR Rodrigo G. Olarte, PSR Nestor S. Lumawig, PSR
Martiniano L. Magdolot, PSR Ramon N. Floresta
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (EDC)
Officials:
ROLANDO S. DORIA
Chairperson
ARTHUR Y. PINGOY, JR.
Co-Chairperson
Governor, South Cotabato
IBRAHIM K. GUIAMADEL
Vice-Chairperson
Regional Director, DTI XII
Members:
DAR XII, DENR XII, DOST XII, DA XII, DOT XII, BFAR XII, CDA XII, EMB XII, LBP,
MGB XII, NCIP XII, NEDA XII, NFA XII, NIA XII, Board of Investments (BOI), PSR
Joemarie P. Angeles, PSR Vispocious E. Ramos, Sr., PSR Alfredo Bronx P.
Hebrona, Jr., PSR Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis
INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (INFRACOM)
Officials:
ALFREDO BRONX P. HEBRONA, JR.
Chairperson
PETER B. MIGUEL
Co-Chairperson
Mayor, Koronadal City
ALIMBZAR P. ASUM
Vice-Chairperson
Regional Director, TELOF XII
Members:
DPWH XII, DBM XII, DILG XII, DOTC-RMC XII, CAAP-Cotabato, CAAP-General
Santos, LTFRB XII, NEDA XII , NIA XII, NTC XII, NGCP (TransCo), PPA-Cotabato
City and General Santos, PSR Ramon N. Floresta, PSR Richlie Lyndon L.
Magtulis, PSR Nestor S. Lumawig, PSR Vispocious E. Ramos, Sr., PSR Rolando
S. Doria,

RDC XII SECRETARIAT / NEDA REGIONAL OFFICE XII
Regional Director
PHLORITA A. RIDAO
OIC-Assistant Regional Director
PLAN AND POLICY FORMULATION DIVISION (PPFD)
MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO
Chief Economic Development Specialist
ROMEL PATRICK E. TANGHAL
Supervising Economic Development Specialist
JULIET C. DEMELLITES
Senior Economic Development Specialist
SANDRA J. ALIDO
EVIE A. CABULANAN
Economic Development Specialist II
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, INVESTMENT PROGRAMMING
AND BUDGETING DIVISION (PDIPBD)
JULIET G. BOLANDO
OIC / Supervising Economic Development Specialist
LIBERTY B. ARUMPAC
MEDINA G. HEREZO
MOHIDIN T. MUSTAPA
DESIREE T. JACINTO
PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION DIVISION (PMED)
MA. LULU E. VALENCIA
GUILLERMO R. MANRIQUE, JR.
ANNIE C. DEPUTADO
MELCHOR L. SEVILLA
PETER MICHAEL M. BABAO
ROMEO C. NEBRIJA
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT DIVISION (KMD)
ROSA D. LEMANA
HELEN L. VESTAL
USOP M. LALAO
EDEN F. RIDAO
ROMEO A. SALAC
APOLLO Y. MANLAWE
Economic Development Specialist I
OPERATIONS DIVISION (OD)
JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG
Chief Administrative Officer
LALAINE M. SAJELAN
Supervising Administrative Officer
RONALD VON D. RIVERA
Accountant III
MA. ESTELA B. CABANGAL
Administrative Officer IV
ESPERANZA Z. DELA CRUZ
Administrative Officer IV
ANGELINA C. SORIANO
Administrative Assistant III
ROSARIO F. BAUTISTA
LUZVIMINDA B. ANDANA
JOCELYN O. VILLANUEVA
AUREL RAYMUND T. BETQUE
Administrative Assistant II
HONEYLET S. BALINDONG
Administrative Assistant II
LEILANI P. DEL PILAR
Administrative Assistant I
PENDATUN C. ABDUL
Administrative Aide VI
JOSEPH AUGUSTO E. GECOSALA
Administrative Aide IV
MUSLIMIN S. MANIALA
Administrative Aide IV
JOHN A. ALESO
Administrative Aide III
BRAHIM F. AMINO
RUBYLITA O. GO
SOCRATES Y. ABELO

SOCCSKSARGEN RDP 2011-2016

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