ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE YEAR THE ECONOMY ECONOMIC STRENGTH In

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2008 THE ECONOMY ECONOMIC STRENGTH • In 2008, the Philippine economy was battered by the global financial turmoil and high oil and commodity prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the first three (3) quarters of the year averaged at 4.6% from 7.1% in the same period last year. The GDP growth from first to third quarters of 2008 was driven by Trade, Construction, and Manufacturing. On the demand side, though weakened by high prices, growth continued to be driven by increase in household spending, exports of goods and services, and investments in public and private construction. Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) growth averaged at 4.6% in the first three quarters of 2008, lower than the 5.7% growth during the same period in 2007. Government Consumption Expenditure (GCE) decreased by more than half, averaging at 4.0% in the first nine months of the year from 9.4% during the same period in 2007. However, GCE on the third quarter of 2008 increased by 6.1 percentage points year-on-year from 6.4% growth in the 3rd Quarter of 2007 to 12.5% in the same quarter this year. This was due to the increase in spending on public construction. Public and private construction grew even as investments in Fixed Capital Formation slowed down to 4.8 percent for the third quarter of 2008, from 7.6 percent in the same period of 2007. • On the supply side, the GDP was backed by growth in Services sector averaging 4.8% growth, and Industry sector, averaging 4.9% growth in the first 3 quarters of 2008. For the first time, Industry, which contributed 1.9% to economic growth in the third quarter, outperformed services, the linchpin of economic growth in the past, which contributed 2.3% to economic growth. Industry was driven by strong performances in Manufacturing, Construction, and Electricity, Gas, and Water. However, both the Industry and Services sectors slowed down due to rising production costs. Investments in Durable Equipment posted growth, albeit a meager 0.01% from 2.33% in the previous year indicating some guardedness. Gross National Product (GNP) growth for the first nine months of 2008 averaged at 5.9%, decelerating from 8.7% during the same period last 1 • • year. The sustained growth was due to the Net Factor Income Abroad driven mainly by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) remittances. PRICES AND INTEREST RATES • The volatility of world food and oil prices put upward pressure on inflation in 2008. Inflation averaged 9.4% from Jan-Nov 2008, higher than the 2.7% inflation rate during the same period last year. Inflation peaked in August 2008 at 12.4%, the highest level since December 1991. The Monetary Board has increased key policy interest rates for the year by a cumulative 75 basis points (Reverse Repurchase Rate or RRP Rate) maintaining it at 6% from 5.25% at the beginning of the year. The rate of RRP facility, which is used to siphon liquidity from the banking system, was increased to control the continued rise in oil and commodity prices. • FOREIGN EXCHANGE • The Peso-Dollar exchange rate averaged at PhP44.18/US$ from JanuaryNovember 2008, its value still 5.4% higher compared to the PhP46.57/US$ average exchange rate during the same period in 2007. The Peso depreciated by as much as 24% from its highest daily close of PhP40.36/US$ in 29 February 2008 to its year-to-date daily low of PhP49.98/US$ in 24 November 2008 as concerns were heightened by the worsening global financial turmoil, with investors taking refuge in a more stable US dollar. STOCK MARKET • As the global financial crisis and fears of recession gripped the markets, the Philippine Stock Composite Index (Phisix) reached a four (4) year low of 1704.41 points in October 2008, a 53% decrease from the 3,617.29 points in January 2008. As the global financial turmoil scared investors and triggered sell-offs, the Phisix averaged at 2685.34 points from January to November 2008, 21% lower than the 3413.03 points reached in the same period last year. All Sectors experienced a downward spiral through the year losing almost half of their values. The hardest hit were the sectors of Property, Mining, and Holding Firms. BALANCE OF PAYMENTS • The Balance of Payments (BOP) in the first half of 2008 yielded a surplus of US$1.9 billion, lower than the US$3.2 billion surplus during the same period last year. The external environment for the first six (6) months of 2008 was characterized by high oil and food prices in the world 2 commodities market, as reflected in a higher import bill for the country, resulting in increased trade-in-goods deficit and a lower current account surplus. In the capital market, risk aversion prevailed among investors in view of the lingering global financial market uncertainties that manifested in net outflows in portfolio investment. • The current account yielded a surplus of US$1.7 billion in the first six months of 2008, lower by 52% from the previous year’s surplus of US$3.6 billion. The current account position reflected the higher deficit in trade-in-goods, led by increased purchases of consumer goods and mineral fuels and lubricants. This was, however, mitigated by strong inflows of remittances from non-resident overseas Filipinos. From January to October 2008, OFW remittances reached $13.7 billion, exceeding last year’s remittance during the same period by 15.5%. Monthly remittances have remained above the one billion dollar-level for the past 30 months. On the other hand, the capital and financial account in the first six months of 2008 posted a surplus of US$1.2 billion from US$144 Million during the same period in 2007. Behind the strong net inflow in the capital and financial account was the reversal of both direct and other investment accounts to a net inflow. • TRADE • Total external trade in goods for January to September 2008 reached US$84.152 billion, a 8.4% increment from US$77.638 billion during the 9-month period in 2007. This is due to the 12.4% growth of the total imports during the 9-month period of 2008 to US$45.286 billion from US$40.278 billion in the same period of 2007. Top imports during the period were Electronic Products, Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials, Office and Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Machines. On the other hand, total exports posted a growth of 4.0% for January to September 2008 to aggregate dollar revenue of US$38.867 billion from US$37.359 billion in the same period last year. Balance of trade in goods (BOT-G) during the 9-month period in 2008 registered a deficit of US$6.419 billion from US$2.919 billion deficit in the same period last year. Top exports for the period were Electronic Products and Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories. • GROSS INTERNATIONAL RESERVES • As of end-November 2008, Gross International Reserves (GIR) rose at US$36.16 billion from US$32.7 billion in the same period last year. The 3 present GIR covers 5.67 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income. This is also equivalent to 3.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 2.5 times based on residual maturity. • The increase in the level of GIR was driven by the BSP’s investments abroad as well as the National Government’s deposit of loan proceeds from the Asian Development Bank, among others. FISCAL STRENGTH • From January to November 2008, the government posted a deficit of PhP66.7 billion from a surplus of PhP12.6 billion incurred during the same period last year. The deficit was due to the increase in infrastructure and social services spending. Revenues grew by 3.6% this year, from PhP1.0443 trillion in JanuaryNovember in 2007 to PhP1.0816 trillion in the same period this year. This was due to the improvements in the collections of BIR which contributed PhP721.6 billion, a 11.4% improvement from JanuaryNovember collection last year, and BOC which collected PhP241.5 billion, a 25.7% growth from last year’s collection. Expenditures also grew by 11.3% in January-November 2008 to P1.1483 trillion from PhP1.0317 trillion in the same period last year. The continued growth of expenditures was attributed to accelerated spending for the most vulnerable sectors affected by higher oil and food prices and capital expenditures to ensure steady economic growth. Spending for infrastructure and other capital outlays were at PhP140.4 billion, PhP19.7 billion or 16.3% higher compared to the spending in the same period in 2007 which was at PhP120.7 billion. Spending for infrastructure accelerated with the timely settlement of due and demandable claims for recently completed projects. As of September 2008, the national government outstanding debt increased by 7% from PhP3.8 trillion end-September 2007 to PhP4.1 trillion in the same period this year. This was due to the continued depreciation of the peso (foreign debt) and the net issuances of government securities (domestic debt). The contingent debt, composed of national government guarantees, declined by 0.1% from PhP513.5 billion end September last year to PhP512.8 billion end September 2008 due to the net repayments and prepayment of NPC loans. • • • 4 FUTURE DIRECTIONS • Even against the backdrop of a global recession, the government continues to be optimistic, with inflation easing as reflected in lower oil prices, lower food prices and lower construction materials costs. Future directions include an Economic Resiliency Plan worth about P30 Billion investment in infrastructure, improvements in revenue collection, increase in the government’s absorptive capacity, identification of investments and jobs that are at risk and putting in place the necessary contingency measures, expansion of social safety nets for the most vulnerable members of society, and working for lasting political peace. The 2009 budget was drafted consistent with these directions: PhP5.0 billion to Pantawid Pamilya Program to provide cash grants to 321,000 poorest households; provision of PhP39.7 billion to FIELDS – fertilizers, irrigation and other infrastructure facilities, extension and education, loans for inputs, dryers and other post harvest facilities, and seed subsidy on quality genetic materials; allocation of P500 Million for market-oriented programs, to include setting up and maintenance of Barangay Food Terminals and Bagsakan Centers; provision of PhP7.2 billion budget for scholarship and increased budget for the education sector (from PhP186.6 B in 2008 to PhP204.9 B in 2009); and some PhP147.5 billion budget for infrastructure, which is 20.7% higher than this year’s PhP122.2 billion and represents a larger 1.7% of GDP compared to this year’s 1.6%. It is imperative that the government pay utmost attention to the objective of creating and saving as many jobs as possible. This will help minimize the adverse impact of the crisis to the most vulnerable sectors of the economy. Strategies should include full and rapid spending of the 2009 budget, encouragement of firms and households to take advantage of recent tax measures for business expansion and entrepreneurial activities, and intensification of support to small and medium enterprises. • • MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMEs) • MSME Financing. As of September 2008, total microfinance loans and SME credit released since 2004 breached the P200 billion mark at P284.54 billion benefiting 5.4 Million active microfinance clients and SME accounts. This generated 3.1 Million new jobs, already surpassing by 1.93% the targeted three (3) Million entrepreneurs/new jobs until 2010. By key program, following are the figures: 5 Microfinance Program. Some P140.53 billion was released to 5.26 Million microfinance clients, generating 2.42 Million new jobs. SULONG Program. A total P144.01 billion was released to 118,765 SME accounts supporting some 2.14 Million jobs, 30% of which or 642,100 are assumed as new jobs. • OTOP. From January to September 2008, the One Town, One Product Program (OTOP) has assisted 8,429 MSMEs, already exceeding the number of MSMEs assisted last year by 24%. This has generated P2.1 billion in investments, $57.36 Million in export sales, P2.3 billion in domestic sales and 55,307 jobs. SET-UP. The Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) for the first three quarters has provided 1,014 technology interventions to 873 existing firms, already exceeding its target number of firms to be assisted for the year by 12%. Through the program, it has established 229 new firms. The program also helped in generating for these firms P477.2 Million in sales and improving the firms’ productivity by an average of 638.7%. The program also provided 28,998 testing/calibration services to 3,976 firms, 542 packaging and labeling designs for 483 firms and 685 technology trainings to 2,110 firms. Marketing Services. From January to September 2008, various SMEs participated in 405 local and 24 international trade fairs, earning P372.93 Million and $528.6 Million in sales, respectively. Signing of the Magna Carta. On 31 May 2008, the President signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs which provides more coordinated government services and other benefits for MSMEs. RA 9501 makes credit more accessible to entrepreneurs by increasing from 8% to 10% the mandatory allocation for MSMEs of a lending institution’s loan portfolio, and imposing more administrative sanctions and penalties for non-compliance with this mandatory credit allocation. The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta was signed by DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila on 20 August 2008 as DTI Department Administrative Order No. 09, Series of 2008. Signing of the Credit Information System Act. RA 9510 or the Credit Information System Act was signed by the President on 31 October 2008. The said law provides for a comprehensive credit information system for the collection and dissemination of fair and accurate information on credit and credit-related activities of all entities participating in the financial system. This will address the need for reliable information on the credit standing and track record of borrowers which will facilitate 6 • • • • decisions of financial institutions, thereby improving access to credit of borrowers. This will lower the interest rates and the cost of financing because credit risk will be lower. • Lowering of interest rates. As part of the Administration’s anti-poverty thrust, government agencies and financial institutions are studying and finding other ways to lower interest rates of microfinance loans so that more can avail of these loans. GFIs/GOCCs have lowered their interest rates for microfinance early this year from 9.5-14% per annum to 8.512% per annum and have reduced fees and charges collected from conduits. Future Directions. To strengthen and stimulate the growth of micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance their contribution in redistributing assets and addressing poverty, the following directions should be prioritized: Business and Investment Enabling Environment. With the global economic downturn, the Administration is focusing on strengthening our domestic economy and encouraging investments in the local industries. The government shall continue to improve the country’s competitiveness by streamlining the business registration requirements both at the national and local government levels, and strengthening advocacy work to generate stakeholders support. The government shall also continue to seek policy reforms such as the improvement of the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE) Act. Access to Finance. To increase the amount of funds available for MSMEs, the government shall intensify the Microfinance Program and the SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) Program, whose target loanable fund is P33.54 billion for 2009. Actions to lower the financing and borrowing costs of government financial institutions (GFIs) shall also be taken so that interest rates for credit shall be competitive. Access to Markets. To help MSMEs sell their products locally and abroad, the government shall strengthen the One Town One Product (OTOP) Program which will help generate domestic and export sales, promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Productivity and Efficiency. To improve the level of productivity of MSMEs, the government shall continue to provide assistance through business counseling services, entrepreneurship and technical skills training, and productivity enhancement seminars. • 7 Others. To promote the entrepreneurial spirit and extend outreach to the unserved areas, implementation of community-based and family focused programs such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development - National Livelihood Support Fund (DSWD-NLSF) microfinance program, shall be continued/undertaken. The design and implementation of other MSME projects that address urgent issues such as the global crisis, high price of food, hunger and malnutrition shall also be developed and replicated. The enactment in 2008 of the Amended Magna Carta for MSMEs as well as the Credit Information Act shall give impetus to the government’s efforts of accelerating the promotion, growth and development of globally competitive MSMEs. PEACE AND ORDER AND NATIONAL SECURITY PEACE PROCESS • The government refocused all peace talks from one centered on dialogues with rebels to one with authentic dialogues with the communities. The President directed the implementation of a policy of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) which aims to contribute in the achievement of security and stability in post conflict environments to facilitate recovery and development. DDR, which shall now be the paradigm to guide the peace efforts of government with various rebel groups, entails the physical removal of means of combat, such as weapons and arms from ex-belligerents, the disbanding of armed groups and the reintegration of former combatants into civil society. The OPAPP has consulted a number of experts and various peace process stakeholders on effective approaches in carrying out the policy. The OPAPP through the negotiating peace panels of government, also sustained lines of peaceful engagement with the rebel groups. In particular, the following were undertaken: Continued conduct of discreet informal talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF Reconstitution of the GRP panel negotiating with the MILF People’s participation in the peace process was enhanced through the conduct of civil society-led dialogues with the communities. • GRP-MILF. Despite the dissolution of the GRP negotiating panel with the MILF, the implementation of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities alongside its rehabilitation and development components shall continue to be pursued in MILF areas and other affected areas in Mindanao. The 8 ceasefire agreement remained in force between the government and 14 of the 17 MILF commands. The President recently appointed Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis as the chairman of the government peace panel that will negotiate with the MILF. The other members of the new panel shall be named soon, after final consultations, according to Presidential Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. • GRP-MNLF. To facilitate the peace process between the GRP and the MNLF, an on-going review of Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM Organic Act is being undertaken to further enhance its implementation. The final peace agreement is also being implemented, which include support programs such as the ARMM Social Fund and the Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace in Mindanao, among others. GRP-CPP-NPA-NDF. Peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF resumed until 2004. The government remains open to negotiate with CPP-NPANDF, despite the negotiations’ suspension and continues to fulfill its obligations under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). There are also plans to resume the stalled peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), should a ceasefire be agreed upon by the two groups. AND REHABILITATION OF CONFLICT- • REINTEGRATION PROGRAM AFFECTED AREAS • AFP Support. The AFP National Development Support Command was established as the forefront of the armed forces’ efforts in support to the country’s national development, such as efforts on infrastructure development, livelihood generation, inter-agency services, environmental protection, disaster relief and rehabilitation, search and rescue operations, evacuation of refugees and reconstruction projects. The AFP also had major involvement in the following developmental efforts: (1) Basilan Circumferential Road; (2) Coastal Road Project to link Sibuco-Sirawai-Siocon-Baliguian Municipalities in Zamboanga Del Norte; (3) School Building Projects in Basilan and Sulu; (4) Road and Housing Projects in Central Mindanao; (5) Lapinig-Jipapad Road Project in Northern and Eastern Samar; (6) NORTHRAIL Project; and, (7) PAARAL/Distance Learning Organic Farming. • Rehabilitation Programs, among others: 9 Kalayaan Barangays Program. To date, more than 80% of the 501 infrastructure projects under the program have been completed. PhP1 Billion was allocated for the KBP Projects for CY 2008, to support the projects for 200 sites. This program targets 600 communities affected by the communist insurgency, including 100 barangays identified by the CPLA and the RPMP-RPA-ABB Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP). The implementation of the sub-projects for six (6) pilot communities under Batch 1 of the Community Driven Development (CDD) Project was completed. Out of the 41 small-scale livelihood and community-based infrastructure projects under this program, 34 have been completed in selected conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. Japan-Bangsamoro initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (JBIRD). Among others, a total of 12 grassroots projects have been implemented. These projects, worth PhP31.2 Million, which include construction of classrooms, water systems, training centers and provision of post-harvest facilities and equipments, are part of the Japanese government’s commitments for the Mindanao Peace Process. Days of Peace. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in cooperation with OPAPP, GRP-MILF Panel and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), launched the “Days of Peace” campaign on 16 April 2007. The campaign is primarily aimed at bringing together parties in conflict to work together in the delivery of basic and humanitarian services, especially for women and children in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. The first phase of the project involved the provision of essential health services, such as immunization, micronutrient supplementation, de-worming, and breastfeeding counseling. Per PA Esperon, more than 300,000 children and 60,000 mothers in 70 MILF and ARMM areas have already been benefited since the project was launched. The second phase shall expand the project coverage to Luzon and Visayas and will involve birth registration and distribution of basic school supplies for pupils through the Early Childhood Care and Development Program. ARMM Social Fund Project. Under the program, 1,121 communitybased infrastructure and 12 strategic regional infrastructure were completed, 1,991 pre-school children graduated; 1,440 community members finished functional literacy activities; 28 community 10 learning centers were constructed; and 22 private Madaris curricula were accredited by the DepEd • Reintegration Programs. With regard to programs pursuant to agreements with CPP-NPA-NDF, the government is pursuing other paths of peaceful engagement to bring to a close the mainstream communist insurgency. These include: Amnesty proclamation –Proclamation No. 1377, signed in September 4, 2007, granted amnesty to members of CPP-NPA-NDF and of other communist rebel groups. The said proclamation is now pending concurrence of Congress. The National Committee on Social Integration under OPAPP shall coordinate and monitor the implementation of this Proclamation. Reintegration of former rebels - Under the existing National Reintegration Program, the government has provided emergency and livelihood assistance to over 40,000 rebels. Administrative Order No. 172 was issued on 23 March 2007 which launches the government’s enhanced reintegration program for former rebels, otherwise known as the Social Integration Program (SIP). This flagship initiative has three components, namely: arms and force management, socioeconomic intervention and healing and reconciliation. The granting of amnesty to rebels is considered an integral part of the social integration process. The EO created the National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) under the OPAPP. Local Social Integration Committee (LSIC) consisting of local agencies and peace partners were created in the following provinces and cities: Negros Occidental, Occidental Mindoro, Aurora, Quezon, Tacloban City, Butuan City, and Davao City, among others. In areas where the LSIC or any local mechanism for the implementation of the SIP has already been established, the former rebels were awarded immediate assistance of Twenty Thousand Pesos (PhP20,000) each in cash and a capital assistance of Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP50,000) in goods. Aggregate number of rebels enrolled under the SIP is 219. Of these, 116 had been awarded capital assistance for livelihood. AFP MODERNIZATION • The government continues to modernize our armed forces and police, providing them with new and modern equipment and facilities. A total of PhP10B has been released to the AFP to fund the projects under Phase 1 of the AFP Capability Upgrade Program (CUP) Reprioritized List. Other notable developments include the release of P5B fund for the acquisition 11 of brand new helicopters for the Philippine Air Force, specifically the Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) and Night Attack Helicopter. Another P5B have been allocated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to fund other modernization projects. • To further enhance AFP personnel welfare and capability, we have released PhP1B to support the AFP’s off-base housing project. With this, 86 units of various types of housing facilities were programmed. MAINTAINING AN ACTIVE PEACE CONSITUENCY Local Peace and Security Assemblies. In line with the DDR policy, the President ordered the continued conduct of LPSAs in identified regions to facilitate genuine dialogues with conflict-affected communities. LPSAs provide a venue wherein local constituents from government, private and civil society meet and discuss peace and security issues, which are presented to the President in the form of resolutions. To date, twelve (12) LPSAs have been successfully held in Regions II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, CAR, CARAGA, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA. These resulted in the growing clamor for localized peace dialogues/efforts through the increased involvement of local chief executives of the different regions. • Other Programs. An active peace constituency was maintained by pursuing the following programs and activities: Institutionalization of peace education in basic and tertiary education; Promotion of interfaith dialogue and cooperation; Peace institutions development through capacity-building on conflictsensitive and peace-promoting planning and programming, as well as peace and conflict impact assessment; Celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month; and The production and airing of the “Kapayapaan Atin ‘To” TV program. HUMAN RIGHTS AND EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS • The government, throught the OPAPP, has pursued the promotion of respect for human rights and International Humanitarian Law principles, particularly through: information, education and communication campaign on the CARHRIHL; promotion and monitoring of implementation of international instruments and national laws and policies to protect children in situations of armed conflict. 12 • Around 366 police personnel have also been monitored for alleged involvement in human rights violations, with 229 police personnel charged, 149 of whom are charged with administrative cases. At present, Task Force USIG is handling a total of 145 cases composed of 115 cases of slain militant party list members and 30 cases of slain media practitioners. Of this total, 89 cases were filed, 2 cases are under investigation, 53 are considered cold cases and 1 was dropped and closed: There are 115 valid cases of slain militant party list members/leftist activists since 2001. Out of the 115 cases, 64 were filed, 2 are under investigation, 48 are considered cold cases, and one case was dropped and closed. Of the 64 cases filed, 13 cases involved military/ paramilitary elements as suspects, while 28 cases involved members of the CPP/NPA. Out of the 64 cases filed, 42 were filed in court wherein 1 was settled amicably, 15 are on trial, 16 was archived, 9 were dismissed and 1 were resolved resulted in the conviction of one suspect; and 22 are pending at the prosecutor’s office, wherein 6 was undergoing preliminary investigation and 16 were provisionally dismissed. Since 2001, a total of 30 media practitioners were slain due to workrelated circumstances, of which 25 cases were filed and 5 are considered cold cases. On the 25 cases were filed 22 are already filed in court, wherein 17 are on trial, 2 were resolved with the suspects conviction and 3 were dismissed. While 3 cases under preliminary investigation pending at prosecutor’s office. • PEACE AND ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY • The average monthly crime rate (AMCR) for January – September 2008 was recorded at 6.47, which is 1.37% lower than the same period of last year’s AMCR of 6.56. Street crime incidents which include robbery, theft, swindling/estafa and physical injury decreased by 8%, or 3,855 cases from January to September 2008 as compared to last year’s 4,184. Of the 4,184 street crime cases reported, 3,220 street crimes were solved or a street crime solution efficiency rate of 83.53%. Carnapping incidents went down by 45%, from 670 vehicles stolen last year to 370 from January to September this year. Of the 370 vehicles stolen, 261 were recovered, registering a solution efficiency rate of 71%. 13 • • One (1) carnapping syndicate was neutralized, 51 suspects were arrested and 78 cases were filed in court. • Bank robbery incidents plummeted by 29% or 12 bank robbery cases from January-September 2008 as compared to last year’s 17. Of these 12 bank robbery cases, 3 were solved or a bank robbery solution efficiency rate of 9%. Anti-illegal gambling operations increased by 69%, from 16,827 last year to 28,464 operations conducted during the period JanuarySeptember, 2008. A total of 6,354 persons and 1 financier were arrested wherein cash bets amounting to P5,608 Million was confiscated and resulted to the filing of 2,567 cases in court. The 3,775 buy-bust operations, 3,077 house raids/searches and 224 marijuana plantation raids conducted during the period JanuarySeptember 2008 resulted in the arrest of 10,285 pushers and users, confiscation of drugs with an estimated DDB value of P6.191Billion and the filing of 8,044 cases in court. Operations conducted against syndicated crime groups/criminal gangs during the period January-September 2008 led to the neutralization of 346 syndicated crime groups, which is 3% higher than those arrested last year while 821 persons were also arrested leading to the recovery of 94 assorted firearms and the filing of 370 cases in court. • • • DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE Relief and Rescue Operations. AFP Disaster Response Task Force was able to conduct 97 Search and Rescue Operations 50 Relief Operations 29 Rehabilitation and Clearing Operations 118 Transport Operations and 25 Aerial Reconnaissance Several ground, air, and naval assets as well as 4,184 AFP personnel were utilized for the above mentioned operations, in which, • • a total of 63,463 persons were evacuated, rescued and transported; and a total of 230 tons of assorted relief goods were transported to disaster areas. 14 Geohazard Assessment and Mapping • Completed the geohazard assessment and mapping of 220 municipalities to pinpoint areas prone to landslides and flooding and forewarn the communities. Completed the geohazard mapping of Compostela Valley, site of massive landslides that occurred last September, and conducted information dissemination in the province. Conducted combined AFP-US Navy Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operations in Panay Island and nearby islands and bodies of water, in view of the damages wrought by Typhoon “Frank” in these areas. To ease the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the conflict areas of Mindanao, the AFP conducted relief efforts through Task Force Humanitarian Assistance to the Conflict-Affected areas. The relief assistance provided were food assistance (rice and food packs), temporary shelter, and health services. • • • FUTURE DIRECTIONS • The government shall work for the following: Resumption of peace negotiations with the rebel groups in the context of new peace paradigm or the DDR Implementation of an enhanced peace roadmap as directed by the President, based on the results of the community-based and review of the various peace efforts with rebel groups Full implementation of the Social Integration Program for former rebels, including the implementation of the proposed Amnesty program Continued rehabilitation and development of conflict-affected areas Continued peace institutions development and strengthening of the peace constituency. TOURISM • Tourist arrivals. Despite the global slowdown, tourist arrivals from January to October 2008 reached an all time high of 2.6 Million, 4% higher than the 1.87 Million tourists in the same period last year. This was due to the increases in tourist arrivals from new source markets such as Russia, India, and China. The influx of tourists from these new 15 markets augmented the slowdown of growth rates from traditional source markets such as Japan and Korea. The emergence of new tourist markets also provided opportunity to augment air linkages and tourism investments. For instance, China Eastern Airline now flies directly between the cities of Shanghai and Cebu two times a week. Chartered flights between Russia and Boracay continued to increase while awaiting the conclusion of air services agreement between Russia and the Philippines by the end of the year. Two Chinese resort investments in Palawan with the total amount of P994 Million have also been endorsed for incentives. • GREET. Through the GREET program, P12.8 Million went to 52 community-based tourism projects benefitting 3,794 individuals in six regions, namely: Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Visayas and CARAGA. The funds were used for training, acquisition of equipment, marketing and product development. Investments in Tourism. To stimulate more investment, a total of 23 tourism projects worth P15.9 Billion were endorsed by the government. These include new hotels and tourist facilities, tourism enterprise zones, transportation as well as the modernization of existing accommodation. These projects were given primarily to NCR, Palawan, Cebu and Boracay. Domestic Tourism Programs. To mitigate the impact of global financial crisis to the tourism sector as a result of the slowdown in tourism movement in 2009, the Intramuros History Town Philippines was launched to spur and encourage greater domestic travel among Filipinos and foreigners residing in the different regions. The project showcases the various natural and cultural attractions, products, facilities and services in the different regions while providing employment and livelihood through sale of goods and services to visitors. Recognitions Earned. As the government intensified its efforts to market Philippine tourism in 2008, it paved the way to receive the following recognition: a) a Silver Cyber Boomerang Award for Internet and Mobile Marketing; b) 2009 Reader’s Choice by the Scuba Diving Magazine; and c) 8 major awards for best dive area, facility and services at the Marine Dive Show in Tokyo, Japan. It continued to receive accolade in various tourism and travel fairs in Korea and China. Future directions. The government has expressed its confidence in tourism’s proven strong resilience in the face of global problems. Thus, it shall continue to strengthen its marketing efforts to mine specific markets, particularly its neighboring Asian counterparts as it is expected that another 600 to 700 Million people shall travel from and within Asia 16 • • • • over the next five years. Programs to spur greater domestic travel such as the Intramuros History Town Philippines shall be continued. Strengthening of community-based tourism initiatives, such as the GREET program shall also transform lives as well as address other issues such as climate change and poverty alleviation. In addition, there are efforts in exploring possibilities and linking partnerships with organizations committed to help promote community products, one of which is the pro-community trade and tourism program with the International Trade Center (ITC) to benefit marginalized communities in various regions in the county. FOREIGN AFFAIRS • Forging Partnerships with other Nations. The President further deepened the Philippine’s constructive engagement with the international community through her State, Official and Working Visits to the United States, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, Peru and Colombia. The visits resulted in the signing of major agreements on, among others, economic and security cooperation, trade and investments, capacity building, official development and culture. Promotion of Peace Process. The Philippines gained the assistance of Norway in the Oslo Process which provides the framework for the possible resumption of peace talks between the GRP and the NDF-CPPNPA. The Philippines also gained the possible assistance of UK in providing best practices from the Northern Ireland peace agreement for the Mindanao Peace Process. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and Opening of New Foreign Service Posts. Diplomatic relations with Guyana, a country with no previous relations with the Philippines, was established in 2008. Also, new Foreign Service Posts were opened in Macau, Frankfurt and Damascus (Syria) to improve and strengthen relations with RP. U.S. Assistance to the Philippines. The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee proposed a total of US$114.7 Million in foreign assistance for the Philippines for FY2009 covering military financing, development assistance and economic support funds, among others. Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). Following the Senate’s ratification of the agreement on October 2008, the Philippines and Japan signed and exchanged notes on 11 November 2008 for the institutionalization of an effective legal framework for the liberalization of trade in goods and services, and the smooth movement 17 • • • • of people, capital and information. JPEPA entered into force on 11 December 2008. • U.S. Veterans Benefits. Historic Passage in the U.S. Senate of the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 on 24 April 2008, which recognized the military service of Filipino World War II veterans and proposed to provide monthly pensions to veterans residing in the Philippines. Assistance to Filipino Nationals Abroad. The government spares no effort in ensuring that Filipinos – especially the distressed – are provided timely and full assistance. 960 stranded Filipinos in Bangkok, Thailand due to civil unrest. Representations with the Thai Government for the safety and security of stranded Filipinos and coordination with concerned government and private sectors for the stranded Filipino’s immediate to travel to the Philippines were completed. Filseamen held hostage in Somalia. Aside from coordinating the safe release and return to the Philippines of the abducted Filseamen, the government also coordinated with international organizations in finding ways to prevent hostage taking incidents in Somalia. Death Penalty Cases. As of 30 October 2008, the government is handling 34 active death penalty cases and 10 potential death penalty cases, providing legal assistance and working to secure the commutation of their sentences. Since 2006, 25 death penalty cases were commuted through the efforts of the President, the VicePresident and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs by conducting high-level negotiations with the host governments through facilitating negotiations for blood money settlement, among others. • Future Directions. Considering the world economic downturn, the Philippines shall work hard to further strengthen its ties with other countries to promote mutual interests in the areas of economic development, trade, peace and security, as well as social and cultural concerns. It shall also intensify its services and activities to protect the rights and interests of Filipinos abroad, particularly those who will be affected by the global crisis. • GOVERNANCE These difficult times all the more call for effective governance that supports and encourages private and citizen social and economic initiatives. The Administration has actively pursued better governance through various efforts 18 to enhance government services as it launched programs and introduced improvements to its services to be more responsive to the needs of the people. Improving Effectivity and Efficiency for a Responsive Bureaucracy Noting the need for continuous reform in the services to meet the everchanging needs of the people, the government initiated certain modifications in the services through system simplification and organizational restructuring as follows: • Systems Simplification. Frontline services of the government have undergone changes to make services client-friendly as follows: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The BIR initiative an on-line application for electronic Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) for TCC/Refund (e-TCC) to enhance efficiency in processing Tax Credit/Refunds (TCR). This on-line mechanism has capabilities to track/inquire the status of one’s application. The testing phase of this project shall be implemented in July 2009, while the target nationwide implementation is slated in Dec. 2009. Another program of BIR is the Zero Backlog program that aims to reduce, and strictly monitor TCR claims processed in Regional District Offices, and Regional Offices. Bureau of Customs (BOC). The BOC implemented the following programs to support the country’s export industry and encourage more exports and thus, gain more revenues: • National Single Electronic Window (NSEW) Project. Through the NSEW Project, single submission, single synchronous processing and single decision-making of cargoes for import and export were established. This resulted to the reduction of the processing time of import and/or export documents from 4 days to 30 minutes. Likewise, the complete processing of Export Declarations can also be done in less than 1 minute using the Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS). Moreover, processing fees from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA), as well as document signatures from BOC were eliminated. X-Ray Inspection Project. A speedy and efficient customs services have been rendered through the continuous deployment of x-ray machines in different ports nationwide, which translates to the release of 12,622 entries without actual physical inspection as of 19 • November 2007. Moreover, different illegal goods were seized, which include, among others: 8 drums of chemicals including Toluene, a precursor in making methamphetamine; 6 undeclared cars and 3 motorcycles; and, container load of assorted models of airsoft rifles. Through the effective implementation of this project, additional revenue of P4.75 Million was generated from x-ray inspection. • Enhanced Bonded Marketing Warehouse Licensing. The 14-day processing time for accreditation and licensing of members of the Customs Bonded Marketing has been slashed by 50%. Computerization of Accreditation of Stakeholders. Computerization of accreditation of all stakeholders (importers/ exporters, banks, warehouses, etc.) in the export industry through the BOC Modernization Program that includes the accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention for the simplification and harmonization of trade facilitation. Electronic to Mobile Customs. The E2M program that aims to improve export/import facilitation by reducing the transaction cost and time of customs facilitation. • • Board of Investments. The Board of Investment (BOI) reduced the processing time of the following: (a) Cement Export Clearance (CeEC) from 5 days to 4 days or 20% reduction in processing time, with savings of P1,500 for every transaction; (b) Copper (CoEC) Export Clearance from 10 days to 9 days or 10% reduction, with savings of P1,500 for every transaction; (c) Certificate of Qualification to Import Tax and Duty Free Spare Parts and Supplies from 10 days to 4 days or 60% reduction; (d) Certification for Not Locally Available from 5 days to 2 days or 60% reduction; and, (e) Certificate of Accreditation from 5 days to 1 day or 80% reduction. The processing of import license/authorization of sub-contractors was also eliminated, which translates to 24 hours or 67% reduction in processing time. Bureau of Immigration (BI). From being an agency that is perceived as a flagship of corruption, the BID was adjudged by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission as the fifth in the top five (5) of the 10 AntiCorruption Champions for the third quarter of 2008. This was based on the actual and documented compliance of the BI with the anticorruption measures embodied in its Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP). 20 The BI is also currently implementing the issuance of working visas through the Visa Issuance Made Simple (VIMS) program which reduced processing time 80% (15-30 days reduction) and documentary requirements by up to 40%. Through the Bureau’s Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) Program, foreign investors are granted opportunities to reside for an indefinite period in order expand their investments in the country. They are also exempted from securing Special Return Certificate, Immigration Clearance Certificate and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR). The Visa Upon Arrival Scheme is also implemented to accommodate the entry of Chinese and Indian Business Persons. Bureau of Fire Protection. BFP instituted the Anti-Red Tape Program to Promote Reduction of Undue Delay (PROUD) in the issuance of BFD certificates adopting procedure/process simplification. Moreover, programs such as operation “Kaibigan” action officer/desk, BFP management internal control and feedback system, among others, were also institutionalize to strengthen anti-red tape initiatives. Bureau of Food and Drugs. BFAD is expecting to cut down processing time by 50% through computerization by September 2008. Full implementation of the computerization program shall be on December 2008. The agency also slashed the processing time for license to operate and Food Export/Commodity Clearance from 3 days to 1 day. It also put up giant billboards showing the steps for getting licenses. The Bureaus also cut down the processing time for Certificate of Product Registration from 200 days to 90-120 days. Department of the Interior and Local Government. The DILG is currently implementing its Standard Business Registration Procedure (SBRP) activities. This program aims to streamline and standardize business registration procedures in the Local Government Units. Department of Trade and Industry. DTI took the following initiatives to improve business operations in the country. • Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS). Through PBRS, the country’s competitiveness in terms of doing business has increased. In the study conducted by the World Bank, the country’s ranking accelerated from 45th in 2007 to 40th this year out of 55 global economies. 1 1 PBRS was implemented to enable investors to process their applications for business registration, business permits, and licenses via online with links to the systems of concerned government agencies such as BIR, SEC, CDA, SSS, Pag-ibig, PhilHealth and local government units (LGUs). To date, there are 13 government agencies 21 • Enhanced Business Name Registration System (BNRS). Through the implementation of BNRS, a nationwide registration of business names was made online, and the reporting of business environment was made faster and more convenient. As result, the business name (BN) registration transaction cost and time have decreased by P160 and 14 days, respectively. BNRS is also connected to the PBRS. Improved National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC). Through NERBACs, more businesses have been set-up. In 2007, NERBAC posted a total of 6,442 business registrations in Davao City compared to the 6,348 recorded in 2006. Likewise, NERBACs in regions 7 and 11 have facilitated investments amounting to P4.950 Billion and P3.272 Billion, respectively, which resulted in the employment of 15,782 in Region 7 and 21,960 in Region 11. New NERBACs in regions VI-A, V, IX and CARAGA will be launched this year. • Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DENR shortened the processing time for permits such as Mining application from 20 months to 7 months; Environmental Compliance Certificate from 30-360 days to 15-120 days; Exploration Permit (EP) from 10 months to 4 months; and, publication/posting/radio announcement of the Notice of Application and issuance of Certification by the concerned Panel of Arbitrators from 65 days now to 22 days. The agency also reduced its processing time of Exploration Permit Application to 15-30 days only. Mandatory requirements for EP were also reduced from 8 documents to 6 documents. Consequently, additional 23 mining processing and exploration projects have contributed to the US$1.4 Billion mining investments from 2004 to 2007. Laguna Lake Development Authority. LLDA cut down the documentary requirements for the issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate on projects under its jurisdiction from 11 to 6 documents. Other Anti-Red Tape Initiatives • The International Coffee Organization Certifying Agency (ICOCA) shortened the processing of coffee export clearance from 25 out of 28 who have committed through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to implement the PBRS. 22 • minutes to 5-10 minutes which translates to 60-80% reduction in processing time. Likewise, the processing time for accreditation of coffee exporters was reduced from 5 days to 2 days. The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) cut down its documentary requirements for the renewal of contractors’ licenses which resulted in a reduction of transaction cost by P2,500 and processing time by 78% (from 68 days to 15 days). Organizational Improvement Aside from enhancing government services, certain improvements on the organization were implemented as follows: • Rationalization Program. Implemented through Executive Order 366, the rationalization program seeks to address overlaps and redundancies in, and to maximize synergy and complementarity of, functions and resources within and across government agencies and offices. Of the 81 Rationalization Plans submitted to DBM, 38 plans have already been approved (3 departments and, department-level entities, 17 OEOs/other agencies, 10 GOCCs, and 8 attached agencies. And as of 15 December 2008, a total of 7,898 regular positions and 1,189 non-regular positions have been abolished. This generated a total savings for the government P767 Million. New Government Center Program. To promote regional developments and spread developments in the countryside, the Administration directed the transfer of the following Department offices: • DAR. The Department of Agrarian Reform Central Office is now operating in its mandated government center at the SPDA Building in Davao City. Before the end of this year, DAR will be expected to be fully operational. DA. The Department of Agriculture has launched on 12 June 2008 the opening of its Central Office in Ilagan, Isabela. DA’s full transfer to and regular operations in Isabela is expected to start in January 2009. DOT and DOTC. The Departments of Tourism and Transportation and Communication established satellite offices in Cebu City and Clark, respectively, to partially discharge their functions. Both departments are expected to start their regular operations in their mandated locations by January next year. • • • 23 The President also directed the establishment of the following Regional Government Centers: • Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) Regional Center. As of April 2008, there are 23 regional line agencies (RLAs) that have fully transferred out of the 70 RLAs that are mandated to move to Pagadian City. Another 15 RLAs have partially transferred, while three (3) RLAs have established satellite offices. Pagadian City is the new regional government center in Region IX as provided for under Executive Order (EO) 429 s. 1990. The Bridging Fund amounting P200 Million for the transfer of RLAs in Pagadian City was also approved. • CALABARZON (Region 4-A) Regional Center. A total of 16 RLAs have fully transferred to Calamba City. Further, the remaining RLAs have agreed to transfer in batches of eight (8) to provide ample time to the City Government to prepare the regional site. Calamba City is the new regional government center in Region IV-A pursuant to EO 246 s. 2003. Other Regional Centers. The President also designated Calapan City in MIMAROPA (Region 4-B) Region and Koronadal City in Central Mindanao (Region 12) as new regional government centers, pursuant to EO 682 s. 2007 and EO 429, respectively. Various RLAs in both regions have fully transferred to their mandated regional centers. The remaining RLAs, which have established satellite offices in said regional centers, are expected to fully transfer by June 2009. • • E-Governance for Government-Citizen Partnership The government also pushed for better technology to improve the services rendered to the general public. Thus, the e-Government Fund Program was launched to strengthen the implementation of e-Governance. In this regard, the following were implemented: Evaluation and endorsement of nine e-Government Fund projects Development of the e-Government Portal, that includes the e-Serbisyo Services Portal and eBayad Payment Gateway Strengthening evaluation and monitoring of e-Government Fund Projects Monitoring of 41 ICT projects funded under the e-Government Fund 24 In addition, the Use of ICT to Promote Efficiency and Transparency in Government was launched to harmonize the ICT initiatives of the government. The program also evaluated 31 Information Systems Strategic Plans (ISSP) of government agencies, of which 15 were endorsed to DBM. Furthermore, the monitoring of 324 NGAs, in which 90.7% or 294 NGAs having web presence is ongoing. • Civil Service Reform and Welfare Civil servants were also given due recognition by increasing their salary by 10% effective July 2008 and the availability of various scholarship programs for government employees. In addition, to ensure the transparency in government and eradicate the perception of corruption among civil servants, various anti-corruption initiatives were implemented such as the adoption of the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP) and the intensified pursuit against corruption through the focused measures on the prosecution cases under RATE, RATS and RIPS Program of the DOF. Salary Increase. To help address the gap in compensation between the public and private sectors as well as help retain competent workers in government and ensure an efficient and effective civil service, the Arroyo Administration authorized another compensation adjustment for government employees effective July 1 of this year. Executive Order No. 719 provides for a 10 percent increase in the monthly salary of government civilian workers, military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and uniformed personnel of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, GOCC personnel, and local government employees. Scholarships. The government offers scholarship programs for government employees to help improve the quality of civil servants in the country. • Local Scholarship Program – Masteral Degree Courses (LSP-MDC) Scholarship of the CSC. The LSP-MDC program of the CSC aims to drive excellence among government employees. It seeks to give educational opportunities to graduate employees to improve their proficiency through formal education. To date, the programs has already sent 1,978 government workers to graduate school. 25 For the academic year 2007-2008, 73 scholarships were granted by the CSC. For academic year 2008-2009, 40 scholarships have already been granted, and counting. In academic year 2007-2008, 58.9% were grantees from National Government Agencies (NGA), 28.8% from Government Owned or/and Controlled Corporations (GOCC), 4.11% for State Universities and Colleges (SUC), and 8.21 % were grantees from Local Government Unit (LGU). Meanwhile, in this academic year 2008-2009, 72.50% scholars came from NGAs, 15% from GOCCs, and 12.5% from LGUs. By region, most grantees came from NCR with 41.09% grantees in 2007 and 30% in 2008 and Region X with 15.07% in 2007. • Foreign Scholarship and Training Program of the TESDA. Since March 2007, TESDA Foreign Scholarship Training Program (FSTP) National Screening Committee evaluates the programs and nominations made. From March to December 2007, there were 266 programs, and 266 candidates endorsed were accepted and enjoyed the scholarships granted. For 2008, a total of 468 programs, and 360 scholars were accepted. There were 249 and 355 government employees in 2007 and 2008 respectively, which benefited from these Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs. The past two years saw that the most number of course offerings were opened for nomination by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), followed by the Singapore Cooperation Programme Awards (SCPA), the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) ranks third. These were followed by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOIKA), Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Technical Cooperation Scheme of Colombo Plan (TCSCP), and the Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCSCP) of Indonesia. There were also a number of applications processed for the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP). The NFP is quite unique because unlike other donor agencies, an individual is required to be accepted/admitted first by a Dutch university or institute before he becomes eligible to apply for a fellowship under the NFP. 26 The courses vary in scope, content, and duration among donor countries and organizations. These are generally categorized into Aviation; Environmental Science; Rural, Urban/Regional Development; Medical, Health, and Healthcare; Disaster Management, Rescue and Emergency Preparedness, Education and Teacher Training; Transportation and Communication, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Water Resources; Public Administration and Governance; Natural Resources and Energy; Communication and Information Technology and Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Promotion, among others. • Anti-Corruption Initiatives. Keeping in mind the promotion of zero tolerance for corruption, the government has relentlessly pursued its efforts against graft and corruption. o IDAP. On its fourth year now, the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) awarded the Top 10 Anti-Corruption Champions for the third Quarter of 2008 based on the compliance of government agencies with the anti-corruption measures embodied in the IDAP. The IDAP consists of 22 specific anti-corruption measures under four strategic areas of implementation –prevention (systems reforms to minimize opportunities for graft); deterrence or investigation and enforcement (making the crime a high-risk, low-reward activity); education (values formation and advocacy to promote integrity in public service and raise the morale of the participating public amid the discouraging results of perception surveys); and strategic partnership (eliciting active multisectoral support). The awardees for the Top 10 Anti-Corruption Champions for the third quarter of 2008 are DSWD, DOH, LTO, DPWH, Bureau of Immigration, Land Bank of the Philippines, National Housing Authority, DOST, and the MMDA. o RATE, RATS and RIPS Program. A total of 87 cases were filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program. In addition, there are 13 cases with Court of Tax Appeals under the Run After the Tax Evaders (RATS) Program. And seven (7) BIR and BOC suspensions under Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS). In 2008, the BIR won 3 cases amounting to P1.1Billion. 27 LOCAL GOVERNANCE The National Government continues to strengthen the local government sector through the following measures and activities: (1) capability building; (2) promoting good governance and best practices; (3) formulating guidelines to provide direction and guidance to LGUs; (4) assisting LGUs in their operations; and, (5) linking with specific LGUs and other government agencies to hasten priority programs and projects. Capability Building. Through the Local Government Academy (LGA), the government has continuously provided capacity building interventions to LGUs in various areas of local governance. Under the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Program-Enhancing Proficiency of Barangay Officials Towards Effective Governance and Administration, a total of 238,776 Barangay Officials from 38,776 barangays nationwide were oriented and trained on the state of their barangays, as well as their specific tasks and responsibilities and critical steps, during their first days in office. Trainings were also conducted in requesting LGUs to enhance the managerial, administrative, and technical capabilities of their local officials for the effective and efficient delivery of services to their respective constituents. As of the 3rd quarter of 2008, six (6) local government officials have benefitted from various scholarships being offered by local and foreign educational institutions to LGU officials. Through the Mindanao Basic Urban Services Sector (MBUSS) program, capability building interventions have been provided to select LGUs in Mindanao. These include training programs on accessing credit facilities for the construction of infrastructure projects and purchasing equipment to improve LGU delivery of services. As of November 15, 2008, the MBUSSP has assisted in the implementation of 40 development infrastructure and equipment-support subprojects. Of the 40 subprojects, 32 have been completed, five (5) are still ongoing, and three (3) are in various stages of implementation. Promoting good governance and best practices. In the 3rd quarter of 2008, 59 LGUs were documented with good local governance practices. Under the Good Practices in Local Governance: Facility for Adaptation and Replication (GO-FAR) Project, which facilitates the transfer of technology and practices to interested LGUs, 13 LGUs replicated the best practices. 28 Through the Local Governance Performance Management System LGPMS), an internet-based self-assessment management and development tool that enables local governments to determine their capabilities and limitations in the delivery of essential public services, a total of 63 provinces, 105 cities and 1,186 municipalities nationwide submitted their 2007 State of Local Governance Reports (SLGRs) as of September 2008. Under the Localization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project of the DILG, which aims to capacitate LGUs on MDG-responsive programs and projects toward reducing poverty in their localities, 11 cities and 439 municipalities have completed poverty data and maps using the CommunityBased Management System (CBMS) during the 3rd quarter, 2008. Formulating guidelines to provide direction and guidance. The DILG has issued policies to provide direction and guidance to LGUs in their operations. Among these policies are the following: Anti-Red Tape Law (R.A. 9845). In support of this law, which aims to promote transparency and uniformed application of rules and regulations at the local government levels, 35 cities and 363 municipalities undertook the following measures: simplification of civil application systems, introduction of one-stop shop business registration system and the provision of client feedback system and process automation. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 9003). A total of 29 cities, 317 municipalities and 2,680 barangays nationwide have formulated their solid waste management plans in their respective localities as of 3rd quarter of 2008 in line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 9003). Establishment of Barangay Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council (BPFSDCs) at all Levels (E.O. 63 and 64). A total of 4,597 barangays or 12% of the 39,525 barangays nationwide excluding ARMM have established BPFSDCs as of 3rd quarter of 2008 which shall plan and formulate a blueprint for sports. Synchronized Barangay Assembly Day (Proclamation No. 342). A total of 6,874 or 17% of the 39,525 barangays nationwide excluding ARMM have conducted the Synchronized Barangay Assembly on March 29, 2008 and October 25, 2008 to promote transparency, accountability and people’s participation in governance. Gabay sa Mamamayan Action Center (GMAC) (E.O. 130). A total of 12,931 or 33% of the 39,525 barangays nationwide excluding ARMM have established and functional GMACs as of 3rd quarter of 2008 to 29 provide assistance to barangay residents in terms of securing employment, livelihood, medical assistance and easy access to government services. The 16 clusters of LGUs, which were organized and being sustained as of September 30, 2008 are already implementing common development projects such as livelihood, infrastructure and social development projects for their constituents under the One Cluster, One Vision for Local Development Project. During the 3rd quarter of 2008, 383 out of the total 432 organized and functional Bayanihan Centers were turned over to appropriate authorities/entities for them to sustain their implementation under the Localization of Bayanihan Savings Replication Project. During the 3rd quarter of 2008, 204 LGUs have operational computerbased administrative system, which include Personnel Management Information System (PMIS), Sanggunian Information System (SIS) and Management Information System (MIS) under the Institutionalizing Improved Local Operations thru e-Governance (e-LOG) Project which aims to enhance the administrative capability of LGUs thru the adoption/application of information technology. Assistance to LGUs in their day-to-day operations. Government intervention facilitated the organization/re-organization of the following Local Special Bodies at the local levels as of 3rd quarter of 2008: local development council – 25,925; local health board – 562; 693 – local school board; 543 – people’s law enforcement board; 247 – local bids and awards committee; and local peace and order council – 24,078. It also organized/re-organized 18,135 local disaster coordinating councils, which serve as the implementing arm of the NDCC in the disaster operations at the provincial/city/municipal and barangay levels. A total of 7,168 Local Councils for the Protection of Children have also been organized under the Child Friendly Local Governance Project, which is responsible in planning and implementing child-friendly programs and projects at the provincial/city/municipal and barangay levels as of September 30, 2008. Linking with LGUs and other government agencies. Specific LGUs and government agencies were linked to put together a nationwide “water services program” to provide water to the remaining “waterless” municipalities. 30 Under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (RWSSP), 16 out of the 35 target 5th and 6th income class municipalities in 5 Luzon provinces have been provided with protected well water supply and sanitation facilities. Under the LGU Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (LGUUWSSP), which is designed to provide water supply systems in urban areas not covered by water districts, the construction of 15 water supply facilities were completed and made operational in 15 beneficiary-municipalities in eight (8) identified provinces (Kalinga, Isabela, Laguna, Sorsogon, Capiz, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Davao Del Sur) as of March 31, 2008. The DILG collaborated with NEDA and other national government agencies in the preparation of and submission to UNDP-Spanish Government Grant of a Project Proposal entitled “Enhancing Access to and Provision of Water Services with the Active Participation of the Poor” covering 36 “waterless” municipalities in Luzon and Mindanao. The project is expected to commence by the 1st quarter of 2009 and end in 2011. In addition, the government is putting together a nationwide water services program for more than 150 remaining “waterless” municipalities, plus general upgrade in access to water especially in Mindanao based on AO No. 235 signed on August 5, 2008 by President Arroyo. AGRICULTURE, FISHERY AND FORESTRY F-I-E-L-D-S Program With an objective of attaining 98 and 100 percent food self-sufficiency by 2010 and 2013, respectively, the President laid out during the 04 April 2008 Food Summit at Clark, Pampanga, the Php43.7 billion F-I-E-L-D-S Program. Accomplishments of the FIELDS Program as of December 2008 are as follows: • Fertilizer. Through the Fertilizer Subsidy Program, 3.2 M fertilizer discount coupons were distributed to farmers. Aside from the discount coupon, several fertilizer assistance were distributed to farmers, these are as follows: 13,635.52 MT of organic fertilizers and other soil ameliorants; 2,615,715 bio-agents; Location specific intervention such as Bio-N, Vital-N, Zinc Sulfate and Bio-con; and Soil and plant testing kits to minimize wastage of fertilizer and soil ameliorants. 31 Also, two (2) Bio-N mixing plants in Region 12 and ARMM were established. • Irrigation and other infrastructure. For the generation and restoration/rehabilitation of irrigation areas, a total of 10,828 hectares were generated, 74,259 hectares were rehabilitated and 45,252 hectares were restored. An estimated 217,669 farmer-household were benefited from the 3,229 kilometers constructed/ rehabilitated farm-to-market roads from which 35,351 jobs were generated. Sixteen (16) agricultural tramlines were constructed/ completed to transport commodities from highlands to the market (7 in Benguet; 3 in Mt. Province; 2 in Nueva Vizcaya; 2 in Luzon; 1 in Pampanga; and 1 in Negros Occidental. To promote fish culture in cages in marine waters located in coves or protected areas, fifteen (15) mariculture parks were established. • Extension, R&D and Capacity Building. 5,783 training and trainingrelated activities were conducted. Also, there are 212 various research and development activities to generate production-enhancing and costreducing technologies were conducted. • Loans. A total of P3.18 Billion loans were already released to 108,760 farmers/ fisherfolk under the various lending facilities of the AgroIndustry Modernization Credit and Financing Program. In addition, a total of P6.32 Billion production loan assistance for palay was released through Land Bank of the Philippines to 221,110 farmer-beneficiaries. Dryers and Other Postharvest/ Post-Production Facilities. To minimize post-harvest losses and maintain grain quality for better prices, a total of 596 flatbed dryers were distributed/ installed. Four (4) Corn Post-harvest Processing and Trading Centers were established. Each center is serving 2,000 hectares of corn land geared to produce high quality corn and reduce post-harvest losses for additional income of farmers. • Seeds and Planting Materials. As of 15 December 2008, 55,189.12 MT of certified seeds and 2,850.72 MT of hybrid seeds were distributed to farmer-beneficiaries. Also, to support agriculture and fisheries production, 8.2 Million pieces of planting materials (e.g. sugarcane, mango, coconut, cashew, citrus, lanzones, durian, cassava, mushroom 32 • and forage cuttings), 28,279 heads of various animals and 122.3 Million pieces of fingerlings and broodstock were distributed. 2009 Plans and Programs Proposed Pump Priming Projects/ Activities (CY 2009) • For 2009, a total budget of P15.22 billion, will be used to finance the implementation of three major FIELDS projects such as irrigation projects (P6.7 billion); FMRs (P3.7 billion), and post harvest/post production facilities (P4.9 billion). For irrigation projects, these will include the rehabilitation and restoration of 148,000 hectares national and communal irrigation system, broken down into 48,000 hectares for rehabilitation, and 100,000 hectares for restoration; and installation of 11,642 hectares of small scale irrigation projects. These small scale irrigation projects will include the installation of 4,564 hectares of Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP), 2,578 hectares of diversion dams, and 4,500 hectares of shallow tubewells. For Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) projects, a total of 2,433 kilometerlength of FMRs will be the total target for 2009. For dryers and other postharvest/post production facilities, these will include: The installation of 2,742 units of mechanical dryers worth P1.92 Billion; Establishment of Processing/Training Centers in 35 sites with P1.3 Billion budget; Establishment of 7 units hatcheries amounting P131.11 Billion; and 17 units mariculture parks worth P60.83 billion; Establishment of municipal and regional fishports in 11 sites worth P637.20 Billion; Installation of post production facilities such as 149 ice making machines with P30 Billion budget; and Establishment of Ice Plants in 2 sites of about P12.60 Billion; Composting facilities will be established in 1,379 sites worth P483.40 Billion; and For the HVCC, there will 230 units of Greenhouses worth P59.65 billion and 131 units of packing houses amounting to P245.73 billion. • These FIELDS projects are expected to generate a total of 172,233 jobs broken down into 103,307 for irrigation projects; 22,900 for FMRs; and 47,026 for post harvest facilities. 33 • • • ENERGY Increase Resources of Indigenous Fossil Fuels Oil and Gas • One of the most significant strides in the local oil industry is the entry of two foreign investors-namely the Exxon Mobil for Sulu Sea exploration and Blade Petroleum for Cadlao Block, Northwest Palawan. A total of six petroleum service contracts have been awarded recently through the Philippine Energy Contracting Round scheme. The contracts that cover areas located in the basins of Cagayan, Agusan-Davao, Visayas and Central Luzon will bring in about US$ 88 Million in investments. Oil production from the Galoc Field commenced in October 2008 which will provide around 20,000 barrels a day for the first 90 days of its commercial operation. This translates to 6 percent of the country’s daily oil demand. • • Coal • Three Coal Operating Contracts have been awarded to help boost the development of local coal resources. These contracts located in Calatrava Negros Occidental, Bayawan, Negros Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay have an estimated investment cost of US$3.3 Million. The DOE likewise issued ten small-scale coal-mining permits (SSCMP) mostly in Zamboanga. Total production of local coal has reached 6 Million metric tons translated to about PhP 55 billion or US$ 1.3 billion in foreign exchange savings. • Aggressively Develop Renewable Energy • The landmark accomplishment of the year is the passage of Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which is expected to spur investments in the renewable energy sector. Geothermal • The Philippines remains to be the second largest geothermal producer for power generation in the world with total installed capacity of 1,958 MW. 34 • On July 10, 2008, three Geothermal Service Contracts were signed and awarded for the exploration and development of Biliran, Leyte; Amacan, Compostela Valley and Mabini, Batangas. These areas are expected to generate 100 MW of electricity that will translate to a foreign exchange savings of US$ 1.8 billion or PhP 76 billion worth of oil imports. Wind Energy • The country remains the top wind producer in Southeast Asia with our 25-MW wind turbines located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. The recent addition of 8 MW commissioned in August 2008 brought the country’s installed capacity of wind power to 33 MW. The wind power plant has produced 147,740 megawatt-hours from April 2005 to March 2008. Solar Energy • The 1-MW grid-connected centralized solar photovoltaic power plant in Cagayan de Oro City is one of the largest in the region, with a production of 5,145 megawatt-hours from September 2004 to June 2008. Offgrid areas in the countryside were also lit up with solar photo-voltaic installations which to date number to about 42,531 units nationwide. Hydro Energy • The country has a total installed capacity of 3,289 MW of hydropower energy. Recently, the DOE has issued five mini-hydro operating contracts with total capacity of 13.5 MW and 28 reconnaissance permits. It is also monitoring the operation of 35 existing mini-hydro projects, as well as the construction of four mini-hydros. Biomass Energy • The one-megawatt La Suerte Rice Hull Cogeneration Plant in San Manuel, Isabela were commissioned in April 2008 to provide environment-friendly energy resources. In the pipeline are seven biomass projects which have been endorsed for BOI registration. On-going Construction • The five operating contracts that are currently ongoing construction are 8-MW Villasiga HEP plant; 2.3-MW Solong Falls MHP; 1.5-MW Hitoma 1 MHP; 1.6-MW Hitoma 2 MHP; and 0.11-MW Impasugong (Bukidnon). 35 Increase Use of Alternative Fuels Biodiesel • Actual biodiesel production capacity of 33 Million liters was realized through the present eleven accredited manufacturers all over the country, namely: Chemrez Inc., Senbel Fine Chemicals, Romtron Phils. Inc., Pure Essence International Inc., Freyvonne Milling Services, Golden Asian Oil International Inc., Mt. Holly Coco Industrial Company Limited, Rasza Agro Produce Corporation, Bio-energy Corp., Tantuco Enterprises and Lipi Tech, Inc. Bioethanol • Actual production of local ethanol from Leyte Agri Corp. reached about 800 thousand liters. Under construction is the San Carlos Bioenergy Project with a capacity of 30 Million liters per year and will start commercial operations by first quarter 2009. And while the mandatory 5.0 percent ethanol blend still takes effect in February 2009, a voluntary 10 percent blending or E10 is now available in 273 gasoline stations nationwide (120 Seaoil, 107 Shell,14 Petron, 22 Chevron and 10 Flying V). To date, there are also 10 projects in the pipeline which are expected to bring in total production capacity of 535 Million liters. Auto-LPG • • There are now about 13,886 converted vehicles running on LPG and 165 Auto-LPG dispensing stations operating nationwide. To ensure the safety and security of the riding public, the compliance of operators to existing auto-LPG Philippine National Standards is strictly monitored by the DOE and other concerned agencies, such as (1) DPNS 04:2006 – Road Vehicles/Automotive LPG Components; and (2) DPNS/EPNS UNECE 67:2006 – Motor Vehicles Using LPG in the Propulsion System. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) • There are 19 CNG-fed buses plying along the Batangas and Laguna to Manila routes. A “Libreng Sakay” program in CNG buses has been conducted last March 24 to April 6, 2008 in order to promote the use of this type of transport to the public. The commercial operation of the CNG mother station in Tabangao, Batangas and the daughter refilling station in Biñan, Laguna in April 2008 jumpstarted the use of CNG in the transport sector. 36 Strengthen Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program • Energy efficiency and conservation efforts from both government and private sector led to the displacement of 78.3 Million liters of oil, saving the country about Php 2.0 billion. As part of advocacy under the Philippine Efficient Lighting Market Transformation Project, the DOE signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the DILG and DPWH for the implementation of the following guidelines: (1) Energy Conserving Design of Buildings; (2) Efficient Lighting; and, (3) Roadway Lighting. • Ensure Sustainable and Reliable Supply of Electricity Power Development Power Generation Mix • • • The country’s power generation mix grew by 4.6 percent from 56,784 gigawatt-hours in 2006 to 59,612 gigawatt-hours in 2007. The main bulk of the country’s power needs was supplied by natural gas and coal-fired power plants. Natural gas-fired power plants increased its share by 32 percent in 2007 while generation from coal-fired power plants was the second biggest source in 2007 posting a 28 percent share. During the first half of CY 2008, the Philippines achieved 68% energy self-sufficiency level in power generation due to greater utilization of geothermal and hydro resources and lesser dependence on imported coal and oil. This is a 4% increase compared to the energy sufficiency level in power generation during the first half of CY 2007. Natural gas is still the biggest source of power at 34% share for the period January-June 2008. • Power Sector Situationer (Generation & Transmission) • As of December 2008, the country’s total installed capacity stood at 14,739 MW of which 13,022 MW is dependable: 9,858 MW in Luzon, 1,482 MW in Visayas and 1,682 MW in Mindanao. In terms of capacity mix, coal registered the biggest share with 29 percent followed by hydro at 22 percent, natural gas at 19 percent, geothermal at 13 percent, gas turbine at 7 percent, diesel at 5 percent and oil thermal at 4 percent. 37 • • Wind and solar made up less than 1 percent of the total capacity. Luzon Supply Situation and Demand Projection • Luzon’s dependable capacity is 9,858 MW with coal dominating the capacity mix with 31 percent share followed by natural gas (26 percent), hydro (21 percent), oil thermal (7 percent), gas turbine (6 percent), both geothermal and diesel (5 percent) each and wind (less than 1 percent). The critical period is seen to begin in 2010 with a shortfall of 51 MW as a result of the scheduled retirement of two (2) power plants, namely: the 30 MW Hopewell gas turbine in 2009 and 645.83 MW Malaya Thermal in 2010. There is a projected 4.4 percent annual growth rate in electricity demand- from 6,925 MW in 2008 to 10,208 MW in 2017. Completed the San-Manuel-Concepcion-Mexico 230kV Transmission Line Project in October 2008. The project increases the capacity of the transmission corridor of the power generation of hydroelectric plants in North Luzon. Completed the Concepcion-Clark 230kV Transmission Line Project (Stage 1) in August 2008. The project provides reliable facilities in serving the power requirements of Texas Instruments in Clark. Energization of a total of 230 MVA additional substation capacity at various substations needed to meet the growing demand. • • • • • Capacity Addition: The committed projects include Northwind Power Phase II commissioned in August 2008, the 40.2 MW Makban Unit 6 to come on stream by 2009 and the 600-MW coal-fired GN Power by 2011. A total of 3,000-MW indicative capacities will be required for the private sector to put up during the planning period to meet the grid’s projected electricity demand. Visayas Supply Situation and Demand Projection • Dependable capacity stood at 1,482 MW with the supply mix composed of the following: geothermal (57 percent), oil (31 percent), coal (10 percent), and hydro (1 percent). The grid covers five (5) islands 38 interconnected via transmission lines that include: 440 MW Leyte-Luzon, 400-MW Leyte-Cebu, 100-MW Leyte-Bohol, 200 MW Cebu-Negros and 100 MW Negros-Panay. • The electricity demand in Visayas is seen to increase at an annual average of 4.6 percent. Peak demand in 2008 is estimated at 1,177 MW reaching 1,770 MW in 2017. While the system reserve in Visayas grid shall experience a shortfall starting 2009 with a deficit of 25 MW, the current capacity can still cover the peak demand for that period. Beginning 2013, the Visayas grid becomes critical with the retirement of the 48-MW Cebu Land-Based Gas Turbine (LBGT) in 2011. Completed the Negros-Cebu Interconnection Uprating Project in August 2008. The project aims to increase the power transfer capability of the existing facilities interconnecting the Negros and Cebu islands, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of the Visayas grid and the same time optimizing the utilization of indigenous power coming from Leyte. Energization of a total of 230 MVA additional substation capacity at various substations needed to meet the growing demand. • • • • Capacity Addition: The committed capacities of 332 MW consist of the following landbased gas turbine (LBGT): 12-MW Northern Negros geothermal power plant by 2009, 100 MW DMCI coal-fired plant and 100 MW Nasulo geothermal power plant by 2010, and the 200 MW KEPCO coal fired by 2011. Starting 2009-2017, a total of 500 MW indicative capacities will be needed to address the shortfall. Mindanao Supply Situation and Demand Projection • Mindanao’s dependable capacity is 1,682 MW with hydropower contributing the leading share of 54 percent, diesel (28 percent), coal (12 percent), geothermal (6 percent) and solar (1 percent). With thinning reserve margin, the critical period starts in 2011. The electricity demand in Mindanao is seen to increase at an annual average of 4.3 percent. • 39 • • Peak demand in 2008 is estimated to increase from 1,325 MW to 1,932 MW in 2017. Energization of a total of 230 MVA additional substation capacity at various substations needed to meet the growing demand. Capacity Addition: To come on stream are the total committed capacities of 100 MW: these are the 42-MW Sibulan hydro plant (2009), 50-MW Mindanao geothermal III (2010) and 8-MW Cabulig hydro plant (2010). During the planning period, a total of 600 MW indicative capacities will be required to meet the rising demand in the region. Implement Power Sector Reforms Privatization of NPC Assets and TransCo Concessionaire As of December 2008, the country’s privatization level reached 73.2 percent (way above the level required under the EPIRA) from the 49 percent level in 2007 bringing us closer to open access and retail competition. This includes the successful bidding for the Tiwi-Makban package in July 2008 and the Panay-Bohol plant package in November 2008. The TransCo concession was also awarded to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Power Rates • The country has institutionalized the power sector multi-stakeholders’ dialogue through the creation of a Technical Working Group, resulting in the reduction of PhP 1.03 per kilowatt hour for high-load economic zone locators and the lowering of power rates in four economic zones, the Cavite Economic Processing Zone (CEPZA), Mactan Economic Processing Zone (MEPZA), Subic Clark Export Processing Zone (SCEPZA) and Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ). On 03 July 2008, President G. M. Arroyo visited one of the beneficiaries of this undertaking, the Samsung Electro Mechanics Philippines (SemPhil) plant in Calamba, Laguna. SemPhil is one of the locators that benefited from the ecozone rate program implemented by the government to reduce power cost of large industrial users in the ecozones. The ecozones rate availed by SemPhil was a result of continuing efforts to reduce power rates through the multi-stakeholders dialogue by the DOE. According to SemPhil, they were able to save around Php 9 Million monthly starting November 2007. 40 • Other Rate Reduction Measures TransCo’s power factor adjustment program provided for an aggregate discount amounting to Php1.303 billion (equivalent to Php 0.0253/kWh in 2007). PEZA implementation of rate reduction to as much as 25 centavos per kwh in four ecozones (Bataan, Cavite, Mactan and Baguio City Economic Zones); The mandated rate reduction equivalent to 30 centavos per kWh granted by NPC translates to an annual grant of about Php 3 billion to residential customers. The provision of lifeline subsidy resulted to an average benefit to lifeline customers from private distribution utilities (PDUs) areas was Php2.23/kwh, while in the franchise areas of ECs the average benefit to lifeline customers was Php 1.99/kwh. Expanding Competition and Access to Electricity Promulgated the rules for the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where trading of electricity will take place to give consumers the power to choose the cheapest and most reliable electricity suppliers. Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) commercial operations. As of October 26, 2008, a total of 29 generators including PSALM and NPC and 7 distribution utilities are participating in the commercial operation of WESM. In a related development, the ERC promulgated on December 10, 2008 its Decision in ERC Case No. 2008-016 RC on the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection – Department of Trade and Industry’s (BTRCP-DTI) petition for the approval of a new lifeline rate for marginalized end-users of Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and other measures to achieve reduction of power rates. In the Decision, the ERC granted MERALCO’s marginalized customers whose consumption levels fall below 21 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month a 100% discount. The old level was set at 50%. The following table spells out the entire coverage of the lifeline system: 41 Revised Lifeline Level kWh Consumption/Month 0 - 20 kWh 21 - 50 kWh 51 - 70 kWh 71 - 100 kWh Rural Electrification • New Discount Level 100 % 50 % 35 % 20 % Old Discount Level 50 % 50 % 35 % 20 % As of September 2008, about 40,775 barangays out of 41,980 have been energized bringing the barangay electrification level to 97.13 percent. This is a significant increase from the year-end 2000 level of only about 80 percent. Electricity access was also extended to some 1,066 sitios and puroks nationwide. To date, only 1,205 barangays remain unenergized. As of 30 September 2008, the following are the breakdown of the total number of energized barangays: In Luzon, 20,133 out of 20,489 barangays or 98.26 percent have been energized. In Visayas, 11,241 out of 11,444 barangays or 98.23 percent have been energized. In Mindanao, 9,401 out of 10,047 barangays or 93.57 percent have been energized. • Together with the National Electrification Administration, the “Countdown to the 8th Million Consumer Connection” was launched in Iloilo on 05 June 2008 in anticipation of another milestone in the history of the Rural Electrification Program. Promote Consumer Welfare and Fair Business Practices Downstream Oil Industry • The government, through the DOE and the Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws (PTFSEFEELS) implemented the strict monitoring of the following activities: Inspection of LPG and gasoline stations, as well as refineries and bulk plants to check compliance with quality standards of petroleum products and facilities. 42 Ensuring security of vital energy activities such as on-going oil exploration activities particularly the Malampaya field in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Prevention of the destruction of power transmission lines in Mindanao by mobilizing community stakeholders and re-activating two special CAFGU companies. Regular conduct of the multi-stakeholders’ dialogue to nationwide transport strikes which could disrupt public order. avert Formulation of quality standards for products which facilitated the introduction of E10 now available ahead of the 2009 mandate as earlier mentioned. Coordination with the Bureau of Customs for the use of marker systems in petroleum products to deter oil smuggling. Diversify Long-Term Energy Option Nuclear Energy • As part of the long-term nuclear power development program, a Task Force on Nuclear Power Program was instituted by DOE with the primary objective of coming up with a Nuclear Development Program for the country. Early in January 2008, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission visited the country to help in assessing the possibility of rehabilitating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan or the putting-up of a new one. Among the recommendations include the need for an extensive review and evaluation of the BNPP particularly its structure and facilities. Further, should the Philippines decide to utilize nuclear power, it should be mindful of at least 19 infrastructure requirements in launching an NPP to include National Position, Human Resource, Environmental Protection and Safety Regulation, among others. • Promote Environmental Sustainability Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC) • Formulation of “Philippine Response, Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Climate Change”. 43 • • Conduct of regular tri-media campaigns to promote public awareness on environmental protection Coordination with the Department of Education on integrating climate concepts in the curriculum. Institutionalize Social Mobilization in All Energy Initiatives • To harness multi-stakeholder cooperation and support to the country’s energy agenda, the first-ever Philippine Energy Summit was conducted, which assembled over 3,000 representatives from all sectors of society. With $100 per barrel: crisis or an opportunity as theme, this event came up with immediate, short, medium and long term measures to mitigate the impacts of soaring world oil prices. As a concrete result, a private sector-led initiative known as the SWITCH movement launched in mid-July this year, demonstrated how ordinary Filipinos and specific sectors of society can collectively contribute in addressing the consequences of high oil prices and climate change. The movement has five areas of focus, namely: (1) from inefficient to efficient energy practices; (2) from petroleum-based fuels to alternative fuels and cleaner technologies in the transport sector; (3) from kerosene to renewable energy sources for lighting; (4) from fossil fuel-based technologies to renewable energy technologies in power generation; and (5) from centralized energy planning to more participative energy planning. Conduct of nationwide public consultation series on the draft Philippine Energy Plan 2008-2030 which gathered comments from various stakeholders from both government and private sector and generated policy and program recommendations to address local energy issues and concerns. • • Programs For 2009 Renewable Energy and Alternative Fuels • The government will focus to fast track the implementation of R.A 9531 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 starting with the immediate promulgation of its Implementing Rules and Regulations. To streamline investment procedures, a one-stop shop to process applications for RE projects will be created. Under the National Biofuels Program, the government shall issue guidelines for the registration and accreditation of biofuel producers, as 44 • well as initiate the conduct of studies on potential feedstocks for biofuels. The goal is to ensure steady and adequate biofuel resource supply to meet the mandatory blends as required by the law (RA 9367). • On the other hand, under the Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport or NGVPPT, 5,000 buses are envisioned to be running on CNG by 2025 and all of Batangas-Laguna-Manila buses by 2030. The government is renewing interest on nuclear energy as an alternative source of power generation. Thus, priority will be placed in enhancing local technical expertise on nuclear power development. Likewise, alternatives for the setting-up of a new nuclear power plant or the possible rehabilitation or conversion of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant will be the subject of a forthcoming feasibility study to be undertaken by the DOE Task Force. Meanwhile, a public perception survey will also be conducted to determine the acceptability of nuclear as an energy source alternative. • • Oil, Gas, Coal and Geothermal • The DOE will continue to promote and further draw investments in the upstream sector through the Philippine energy contracting rounds. More investments on local energy resource exploration development such as oil, gas and coal will provide additional income for the local community and to the country as well. Market Development of Natural Gas Industry • On the other hand, under the Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport or NGVPPT, 5,000 buses are envisioned to be running on CNG by 2025 and all of Batangas-Laguna-Manila buses by 2030. To boost the natural gas industry, the government will intensify its market development, catalyze the development of strategic infrastructures; conduct IEC activities to promote the utilization of natural gas in all demand sectors and forge stronger collaboration with various stakeholders. • Rural Electrification • The government is committed to energize the remaining balance of 1,205 barangays in 2009. As such, it has expanded its reach by introducing micro-finance lending for solar home systems in targeted rural and missionary areas and operationalizing the Qualified Third Party Program. 45 Competitive Energy Investment Climate • Ensuring a stable and quality supply of energy is a paramount concern of the sector and this we can achieve by: Strict monitoring of quality and safety standards of energy products, services and infrastructures; and, Encouraging the entry of investments in various energy activities by putting in place market-based incentives. Power • To make energy prices reasonable and affordable, the following thrusts are outlined, to wit: Pursue full privatization of the remaining NPC generation assets including the contracted energy outputs; Accelerate implementation of open access and retail competition to start in economic zones; Implement demand side management; Intensify public sector involvement in reform process; Enforce energy standards and regulations; and, Encourage greater competition to facilitate industry competitiveness and ensure consumer protection. Social Mobilization • Finally, to promote multi-stakeholder commitment to the country’s energy agenda, the DOE shall enhance its information, education and communication campaign on the various plans and programs of the energy sector and continue to strengthen linkages with critical sectors. Exploring Options for Regionalization • The nationwide public consultation series conducted by DOE on the draft Philippine Energy Plan 2008-2030 were unanimous in their clamor for the establishment of DOE regional offices which are considered essential in responding immediately to local issues and concerns. To date, the DOE has only two field offices located in the cities of Cebu and Davao. 46 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY In 2008, the government, through the Department of Science and Technology, directed its efforts in the full implementation of the following S&T Priority Programs: • Engineering Research and Development Technology (ERDT) Program. Continued support for the implementation of the ERDT Program to generate a critical mass of R&D-capable manpower to promote engineering R&D activities in the country on a significant scale was implemented in 2008. The Program is implemented by a consortium of seven universities led by the UP college of Engineering with Ateneo de Manila University, Central Luzon State University, De La Salle University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology and University of San Carlos. Currently, the ERDT Program is supporting 127 MS and 38 PhD scholars. • Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP). The ASTHRDP offers scholarship grants for doctoral degrees in science education with majors in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. The Program aims to help improve the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate through alternative approaches on human resource development in science and technology as well as to accelerate the production of high-level human resources needed for S&T activities particularly in the area of research and development. Currently, ASTHRDP is supporting 637 MS and 102 PhD scholars. • Undergraduate Scholarship Program. This scholarship reaches out the poor, talented and deserving students desiring to pursue baccalaureate degrees in science and technology along identified priority areas in selected higher education institutions in the country. Currently, scholars. • Undergraduate Scholarship Program is supporting 10,849 Specialized Science High School Education. This program provides secondary scholarships to students with high aptitudes in science and mathematics. It also prepares the students for careers in science and technology and contributes to the attainment of a critical mass of S&T professionals. The DOST, through the Philippine Science High School, currently operates nine campuses nationwide and is supporting 3,019 scholars. 47 • Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP. The SETUP aims to enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises or SMEs through technological interventions. The program addresses the technical problems of client firms from priority sectors such as food processing, furniture, gift, toys and handicraft, marine and aquatic resources, horticulture, and metals and engineering. It is designed to optimize resources and increase productivity through better product quality, human resources development, cost minimization, waste management, and other operation relation activities. The said program assisted 12,891 existing SMEs in terms of innovation system support, testing and calibration services, packaging and labelling services and consultancy services. • Techno Gabay Program. The TECHNO GABAY Program was implemented to establish and maintain Farmers’ Information and technology Services (FITS) centers in collaboration with local government units and rural-based organizations. Each FITS center provides computer-aided information and training services on farming technologies. To date, the government supports the operation of 465 FITS Centers all over the country as of 2008. Some 42,000 farmer-clients are also being served. 2009 Plans and Programs • In 2009, the agencies of the government involved in the S&T sector will focus its efforts and resources to achieve its mandate of giving central direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological efforts in the country, and of ensuring that these scientific and technological efforts redound to the benefits of our countrymen. To help mitigate the effects of the ongoing global economic crisis, the government will pursue four major thrusts, namely: 1) diffusion of knowledge and technologies; 2) generation of new knowledge and technologies; 3) development of human resources for the S&T sector; and 4) provision of quality S&T services. Diffusion of Knowledge and Technologies. Continue the implementation of four strategic programs, namely: the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP to help improve the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs; the Techno-Gabay Program to bring knowledge and technologies closer to farmers; Technology Innovation for Commercialization Program or Technicom to help researchers and innovators fast track the commercialization of technologies; and the Support Program for Inventors. 48 • Generation of New Knowledge and Technologies. Direct limited R&D resources on priority areas, namely: biotechnology, food and agriculture, health/medical products, information and communications technology, environment, and alternative energy which are expected to produce impact on poverty reduction efforts and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Development of the Human Resources for the S&T sector. Implement two major programs, Accelerated S&T Human Resource Development Program and the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) Program to produce more MS and PhD holders as a national strategy to ensure that indigenous knowledge systems are further developed, that local interests and needs are acted upon, and the local capabilities to assimilate technologies from abroad are continuously built. Continue to implement programs to upgrade science and math teachers in the country, the undergraduate scholarship program and specialized science high school program in a democratized manner. Provision of Quality S&T Services. Provide quality analytical, testing and calibration services to MSMEs to help them develop new products, meet world-class standards and thereby improve quality and competitiveness not only in local but also in export markets. Provide to the public through PAGASA and PHIVOLCS timely and accurate information on weather forecasts and climate, earthquakes and volcano events to help them prepare for any possible adverse effects of natural hazards. Other Initiatives. Strengthen partnerships with leading government agencies and private firms under the Filipinnovation Network which is supportive of the National Competitiveness Framework. Support to the enactment of a law on technology transfer to put in place a coherent policy on the transfer and commercialization of results of R&D that are being funded by government. 49 PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS 2008 Accomplishments Infrastructure • Implemented a total of 11,132 projects (i.e. 9,333 region-implemented projects and 1,799 PMO-implemented projects) and completed 2 5,846 projects (i.e. 4,252 region-implemented projects and 1,594 PMOimplemented projects) in 2008. Improved, repaired or rehabilitated a total of 7,337.351 kilometers national roads. Completed a total of 9,769 lineal meters national bridges. Completed a total of 5,324 national road and bridge projects costing P20.923 Billion. Completed a total of 1,104 flood control projects costing P3.915 Billion. Completed a total of 2,404 classrooms costing P870.511 Million Completed a total of 430 projects water supply projects costing P390.815 Million. Completed a total of 31.7 kilometers farm-to-market roads costing P87.50 Million. Creation of Jobs from Infrastructure Projects • As of 30 November 2008, a total of 9,798 jobs (2,932 skilled and 6,866 unskilled workers) were created under the projects being implemented by the DPWH pursuant to a Presidential Directive and RA 6685 3 (s. of 1988) requiring private contractors to hire community-based workers (at least 30% skilled and 50% unskilled labor). These jobs were under the 408 projects implemented amounting to P148.82 Billion. These projects consist of the following: (a) 171 National Roads and Bridges (P81.61 B); (b) 73 Farm-to-Market Roads (P10.67 B); (c) 22 Water Supply (P4.40 B); (d) 40 flood control (P9.75 B); (e) 43 school buildings (P12.57 B); and (f) 59 multi-purpose buildings (P29.82 B). 2 3 See Annex A for Major Projects completed in 2008. Otherwise known as “AN ACT REQUIRING PRIVATE CONTRACTORS TO WHOM NATIONAL, PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED UNDER CONTRACT TO HIRE AT LEAST FIFTY PERCENT OF THE UNSKILLED AND AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT OF THE SKILLED LABOR REQUIREMENTS TO BE TAKEN FROM THE AVAILABLE BONA FIDE RESIDENTS IN THE PROVINCE, CITY OR MUNICIPALITY IN WHICH THE PROJECTS ARE TO BE UNDERTAKEN, AND PENALIZING THOSE WHO FAIL TO DO SO,” 50 President’s Bridge Program The program consists of the following four (4) major projects: (1) Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay, Tulay ng Pangulo sa SZOPAD and Countrywide Bridge Project; (2) Tulay ng Pangulo sa Kaunlaran; (3) Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development; and (4) Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project. • Completed 1,203 bridges out of the targeted 1,128 bridges (106.65% accomplishment) under the Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay (TPB), Tulay ng Pangulo sa SZOPAD (TPS) and Countrywide Bridge Project (CWB). Completed the following flyovers and bridges under the Tulay ng Pangulo sa Kaunlaran before its termination last 21 February 2008: (a) Infante Flyover in Iloilo, (b) Bocaue Flyover in Bulacan, (c) San Fernando I and II Flyovers in Pampanga, (d) Bancod Delta Bridge in Cavite, (e) San Miguel Bridge in Pampanga, (f) Barra-Minaog Bridge in Zamboanga del Norte, (g) Sula Bridge in Albay, and (h) Maniil Delta Bridge in Isabela. Currently implementing The Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD), which consists of four (4) contract packages, with status as follows: Contract Package I. Covering the construction of 17 bridges in Regions I and CAR, the package is 32.66% accomplished against a programmed target of 29.93%. This package includes the following four (4) long bridges with their corresponding status: (1) 535 l.m. Amburayan Bridge at the boundary of La Union and Ilocos Sur (31.91%); (2) 456 l.m. Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur (35.46%); (3) 520 l.m. Sarrat Bridge in Ilocos Norte (21.22%); and 66.50 l.m. Kaling Bridge in Benguet (87.17%). Contract Package II. This package will involve construction of 29 bridges in Regions II, III and CAR. Contract negotiation is still ongoing. Contract Package III. The over-all accomplishment of projects under this package is 96.38% as of 30 November 2008. There are already 57 bridges completed, including the Pantal Bridge in Dagupan City and the Cavinti Bridge in Laguna. Contract Package IV. The target date of implementation will be on the early part of 2009. This covers construction of 43 bridges in Regions VI, VII, VIII and XIII. • The implementation of the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project will start in 2009 and end in 2012. 51 • • METROPOLITAN MANILA INFRASTRUCTURE Improvement of Roads and Construction of U-turn Slots, Footbridges and Loading and Unloading Bays • Improved average travel speed along EDSA (approximately 22.91 kms. from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard) from 23 Kph in 2003 to 30.23 Kph in 2008 due to geometric improvements such as road improvements/reblocking, sidewalk rehabilitation and the installation of street furnitures, gantries and signs. Constructed the following ten (10) pedestrian footbridges along major roads that ensure safety of hundreds of thousands of pedestrians daily. Four (4) along Marcos Highway (Aurora-Katipunan, Monte Vista, San Benildo and Manila Baptist. Four (4) along EDSA (Quezon Avenue, FB Harrison, Taft Avenue and Libertad Street in Mandaluyong City). These footbridges currently serve 169,767 and 121,352 pedestrians per day, respectively. One (1) in C-5/Libis and one in Bicutan which is the longest footbridge in the Philippines serving 404,446 pedestrians per day. • • • • • Constructed seven (7) loading and unloading bays for city buses) along EDSA compared to thirteen (13) in 2007. Recovered the 95 meter Road Right-Of-Way along Commonwealth Avenue (Approximately 10.2 kms from Elliptical Road to Regalado Avenue). Improved the road, drainage and sidewalk of Commonwealth Avenue (from Elliptical Road to Luzon Avenue). Constructed two (2) U-turn slots along Commonwealth Avenue. Completed the C-5/Kalayaan Elevated U-turn Project (Phase I-South Side) last 1 August 2008 and targets completion of Phase II-North Side by April 2009. Improved the road, drainage and sidewalk of McArthur Highway (from Monumento to R. Valenzuela Street, Valenzuela City). • • Traffic Measures to Decongest Metro Manila • Implemented the enhanced Organized Bus Route (OBR) System using the Radio frequency identification (RFID) Technology. The project is designed to decongest the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila by tracking and 52 efficiently controlling the travel of around 2,664 city buses within Metro Manila through wireless technology. • Completed the geometric improvements and constructed two (2) rotundas along Andrews Avenue in NAIA 3, ready for the construction of the “welcome and farewell” monuments. Constructed fourteen (14) loading and unloading stations for the exclusive use of provincial buses, strategically located along EDSA, and easy access to other modes of transport thru bus, jeepney and taxi stands as well as walkways to the MRT and LRT stations for the benefit of provincial commuters. • Flood Control Mitigation Programs • Constructed two (2) new pumping stations located in San Francisco in Mandaluyong City and Abucay in Tondo, Manila which effectively reduced flooding in the immediate vicinity of the said stations. Shelter Services • Expanded the clientele of MMDA’s two (2)) existing “Gwapotels” or PGMA’s Workers’ Inns which provided temporary shelter for transient workers, students and other travelers at only Php 25.00 per person for an 8-hour stay. The Gwapotel also provides space for vending at the fround floor level for lease by street venders. The 1st GwapoTel located along Roxas Boulevard in Port Area, Manila served a total of 299,433 clients this year. The Gwapotel located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo, Manila, which was opened only last August 2008, served a total of 9,958 clients. Other Major Accomplishments • Inaugurated the MMDA Communication and Command Center located at Guadalupe, Makati City last 7 November 2008 that now provides the following vital services: MMDA Teleradyo- is a combined MMDA Traffic Radio and TV station that operates on a 24-hour basis and airs traffic advisory and MMDA news. The MMDA station broadcasts can be sen via CCTV camersas on Global Destiny Cable Channel 4 and simulcast live on 1206Khz AM Band. MMDA hotline 136- is a 24-hiur exclusive hotline for emergency assistance as well as flood, garbage and traffic concerns. 53 Surveillance Camera System-is the “EYE” of the MMDA that monitors no only traffic conditions but the general situation and other important public concerns through strategically install CCTV cameras within the metropolis and transmitted to the MMDA Communication and Command Center through wireless technology. • Jobs Generation. A total of 3,541 jobs were created under the PGMA Trabaho-Trabaho Program of the MMDA. There were 2,352 workers who re-applied and 1,189 new workers. Programs for 2009 • Roads. Completion of the remaining works of the 1st seven (7) major roads project in EDSA (from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard), Commonwealth Avenue (from Elliptical road to Regalado Avenue), C-5 (from SLEX to C.P. Garcia), Marcos Highway (from Katipunan Avenue to Masinag Junction), and McArthur Highway (from Monumento to NCRBulacan boundary). Traffic measures for increased travel speed and pedestrian safety. Construction of 36 pedestrian footbridges and full implementation of the Enhanced Organized Bus Route (OBR) System. Shelter Services. Construction of at least two (2) additional Gwapotels. Emergency Livelihood and Employment. Pursue the implementation of the Soil Aggregates Program for the unemployed with focus on out-of-school youth in assigned areas in Metro Manila. Continue hiring and training of “Kamineros” (Oyster Program) to address unemployment with focus on out-of-school youth for the Agency’s road side clearing and cleaning, landscaping and beautification, sidewalk rehabilitation and flood control operations. METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS SEWERAGE SYSTEM 2001-2008 Accomplishments • Increased overall water service coverage to 88%. During the year 2008, some 404,270 people (60,745 household) in Metro Manila and nearby areas were provided water connection. This brings the total number of people in the area with access to potable water system to 12 Million (1.97M households) or 64% more than the record of 7.30 Million people (896,400 households) in 2000. The water service coverage (ratio 54 • • • of population served to the total population of Metro Manila and nearby ar0eas), thus, rose from 67 % in 2000 to 88% in 2008. • Increased outreach of water service to urban poor. About 253,000 people (36,201 households) in the urban poor sector were provided water connections in 2008, bringing the total to 1.34 Million people (191,969 households) with direct water connection in 2008. Increased investment on water services. Both the Manila Water (for east service area) and Maynilad (for west service area) invested some PhP 47.00 Billion to improve and expand water service. Of this, PhP 2.42 Billion was spent for the direct water connection of urban poor household under the Patubig ni GMA Project. The Patubig ni GMA Project aims to provide potable water for waterless communities (i.e. 47 areas in the east zone and 227 areas in the west zone, from 2004 to 2010) as implemented by said two (2) Concessionaires. In 2008, the project benefited a total of 36,201 households (about 0.253M population) in 64 areas or a 23% accomplishment, bringing the total of beneficiaries to 191,969 households (about 1.34M population) and the number of areas to 204 or a 74% accomplishment since 2004. In 2009, 15% of the project is targeted to be accomplished which will provide potable water to 25,370 households (.177 M people) in 41 waterless communities. • Assignment of MWSS’ receivables and of its right and obligation to subscribe to 83.97% equity in Maynilad (Public Bidding of Maynilad/MWSS shares). Successful bidding and turn-over of Maynilad to the new operator, DMCI/Metro Pacific was done on 24 January 2007 and the turn-over ceremony was held at Malacanang in the presence of the President. Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP). This project intends to maintain & optimize the quantity of raw water delivered daily from the Angat Dam. Completed in 2006 the Aqueduct No. 6 Phase 1 (5.5 km by-pass) of the project. It is now operational meantime that the leaking portion of the parallel existing Aqueduct No. 5 is awaiting rehabilitation. The Detailed Engineering Design for Phase 2 of AWUAIP was completed on April 2008 and the Clearing of the right-of-way is in progress (155 out • • 55 of the 270 affected families were already compensated). DTI has yet to confirm the China Loan. The clearing of the right-of-way and approval of the China Loan is targeted to be completed by 2009 and the construction will start by the last quarter of 2009. MWSS terminated its Contract Agreement with China International Water (CWE) to comply with the provision of RA 9184 mandating an open competitive bidding. • Umiray-Angat Transbasin Tunnel Rehabilitation Project. This project aims to ensure the flow of raw water from Umiray River to Angat Reservoir as this contributes 20-30% of the present water supply. The 3.50 km transbasin tunnel was successfully de-clogged in March 2005 allowing the flow of raw water again from the Umiray River to Angat Reservoir contributing additional 780 Million liters per day of raw water. The tunnel was clogged with logs and debris caused by typhoon Winnie in November 2004. The Detailed engineering design including bid documents for long-term rehabilitation works were already completed except for the updating of Project Cost Estimate which is still in progress. Preparation of requirements for the NEDA-ICC re-evaluation and approval of the Project is in progress. Loan with Land Bank and PNB is in process. The start of construction is targeted on the 3rd Quarter of 2009. • Sumag River Diversion Project. This involves the tapping of the Sumag River in General Nakar, Quezon originally part of the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project, with a supply volume of 188MLD. Completed the detailed design including bid documents preparation, except for the updating of Cost Estimate which is still in progress. On-going coordination with the LGU of General Nakar, Quezon regarding unresolved issues pertaining to the signed MOU leading to the signing of MOA. The start of construction is targeted on the 3rd Quarter of 2009 after securing the (1) NEDA-ICC approval and (2) loan from Land Bank and PNB. 56 • 300 MLD Treated Bulk Water. This involves the supply of 300 mld of treated bulk water for the southern part of Metro Manila to be implemented thru private sector participation. To date, MWSS has received expression of interest from two (2) private companies and has entered into an MOU for the conduct of due diligence preparatory to their submission of unsolicited proposal. The unsolicited proposals, once submitted shall be evaluated by the Joint Venture Selection Committee. While waiting for the 300 MLD Project, Maynilad, with the approval of the MWSS Board, has conducted tendering for a design and build of a 50-100MLD water treatment plant in Sucat to source the water in Laguna Lake. By the 3rd Quarter of 2009, it is targeted that the procurement process under the Joint Venture Agreement scheme will be completed and the Notice To Proceed will be issued. • 100 MLD Project. This involves the construction of water treatment plant in Sucat, Paranaque to source water in Laguna Lake. In 2008, the project was approved by the MWSS Board and its tendering under a Design and Build scheme was conducted by Maynilad. The start of the project’s construction is targeted by the 1st Quarter of 2009 • Laiban Dam Project. This project aims to supplement the long-term water supply requirements of Metro Manila for a supply volume of 1900 MLD. Completed the geological investigation to confirm/validate the extent of limestone formation at the damsite area on April 2008; The following pre-construction activities were started and still in progress: (a) securing the new ECC of the Project, (b) securing Free and Prior Inform Consent (FPIC) clearance from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and (c) continuing dialogue with the LGU and the affected families for the endorsement of the Project. The Project was already approved by NEDA-ICC last April 2007 to be funded under the China Loan. However, the Office of the President 57 cancelled this Project under the China Loan in February 2008, hence MWSS is now pursuing other mode of procurement either solicited or unsolicited. Several interested proponents have entered into an MOU with MWSS for the conduct of due diligence preparatory to their submission of unsolicited proposal. Among them is CalEnergy, an American firm, but later withdrawn its interest. A new interested proponent, San Miguel Bulk Water Company is presently doing due diligence and soon to submit its unsolicited proposal. By 2009, (a) the processing of the new ECC and FPIC clearance from NCIP, (b) securing of LGU endorsement of the Project, (c) procurement process under the Joint Venture Agreement scheme, and (d) issuance of Notice to Proceed are targeted to be completed. • Wawa River Project. This project aims to reactivatethe existing Wawa Dam for a supply volume of 50 mld for the towns of Rodriguez and San Mateo. To date, San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders (SLRB) undertook further study on the technical, economic and financial aspects of the Project and has submitted its Final Report and Proposal. The evaluation of SLRB’s proposal and submission of recommendation, and the funding of the project are targeted to be accomplished in 2009. • Bulacan Treated Bulk Water Supply Project. This Project will address the water supply requirements of the Province of Bulacan through its water district with a total volume of 230 Million liters per day. Procurement for consulting services for the Feasibility Study and General Design has already started this CY 2008. MWSS entered into an MOU with an interested proponent for the design, financing, construction and operation under a Joint Venture arrangement The procurement process under the Joint Venture Agreement scheme and the issuance of Notice To Proceed are targeted to be accomplished in 2009. 58 WATER 2001-2007 Accomplishment • Provided a total of P7 Billion loans for water supply development in the provincial urban areas nationwide for the period 2001-2007 in support of the National Government’s goal of providing water for the entire nation by year 2010 with priority on 200 “waterless” municipalities outside of Metro manila and 200 “waterless” barangays in Metro Manila, LWUA. This paved the way for the completion of a total of 380 water supply projects including a total of 57 water supply projects in Water District (WD) areas covering waterless municipalities. An estimated total of 4.4 Million people benefitied from the improved water supply bringing the total of urban population being served by the WD to 14.5 Million as of 2007. 2008 Accomplishment • Approved a total of close to P800 Million loans to 70 water districts across the nation, while some 69 water supply projects were completed including 5 water supply projects in WD areas cvovering waterless municipalities in 2008. An estimated 450,000 additional population benefited from the said projects. 2009 Corporate Plan • Accelerate the expansion of its service coverage to achieve the goal of the government of providing water for the entire nation by year 2010 thru the completion of a total of 258 water supply projects nationwide targeting specifically 119 waterless municipalities and 101 non-operational water districts. An increase by 560,611 additional population served with direct access to potable water is expected thru the completion of the said projects. Gears towards the development of a bulk water supply project to maximize water production. Development of a sewerage for a WD on a pilot basis to address sanitation and environment concerns to protect water. • • 59 HOUSING Provided Housing Assistance. In 2008, the government provided direct housing assistance to about 97,000 families through the following programs: • End-user Financing of the Pag-IBIG Fund. From January-October, a total of P27.34 billion financing assistance was provided to about 51,190 Pag-IBIG beneficiary-members to enable them to purchase or construct their own housing units. This exceeded the P25 billion target allocation as well as the 45,455 target beneficiaries for the year. The total number of beneficiaries also surpassed the 47,367 families benefited in 2007. The government accomplishment for this program significantly increased in 2007 and 2008 in view of the policy changes adopted, notably the reduction in interest rates in 2006 and again in November 2007, from 9% to 6% for loans below P300,000 and from 10% to 7% for loans above P300,000 to P750,000, as well as the extension of the loan repayment period to thirty (30) years. The Fund has consistently increased its allocation for housing, starting at P3.82 billion in 2001 to P27.34 billion as of September 2008 or a total of P115.83 billion. Total number of beneficiaries has reached 272,712 since 2001. • Relocation of Informal Settlers Affected by Priority Infrastructure Projects. The government intensified its program to relocate informal settler-families affected by priority rail and road projects, notably the Northrail, Rail Linkage, Southrail and NLEX-C5 Road. For 2008, additional 14,158 families were relocated. Since the rail resettlement program commenced in 2002, a total of 58,156 families out of the 98,741 total censused households (59%) have actually been relocated or given housing financial assistance. Of this number, 23,173 out of the total 42,342 censused families along the Northrail right-of-way or 55% have actually been relocated. On the other hand, 35,013 out of the 56,399 families (62%) affected along Caloocan, Manila, Makati, Taguig, Paranaque, Muntinlupa under the Rail Linkage Project and portions of Laguna under Southrail have been relocated. With their relocation, the informal settlers were able to have their own dwellings in areas free from the hazards of trains traveling along the tracks as well as paved the way for the start of construction of the rail projects. For the NLEX-C5 Road Project, a total of 1,038 housing units are now available for relocation. 60 • Community Mortgage Program (CMP). A total of P465.8 million was provided by the government under the Community Mortgage Program to enable informal settlers, slum dwellers or residents of blighted areas to acquire ownership of the private land they occupy. Through this financing, 8,245 families were given secure tenure in 2008. Since 2001, CMP has granted a total of P4.7 billion cumulative loans to almost 98,000 family-beneficiaries nationwide. • Presidential Proclamations. Since 2001, the President has issued 109 Proclamations and Executive Orders declaring about 28,000 hectares of public land as alienable and disposable for housing purposes and converting government vacant or idle lands into housing sites and benefiting almost 250,000 families. For 2008, focus was on the distribution of Certificates of Lot Entitlement/Lot Award (CELAs) to the said families that would ensure their secure tenure on the said lots. Since 2001, a total of 44,481 families have been awarded CELAs. Other Housing Projects. Other housing programs/assistance, such as slum upgrading, development of sites and services, construction of core housing and medium-rise housing, also benefited a total of 3,508 households/families as of October 2008. Since 2001, 113,628 families have been provided by these programs and other community-based projects. Housing Fairs. To further enable low-income earners to have their own houses, the government has been conducting a Housing Fair annually since 2006 to coincide with the National Shelter Month held every October. The Housing Fair addresses the twin objectives of providing lowcost units as well as facilitate the disposition of acquired properties of the above agencies to generate more funds for the housing sector. At least 40,000 foreclosed/acquired properties are offered every year by shelter agencies (Pag-ibig Fund, Home Guaranty Corporation or HGC, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation or NHMFC) and government financial institutions, such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) at a very low cost, with minimum interest rate of 6% and maximum repayment period of 30 years. Since the Housing Fair started in 2006, a total of 16,485 acquired units have been purchased by government and private employees at a cost of P4.87 billion. • • 61 Provided Relief through Socialized Condonation and Restructuring and Low Cost Housing Loan In addition to the above programs, a significant development for 2008 was the enactment of the Socialized and Low Cost Housing Loan Restructuring and Condonation Law. Republic Act No. 9507 or the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act seeks to give reprieve to families who are in danger of losing their homes due to their inability to pay loan amortizations. Under the program, housing loan borrowers, whose loans do not exceed P2.5 Million and who have at least three months of unpaid monthly amortizations with Government Financial Institutions (Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System) and housing agencies (Pag-IBIG Fund, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Social Housing Finance Corporation, Home Guaranty Corporation and National Housing Authority) as of the effectivity of the law may apply for loan restructuring and condonation that would significantly lower their housing loan arrears. Generated Jobs in the Housing Sector. The housing sector has been considered as an engine of growth in view of its high multiplier effect on the economy and its labor intensive characteristics. For the first ten months of 2008, 675,000 jobs were estimated to have been created from more than 92,386 housing units constructed and lots developed. Since 2001, the sector has generated a total of 4.4 Million jobs through the development of lots and construction of 587,467 housing units. DIRECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2009 • For 2009, the housing agencies target to provide assistance to 115,000 families in terms of housing units and secure tenure. This does not include yet the targets of other government financing institutions that engage in housing activities, such as the Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System. This target is expected to be achieved through the end-user financing program of Pag-IBIG, the relocation, slum upgrading, core housing and other programs of the National Housing Authority, the Community Mortgage Program of the Social Housing Finance Corporation and through Presidential Proclamations. Allocation for housing shall be increased to P36 billion – P32 billion for end-user financing and P4 billion for institutional loans, a P6 billion or 20% increase from 2008. This is expected to result in the construction of 60,538 housing units that would generate about 502,000 jobs. 62 • • The shelter agencies shall launch the maiden housing mortgage-backed security issue by February 2009 to ensure a sustainable source of funds for housing. The P2.5 billion initial bond issue will be the first one to be offered by the government to banks and institutional investors based on housing mortgages. ACCELERATED HUNGER MITIGATION PROGRAM As of 30 August 2008, some of the program’s major accomplishments are as follows: • Increased food production. Gulayan para sa Masa Program assisted almost 53.6% of the targeted 783,803 households in setting up their own backyard garden for their consumption and additional income while the Rice Seeds Subsidy Program already benefited 639,272 beneficiaries, which was 86.8% of the target beneficiaries. Irrigation on the other hand averages 94% in terms of areas rehabilitated and restored. Enhanced efficiency of logistics and food delivery. The government established 95 Bagsakans, reaching about 207,000 households, four times the targeted 56,000 families. The Tindahan Natin Outlets have reached almost 100 percent of its carry-over targets from 2007 of 8,140 outlets, and 91% of its targets for 2008 (13,233 of 14,585) enabling almost 12M households within catchment areas to have access to affordable food. Under the Food for School Program, 100% of the rice requirement for the initial 13-day period in SY 2008-2009 had been distributed to 921,084 school children. • More money in poor people's pockets. Microfinance loans were extended to 2.4 M people, while 1.6 M beneficiaries were trained on skills that were immediately employable. In addition about 25,000 were employed every month through various government projects in Metro Manila. Good nutrition promoted. The program conducted numerous training of trainers in the community level on Infant and Young Child Feeding Strategy and the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF). Around 2,600 pregnant and lactating women were also given nutritional counseling at the barangay level. • • 63 Multi-media campaign on the NGF was also conducted in communities and schools to disseminate information on proper nutrition. • Responsible Parenthood promoted. The program reached 144,000 couples through the conduct of Responsible Parenthood Management classes in priority provinces. Likewise, training of trainers had also been completed and a more aggressive multimedia campaign is currently ongoing. HEALTH Expanded health insurance coverage under Philhealth • As of April 2008, overall membership under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) reached an estimated 64.6 Million beneficiaries (73% of the 88.7 M projected population), of which, indigent beneficiaries comprise about 3 Million families or 14 Million poor Filipinos. Cheaper Medicines through Botika ng Bayan/Botika ng Barangay (BnB) • The BnBs were established to make available low-priced medicines to the public, particularly the poor. As of November 2008, there are 11,986 Botika ng Barangay outlets established nationwide (88.7% of the 13,514 target), and 1,806 Botika ng Bayan outlets (90% of the 2,000 target) Funded with close to half a billion pesos over the past years, medicine prices through BnB’s have not only been cut in half, they have nosedived by as much as 91 percent compared to branded-medicine prices in other drugstores, such in the case of Glibenclamide, an anti-diabebetic medication, which sells for P9 in the drugstores while it is available in BnBs for less than a peso. • The President also recently signed into law RA 9502 or the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008”, otherwise known as the Cheaper Medicines bill. The law aims to bring down the price of medicines by encouraging more competition in the local market through parallel importation of cheaper but quality drugs, thus further bringing down the cost of medicines in the country. This shall also allow the President to set price ceilings on various drugs, thereby ensuring that the essential medicines will be available and affordable for the poor. Moreover, this shall help bring the country closer 64 to the 2001 SONA pledge of “universal access to essential medicines at half prices by 2010”. Medical Missions • The DOH was able to provide more than P2.7M worth of drugs and medicines for 2008 through various medical missions conducted by the national government agencies. Livelihood and Emergency Employment On 21 October 2008, the President directed the Cabinet to identify/draw up one livelihood project and one emergency project for implementation in their assigned regions. Twenty-six (26) Cabinet-level Secretaries were tasked to implement said projects starting the last quarter of 2008 to 2009. At present, DPWH hollow-block making project is ongoing in Region III and IV. The project beneficiaries in Nueva Ecija have already sold 100 pcs of hollow blocks while beneficiaries in Aurora are currently selling their produce in the market. The DSWD also started implementing its Cash for Work in the regions of CAR and ARMM. SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) The 4Ps is patterned after the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs implemented in Latin America and Africa, wherein beneficiaries have to comply with certain health- and education-related conditions (e.g., regularly sending their children to school, visiting health centers for check-ups) in exchange for government cash assistance. Through this mechanism, the program invests in health and education capital to improve quality of life of the poor. The 4Ps targets 321,012 households (HHs) in 12 cities with high urban poverty and 26 provinces, 20 of which belonging to the poorest provinces, and the remaining six (6) representing the poorest in their respective regions that are not in the top 20. As of 07 November 2008, some 203,587 HHs have already received since January 2008 cash assistance amounting to more than P357 Million. Also, a total of 511,207 HHs were already surveyed in 162 municipalities in 23 65 provinces and 6 cities, wherein 244,057 were processed and identified as potential beneficiaries using the Proxy Means Test. Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS Project) The KALAHI-CIDSS Project is a community-driven development strategy that aims to empower communities, improve local governance and provide economic opportunities for the poor. It covers 184 poor municipalities from the 42 poorest provinces nationwide. Since 2003, it already served 782,468 households through the implementation of 4,240 community projects. Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) A capability building program that aims to enhance and promote selfsufficiency of poor families thru the provision of capital assistance and training in entrepreneurial skills. Unit of Measurement No. of families provided with capital seed fund a. Level I b. Level II (SEA-Kabayans) No. of SEA-K projects organized a. Level I b. Level II *January to September 2008 From January to September 2008, a total of Php 110,472,050.00 was released for 22,086 families to put up their micro-enterprise projects in SEA-K Level I, whereas in SEA-K Level II, a total of 1,275 families with additional capital, amounting to Php 25,244,250.00 were provided for the expansion of their micro-enterprise projects and home improvement and/or shelter construction. Tindahan Natin Project The Tindahan Project is a national government initiative for food security, job generation and livelihood which aims to provide low-priced but good quality rice and noodles thru a store jointly identified and endorsed by the DSWD, Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (P/C/MSWDOs) of the LGUs, in coordination with the barangays and subsequently accredited by the National Food Authority (NFA). 66 CY 2007 29,481 432 CY 2008* 22,086 1,275 4,086 9 4,096 25 From January 2006 to November 2008, a total of 14,609 Tindahan Natin Outlets (TNOs) nationwide have been established, serving a total of 3,998,629 household beneficiaries. Of the 14,609 TNOs established, 8,258 were funded thru a loan from the DSWD, while 6,351 are self-funded. The total amount of loan availed of by the 8,258 TNOs amounts to Php 170,411,890.00. Unit of Measurement No. of Tindahan Natin Outlet (TNO) established No. of families served by TNO * January to November, 2008 CY 2007 8,217 2,054,250 CY 2008* 6,063 1,873,379 National Livelihood Support Fund - DSWD Micro Finance Program Under Executive Order No. 558-A, the DSWD was tasked to provide microfinance program to municipalities not yet reached by micro-finance institutions (MFIs), particularly in 13 municipalities, namely : Lacub, Lagaynan, LicuanBaay, Malibcong (Abra); Siruma (Camarines Sur); General Nakkar (Quezon); Cataingan (Masbate); Maslog (Eastern Samar); Mapanas (Northern Samar); and Almagro (Western Samar). Of the 13 municipalities, five (5) have been provided micro-finance service amounting to Php 7,515,000.00 to 316 borrowers as of 31 October 2008. One SEA-K Association with 25 family beneficiaries was established in LicuanBaay, Abra, the total capital assistance extended amounted to Php 112,500.00 although the implementation in Abra is very difficult considering the geographical location of the identified municipality, problem in transportation and the peace and order situation in the area. Focused NFA Rice Distribution thru the use of Family Access Cards (FACs) Identified food poor families in NCR (i.e., with a monthly income of Php 5,000.00 or less for a family of five) were provided with FACs, which allow them to purchase the Php 18.25/kg NFA rice. To date, a total of 313, 285 households have been issued FACs in Metro Manila. Of this number, 275,595 households were identified through NCR-LGUs, while the other 37,690 households were identified through CARITAS. Food for School Program (FSP) One of the components of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP), this involves the provision of one kilo per day of actual attendance of children in day care centers in 48 poorest provinces and 496 cities/municipalities. 67 Unit of CY 2007 Measurement No. of day care 266,578 children provided with one (1) kilo of rice *January to September 2008 CY 2008* 819,979 Katas ng VAT Pantawid Kuryente. A P500 one-time subsidy provided for lifeline users with 100 kilowatt hour or less electricity consumption per month (May 2008 consumption is the reference). To date, a total of 994,764 lifeline users were served in MERALCO franchise areas in NCR, Regions III and IV-A. Regions NCR III IV-A Total Number Served 521,253 137,954 325,557 994,764 Tulong para kay Lolo at Lola. A one-time cash subsidy of Php 500.00 for senior-citizens 70 years old and above, who belong to families whose income is below the poverty threshold of their area and who are not covered by Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), or any other private or government agency retirement benefits. As of December 5, 2008, the project has reached a total of 83,159 senior citizens or 8% of the target 1,000,000 senior citizens, utilizing a total of Php 41,579,500.00. The extension of benefits to the rest of the target senior-citizens is on-going. Subsidy for Microfinance Projects for Wives and Immediate Families of PUV Drivers and Conductors. The “Project VAT Pangkabuhayan” aims to provide safety net to public transport groups through a lending facility accessible to wives and immediate family members of transport drivers and conductors to augment their income. It will adopt the SEA-K scheme by providing capital assistance with NO interest and NO collateral. The President approved last 20 August 2008 the release of the P500 Million budget, while the MOA signing between the DOTC, DSWD and PostalBank was held last 02 October 2008. With the beneficiaries numbering to 2,000, the Program was launched on 19 November 2008 with the giving of checks worth P5,000 to 510 beneficiaries. P1 Billion Augmentation of CHED Scholarships and Student Loans. As of 30 September 2008, the CHED allocated P468.48 Million worth of scholarships for 7,770 students and P513.52 Million worth of loans for 71,690 students. Funds 68 were already downloaded to the CHED regional offices, which distributed the slots and amount to partner higher education institutes. Replacement of Incandescent Bulbs to CFL. Called the Palit Ilaw Project, it targets to replace 13 Million incandescent bulbs with CFLs. With assistance from the Asian Development Bank, the DOE is currently screening proposals which were submitted in 07 November 2008 for the methodology and cost of distribution of the initial batch of five Million CFLs to residential customers and incandescent bulb users in the Metropolitan areas of Manila and the Cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. P1 Billion Conversion of PUV Engines. The Palit Makina Project will be tied-up with the “Road-User Tax.” DOTC said that the program/project details have been finalized for signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with government financing institutions. P500 Million Hospital Upgrading. As of 27 October 2008, DBM already released P227 Million. The project would upgrade 20 hospitals nationwide. LABOR AND JOB GENERATION The latest labor force statistics (October 2008) estimated that 93.2%, or 34.5 Million of the estimated 37 Million Filipinos in the labor force were employed, which is higher compared to last quarter’s figure (92.6%) and the second highest rate posted since 2001. Employment Rate (January 2001 – October 2008) 69 Unemployment rate for the October 2008 round was pegged at 6.8%, lower by 0.6%, or by almost 250,000 unemployed Filipinos, from the previous quarter’s figure. This is also the second lowest rate posted since 2001. Unemployment Rate, January 2001 – October 2008 Salaries of workers in the private sector increased almost annually. In NCR, from P250 in 2001, the highest minimum wage is not at P345-P382, or an annual increase of 52.8%. Deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) registered a record high this year, with the POEA reporting the deployment of 1.116 Million OFWs from January to October, exceeding previous record of 1.077 Million OFWs deployed last year from January to December. OFW Deployment (2001 – October 2008) 70 Remittances from these OFWs reached US$13.7 billion for the period January to October in 2008. This is a 15.5% growth rate compared to US$11.8 billion from the same period last year. It is expected that by the end of 2008, OFW remittances would exceed last year’s total of US$14.4 billion. OFW Remittance (2001 – October 2008) EDUCATION Basic Education Schools. Of the 42,000 barangays nationwide, only four (4) do not have elementary schools, while of the 136 cities and 1,495 municipalities, there are also only four (4) that still do not have high schools. This is due to the nonavailability of sites for school purposes. Classrooms. More than 30,000 classrooms have already been constructed in the past four years. From January to October 2008 alone, a total of 8,407 units have been built, while 12,000 classrooms have been repaired, significantly exceeding the 6,000 per year target. Because of this and previous years’ improvements, the classroom-pupil ratio was reduced from 1:50 to 1:45 at double shift. Classroom backlogs as of June 2008 stood at 12,418 classrooms. Books. From just 12 Million books in 2001, a total of 22.752 Million copies of various elementary and secondary textbooks nationwide was procured and delivered in 2008, bringing the book-to-pupil ratio at 1:1 in 18 elementary and secondary subjects (Sibika/HeKaSi Grades 1-6, Araling Panlipunan Years I-II, and English Grades 1-6 and Years I-IV). 71 Computers. As of 2007, all 4,769 public high schools have been provided computers, while 1,383 (29%) have internet access. By the end of 2008, the government targets to provide computer packages to a total of 5,323 high schools. Teachers and Principals. For the current year, a total of 7,434 teacher items were created, for deployment to public elementary and secondary schools. A total of 3,918 principals have been processed, consisting of 2,100 new Principal I items and the conversion of 1,818 teachers-in-charge into Principal I positions. Effective July 2008, entry level salary of teachers increased from P9,939 in 2006 to P12,026. Scholarships. Since 2001, the government has been allocating significant budgets for this program so that private schools can maintain their economic viability. To date, a total of 625,083 slots have availed of the program, representing 48% of total enrolment in private secondary education. The amount of financial subsidy per student remains at P5,000 each, except in NCR where it is P10,000. This differentiated amount was resorted to so that urban poor households may support their children’s schooling in NCR where the prevailing average tuition fees among participating private high schools was P25,000. Enrolment. Enrolment continues to increase in elementary and high school. A total of 13,396,988 elementary students are enrolled for SY 2007-2008, or more than half a Million more than that of the enrollees in SY 2001-2002. For high school, a total of 6,459,305 high school students are enrolled for this SY, compared to 5,801,008 in SY 2001-2002. Enrolment in Elementary Schools, SY 2001-2002 to SY 2007-2008 72 Enrolment in Elementary Schools, SY 2001-2002 to SY 2007-2008 Student’s Participation, Cohort Survival and Dropout. While the students’ participation rates (the enrolment in the school-age range over the total population of that age range) and cohort survival (proportion of enrollees at the beginning grade or year who reach the final grade or year at the end of the required number of years) significantly decreased from SY 2001-2002 to SY 2007-2008, there was a marked improvement from SY 2006-2007. Said improvement likewise includes in the decrease of dropout rates. SY 20062007 Elementary Participation Rate Cohort Survival Rate Dropout Rate High School Participation Rate Cohort Survival Rate Dropout Rate 83.22% 73.43% 6.37% 58.59% 77.33% 8.55% SY 20072008 84.84% 75.26% 5.99% 61.91% 79.91% 7.35% Achievement Rates. Achievement scores of public school students in Grade 6 in SY 2007-2008 are higher than the previous SYs. Overall performance improved by 8% for elementary and 8% for secondary when compared to SY 2006-2007. The improvements are pronounced in the subjects of Mathematics, Science, Hekasi and Filipino for elementary, and in the areas of Mathematics, Science, English, and Filipino for secondary. Despite these, however, DepEd is exerting all possible efforts to continuously raise overall performance of the sector. 73 Subject Areas Elementary Math Science English Average High School Math Science English Average SY 04-05 59.10 54.12 59.15 57.46 50.70 39.49 51.33 47.17 SY 05-06 53.66 46.77 54.05 51.49 47.82 37.98 47.73 44.51 SY 06-07 60.29 51.58 60.78 57.55 39.05 41.99 51.78 44.27 SY 07-08 63.89 57.90 61.62 61.14 42.85 46.71 53.46 47.67 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) TESDA’s Philippine TVET Qualification and Certification System assessed a total of 375,319 workers from January to November 2008, with 297,834 of them certified. From 2001 to present, the skills of a total of 1,997,591 workers were assessed, out of which 1,291,694 or 65% were certified as competent and job-ready. Assessed Certified Percentage Certified 2005 271,151 135,304 49.9% 2006 257,796 160,941 62.4% 2007 398,711 293,219 73.5% As of November 2008 375,319 297,834 79.4% From 2001 to present, TESDA’s network of accredited training institutions produced a total of 8.3 Million graduates who were trained and retrained in various trades to enhance their competencies and employability particularly in in-demand and emerging skills in the labor market. For the 1st Semester of 2008, 583,106 workers were trained. DOLE provided scholarships and educational assistance to 339,085 grantees from 2001 to 2008 through the following: • PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project. A total of 59,213 workers/jobseekers were granted with P5,000 scholarship coupon/voucher per scholar in 2008 for their training in hard-to-fill and in-demand skills in emerging industries such as business-processoutsourcing (BPO) and call centers. Of these, 49,388 graduated out of whom 8,047 are already employed. Year 74 • Private Education Student Fund Assistance (PESFA) Program. A total of 3,963 high school graduates were provided with assistance in 2008 for their technical-vocational education. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). The Program shouldered the financial expenses of 372 qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA-member OFWs in 2008 who pursued a 4-5 years baccalaureate course. Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP). The Program shouldered the financial expenses of 3,151 OWWA-member OFWs or dependents/beneficiaries in 2008 who pursued up to one-year TVET course. • • Higher Education Enrolment and Graduation. Similar with enrolment trends for basic education and TVET, enrolment in higher education likewise increased, from 2,446,056 students for SY 2001-2002 to 2,483,645 students for SY 2005-2006. The number of graduates per SY also increased, from 383,839 to 409,724 for the same period. Student Support. The number of beneficiaries for CHED scholarships and grants-in-aid also increased, from 36,337 for SY 2001-2002 to almost 51,000 for the current SY 2008-2009. In 2008 alone, a total of 71,960 students were provided with Student Assistance Fund for Education (SAFE), 14,200 students with the PGMA-HELP (Higher Education Loan Program), and 3,557 students with Student Financial Assistance Programs (STUFAP) Loans. Also, 1,700 faculty of private and public higher education Institutions (HEIs) were granted scholarships to pursue Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Alternative Modes of Learning. A total of 1,012 working students obtained college degrees through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency Accreditation Program. Currently, 671 HEIs are offering Ladderized Education Program, with 1,225 TVET Qualification embedded in their curricula. HEI Regulation. In 2008, CHED identified 50 Centers of Excellence/Development nationwide in the areas of Science and Mathematics, Information Technology, Business and Management, Teacher Education, and Criminal Justice Education. Also, 32 private HEIs were also granted with autonomous status, while 35 private HEIs were granted with deregulated status. 75 AGRARIAN REFORM • • The DENR distributed 84,413 hectares of Alienable and Disposable lands out of the target of 100,000 hectares to 98,590 qualified beneficiaries. The DAR distributed 110, 299 hectares of private agricultural lands out of the target 130, 000 hectares to benefit 75, 758 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). The DAR has put into leasehold agreement a total of 9, 776 hectares of land which benefitted 4, 337 ARBs out of the target of 20, 000 hectares to 10, 535 beneficiaries The DAR resolved a total of 11, 507 agrarian cases out of a total of 17, 000 pending cases Support services implemented, facilitated and coordinated for delivery to the ARBs • • • ANCESTRAL DOMAIN • The NCIP issued 58 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) from 2001-2007 covering 1, 204, 623.54 hectares which benefitted 260, 268 Right Holders. In 2008, it issued 38 CADTs covering 1, 463, 489.8320 hectares which benefitted 2901, 243 Right Holders. The NCIP issued 175 Certificate of Ancestral Land Titles (CALTs) from 2001-2007 covering 4, 851.15 hectares which benefitted 2, 792 Right Holders. In 2008, it issued 14 CALTs covering 2, 792 hectares which benefitted 344 Right Holders. The NCIP formulated 45 Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) • • ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Revitalization of the Mining Industry • Generated US$ 229.54 Million (1st Semester) in new investments and 837 jobs from 63 mining projects. This brings to almost $1.7 billion the investments generated and 13,642 jobs created, since the revitalization of the mining industry in 2004. 76 • Initiation of policy reforms in the mining sector to ensure responsible mining. remittance share of indigenous people from mining industry through NCIP tax payment of mining companies in their project area instead of the locality where their office are situated inclusion of LGUs in the Mineral Development Council to strengthen their role in policy making drafted a set of guidelines to rationalize small scale mining issued guidelines on the issuance of Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) to eradicate undervaluation, misdeclaration and red tape in the exportation of mineral ores and improve the collection of excise tax on minerals. transparent process of documentation and license processing 60-40 joint venture agreement where the Philippine government can partner with the prospective investors. This scheme increases the government share to 40 percent which is better than the present agreement which limits the government share to only 2 percent on excise taxes. Biodiversity Conservation • Tamaraw Conservation Program successful implementation with 10% increase from 239 to 263 head counts through the collaboration of the LGU Occidental Mindoro and other stakeholders. Issued Guidelines on Self-Regulation of the Floriculture Industry for the Sustainable Management of Philippine Wild flora • Ecotourism Development • 19 protected areas were assessed as ecotourism sites and prepared a ecotourism plans for 20 protected areas in collaboration with DTI, LGUs, NGOs and academe. Coastal and Marine Resources Management • Forty-five (45) LGUs were provided technical assistance in coastal resources assessment and 18 LGUs in the preparation of coastal resource management plans. Collaborated with scientists and senior government officials from five other countries in finalizing the Regional Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Plan of Action to 77 • reverse the degradation of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine species diversity: the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. Reforestation • Planted 15.9 Million seedlings in 19,561 hectares Air Quality Management • As of October, the DENR, LGUs and other agencies tested 15,430 vehicles. Majority of them are still not complying with emission standards. However, the percentage of complying vehicles is increasing, i.e., from 21% in 2006 to 22% in 2007 and to 30% in 2008. Water Quality Management • Continued the monitoring of 19 priority rivers. Of these, 14 showed improvement, out of which 10 are already within the DENR acceptable standard in terms of oxygen levels. Initiated the rehabilitation of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System. Demolition of illegal structures such as illegal fish pens, cages and baklads in Manila and Cavite and also in Laguna de Bay, they dismantled 146 illegal fish cages. MOA signed with the LLDA, NCUPC and MGCPI to undertake a research and development project • • • Solid Waste Management • Provided technical assistance to 397 Local Government Units (LGUs) in the safe closure and rehabilitation of their open/controlled dumpsites, or 72% of the reported accomplishment in 2007; 85 LGUs in the establishment of categorized sanitary landfill facilities, which is 8% more than the 2007 report; and 344 LGUs in the establishment and operationalization of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), well exceeding the previous year’s accomplishment. Operationalized the National Ecology Center and 15 Regional Ecology Centers • 78 • Imposed a 3-strike rule policy to our LGUs: notifying them to comply with the law to convert their open dump sites to sanitary landfill. If that does not work, issuance of warning. If that still does not work, issuance of cease and desist order (CDO) and file appropriate administrative cases. Plans and Directions • To pump-prime the economy, especially the rural economy, help the people generate income for their daily needs, and consequently help in poverty reduction and hunger mitigation in the uplands. To use environment and natural resources (ENR) management to address socio-economic concerns. To undertake a nationwide upland development program through using reforestation and agroforestry strategies for sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation and hunger mitigation. Family beneficiaries of the program will get financial support for the purchase of planting materials and development in their areas. A total of 294,166 upland farmers are expected to benefit from the program. In support in upland development, the agency will hasten forest boundary delineation as well as accelerate cadastral survey and land distribution which will assure the right of the people for their land, will generate income to 1,923 employment for local communities. To continue its emergency employment program for upland areas in CY 2009 through the hiring of Bantay Gubat to assist in patrolling the country’s forest. New mineral development projects are expected to infuse about US$1.8 Million of new investments next year. By implementing programs such as geohazard mapping, watershed management, environmental impact assessment, pollution control and management this will help the poor to reduce the impact of calamities and disaster on them. • • • • • • • 79 ANNEX A DPWH LIST OF MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED FOR 2008 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Baguio-Pangawan-Kayapa Section, Cordillera Road Improvement Project, Phase I; P1.7 Billion; completed 28 March 2008; PJHL Project Iloilo East Coast-Capiz Road; P530.586 Million; completed 08 April 2008; PJHL Project Ligao-Pio Duran Road, Albay; P328.189 Million; PJHL Project Pantal Bridge, Dagupan City; P903.9 Million; completed 30 June 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Sta. Maria Dao Bridge along Lopez-Catanauan Road; P19 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Cavinti Bridge along Cavinti-Lumot-Caliraya Road, Cavinti, Laguna; P55.8 Million; 30 September 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Mabacao Bridge along Maragondon-Magallanes Road, Maragondon, Cavite; P89.9 Million; 31 August 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Piela Bridge, Dasmariñas, Cavite; P25.1 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Salitran Bridge along Zapote-Salawag-Salitran Road, Dasmariñas, Cavite; P57.1 Million; 31 August 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Namunga Bridge 2 along Batangas-Quezon Road, Rosario, Batangas; P7.3 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Sabang Bridge along Manila-Batangas-Poblacion Road, Lipa City, Batangas; P25.7 Million; 30 June 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Basiao Bridge, Donsol, Sorsogon ; P22.3 Million; 31 May 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Banwang Gurang Bridge, Donsol, Sorsogon; P16.2 Million; 28 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Batolinao Bridge, Baras, Catanduanes; P18.3 Million; 31 January 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Libjo Bridge, Bato, Catanduanes; P15.2 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Gogon Bridge, Virac, Catanduanes; P11.3 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Patrocinio Bridge, Presentacion, Camarines Sur; P8.6 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Pasusuhan Bridge, San Jose, Camarines Sur; P68.8 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Pugay Bridge, San Jose, Camarines Sur; P92.8 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Rangas 3 Bridge, Goa, Camarines Sur; P31.9 Million; 31 January 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges 80 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. Salog Bridge, Goa, Camarines Sur; P34.9 Million; 31 May 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Hulugan Bridge along Legaspi-Manito-Punta de Jesus Road, Manito, Albay; P17.2 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Manaul Bridge 1 along Calapan South-Bulalacao-San Jose Road, Mansalay, Southern Mindoro; P7.7 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Madugo Bridge, Roxas, Southern Mindoro; P11.8 Million; 31 July 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Tiguisan Bridge along Calapan-South Bulalacao Road, Bansud, Southern Mindoro; P14.8 Million; 29 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Tinalunan Bridge, Gloria, Southern Mindoro; P21.5 Million; 29 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Langgang Bridge, Gloria, Southern Mindoro; P14.6 Million; 29 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Casiligan 1 Bridge, Socorro, Mindoro Oriental; P24.9 Million; 30 June 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Malbog Bridge along Calapan South Road, Victoria, Mindoro Oriental; P17.2 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Gusay Bridge along Calapan South-Bulalacao-San Jose Road, Victoria, Mindoro Oriental; P16.6 Million; 31 May 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Borbocolan Bridge along Calapan South Road, Victoria, Mindoro Oriental; P23.5 Million; 29 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Manaul 2 Bridge, Mansalay, Southern Mindoro; P14.7 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Labasan Bridge along Bongabong-Mansalay Road, Bongabong, Southern Mindoro; P22.2 Million; 30 June 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Calabugao Bridge 1 along Calapan-Puerto Galera-Abra de Ilog Road, Misamis Oriental; P17.6 Million; 31 May 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges San Teodoro, Calabugao Bridge 2 along Calapan North Road, San Teodoro, Misamis Oriental; P16.7 Million; 30 June 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Nagpantay Bridge, San Teodoro, Misamis Oriental; P37.8 Million; 31 August 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Aruyan 1 (New Aruyan 2) Bridge, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P53.4 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges San Isidro 1 (Ligaya 2) Bridge, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P16.6 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges San Isidro 3 (Ligaya 1) Bridge, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P37.7 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges 81 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. Bulale 1 (Bulale 3) Bridge along Mamburao-South Bulalacao Road, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P38.1 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Bulale 2 Bridge along Jct. MWCR (San Isidro)-Penal Colony-Jct. Yapang Road, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P19.8 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Yapang Bridge along Jct. MWCR (San Isidro)-Penal Colony-Jct. Yapang Road, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental; P24.3 Million; 31 March 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Guinhawa (Tagbawa) Bridge, Quezon, Quezon; P24.7 Million; 31 January 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Mascarina 1 Bridge, Quezon, Quezon; P10.6 Million; 31 January 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Babangonan Bridge, Victoria, Mindoro Oriental; P16.9 Million; 29 February 2008; PMO Urgent Bridges Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Marihatag-Barobo Section (concreting of Amontay-Sto Niño Sect. with Toril and Amontay Bridge), Surigao del Sur; 10 June 2008; P122,026,144.020; IBRD-PMO Kabankalan-Basay Road Hinoba-an Basay Section; 24 May 2008; P124,762,228; IBRDPMO Contract Package A Tukuran-Dobliston Road & Kapatagan-Dobliston Road, Zamboanga del Sur & Lanao del Norte; P881,802.000; 17 August 2008; KFAED-PMO Magballo Bridge (Phase III) Jct. Bearin (Salong) Tapi-Bantayan Road, Magballo, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental; P10,561.000; 02 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Magballo Bridge (Phase II) Jct. Bearin (Salong) Tapi-Bantayan Rod, Magballo, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental; P3,654.936; 29 January 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Tula-Tula Bridge, Ligao-Pio Duran Road, Tula-Tula, Ligao, Albay; P8,523.000; 08 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Nagas Bridge, Camarines Sur-Tiwi-Legaspi City, Nagas, Tiwi, Albay; P16,745.000; 09 February 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Bagumbayan Bridge, San Fernando North Road, Bagumbayan, San Fernando, Masbate; P15,940.097; 08 March 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Ibajay Bridge Aklan West Road, Tangalan, Iba, Aklan; P130,759.000; 04 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Atgang Bridge along Guimaras Circumferential Road, San Isidro; P9,859.656; 06 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Barangbang Bridge, Odiong-Sibalom-Leon Road Barangbang, San Remegio, Antique; P12,880.000; 02 June 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Lagasianan Bridge along San Remegio-Bugo Road; P10,515.842; 09 February 2008; Special Bridges-PMO 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 82 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. Dalacon Bridge Oroquieta City-Calamba-Mountain Road, Dalacon, Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental; P15,544.000; 11 March 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Manicbel Bridge, Sallapadan; P30,619.803; 11 September 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Navarro I Bridge, Dinagat-Loreto Road, Tubajon, Surigao del Norte; P8,038.000; 24 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Saltan Bridge, Mt. Province-Calanan Road, Abbut P76,227,028; 11 March 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Road, Pinukpuk, Kalinga; Matala Bridge, Calanasan-Claveria Road, Naguillian, Calanasan, Apayao; P14,385.000; 30 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Matho Bridge, Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, Matho, Cortez, Surigao del Sur; P14,369.320; 12 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Tag-iho Bridge Doña Helene-Tag-abaca, Basilica, Surigao del Norte; P22,141.000; 30 March 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Magsaysay Bridge (Phase II) Bacolod South Road, Tanate, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental; P14,242.000; 10 January 2008; Special Bridges-PMO San Mateo Bridge, San Mateo, Laoag, Ilocos Norte; P16,502.029; 18 March 2008 Special Bridges-PMO Tilod Bridge, Jct Bato-Baras Road, Tilod, Sta.023+030; P15,684.000; 12 June 2008 (Phase I contract completed); Special Brides-PMO Guising Bridge, Guising; P18,446.326; 13 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Jones 2 Bridge Jct. Ipil-Parang-Quirino Bdry. Road, Poblacion, Jones, Isabela; P108,854.829; 27 January 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Decoraban II (Bucao) Bridge, Cordon-Diffun-Maddela-Auroraa Bdry. Road, Decoraban, Nagtipunan, Quirino; P10,448.666; 24 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Ditale Bridge, Baler-Casiguran Road, Ditale, Dipaculao, Aurora; P50,649.680; 02 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Balabagon Bridge, Legaspi-Manito-Punta de Jesus Road, Balabangon, Sta.578+402; P15,020.000; 15 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Sagayon Bridge Agusan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road, Maraayon, Talakag, Bukidnon; P24,015.000; 10 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Malaka-laka Bridge, Rizal-Panaligan Road; P16,549.343; 30 May 2008; Special BridgesPMO Candawaga Bridge, Rizal-Panaligan Road, Candawaga, Station 234+160; P23,052.846; 24 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Ilog-Ilog Bridge, Rizal-Panalligan Road, C. Ulay, Rizal; P15,617.725; 20 February 2008; Special Bridges-PMO 83 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. Tagbarungis Bridge, Puerto Princesa South Road, Inagawan, Puerto Princesa; P20,377,698; 26 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Abaton Bridge (Phase V) Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; P27,433.306; 22 March 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Rancho Bridge along Banay-Banay-Mojon Road, Labac; P17,040.917; 29 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Cagmino Bridge, Surigao del Sur-Davao Oriental Road, Cagmino, Sta.1266+077; P11,830.004; 23 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Adlay Bridge, Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, P23,683.029; 11 October 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Bonga-o Bridge, Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal P11,830.009; 06 June 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Kayawayawan 2 P19,732.985; 19 Kayawayawan 1 P13,806.505; 01 Road, Adlay, Sta. 1222+252; Nurcia, Sta.1276+880; Bridge, Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, Adlay, Sta.1226+469; May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Bridge, Surigao-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, Adlay, Sta. 1226+155; August 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Bug-ang Bridge, Stop Aguinaldo-Bug-ang Road, San Isidro, Sta115+500; P12,574.899; 25 August 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Mambu-ao Bridge Agusan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road, Basak, Talakag, Bukidnon; P22,223.148; 24 June 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Tan-agan Bridge, Bugasong-Valderrama Road, Canipagan, Valderrama, Antique; P15,153.637; 23 February 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Cagascas Bridge Misamis Oriental-Bukidnon, Kalingking, P11,098.000; 23 February 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Malitbog, Road, Bukidnon; Taglagan, Bunot Bridge along Cagayan-Calanasan-Cadcadir-Ilocos Norte Sta.608+640; P12,586.676; 14 May 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Sigangao Bridge, Iloilo East Coast –Capiz Road, Sigangao; P11,549.419; 13 June 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Canipayan Bridge, Bugasong-Valderrama Road Canipayan, Sta.143+500; P15,033.030; 12 July 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Palaypay Bridge, Bugasong-Valderrama Road, Palaypay, Sta.144+871; P17,060.192; 08 April 2008; Special Bridges-PMO Hanoban Bridge along Jct. Bagonawa-La Carlota-LaCastellana Road, Hanoban; P27,048.221; 01 September 2008; Special Bridges-PMO 84