Introduction

   Year 2004 has been a hectic time for the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) given the major activities that had to be undertaken to achieve the completion of major planning documents, which include the drafting and finalization of the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP) 2004-2010, Bicol Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), 2005-2010 and updating of the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), 2000-2030.

 

   Alongside the usual development planning and investment programming, and monitoring and evaluation tasks of the Council, the selection and appointment of the new set of RDC officials (Chairman and Co-Chairman) and private sector representatives (PSRs) took place this year.  With the new RDC leadership at the helm, a more dynamic and proactive pursuit of development programs and projects for Bicol’s growth is envisioned.

 

   As a way of punctuating the need to address squarely the local and regional concerns, various Resolutions were approved and endorsed by the Council which were aimed at improving the infrastructure backbone of Bicol as well as enhancing the delivery of basic social services especially on health, education and anti-poverty programs (i.e., KALAHI) and initiatives towards localizing and mainstreaming the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the LGU level.

 

   Offhand, the outlook seems promising, yet daunting.  But as always, the Bicol RDC has relentlessly buckled up to work to meet these challenges squarely.

   REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND POLICY REVIEW/FORMULATION

      Adoption/Approval of Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP)

   Consistent with the President’s pronouncement of her 10-Point Development Agenda, the RDC spearheaded the series of inter-agency and multi-sectoral workshops/planning sessions for the formulation/updating of the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP), 2004-2010. This exercise enjoined the active participation of RLAs, LGUs and the private sector in crafting the region’s vision, goals, strategies and targets, that would eventually serve as the updated roadmap for Bicol’s development for the next six (6) years.

Formulation/Updating of the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), 2000-2030

   Alongside the crafting of the MTRDP was the updating of the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), 2000-2030.  The RPFP is intended to guide the development, utilization and management of the region’s natural and physical resources such that the desired development of the area is congruent and supportive of sound spatial planning principles.  The updating of the RPFP was coordinated by the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) with local government units, line agencies and the private sector to elicit a truly meaningful participation of the stakeholders in crafting this long-term physical plan.

 

Formulation/Approval of Other Sectoral Plans

Bicol Rehabilitation Plan

 

   The RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) and the concerned LGUs and RLAs spearheaded the preparation of the Bicol Rehabilitation Plan, which is intended for the rehabilitation of infrastructure and non-infra facilities in the affected areas of typhoons Unding, Violeta, Winnie and Yoyong.  The Rehab Plan is envisaged to address the damages wrought by these typhoons in the affected provinces in Bicol, especially in infrastructure and agriculture.

 

BICOL ICT Plan

 

   The Regional Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Committee (RITECC) of RDC 5 has formulated, through the TWG of member-agencies, a draft Bicol Information and Communications Technology (BICT) Plan consistent with the NITP for the 21st century (IT21), ITECC Strategic Roadmap, and the Government Information System Plan.

 

   The BICT Plan aims to promote ICT in the region by fostering strategic partnership and alliances among local firms and institutions, ICT educational and training institutions, technology providers, developers and manufacturers.  It identified ICT as a potent tool in regional development and focuses on various projects on the following areas: electronic governance, business development, infrastructure, human resource development, legal and regulatory, and the achievement of ICT culture.

   INVESTMENT PROGRAMMING AND BUDGET REVIEW

      Formulation of the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP)

   After the formulation of the MTRDP, an updated Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), 2005-2010, a companion rolling document of the MTRDP, was presented to the Council after undergoing several revisions based from the comments and inputs of the RDC members and various stakeholders such as the local government units (LGUs), private sector and regional line agencies (RLAs).

      Regional Budget Review

   To ensure that the region’s priorities and thrusts are duly considered in the formulation of the annual budget proposal, the Council reviewed and endorsed the budget proposals of eighteen (18) agency regional offices during the Executive Committee meeting of the RDC5 on 28 May 2004 which convened solely for that purpose.  The RDC’s imprimatur to the AROs’ annual budget proposal became the basis for lobbying the region’s priority programs and projects to the Agency Central Offce’s consolidated budget proposal.  A feedback was henceforth rendered by the AROs to the RDC regarding the approval/inclusion of the identified regional priorities to their ACO’s annual budget, and the reasons why they were not considered, in some cases.

   PROJECT EVALUATION/ENDORSEMENT/MONITORING

      Project Evaluation

   The RDC evaluated and endorsed the following project proposals for foreign, local and DOE funding (ER 1-94 proposed projects):

Foreign-Assisted Projects:

• 2nd Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project of the DOH, which is implemented in the province of Sorsogon (This is an on-going project but as an extension of previous implementation)

• Upgrading of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) into the Southern Luzon Medical Center;

• Bicol Health Services Delivery Enhancement Project as a Priority Project of the Department of Health (DOH);

• Improvement of Sorsogon City Water District

• 40MW Tanawon Geothermal Plant

• Mainline South Rehabilitation and Extension to Sorsogon Project

• 500 KW Diesel Power Plant Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay

• Local Bridges under the Countrywide Bridge Project of the President’s  Bridge Program (PBP)

Locally-Funded Projects:

• Dredging of Mabulao River

• Construction of Drainage System

DOE ER 1-94 Funded Projects (refer to Annex C for the details):

• Construction of School Building at Bagong Sirang High School (Curry High School Extension)

• Construction of Seawall and Public Drainage and Sewerage

• Canaway-Bongabong Farm-to-Market Road

• San Isidro-Marayag Farm-to-Market Road

• Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Water System for Cluster “B” (Phase II)

• Construction of Streetlights

• Drainage System and Construction of Multi-Purpose Pavement

• Construction/Installation of Filtration Facilities and Expansion of Level III Water System

• Construction of 3-classroom Bldg. for Caramoan Community College

• Spring Development and Expansion of Level II Water System

• Construction of 2-classroom School Building for five (5) municipalities in

• Camarines Sur

• Installation of Streetlight

• Seedling Nursery/Agro-Forestry Project

• Additional Medical Equipment for the Federation of Barangay Health Workers

• Concreting of Suba-San Antonio Road

   Project Monitoring

   As part of its monitoring activities, the Regional Project Monitoring Team (RPMT) of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) of the RDC conducted field inspection as specified in the CY 2004 Field Monitoring Plan. A total of ten major projects in the region were visited, this includes the following:

• Pantao Port Development Project

• Matnog Integrated Bus Terminal Project

• Matnog Port

• Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay of the President’s Bridge Program

• San Vicente Bridge in Bato, Camarine Sur

• San Roque Bridge in  Bato, Camarines Sur

• Napo Bridge in Polangui, Albay

• Gloria Bridge in Guinobatan, Albay

• KALAHI Prototype Projects in Labo, Camarines Norte

• KALAHI Prototype Projects in San Vicente, Camarines Norte

• TESDP Project

• Construction of One-Storey Agro-Mechanic workshop

• Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road in Mayon, Castilla, Sorsogon

• Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant (TGPP) Complex Rehabilitation Project

• Bahay Silungan sa Daungan, Matnog, Sorsogon

Other Monitored Projects

 

   Likewise, 33 ARCDP projects in Albay implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) were also monitored during the year.  The accompanying field inspection reports for these projects were submitted.

   SUPPORT TO THE PRESIDENT'S REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

      Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Program

   The RDC5 through the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG) coordinated efforts and activities towards poverty alleviation in the region.  The SDC Secretariat, as support to RDC operations, has extended secretariat services to the RKCG, which is spearheaded by the Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs.  The RKCG which oversees the implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Program of the government and is within the existing structure of the RDC, has supervised/coordinated the conduct of the following major activities for 2004:

• Expanded KALAHI in 60 barangays located in one city and five municipalities;

• Delivered Php19.7 Million agency and LGU programs, projects and services;

• Facilitated the release of Php3.55 Million for small infra and livelihood projects in 14 barangays;

• Generated mobilization fund for information caravan activities from RKCG agencies’ contributions; and

• Set-up local structures and mechanisms for convergence in all provinces and cities

   The status as of December 2004 of the major projects with presidential directives and commitments are the following:

Pantao Port Development Project

 

   The project is located in Libon, Albay and is being implemented by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The scope of work includes reclamation for the back-up area, construction of RC Pier and RORO facility including the RORO berthing.

 

   As of December 25, 2004, the project’s actual physical accomplishment posted at 87.768% with an actual slippage of 6.017%.  The original completion date of the project was revised from July 22, 2004 to June 1, 2005 and the original contract amount from P82,748,865.15 to P100,349,130.19.  Variation orders were made since during actual implementation it was discovered that the lengths of the steel pile pipes needed to be increased.

 

Matnog Integrated Bus Terminal Project

 

   The project is located in Matnog, Sorsogon.  The scope of work included identification and acquisition of relocation site, land development, site development, construction of terminal parking and building, and construction of commercial building.

 

   The project would be financed through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in the amount of P89 million. The LGU of Matnog decided to pursue the project on a phasing basis since they have a credit capability of only P39 million. Phase 1 would be for the main terminal and Phase 2 for the facilities.  As of September 2004, its loan application with the Land Bank is still not approved pending the payment of its previous loan with the same bank.

 

Matnog Port

 

   The rehabilitation works in Matnog Port is already completed. It included the rehabilitation of three (3) RORO ramps and the improvement of the Matnog Port Terminal Building. The Matnog Port Terminal, a two-storey building with an area of 2,011 sq. m., is due for privatization upon inauguration.  As of September 2004, three (3) shipping lines are already operating in the port, i.e. Maharlika (Philtranco), Sta. Clara (Pasacao), and Tabinas (San Pablo).

   OTHER RDC CONCERNS

      Selection of New Set of RDC-Private Sector Representatives (PSRs)

   On June 30, 2004, the terms of office of the RDC Chairman, Co-Chairman and Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) ended per the provisions of EO 325. RD Marlene Catalina P. Rodriguez of NEDA 5, being the Vice-Chairperson of the Council, acted as  ex-officio RDC Chairman until the date that Gov. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr. of Camarines Sur was designated as Chairman and Dr. Jose S. Estevez as Co-Chairman.

 

   The selection of the new set of PSRs for the term 2004-2007, undertook an extensive process of eliciting nomination from qualified private sector organizations PSOs). The evaluation and screening process followed a stringent set of criteria aimed at short-listing potential nominees to the most qualified and competent to represent the concerns and interests of the private sector to the RDC.  To ensure a level playing field, a transparent process was engaged by the Secretariat.

 

   After a systematic process of selection on July 9, 2004 conducted by the RDC 5 Secretariat, the Council confirmed the 14 PSRs who would serve for the term 2004-2007 during the 4th regular meeting of the RDC on August 26, 2004.The newly elected PSRs are the following:

 

GEOGRAPHIC PSRs

   PROBLEM SOLVING ON REGIONAL ISSUES

   The following were the regional/internal issues that were addressed/given affirmative actions by the Council:

• Creation/Reactivation of Area Development Teams (ADTs) in the Bicol Region;

   The creation of ADTs is anchored on achieving synergy and sharing of local development expertise for more effective and efficient area planning and program implementation.  The previous experiences of linkages between RDC 5, NEDA 5 and LGUs thru the ADTs have improved the local planners in the formulation of development plans, investment programs and project proposals. The creation/reaction of the ADTs would therefore strengthen the NEDA-LGU linkages for the development of the local and regional economy to address the poverty incidence in Bicol.

• Conduct of the 1^st Bicol Business Conference for Development, which was held on 03 May 2004 in Legazpi City which served to strengthen the role of Bicol’s businessmen in partnership with the government;

• Replacement of the X-ray machine at the Legazpi Airport terminal building which was approved and endorsed by the Council to the DILG and to the DOTC/ATO;

   Classified as a trunkline airport in the country, the request for a brand new x-ray machine for the Legazpi Airport was supported by the Council considering the safety and convenience of the riding public. This request has already been endorsed by ATO to the Director of Aviation Security Group for appropriate action.

• Immediate payment of the lots owned by Mr. Horacio Martinez and Ms. Avelina Plizga at the Regional Center site in Rawis, Legazpi City by DPWH; 

• Allocation/Granting the amount of Php500, 000.00 by the Bicol Congressmen for the preparation and updating of the Bicol Tourism Investment Plan (BTIP), 2005-2007, which has been pooled from the monthly contributions remitted by the Bicol solons;

   The Bicol Congressmen, being members of the RDC Advisory Committee (ADCOM), has initiated the formulation of the Bicol Tourism Investment Plan (BTIP) because of the need to propel the tourism industry as an engine for economic growth. The final draft of the plan has already been prepared integrating the comments of the RDC AdCom members.

• RDC 5 contribution of Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 50, 000) for the Kasal Bikolnon Project of DOLE Regional Office; 

• Enjoining the GSIS Board of Trustees to review and study the operations of the GSIS in terms of records management and the granting of benefits to government employees; 

• Localization and mainstreaming of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in development planning processes at the regional and local levels;

   PopCom, NEDA and DILG conducted a series of orientation meetings in 2004; localization of the MDG is being followed up with DILG.

• Creation of River Basin Watershed Management Project (RBWMP) Committee under the RDC 5;

   The Committee has been created to facilitate resolving issues/concerns related to the project and to fast track implementation of various sub-projects. It is composed of all LGUs covered by the project, Private Sector Representatives, and concerned Regional Line Agencies such as DOF, DBM, DPWH, NIA, DA, OCD, NEDA and DENR being the lead.

• Appeal to Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not to reduce the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of LGUs;

   This Resolution was passed considering the adverse impact that it would create on the delivery of basic services and implementation of development projects especially in depressed communities. Copy of the Resolution has been given to OP.  NEDA-RDCS gave the RDC with the Supreme Court rulings stating the unconstitutionality of reducing the IRA, i.e. (1) Mandanas vs. Romulo, Boncodin; (2) Pimentel vs. Aguirre, Boncodin.

• Request to Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to locate the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office (DPWH-CO) to the Province of Camarines Sur;

   This has transpired from the recent development that the Department of Public Works and Highways would be located in the Bicol Region.  Considering that the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur is willing to provide a lot for free where the DPWH Building would be located, including its facilities, this resolution has been passed. Copy of the resolution has been furnished to the OP and to the DPWH Sec. Florante Soriquez for consideration and favorable action. To date, no final decision has been set.

• Creation of Region 5 Small and Medium Enterprises Regional Team;

   The Region 5 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Regional Team has been created to harmonize all the assistance and support given by each respective agency involved in SME Development. The Team is composed of the following: DTI, DOST, DOLE, TESDA, DA, DAR, NEDA, DSWD, DILG, DOT, PCCI represented by its Regional Governor and Government Financial Institutions. An Organizational Meeting was held on Nov. 11, 2004. A briefing on the functions of the team was given to the members. Another meeting was conducted on March 5, 2005. A briefing-orientation on RA 9178: Barangay Micro Business Enterprise was presented to the RDC members during the 1^st RDC Regular Meeting for CY 2005 last 8 June 2005. 

• Conduct of a Bicol Integrated Development Master Plan (BIDMP);

   This has been a re-endorsement of RDC Resolution No. 05-01 series of 2003 entitled “Resolution Endorsing and Approving the Terms of Reference for the Conduct of A Bicol Integrated Development Master Plan (BIDMP).”  The NEDA-PIS has already forwarded the proposal to JICA for consideration under their FY 2006/2007 Request Survey.

• Appeal to the Office of the President to prioritize the allocation of rehabilitation funds for the Bicol Region*; 

• Request to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Office of the President (OP) to allocate additional funds for Bicol to enhance the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council’s (RDCC) capability for disaster and emergency management*; and 

• Immediate release of the Quick Response Fund intended for Bicol Region based on the priorities submitted by RDC for rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure facilities brought about by Typhoons Unding, Winnie and Yoyong^*.

^*   These three (3) regional issues were raised during the 6^th Regular Meeting of the RDC 5 on 16 December 2005 because of the considerable damages to agriculture, fishery, forestry, infra and to the human lives brought about by the   typhoons Unding, Winnie and Yoyong during the last quarter of CY 2005.

 

   Per letter from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), due to the limited CY 2005 National Calamity Fund (NCF) balance which would be used during the emergencies/calamities which may occur for the next six (6) months, such request could not be granted.

   Development Committees

      REGIONAL LAND USE COMMITTEE (RLUC)

   The Regional Land Use Committee-Technical Working Group conducted a series of workshops for the formulation of the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), 2000-2030. Part of the output was the formulation of interventions for the medium-term, which were included in the MTRDP chapters on environment and natural resources, agribusiness, trade and industry, and infrastructure development. 

   The Committee also participated in the implementation of the Mainstreaming Sustainable Development (MSD) Project in Bicol with Camarines Norte as the project area.   The province was provided with technical and financial assistance under the MSD Project in the formulation of its Provincial Physical Framework Plan (PPFP) with serious consideration of the goal of sustainable development.  A series of workshops with the Provincial Land Use Committee (PLUC) were conducted and assisted by the RLUC toward the finalization of the Draft PPFP 2003-2033.

MACRO INTERSECTORAL AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCE COMMITTEE (MIDFC) AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE (DAC)

   The various committees of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 5 had two major concerns which they took up during their meetings.  These are:  (i) the review and endorsement of agency budgets for CY 2005; and the (ii) formulation of their respective chapter assignments in the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan, CY 2004-2010.   The former resulted to the endorsement of 18 agency budgets by the RDC 5 to the respective agency central offices.  And the latter, led to the adoption and approval of the Bicol MTRDP CY 2004-2010 by the RDC.   

   For the CY 2005 Budgeting exercise, the Macro Intersectoral and Development Finance Committee (MIDFC) and Development Administration Committee (DAC) had a joint meeting to discuss and endorse the proposed budgets of the regional offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

 

   For the MTRDP formulation, the respective Technical Working Groups of these Committees conducted workshops, which led to the completion of their respective chapters. 

 

   One of the items discussed by the Development Administration Committee (DAC) was the request of the Office of Civil Defense to be a member of the Regional Development Council (RDC). The Committee subsequently recommended the inclusion of the said agency to the RDC as a special non-voting member.

REGIONAL PROJECT MONITORING COMMITTEE (RPMC)

   Year 2004 has been a productive year for the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) and its technical arm, the Regional Project Monitoring Team (RPMT).  Various RPMES activities were carried out and implemented in the region such as problem-solving sessions and monitoring.

 

   At the onset of the year, the RPMES Work and Financial Plan which contains the programmed activities for the year was prepared by the Secretariat.  It was approved by the RPMC and subsequently by the Regional Development Council (RDC).  Likewise, the CY 2004 Field Monitoring Plan was firmed up during the RPMT meeting.  It served as a guide in field monitoring functions since it contained the list of on-going projects that were subjected for field inspection by the RPMC and RPMT members. 

 

   The RPMC had four regular meetings as venue for its problem-solving sessions.  The Committee discussed and resolved problematic projects being implemented by some agencies in the region, i.e. DPWH, NIA. Under the DPWH Projects with MOA with the LGUS, DPWH was tasked to monitor them since these projects were implemented by the LGUs.  On the Pinangapugan Communal Irrigation Project wherein the contractor requested for the suspension of the works and acquisition of the right of way, has been re-negotiated though the funds for mobilization was already released, was advised that the construction schedule should be revised. Same recommendation to revise the schedule was presented with regards to the  Quinale Communal Irrigation System wherein it was temporarily suspended due to the non-release of cash support.  

 

   The issue regarding the field visit to the Solid Geothermal Residue Injection Project (SGRIP) was also deliberated/raised during the meeting.  It was suggested that extensive information campaign should be conducted through barangay assemblies/consultations regarding the importance of SGRIP to refrain the government from paying the stand-by cost of $3,000 per day.  No action has yet been received from the implementing agency, NPC, regarding this issue. 

 

   Other activities carried out during the year included table monitoring activities.  The RPMC through the RPMT generated, prepared and disseminated periodic project monitoring reports on the status of development program/projects implemented in the region by the RLAs, GOCCs, SUCs and LGUs.   A total of three RPMES consolidated quarterly reports were generated, prepared and submitted. These are the CY 2003 Fourth Quarter and CY 2004 First Quarter and Second Quarter RPMES Reports.

 

   In compliance to the National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC) initiated E-reporting system, the RPMC came up with an RPMES website that can be accessed at http://www.rdc5.gov.ph.  The CY 2004 Second Quarter RPMES Report was uploaded in the web.  Aside from this, the RPMES has also established its link with the NPMC website.  During the year under review, the Committee expanded its composition to include the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs (OPAB). The membership of this Office was approved by the Committee in view of similarity of functions in terms of monitoring and problem-solving activities.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

   The Social Development Committee has conducted three regular meetings and two special meetings.  Agenda included the following concerns: (1) discussion and adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); (2) discussion of the requirements for the Regional Development Report (RDR) 2004; (3) updating of the ODA-Assisted projects; (4) presentation of priority projects for 2005; (4) discussion of the KALAHI-CIDSS accomplishment; (5) presentation of social issues /concerns, programs and projects such as the ECCD/ Bright Child Program, and (6) presentation and approval of the MTRDP.

   One resolution, Resolution 05-01, Series of 2004 “Adopting the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to include the Monitoring, Review and Evaluation of the Set Goals and Integration of MDG Monitoring in Each Line Agency’s Monitoring System” was passed during the year.  Relatively, the SDC Secretariat crafted five RDC resolutions pertaining to social development, as follows:

• Resolution 05-03 Series of 2004, “Approving the Membership of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) V as Special Non- Voting Member of the Regional Development Council;”

• Resolution 05-07 Series of 2004, “Endorsing the 2^nd Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Project (WHSMP2);

• Resolution 05-13 Series of 2004, “Endorsing the Upgrading of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) into the Southern Luzon Medical Center;”

• Resolution 05-21 Series of 2004, “Approving and Endorsing the Localization and Mainstreaming of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Development Planning Processes at the Regional and Local Levels;” and

• Resolution 05-25 Series of 2004, “Endorsing the Bicol Health Services Delivery Enhancement Project (BHS-DEP) as a Priority Project of the Department of Health.”

   During the year, issues and concerns besetting the social development sector were generated from the various agencies.  The issues were recommended for action either by the concerned agencies or by the Bicol Congressmen/ House of Representatives, to wit: (1) provision of additional slots for Congressional scholarships; (2) support for nutrition-related bills; (3) promotion of technical vocational education and training; (4) formulation of a Local Manpower Skills Development Plan; and (5) concerns of the indigenous people in the region.

 

   The SDC Secretariat has further provided assistance in the conduct of special tasks carried out by inter-agency teams.  These activities included the Search for the Most Outstanding Volunteers in the Region, Search for Ten Outstanding Students and Search for Literacy Awardees.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IDC)

   The Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) had one special meeting and two regular meetings for the year. It deliberated and approved a total of 25 various infrastructure projects that were subsequently elevated to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for endorsement to respective funding institutions, concerned Line Agencies (LAs), and Local Government Units (LGUs).  Among the projects are four local bridges for funding assistance under the Countrywide Bridge Project of the President’s Bridge Program, four projects for foreign financing, two  projects for DPWH funding, and fifteen projects to be funded under the Regional Share of the Energy Fund per ER 1-94, as amended.  Attached is a list of these IDC approved projects including their brief description (refer to Annex A).

 

   The special meeting of the IDC done on the second quarter of the year was mainly for the budgeting exercises. Guided by the Budgeting Guidelines, the Committee reviewed the FY Budget Proposals of the various infrastructure agency regional offices in the region, i.e, DPWH, MARINA, NTC, and DOTC Agencies and approved them for RDC endorsement to its respective Agency Central Offices (ACOs).

 

   With the formulation of the Medium Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP), 2004-2010, the IDC focused on Chapters 6, 10, and 11 which were the Infrastructure and Energy chapters of the Plan. The Committee reviewed, provided comments, and recommended strategies specific to each sub-sector to enhance the draft Infrastructure Situationer prepared by the IDC Secretariat as an input to the preparation of the said Plan.  The Committee further reviewed the draft chapters of the Plan.

 

   Most of the projects approved by the Committee were those to be funded under the Energy Fund per ER 1-94, as amended.  The submission of these projects ensued upon the adoption of RDC Resolution No. 05-10 Series of 2004 approving the adoption of Scheme 2 (prioritization for funding is based on a first come – first served  cbasis) for the utilization of financial benefits under ER 1-94. 

 

   As an offshoot of the 6th RDC meeting on December 16, 2004, the IDC through the initiative of its Chairman, Governor Raul R. Lee, agreed to take the lead in the formulation of the Bicol Rehabilitation Plan due to the damages brought by typhoons Unding, Violeta, Winnie, and Yoyong that hit the region.  A meeting solely for this purpose was conducted by the IDC on December 28, 2004 with involvement of selected implementing line agencies from the different sectors, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and the Provincial/City Local Government Units (LGUs). The Bicol Rehabilitation Plan is expected to be completed by March 2005. Components of the Rehab Plan essentially focus on the extent of the damages, by geographic area, and the programs/projects of the different line agencies proposed for implementation to address and restore the socio-economic activities in the typhoon – affected areas.

REGIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE COMMITTEE (RITECC)

   RITECC Reorganization

   After two (2) years of inactivity, the Regional Information Technology Committee (RITC) 5 was reorganized to Regional Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Committee (RITECC) through Regional Development Council (RDC) 5 Resolution No. 05-12 s. 2004.  RITECC 5 is a sub-committee of the RDC 5 and is tasked to promote the development and application of Information Technology in the Bicol region.

 

   DOST 5 RD, Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, was elected as Chairperson of the reorganized RITECC with DTI 5 RD, Engr. Jocelyn LB. Blanco as Co-Chairperson, and DOST 5 as the Secretariat.  Member-agencies of RITECC include DOST, NEDA, TESDA, CHED, DBM, DTI, DOLE, DepEd, DILG, PIA, NTC, PMS, BU, DOJ and NCC.

   RITECC Committees

   To facilitate effective implementation of activities, RITECC 5 created subcommittees parallel to the Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Committee (ITECC), the highest ICT policy-making body in the country, which is currently known as the Commission on ICT (CICT).  The five subcommittees and their respective composition are:

1.  Human Resource Development
   Chair: CHED
   Members: DEPED, TESDA

2. Legal and Regulatory
   Chair: DOJ
   Members: DBM, NCC

3. Business Development
   Chair: DTI
   Members: PIA, DOLE

4. Information Infrastructure
   Chair: NTC
   Members: BU, DOST

5. Electronic Government
   Chair: NEDA
   Members: PIA, DOST, DILG, PMS, NCC

   RITECC Activities

   For CY 2004, RITECC 5 conducted a total of five meetings and one planning-workshop, and participated to various ICT-related meetings, seminars, conference, and workshops:

Meetings:

• Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on March 25, 2004 at DOST V Conference Room, Legazpi City. Host: DOST V

• General Membership meeting on June 17, 2004 at DOST Conference Room, Legazpi City. Host: DOST V

• Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on July 4, 2004 at PIA V, Legazpi City. Host: PIA V

• RITECC V Secretariat Emergency Meeting on August 4, 2004 at NEDA V, Legazpi City. Host: NEDA V

• Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on November 18, 2004 at DOST V Conference Room, Legazpi City. Host: DOLE

Planning Workshop

   RITECC 5 spearheaded the Bicol ICT Planning-Workshop on November 22-24 at NEDA V Conference Room, Legazpi City. The two-day planning-workshop presented the current ICT status of the region from the private and government entities related to academe, telecommunication, and industry sectors. The output of the planning-workshop, the Bicol ICT Plan, served as input to the Chapter 5 (Science and Technology) of the MTRDP and crafted the plans and projects of RITECC V for the coming years.

RITECC Participation

1. RITECC 5 participated in the PREGINET Launching in Bicol during the Opening Ceremony of the DOST’s National Science and Technology Week on July 21, 2004, at the Momento Hall of Hotel Casablanca, Legazpi City.  DOST RD Ma. Josefina P. Abilay and RITECC Chairperson facilitated the launching by presenting overview of the PREGINET, its accomplishments and plans in the Bicol Region. The launching was attended by participants from government agencies, private sector, academe and the media.

2. RITECC 5 participated in the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (Chapter 15) Planning-Workshop on September 9, 2004 at NEDA V, Legazpi City.  The draft Bicol ICT Plan served as input.

3. RITECC 5 participated in the ICT4D Southern Luzon Conference on November 24, 2004 at SEARCCA Auditorium, Laguna. DOST V, RITECC Secretariat, coordinated the attendance of ICT advocates and resource speakers from Region V.

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