SOCCSKSARGEN
Regional Development Investment Program
2023-2028
CHAPTER 4 PROMOTE HUMAN CAPITAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 4. Promote Human Capital and Social Development
By 2028, people in SOCCSKSARGEN Region are envisioned to live a long and healthy life, resilient against any social shocks, thriving in livable communities that provide basic and adequate amenities and services, opportunities for lifelong learning that would transform individuals to become healthy, smart and innovative. This transformative lifelong learning will equip the region’s human resource with capabilities to optimize their full potential.
Sub-Chapter 4.1. Boost Health
The programs and projects identified aim to enhance peoples’ health, with responsive and equitable health systems, improved financial risk protection, and well planned and empowered individuals and families. Among the priority programs and projects to boost health are as follows: Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS), Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Hospital Operations, Coaching/mentoring/ capability building for the localization of POPDEV, RPFP, AHDP. An estimated total investment of PHP 15.3 Billion is needed for CYs 2023-2028 to attain the region’s goal of improved health.
Sub-Chapter 4.2. Improve Education and Lifelong Learning
On recovery from the COVID-19, SOCCSKSARGEN learners must be given utmost attention to cope and demonstrate competencies to address the learning gaps, thereby winning the gains of demographic dividends. In achieving improved education and lifelong learning, things like access, equity, quality, resiliency, and well-being of learners shall be highlighted, enabled by modern, efficient, and resilient governance and management processes.
Among the priority programs and projects leading to improved education and lifelong learning are the following: Provision of assistance to HEIs, scholarships and grants, New School Personnel Positions, Construction of school buildings, Establishment of Training hospitals and Center for Medical Research (in USM, Kabacan, Cotabato). A total of about PHP 784 Billion is required for an improved education and lifelong learning for CYs 2023-2028.
Sub Chapter 4.2 Improve Education and Lifelong Learning
Sub-Chapter 4.3. Establish Livable Communities
By the end of the previous planning period 2017-2022, Region XII still recorded a number of families occupying poor housing structures due to lack of access to socialized housing facilities. For the period 2023-2028, the region is envisioning for resilient and sustainable communities in accord with the new urban agenda of integrated neighborhoods through the provision of adequate, affordable and resilient housing located in safe and clean environment.
Total investment requirements for the attainment of the region’s vision of livable communities amounted to around PHP 5 Billion. Among the priority programs and projects to be implemented in CYs 2023-2028 are Government Employees Housing Program, Housing Assistance for Former Rebels, Sustainable, Green and Resilient Land Use Planning and Urban Development and Empowerment of Homeowners Association and Sustainable Community Development.
CHAPTER 5 INCREASE INCOME EARNING CAPABILITY
Chapter 5. Increase Income Earning Ability
One of the major development thrusts for the next six years is maximizing the earning potential of workers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region that can be achieved by: DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Support to the operationalization of TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs), Support to the implementation of Community-based programs and Construction of dormitories and acquisition of training facilities for TTIs with a total investment requirement of about PHP 6.3 Billion.
CHAPTER 6 PROTECT PURCHASING POWER
Chapter 6. Protect Purchasing Power
With the continued threats to food security and proper nutrition brought by the existing and emerging issues such as external pressures, climate change, among others, this chapter focuses on the need of people to have food security and proper nutrition and in particular access to basic foods, like rice, corn, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables that are essential for their overall well-being. On the other hand, the second component of social protection assures security of all families and individuals, especially the most vulnerable on exposure to risks and hazards. Also, to enhance people’s capacity to protect themselves against any disruption resulting in loss of income.
Sub-Chapter 6.1. Ensure Food Security and Proper Nutrition
Increasing food production, enhancement of value chains, protection of prime agricultural lands, promotion of healthy lifestyle, and adoption of new technology in producing, transporting, and consuming food shall be pursued. For the region to ensure food security and attain proper nutrition, an estimated PHP 110 Billion is required for CYs 2023-2028.
Among the priority programs and projects to be accomplished are: Farm to Market Road Development Projects, provision of high quality seeds and other planting materials, production support services, and also the Support to Parcelization of Land for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.
Sub Chapter 6.1 Ensure Food Security and Proper Nutrition
Sub-Chapter 6.2. Strengthen Social Protection
By 2028, this region envisions a social protection system that will facilitate the timely provision of emergency assistance and welfare services, and promote protection of the most vulnerable sectors in the society. It is also foreseen that the system shall mitigate and manage risks, enhance the social status and rights of the marginalized by promoting and protecting the livelihood and employment against hazards and sudden loss of income. Total estimated budget for CYs 2023-2028 to support social protection amounted to PHP 47 Billion. Part of the said amount shall be allotted to construct the Regional Training Center, Center for the handicapped and Substitute home care for women.
CHAPTER 7 MODERNIZE AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-BUSINESS
Chapter 7. Modernize Agriculture and Agri-Business
SOCCSKSARGEN recognizes the potential contribution of agri-fishery sector as an important pillar in the region’s economy by transforming and modernizing the sector into a competitive and adaptive industry. Modernization shall be prioritized amidst various challenges such as aging agriculture and fishery sector workers, old types of machineries used, lack of modern technical knowledge and skills of farmers and fisherfolks, high cost of farm inputs, limited access to agriculture-related credit facilities, ongoing political and global economic crisis and the adverse impact of climate change among others. These initiatives shall be supported by the following programs and projects over the next 6 years, to wit: Expansion and Improvement of the General Santos Fish Port Complex; Operation of Hatcheries under Bayanihan 2; Coconut Fertilization Project (CFP) and Rejuvinatio; Sustainable Planting and Replanting of local coco cultivars; Construction of abaca weaving and warehouse building; Provision of Modified Abaca Stripping Knife (MASK); Establishment of Regional Integrated Laboratory Building compliant to Green Building Concept; Provision of Biosecure Commodity Transport Vehicle (animal hauling trucks), among others. Total budget needed towards modernizing agriculture and agri-business amounted to PHP 29 Billion.
CHAPTER 8 REVITALIZE INDUSTRY
Chapter 8. Revitalize Industry
Revitalizing the industry entails expansion of the domestic market and supplier base, moving up the value chain by improving competitiveness and creating a dynamic industry ecosystem. In addition, it considers the enhancement of inter-sectoral linkages by developing value-adding activities, localizing the e-commerce roadmap, and collaborating with DICT for digitalization and digital transformation. A total of about PHP 0.8 Billion proposed budget is needed to revitalize the region’s industry sector in 2023-2028.
Among the priority programs and projects to be implemented during the plan period are as follows: Construction of MSME Complex, Establishment of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato Trade and Industry Development Center, Mineral Resources Development and Geological Risk Reduction and Resiliency Program.
CHAPTER 8 REVITALIZE INDUSTRY
CHAPTER 8 REVITALIZE INDUSTRY
CHAPTER 9 REINVIGORATE SERVICES
Chapter 9. Reinvigorate Services
Reinvigorated service is projected to generate more quality jobs and competitive products. Quality job generation can be attained together with the strategies of revitalizing industries as enunciated in Chapter 8 of the SOX Regional Development Plan. During the plan period, the service sector is expected to shift from current low productivity to a modern, productive and resilient services, which provide higher value-adding, market expansion and digital transformation powered by collaboration efforts of both private and public institutions. Likewise, the strategies are laid out to establish a dynamic ecosystem of technology, talent, and skills development, intellectual property rights protection, and competition for creativity and innovation. Furthermore, transformation shall be achieved with the strong public-private-social partnership to expand foreign direct investments and inter-sectoral linkages for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable participation in the global value chains.
The region needs an estimated amount of PHP 0.62 Billion to implement programs and projects to reinvigorate services which include Support to MSMEs, Tourism Development Planning activities, Serbisyo Caravan, Establishment of Cooperative Development Authority Academy, among others.
CHAPTER 9 REINVIGORATE SERVICES
CHAPTER 9 REINVIGORATE SERVICES
CHAPTER 10 ADVANCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Chapter 10. Advance Research & Development, Technology, and Innovation
By the end of 2028, the region hopes to successfully advance R&D, technology, and innovation by implementing appropriate strategies to produce more researchers and innovators, promote products from knowledge generation to commercialization. Both R&D and STI are key factors to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region with the implementation of the Philippine Innovation Act. Almost PHP 2 Billion is needed to support R&D, technology and innovation advancement. Included are the implementation of the following priority programs and projects: Establishment of Metrology laboratory and calibration center, Science for Change Program, Establishment of Science Centrum in Region XII. The region also sees the utilization of the Regional Development and Innovation Research Agenda (RDIRA) 2023-2028 in the promotion, generation and commercialization of researches within the plan period.
Chapter 11. Promote Trade and Investments
The region possesses the capacity to accommodate incoming investments given its stable peace and order condition, available resources such as land, labor, and materials, and favorable business policies and regulations. It is known as an exporter of agri-based products such as pineapple, tuna, banana, and palm oil with its rich water and land resources and favorable weather conditions throughout the year.
Trade agreements between Philippines and partner countries are expected to be continued and strengthened, as well as the establishment of economic zones that will serve as entry point for investments. The region required an estimated budget of about PHP 50 Million to promote trade and investments in the next six years. This includes the implementation of the Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) Plus, Investment facilitation, BIMP-EAGA - support to trade and investment missions, among others.
CHAPTER 12 PROMOTE FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND IMPROVE PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Chapter 12. Promote Financial Inclusion and Improve Public Financial Management
Promoting financial inclusion and improving public financial management is part of the enabling and supporting strategies for the attainment of the economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient SOCCSKSARGEN Region. With financial inclusion we expect more people and businesses to be part of the financial system, contributing to its growth while allowing them to access credit and payment facilities among others. On the other hand, with improved public financial management we can expect higher revenue generation, effective tax administration, and a collection system with transparent and effective expenditure management.
Sub-Chapter 12.1. Promote Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion is a state wherein there is effective access to a wide range of financial services for all especially the vulnerable sectors, i.e. availability, appropriately designed, good quality, and responsive to the varied needs of individuals and businesses. Through innovation and digitalization, the Region will be a globallycompetitive economy with enhanced access to a greater proportion of the population to a broader range of financial products and services.
Sub-Chapter 12.2. Improve Public Financial Management
Having adequate revenues will ensure economic development and provide quality education, health and other essential social services. The region envisioned a fiscal sector that is responsible, strategic, and supportive of inclusive growth can boost the region’s economy and provide a stable environment that is conducive to investments. Priority programs and activities to be implemented in the next 6 years are capacity buildings for local treasurers/assessors and on revenue and cash forecasting. Total investment requirement to implement these programs is estimated to PHP 983 Million.
CHAPTER 13 EXPAND AND UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE
Chapter 13 Expand and Upgrade Infrastructure
Infrastructure remains a critical part of a successful economic growth strategy for the next plan period 2023-2028. A well-designed infrastructure enables trade, powers businesses, connects workers to their jobs, creates opportunities for struggling communities and protects the region from an increasingly unpredictable natural environment. It also facilitates economies of scale, reduces costs of trade, and is central to efficient production and consumption of goods and services. This also provides better connectivity and improved facilities that are vital ingredients to enhancing productivity and efficiency which is a key to raising people’s living standards to a higher level.
Provinces, cities and urban areas in the region face unprecedented economic, demographic, fiscal and environmental challenges that make it imperative for the public and private sectors to rethink the way they do business. These new forces are incredibly diverse but share an underlying need for modern, efficient, and reliable infrastructure.
With the new and better normal, digital infrastructure is identified as an essential building block of the economy. From private investment in telecommunication systems, broadband networks, energy projects and pipelines, a significant shift was focused on public spending on air, water, road-based transport and digital connectivity, water resources and management, provision of reliable power and energy, and construction of green buildings and parks. These sector concerns drive and sustain the momentum of working towards socio-economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient SOCCSKSARGEN.
Chapter 13 of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan, 2023-2028 primarily focused on expanding and upgrading infrastructure development. In order to attain the objectives along this concern, development efforts and initiatives in the next plan period will be will be focused on the attainment of the following subsector outcomes: (1) adequate, efficient, and effective roads provided, (2) land transport facilities modernized , 3) air and water transport improved, 4) One Digitized Government - One Nation established, 5) digital Infrastructure improved, 6) implementation of policies bridging digital divide intensified, 7) adequate and effective delivery of water supply to and other sanitation services guaranteed, 8) access to potable water supply facilities increased, 9) drainage and flood risk management institutionalized, 10) water governance/institutional structure/bodies defined, 11) access to electricity services improved, 12) cost-effective energy ensured, and 13) optimal fuel mix achieved.
The investment allocation toward the attainment of Chapter 13 of this Plan which focuses on expanding and upgrading infrastructure in the region is assessed based on the following levels: a) investment target by agency, by sector outcome, by spatial coverage and by mode of implementation to be able to come up with a complete picture of the magnitude of investments for the attainment of the said Chapter of the Plan.
A) Investment Targets by Agency
The total investment requirements to build better more infrastructure in the SOCCSKSARGEN region amounts to PhP189,770,504.55 Billion. This constitutes 15.80 percent of the total investments of the region for the next six-years from 2023-2028 in the amount of PHP1,201,234,578.19. Across agencies in the region, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII has a total investment allocation of PHP160,014,299.14 billion or 13.32 percent of the total investment requirement of the region. This is earmarked for Asset Preservation, which constitutes 34.56 percent; Network Development at 26.13 percent; Bridge program at 4.76 percent; Construction of Flood Mitigation Structures at 26.16 percent; Convergence and Special Support Program, such as TRIP, ROLL-IT, BIP, SIPAG, MVUC, at 7.82 percent; and Local Program at 0.57 percent.
Some of the infrastructure projects priority for implementation in the next six years that are believed to significantly improve connectivity within and with other regions are the following:
a) Banga-Tupi-Malungon Road
b) Esperanza_Lebak Bypass Road
c) Isulan Jct.-NInoy Aquino Road
d) SNA-Lebak-Kalamansig Road
e) National Highway Junction Poblacion Malungon to Boundary Sta. Maria Road
f) Demoloc-Little Baguio-Alabel Road
g) Doroluman-Arakan-Pres. Roxas-Kadingilan Road
h) Kidapawan City Circumferential Road
i) Guiling-Bao-Malitubog-Paruayan-Nicaan Road
j) Pangaon-Don Panaca to Davao City via Salaysay to Lumondao Road
k) Sadaan-Central Glad Diversion Road
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) XII has allocated a total investment of PHP 22,572,288.78 billion or 1.88 percent for the implementation of its programs and projects for the next six years. Priority programs and projects proposed are geared towards the restoration and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities for both national and communal irrigation systems. Capitalizing on improving and modernizing these facilities would greatly help increase the cropping season of farmers, boost agriculture production and mitigate drought and the El Nino situation in the region.
The PPA-PMO Socsargen has a total investment allocation of PHP4,699,637.00 or .39 percent of the total allocation of the region. Said amount is intended for the development of the ports in the region in the next six years. Of the total amount, PhP4,431,934.00. or 94.3 percent will be used for the development, operation and maintenance of the Port of General Santos or Makar Wharf with the following proposed projects: a) Expansion of TMG Wharf (western side); b) Installation of Rail and auxiliary facilities to build Quay Crane to RMG Wharf Expansion; c) Installation of two sets of unloading equipment ( Quay Crane and Yard moving equipment); d) Construction of Back-up area, pavement, fence and gate for oversized cargoes; e) construction of rubber Tires Gantry Crane, and f) Proposed extension of reefer rack structures. However, these projects shall be provided by a private operator that will be contracted under the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework scheme. Prioritizing the upgrading and modernization of the port and its facilities would boost the economic competitiveness of the region to be on par with other regions in the country and in the international market.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) XII has a total investment requirement of PhP426,595.17 Million which constitutes 0.04 percent of the total investment requirement of the region. Programs and projects are focused on the implementation of GovNet projects in the region in the amount of PHP230.8 million. Prioritizing the interconnectivity of government agencies in the region, especially Koronadal City, the host of the regional government center, and General Santos City as the region’s ICT hub would facilitate easy access to information and improve efficiency in the region’s way of doing business. Promoting the application of ICT tools and applications for major government facilities will improve public service delivery and enable simplified processes in the fields of education, public health and safety, revenue generation, and socio-civic purposes.
B) Investment Targets by Sector Outcome
This Chapter primarily focuses on attaining the goal of having seamless and integrated connectivity, adequate, efficient and effective infrastructure facilities and services through the following subsector outcomes, viz: a) seamless connectivity and integrated infrastructure via increased local and international linkages through air, water and road-based transport; b) universal access to quality, affordable, reliable and secure Information and Communication Technology-enabled services ensured; c) effective water governance with IWRM for water security, sustained ecological integrity of water systems and resilience from water-related hazards; d) energy security improved.
The sector has a total investment allocation of PHP189,770,504.55 billion over the next six years for the implementation of programs and projects that would respond to the attainment of the sector’s goal to have a seamless and integrated connectivity, adequate, efficient and effective infrastructure and services. The amount is 15.80 percent of the total investment requirement of the region across sectors. In terms of sectoral outcomes, the subsector on road-based transport ranked first with PHP160.45 billion or 84.55 percent investments allocated for its sector, followed by the water resources subsector with PHP22.57 billion or 11.89 percent. The air and water subsector would be needing a total amount of PHP6.2 billion or 3.29 percent for the attainment of its subsectoral outcomes. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII has the biggest investment target with PHP160.01 billion or 99.72 percent of its programs and projects allocated for Asset Preservation, Network Development, Bridge Program and Construction of Flood Control Mitigation Structures.
The NIA XII had allocated the amount PHP 22.57 billion or 11.89 percent of its investments for the next six years for the upgrading, modernization, restoration and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities for both national and communal irrigation systems. This is in support of the region’s agricultural production and other socio-economic activities.
The PPA-PMO Socsargen allocated a total amount of PHP4.6 Billion or 75.19 percent of its investments for the development of the various ports in the region, in particular, the Port of General Santos or the Makar Wharf. The PPA has adopted the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework scheme in accelerating the development of the Port of Gensan. Most of the projects will be undertaken and funded through the corporate funds of PPA and the private operator that will be contracted out to develop the Makar Wharf under the PTMRF scheme. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the other hand, allocated the amount of PHP1.07 billion for the various development projects for the General Santos City Airport and the Central Mindanao Airport for the next six years. With such investments, the air, water and road-based transport sector is expected to attain its desired outcomes as enunciated in the Regional Development Plan, 2023-2028.
Recognizing the demand for digital infrastructure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) XII allocated the amount of PHP 426.59 million to intensify the implementation of its GovNet Project and the Free Wifi For All Program in the region. This amount constitutes 88.62 percent of the total investments allocated to attain the sectoral outcome of improving digital infrastructure and bridging the digital divide in the region.
C) Investment Targets by Spatial Coverage
Majority of the programs and projects of the sector are location-specific. The bulk of the investments are in road-based infrastructure with a total amount of PHP160.45 billion spread over the next six years of implementation. Cotabato Province was identified with the most number of programs and projects recorded at 611 projects with a total investment requirement of PHP 69.91 billion. Sultan Kudarat Province ranked second with a total of 553 projects requiring a budget of PHP45.26 billion. South Cotabato Province has a total of 529 projects with a total allocation of PHP40.17 billion. Sarangani had the least number of projects with only 12 projects requiring a total investment of PHP 18,682,459 billion for implementation in the next six years. The rest of the projects shall be implemented on a regionwide scale.
D) Investment Targets by Mode of Implementation
A total of 1849 infrastructure projects will be implemented in the next six years. These projects vary from roads and bridge construction and widening, rehabilitation and restoration of irrigation facilities and drainage, construction of flood control structures and buildings, ICT-enabled facilities and airport and seaport development projects. About 95% of the region’s infrastructure projects will be implemented and financed through the annual budget appropriation of the government or GAA. Twelve projects with a total amount of PHP4,699,637.00 shall be financed through the corporate funds of the agency. These projects are being implemented by PPA-PMO Socsargen for the development of the ports in the region.
CHAPTER 13 EXPAND AND UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE
CHAPTER 13 EXPAND AND UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE
CHAPTER 14 ENSURE PEACE AND SECURITY AND ENHANCE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Chapter 14 Ensure Peace And Security And Enhance Administration Of Justice
For Region XII, adopting the technology-enabled platforms to continuously streamline and improve processes within the different pillars of the justice system such as law enforcement, prosecution, courts, correction, and community shall be pursued. Moreover, it reinforces regaining the public’s trust in the commitments of the government.
Sub-Chapter 14.1. Ensure Peace and Security
Peace and security include the pursuit of a political settlement through negotiation for all armed conflicts, as well as the implementation of parallel development initiatives to address their root causes. Initiatives must be centered on preventing conflicts and promoting peace in conflict-affected communities. The efforts of ensuring peace and security will require an investment of about PHP 5.1 Billion in 2023 – 2028. The said amount is allotted for the implementation of the following programs and projects: Crime prevention/peace & order project, Intelligence/counter-intelligence activities and community awareness, Expansion of Fire/Sub-Fire stations, Additional Fire trucks and Rescue trucks, Barangay Drug Clearing Activities, and Setting up of Balay Silangan.
Sub Chapter 14.1 Ensure Peace and Security
Sub-Chapter 14.2 Enhance Administration of Justice
Ensuring that the justice system works and that rule of law to prevail, it necessitate enhancing the previous administration’s gains in pursuing swift, fair, and humane administration of justice. In the next 6 years, the sector shall pursue the completion of jail facilities, rehabilitation/reintegration program and increase manpower due to increased number of caseload. The implementation of these programs and projects will require an estimated budget of PHP 1.2 Billion.