Dean Bello discusses academic
partnership with Yeungnam University
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PAf Dean Rolando T. Bello and Dr. Emely D. Dicolen met with Prof. Kisu Kim on April 9, 2019 to discuss the details of partnership, specifically on the Saemaul Undong short-term training for CPAf students, faculty, and partner-agencies. Prof. Kim is the Dean of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS) of Yeungnam University in South Korea. Also discussed is the opportunity of sending students as scholars to take the MS degree inInternational Development with focus on Saemaul Undong.
Saemaul Undong, according to the Korea Saemaul Undong Center, is a “community development movement, which builds a village or community to improve villagers’ quality of life based on the spirits of diligence, self-help and cooperation, and approaches by the villagers, of the villagers and for the villagers.
Saemaul Undong is also based on self-reliant decision-making
through the process of planning, implementation, evaluation, and feedback to the next phase.”
In April 2018, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. and Yeungnam University President Sur Gil-soo signed a memorandum of understanding between CPAf and PSPS for collaborative activities in academic areas of interest.
Stoix Nebin S. Pascua
Dean Rolando T. Bello of CPAf and Dean Kisu Kim of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS) of Yeungnam University discuss the details of academic partnership between the two institutions. Dr. Emely D. Dicolen
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Volume 20 | Issue No. 2| March-April 2019
CSPPS holds seminar on the implications of the Bangsamoro Organic Law
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he Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS) organized a policy seminar on the impacts and implications of the recently ratified Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on March 25, 2019. Dr.Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan, campus head/superintendent of the Mindanao State University-Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-LNAC), served as the resource person.
The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which has been signed by President Rodrigo R.
Duterte on July 26, 2018, is an act “providing for the organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) referred to as
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR).” It has been the result of decades of peace talks culminated in a comprehensive agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines in 2014. For Dr. Dimaporo-
Tawantawan, the ratification of the BOL implies the following:
creation of BARMM replacing the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); a chance at genuine self-governance; and the culmination of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s 40-year struggle for autonomy, including on-and- off talks with the government spanning the administration of four presidents.
“The Bangsamoro conflict is one of Asia’s longest running conflicts that dates back to several years ago. Over the years, it has claimed over 120,000 lives,” Dr.
Dimaporo-Tawantawan shared.
The political tensions between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Muslim rebel groups started with the marginalization produced by continuous resettlement
policy sustained at the start of the Mindanao and Sulu inclusion to the Philippine Commonwealth territory of 1935 and were
ultimately triggered by the Jabidah massacre which saw the killing of 60 Filipino Muslim commandos
on a planned operation to reclaim a part of Sabah, Malaysia. Tracing the roots of the Bangsamoro conflict, two main subject matters can be identified: land and
religion. “The past few years have witnessed the rebellion among the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and MILF and their desire for having a separate state,”
she added.
Towards the creation of BARMM, there will be a transition. Dr. Dimaporo- Tawantawan explained that the main five features of the new Bangsamoro Region, as it makes its transition, are as follows: the new Bangsamoro Region will be bigger than ARMM; there will be a Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that will take care of all the issues related to the transition from ARMM to BARMM; the BTA will assume expanded powers and responsibilities in the Bangsamoro Organic Law; the MILF troops is hoped to lay down their weapons;
and ARMM will be gradually phased out.
Dr. Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan (left picture), Campus Head/Superintendent of the Mindanao State University-Lanao del Norte Agricultural College, serves as resource person of a policy seminar on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
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he Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS) of CPAf sponsored the seminar entitled “Universal Health Care: The Philippine Journey towards Accessing Quality Health Services without Financial Hardship” on April 4, 2019 at CPAf Rooms 303-304.The seminar aimed to disseminate information on the newly passed Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, a consultant from the Office of the WHO Representative to the Philippines, was the guest speaker.
As summarized in Dr.
Domingo’s presentation, the general objectives of the UHC law are to progressively realize universal health care through systemic approach and the clear role delineation of stakeholders, and to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable health care and protection against financial risk.
Also discussed in his presentation are the three dimensions of the UHC law: 1) population coverage, 2) service coverage, and 3) financial
coverage. These dimensions mean that under the UHC law every Filipino will be automatically included in the National Health Insurance Program, will have access to all health services, and will have a reduction in their out- of-pocket payments.
Implementing all of the provisions of the UHC law will require additional funding.
The source of funding for the UHC will be the tax collected from the Sin Tax, 50% of the national government share from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), 40% of the charity fund, net of Documentary Stamp Tax payments and mandatory contributions of Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO), premium
contributions of members, annual appropriations of the DOH, national government subsidy to PhilHealth, and supplemental funding, if necessary.
For the first year of the implementation of the UHC law, the estimated cost was PhP 270 billion, but initial accounting showed PhP 40 billion is still needed for the initial year. This
poses as one of the challenges of the UHC. The Department of Health, together with other legislators, are working on complementary bills to increase the tobacco excise tax so that they can get more funding for the UHC.
Another challenge faced by the UHC law is the varied perspectives on the major reforms of the law. Since the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the UHC are still being drafted, many interpretations and concerns have surfaced. After the release of the IRR, only then can these concerns and misinterpretations be addressed. Hence, participation of privately-owned hospitals, local government units, and the citizens themselves in drafting the IRR is important so that their concerns will be reflected in the said document.
This seminar is part of the CSPPS Policy Seminar Series.
UPLB and UP Open University officials, faculty, and staff;
representatives from different provincial and local government units; and private health care providers in Laguna attended the said event. Karen S. Janiya
WHO Representative talks about the newly passed Universal Health Care law
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Former JICA Rep shares about infrastructure development in the Philippines
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rofessor Susumu Ito discussed the opportunities and challenges of infrastructure development in the Philippines in a seminar held on March 29, 2019 at the UPLB Graduate School Multipurpose Hall. Professor Ito of the Chuo University in Tokyo is a former chief representative of the Japan InternationalCooperation Agency (JICA) to the Philippines. Titled “PPP vs. ODA:
Opportunities and Challenges of Infrastructure Development in the Philippines,” the seminar was sponsored by UPLB Graduate School and the College of Public Affairs and Development.
Professor Ito raised the issue that while the Philippines has been deemed to be among the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, public investment in infrastructure development seemed to be low.
“Infrastructure is important in economic development. It paves way for faster economic growth,”
according to Prof. Ito. Adequate infrastructure in the form of roads
and other transportation systems, airports, and communication helps in bringing about a more efficient transfer of goods, services, technology, and/or information.
To address this huge gap in infrastructure development, the current administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte initiated the “Build, Build, Build”
(BBB) Program, which seeks to accelerate infrastructure spending in the country. Prof. Ito mentioned that the BBB Program involves 75 flagship infrastructure projects, which includes the construction of roads and bridges, railway and urban transport, air and water transport, water supply and irrigation, among others. He added that with the limited amount of resources the country has, the government must think of ways to finance these projects. Public- Private Partnership (PPP) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) are among the options.
Professor Ito defined PPP as a “long-term contract
between a private party and a government agency.” In the Philippines, there was a unique and drastic PPP policy shift in 2010 under the Presidency of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.
Under his administration, the Executive Order No. 8 entitled
“Reorganizing and Renaming the Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Center of the Philippines and Transferring its Attachment from the Department of Trade and Industry to the National Economic and Development Authority and for Other Purposes” was signed and the partnership between public and private institutions has been tagged as a powerful means to help push forward the development of the country.
Meanwhile, ODA, as defined in Republic Act 8182 also known as ODA Act of 1996, is a “loan or a grant administered with the objective of promoting sustainable social and economic development and welfare of the Philippines.”
Professor Susumu Ito (left picture) of the Chuo University in Tokyo and former chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Philippines talks about infrastructure development during a policy seminar co-organized by CPAf.
The Philippines can get ODA resources from governments of foreign countries with whom it has diplomatic, trade relations, or bilateral arrangements or which are members of the United Nations. Since late 2016, the Duterte administration has expressed its plan to shift from PPP to government funding via General Appropriations Act (GAA) or ODA, or a mixture of both. The reason for such, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, is for faster implementation of projects. It
was also believed that it will be cheaper to build via government funding.
The shift from PPP to ODA has triggered debates on which among the two is the better option. Some say that PPP is better because of the risk-sharing, the injection of private capital, and the value for money. Some critics, on the other hand, says ODA is better since it facilitates faster and cheaper construction of infrastructures. Some other issues that were raised regarding PPP
and ODA include construction of substandard infrastructures, the selection of whom to get loans from in the case of ODA, the user fees related to the projects, and the maintenance and sustainability of the infrastructures to be
built. Professor Ito, however, emphasized that it should not be
“PPP vs. ODA” but “PPP and ODA.” The issue now is how to promote complementary relations between the public and private organizations. Therese R.
Olviga
Former JICA...
(continued from page 5) Dr. Dimaporo-Tawantawanadded that autonomy is important to the Bangsamoro for two main reasons. First, it will allow the Bangsamoro to address its long withstanding problems of injustice and poverty.
Second, the Bangsamoro will be able to exercise their right for self-determination towards the development of political institutions and processes while still preserving their cultural heritage, values, and traditions.
Dr. Dimaporo-Tawantawan also provided information on the contents of the BOL, among this is the preamble which states that the Bangsamoro aspired to
establish an enduring peace in the basis of justice, balanced society, and assertion of right to conserve and develop patrimony.
This means that the BOL is 1) reflective of their system of life as prescribed by their faith;
2) it is in harmony with their customary laws, cultures, and traditions; 3) it is within the framework of the Constitution; 4) it affirms their distinct historical identity and birthright to their ancestral homeland; 5) it gives them their right to chair their own political future through democratic processes; and, 6) most importantly, it allows for genuine and meaningful self-governance.
Regarding the possible impact of the above mentioned features, Dr. Dimaporo-
Tawantawan said that with high hopes, it will end the long struggle of the Bangsamoro in terms of peace, security, poverty, economic development, and resiliency. It is assumed that the BOL will result to greater commitment. She added that for the BARMM to be successful, there really should be cooperation from everyone and that there should be continuous discussions of the law to further know how it will work, what its impacts and implications are, and how it will be sustained in the long-run.
The CSPPS policy seminar is part of the Center’s mandate to promote public awareness on various issues related to governance and policy development. Representatives from the Muslim Ummah Brotherhood Association, staff and students from CPAf, and institutions such as DENR-ERDB attended the policy seminar.
Therese R. Olviga
(continued on page 4)
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Volume 20 | Issue No. 2| March-April 2019
UPLB recognizes Dr. Dizon as outstanding faculty researcher
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r. Josefina T. Dizon is this year’s UPLB Outstanding Researcher in the Social Sciences Discipline (Senior FacultyCategory). She received the award during the 110th UPLB Foundation Day Convocation Program at the Charles Fuller Baker Hall on March 6, 2019.
Dr. Dizon was awarded for her significant contributions in the field of community
development focusing on resource conservation and participatory development, capacity building, livelihood development, and the advancement of agrarian reform communities. The awardee’s
performance was measured based on her accomplishments from 2016 to 2018.
“I do not claim sole ownership of the award. I share this with my colleagues in CPAf and UPLB, and with my student- advisees whom I have worked with in various research activities, and co-published our research results,” she shared.
Dr. Dizon is a professor of CPAf’s Institute for Governance and Rural Development. She received the Outstanding Faculty Researcher of CPAf in 2013 and 2018. She is also a recipient of the UP Scientist award for
2013-2015 and 2016-2018, and the One UP Professorial Chair Award for Outstanding Teaching and Research in Community Development for 2016-2018.
The UPLB Outstanding Researcher Award recognizes exemplary individual performance in the different fields of research in the University. It is envisioned that special awards like this will promote research spirit and enthusiasm and contribute toward academic excellence in research. For being this year’s UPLB Outstanding Senior Faculty Researcher, Dr. Dizon received a plaque and a cash award.
Stoix Nebin S. Pascua
UPLB recognizes Dr. Josefina T. Dizon as Outstanding Researcher in the Social Sciences Discipline for her significant contributions in the field of community development during the 110th UPLB Foundation Day Convocation Program.
Currently, it has more than 4,000 members.
Started in 1979, the NRCP Achievement Awards were given to selected outstanding scientists
and researchers in the Philippines.
The awardees are evaluated based on the productivity and quality of scholarly work done for the country. It is also meant to inspire excellence among young
academics, researchers, artists, and scientists in their chosen fields. As an awardee, Dr. Baconguis will also be speaking in a public lecture series to be organized by NRCP.
Stoix Nebin S. Pascua
Dr. Baconguis receives...
(continued from page 8)Gender gap study on Laguna Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries’ Organizations reveals interesting findings
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articipation of women in gender and development is evident in agrarian reform beneficiaries in Laguna.This was the result of the study presented by Community Innovations Studies Center (CISC) Director Blanquita R.
Pantoja during the UPLB Gender Center 2018 Grant Presentation held on March 28, 2019 at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall, UPLB.
She led the “Analysis of Gender Gap in Selected Agrarian
Reform Cooperatives in Laguna, Philippines: An Exploratory Study,” which was funded by the UPLB Gender Center.
In her presentation, Dir.
Pantoja discussed the various roles of 90 women-members from the Perez Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Calauan, Paagahan Agrarian Reform Community Multipurpose Cooperative in Mabitac, and Adia Multipurpose Cooperative in Santa Maria who participated in the study. Women in these cooperatives were active participants in economic gains of the family as 83% of them contributed to household income.
Interestingly, more than half (57%) of the women-members interviewed said that their decision to apply for a microfinance loan from the cooperatives was a
decision made with their husbands, and most (77%) of these women applied for the loan themselves.
The study also showed that majority (94%) of these women believed that there is an equal opportunity for both men and women to hold positions in their respective cooperatives. Likewise, majority (81%) of the women said they received the same benefits as their male counterparts. In terms of participation, majority (93%) believed there is equal opportunity for men and women to participate in cooperative activities.
According to the World Economic Forum, gender gap “is the difference between women and men as reflected in social, political, intellectual, cultural, or economic attainments or attitudes.” There is a gap when there is a difference between men and women in terms of available opportunities, positions held, and participation in organization. Currently, the
ARBOs are approaching gender equality within their organizations.
Aside from Dir. Pantoja, Ms. Samantha Geraldine G. De los Santos and Ms. Florita P. Rañeses, University Researcher I and University Research Associate II from CISC, respectively, are also part of the project team.
The three cooperatives in this study were purposively selected based on the
recommendation of the
Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office in Laguna.
These cooperatives are the top three agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Laguna in terms of organizational maturity.
The DAR uses ITeMA to measure organizational maturity, which considers six indicators such as Organizational Management, Resource Management, Social Enterprise Operations, Financial Performance, Alliance Building and Sustainability, and Environmental and Social Responsibility. Samantha Geraldine G. De los Santos
Ms. Samantha Geraldine G. De los Santos
Office of Public Relations
Dr. Josefina T. Dizon
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Editor-in-Chief. More news at CPAf website at http://cpaf.uplb.edu.ph. Comments and suggestions for improvement are most welcome.
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Dr. Baconguis receives NRCP Achievement Award
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r. Rowena DT. Baconguis was recognized as the Achievement Awardee of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) under the Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies for 2018 during the NRCP Annual Scientific Conference and 86th General Membership Assembly on March 11, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.She was awarded in recognition of her outstanding work and contributions as a social scientist, educator, extensionist, researcher, and policy advocate for improved governance of agricultural extension and extension programs of state universities and colleges. Her notable contributions are in the areas of capacity building
for extension workers and professionals, and educational program improvement. Her researches revolve around
agricultural extension, knowledge management, and innovation and governance systems.
“Working with students and colleagues, meeting people, and learning with them are what makes research meaningful.
Research, however, is impossible without curiosity, diligence, and passion. Curiosity widens your thought perspective; passion keeps you going; and diligence gets things done,” she shared.
Previously, Dr. Baconguis received a research grant from NRCP in 2015 for the study
“Creating Wealth: The University’s Role in Enterprise Development.”
Results of the study were featured in a daily newspaper.
Dr. Baconguis is a professor of CPAf’s Institute for Governance and Rural Development. She also received the 2008 UPLB Outstanding Teacher Award for the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2012 CPAf Distinguished Alumna Award, and 2018 CPAf Outstanding Teacher Award. Likewise, she is a recipient of the UP Scientist award for CY 2014-2016 and CY 2017-2019.
NRCP, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, is a collegial body of highly-trained and productive scientists and researchers. The Council addresses the demand for knowledge, skills, and innovations in the sciences and humanities, in order to effectively and efficiently contribute to nation-building and improvement of the quality of life of the Filipino people.
The National Research Council of the Philippines names Dr. Rowena DT. Baconguis as 2018 Achievement Awardee (Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies) for her contributions for improved governance of agricultural extension and extension programs of state universities and colleges. Dr. Rowena DT. Baconguis
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