Second Quarter 2015
National Economic and Development Authority Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
QRES
Quarterly Regional Economic Situationer A quarterly update on the economic performance of Eastern Visayas
Highlights Major productive sectors of the regional economy displayed weak performance for the second quarter of 2015. The region is yet to recover from the 2.3% contraction sustained in 2014.
Inside this Issue
Slower price adjustments in food, fuel, and clothing and lower price indices of transportation and communication subgroups eased inflation to 2.2%. The reduction of the aggregate production of the agri-fishery sector by 18.17% countered its positive performance at the outset of the year. Sugarcane incurred a record-low decline of 100%.
Page 2
Agricultural Production
5 Tourist Arrivals and Receipts 6 Mining 7 Inflation Rate
Vast decline in exports (35%) and imports (98%) was noted for the quarter. However, value of exports outweighed imports, resulting in a trade surplus.
8 Purchasing Power of Peso
Government revenue generation fared well. Internal revenue and customs tax collection increased by 25% and 21%, respectively.
9 Labor and Employment
Tourist arrivals dropped by 23.8%. Subsequently, tourist receipts fell by 11.9% from last year’s value. Volume and value of mineral production were a bit lower than a year ago. Total number of vehicles registered was up by 22%, mostly government vehicles.
8 Foreign Trade 10 Revenue Collection 10 Customs Collection 10 Vehicle Registration 11 Shipping 12 Aviation 13 Peace and Order 14 Development Outlook
In logistics, the shipping industry saw an upswing of cargo throughputs and passenger traffic. In air transport, however, aircraft movement (20%), cargo volume (44%), and total number of passengers (23%) went down considerably over the same period last year. A hefty reduction in crime incidents by 23.49% was evident of a manageable peace and order situation in the region.
Downloadable at: nro8.neda.gov.ph
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Agriculture The downturn of the agri-fishery sector for the second quarter of 2015 offset the gains at the beginning of the year. Aggregate production diminished by 18.17% to 783, 317.57 metric tons (MT). Only corn, pineapple, and
major root crops exhibited growth. On the extreme, sugarcane drastically dwindled by 100% (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Growth Rate of Production Volume of Selected Agricultural Commodities in Eastern Visayas (EV) Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In Percent Total Fisheries Livestock Camote and Cassava Pineapple Banana Sugarcane Abaca (dried raw fiber) Coconut Corn Palay
-105.00
-90.00
-75.00
-60.00
-45.00
-30.00
-15.00
0.00
15.00
Data Source: PSA VIII
Crops The crops subsector took the lion share (92.27%) of the total produce. However, crop output slipped by 19.27%.
Figure 2. Palay Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In Metric Ton (MT)
Palay 200000
Palay production at 301,516 MT declined by 0.74% from last year’s harvest, albeit minimally. Underlying this performance are lesser harvest areas (-1.90%) and lower irrigated palay output (-1.67%). On the other hand, rainfed palay registered a 1% increment in volume. Yield per hectare increased by 1.18%, although it fell short from the national average of 4.33 MT/ha, having reached only 3.92 MT/ha.
150000 100000 50000
0 Leyte
Also contributing to the regional decline was the contraction in Leyte and Southern Leyte’s outputs by 1.26% and 0.41%, respectively (Figure 2).
Biliran
S. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar 2014
Data Source: PSA VIII
2
2015
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Corn
Figure 4. Coconut Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT
Despite the shrinkage in provincial output of Southern Leyte (14.63%) and Samar (0.65%), corn, in contrast to palay, maintained its production growth (Figure 3). It jumped by 7.15% from last year’s 31,018 MT, with Leyte raking in an additional 2,233 MT. The release of rehabilitation seeds and inputs, as reported from the previous quarter, must have sustained the crop’s upward trend. Also contributing to the growth was the expansion of areas planted by a total of 41 hectares in Leyte and Northern Samar.
120,000.00 100,000.00 80,000.00 60,000.00
40,000.00 20,000.00 -
Corn productivity at 1.58 MT/ha fared better, though it lagged behind the national value by 1.50 MT/ha.
Leyte
Biliran S. Leyte Samar 2014
Figure 3. Corn Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT
E. N. Samar Samar
2015
Data Source: PSA VIII
25000
Sugarcane
20000
This quarter saw a vast decline of 100% in sugarcane production, tantamount to a 162,480.18 MT reduction from last year (Figure 5). The disastrous impact of ST Yolanda did not spare the region’s sugarcane district located in Ormoc-Kananga area. This has resulted in a substantial decrease in area planted and paved for the shifting to ratoon crops, which yields less. For this period, the district produced only 1 MT of output.
15000 10000 5000 0 Leyte
Biliran
S. Leyte Samar 2014
E. Samar N. Samar
2015
Figure 5. Sugarcane Production Growth Rate, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In Percent
Data Source: PSA VIII
Coconut
150
The coconut industry continued to perform low due to damage and losses sustained from typhoons Yolanda in 2013 and Ruby and Seniang in 2014. Production volume at 272,130.26 MT contracted by 3.74%, albeit better from last year’s rate of -23.71%. Eastern Samar suffered the most, incurring a 25% reduction; Southern Leyte, 3.45%; and Northern Samar, 1.61% (Figure 4). Production is expected to pick up slightly in the coming months as moderately damaged coconut trees slowly recover six months after the occurrence of typhoons.
126.13
100 50 0 -50 -100 -150 Data Source: PSA VIII
3
2014
2015
-100
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Abaca Abaca production shrunk by 3.06% from last year’s 3,977.72 MT. The Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority (PhilFIDA) attributed the slippage primarily to viral diseases. Except for Eastern Samar, output shares of provinces increased by less than 1% (Figure 6). Contraction rate was noted in the Samar Island provinces, accounting for a production decline of 172.79 MT
100%
Figure 7. Share to EV Banana Production by Province Q2 2015 In Percent
E. Samar2
Figure 6. Provincial Share to EV Abaca Production Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In Percent
80%
47.89
48.37
3.30 14.08
0.55 14.68
21.92
22.01
0.73 12.08
1.54 12.84
Samar- 39
20% 0% Leyte
2014 Biliran
2015 Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Biliran5
Leyte12
S. Leyte22
Data Source: PSA VIII
60% 40%
N. Samar20
Pineapple Additional plantation areas led to a production increase of 2.23% or 101.54 MT of pineapple in the region (Figure 8). Leyte posted the highest growth of 12.65%.
Figure 8. Pineapple Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT
Data Source: PSA VIII 4,650
Banana
4,600
Banana production, down by 0.13%, totaled 58,839.66 MT. Adversely affected banana farmers are yet to fully recover from the impact of typhoons Ruby and Seniang. Eastern Samar incurred the lowest production volume by 30.86% in the region. In terms of provincial share, Leyte, Samar, and Biliran grew from last year (Figure 7). Samar accounted for almost 40% of the total output. 4
4,550
4,500 4,450 2014 Data Source: PSA VIII
2015
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Camote and Cassava
Figure 10. Livestock Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT
Combined production of camote and cassava registered a 1.45% growth for the quarter in review (Figure 9). Land utilization of damaged coconut areas, specifically in Leyte and Eastern Samar, increased yield. Notably, Biliran’s output of both root crops almost doubled for this quarter vis-à-vis the same period last year.
Goat Hog Cattle
Figure 9. Camote and Cassava Production Volume, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT
Carabao 0
48,800
5,000
10,000 2014
48,600 48,400
15,000
20,000
2015
Data Source: PSA VIII
48,200 48,000
Fisheries
47,800 47,600 47,400 2014
The region’s fishery catch of 40,491 MT downscaled by 1.3% from last year. Among provinces, Eastern Samar posted the highest decline in provincial output by 15.5% and in provincial share by 4%. Only Samar (17.6%) and Southern Leyte (1.8%) registered output increments. Despite the 4.6% production slippage, Leyte remains the biggest contributor to regional yield (27.7%).
2015
Data Source: PSA VIII
Livestock
Hot weather condition and cases of overfishing, among others, resulted in a year-on-year production cut of 8.7% in commercial fisheries.
The damage wrought by typhoons Ruby and Seniang to major production centers/stations in the region resulted in lesser stocks of livestock. Hence, overall production decreased by 4.19%. All commodities, sans cattle, contracted substantially (Figure 10). Goat registered the highest percentage drop by almost one-fifth of last year’s produce.
Municipal fisheries, accounting for 58.4% of the total catch, recorded a turnaround performance from a year ago. From a growth of -12.9%, it grew by 1.8% or an addition of 423 MT. This was a positive effect of the sustained institutional support to marginal fishermen, as manifested through the distribution of fishing boats and other inputs. Municipal fisheries refers to aquatic harvest within 15 kilometers of the shore.
Among regions, Eastern Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Zamboanga Peninsula registered contraction.
Aquaculture produce, on the other hand, declined by 2.2%. High cost of inputs restrained some fishpond owners to revive production that was heavily affected by typhoons . 5
.
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Yolanda, Ruby and Seniang. However, massive efforts to restore the subsector were exerted, one of which was the release of PhP76 million for the repair of fish cages in Samar and Leyte.
Tourist arrivals, however, is expected to improve in the coming months in light of intensive tourism promotion activities. The provinces of Samar and Leyte, together with the Department of Tourism VIII, had been active in promoting tourism sites in these areas. Samar officially launched on April 17, 2015 the “Summer sa Samar” and “Spark Samar” campaigns. These promote the “Tandaya Trails”, which includes Sohoton Cave in Basey, torpedo boat riding in Ulot River in Paranas, and white beaches and island islets in Marabut. Similarly, the province of Leyte launched the “Pasyada ha Leyte” tourism campaign on April 28, 2015. Among the tourist attractions included in the package are Kalanggaman Island; geothermal plant and pineapple plantation in Ormoc City; century-old houses in Baybay City; and the Palo Cathedral, Archbishop Palace, and MacArthur National Shrine in Palo, Leyte.
Figure 11. Fishery Production, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In MT 23,205
25,000
23,628
20,000 15,000 8,695 10,000
9,121 8,921
7,942
5,000
Figure 12. Tourist Arrivals Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015
0 Commercial
Municipal
Aquaculture 238,624
2014
2015 175,047
Data Source: PSA VIII
Industry, Trade and Service
12,252
7,080
Tourist Arrivals and Receipts
2014
2015 Domestic
Tourist arrivals for the quarter dropped by 23.8% compared to the same quarter of last year (Figure 12). This was a spillover effect of the runway repairs in Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City, which significantly limited aircraft movement and subsequently reduced the number of passengers. While domestic tourists fell by 26.6%, foreign arrivals had a whooping increase by 73.1%. The latter must be an indication of tourism gains as a result of media mileage in the aftermath of ST Yolanda alongside the presence of humanitarian groups in the region.
Foreign
Data Source: DOT VIII
Mineral Production Production of metallic and non-metallic minerals was a bit lower than a year ago (Table 1). Despite the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of various public and private infrastructures in the region, sand and gravel extraction slipped by 31%. Only the production of limestone for agriculture managed an increase by 68.4%.
The reduction in tourist arrivals significantly pulled down the tourist receipts. Valued at PhP1.59B, it was 11.9% lower from the figure recorded in the same period last year. 6
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
There was no recorded iron concentrate production by the Strong Built Mining Corporation for the period due to lower demand in the international market. Table 1. Mineral Production, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 Type of Mineral
Q2 2014 Volume Value (in PhP)
Q2 2015 Volume Value (in PhP)
Percent Change Volume Value (in PhP)
Metallics Mettalurgic Chromite Ore (mt)
10,010.04
69,174,728.00
5,266.90
37,778,420.32
(47.4)
(45.4)
110,722.50
10,042,619.00
75,930.50
9,329,719.25
(31.4)
(7.1)
Hydrated Lime (dmt)
2,244.78
17,249,889.74
45.00
342,100.26
(98.0)
(98.0)
Limestone for Agriculture (cmt)
1,463.00
146,300.00
2,464.00
246,400.00
68.4
68.4
10,000.00
32,032,800.00
-
-
(100.0)
(100.0)
Non-metallics Sand and Gravel (cmt)
Iron Concentrate (mt) Data Source: MGB VIII
Figure 13. Monthy Inflation Rate, EV 2014 vs Q1 and Q2 2015 In Percent
Macroeconomy Prices
3.4
The downtrend in headline inflation from the second half of 2014 was sustained. Inflation rate for the second quarter of 2015 plunged to 2.2% from the preceding quarter’s 3.0%. This figure was remarkably lower by 5.2% from the same period last year (Figure 13) and still within the government’s target.
2.9 2.8 2.7 2.2 1.7
7.8 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.6 7.4
8
7.7
6.3 6.2 5.8
Data Source: PSA VIII
7
December
November
October
August
2015
September
2014
July
June
May
April
March
January
Across provinces, Southern Leyte posted the highest inflation rate at 5.2% and Leyte the lowest at 1.5%. However, with a slowdown of 7.8% annually, inflation eased significantly in Samar.
February
4.1
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Low inflation was due to slower price adjustments in all commodity groups, especially on key food items, fuel, and clothing (Figure 14). This was brought about by steady supply of food and continued decline in domestic petroleum prices. The drop in the average prices of transportation and communication services also accounted for the generally stable inflation for the period. In the absence of tuition fee hike, the region saw a declining year-on-year inflation rate in education by 3.1%.
Figure 15 . Purchasing Power of Peso by Province, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 0.72
0.71 0.69 0.67 0.66
0.7
0.69 0.67
0.66 0.64
0.65
0.62
Figure 14. Inflation Rate by Commodity, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In Percent 14 Leyte
12
Biliran
S. Leyte 2014
10 8
Samar
E. Samar N. Samar
2015
Data Source: PSA VIII
6 4
Foreign Trade
2
The Bureau of Customs – District Port of Tacloban valued exports at USD255.34 million for the second quarter, down by 50% and 35% from the previous quarter and from the same period last year, respectively (Figure 16). Similarly, import expenditures reached PhP561.87 million, a hefty contraction (98%) in comparison to both reference periods. Despite the downswing, value of exports outweighed imports, resulting in a trade surplus.
0 -2
2014
2015
Data Source: PSA VIII
Lower sales of mineral and merchandise exports arising from weak global demand affected the trade performance.
Purchasing Power of Peso
The District Port of Tacloban covers the Ports of Tacloban, Isabel, and Catbalogan.
Purchasing power of peso (PPP) in the region remained stable year-on-year. For the quarter in review, it stood at 0.66, which means a peso in 2006 (base year) is now only worth 66 centavos. Consumers’ buying power was strongest in Northern Samar (0.70) and weakest in Samar (0.62). Due to a high inflation rate, biggest drop was observed in Southern Leyte, with a PPP lower by three centavos (Figure 15).
Note: The PSA is yet to release its official data on international trade.
8
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
in PhP
Figure 16. Value of Imports and Exports District Port of Tacloban Q2 2014, Q1 2015, and Q2 2015 25,000,000,000
600,000,000.00
20,000,000,000
500,000,000.00 400,000,000.00
15,000,000,000
300,000,000.00 10,000,000,000
200,000,000.00
5,000,000,000
100,000,000.00 0.00
0 Q2 2014
Q1 2015 Import Export
Q2 2015
Data Source: BOC VIII
Labor and Employment
Nonetheless, underemployment rate at 34.7%, which was twice the national average, undermined employment gains. This translates to roughly 40% increase in the number of employed persons desiring for additional work. Sadly, the quality of jobs needed to absorb the surplus labor in the region remains a challenge.
The Labor Force Survey for April 2014 and 2015 did not cover the province of Leyte. The exclusion for the said periods was due to methodological adjustment after ST Yolanda. On a year-on-year basis, working-age population rose by 1.6% (Table 2). This could be explained by seasonality factor, as the number of vacationing students was at peak for the period. In terms of magnitude, labor force entrants went up by 1% from last year’s 1.15 million persons. High demand for entry-level jobs was expected from the influx of fresh graduates.
Table 2. Labor and Employment, EV Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 Indicator Total Population 15 years old and over (in ‘000)
Notable for the quarter in review were the employment growth from 93.7% to 96%, and the unemployment rate that settled at 4%, which was the lowest since 2014. One contributory factor for this was the substantial number of job openings for the period. The Department of Labor and Employment reported a huge increase (18.21%) of applicants hired on the spot in nine job fairs. Total number of new hirees registered at 1,071.
Labor Force Participation Rate Employment Rate Unemployment Rate Underemployment Rate Data Source: PSA VIII
9
Q2 2014
Q2 2015
1,701
1,729
67.6 93.7 6.3 25.6
67.2 96.0 4.0 34.7
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Revenue Collection
Customs Collection
Regional tax collection for the period grew by 25% yearon-year and by 15% from the previous quarter. Notably, business tax and other taxes posted more than 40% increment from a year ago (Figure 17). Despite the growth, the PhP1.70 billion worth of revenue missed its target by 5%.
Customs collection rebounded from the dismal performance at the start of the year. Revenue at PhP58.39 million registered a double-digit growth from a quarter ago (63%) and a year ago (21%). It also exceeded the quarterly target by PhP11.46 million (Figure 18). In spite of the low volume of imports, the spike in customs collection was attributed to the increased collection of taxes levied on gas oil.
Accounting for the target shortfall was the low collection on sale of real properties, pure compensation income, and final withholding tax on bank deposits. Consequently, income tax collection declined by 12% against the target despite the normally high collection in April, the month being the deadline for filing income tax returns. Higher tax exemption of bonuses must have also trimmed down the revenue goal.
Figure 18. Customs Revenue Collection District Port of Tacloban Q2 2014, Q1 2015, and Q2 2015 In PhP 80,000,000
Among provinces, only Biliran and Eastern Samar surpassed the revenue target. The latter even registered the highest growth from the 1st quarter of 2015.
60,000,000
40,000,000
Figure 17. Revenue Collection Performance Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In PhP
20,000,000
1,800,000,000 0
1,600,000,000
Q2 2014
1,400,000,000
Q1 2015
Q2 2015
Data Source: BOC VIII
1,200,000,000 1,000,000,000 800,000,000
Infrastructure
600,000,000
400,000,000
Motor Vehicle Registration
200,000,000 0
2014 Business Tax
Income Tax
The total number of vehicles registered in the region for the second quarter of 2015 increased by 22% compared to the same period last year (Table 3). Private vehicles comprised the largest share at 89% (47,321 units), vehicles-for-hire at 10% (5,128 units), while the remaining number were government vehicles.
2015 Other Taxes
Data Source: BIR VIII
10
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Table 3. Motor Vehicle Registration Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 Percent Change
Q2 2015
Private
38,585
47,321
22.64
For-Hire
4,442
5,128
15.44
539
727
34.88
Government Diplomatic Total
-
43,556
Total
Q2 2015
Q2 2014
53,176
Domestic
Foreign Total
Q2 2014
Classification
Figure 19. Cargo Traffic Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 In '000 MT
22.06
Data Source: LTO VIII
The uptick in motor vehicle registration can be attributed to the increase in the registration of new government vehicles to replace the units that were damaged by ST Yolanda. However, private vehicles constituted the majority of units plying across the region.
Domestic Foreign 0
500
PMO Western Leyte/Biliran
1,000
1,500
PMO Eastern Leyte/Samar
Data Source: PPA-PMO Western Leyte/Biliran and Eastern Leyte/Samar
Passenger Traffic
Shipping
Passenger traffic rose by 11% for this quarter compared to last year (Figure 20). This was primarily due to additional special trips administered by the shipping lines in time for long holidays, summer break, and fiesta celebrations.
Cargo Traffic The region’s cargo traffic increased year-on-year, albeit by a meager 0.94%. The slow rate of increase was due to the maintenance shutdown of PASAR for its expansion program to cater to clustered copper manufacturing industry.
Figure 20. Passenger Traffic Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015
Q2 2014
Q2 2015
PMO Eastern Leyte/Samar registered an increase in cargo throughputs (16%) due to the noticeable rise in the number of domestic cargoes such as cement, aggregates, and other construction materials; rice bottled cargoes; and vehicles (Figure 19). Foreign cargoes declined, attributing to the nonexportation of coconut by-products and iron ore at the private ports in the towns of Tolosa and MacArthur, Leyte. On the contrary, the substantial drop in foreign cargoes (52.19%) pulled down the total cargo throughputs (9%) in PMO Western Leyte/Biliran. This was also a result of the maintenance shutdown of PASAR.
Total Disembarked Embarked Total Disembarked Embarked -
1,000,000
PMO Western Leyte/Biliran
2,000,000
PMO Eastern Leyte/Samar
Data Source: PPA-PMO Western Leyte/Biliran and Eastern Leyte/Samar
11
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Aviation Air Passenger Movement The number of passengers considerably reduced by 23% in the second quarter (Table 4). This was due to runway repairs at the DZR Airport that triggered flight cancellations and limited operations to smaller planes. Consequently, demand for air travel increased in other airports such as in Calbayog City and Catarman, hence the surge in the number of passengers.
Volume of Cargo The volume of cargo fell significantly by around 44% for the quarter in review (Table 4). Given the repercussions of runway repairs (e.g. lesser and smaller aircrafts), a sizable decline of 924,023 MT at the DZR Airport pulled down the aggregate volume of cargo.
Aircraft Movement Similarly, the domino effect of runway repairs in the region’s biggest airport caused a 20% decline in the number of aircrafts flying in and out (Table 4). For non-commercialized airports in Guian and Hilongos, the reduced aircraft movement was attributed to the comparison with last year’s influx of charter planes for the immediate relief and response after ST Yolanda.
Table 4. Aviation Statistics Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 AIRPORT Eastern Visayas Biliran* Borongan City** Calbayog City Catarman Catbalogan City Guiuan Hilongos Maasin City Ormoc City Tacloban City
Passenger Movement Percent Q2 2014 Q2 2015 Change 330,591 9,826 9,981 364 310,420
255,603 8 11,164 12,224 9 232,198
-23.0
14.0 22.0
-25.0
Aircraft Movement Q2 2014 7,787 1 214 320 18 1,178 3,712 2,344
*no reports submitted for Jan-Feb 2014 in terms of aircraft movement **no landing and take-off in terms of passenger movement Data Source: CAAP VIII
12
Q2 2015 6,192 11 108 99 1 206 566 4,077 1,124
Percent Change -20.0
-50.0 -69.0 -94.0 -83.0 10.0 -52.0
Volume of Cargo (MT) Percent Q2 2014 Q2 2015 Change 2,067,065 17,607 21,418 2,028,040
1,150,153 23,150 22,986 1,104,017
-44.0
31.0 7.0
-46.0
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Peace and Order Crime volume for this quarter plummeted by 23.49% than a year ago (Table 5).
Among provinces, Samar posted the largest decline in index crimes (51.66%) and non-index crimes (73.15%). This remarkable reduction in the crime rate can be traced to the enhanced crime prevention and application of a comprehensive deployment system by police officials.
The reduction of crime incidents in the region can be attributed to the strict implementation of the operational procedures in managing police operations through the conduct of checkpoints, foot and mobile patrols. Moreover, increased police visibility and deployment of police personnel particularly in crime-prone areas, Oplan Lambat-Sibat, an anti-crime strategy, among others, resulted in a more peaceful and orderly community.
On the other hand, Biliran had substantial growth in index and non-index crimes by 63.57% and 33.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, efficiencies in crime clearance (51.84%) and crime solution (43.95%) improved for this quarter (Table 6). This has resulted in a low crime rate of 39.10%, which means that for every 100,000 population, there was an average of 39 crime incidents every month. Crime rate is anticipated to escalate as the election draws nearer.
Index crimes made up a little over 50% of the aggregate crimes. Topping these crimes against persons and property were physical injury (1,465 cases) and theft (767 cases). Non-index crimes reached 2,590, which included violation of special laws and other offenses like possession of illegal drugs, gambling and loose firearms. These top ranking crime cases were highly committed in the northern part of Leyte.
Addressing crimes was most effective in Tacloban City, given its better crime clearance (increase of 65.6%) and crime solution (64.16%) efficiencies, which posted the highest increases in the region.
Table 5. Index Crimes, Non-Index Crimes, and Crime Volume Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015 REGION/ PROVINCE/ CITY Region VIII Leyte Southern Leyte Biliran Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Tacloban City Ormoc City
INDEX CRIMES Q2 2014
3358 1180 153 129 571 217 464 496 148
Q2 2015
2696 960 160 211 276 229 412 318 130
NON-INDEX CRIMES
Percent Change
Q2 2014
(19.71) (18.64) 4.58 63.57 (51.66) 5.53 (11.21) (35.89) (12.16)
3551 1152 169 185 812 207 495 447 84
Data Source: PNP-PRO VIII
13
TOTAL CRIME VOLUME
Q2 2015
Percent Change
Q2 2014
Q2 2015
2590 791 167 247 218 164 457 482 64
(27.06) (31.34) (1.18) 33.51 (73.15) (20.77) (7.68) 7.83 (23.81)
6909 2332 322 314 1383 424 959 943 232
5286 1751 327 458 494 393 869 800 194
Percent Change
(23.49) (24.91) 1.55 45.86 (64.28) (7.31) (9.38) (15.16) (16.38)
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
Table 6. Crime Clearance, Crime Solution, and Crime Rate Q2 2014 vs Q2 2015
Data Source: PNP-PRO VIII
Development Outlook Low inflation rate will remain in the ensuing months. Stable supply resulting in downward price pressure in food and fuel will strengthen consumers’ purchasing power.
Massive tourism campaign will bring in more tourists to the region. Especially commendable is the tourism promotion in Samar, which will stimulate local economy.
Sustained implementation of programs and projects is critical to the recovery of the agri-fishery sector. For one, the release of nearly PhP38 million worth of farm equipment by the Department of Agriculture Region VIII in May will help boost farm productivity, and thereafter rebuild the region’s agriculture sector. However, there is a need for mitigating practices to lessen the impending risks of El Nino i.e. dry spell, which is seen to last until 2016.
The government needs to address the problems in the logistics sector e.g. port congestion to sustain the positive domestic trade balance of the region during the first quarter of 2015. Lastly, the launch of the Eastern Visayas Bahandi Trade Fair sometime in September will help revive the smallscale businesses of the region.
Ongoing rehabilitation of ST Yolanda-affected areas is expected to speed up towards yearend due to multiplier effects of fund releases and intensified monitoring of rehabilitation projects in the livelihood, resettlement, and social services clusters. Long-term outlook of these rehabilitation interventions is geared towards uplifting the living condition of the transient poor and other vulnerable portion of the populace.
14
EV-QRES
Second Quarter 2015
We would like to acknowledge our data providers and selected key industry leaders/informants: Line Agencies Agency/Entity
Regional Director/ Head of Office
Roundtable Discussion/ Representative
Bureau of Customs VIII
Coll. Avelino C. Alberca
Mr. Rommel Eamiguel
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources VIII
Dir. Juan D. Albaladejo
Bureau of Internal RevenueRevenue Region XIV
Dir. Diosdado R. Mendoza
Ms. Loretta D. Bertis
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines VIII
Manager Antonio B. Alfonso
Mr. Allan M. Cahingcoy
Department of Agriculture VIII
Dir. Leo P. Cañeda
Mr. Rodilla C. Ruizo Mr. Kim Aldrin B. Zarzua
Department of Tourism VIII
Dir. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes
Ms. Trina Dacuycuy Mr. Rodel C. Balierbare
Land Transportation Authority VIII
Dir. Edgar A. Catarongan
Mines and Geosciences Bureau VIII
Engr. Alilo C. Ensomo, Jr.
Philippine Coconut Authority VIII
Manager Reynato P. Dubongco
Mr. Erwin Abonales
Philippine National Police VIII
PC Supt. Asher A. Dolina
PSupt Guillermo A. Melo II PSupt Cedrick G. Train
Philippine Statistics Authority VIII
Dir. Raul F. Dones
Philippine Ports AuthorityPort Management Office Western Leyte/Biliran
Mr. Manuel A. Boholano
Mr. Lord Tyrone L. Agaton
Philippine Ports AuthorityPort Management Office Eastern Leyte/Samar
Engr. Dominador D. Licayan
Ms. Jill L. Magsambol
Key Industry Leaders/Informants Industry
Company/Business Name/Organization
Name
Tourism
Ecotourism Section, LGU Palompon
Ms. Cleofe P. Rivera
Mining
Strong Built Mining Development Corporation
Ms. Theresa B. Suico
Agribusiness (Abaca)
Pulp Specialties, Philippines, Inc.
Ms. Lidia G. Duran
Fishery (Aquaculture)
Fish Cage Operator
Mr. Felixberto Bargayo
Contact us for more information: Policy Formulation and Planning Division (PFPD) NEDA Regional Office VIII Government Center, Palo, Leyte Telephone: (053) 323-3094 Fax: (053) 323-3092 Mobile No.: 09054128556 Website: nro8.neda.gov.ph Email:
[email protected]
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