Fourth Quarter 2014

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 The country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2014 – faster than the third quarter growth of 5.3% and also compared to the 6.3% recorded in the same quarter of last year. This was supported by the acceleration in all major productive sectors of the economy. Services remains the largest contributor to growth, but industry is a close second with growth rising to 9.2%. Among the selected Asian economies, the Philippines was the third fastest, next to People’s Republic of China (7.3%) and Vietnam (7.0%). On the domestic front, inflation rate slowed down to 5.4%, the lowest compared to the first three quarters of the year. Eastern Visayas’ agricultural performance is slowly gaining its pace. Commodity growth figures, sans livestock and poultry, for the fourth quarter of 2014 are relatively better than those of the same period in 2013. Revenue collection from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs, although lower than the target, both overshoot the quarter-ago and year-ago rates.

Inside this Issue Page 2 5

Agricultural Production Prices

7 Labor and Employment 7 Foreign Trade 8 Revenue Collection 9 Customs Collection 9 Tourist Arrival and Receipts

Tourist arrivals and receipts increased at a faster pace due to the continued influx of foreign tourists and humanitarian groups visiting the region.

10

Mineral production rebounded from the year ago rate.

11 Construction

The construction sector turned in an impressive performance as spike in number and value of new construction projects were recorded.

12

Vehicle Registration

13

Shipping

For the shipping industry, cargo traffic sustained growth while passenger traffic dropped due to the inclement weather condition during the quarter.

14 Peace and Order

Mineral Production

16 Development Outlook

The peace and order situation continue to improve as total crime volume decelerated from the preceding quarter and the same period of last year.

Downloadable at: http:// www.neda8.ph

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Agriculture A year after the devastation of Supertyphoon Yolanda, Eastern Visayas’ agricultural performance is slowly gaining its pace. Commodity growth figures, sans livestock and poultry, for the fourth quarter of 2014 are relatively better than those of the same period

31.25

Figure 1. Growth Rate in Volume of Production by Commodity: Q4 2013 and Q4 2014 (in percent) 3.87

0.00

in 2013 (Figure 1). However, it must be noted that these growths are not high enough to compensate for the deficits incurred in 2013. In other words, the region’s agri-fishery sector might be on track towards recovery but it is still a long way to go.

-0.15 -5.94

3.50

7.80

0.26 -3.14

-4.21 -19.04

-31.25

-31.70

-35.41

-62.50

-93.75 Palay

Corn

-87.41 Abaca 2013

Livestock 2014

Poultry

Fishery

Data Sources: www.countrystat.bas.gov.ph; Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) VIII; and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) VIII

Palay 3.51 MT/ha this quarter is highest among the regions in Visayas, but below the national yield of 3.86 MT/ha.

Palay production of 291,485 MT for the fourth quarter of 2014 was less than the previous year’s record, albeit minimally by 0.15%. This slowdown is caused by the 0.32% reduction of Leyte’s palay output. About a quarter of Leyte’s output for the current cropping season was lost to Typhoons Ruby and Seniang.

Across provinces in the region, Leyte still dominates by more than two-fifths (Figure 2). Contributions of the rest are roughly the same as the previous year.

Eastern Visayas was able to contribute 3.86% to the national harvest, making it eighth among palay-producing regions. In terms of yield or ratio of production volume against area planted, Eastern Visayas record of

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Figure 2. Provincial Share to Eastern Visayas' Palay Production: Q4 2013 and Q4 2014 (in percent) 100%

6.92 11.92

80%

6.50 15.13

17.38 7.73 11.73

60%

16.80 6.85 4.38

40% 20%

50.35

44.24

Q4 2013

Q4 2014

0% Leyte

S. Leyte

Biliran

Samar

N. Samar

E. Samar

Date Source: www.countrystat.bas.gov.ph

Corn Corn production, on the other hand, registered an upsurge of 3.87% or 25,248 MT from last year’s produce. This is primarily due to the positive growth rates of all provinces, except Samar, in the region. This might also be attributed to the additional 3,878 hectares, an increase of 0.72% over last year’s record, to the area harvested. Further, it was reported that an incentive of PhP10,000.00 per hectare of corn or other high-

value commercial crops was awarded to farmers in Biliran. This quarter’s corn yield or land productivity reached only 1.39 MT/ha, which falls short of the 2.87 MT/ha national mean. Leyte contributed 58.85% (Figure 3). Shares from other provinces roughly remain the same.

Figure. 3. Provincial Share to Eastern Visayas' Corn Production: Q4 2013 and Q4 2014 (in percent) 100%

0.59 14.83

0.59

8.10

80%

0.83 18.05

60%

14.55 7.66

0.87 17.47

40% 20%

57.60

58.85

Q4 2013

Q4 2014

0% Leyte

S. Leyte

Biliran

Samar

Data Source: www.countrystat.gov.ph

3

N. Samar

E. Samar

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Abaca Significant transformations in terms of provincial contributions to the regional production has been noteworthy for the period in review (Figure 4). Northern Samar, which is still the leading abaca producer in the region, and Southern Leyte increased their shares. Meanwhile, Leyte’s stake shrunk by 27.54 percentage points.

Eastern Visayas’ abaca production incurred a slippage of 5.10% from 2,415.93 MT in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 2,292.75 MT this quarter. Some of the major reasons cited for this are the unabated presence of viral diseases, lack of planting materials, and shift from abaca to other crops, which are more profitable and have government incentives.

Figure 4. Provincial Share to Eastern Visayas' Abaca Production: Q4 2013 and Q4 2014 (in percent) 100%

5.35

6.48

80%

44.31

60.25

60% 8.97

40% 20%

0.16 2.76 - 4.33 20.27

37.34

9.80

0% Q4 2013 Leyte

S. Leyte

Q4 2014 Biliran

Samar

N. Samar

E. Samar

Data Source: PhilFIDA VIII

Livestock and Poultry Incurring a 15.70% contraction from last year’s record, the region’s meat production for the fourth quarter of 2014 reached 33,477 MT. All commodities, except duck, exhibited negative

figures (Table 1). Thus, Eastern Visayas contributed only 4.57% to the Philippine meat produce.

Table 1. Growth Rate of Livestock and Poultry Meat in Eastern Visayas: Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 Volume in MT % Change 2013 2014 Livestock 31,377.00 25,402.00 -19.04 Carabao 4,162.00 1,917.00 -53.94 Cattle 578.00 490.00 -15.22 Hog 26,353.00 22,754.00 -13.66 Goat 284.00 241.00 -15.14 Poultry 8,337.00 8,075.00 -3.14 Chicken 8,075.00 7,808.00 -3.31 Duck 262.00 267.00 1.91 Data Source: www.countrystat.gov.ph

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Fishery With 7.80% growth in production volume and 15.78% increase in production value, Eastern Visayas’ fishery production bounced back, making it the top gainer among agricultural commodities. Fourth quarter fishery produce reached 31,235.15 MT, which is worth PhP2.02 billion. However, the sector has a huge deficit of 31.70% from the fourth quarter of 2013. This implies that with 7.80% growth rate, it will take over four (4) years to compensate the shortfall.

Leyte recorded a 45.41% rise in aquatic catch. Also, Eastern Samar and Biliran raked in additional 5.50% and 1.31%, respectively, on top of last year’s production. In terms of structural change or percent contributions among provinces for the periodin-review, significant increase was observed in Leyte, while Samar’s share decreased by 4.82 percentage points (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Provincial Share to Eastern Visayas' Fishery Production: Q4 2013 and Q4 2014 (in percent) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

17.35

16.98

18.05

16.03 23.01

27.83

4.95 6.47

5.27 7.39

32.58

24.15 Q4 2013 Leyte

S. Leyte

Q4 2014 Biliran

Samar

N. Samar

E. Samar

Data Source: PSA (BAS) as cited in the BFAR VIII report

Macroeconomy Inflation non-food items due to the continued decline in prices of petroleum products and a more stable economy after the onslaught of Supertyphoon Yolanda.

Prices of commodities in Eastern Visayas showed a diminishing trend from August of 2014 till end of the year. For the fourth quarter of 2014, inflation rate reached an average of 5.4%, the lowest compared to the first three quarters of the year. It registered a decline of 26.0% and 8.5% from the preceding quarter and same quarter of last year, respectively.

Transport, Communication and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels registered the highest decline in prices on a quarter-onquarter and year-on-year basis (Table 2).

The remarkable downturn in inflation rate is attributed to the decrease in prices of all food and 5

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Table 2. Eastern Visayas Inflation Rates by Commodity Group Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 2013 Commodity Group

2014

Q4 2013

All Items Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic and Beverages and Tobacco Clothing and Footwear Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Health Transport Communication Recreation and Culture Education Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and Services

% Change Quarter-onYear-onQuarter Year -8.5 -26.0 -7.8 -26.8

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

5.9 7.7

7.3 9.7

5.4 7.1

27.6

14.9

14.2

-48.6

-4.7

4.1

4.3

2.9

-29.3

-32.6

2.7

5.4

2.7

0.0

-50.0

4.4

5.0

3.7

-15.9

-26.0

2.5 0.9 0.0 1.6 8.3

3.5 1.5 0.3 1.1 4.4

3.3 0.5 0.1 1.0 4.4

32.0 -44.4 -37.5 -47.0

-5.7 -66.7 -66.7 -9.1 0.0

1.2

3.6

3.3

175.0

-8.3

-

Data Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VIII

Inflation rate across provinces had the same decreasing trend as the region. Leyte posted the lowest inflation rate at 3.8% while the highest was in Eastern Samar at 8.5% (Figure 6).

compared to PhP0.67 in third quarter of 2014. This is similarly lower than the PhP0.70 in the 4th quarter of last year. The value of peso was lowest in Samar at PhP0.62 and highest in Northern Samar at PhP0.70.

Meanwhile, the purchasing power of peso for the 4th Quarter of 2014 slightly lowered at PhP0.66

Figure 6. Inflation Rate by Province Q4 2013, Q3 2014 and Q4 2014 12.0

Inflation Rate

10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

Leyte

Biliran

S. Leyte

Samar

Q4 2013

4.4

6.3

5.3

Q3 2014

5.2

7.3

8.8

Q4 2014

3.8

4.5

7.7

Data Source: PSA Region VIII

6

E. Samar

N. Samar

11.3

6.9

5.1

10.9

10.4

7.8

7.0

8.5

5.8

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Labor and Employment Employment rate slightly decreased based on a quarter-ago (0.1%) and year-ago (0.3%) rates. Unemployment, on the other hand, increased to 5.6% in October 2014 from 5.5% in July 2014 and 5.2% in October 2013 (Table 3). This can be attributed to the pull out of some local and foreign organizations who provided temporary/contractual jobs for the workers after the supertyphoon.

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII reported that no establishment resorted to retrenchments nor shutdowns during the 4th quarter of the year. Likewise, no displaced worker was reported. The province of Leyte remains excluded in the recent Labor Force Survey.

Meanwhile, underemployment rate lowered by 9.0% than the previous quarter. However, this is remarkably higher by 31.2% compared to the same month of last year. Table 3. Labor Force Statistics, Eastern Visayas October 2013 vs October 2014 2013 INDICATOR Household Population 15 Years Old and Over

Oct-13

2014 Jul-14

Oct14P

% Change Oct-2013 July-2014 vs vs Oct-2014 Oct 2014 -42.9 0.3

3,001

1,710

1,715

Labor Force Participation Rate (%)

63.4

64.4

62.7

-1.1

-2.6

Employment Rate (%)

94.7

94.5

94.4

-0.3

-0.1

Underemployment Rate (%)

24.7

35.6

32.4

31.2

-9.0

5.2

5.5

5.6

7.7

1.8

Unemployment Rate (%) Data Source: PSA Region VIII

Foreign Trade Preliminary data gathered from the Bureau of Customs revealed an 11.58% growth on volume of exports. It grew from 130.7 million kg in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 145.8 million kg in the fourth quarter of 2014. Official data on outbound merchandise trade from the PSA are not yet available.

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Revenue Collection The region’s revenue collection for the 4th Quarter of 2014 was pegged at PhP1.39 billion, a 28.4% excess from its target of PhP1.08 billion. Likewise, it exceeded the previous quarter’s collection by 1.9% (PhP 1.36 billion) and an upsurge of 58.0% (PhP880 million) from the same quarter of last year.

carrier/keepers of garage and exempt from VAT transactions and withholding tax on business; increase in other taxes which consists of registration fees, fines and penalties and Documentary Stamp Tax; and increase in remittances from Withholding Tax on VAT, Withholding Tax at Source and Withholding Tax on Compensation.

Income Taxes comprised majority of the revenue collected, posting PhP 905 million. Business Taxes came in next at PhP 414 million. Meanwhile, Other Taxes registered at PhP72.4 million (Figure 7).

Further, the resumption and opening of new business establishments in the region after ST Yolanda, contributed to the increase in collection of the various sources of tax, especially from the business sector. The post-Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery projects implemented during the quarter was also a major contributor to the region’s revenue collection.

The increase in revenue collection for the quarter is attributed to the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), particularly on wholesale and retail trade and business services; increase in percentage tax on services, specifically on common

Figure 7. Revenue Collection Performance Q4 2013, Q3 2014 and Q4 2014

1,400,000,000.00 1,200,000,000.00 1,000,000,000.00 800,000,000.00 600,000,000.00 400,000,000.00 200,000,000.00 0.00 Q4 2013

Business Tax

Q3 2014

Income Tax

Q4 2014

Other Taxes

Data Source: Bureau of Internal Revenue- Revenue Region 14

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Customs Collection Total collection from Bureau of Customs - District Port of Tacloban was recorded at PhP59.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 (Table 4). This is lower by 33.1% against the target of PhP88.9 million. However, compared from the previous quarter’s collection of PhP40.0 million, this is higher by 48.6%. Similarly, a significant jump of 236.4% was noted from last year’s collection.

The increase is attributed to the increased importation of ISLA LPG Corporation and higher local sale of copper cathodes of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation. The District Port of Tacloban covers the Ports of Tacloban, Isabel and Catbalogan.

Table 4. Customs Collection Performance Q4 2013, Q3 2014 and Q4 2014 (in pesos) Actual Collection Indicator

Total Collection

Q4 2013

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

17,673,693.27

40,005,224.35

59,453,356.38

Q4 2014 Goal 88,857,000.00

% Change vs Q4 2013 Goal

Quarter on Quarter

-33.1

48.6

Year on Year 236.4

Data Source: Bureau of Customs, District Port of Tacloban

Industry, Trade and Service Tourist Arrival and Receipts The partial data on inbound visitors of the region for the fourth quarter of 2014 totaled 121,325 (Table 5). This is already way higher (11%) than the total inbound tourists registered in the same quarter of last year at 109,362. The number of inbound tourists, however, slipped by 18.6% compared to the previous quarter.

Foreign tourists significantly increased by 89%, which could be partly attributed to the continuing influx of foreign humanitarian groups involved in the rehabilitation efforts of the region. Compared to the third quarter, it declined by 2.5%. Total receipts of PhP 506,355,743 was recorded for the quarter, which is 8.3% higher than last year.

Domestic tourists comprised 95% of the total tourist arrivals. The partial data revealed that it increased by 8.6% from last year but 19% lower than the third quarter of 2014.

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Table 5. Tourist Arrivals and Receipts, Eastern Visayas Q4 2013, Q3 2014 and Q4 2014 Percent Change Q3 2014 vs Q4 Q4 2013 vs 2014 Q4 2014

Indicator

Q4 2013

Q3 2014

Q4 2014*

Tourist Arrivals

109,362

149,038

121,325

-18.6

10.9

Tourist Receipts

467,377,755

622,017,286

506,355,743

-18.6

8.3

Data Source: Department of Tourism VIII *Preliminary Data

Mineral Production The industry remarkably improved this quarter from a year ago (Table 6). The 4th quarter 2013 production was affected by ST Yolanda, mechanical problems experienced by Strong Built Mining Development Corporation (SBMDC), and the moratorium in the issuance of ore transport permit/mineral ore export permit (OTP/MOEP).

of iron concentrate also declined with the temporary halt in the operations of the Cambayas Mining Corporation and the Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corporation. On the contrary, the volume and value of nonmetallic production registered a whooping increase of 63.8% and 265.7%, respectively. This is attributed to the boom of the construction industry in the region. Residential and commercial buildings are being restored/built after the onslaught of ST Yolanda. The resumed extraction/mining operations of the Pheschem Industrial Corporation for hydrated lime also contributed to the increase.

Metallic production for the quarter of 2014 was solely contributed by the production of iron concentrate. Albeit lower by 28% from its value in the previous quarter, it contributed more than half (58%) of the region’s total value of mineral production. Consequently, it generated an excise tax of Php1.69 million for the quarter. Despite the lifting of the moratorium in the issuance of OTP/MOEP in the third quarter of 2014, production of magnetite concentrate was not sustained in the fourth quarter due to the drop in the buying price of metal in the international market. The SBMDC momentarily stopped the production of magnetite concentrate. Production

Of the region’s value of production, an amount of Php4.6 million had been generated as excise tax.

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Table 6. Volume and Value of Mineral Production, Eastern Visayas Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 Type of Mineral

Percent Change

Value of Production (in pesos) Q3 2014 Q4 2014

Volume of Production Q3 2014 Q4 2014

Q3 2014 vs Q4 2014 Volume Value

Metallic Magnetite Concentrate (m.t./Cu.m.)

19,441

-

11,326.33

-

-

-

Iron Concentrate (m.t./cu.m.)

13,404

9,481

93,363,217.04

67,262,241.22

(29.3)

(28.0)

105

4,419

821,652.29

181,190,570.95

4,108.8

2,113.9

95,125

151,534

12,240,362.90

29,581,214.40

59.3

141.7

Non-Metallic Hydrated Lime (d.m.t.) Sand and Gravel (cu.m.)

Data Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau VIII

Infrastructure Construction The number of construction projects in the region more than doubled its figure from 162 in the third quarter of 2013 to 530 in the fourth quarter of 2014. It jumped by 227%, which subsequently resulted to a 166% increase in the value of construction. Value of new construction projects escalated to PhP739 million from PhP278 million in the same period of last year. The huge increment is still attributed to the ongoing reconstruction of private and public infrastructure and dwellings damaged by ST Yolanda.

Both residential and non-residential construction project types rose by 229% and 157%, respectively (Figure 8). Additions as well as Alterations and Repairs also contributed to the steep spike in construction activities. There were also demolitions, construction of street furnitures and signboards, and landscaping during the quarter. Total number of construction projects is generated from approved building permits.

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Figure 8. Number of Construction Projects by Type, Eastern Visayas* Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 Alterations and Repairs Additions Non-Residential Residential 0

50

100

150

Q4 2014

200

250

300

350

Q4 2013

Data Source: psa.gov.ph *Preliminary Data

Vehicle Registration The total number of vehicles registered in the region for the fourth quarter of 2014 increased by 44% compared to the same period in 2013 (Table 7). Most of the vehicles registered are private vehicles at 90% (25,029 units). Only around 9% (2,395 units) were registered as vehicles-for-hire, and the remaining number are government vehicles.

operations of almost all of the motor vehicle dealers damaged by ST Yolanda and the intensified Law Enforcement Operations. The Land Transportation Office VIII and its Extension Offices are now back in its normal operations. However, the Tacloban District Office, Tacloban Extension Offices, and Tacloban Licensing Center are still sharing the same E-Patrol Unit facilities, thereby taking turns in uploading and encoding their transactions.

The increase in motor vehicle registration for the quarter can be attributed to the normalcy of

Table 7. Motor Vehicle Registration Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 Classification

Q4 2013

Q4 2014

% Change

Private

17,358

25,029

44.19

For Hire

1,611

2,395

48.67

295

402

36.27

-

-

0.00

19,264

27,826

44.45

Government Diplomatic Total

Source: Land Transportation Office (LTO), VIII

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Shipping Cargo Traffic Cargo throughput for both Port Management Offices (PMOs) Eastern Leyte/Samar and Western Leyte/Biliran increased on a year-on-year basis (Figure 9). PMO Eastern Leyte/Samar increased by 3.18 in its cargo traffic. But there is a considerable decrease in the foreign cargo throughput which can be attributed to the nonloading of copra products in the entire quarter due to the closure of New Leyte Edible Oil as an after effect of ST Yolanda which has a great contribution to the flow of shipment. There is a positive manifestation in terms of domestic cargo traffic which can be attributed to the bottled cargoes of Coca Cola Bottling Company.

On the other hand, PMO Western Leyte/Biliran performed positively with a 36% increase in the total cargo throughput. The increase in foreign cargoes can be attributed to the resumption of normal operations of PASAR and PHILPHOS due to the frequent shipment of copper cathodes and sulfuric acid to the former and imported iron ore concentrate and lighting cable of the latter. The domestic cargoes contributed significantly to this positive increase which can be noted by the increased volume of construction materials and aggregates being shipped for the repair and renovation of public and commercial buildings and residential houses.

Figure 9. Cargo Traffic, Eastern Visayas Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 (in ‘000 metric tons)

Q4 2014

Total Domestic Foreign

Q4 2013

Total Domestic Foreign -

400.000

800.000

PMO Ormoc

1,200.000

1,600.000

PMO Tacloban

Data source: PPA - PMOs Western Leyte/Biliran and Eastern Leyte/Samar (formerly PMOs Ormoc and Tacloban)

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Fourth Quarter 2014

Passenger Traffic Both PMOs suffered a decrease in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2013 (Figure 10). The negative variance in terms of passenger traffic can be attributed to the inclement weather brought by Typhoons Quennie, Ruby, and Seniang, which resulted to a five (5) travel suspension. However, the major factor to the decrease in passengers is that during the

same quarter of 2013, there was a recorded influx of passengers after the onslaught of ST Yolanda wherein most homeless victims coming from the areas in Tacloban and Samar areas immediately relocated their families to either Cebu or Manila in order to stay away from the danger and health-related hazards.

Figure 10. Passenger Traffic, Eastern Visayas Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014

Q4 2014

Total Disembarked Embarked

Q4 2013

Total Disembarked Embarked -

500,000

1,000,000

PMO Ormoc

1,500,000

2,000,000

PMO Tacloban

Data source: PPA - PMOs Western Leyte/Biliran and Eastern Leyte/Samar

Peace and Order Crime Volume year (Figure 11). Moreover, a remarkable achievement in terms of peace and order can be noted during this quarter. As compared to the preceding quarter wherein crimes were recorded at 5,992 incidents, a noteworthy decrease of 1,180 incidents was attained in just a period of three months.

The statistical report on crimes for the fourth quarter of 2014, reflects data on all crime incidents referred, processed and gathered by reporting police officers of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8. Based on official records, the aggregate Total Crime Volume (TCV) for the quarter in review was estimated at 4,812 incidents. This figure is 490 incidents lower as compared to the same quarter of the previous

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Figure 11. Crime Statistics, Eastern Visayas Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 6000 5000

5302

4812

4000 2605 2558

3000

2697

2254

2000 1000 0 Total Crime Volume

Index Crimes

Oct-Dec 2013

Non-Index Crimes

Oct-Dec 2014

Source: Police Regional Office 8

Dissecting the Total Crime Volume, it can be noted that both Index and Non-Index crimes also decreased as compared to the same quarter of last year. Similarly, a significant decrease of Index Crimes can be noted in Tacloban City, wherein 573 incidents was recorded in the preceding quarter and reduced to 351 incidents for this quarter. As for Non-Index Crimes, a noteworthy decrease in the province of Samar can be observed, from 407 incidents in the preceding quarter to 197 incidents for this quarter.

Economic cycles indicate that during more difficult economic times, criminal activity increases. Therefore, the recent drop in the reported crime statistics reveal that the region has slowly and is continuously recovering from the economic ill-effects of Yolanda. The crime solution efficiency for the last quarter of 2014 can be considered as a noteworthy achievement in terms of law and order. As shown in Figure 12, a remarkable rise in efficiency of 23.07 percentage points can be noted for the quarter in review as compared to the same quarter of 2013. Likewise, comparing the efficiency rate of 43.19% for this quarter from that of the previous quarter which was 26.65%, it can be concluded that the laudable accomplishment of the sector has been sustained. This feat can be ascribed to the concerted efforts of the different law enforcement agencies in the region.

The decline in crime incidents are attributable to the strict implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) of the PNP. Concerted efforts from the different field units as well as force multipliers particularly the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) contributed to the drop of the crime volume in the region. In addition, checkpoints and chokepoints, foot and mobile patrols, increased police visibility and deployment of police personnel particularly to the crime prone areas in Tacloban City also facilitated the pull down of crime incidents.

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Figure 12. Crime Solution Efficiency Q4 2013 vs Q4 2014 50.00% 43.19%

45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.00%

20.12%

15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% Oct-Dec 2013

Oct-Dec 2014

Development Outlook of the Department of Tourism VIII, which aim to revive the tourism industry by inviting tourists to do volunteer work for ST Yolanda victims and at the same time visit tourist areas in region. The papal visit scheduled in January is anticipated to drive tourist arrivals and receipts in the coming quarter.

The region’s economy will gradually rise from the devastating effects of ST Yolanda as major productive sectors in the economy slowly recovers. The downtrend in inflation as a result of lower oil prices will benefit consumers and businesses due to a more robust purchasing power of peso. Consumers will have higher savings and the ability to purchase more goods. Likewise, businesses will be encourage to improve productivity to become more competitive without having to raise prices.

Construction activities is projected to further pick up due to the additional PhP10.2 billion fund released in October for the ongoing postYolanda rehabilitation and recovery programs and projects in the region. This is part of the PhP167.86 billion total funding releases for the Yolanda-devastated areas in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

The resumption and opening of new business establishments in Eastern Visayas as cited in the increase in revenue collection is expected to bring in more jobs and revenue for the region. Tourism is also foreseen to gain strength due to the Voluntourism and Image-Building Campaign

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We would like to acknowledge our data providers and selected key industry leaders/informants: Line Agencies

Bureau of Customs – District Port of Tacloban Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources VIII Bureau of Internal RevenueRevenue Region 14 Department of Agriculture VIII Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII Department of Trade and Industry Department of Tourism VIII

Coll. Avelino C. Alberca

Roundtable Discussion Representative Mr. Paulino K. Cabello, Jr.

Dir. Juan D. Albaladejo

-

Dir. Diosdado R. Mendoza

Atty. Paolo Jakosalem

RED Bernadette F. San Juan Dir. Elias A. Cayanong

Ms. Belen G. de Pedro -

Dir. Cynthia R. Nierras Dir. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes

Land Transportation Office VIII Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Dir. Edgar A. Catarongan Engr. Alilo C. Ensomo, Jr.

Philippine Coconut Authority VIII Philippine Fiber Development Authority VIII Philippine National Police Regional Office VIII Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office Eastern Leyte/Samar Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office Western Leyte/Biliran Philippine Statistics Authority

Manager Edilberto Nierva Engr. Wilardo O. Sinahon

Ms. Eleonor Etulle Ms. Trina Dacuycuy Mr. Rodel C. Balierbane Mr. Carlos R. Bermudo Mr. Dominador R. Sosing Mr. Erwin J. Abonales -

PC Supt Asher Dolina

PC Supt. Cedrick G. Train

Engr. Dominador D. Licayan

Ms. Jill Lacandazo Magsambol

Mr. Manuel A. Boholano

Mr. Bernard Calledo

Dir. Raul F. Dones

Ms. Riza N. Moraleta Mr. Jonas A. Repulda

Agency/Entity

Regional Director/Head of Office

Key Industry Leader/Informants Industry Shipping Sugarcane Fishery

Company/Business Name/Organization Oceanic Container Lines, Inc. Ormoc-Kananga Mill District Development Council/ F.S. Serafica Enterprises, Inc. Aquaculture Operator Aquaculture Operator

Name Mr. Arthur Rey F. Aguirre Engr. Hermenigildo Serafica Mr. Cirilo Espejo Mr. Felixberto Bargayo

Contact us for more information: Policy Formulation and Planning Division (PFPD) NEDA Regional Office VIII, Government Center Palo, Leyte Telephone/Fax: (053) 323-3092 Website: nro8.neda.gov.ph Email: [email protected]

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