About the cover The cover depicts a red and blue film strip shaped into a ribbon, with photos showing the various sectors and stakeholders in development. The sunburst and yellow backgrounds depict the current administration’s “Daylight” strategy, focusing on good governance and anticorruption to achieve inclusive growth, create employment, and reduce poverty.
©2013 by the National Economic and Development Authority All rights reserved. Any part of this book may be used and reproduced, provided that proper acknowledgement is made. Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-1026 Published by: National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office VIII Government Center, Palo, Leyte Tel: +63 53 323 3092
[email protected] http://nro8.neda.gov.ph
Message Eastern Visayas’ Updated Regional Development Plan (RDP) draws from the effective execution of development programs and policies in the first three years of its implementation. At the national level, the strong macroeconomic fundamentals resulted in stronger investor interest, improved competitiveness rankings, and recent investment grade status granted by credit rating agencies. However, we are mindful that the experience of growth is still not enough to make a significant impact on our poverty reduction and employment creation goals across the country. Thus, the need to purposefully consider spatial and sectoral concerns becomes the thrust of the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) at the national level and the Updated RDPs at the regional level. The Regional Development Council (RDC), in crafting this plan, took stock of the accomplishments achieved and challenges encountered in the first three years of its implementation. Various stakeholders were engaged through a series of consultations to ensure that the entire process of development would be inclusive. With a renewed desire to deliver inclusive growth, this plan provides the spatial dimension to the Updated PDP by identifying region-specific resources, needs and interventions. While Eastern Visayas’ Updated RDP provides the framework for local development, strategies are parallel with the national plan to ensure alignment of national and regional policies and programs. This plan is a living document that validates RDC’s commitment to achieve the region’s development goals. We hope that through this Updated RDP, development in Eastern Visayas shall be appropriately guided through the prudent use of its vast natural resources and a productive partnership between government and an engaged and active citizenry. We, in NEDA, fully support the region’s desire for inclusive growth as we all strive to not leave a single Filipino lagging behind our country’s economic successes.
ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and NEDA Director-General
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Message It is with great pride and honor that we in the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII present to the public this Updated Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2016 of Eastern Visayas. This Plan symbolizes a lot of hard work and our renewed drive to steer Region VIII faster towards attaining a better life for its people. The first half of the 2011-2016 RDP implementation taught us many lessons that should guide our development efforts in the second half. Poverty is still here, and has grown worse. Our economy is still not producing as much as it should to bring more jobs, meet more needs, and contribute more significantly in attaining the nation’s goal of inclusive growth. We are confronted by lots of gaps to fill in. This Updated Plan draws out what these are and how we can possibly close them. There are as many challenges as there are issues and concerns. Please let us look at them as challenges rather than problems. Eastern Visayas, with all its natural endowments, is still bigger than any of the challenges it is facing, thus, none of these are insurmountable. If we would only embrace these challenges, learn how to put our resources to best use, muster greater cooperation among us, there is no reason we cannot transform this region into what we envision it to be – a leader in agribusiness and information and communications technology (ICT), and a tourism haven. As we all work for the realization of this vision, let us not forget that our vision is not an end in itself. Our gains in agribusiness, ICT and tourism should enable us to reap the fruits of a robust economy, fruits that will benefit each and every family, especially those who have long been deprived of life’s comforts as basic as roof over their heads, food on their tables, clothes on their back, and a diploma that would bring them a bright future. Thank you to all those who, by their expertise, power and commitment, made this Updated Plan a true reflection of planned actions that are doable and dreams that are realizable. Mabuhay ang Eastern Visayas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
ATTY. BONIFACIO G. UY OIC-Regional Director, NEDA VIII and Vice-Chair/Acting Chair, RDC VIII
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Preface This Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 of Eastern Visayas was prepared before Typhoon Yolanda struck and wreaked havoc in the region. Thus, the Plan framework – goals, objectives, targets, strategies and programs, projects and activities – has been anchored entirely on the assessment of the pre-disaster conditions prevailing in the region. The targets, specifically, had been pegged based on the baseline data as well as the growth trends and developments that occurred in recent years. While disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation has been explicitly considered in its preparation, the Plan was done at a time when Eastern Visayas and its people did not at all imagine how massive the destruction Typhoon Yolanda would have wrought to this part of the country, most especially Tacloban City, the region’s capital. It is unfortunate that this Updated RDP, which represents the whole gamut of dreams and aspirations of Eastern Visayas, would suddenly become just that. After Yolanda, the region’s efforts would have to be redirected primarily towards restoring Eastern Visayas to at least its pre-disaster condition, and thereafter building it to a better region. The ideals that this Plan captures are not totally without chances of being realized. Still guided by those ideals, the people of Region VIII have put together their minds, hearts and whatever is left of their resources to come up with the Eastern Visayas Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (EV-YRRP). As this Updated RDP gets published, the EV-YRRP would soon come out as a living document, upon which new hopes of the people of Eastern Visayas are pinned. With the birth of the EV-YRRP, we are promised anew of a better life after the grim realities Yolanda forced all of us to face. The EV-YRRP is something to look forward and commit to. It will be our testimony that we will not forget the lesson learned, especially because we learned it the hardest way. We will remain undaunted. Through the EVYRRP, we will show the world that Bangon Eastern Visayas is more than just a battlecry. On behalf of Eastern Visayans, NEDA VIII
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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) Excerpts from the Minutes of the Regional Development Council VIII held on August 23, 2013 at the NEDA Regional Office No. VIII, Government Center, Palo, Leyte RDC VIII Resolution No. 44, Series of 2013 APPROVING AND ENDORSING THE UPDATED EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (RDP) 2014-2016 AND THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM (RDIP) 2014-2016 Whereas, the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan (RDP) was assessed midway of its implementation period and, based on such assessment, was updated; Whereas, the draft Updated RDP is a product of a multi-stakeholder consultative process through the conduct of a series of Technical Planning Group (TPG) Workshops participated in by representatives of different regional line agencies, business groups, private companies, and Private Sector Representatives of the RDC VIII; Whereas, the Updated RDP is a geographic slice of the Updated Philippine Development Plan, which serves as the blueprint for the development of Eastern Visayas and the region’s contribution to the attainment of the national goal of inclusive growth; Whereas, the draft Updated RDP, together with its two (2) companion documents, namely: a) the 2014-2016 Results Matrices (RM) and b) the 2014-2016 Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), was reviewed by the sectoral committees of the RDC; Whereas, the draft Updated RDP and RDIP were found to be comprehensive enough, except for a few suggested improvements. NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVED, to approve and endorse the Updated Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2016 and the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 20142016, subject to the incorporation and/or consideration of corrections/suggestions raised during the floor as well as additional inputs that may be submitted prior to the target completion of the Updated RDP. Approved unanimously, this 23rd day of August, Two Thousand and Thirteen, at the NEDA Region VIII, Government Center, Palo, Leyte, Philippines.
Certified true and correct:
MA. VICTORIA C. CUAYZON Acting Secretary
Attested/Approved:
DIRECTOR BONIFACIO G. UY Vice-Chairperson and Presiding Officer
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Table of Contents Messages 4 Preface 6 RDC Resolution No. 44, s. 2013 7 List of Tables and Figures 14 List of Acronyms 17 Introduction 20 Chapter 1: Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas 22 Location 23 Political Subdivision 23 Land Area 23 Population 23 Climate 24 Physical Characteristics 24 Topography 24 Slope 25 Elevation 25 Land Classification 26 Mineral Resources 26 Water Resources 26 Geo-Hazards and Disaster-Prone Areas 28 Earthquake-Prone Areas 28 Landslide-Prone Areas 28 Tsunami-Prone Areas 29 Liquefaction and Flood-Prone Areas 29 Chapter 2: Regional Development Framework 30 Regional Vision 31 Regional Goal 32 Regional Objectives 33 Key Development Thrusts 33 Pole-vaulting the Agriculture Sector towards Agribusiness Development 33 Batting to Become a Tourism Haven 33 Pushing for ICT Development 34 Regional Strategies 34 Chapter 3: Macroeconomy 36 Assessment 37 Gross Regional Economic Product (GRDP) 37 Per Capita GRDP 39 Labor and Employment 40 Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group 40 External Trade 42 Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso 44 Poverty 44 Summary of Challenges 46 Macroeconomic Development Framework 47 Goal 47
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Objectives 47 Targets 47 Strategies 48 Programs, Projects and Activities 50 Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries 51 Assessment 52 Crop Production 53 Palay/Rice 53 Coconut 55 Abaca 55 Sugarcane 56 Banana (Saba) 56 Corn 59 Rootcrops 59 Fruits and Vegetables 59 Livestock and Poultry Production 59 Fisheries Production 59 Summary of Challenges 60 Sectoral Development Framework 62 Goals 62 Objectives 62 Targets 62 Palay 62 Coconut 63 Abaca 64 Sugarcane 65 Banana (Saba) 66 Livestock and Poultry 66 Fisheries 68 Strategies 69 Programs, Projects and Activities 72 Chapter 5: Competitive Industry and Services Sector 70 Assessment 73 Ease of Doing Business 73 Investments 74 Industry Sector 75 Mining and Quarrying 76 Heavy Industries 76 Agribusiness 76 Services Sector 80 Tourism 80 Key Tourism Products 81 Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) 81 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 85 Employment in Industry, Tourism and ICT 87 Labor Productivity 87 Summary of Challenges 87 Sectoral Development Framework 90 Goals 90
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Objectives 90 Targets 90 Strategies 91 Programs, Projects and Activities 93 Chapter 6: Accelerating Infrastructure Development 95 Assessment 96 Transport 96 Water 100 Water Supply 100 Irrigation 101 Flood Control 102 Energy 103 Power and Electrification 103 Energy Resources 104 Communications/Telecommunications 104 Social Infrastructure 105 Health Facilities 105 Education Facilities 106 Summary of Challenges 106 Sectoral Development Framework 108 Goal 108 Objective 108 Strategies 108 Programs, Projects and Activities 113 Chapter 7: Creating Productive Human Resources 115 Assessment 116 Health, Nutrition, and Population Management 116 Education and Manpower Development 121 Elementary and Secondary Education 121 Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) 124 Tertiary Education 125 Social Welfare 127 Housing 129 Summary of Challenges 130 Sectoral Development Framework 134 Health, Nutrition and Population Management 134 Objectives 134 Targets 134 Strategies 135 Education and Manpower Development 138 Objective 138 Targets 138 Strategies 139 Social Welfare 142 Objective 142 Targets 142 Strategies 143 Housing 143 Objective 143
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Targets 144 Strategies 144 Programs, Projects and Activities 144 Chapter 8: Good Governance and the Rule of Law 147 Assessment 148 State of Local Governance 148 Administrative Governance 150 Economic Governance 150 Social Governance 151 Environmental Governance 151 Valuing Fundamentals of Governance 151 Financial Performance 152 Delivery of Public Services by National Government Agencies (NGAs) 152 Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Watch 152 Convergence of Government Services 155 Public-Private Partnership 155 Strengthening of Domestic Institutions 155 Private Sector Representation in the Regional Development Council 155 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Budget Formulation and Execution 156 Monitoring Capacities of the National and Local Governments 156 Political Processes and Systems 156 Summary of Challenges 156 Sectoral Development Framework 158 Goals 159 Objectives and Strategies 160 Targets 161 Programs, Projects and Activities 161 Chapter 9: Peace and Security 163 Assessment 164 Peace and Order 164 Internal Security 166 Women and Children in Armed Conflict 169 Summary of Challenges 169 Sectoral Development Framework 170 Goal 170 Objectives 170 Targets 170 Strategies 170 Programs, Projects and Activities 172 Chapter 10: Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources 174 Assessment and State of the Environment and Natural Resources 175 Forest Cover 175 Water Resources 177 Mineral Resources 179 Biodiversity 180 Environmental Quality 182
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Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Initiatives Protection of Ecotourism Sites and Renewable Energy Resources Summary of Challenges Sectoral Development Framework Goals Targets Programs, Projects and Activities
184 184 184 186 186 186 190
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List of Tables and Figures Chapter 1: Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas Table 1. Land Area by Province: 2010 (in hectares) Table 2. Demographic Trends: 2007 and 2010 Table 3. Land Classification by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010 Table 4. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province: 2010 Table 5. Disaster-Prone/Vulnerable Areas in Eastern Visayas Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4.
Map of the Philippines Map of Eastern Visayas Household Population by Sex and Age Group Land Classification of Eastern Visayas
Chapter 2: Regional Development Framework Figure 5. National Development Framework of the Philippines, Philippine Development Plan 2014-2016 Figure 6. Regional Vision Figure 7. Regional Development Framework of Eastern Visayas Region, Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 Chapter 3: Macroeconomy Table 6. GRDP and GVA Growth Rates by Industrial Origin: 2010-2011 (at constant prices) Table 7. Per Capita GRDP, Visayas Regions: 2009-2011 (in pesos, at constant prices) Table 8. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, by Employment Status and Industry Group: 2010-2011 Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group: 2009-2011 (at constant 2000 prices) Table 10. Volume and Value of Exports and Imports: 2011-2012 Table 11. Poverty Incidence among Population: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent) Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Families: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent) Table 13. Distribution of Family Income by Income Class and Main Source of Income: 2009 Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13.
Percent Distribution by Sector: 2012 (at 2000 constant prices) Gross Value Added by Origin: 2010-2012 (in million pesos, at 2000 constant prices) Top 5 Exports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar) Top 5 Imports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar) Inflation Rate: 2011-2012 (in percent) Macroeconomic Development Framework
Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Table 14. Palay Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 15. Rice Sufficiency Index, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 Table 16. Palay Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons/hectare) Table 17. Coconut Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 18. Abaca Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 19. Sugarcane Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 20. Banana (Saba) Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 21. Banana (Saba) Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons/hectare) Table 22. Corn Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 23. Fruits and Vegetables Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
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Table 24. Livestock and Poultry Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Table 25. Fish Production by Sub-sectors, Eastern Visayas: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Figure 14. Major Crop Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011-2012 (in metric tons) Figure 15. Agriculture and Fisheries Development Framework Chapter 5: Competitive Industry and Services Sector Table 26. Local Government Units with Streamlined BPLS Table 27. New Investments: 2010-2012 Table 28. Mineral Production: 2011 Table 29. Heavy Industry Locators: 2010-2012 Table 30. Agribusiness Industries, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012 Table 31. MSMEs in Agribusiness: 2010-2012 Table 32. Tourist Arrivals and Receipts by Type of Origin: 2010-2012 Table 33. Existing and Potential Ecotourism Sites, Eastern Visayas: 2012 Table 34. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park Table 35. Local ICT Enterprises Table 36. Employment in BPMO: 2009-2012 Figure 16. Tourist Arrivals by Origin: 2012 Figure 17. Tourism Development Areas of Eastern Visayas Figure 18. Industry and Services Development Framework Chapter 6: Accelerating Infrastructure Development Table 37. Status of National Roads, by District Office: 2012 (in kilometers) Table 38. List of Major Ports by Province: 2012 Table 39. Total Port Statistics, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012 Table 40. Selected Statistics for Tacloban Airport by Type of Aircraft: 2010 and 2012 Table 41. Selected Statistics for Other Airports: 2010 and 2012 Table 42. Proportion of Households with Access to Safe Water and Sanitary Toilet: 2010-2011 Table 43. Status of Irrigation Development, by Province: 2012 Table 44. Status of Electrification as of December 31, 2012 Table 45. Number of Cell Sites: 2011 Table 46. Status of Landline Telephone Distribution: 2011 Figure 19. Infrastructure Development Framework Chapter 7: Creating Productive Human Resource Table 47. Simple and Functional Literacy Rate and Ratio of Literate Females to Males, Eastern Visayas: 2003 and 2008 Table 48. Enrolment by Level of Education, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012 and SY 2012-2013 Table 49. Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012 Table 50. Ratio Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012 Table 51. Technical and Vocational Education Training Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012 Table 52. Tertiary Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: AY 2010-2011 and AY 2011-2012 Table 53. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program Distribution of Examinees vs. Qualifiers: 2011-2012 Table 54. CCT Program Number of Identified Poor Households vis-a-vis Covered and Beneficiaries Served by Province: 2011-2012 Table 55. Shelter Agencies’ Targets vs Accomplishments: 2011-2012 Figure 20. MCH MDG Target vs Status of Maternal Mortality Rate, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011 Figure 21. Infant Mortality Rate vs MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011
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Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27.
Under-five Mortality Rate vs MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011 Prevalence of Underweight Children 0-5 Years Old (0-60 Months Old): 2008 and 2011 Prevalence of Stunted Children 0-5 Years Old: 2008 and 2011 Eastern Visayas’ Centers of Excellence/Development Locator Map Reported Cases of Crimes Against Women and Children: 2012 Social Development Framework
Chapter 8: Good Governance and the Rule of Law Table 56. Administrative Governance Performance, Eastern Visayas: 2009 and 2011 Table 57. Administrative Governance Performance by Province: Table 58. Regional Summary on Economic Governance: 2009 and 2011 Table 59. Regional Summary on Social Governance: 2009 and 2011 Table 60. Regional Summary on Environmental Governance: 2009 and 2011 Table 61. Regional Summary on Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2009 and 2011 Figure 28. Figure 29. Figure 30. Figure 31. Figure 32.
Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance: 2011 Provincial Government Performance, Social Governance: 2011 Provincial Government Performance, Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2011 Locally Sourced Revenue to Total Income Good Governance and the Rule of Law Framework
Chapter 9: Peace and Security Table 62. Index Crimes Distribution by Province: 2012 Table 63. Insurgency-Related Violent Incidents: 2011-2012 Figure 33. Figure 34. Figure 35. Figure 36. Figure 37. Figure 38. Figure 39.
Incidence of Crimes Committed by Crime Category: 2011-2012 Distribution of Crime Volume by Province: 2011-2012 Index Crimes Classification: 2011-2012 Distribution of Non-Index Crimes by Province: 2011-2012 Crime Solution Efficiency and Crime Efficiency: 2011-2012 CPP-NPA-NDF CNN Strength, Firearms and Affected Barangays: 2011 -2012 Peace and Security Framework
Chapter 10: Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources Table 64. Number of Patents by Sex, Type and Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2011 Table 65. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2011 Table 66. Volume and Estimated Value of Mineral Resources, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2011 Table 67. Assessment of Programs/Accomplishments: 2011-2012 Table 68. Existing Dumpsites and Junkshops, Eastern Visayas: 2009 Figure 40. Forest Cover Map of Eastern Visayas Figure 41. Forest Destruction by Cause: 2001-2008 Figure 42. Environment Integrity Framework
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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms A&D AAGR AFFIRE AFP AHFF ARTA ASTHRDP BADACs BAS BEmONC BFAR BIR BOD BOI BPLS BPMO BPO CAAP CCA CCI CCT CHED CHT CICL CLEEP CMTS CPEDP CPH CR CSOs DA DBM DENR DepEd DILG DOE DOH DOST DOT DOTC DPWH DRR/CCA DRRM DSWD DTI DVAs EDC EFA EINC ERA ERDT ESWM EVBZ FSP
Alienable and Disposable Average Annual Growth Rate Agribusiness Federation of Financial Intermediaries for Rural Empowerment Armed Forces of the Philippines Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery Anti-Red Tape Act Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bureau of Internal Revenue Biochemical Oxygen Demand Board of Investments Business Processing and Licensing System Business Process Management and Outsourcing Business Process Outsourcing Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Climate Change Adaptation Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cash Conditional Transfer Commission on Higher Education Community Health Team Children in Conflict with Law Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program Cellular Mobile Telephone Service Continuing Professional Educational Development Program Census of Population and Housing Completion Rate Civil Society Organizations Department of Agriculture Department of Budget and Management Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department of Education Department of Interior and Local Government Department of Energy Department of Health Department of Science and Technology Department of Tourism Department of Transportation and Communications Department of Public Works and Highways Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department of Social Welfare and Development Department of Trade and Industry Disaster Vulnerability Assessments Energy Development Corporation Education for All Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care Energy Reform Agenda Engineering Research and Development for Technology Ecological Solid Waste Management Eastern Visayas Bio-Geographic Zone Food for School Program
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FTP GAD GFIs GHGs GOCCs GRDP GSIS GVA HCAAP HDMF HLURB HQ HUDCC ICI ICT IRA IWRM IYCF JICA JPSCC KAANIB KALAHI-CIDSS LAC LAMS LBP LDC LGPMS LGUs LIDE LIDP LIIC LMWD LRED LTO LWUA MASCO MDFO MDG MNCHN MNDR MPEX MRA MSMEs mtpy NAT-MPS NEA NEDA NER NGAs NGOs NGP NHA NHTS-PR NIA NIPAS NSCB NSO
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Field Training Program Gender and Development Government Financial Institutions Greenhouses Gases Governed Owned and Controlled Corporations Gross Regional Domestic Product Government Service Insurance System Gross Value Added Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project Home Development Mutual Fund Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board High Quality Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Integrated Coconut Industry Information and Communications Technology Internal Revenue Allotment Integrated Water Resources Management Infant and Young Child Feeding Japan International Cooperation Agency Regular Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services Leyte Agricultural Corporation Land Administration and Management Systems Land Bank of the Philippines Local Development Council Local Governments’ Performance Monitoring System Local Government Units Leyte Industrial Development Estate Local Development and Investment Plan Local Investment Incentive Code Leyte Metropolitan Water District Local and Regional Economic Development Land Transportation Office Local Water Utilities Administration Motorized Anti-Street Crimes Operative Municipal Development Fund Office Millennium Development Goals Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition Maternal/Neonatal Death Review Manufacturing Productivity Extension Mutual Recognition Agreement Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises metric tons per yield National Achievement Test – Mean Percentage Score National Electrification Administration National Economic and Development Authority Net Enrollment Rate National Government Agencies Non-government Organizations National Greening Program National Housing Authority National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction National Irrigation Administration National Integrated Protected Area System National Statistical Coordination Board National Statistics Office
NTC OPAPP OTEC PAMANA PASAR PCA PESFA PEZA PHILPHOS PIPS PNP PPA PPAN PPC PPP PSOs PSYSC R&D RERBA RLAs RRCY SFRs SGPPA SINP SLFs SNMRC SPES SSIPs SSS STFAP SUCs SWIPs TDAs TESDA TVET TWSP UN UTPRAS ViFARD WEDC WWF
National Telecommunications Commission Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation Philippine Coconut Authority Private Education Students Financial Assistance Philippine Economic Zone Authority Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation Police Integrated Patrol System Philippine National Police Philippine Ports Authority Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition Philippine Postal Corporation Public-Private Partnership Private Sector Organizations Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs Research and Development Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities Regional Line Agencies Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth Small Farm Reservoirs Students Grant-in-Aide Program for Poverty Alleviation Samar Island Natural Park Sanitary Landfills Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corporation Special Program for the Employment of Students Small Scale Irrigation Projects Social Security System Student Financial Assistance Program State Universities and Colleges Small Water Impounding Projects Tourism Development Areas Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Technical Vocational Education and Training Training for Work Scholarship Program United Nations Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System VISCA Foundation for Agricultural Development Incorporation Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances World Wildlife Fund
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Introduction The Regional Development Plan (RDP) for 2011-2016 has been prepared as a blueprint of the region’s development directions and actions. With the first half of the Plan period already behind us, it is now time to use our hindsight and take stock of our current situation. How did the region fare in terms of what we aspired for way back in 2010? Are we any better as a region? Have we made a difference already in the lives of our people? A general assessment of our performance in the last three years unfolds basically the same odds we had defined before and been painstakingly trying to beat. Poverty continues to hound us, with even more of our people slipping into the food-poor and income-poor classes. This is understandable because underemployment is high, hence majority of workers are not earning enough to afford even basic needs for themselves and their families. And this has a lot to do with our snail-paced economy, which over the years has been inching very slowly forward. Although visible signs of progress can be seen sporadically in cities and urban centers, a large part of our Eastern Visayas has yet to be uplifted from miserable conditions. Inclusive growth indeed remains a wish. Given this development landscape, the region then should brace for the continued fight against poverty and the challenge of hastening economic growth. This 2014-2016 Updated RDP presents the foresight of Eastern Visayas in the near future. The same vision crafted in 2010 for the region to turn into an Agribusiness Leader, Tourism Haven, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Leader stays. In the next three years then, it will be all systems go for raising production and productivity levels in agriculture as input to agribusiness development and making industry and services more competitive, especially along tourism and ICT. This means a full back-up in terms of creating a human resource and infrastructure tailor-fit to the needs of agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, and ICT. Likewise, this Updated Plan is a geographic slice of the 2014-2016 Updated Philippine Development, thus contributory to the realization of the national goal of inclusive growth. It draws inspiration from President Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People that promises positive transformation for the Philippines. Practically, this Updated RDP carries the same aspirations and more or less the same strategies for the region. However, underpinning some aspects became imperative after stakeholders have commonly agreed that no matter how beautifully crafted the RDP is, if bottlenecks in implementation are not removed, our efforts will not get us anywhere. This refers to issues on good governance, peace and security, and the environment. Economic growth is expected to happen if we can create a business boom, which is largely contingent upon having a regionwide business-friendly environment. This clearly calls for good governance in its real sense. Well-meaning projects, on the other hand, should not fall prey to politics, graft and corrupt practices, and irrational systems and procedures. Non-partisanship, streamlining, removal of “red tape,” strict enforcement of sound policies, and review of existing policies that stifle rather than nurture positive actions should be the call of every institution and public servant. One chapter here is devoted to what needs to be done in pursuit of good governance.
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Next is the overriding concern on peace and security. Investments will be hard to come if safety of human life and investments is not assured. Public goods cannot be delivered and projects could be hacked by criminal elements, thereby wasting precious scarce resources. For as long as conflict-affected areas and people pervade, inclusive growth will remain in the books. The adverse effects of climate change are already being felt globally. Eastern Visayas is not spared from this phenomenon. Disasters have taken a toll on humans, properties, and crops, and disrupted the normal functions of the ecosystems. Hence, the region has to cushion itself from further destruction. The necessity for environmental integrity has never been this big. The national government has articulated that all national development efforts should be pursued without compromising environmental integrity. In Region VIII, the same philosophy holds true. A separate chapter on conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources is thus made integral to this Updated RDP. A distinct improvement of this Updated RDP is the inclusion of the 2014-2016 Results Matrices (RM). The RM is a companion document of the RDP that gives us a handle in determining whether our actions are leading us to our expected impacts. It clearly presents our set goals and the corresponding specific targets per goal, such that in any given year, we would know if our desired changes have really occurred. The RM is a tool for periodic measurement of results that provides the basis to adjust interventions to keep us on track. At the end of the Plan period, it would be easier for us to say whether we have succeeded or not in our implementation. The proposed outline adopts the format of the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which is sectoral. It tackles macroeconomy, agriculture and fisheries, industry and services, infrastructure, human resource, peace and security, good governance and the rule of law, and environment. Consistent with the format of the PDP 2011-2016, the sectoral chapters cover the following parts: 1) Assessment of Performance/Situational Analysis and Summary of Challenges, 2) Sectoral Development Framework inclusive of goals, objectives, targets, strategies, and programs/projects/activities (PPAs). The particulars of the PPAs are contained in another companion document of the RDP – the 2014-2016 Updated Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP). It captures the list of the major PPAs and their respective funding requirements and source. This Updated RDP also recognizes the important role that the local government plays in regional development. Essentially, it has considered the thrusts of the provinces, cities and municipalities of the region as contained in their local development plans. In like manner, the insights and ideas of the private sector have contributed to a substantive RDP. This Updated RDP is a product of multi-sectoral and multi-level brainstorming and consensus building sessions. A series of Technical Planning Group workshops had been conducted, followed by an extensive review by the Regional Development Council. Both levels of consultation provided a venue for the extensive participation of the various sectors and LGUs. Suffice to say that in every step of its formulation process, all voices had not only been heard, but intently listened to, and ultimately found way into this Plan document.
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1
San Juanico Bridge, Eastern Visayas
Photo Courtesy of Charlie David Martinez http://www.xdayv.com/
Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
Location Eastern Visayas is located in the eastern part of the Philippines, facing the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). It lies in the mid-easternmost border of the Philippine archipelago linking Luzon and Mindanao through the national arterial road network called the Maharlika Highway. It is strategically located, being the principal gateway to northern and southern parts of the country. Region VIII, as Eastern Visayas is politically known, is bounded on the south by the Surigao Channel and the Mindanao Island; on the north by San Bernardino Strait and the tip of the Bicol Peninsula; on the west by the Surigao Channel, Camotes and Visayan Seas, and the Cebu and Bohol Islands; and on the east by the Leyte Gulf, the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Political Subdivision Eastern Visayas is one of the two regions of the country with no land border with another region; MIMAROPA being the other. It is composed of two main islands, Leyte and Samar, connected by the famous San Juanico Bridge, and the small island of Biliran (Figure 2). The provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Western Samar compose its main political subdivisions, which are further subdivided into twelve (12) congressional districts. Eastern Visayas has seven cities, namely: Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay, Maasin, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Borongan. It has one hundred thirty six (136) municipalities and four thousand
three hundred ninety (4,390) barangays. Tacloban City, the most populated and highly urbanized, is the region’s capital and center of trade, commerce and industry.
Land Area The region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares (Table 1). This accounts for approximately 7.14% of the country’s total land area of 30,000,000 hectares.
Figure 1. Map of the Philippines
Population In the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH), Eastern Visayas registered a total population of 4,101,322. Eastern Visayas ranks seventh among the regions with the lowest population. The annual population growth rate of the region was placed at 1.28%, lower than the national growth rate of 1.90%. Among its provinces, Northern Samar had the highest annual growth rate of 1.64% percent. Population density in 2010 was recorded at 177 persons per square kilometer, an increase of nine (9) persons per square kilometer from the year 2007 (Table 2).
Figure 2. Map of Eastern Visayas
Over the recent years, Eastern Visayas has a worsening poverty situation – consistently moving up the ranks in terms of poverty incidence among population – from 7th poorest region in 2006 (41.4% incidence) to the 5th in 2009 (43.8%) and then 3rd in 2012 (45.4%). The region’s sex ratio in the 2010 projected population is 104 men for every 100 women. In terms of age, the region has a relatively young population (Figure 3). This age structure indicates a higher dependency ratio and the need for more basic social services. Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
23
Table 1. Land Area by Province: 2010 (in hectares) Province Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Region VIII
Land Area 55,550 571,276 173,480 559,100 433,965 349,798 2,143,169
Percent to Total 2.6 26.6 8.1 26.1 20.2 16.3 100.0
Source: 2012 RSET
Figure 3. Household Population by Sex and Age Group
Source: 2012 RSET
Climate The region has two types of climate: Type A (wet or rainy) and Type C (moist or rain is sufficiently distributed). Type A is felt throughout the year with 1.5 dry months while Type C is sufficiently distributed with at most 4.5 dry months. About 81% of the region is affected by wet season while only 19% experiences the moist season.
Physical Characteristics
Topography The region’s three islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran have relatively flat
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
areas near and along the coasts, and have mountainous areas in the midst. Samar Island is characterized by mountain ranges with forest and deep valleys. Leyte Island, on the other hand, is extensively flat on the northern part and mountainous on its southern and southwestern portions. Scattered coastal flatlands are found in the northwest of the island. Biliran, the smallest island of the region, has large mountainous interior and narrow coastal areas. The lowlands of Eastern Visayas are endowed with rich land resources, with fertile soil, abundant water, and wet climate that is suitable for agriculture.
Slope Some 39% or 841,400 hectares of the region’s total land area has 0-18% slope, while 404,400 hectares has 0-3%. These are generally flatlands and irrigable, thus, suitable for settlement and agriculture. A total of 318,800 hectares has 3-8% slope that is suitable for agriculture as well as non-agricultural development. The 8-18% slope covers around 318,800 hectares suitable for planting seasonal and permanent crops. These are also good for rain forestation technology (multi-level agriculture and forest production). On the other hand, approximately 51% (1,103.3 hectares) of the region’s total land area has 18-50% slope, described as rolling to steep. Slopes of 18-30%, which covers 564.5 hectares, are appropriate for timber production. Meanwhile the
30-50% slope, constituting 538.8 hectares, is moderately steep to very steep ranges. These are also suitable for timber production and adventure tourism. The remaining 10% of the area (211.6 hectares) has a very steep slope to extremely rough mountainous terrain. These are often called cloud forest, which keeps the air clean, sustains the supply of water, and protects the soil from landslides.
Elevation The region’s elevation ranges from less than 100 to more than 1,000 meters. However, predominant in all the provinces are elevations less than 100-meter range. Only the provinces of Leyte and Biliran have areas with elevation of more than 1,000 meters but this accounts for only 0.02% of the total land area of the region. Areas with elevation of above 500 but below 1,000 meters can be utilized
Table 2. Demographic Trends: 2007 and 2010 Population
Region/Province Philippines Region VIII Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar
2007 88,574,614 3,912,936 1,722,036 150,031 390,847 695,149 405,114 549,759
2010 92,337,852 4,101,322 1,567,984 161,760 399,137 733,377 428,877 589,013
Annual Population Growth Rate 2007 - 2010 1.90 1.28 1.04 1.43 1.03 1.35 1.33 1.64
Population Density (per sq. km) 2007 168 264 280 217 115 87 149
2010 177 248 302 222 121 92 159
Source: 2012 RSET
Table 3. Land Classification by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010 Province
Total Land Area (in hectares)
% to Regional Land Area
A&D (in hectares)
A&D % to Total Land Area
Area of Forest Land (in hectares)
Forest Land % to Total Land Area
Biliran
55,550
2.6
29,376
52.88
26,174
47.12
Leyte
571,276
26.6
409,833
71.74
161,443
28.26
Southern Leyte
173,480
8.1
105,567
60.85
67,913
39.15
Eastern Samar
433,965
20.2
157,643
36.33
276,322
63.67
Northern Samar
349,798
16.3
185,807
53.12
163,991
46.88
Samar
559,100
26.1
238,797
42.71
320,303
57.29
2,143,169
100.0
1,127,023
52.59
1,016,146
47.41
Region VIII Source: DENR VIII, 2013
Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
25
for agro-forestry but areas with 1,000 meters and above are set aside as protection forest. In areas with a slope of less than 18%, farming can be undertaken.
Land Classification
Eastern Visayas is basically an agricultural area with 45% of its total land area devoted to agriculture. Four provinces have agricultural land that is more than 50% of their respective land areas. These are Biliran (64%), Southern Leyte (63%), Samar (56%) and Leyte (52%). The province of Northern Samar has the smallest agricultural land, with only 28%. Based on the 2011 report, the region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares with 52.59% classified as Alienable and Disposable (A&D) and the rest as forest land (Table 3). The three provinces of Samar have bigger shares of forest lands than A&D lands, while the provinces of Leyte and Biliran have bigger shares in A&D lands than forest lands (Figure 4). It is significant to note that Samar Island, which comprises three provinces and with a combined total land area of 1,342,863 hectares, accounts for approximately 63% of the region’s total land area. It is the third largest island of the country. It is also known for its vast lowland forests, originally covering almost its entire land area. However, agricultural development and human settlements contributed to deforestation, not only in Samar Island but also in other parts of the region.
Mineral Resources Region VIII has rich mineral resources contained in 700,429.48 hectares. A total of 105,152.96 hectares (15%) is covered by approved mining rights and 393,306.52 hectares (56%) are covered by tenement applications. The remaining area of
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
201,970 hectares (28%) constitutes the bauxite Mineral Reserve of the region. Bauxite is the top ore deposit in the region, estimated to have a total reserve of 116,230,220 metric tons. This is typically found in Batag Island, Northern Samar; in San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao, Hinabangan, Wright, Marabut and Basey in Samar Province; and in Llorente, Salcedo and Guiuan in Eastern Samar. This vast mineral wealth is a potential contributor to the economic growth of the region and of the country. With the passage of RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, coupled with the approval of EO 79 and other laws, the utilization of mineral resources could spur economic development and alleviate poverty.
Water Resources As of 2011, the region has nine major proclaimed watershed areas covering a total area of 32,450 hectares. Water for irrigation is dependent on these watersheds. Major rivers are found in the three islands of Samar, Leyte and Biliran. Samar Province has four major rivers, namely: Gandara, Gibatan, Calbiga and Basey. Eastern Samar has six: Dolores, Ulut, Oras, Taft, Suribao, and Llorente while Northern Samar has three: Catubig, Catarman and Palapag. Leyte Province has principal rivers, namely: Binahaan-Kilt, AnilaoMalbasag and Daguitan. Meanwhile, Southern Leyte has Subang Dako and Hinabian. Biliran has two principal rivers: Anas and Caraycaray. The region is also endowed with eight (8) major bays where coastal and marine resources abound. These are the Maqueda Bay in Samar; Carigara Bay and Ormoc Bay in Leyte; San Pedro Bay in Leyte and Samar; Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Leyte Gulf; and Silago-Cabalian Bay.
Figure 4. Land Classification of Eastern Visayas
A&D (1,21 ) FL
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
Table 4. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province: 2011 Province Biliran Eastern Samar
Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
Name of Watershed
Municipalities Covered
Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Naval, Almeria and Culaba Bolusan Watershed Forest Lawaan, Marabut Reserve Jicontol Watershed Forest Can-avid, Dolores Reserve Palompon Watershed Forest Palompon, Villaba Reserve Catubig Palapag Forest Reserve Catubig Palapag Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed St. Bernard, Hinunangan, Reserve Silago Catbalogan Watershed Forest Catbalogan, Jiabong Reserve Calbayog-Pan-as Hayiban Calbayog City Protected Landscape Loog Watershed Forest Reserve Basey
Total Area Covered (in hectares)
Proc. No./Date
1,142.3
763/ 3-16-06
4,055
106/ 12-10-02
7,390
882/ 3-26-92
2,392.0
212/ 1-29-88
70,157.0 4,536.3
107/ 11-23-92
804.9
413/ 6-29-94
5,132.0
318/ 12-15-67
1,866.0
701/ 11-29-95
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
27
Geo-Hazards and Disaster-Prone Areas Geo-hazards refer to all forms of threats to human lives and properties originating from natural and nonliving process and forces within the planet such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and earth instability, including tsunamis. Region VIII is prone to several geo-hazards on account of its location and geological make-up. This in turn makes the region and its people prone and vulnerable to disasters (Table 5).
1. Earthquake-Prone Areas The region is traversed by the Philippine Fault, which cuts across the eastern sections of the Philippine Archipelago. Areas on or near faults are prone to movement due to the build up of stress among the rock
masses and are thus, not suitable for human settlements and construction of infrastructures. The provinces in the region that are most prone to earthquake are Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar since they are located near the fault line of the Philippine Deep.
2. Landslide-Prone Areas Landslides are the result of several interrelated factors such as the degree of slope, the nature of soils and rock, vegetation cover, rainfall and the amount of water which acts as lubricant and provides added weight to the situation. Landslide-prone areas should be avoided in zoning settlements and as sites for the construction of road, utilities and other infrastructure.
Table 5. Disaster-Prone/Vulnerable Areas in Eastern Visayas Type of Hazard Description Earthquake Parallel NW Faults to the Philippine Fault Zone 25-km. danger zone along the Philippine Fault Zone
Landslide
Tsunami
Liquefaction
NNE Splay Fault Zone Gravity-induced displacement of earth surface materials, such as rocks, boulders and soil from a point of higher elevation to a point of lower elevation Geologic hazard created by undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption
One type of hazard related to natural geologic processes under the earth’s crust
Areas to be Affected Leyte: Tacloban City, Babatngon, San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Palo, Tanauan and Tolosa Samar: San Sebastain, cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan Leyte: Carigara, Kananga, Capoocan, Jaro, Tunga, Ormoc City, Albuera, Burauen, Baybay, Abuyog and Mahaplag Southern Leyte: Silago, Sogod, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Hinunangan, Limasawa, St. Bernard, San Juan, Anahawan, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo Southern Leyte: Maasin City, Bontoc, Malitbog and Tomas Oppus Leyte: Coastal section of Abuyog, Upland and mountainous portion of Ormoc City and Isabel Southern Leyte: Hilly areas of Maasin City, Mountainous portion of Sogod Samar: Rock formation of Catbalogan City Samar: Calbayog City, Catbalogan City and San Sebastian Northern Samar: Catarman and low lying municipalities Eastern Samar: The whole of Eastern Samar since it is fronting the Philippine Trench Southern Leyte: Coastal villages of Panaon Island Leyte: Coastal municipalities situated at the eastern portion of the province Leyte: Alangalang, Pastrana, Dagami, Sta. Fe, Tabontabon, Dulag, Tolosa, Tanauan, San Miguel and Tacloban City
Source: OCD VIII, 2013
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
For Leyte Province, the coastal section of Abuyog, the upland and mountainous portion of Ormoc City and Isabel are most prone to landslides. For Southern Leyte, the hilly areas of Maasin City and the mountainous portion of Sogod are also prone to this kind of disaster. However, it will be recalled that the most recent landslide that happened in Brgy. Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte was caused by a combination of the volume of rain, the type of soil and the extent of deforestation within the affected area. In Samar Province, the rock formation in the city of Catbalogan is also vulnerable to landslide and thus should be avoided in zoning settlement and infrastructure.
Originally, only certain areas in the province of Leyte had been considered flood-prone. In recent years, however, flooding has been reported to occur in almost every province of the region, most notable of which are in the provinces of Eastern and Northern Samar, and the province of Leyte including the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban. Liquefaction normally happens when the upward force of the water becomes nearly equal to the force of the settling material, the soil would have a hard time settling down and would thus turn semi-liquid resulting in settlement, tilting and rupturing of the structures. Thus, it is not safe for settlements or communities to be within the liquefaction zone.
3. Tsunami-Prone Areas A tsunami is a huge wave or water wall that can cause massive amounts of damage. Tsunamis are often caused by natural occurrences like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Tsunami causes damage on coral reefs and mangrove areas. When the waves get very close to shore, they are amplified, releasing their energy and thus d e s t ro y i n g anything on their way including trees and houses. When detected early, lives can be saved by evacuating the people living around the shores to safer grounds. In Region VIII, certain areas in five of its six provinces are tsunami-prone and these include coastal and lowlying villages. The whole province of Eastern Samar is tsunami-prone because it faces the Philippine Trench.
4. Liquefaction and Flood-Prone Areas The areas vulnerable to flooding are the low-lying floodplain areas where, during periods of pronounced rainfall, the capacity of the rivers to drain water exceeds. Thus, flooding occurs.
Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
29
Children of Tacloban City
2
Photo Courtesy of Vic Dy III Alyansa ng mga Kristiyanong Mag-aaral-Gugma
Regional Development Framework
In the second half of the Plan implementation period (20142016), Eastern Visayas will continue to support the national goal of inclusive growth (Figure 5). Inclusive growth is defined as rapid and sustained growth that massively creates jobs and reduces poverty.
Regional Vision To contribute to the attainment of the national goal of inclusive growth, Eastern Visayas, through the 20112016 Regional Development Plan will pursue its vision of becoming a tourism haven, and a leader in agribusiness and ICT (Figure 6). For the Plan period 2011-2016, Eastern Visayas has contributed and will continue to contribute to the
national goal of inclusive growth and pursue its vision of a better economy and lessened poverty (Figure 7). These twin regional objectives of increased productivity and increased employment and family income are anchored on three major development thrusts of making the region’s agribusiness industry competitive, its tourism industry highly developed, and its ICT sector viable.
Figure 5. National Development Framework of the Philippines, Philippine Development Plan 2014-2016
Source: NEDA, 2012
Regional Development Framework
31
Figure 6. Regional Vision
The region believes that, given its rich potentials on agribusiness, tourism and ICT, developing extensively these three sectors will spur a remarkable growth of the regional economy and, at the same time generate more quality jobs that will translate to increased family income. Being one of the poorest regions in the country, Region VIII will make a big contribution to the national goal of inclusive growth once it is able to push its economy to a much higher level and reduce the proportion of its poor population. The region’s development track is parallel to the national platform of good governance, national security, and ecological integrity as it fully considers these three concerns among its support strategies.
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Regional Goal To attain inclusive growth, the regional plan seeks to achieve an economic growth that creates quality jobs, increase labor income and eventually reduce poverty. Efforts for inclusive growth should result to more of the region’s constituents, particularly women, participating in the growth process and everyone benefitting from the growth. Lessening the number of poor people through an improved economy that generates enough quality jobs is the primordial goal of the region. This means the region will ascertain that as its economy grows, the fruits of economic growth will redound to liberating its people from the clutches of poverty.
Figure 7. Regional Development Framework of the Eastern Visayas Region 2014-2016
In Pursuit of Inclusive Growth through Agribusiness, Tourism, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development
Regional Objectives For such goals to be attained, the regional objectives of Eastern Visayas are to: 1) escalate the growth of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) to higher levels, and 2) generate more employment and increase family income to levels above the poverty threshold. These are expected to happen when agribusiness becomes competitive, tourism becomes highly developed, and the ICT industry becomes viable.
Key Development Thrusts Pole-vaulting the Agriculture Sector towards Agribusiness Development Agriculture remains to be the backbone of the region’s economy, employing the biggest bulk (45.3%)
of the total employed persons in the region. Out of this chunk of agriculture workers, majority (64.1%) are men while the rest (35.9%) are women. Given the region’s abundant agricultural and fishery resources, it has vast potentials for agribusiness. Providing value-added to the region’s crops, marine, and other products is one way of accelerating economic growth and generating employment opportunities for the region’s increasing labor force.
Batting to Become a Tourism Haven The region is also endowed with natural beauty that could make it a premier tourist destination. Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) have already been identified, with some of them already developed while others Regional Development Framework
33
at different stages of development. The region’s attractiveness to domestic and foreign tourists relies on how competitive the tourism industry in the region is vis-à-vis other tourist destinations.
Pushing for ICT Development Eastern Visayas is also banking on its potentials for ICT development. It has available sites, digital infrastructure, and human resources that could be tapped for the development and expansion of ICT parks where ICT companies can locate and conduct profitable business. Along with agriculture, agribusiness and tourism, the ICT industry can also generate a lot of jobs for the people of the region. The ICT roadmap could propel the region towards the development of this sector. The services sector, where tourism and ICT belongs, is the second top employer among the three thrusts, employing around 44.5% of the employed persons in the region in 2011, only 0.8 percentage points lower than the agriculture sector.
Regional Strategies The major strategies then of the region are to: 1) increase agricultural and fisheries production, 2) intensify agribusiness, 3) develop the identified TDAs, and 4) expand the ICT industry. In agribusiness, an important strategy is to empower the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) already existent in the region. This calls for efforts that will increase their access to capital, and efforts to help them develop and package their products at par with export-quality standards to make these products more marketable and saleable. This likewise calls for efforts that will enhance entrepreneurial attitude and skills. Equally significant is the diversification of products. Marketing
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
support should also be given due concern to ensure that products are sold, hence, translated to income. Women in micro enterprises will be given primary attention, particularly in the provision of enabling mechanisms that will increase their participation and engagement in productive endeavors. For agribusiness to flourish, there is a need to ensure a steady and adequate production of farm and fishery products. To reduce the vulnerability of crops to natural calamities, the region should strategize on making agriculture and fisheries more adaptable to climate change. Moreover, to raise agricultural productivity, there is a need to optimize the use of available land and water resources of the region. Farmers’ capability must be developed or enhanced. Appropriate farming technologies should be adopted by farmers and all the necessary farming inputs should be made available to them. Along tourism, public and private investments are both needed in order to develop the TDAs. The TDAs have already been identified in various areas of the region. The challenge now, especially to the local governments, is putting in place the necessary infrastructure facilities and amenities in these TDAs. Once developed, the region has to work also on enticing tourists to choose Eastern Visayas as a destination. To do this, intensive promotion should be carried out utilizing all communication channels possible, including participation in travel fairs. Tourism standards in hotels and restaurants and other amenities also have to be established and maintained. Likewise, frontline workers in the tourism industry have to be trained on how to become more tourist-friendly. Meanwhile, on ICT, the region should exert efforts on expanding the existing Leyte ICT Park and on attracting more
investments for the establishment of other ICT parks and ICT locators through promotional activities such as selling missions and offering incentives for new ICT locators. Ensuring that the communication and telecommunication facilities are upgraded and that the labor requirements of ICT companies are made available are both equally important strategies. However, none of these will be possible if the required infrastructure and human resource requirements are not made available. Thus, accelerating infrastructure development that will produce roads, power and water supply, and other facilities and amenities, particularly in production areas, TDAs and ICT sites is a paramount concern. Simultaneously, manpower requirements of the agribusiness, tourism and ICT sectors must be met. Another support strategy is institutionalizing good governance and strengthening the rule of law and ensuring peace and order and security in the region. No amount of investment promotion will attract investors if there is a threat to their security. Business will not flourish if “red tape,” especially in securing licenses and permits, still abounds.
Local Government Code. They are expected not only to extend greater support and to work more closely with the national government but also to be more capacitated and empowered so that they become a prime mover of the development of their locality. However, the entire government, by itself alone, cannot accomplish the goals. The private sector is recognized and challenged to share their resources, expertise and influence in the development efforts of the region.
The region has also recognized the need to put environmental concerns at the helm of all its development efforts. Sustainable development can only happen when the integrity of the environment is kept. This is the development path that Eastern Visayas will follow in the second half of the Plan implementation period. Towards the end, it visualizes a robust economy with fruits shared by most, if not all, of its families and population. The region can only reach that end if there is multi-sectoral and multilevel coordination and participation. The local government units have a very critical role to play given their mandate as provided in the
Regional Development Framework
35
3
Philippine Bills at the Stock Exchange
Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Cellona http://www.flickr.com/photos/13034925@N03/
Macroeconomy
The behavior of the whole regional economy is determined by the performance and relationships of aggregate indicators such as regional income measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), labor and employment levels, poverty levels, and inflation. These are the only macroeconomic variables which can be used for easy comparisons nationwide and across countries. A discussion of these indicators will help us understand the workings of the economy of Region VIII, which in turn is essential in macroeconomic analysis that becomes the basis for formulating economic policies. Such policies for the reduction of poverty, improvements in employment, and price stabilization must be based on reliable statistics of the aggregate variables. Hence, give a clear direction towards the economic development of the region.
Assessment Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) Slow Economic Growth The GRDP of the region contracted by 6.2% in 2012. This is lower than the 2.1% growth rate recorded in 2011, and very much lower than the 2012 target growth rate of 5.31%. Among the three Visayas regions, Eastern Visayas registered the lowest growth rate. Its growth rate dropped
by 8.3 percentage points. The region belongs to the bottom three regions with the lowest economic growth. The region’s contribution to the national economy declined to 2.3% in 2012 from 2.6% in 2011. The contraction of the regional economy in 2012 was brought about by the slump in Manufacturing sub-sector. Nevertheless, three sub-sectors and industries of the region are the top growth drivers in 2012, namely, Construction, Mining and Quarrying, and Financial Intermediation or banking.
Figure 8. Percent Distribution by Sector: 2012 (at 2000 constant prices)
Service Sector
Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry & Fishing 22.6%
39.3%
38.1%
Industry Sector
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Macroeconomy
37
Table 6. GRDP and GVA Growth Rates by Industrial Origin: 2010-2012 (at constant prices) Sector/Sub-sector I. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing a. Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry b. Fishing II. Industry Sector a. Mining and Quarrying b. Manufacturing c. Construction d. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply III. Service Sector a. Transport, Storage and Communication b. Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods c. Financial Intermediation d. Real Estate, Renting an Business e. Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security f. Other Services Gross Regional Domestic Product
2010 (0.4) (0.7) 0.9 (0.0) 19.2 (1.7) 5.1 0.7 6.1 1.6
2011 (0.8) 0.2 (4.1) 1.7 116.5 6.9 (17.3) (0.1) 4.5 6.7
2012 (0.3) (2.0) 6.3) (18.5) 26.0 (40.4) 31.8 7.7 7.5 8.0
12.1 13.7 3.5
4.6 (1.8) 5.4
10.2 13.5 8.1
11.6 3.5 2.0
0.0. 7.2 2.1
5.2 4.2 (6.2)
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Meager Growth of the AHFF Sector The Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery (AHFF) sector accounts for almost 22.6% of the region’s economy (Figure 8). It contracted from a negative 0.8% in 2011 to negative 3.0% in 2012. It did not meet the target growth rate of 5.16% for 2012. The GVA of the AHFF sector has also been declining from 20102012 (Figure 9). The region’s AHFF contributes 4.7% to the national economy. The negative 3.0% growth in this sector is due to the combined reduction in the GVA of the Agriculture and Forestry, and Fishing sub-sectors by 2.0 and 6.3%, respectively. This was due to the decline in livestock and fisheries production and reduced farmgate prices of major crops such as coconut, sugarcane, and abaca. On the other hand, the subsubsector on Fishing decelerated to a negative 3.0% from a negative 0.8% in 2011 caused by the decline in
38
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
fisheries production. The decreased production is attributed to depleted fishing ground with fisherfolks forced to fish farther to the sea, higher prices of fuel, weather disturbances and the unloading of fish catch outside the region.
Downscale in the Industry Sector The Industry sector, which accounts for the second largest share (38.1%) of the region’s economy, suffered a reversal from a 1.7% growth in 2011 to negative 18.5% growth in 2012. Its growth is very much lower than the Plan target of 5.45%. The Manufacturing sub-sector plunged to a negative 40.4% growth in 2012 due to the tremendous decline in the production of basic metals. The reduction can be traced to the six months temporary shutdown of Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), a major processing and exporting establishment located in Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE). As a result of the production
Figure 9. Gross Value Added by Origin: 2010-2012 (at 2000 constant prices)
67
66
55 57
53
51
AHFF Industry
34
34
2010
Service
33
2011
2012
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
shutdown, manufacturing and exports of copper cathodes and related products went down by half. Exports of these products dropped from $1.4 billion in 2011 to only $0.52 billion in 2012. Exports of fertilizers and related products by Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation (PHILPHOS) also fell by about 14% in 2012. Construction rebounded from a negative 17.3% to 31.8% growth in 2012 brought about by increased government spending in infrastructure and construction of more commercial and residential buildings throughout the region. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply (EGWS) recovered from a negative 0.1% growth in 2011 while Mining and Quarrying dropped to 26.0%.
Robust Growth of the Services Sector The Services sector is the leading growth sector of the region’s economy, accounting for 39.3% of the GRDP. It exhibited a strong 7.5% growth from 4.5% in 2011 surpassing its growth target of 5.46% in 2012. All sub-sectors posted accelerated growths, except for Other Services. Financial Intermediation grew the highest on account of increased number of banking and insurance
branches and transactions. The subsector on Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods expanded by 10.2% as evidenced by the establishment and opening of major car dealers in the regional center. Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities (RERBA) and Transport, Storage and Communication subsector accelerated to 8.1% and 8.0%, respectively. The tourism and ICT industries contributed to the bullish performance of the Services Sector. The number of tourist’s arrivals in 2012 is higher by 34.2%. This resulted to P2.1 billion tourist receipts. A significant development in the ICT industry is the expansion of the Expert Global Solutions, a BPO company.
Per Capita GRDP The region’s real per capita GRDP declined by 7.3% in 2012. The per capita GRDP of the region was lower than the per capita GRDP of Region’s VI (Western Visayas) and VII (Central Visayas). Among regions, it ranks 4th from the lowest. The region’s per capita GRDP was only less than half of the national (Table 7). The region’s per capita growth rate may be lower than the rest of the Macroeconomy
39
Table 7. Per Capita GRDP, Visayas Regions: 2010-2012 (in pesos, at constant prices) Per Capita Growth Rate 2011 2012 1.9 5.0 4.9 6.1
Annual Pop’n Growth Rate (2000-2010)
Region
2010
2011
2012
Philippines VI- Western Visayas VII- Central Visayas VIII- Eastern Visayas
61,570 31,927
62,739 33,499
65,904 35,559
49,966
52,528
56,507
5.1
7.6
1.77
36,694
37,006
34,305
0.9
(7.3)
1.28
1.90 1.35
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Visayas and the national figures. However, Eastern Visayas has slower annual population growth rate than Regions VI and VII.
Labor and Employment High Underemployment The region’s labor force population grew by 1.2% in 2011. This is equivalent to an addition of 40,000 persons who entered the labor force. Employment rate is high, at 95.1%, which is the highest in Visayas and higher than the national level (92.8%). As shown above, the employment rate increased in the AHFF sector (Table 8). A more detailed picture of the total employed persons in the region reveals that almost one-third are elementary undergraduates. By major occupation group, 37.2% are laborers and unskilled workers. The region’s unemployment rate at 5.7%, is below the target unemployment rate (6.8-7.2%) set by the national government within the Plan period 2011-2016. The region’s underemployment rate, however, is high at 22.7%. This is alarming as this translates to low income. The underemployment rate is even higher than the national level. Across regions, Eastern Visayas is the fourth region with the highest underemployment rate in 2011. Underemployment continues to
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
grow as more workers are found in the sector that offers low-paying and seasonal jobs. Wage Order No. RB VIII-17 sets the daily minimum-wage rate at P260 for non-agriculture, PhP238 for cottage/ handicraft industry, PhP229 for retail/service industry, PhP241 for agriculture, and PhP239 (average) for the sugar industry.
Low Labor Force Participation of Women Women account for almost half of the total labor force, yet their participation rate is only 36.2% while that of men is 63.8%. This low labor force participation rate of women could be attributed to a number of factors that hinder women from participating in the labor force, such as gender role stereotyping, inadequate skills, and lack of employment opportunities. This situation is reflected in Table 8, where few women are into AHFF and industry but many are into services.
Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group Lowest Labor Productivity in the AHFF Sector
Among the three major industry groups, the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) sector had the least labor productivity at PhP40,481 per worker and a decelerating growth rate of -0.7%
Table 8. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, by Employment Status and Industry Group: 2010-2011 April 2010 April 2011 Percent Change Employment Status Number (in 000) Number (in 000) Rate Rate Number Rate (in %) (in %) Total Male Female Total Male Female Household Population 15 Yrs Old and Over 2,761 1,390 1,371 2,772 1,406 1,365 0.4 Labor Force 1,728 1,081 667 63.3 1,788 1,139 649 64.5 2.3 1.2 Employed 1,677 1,039 638 95.9 1,686 1,081 605 94.3 0.5 (1.6) AHFF 735 571 164 43.8 763 602 161 45.3 3.8 1.5 Industry 182 131 51 10.8 173 129 44 10.3 (4.9) (0.5) Services 763 339 425 45.4 751 351 402 44.5 (1.6) (0.9) Underemployed 210 149 61 12.5 383 274 110 22.7 82.4 10.2 Unemployed 72 43 29 4.1 102 58 43 5.7 41.7 1.6 Source: NSO VIII, 2013
Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group: 2009-2011 (at constant 2000 prices) Major Industry Group All Industries I. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing
Philippines
Region VIII
2009
2010
2011
AAGR
2009
2010
2011
AAGR
151,086
158,222
159,293
2.7
88,045
89,268
88,268
0.1
55,110
55,425
55,470
0.3
41,614
41,614
40,481
(0.7)
a. Agriculture and Forestry
49,766
50,175
50,881
1.1
40,995
40,995
40,461
0.4
b. Fishing
93,791
92,937
89,264
(2.4)
44,302
44,302
40,564
(5.2)
327,298
344,418
343,834
2.5
412,230
412,230
401,512
0.5
a. Mining and Quarrying
356,205
331,146
334,166
(3.1)
23,000
23,000
37,400
16.9
b. Manufacturing
393,202
416,922
429,977
4.6
477,388
477,388
458,816
4.0
c. Construction
150,711
161,537
144,435
(1.7)
135,113
135,113
117,449
(7.7)
1,302,415
1,355,160
1,382,074
3.0
2,619,429
3,078,333
3,688,400
18.7
II. Industry Sector
d. Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply III. Service Sector
165,526
170,183
172,350
2.0
66,108
68,684
68,865
2.1
a. Transport, Storage and Communication
158,043
157,094
160,730
0.9
125,989
121,011
131,922
2.5
b. Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods
130,010
134,880
132,520
1.0
19,167
20,613
20,338
3.1
c. Financial Intermediation
922,301
936,790
908,689
(0.7)
435,000
549,556
441,455
3.3
d. Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities
514,912
513,915
511,901
(0.3)
429,368
422,050
444,550
1.8
e. Public Administration and Defense, Compulsory Social Security
137,798
138,109
136,560
(0.4)
61,616
74,019
71,472
8.3
f. Other Services
101,103
105,586
110,046
4.3
61,691
62,070
63,701
1.6
Source: http://www.bles.gov.ph (April 2013)
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(Table 9). This is quite alarming. The negative growth rate is a logical consequence of the low GVA of the sector vis-a-vis the large number of employed persons in the same sector. The Industry sector had the highest labor productivity. However, its average annual growth rate (AAGR) is slow at less than 1%. The Services sector registered the second highest labor productivity, and its growth rate of 2.1% is the fastest. The sub-sector on Electricity, Gas and Water Supply registered the highest productivity per worker at an average of PhP3.1 million from 2009-2011. The region hosts the Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field, the largest producer of geothermal energy in the country. The region’s labor productivity in this sub-sector is more than twice higher than that of the national level. Labor productivity is lowest in trade and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, personal and household goods at PhP20, 338 per worker. This sub-sector employs almost 19% of the total workers in the region, receiving a daily minimum wage of PhP229 or less. It should be noted that most women are in this sector. In 2012, the region’s labor productivity was recorded at PhP81,506.00, down by 8.9% from the 2011 figure. The region ranks 5th among regions with lowest labor productivity.
External Trade In 2012, the value of the region’s exports was recorded at $730 million, lower than in the previous year (Table 10). Its contribution to the national figure of $52.1 billion for the same year is only around 0.01%. The decline in the value of exports could be attributed to the decrease in the volume of almost all commodity groups, as well as the nonexportation of some commodities, namely: sulphuric acid, diammonium phosphate, and copper alloys, among others. In 2012, the volume of copper
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
cathodes exported from PASAR was down by 55%. Production decelerated because the plant’s operation stopped when its anti-pollution control system was damaged by fire in early 2012. Copper cathodes remain as the dominant export commodity of the region (Figure 10). It accounts for almost 73% of the region’s total value of exports in 2011-2012. Mineral or chemical fertilizers followed far behind at 9.6%. Together with other commodities of the region, export of copper cathodes showed a downtrend. The value of the region’s imports also posted a decline in 2012 (Table 10). Valued at $839 million, this comprised 0.01% of the total value of imports of the country. Among the commodity groups imported by the region (Figure 11), copper ores and concentrates is at the top of the list. Accounting for almost 70% of the total value of imports, this commodity serves as raw material for the copper smelting and refining operation in LIDE. In 2012, the volume of imports of almost all commodity groups went down. Non-importation also was noted for some commodities listed in 2011 like ammonium sulphate, natural barium sulphate, and copper anodes, among others. Exportation is still largely limited to basic metal products produced by PASAR. To further industrialize the region and prop up its external trade, other locators are needed in LIDE. At present, two new locators, namely: McMAI and Clean Away Waste Treatment Plant are already operational in the said estate. Another company named Century Hua Guang is also slated to operate soon. Even as the LIDE expands, the region should likewise shift from being overly dependent on LIDE-based heavy
Table 10. Volume and Value of Exports and Imports: 2011-2012 2011 Exports Volume (in gross kgs.) Value (in US dollars) Imports Volume (in gross kgs.) Value (in US dollars)
Percent change
2012
1,098,973,130 1,476,149,263
825,487,310 730,501,601
(24.9) (50.5)
1,390,557,188 1,286,986,771
1,084,161,956 839,479,326
(22.0) (34.8)
Source: NSO VIII, 2013
Figure 10. Top 5 Exports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar) Diammonium phosphate
20 27
Refined Coconut Oil
41 46 89 103
Mineral/chemical fertilizers
18
Crude coconut oil
2012 2011
116 505
Copper cathodes 0
200
400
600
1120 800 1000 1200
Source: NSO VIII, 2013
Figure 11. Top 5 Imports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar) 18 16
Sulphur of all kinds
30 55
Anhydrous ammonia
55 77
Salt, sulphur
2012 2011
72
Copper cathodes
581
Copper ores and concentrates 0
200
400
600
686 800
Source: NSO VIII, 2013
Macroeconomy
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industries and start concentrating on agri-based processing by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The MSMEs generate more jobs than the heavy industries, thus processing of export-oriented agri-based products should also be ventured into. However, while the region has already been exporting such products, it has been observed that some are currently undervalued as export products resulting to noncommensurate revenues.
Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso Lower rates were noted in 2012, posting an annual average of 3% from 4.5% in 2011 (Figure 12). The region is within the annual target inflation rate of 3-5% for 2011-2016. The target is lower than the national average which is set at 3.2%. The lower inflation rate was due to the slight increases in prices of commodities as compared to the previous year, specifically on the food commodity items such as rice, bread and cereals, meat and sugar. The purchasing power of the peso shrunk to PhP0.75 in 2012 from PhP0.77 in 2011. At PhP0.75, this denotes that the value of peso for the period compared to the base year 2006 is only 75 centavos.
Poverty Poverty Incidence Among the Population Remains High Table 11 shows that while poverty incidence among population remains unchanged at the national level, in Region VIII it has been continually increasing from 2006 to 2012. The 2012 first semester per capita poverty threshold of the region was valued at PhP8,989, the amount of income that a person should have for six months in order to be considered non-poor. Around 45% of the population fall below this poverty threshold. Across provinces, poverty incidence worsened in Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte. Looking at the situation of the basic sectors, the poverty incidence of senior citizens reduced in 2006-2009. Children, farmers and fishermen persistently have high poverty incidence in 20062009. One of the United Nation (UN) Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets is to reduce poverty incidence among population to 22.6% in 2015. Given the current proportion of poor people, the region still has a long way to go to attain this target. High poverty incidence could be a direct result of slow economic growth and high underemployment rate.
Figure 12. Inflation Rate: 2011-2012 (in percent)
6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun 2011
Source: NSO VIII, 2013
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Jul
Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2012
Closer study of the poverty situation reveals that the low productivity of the agriculture sector and services sectors, where almost 80% of the workers are found, coupled with the lack of private investments, may be cited as the major underlying factors.
High Poverty Incidence Among Families The latest poverty statistics revealed that poverty incidence among families remains high, at 37.2% (Table 12). Although the increase from 2009 to 2012 is slight (0.9%), it placed the region third among the poorest regions of the country from being fifth in 2009. The provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar had poverty incidence higher than the regional average and twice than that of the national figure. Eastern Samar and Northern Samar belong to Cluster 1
or the poorest cluster of provinces in the country. The increasing poverty incidence among the population and the families could be further analyzed by examining in which sectors are the workers employed. In Region VIII, the bulk of employment is in the AHFF and services sector. Ironically, these sectors have low productivity, translating to less income of workers, thus explaining why poverty has been increasing. Unless the region is able to prop up the productivity of these two sectors through high and sustainable economic growth and unless women are provided with enabling mechanisms to participate actively in the economy, productive employment will be hard to come by, and high poverty incidence will persist. In terms of distribution of families by income class, 32% of the families in the region belonged to the
Table 11. Poverty Incidence among Population: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent) Philippines Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2006 28.8 41.4 34.8 51.8 39.4 54.4 30.0 37.1
2009 28.6 43.8 41.4 54.4 39.3 52.4 38.9 45.2
2012 27.9 45.4 28.1 67.1 40.2 53.1 42.8 44.0
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Families: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent) Philippines Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2006 23.4 33.3 24.2 39.4 33.2 45.1 21.9 29.6
2009 22.9 36.2 34.6 46.7 33.1 43.6 28.2 37.4
2012 22.3 37.2 20.7 59.4 31.9 43.7 36.4 36.0
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Macroeconomy
45
Table 13. Distribution of Family Income by Income Class and Main Source of Income: 2009 Main Source of Income Number of Families (in 000) Percent Wage/Salaries Entrepreneurial activities Other sources of income
All Income Classes 865 100.0 38.3 34.7 26.6
Under P40,000 66 100.0 21.1 32.1 46.8
P40,000P59,999 137 100.0 34.5 40.8 24.7
Income Class P60,000P100,000P99,999 P249,999 272 261 100.0 100.0 38.0 37.2 41.6 34.9 20.4 27.9
P250,000 and over 128 100.0 57.3 14.4 28.3
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
income class with annual earnings of PhP60,000 - PhP99,999 (Table 13). This is equivalent to 272,000 families. Another 30% (comprising 261,000 families) had annual earnings of PhP100,000-PhP249,999. A great percentage of the families in the region derived their income from wage/salaries (57.3%), followed by entrepreneurial activities (34.7%), and other sources of income (26.6%). The average annual family income of the region is higher than that of Region IV-B and ARMM but lower than that of the NCR, Region IV-A, CAR, Region I, Region II and Region III. The region’s Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality within a population, slightly rose from 0.4828 in 2006 to 0.4841 in 2009. This movement indicates greater income disparity among families in the region. Eastern Visayas registered the highest Gini coefficient among the 17 regions in 2009, even higher than the national estimate of 0.4484.
Summary of Challenges 1. Slow Economic Growth. GRDP grew slightly from 20092011. The productivity of the AHFF, industry and services sector have been low. Goods and services of the region are not competitive enough to command high price in the market. Some sub-sector performances may have been high but not significant enough to pull strongly the region’s overall economic growth.
46
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
2. Low Labor Productivity. The region’s agriculture is vulnerable from natural calamities and global/external factors such as world prices. Add to that the limited number of private investments such that workers have no other option but to stay in their low-paying jobs. In 2012, the amount of investments went down by 77% from the 2.3 billion pesos worth of investments in 2011. The minimal increase in agricultural productivity comes alongside the increasing number of underemployed persons. 3. Lack of Employment Opportunities and High Underemployment. Employment generated by private investments is not enough to absorb the number persons currently looking for work. With the 1.28% annual population growth rate (2000-2010) and a higher projected labor force population, there is a need to provide more employment opportunities to the new labor market entrants. More than eighty percent (80%) of the workers are found in the two sectors where productivity is low. Jobs in the agriculture sector and its related businesses are usually seasonal. In addition, workers in the services sector are minimum-wage income earners. These situations led to underemployment. Their income is not enough for the needs of the family, thus, resulting to poverty.
Limited access to capital also exacerbates the situation. This is usually felt by women who are engaged in micro enterprises. This is coupled by their hesitancy to engage in fields that are traditionally occupied by males. 4. Low Labor Force Participation of Women. Women’s employment opportunities are somehow affected with the stereotyping attached to gender roles. Women are mostly found in the services sector, specifically in the wholesale and retail industry, where jobs are traditionally ascribed to women and where income is not fixed.
Macroeconomic Development Framework Given the above economic performance of the region and the identified challenges, the following macroeconomic development framework is laid down for the second half of the Plan period (Figure 13). The succeeding discussion provides the directions at the macro level, paying attention to areas where the region can implement certain interventions while fiscal and monetary concerns are simultaneously addressed at the national level.
5. Weak and Limited External Trade. Since the region is heavily dependent on exports from LIDE, a major set-back in the manufacturing sub-sector, like a drop in the value of exports of cathodes, will have a direct impact on the region’s GRDP. There is a need to refocus or venture into a more competitive agribusiness and its related services to create more employment and not to rely on LIDE alone.
The macroeconomic goal, objectives, targets, strategies and programs, projects and activities herein presented are all anchored on the overall development framework of Eastern Visayas for the remaining Plan period, that is, 20142016.
6. Worsening Poverty. Poverty incidence has been steadily increasing over the past six years. The last three surveys have placed the region in the higher ranks of impoverished regions. From the 7th poorest region in the country in 2006, it went up to 5th in 2009, and 3rd in 2012.
Objectives
Among its provinces, higher poverty incidence has been reported in Eastern Samar and Northern Samar. The region’s snail-paced economic growth and the lack of employment opportunities are among the major factors contributing to the increasing poverty.
Goal Inclusive growth
This means a growth that is sustained and rapid enough that massively creates jobs and reduces poverty.
1. High and sustained economic growth achieved 2. Jobs generated and family income increased 3. Poverty reduced
Targets For Objective 1: High and sustained economic growth achieved 1. GRDP growth rate in real terms increased to a range of 4.46% 5.61% for the period 2014-2016 a. AHFF sector growth rate in real terms increased to a range of 4.37%-5.62% for the period 2014-2016 b. Industry sector growth rate in real terms increased to a range Macroeconomy
47
Figure 13. Macroeconomic Development Framework
of 4.49%-5.57% for the period 2014-2016 c. Services sector growth rate in real terms increased to a range of 4.53%-5.63% for the period 2014-2016 2. Value of exports increased by 5% on the average for the period 2014-2016 For Objective 2: Jobs generated and family income increased 1. Annual employment of 140,000 generated for the period 20142016 2. Underemployment rate reduced to as low as 20% by 2016 3. Labor productivity increased by 4.2% on the average for the period 2014-2016
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
4. Annual family income increased from PhP160,000 in 2009 to PhP232,000 in 2016 For Objective 3: Poverty reduced 1. Poverty incidence among population reduced to 21.6% in 2016 2. Gini Coefficient lowered to a range between 0.3932-0.4076 by 2016 3. Inflation rate lowered and kept to a level between 3-5% from 20142016
Strategies 1. Increasing and sustaining high value-added in agriculture and fisheries, industry and services. Raising productivity depends on a lot of factors. This include, among others, the expansion of irrigation services, widespread
use of high-yielding varieties and at the same time ensuring its climate-resiliency, promoting mechanization of on-farm operations, enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of extension services, and sustaining research and development (R&D) for new varieties and crop management. On the other hand, the industry and services sector must also push for innovative and globally competitive outputs to be able to increase its value-added. 2. Effectively implementing highimpact projects. Limited government resources should be channeled to and efficiently used in selected high-impact projects. Proper implementation of these projects is needed to ensure that they will contribute to development. 3. Improving competitiveness of agribusiness, tourism and ICT. Production of goods and services in the region should be at par in terms of quality demanded not only by the local but also by the international market. 4. Putting in place governance that is supportive of economic development. An enabling environment must be established. This particularly calls for streamlining the business processes to encourage the inflow of investments. A simple tax system and low tax rate are other aspects that will entice investments. It should also entail maintaining and sustaining a stable political environment. This would also include making capital accessible for micro, small and medium enterprises, including those operated by women. 5. Increasing investments in agriculture, agribusiness, tourism and ICT. Private sector investments to
these three key priority areas of the region are deemed important. This will translate to the generation of quality and sustainable jobs, hence, increased income for the people of Eastern Visayas. 6. Building the capacities and skills of the work force. To enhance the quality and productivity of the workforce, LGUs and industries should directly participate in the delivery of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in which labor force participants can gain employable and productive skills. The new graduates could also be trained through the Government Internship Program, the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), and the apprenticeship programs. Particular attention will be given to the differential situation of women. They will be afforded trainings in fields that will expand their employment opportunities, e.g. welding, automotive, and others. 7. Generating quality jobs in agribusiness, tourism and ICT. Poor families of the region will only be able to rise above the poverty threshold if and when decent sources of income are provided to them. Quality employment generation should particularly target the 80% of the labor force who are engaged in seasonal and low-paying jobs in the agriculture and services sector. Since the region is pushing for agribusiness, tourism and ICT development, it is expected that high quality jobs will be produced in these three sectors. Processing of products, contracting forward and backward services in tourism, outsourcing of BPOs in other regions/countries will churn out a lot of job opportunities for the people of Region VIII. Implementation of infrastructure projects could also generate Macroeconomy
49
numerous, though seasonal jobs for the poor families. With the improved infrastructure, production costs will be reduced, thereby, raising profitability and income of the families. It would also mean new investments critical for economic growth. However, stricter enforcement of wage laws should be imposed to ensure that the workers are wellcompensated. 8. Increasing labor productivity. The labor force of the region will become more productive if more investments are channeled into the sectors where most of them belong. On the side, they should also be assisted in terms of developing/enhancing their skills through appropriate education and training, and complemented with complete equipment and facilities. Increased productivity will lead to increased income, thus, reduced poverty. 9. Controlling population growth. While it is the reproductive right of every couple to decide on their desired number of children, the national policy and corresponding measures to control population growth should be enforced. This is based on the premise that economic gains cannot be enjoyed if economic growth cannot keep up with a rapidly growing population.
Programs, Projects and Activities 1. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) 2. Infrastructure Projects supportive of agribusiness, tourism and ICT 3. Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) 4. Bottom-up Budgeting System for Poverty Alleviation 5. Private-Public Partnership Projects 6. Establishment of Economic Zones
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
7. Investment Promotion Activities 8. Responsible Parenting Movement 9. Technical and Vocational Skills Education and Training 10. Government Internship Program 11. Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) 12. Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program (CLEEP) 13. Close monitoring of high-impact projects through the Regional Project Monitoring Committee 14. Legislative Agenda: a. Strict enforcement/ monitoring of wage laws b. Revisiting of the existing laws to ensure proper valuation of exports/imports c. Streamlining of Business Processing and Licensing System (BPLS) d. Updating of tax ordinances e. Formulation of the Local Investment Incentive Code (LIIC) f. Strict enforcement of Sections 25 (Right to Decent Work) and 26 (Right to Livelihood, Credit, Capital and Technology) of the Magna Carta of Women to ensure women’s productive employment g. Enforcement of the Reproductive Health Law down to the local level (inclusive of passage of ordinances and/or resolutions in support of the RA)
4
Farmers doing the Palaycheck System, a dynamic rice crop management system Photo Courtesy of DA VIII http://da08.da.gov.ph
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
Eastern Visayas is endowed with abundant land and water resources that support the economic activities of the region. Most of the population, specifically in rural areas, are dependent on agriculture as the main source of income. Agricultural and fishery products supply raw materials and food to the non-agricultural sector (industries and services). Some of them are processed through agribusiness. In order to prop up the agriculture sector, a separate 2012-2016 Eastern Visayas Agribusiness Roadmap was prepared to focus on major commodities that can jumpstart the economic growth of the region. These major commodities include palay, abaca, banana, coconut, sugarcane, corn, pineapple and rootcrops (cassava, camote and gabi), fishery products (mussel, seaweeds and bangus), and livestock and poultry (native chicken, hog, cattle, carabao and goat). Emerging crops were also identified, namely: jackfruit, cacao, pili, ginger, tomato, rubber, coffee, and palm tree. Emerging fishery products are blue crab, abalone, sea cucumber, panggasius, fresh water prawn, and cream dory. For agriculture and fisheries to become competitive, the labor resource should be honed. Agricultural technology should be developed and adopted, and farm equipment should be modernized. Subsidies to poor farmers, cultivation of idle lands, multi-cropping, venturing into non-traditional crops, irrigation, and credit assistance will altogether facilitate the attainment of competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Moreover, climate-resilient crops, livestock and poultry products are essential for higher production and productivity.
Assessment In 2011, the Gross Value Added (GVA) in real terms (constant prices) in Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery (AHFF) reached PhP31,130,113.00, posting a growth rate of only 0.7%. Compared to the 5.10% target for the year, this is very low. The minimal growth was due to production decreases in major crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries primarily caused by weather-related factors. In 2012 alone, two major typhoons hit Eastern Visayas – Typhoons Ofel and Pablo. Typhoon Ofel greatly affected the region’s agriculture sector, with about P15 million worth of damages recorded. In terms of credit access by farmers, three major sources are available in the region. These are the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Quedancor,
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
and the Center of Agriculture and Rural Development, a private credit institution. Employment generated from agriculture increased by 3.6% from 743 in 2010 to 770 in 2011. There are gender disparities in real wage of farm workers in 2011. Women’s real wage for palay was placed at P100.65 while that of men was higher at P107.10. The figures reflect that women are treated differently in agriculture as male palay workers are paid P6.45 more than their female counterparts. Poverty among farmers and fishers is a big challenge. Poverty incidence among fishers increased by 5.5 percentage points from 40.2% in 2006 to 45.7% in 2009. Also, farmers’ poverty incidence went up by 4.6 percentage points from 42.1% in 2006 to 46.7% in 2009.
Ironically, the region’s natural endowments in terms of vast idle agricultural lands that could otherwise be utilized for farming, coupled with rich agricultural and marine resources, offer great potentials to upscale the growth of these sectors. For water resources alone, Eastern Visayas has a total of 3,065 kilometers coastline and 33 protected bays/coves. The region has a vast potential for the expansion of 5, 285 hectares of non-traditional areas, particularly for seaweed culture parks, with the largest estimated area in Northern Samar. To harness the region’s great potential for agricultural development and expansion, there has to be infrastructure facilities as well as technology, capital and marketing assistance, among others, that should be put in place. Samar Island, in particular, being the country’s third largest island, is seen to have a huge potential contribution to the regional economy. Thus, in the remaining half of the Plan period, interventions on its agriculture and fisheries sector must be intensified in order to attain food security and boost agribusiness in the whole Eastern Visayas.
Crop Production Total production of major crops declined by 2.9% in 2012, from 3,556,428 MT in 2011 to 3,452,354.64 MT in 2012 (Figure 14). Contributory factors to this decline are flooding due to typhoons; diseases; decrease in farm size; and low rate of technology adoption. Major crops included in the succeeding discussions are palay, coconut, abaca, sugarcane, banana/ saba, corn, vegetables, and fruits.
1. Palay/Rice Total palay production of the region went up by 1.1% in 2012 but is 1.1 percentage points less than the growth rate of 2.1% in 2011 (Table 14). This is also 1.9% short of the 2012 production target of 1,014,122 MT as provided in the Agribusiness Roadmap. Leyte Province is the top contributor of palay output in the region but its production declined by 1.1%. This was mainly the effect of Typhoon Ofel in October 2012 that damaged 841 hectares of rice fields in Leyte. It should be noted that any decline in the palay production of Leyte pulls down the total production
Figure 14. Major Crop Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons)
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Office (BAS) VIII, 2013
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
53
Table 14. Palay Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province 2011 2012 % Change Eastern Visayas 984,017 994,972 1.1 Biliran 66,604 66,543 (0.1) Eastern Samar 53,632 59,412 10.8 Leyte 526,762 521,115 (1.1) Northern Samar 106,048 111,207 4.9 Southern Leyte 92,653 96,166 3.8 Samar 138,318 140,529 1.6 Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 15. Rice Sufficiency Index, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 Sufficiency Index Region/Province 2011 2012 Eastern Visayas 97.36 96.56 Leyte 130.13 126.36 Southern Leyte 87.67 89.53 Biliran 148.21 144.91 Samar 73.82 73.42 Eastern Samar 50.77 55.34 Northern Samar 64.63 66.44 Source: DA VIII, 2013
Table 16. Palay Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons/hectare) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 3.45 4.49 2.63 3.93 2.68 4.26 2.55
2012 3.49 4.49 2.82 3.92 2.80 4.36 2.57
% Change 0.9 0.1 7.3 (0.4) 4.8 2.2 0.9
Source: DA VIII, 2013
Table 17. Coconut Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 1,769,951.50 58,456 274,837 680,140 337,690 126,302 292,527
*Preliminary data Source: BAS VIII, 2013
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2012* 1,771,459.42 58,990 274,852 676,021 345,209 123,780 292,607
% Change 0.1 0.9 0.0 (0.6) 2.2 (2.0) 0.0
of the region. Biliran also posted a decrease of 0.1%. On the other hand, Eastern Samar, the least contributor of palay output of Eastern Visayas, increased its production by 10.8%. The next better-performing province is Northern Samar (4.9%), followed by Southern Leyte (3.8%) and Samar (1.6%). Production increases in all provinces of Samar Island are attributable to the increase in area harvested, improved irrigation systems, and use of hybrid seeds. The Rice Sufficiency Index (RSI) of the region slightly decreased in 2012 (Table 15). For the past two years, the levels were way below the RDP targets of 124% in 2011 and 129% in 2012. Eastern Samar recorded the lowest RSI among provinces. This indicates that its production, though high, is not sufficient to meet the demand of its population. The province’s production is still affected by inadequate irrigation support systems and poor farm-to-market roads, climate change, and low rate of technology adoption. On the other hand, Biliran posted the highest rice sufficiency index. Palay productivity in the region slightly increased by 0.9% in 2012 (Table 16). Average yield per hectare increased from 3.45MT/ha. in 2011 to 3.49MT/ha. in 2012. Though this seems a meager increase, this somehow reflects a better picture. Across provinces, Eastern Samar recorded the highest increase of 7.3%, followed by Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Samar, and Biliran. Leyte, however, posted a decline.
2. Coconut Volume of coconut produced went up by only 0.1%. In terms of absolute figures, it increased from 1,769,951.50 MT in 2011 to 1,771,459.42 MT in 2012 (Table 17). The increment was meager due to Brontispa Longissima that affected some coconut trees. The disease occurred despite the ongoing wasp parasitoid production
that fights Brontispa. In relation to the Agribusiness Roadmap, the production in 2012 was below target by 3.2%. Across provinces, only Northern Samar and Biliran had an increase in coconut production of 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Leyte, which is the largest producer of coconut, experienced a drop in production by 0.6% and Southern Leyte, by 2.0%. This is attributed to the lack of demand in the local market and the very low price offered by coconut traders. The average farmgate price of copra corriente in Eastern Visayas significantly declined by 41.1%, from P29.78 per kilogram in 2011 to P17.55 per kilogram in 2012. The drop in price was consequential to the price reduction of coconut in the domestic and international market. The very low price of coconut products such as copra affected about 368,524 coconut farmers in the region.
3. Abaca Abaca production decreased by 4.2%, from 20,023.43 MT in 2011 to 19,190.87 MT in 2012 (Table 18). This negative performance was brought about by viral diseases that infected the abaca farms of Leyte, particularly in the second, third and fourth districts; in Dolores, Eastern Samar; and in Lavezares, Northern Samar. Some disease-freed farms in Southern Leyte were also not utilized because they are still undergoing rehabilitation. Another factor is the shift of market preference from good grade abaca (I/S2/G) in favor of the food and beverage industry. Moreover, the total demand for abaca in Japan decreased by 69% or 21,282 bales, and in other exporting countries by 40% or 6,452 bales. Such decline in demand may be attributed to the global financial crisis. Compared to its 2012 production target in the Agribusiness Roadmap, which is 21,027.44 MT, there is a shortfall of 8.7%. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
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The highest decline (22.1%) was recorded in Biliran Province, followed by Leyte (11.0%) and Southern Leyte (3.7%). However, increases were exhibited in the three Samar provinces. Northern Samar increased its production by 1.9%, Eastern Samar by 0.9%, and Samar by 0.6%.The significant deceleration in Biliran is attributable to the decline in Japan’s demand for JK abaca fiber, which is used in making the Japanese currency bills. Most Biliran farmers produce such kind of abaca fiber. Because of low demand in the foreign and domestic markets, some abaca buyers in the province stopped purchasing abaca fiber, which subsequently compelled the farmers to slow down fiber production. Abaca farmgate price in the region dropped from P37.22 per kilogram in 2011 to P35.18 per kilogram or a decrease of 5.5%.
4. Sugarcane Sugarcane production significantly dropped by 23.4%, from 516,705.82 MT in 2011 to 395,842.80 MT in 2012. Leyte, where 99% of sugarcane production in Region VIII comes from, encountered a 23.4% contraction. This was because of high rainfall and decrease in area harvested. Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte also posted decreases by 1.5% and 8.3%, respectively. Only Samar recorded a meager increase of 0.1%. Mostly affected by the decrease are the small sugarcane farmers since they comprise about 84% of the total number of sugarcane farmers. They are those who work in sugarcane farms that are 10 hectares or less. They account for 20% of the total land area allocated for sugarcane farming. On the other hand, big farmers (i.e., those with 50 hectares or more), comprise 4% of sugarcane farmers and cultivate more than 50% of the land area.
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To protect children engaged in family labor in sugarcane plantations, the Ormoc–Kananga Mill District Development Council Foundation, Inc., committed to provide assistance in the implementation of Republic Act No. 9231 or the Anti-Child Labor Law.
5. Banana (Saba) Production of banana, specifically, increased by 1.0%, from 181,739.03 MT in 2011 to 183,556.55 MT in 2012 (Table 20). The slow growth in saba production was mainly due to the disease bugtok, and the damage brought about by Typhoon Ofel. Underreporting could also be a problem since available data is more on table banana (e.g. Cavendish) rather than on saba. Samar is the highest saba producer in Region VIII. For the period 20112012, the province produced an annual average of over 95,000 MT. It was followed far behind by Eastern Samar with a yearly average of about 2,422 MT, and Leyte with 28,356 MT. The current saba production is sufficient and even churned out a surplus that could support the banana industry of the region such as SC Global,which requires about 7,700 MT a year. However, farmers should comply with the standard quality of banana/saba fruit that industries require for them to be assured of market. Aside from its healthy benefits to the human body, banana is used for agriindustrial purposes, and for food and feed preparations. It is a raw material used in the processing of banana chips, catsup, wine, vinegar, flour, puree, and other cooked food. In terms of saba productivity at the regional level, a 0.1% decrease was noted because of the heavy rains. This is equivalent to a reduction from 12.5 MT/ha. in 2010 to 12.4 MT/ha. in 2011. Across provinces, only Northern Samar recorded an increment of 0.1%.
Table 18. Abaca Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 20,023.43 127.00 397.31 7,426.70 7,195.94 3,501.89 1,374.59
2012* 19,190.87 98.90 401.01 6,606.68 7,329.89 3,372.00 1,382.39
% Change (4.2) (22.1) 0.9 (11.0) 1.9 (3.7) 0.6
*Preliminary data Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 19. Sugarcane Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 516,705.82 2.15 516,674.90 0.24 28.53
2012* 395,842.80 2.12 395,811.99 0.22 28.56
% Change (23.4) (1.4) (23.4) (8.3) 0.1
*Preliminary data Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 20. Banana (Saba) Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 181,739.03 10,716.30 2,382.94 28,443.62 7,364.17 37,822.00 95,010.00
2012* 183,556.55 10,719.55 2,502.02 28,269.65 7,696.33 39,275.00 95,094.00
% Change 1.00 0.03 5.00 (0.61) 4.51 3.84 0.09
*Preliminary data Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 21. Banana (Saba) Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2010 and 011 (in metric tons/hectare) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Western Samar Southern Leyte
2010 12.5 11.4 3.5 17.9 2.8 27.1 7.2
2011 12.4 11.4 3.4 17.6 2.9 27.1 7.2
% Change (0.1) 0.0 (0.1) (0.3) 0.1 0.0 0.0
*Preliminary data Source: BAS VIII, 2013
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Table 22. Corn Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Region/Province Eastern Visayas Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2011 83,992 733 534 52,427 13,779 7,321 9,198
2012 87,333 745 593 55,392 14,352 7,118 9,133
% Change 4.0 1.6 11.0 5.7 4.2 (2.8) (0.7)
Source: http://www.bas.gov.ph (2013)
Table 23. Fruits and Vegetables Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Product Pineapple Cacao Pili Nut Calamansi Lanzones Mango Papaya Rambutan Watermelon Ampalaya Cabbage Eggplant Ginger Kangkong Mongo Okra Peanut Stringbeans Tomato
2011 7,377.33 116.6 973.53 2,478.98 151.14 884.72 3,033.82 15.39 777.75 1,180.36 181.03 2,251.29 2,174.89 11,695.79 272.42 954.16 574.66 1,888.48 696.07
2012 7,456.57 114.44 995.72 2,510.02 151.68 882.73 3,109.35 25.64 775.5 1,196.42 179.61 2,315.07 2,206.42 9,732.36 270.61 982.12 579.06 1,911.39 719.21
% Change 1.1 (1.9) 2.3 1.3 0.4 (0.2) 2.5 66.6 (0.3) 1.4 (0.8) 2.8 1.4 (16.8) (0.7) 2.9 0.8 1.2 3.3
Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 24. Livestock and Poultry Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Product Carabao Cattle Hog Goat Chicken Duck
2011 10,838 2,394 101,228 1,448 41,675 1,494
Source: http://www.bas.gov.ph (2013)
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2012 11,210 2,267 89,240 1,283 40,326 1,389
% Change 3.4 (5.3) (11.8) (11.4) (3.2) (7.0)
6. Corn
8. Fruits and Vegetables
Corn production accelerated from 83,992 MT in 2011 to 87,333 MT in 2012 (Table 22). This increase of 4.0% is attributed to the use of hybrid seeds in program areas of the Department of Agriculture. Average yield per hectare rose by 0.02 MT/ ha., from 1.38 MT/ha. in 2011 to 1.4 MT/ha. in 2012.
Below are some of the fruits and vegetables produced in the region, which also contributed to the economy.
Yellow corn is used for various food industries, human consumption, and animal feeds. White corn, on the other hand, is used in food-grade starch and paper. Domestic white corn is used to produce snack foods such as tortilla chips, and food wraps. However, exported white corn is mainly used for corn-based flour products such as tortillas, muffins, and bread. Among the provinces, Eastern Samar is the lowest producer of corn. Yet, it recorded the highest increase of 11.0%, followed by Leyte (5.7%), Northern Samar (4.2%) and Biliran (1.6%). Samar and Southern Leyte declined their production by 0.7% and 2.8%, respectively, due to unfavorable weather condition.
7. Rootcrops Total rootcrop production in the region increased by 3.8% - from 219,094.51 MT in 2011 to 227,381.35 MT in 2012. Camote is up by 3.7%, cassava by 3.9%, and gabi by 3.8%. Though cassava posted a production increase, it was reported that there were more cassava chips rejected in 2012 because of poor quality resulting from improper handling/preparation. Cassava is now increasingly being used in the animal feeds industry, in brewery, glue making, and in the food industry as a thickener, timber industry, and paper industry. It is also used for biscuits and bread in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Madagascar, among others. Local production is supplemented with imports, mainly from Eastern Asia.
Livestock and Poultry Production Total livestock and poultry production declined by 8.4%. Hogs, cattle, goat and chicken production dropped by 11.8%, 5.3%, 11.4% and 3.2%, respectively. The decline in livestock and poultry production is attributed to the high price of feeds that left some backyard raisers with no choice but to stop operation. Specifically, chicken consolidators in Calbayog City ceased operation. Only carabao production recorded an increase of 3.4% because of artificial insemination of highbreed varieties.
Fisheries Production Total fish production declined by 4.5%, from 209,777.74 MT in 2011 to 200,417.52 MT in 2012 (Table 25). Commercial fisheries went down by 13.3% and municipal fisheries by 5.5%. Aquaculture production, on the other hand, increased by 8.3%. The drop in fisheries production was caused mainly by the decline in fish catch, which is, in turn, due to depleted fishing grounds. The decrease was also a consequence of fewer number of fishing trips due to the high cost of fuel and weather disturbances brought about by Typhoons Dindo, Ofel and Butsoy. Moreover, several commercial fishing vessels were forced to dry-dock, while some of them opted to unload their catch at landing centers near fishing grounds outside the region like Cebu to reduce operational expenses and seek better prices for their catch. This situation negatively affects the socio-economic conditions of fishing families, especially those who solely depend on fishing as a source of income. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
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Table 25. Fish Production by Sub-sector, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012 (in metric tons) Sub-sector Commercial Fisheries Municipal Fisheries Aquaculture
2011 61,228.67
2012 53,084.41
% Change (13.3)
98,212.04
92,806.99
(5.5)
50,337.03
54,526.12
8.3
Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Summary of Challenges
1. Low agricultural production and productivity. Generally, the current figures on production and productivity remain at low levels. This is attributable to weather factors; lack of inputs such as high quality seeds, fertilizers, modern technology, and capital; inadequate infrastructure support such as irrigation and farm-tomarket roads; and weak market linkaging. 2. Low labor productivity and income. Farmers’ income, especially that of the tenants, is still on subsistence level. Their percentage share of the farm’s produce is very small. The farms they till are not yet applied with modern technologies for large scale production, thus, resulting to low labor productivy and income. 3. Unutilized agricultural lands. The region is endowed with vast agricultural lands. However, much of this resource is just lying idle and unproductive. 4. Lack of infrastructure support. Infrastructure is an essential input in developing the agriculture sector of the region. Farm-tomarket roads, irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, port loading facilities, among others, are still inadequate. This situation greatly affects the marketability of the products. It also poses as a disincentive to production
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because of higher transport cost. The need for infrastructure support becomes greater as the region focuses on agribusiness. 5. Reluctance of farmers to utilize available post-harvest facilities. The economic value of most agricultural products is lost due to post-harvest losses. The problem affects not only rice but other farm commodities as well. In some areas where postharvest facilities are available, farmers are not willing to utilize such facilities. Some of them are interested to avail of their usage but the problem is they are not technically capable of and/or interested in using and/or maintaining these post-harvest facilities. 6. Low technology adoption. Most farmers prefer to cultivate their farmlands in a traditional way. Productivity of their farmlands is not optimized because they are reluctant to adopt new farming technologies. Another reason is the high cost of modern technology. 7. Poor financial capability of farmers and fishers. Lack of capital needed for agricultural production besets majority of the region’s farmers and fishers. There are actually many credit opportunities offered by banks and other funding institutions but availment by farmers and fishers is very low. Most of them have low credit worthiness because of lack of
assets required as loan collateral. Likewise, the voluminous requirements and the tedious process in applying for a loan discourage many farmers and fishers. Moreover, banks prefer to grant loans to farmers’ organizations/cooperatives than to individuals. 8. Low participation of women in agriculture and fisheries due to lack of skills and limited access to training and capital. There are many women workers in agriculture. They actually contribute significantly to agriculture and fisheries through their role in the processing of products such as seaweeds into gulaman, banana into banana chips, deboned bangus with different flavors, among others. However, this contribution to the sector is limited due to lack of skills and limited access to training opportunities and capital. Another major reason is the issue on multiple burden from parenting and housekeeping responsibilities. Moreover, their participation in agriculture and fisheries is unrecognized due to the notion that agriculture is largely the males’ turf.
9. Vulnerability of agriculture and fisheries to climate change. Climate change can adversely affect agriculture and fisheries. Changing temperature and precipitation patterns may affect the production and productivity of crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry. Insects and diseases during humid and warmer conditions are expected, which altogether affect animal health and productivity. In fisheries, climate change affects the number of fish in the rivers and seas as the water becomes warmer. Some fish may also be extinct in particular areas. As this happens, the food chains are consequently disrupted. 10. Non-optimal utilization of agricultural resources of Samar Island. The utilization of Samar Island’s rich agricultural endowments need to be optimized given the fact that it is the third largest island of the country and it is where most of the poor people in the region are located.
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Figure 15. Agriculture and Fisheries Development Framework
Sectoral Development Framework Goals 1. 2. 3. 4.
Food sufficiency attained Growth in agriculture and fisheries increased Climate change-resilient agriculture and fisheries attained Incomes in agriculture and fisheries increased
Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4.
Invesments in agriculture and fisheries increased Productivity of all major crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry increased Labor productivity increased Women’s participation in agriculture and fisheries increased
Targets Palay
1. Productivity increased from 3.45 MT/ha in 2011 to 4.42 MT/ha. in 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Nothern Samar
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2014 4.10 4.78 4.07 4.36 3.29 5.14 3.61
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2015 4.19 4.92 4.16 4.43 3.41 5.24 3.70
2016 4.28 4.97 4.31 4.48 3.54 5.26 3.89
2. Regional rice self-sufficiency ratio increased from 97% in 2011 to 114% in 2016, contributing an annual average of 5.68% to the national palay production. The three Samar provinces should be rice self-sufficient by 2016. 3. Food subsistence incidence decreased by 11.7% in 2016 4. Employment of 142,311 generated from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Nothern Samar
2014 61,694 1,500 1,502 23,607 23,111 2,959 9,016
2015 52,333 1,111 6,600 18,515 17,333 3,307 5,467
2016 28,284 944 556 19,067 556 2,495 4,667
5. Palay production increased at a yearly average of 1,257,398 MT Region/Province 2014 2015 2016 Region VIII 1,222,818 1,254,400 1,294,977 Biliran 71,122 73,222 74,425 Eastern Samar 103,598 106,510 115,470 Leyte 584,811 594,933 604,248 Samar 188,952 196,846 205,492 Southern Leyte 111,796 113,912 115,255 Nothern Samar 162,538 168,977 180,086
6. Palay investment cost of about PhP4 billion reached in 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
Note: in PhP000
Coconut
2014 1,726,219 53,414 62,444 692,845 572,243 97,483 247,790
1. Productivity level of 1.20 MT/ha. attained in 2016 Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Target 1.09 1.12 1.15 1.17 1.20
2015 1,526,457 45,370 178,131 582,087 444,762 106,098 170,009
2016 996,421 41,941 44,602 597,003 69,630 88,178 155,067
2. Copra production increased by 11% or 60,000 MT per year Year 2014 2015 2016
Annual Target 1,949,952 2,009,952 2,069,952
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3. Coconuts planted/re-planted in 25,000 has. per year, with larger areas to be covered in Leyte, Samar and Northern Samar Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte NW Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 25,000 1,872 3,248 4,625 3,250 4,589 3,249 4,167
2015 25,000 1,872 3,248 4,625 3,250 4,589 3,249 4,167
2016 25,000 1,872 3,248 4,625 3,250 4,589 3,249 4,167
Note: Of the 147,100 hectares of coconut land in the region, about 72,800 hectares can be planted to coconut.
4. Salt fertilization applied to a total area of 91,577 has. or an annual average of 18,315 has. in order to increase production by 25% during the first application and 100% after 3 years of consecutive applications Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte NW Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 18,150 726 3,267 3,630 2,420 2,904 1,815 3,388
2015 19,965 799 3,594 3,993 2,662 3,194 1,997 3,727
2016 21,962 878 3,953 4,392 2,928 3,514 2,196 4,099
5. Intercropping adopted in a total area of 5,000 has. every year Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte NW Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 5,000
2015 5,000 1,250 1,250
1,250
1,250 1,250
1,250 1,250 1,250 1,250
Abaca
1,250 1,250 1,250
1. Abaca productivity increased to 1.5 MT/ha. In 2016 2014 - 0.9 MT/ha. 2015 - 1.2 MT/ha. 2016 - 1.5 MT/ha.
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2. Abaca production increased to 25,000 MT by 2016 or at an annual average growth rate of 5.0% equivalent 1.5 MT/ha./year Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 20,417.10 104.92 425.43 7,009.03 1,524.08 3,577.35 7,776.28
2015 21,060.10 108.07 438.19 7,219.30 1,600.29 3,684.68 8,009.57
2016 21,723.90 111.31 451.34 7,435.88 1,680.30 3,795.22 8,249.86
3. Around 6,000 jobs generated from abaca rehabilitation activity by 2016 4. Area planted to abaca increased by 6.47% in 2016 or 500 has. annually from 39,513 has. in 2011 to 42,073 has. in 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran E. Samar
2014 41,049 1,769 3,181
2015 41,561 1,821 3,283
2016 42,073 1,873 3,385
Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
14,166 2,434 7,160 12,339
14,268 2,536 7,212 12,441
14,370 2,638 7,264 12,543
5. Area planted expanded by 50 has. per year for each of the provinces of Southern Leyte and Biliran 6. Area planted expanded by 100 has. per year for each of the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar 7. A total of 6,000 old and unproductive disease-freed abaca farms rehabilitated by 2016 8. Made available 10.9 million planting materials produced through in-vitro and from field nurseries in LGUs
Sugarcane
1. Productivity increased by 12.11% ton cane/ha., by 13.60% Lkg/ha., and by 0.90% Lkg/ton cane Crop Year Indicator 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 Total Area 8,900.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 Planted Tons Cane 534,000.00 585,000.00 675,000.00 Lkg Sugar 1,100,040.00 1,216,800.00 1,417,500.00 Produced Ton Cane/ 60.00 65.00 75.00 Hectare LKG/Hectare 123.60 135.20 157.50 LKG/Ton Cane 2.06 2.08 2.10 Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
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2. Sugarcane production increased by an annual average of 19.82% 3. Area planted increased by an annual average area of 3.9% until 2016
Banana (Saba)
1. Saba productivity increased from 12.4 MT/ha. in 2011 to 15.61 MT/ha. in 2016 for Region VIII, in general, and specifically for Samar to increase its saba productivity from 27.1 MT/ha. in 2011 to 33.93 MT/ha. by 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Nothern Samar
2014 14.26 13.05 3.83 19.86 30.99 8.28 3.29
2015 14.92 13.63 4.00 20.73 32.40 8.67 3.45
2016 15.61 14.24 4.17 21.57 33.93 9.09 3.62
2. Saba production increased from 181,739 MT to 231,949 MT in 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 210,385 12,405 2,758 32,927 109,985 43,784 8,525
2015 220,904 13,025 2,896 34,573 115,484 45,973 8,951
2,016 231,949 13,676 3,041 36,302 121,258 48,272 9,398
For Samar to produce 121,258 MT, equivalent to 52.3% of total regional production 3. Total production area increased to 14,855.50 has. Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte
2014 14,755.5 950.5 719.0 1,658.0
2015 14,805.5 955.5 724.0 1,668.0
2,016 14,855.5 960.5 729.0 1,683.0
Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
3,549.0 5,290.0 2,589.0
3,564.0 5,300.0 2,594.0
3,574.0 5,310.0 2,599.0
Livestock and Poultry
1. Livestock inventory increased by at least 5% within 5 years with at least 1-2% increment per year until 2016
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2. An annual average target of 494,998 swine heads attained from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province 2014 2015 2016 Region VIII 487,647 494,961 502,386 Biliran 11,954 12,133 12,315 Eastern Samar 26,693 27,094 27,500 Leyte 307,905 312,524 317,212 Samar 44,079 44,740 45,412 Southern Leyte 31,207 31,675 32,150 Northern Samar 65,809 66,796 67,798 3. An annual average target of 293,031 carabao heads achieved from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 288,679 4,220 25,883 154,401 40,344 16,771 47,061
2015 293,010 4,283 26,272 156,717 40,949 17,023 47,767
2016 297,405 4,347 26,666 159,068 41,563 17,278 48,483
4. An annual average target of 23,634 cattle heads achieved from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 23,283 1,740 2,753 11,232 811 3,455 3,293
2015 23,632 1,766 2,794 11,400 823 3,507 3,342
2016 23,987 1,793 2,836 11,571 835 3,560 3,392
5. An annual average target of 56,086 goat heads attained from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 55,253 12,512 5,357 25,759 2,265 4,264 5,095
2015 56,082 12,700 5,438 26,145 2,299 4,328 5,172
2016 56,923 12,890 5,519 26,537 2,334 4,393 5,250
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6. An annual average target of 3,773,943 chicken heads achieved from 2014 to 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 3,717,896 122,648 151,190 2,486,324 308,053 373,765 275,916
2015 3,773,664 124,488 153,458 2,523,619 312,674 379,371 280,055
2016 3,830,269 126,355 155,759 2,561,474 317,364 385,062 284,255
7. Meat production increased by at least 3% per year within 5 years Commodity 2014 2015 2016 Carabeef 11,501 11,731 11,966 Beef 2,540 2,591 2,643 Chevon 1,536 1,567 1,598 Pork 10,742 10,957 11,176
Fisheries Seaweed 1. Production increased from 31,939 MT in 2011 to 75,907 MT in 2016 Region/Province 2014 2015 2016 Region VIII 58,320.25 67,114.00 75,907.00 Biliran 0.17 0.2 0.23 Eastern Samar 17,671 20,336 23,000 Leyte 30,910 35,570 40,231 Samar 9,390 10,805 12,221 Southern Leyte 2.39 2.75 3.11 Northern Samar 432 497 563 2. Employment generation increased from 696 seaweed farmers in 2011 to 2,010 seaweed farmers by 2016 Region/Province Employment Region VIII 2,010 Biliran 198 Leyte 462 Eastern Samar 426 Samar 198 Southern Leyte 264 Northern Samar 462
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
3. Non-traditional area of seaweed culture park expanded from the existing 1,261 has. to 209.375 has. in 2016 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Leyte Eastern Samar Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
Estimated Area (has.) 209.375 20.625 48.125 44.375 20.625 27.500 48.125
Mussel 1. Mussel production of 1,000 MT annually expanded, from the targeted additional area of 40 has. per year in the expansion areas of Daram, Zumarraga, Villareal, Gandara, Calbayog and Talalora – all in Samar 2. At least 1,000 jobs from the mussel industry generated. Bangus 1. Production increased by an annual average of 14,611 MT per year Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Leyte Eastern Samar Samar Southern Leyte Northern Samar
2014 14,238.12 30.00 5,137.00 2,385.00 5,403.00 641.00 642.00
2015 14,950.02 31.00 5,394.00 2,504.00 5,674.00 673.00 674.00
2016 15,697.52 33.00 5,664.00 2,629.00 5,957.00 706.00 708.00
Strategies
For Objective 1
GVA in agriculture and fisheries increased
and Objective 2
Productivity of all major crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry increased 1. Increasing farm and aqua-marine productivity a. Building/Enhancing farmers’ and fishers’ capability, including that of women’s b. Using appropriate production and post-production technologies such as inter/multi-cropping, salt fertilization and putting-up of “Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan” (KAANIB) sites for coconut, longline and raft methods for mussel, among others. c. Venturing into alternative farming activities such as livestock raising, fruits and vegetables production, as sources of income, particularly for farmers whose farms are affected with crop disease and low price of products.
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
69
d. Providing farming inputs such as fertilizers, planting materials, and others.
3. Establishing climate-smart and disease-free agriculture and fisheries sector
e. Piloting an island-wide but village-based commercial production of organic fertilizer and fisherfolkdriven aquaculture development program in Samar island, the country’s third largest island. This will enable farmers to continue farming despite the high prices of fertilizers, and will provide people with fish as a substitute source of protein, thus, addressing food security. This strategy is relevant to oil dependence reduction in support of the government’s oil substitution strategy in the area of food production.
a. Ensuring the adapatability of agriculture and fisheries to climate change
f. Focusing on priority and emerging commodities g. Adopting management
integrated
crop
With agribusiness as one of the key development thrusts of the region, more efforts should be exerted to push both agricultural production and productivity to much higher levels so as to ensure availability of raw materials for industries. 2. Optimizing the use of available land and water resources. The region has vast lands that are suitable for farming, the use of which can be optimized by identifying and opening new areas for expansion. This should be one of the priority actions for agriculture. Eastern Visayas likewise has rich water resources including coastlines and bays/coves. The region has a vast potential for expansion of non-traditional areas, particularly for seaweed culture parks, with the largest estimated area in Northern Samar.
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
b. Rehabilitating unproductive and disease-infested areas c. Using disease-free planting materials d. Strengthening research and development (e.g. diseasetolerant planting materials, crops variety, and others) 4. Accelerating the establishment/ improvement of necessary infrastructure and production support facilities. Efforts should be directed at accelerating the provision of all infrastructure facilities needed to polevault production. These should cover expansion of irrigated areas of the region, particularly in the three Samar provinces (with 52.55% irrigation development) through the establishment of additional irrigation systems as well as the rehabilitation and restoration of existing ones. Alternative irrigation should be pursued such as the establishment of Small Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs), Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs), and Small Farm Reservoirs (SFRs). Post-harvest facilities and farm-to-market roads should also be provided. 5. Providing marketing assistance. There is a need to provide marketing support in the form of regular industry consultations between and among industry participants to include farmers, exporters/traders, and processors to be able to continuously identify market-related problems and issues. Market promotion will be carried out through direct participation
in fairs, missions, and exhibits to showcase the competitiveness of the region’s major industries. Support of the business sector may come in through market matching and linkage. Farmers’ cooperatives may be introduced to domestic and foreign buyers of the region’s major products. Direct market linkage will assure farmers of the highest possible returns for their produce.
For Objective 3
Labor productivity increased
and Objective 4
Women’s participation in agriculture and fisheries increased through the provision of skills trainings and capital 1. Capacitating farmers to become farm entrepreneurs 2. Developing technical skills of farmers through trainings 3. Encouraging off-farm employment at the household and village level 4. Processing of agricultural products as a source of employment 5. Increasing the employability of the labor force through skills training and delivery of health services 6. Gender and Development Advocacy for keyplayers in the agriculture sector 7. Strict enforcement of the Magna Carta of Women, particularly on provisions related to services to women in agriculture
Cross-Cutting Strategies 1. Strengthening linkages among government and private stakeholders in agriculture
of processes, support)
infrastructure
Programs, Projects and Activities 1. Philippine Rural Development Program 2. SIKAT SAKA 3. Farm Mechanization 4. Farm-to-Market Roads 5. Pre- and Post-harvest Facilities 6. Irrigation Systems 7. Credit Support 8. Extension Support, Education and Training Services 9. Inventory of Idle Lands and Mariculture parks 10. Seed Certification and Seed Disease Monitoring 11. Plant Inspection and Cerification and Product Certification 12. Production of Organic Agriculture Technology 13. Production support services: a. Soil fertility mapping b. Pest and disease surveillance c. Disaster quick response d. Quarantine services e. Seed production and distribution f. Input assistance 14. Market development services: a. Value chain analysis b. Trading centers 15. Research and development (e.g. climate-resilient crops) 16. Samar Island as a Rice Granary and Pillar of National Food Security (as proposed by the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development – a development consortium of the Dioceses of Catarman, Calbayog and Borongan) 17. Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihoods Project (FishCORAL) 18. Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) Project 19. Philippine National Aquasilviculture Program (PNAP)
2. Creating an enabling environment (policies on incentives, streamlining Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
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5
Inside the PASAR refinery plant Photo Courtesy of PASAR http://www.pasar.com.ph
Competitive Industry and Services Sector
As part and parcel of the national economy, Eastern Visayas competes with other regions for investments, trade, tourists, people, jobs, brand, image and reputation. Competitiveness in the industry and services sector basically depends on market performance but for it to be realized, government support and private sector participation play a very critical role. This would mean that more infrastructure and better governance must be in place in the next three years. These two factors are essential in drawing investors, both foreign and domestic. Foreign and export-oriented domestic investments should be the region’s top two priorities because both variables result in the inflow of new money. This chapter is very critical in the development of Eastern Visayas as the region pushes for agribusiness, tourism and ICT development. Agribusiness is part of the industry sector while tourism and ICT are integral to the services sector. To increase the economic value of the region’s agricultural and fishery products, agribusiness should be scaled up to a higher level. Valueadding of these products will translate to more jobs and income, particularly in view of the fact that the bulk of employment in the region is in the agriculture and services sector. Tourism is also expected to prop up the economy given the region’s scenic and historical spots. At the same time, the ICT sector in the region should be expanded as a source of employment and income. In the face of the global trends on business process outsourcing, and given the region’s vast potentials on ICT, this is not impossible.
Assessment In its desire to achieve inclusive growth, the region focused on developing these three sectors – agribusiness, tourism and ICT – to boost its competitiveness in Industry and Services. In the first three years of the Plan period, the performance of three focused sectors has yet to show remarkable improvements.
Ease of Doing Business One basic indicator in assessing competitiveness is the ease or cost of doing business. Second is the level of investments indicated by the number of investments/ establishments, amount of investments, volume and value of exports, jobs and income generated as a result of competitive cost of doing business.
The cost of doing business in Eastern Visayas compared to Manila and Cebu is still not competitive enough. While the region has abundant, reliable and cheap supply of electricity and water, its fuel rates are higher than in Manila and Cebu. Manufacturers, agribusiness or heavy industries, with PEZA-declared locations, connect directly to the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). However, logistics of these manufacturers also suffer, given the higher prices of petroleum products, which range from PhP5 to PhP10 per liter. Some areas in Eastern Visayas though, like Sogod in Southern Leyte, are now offering fuel prices comparable to Cebu and Manila. Currently, a total of 71 Local Government Units (LGUs) have streamlined their business permits and licensing system (Table 26). Competitive Industry and Services Sector
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Table 26. Local Government Units with Streamlined BPLS Province Leyte
Southern Leyte
Biliran Samar
Eastern Samar Northern Samar
Cities/Municipalities Covered Cities of Tacloban, Ormoc and Baybay; Abuyog, Barugo, Bato, Dulag, Hilongos, Isabel, Kananga, Palo, San Isidro, Tanauan, Villaba Maasin City, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Libagon, Liloan, Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Francisco, Silago, San Ricardo and Tomas Oppus Naval, Biliran, Caibiran, and Kawayan Calbayog City and Catbalogan City Almagro, Calbiga, Daram, Marabut, Pagsanghan, Paranas, Pinabacdao, San Sebastian, Sto. Niño and Tagapulan Borongan City, Guiuan and Maydolong Catarman, Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Las Navas, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mapanas, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Roque, San Vicente, Silvino Lobos, Victoria
Total
No. of Cities/ Municipalities 14
14
4 12
3 24
71
Source: DTI VIII, 2013
Agencies with ISO 9001:2008 or Quality Management System include TESDA-VII, DOST-Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory, among others.
Investments Flow of investments in industry and services from 2010 to 2012 was sluggish. Based on records of the Board of Investments (BOI), only one company in 2010, two companies in 2011, and three companies in 2012 poured in investments to the region. In relation to the region’s thrust on agribusiness, new investments came. In 2012, additional investments were generated from the BOI-registered SC Global through its expansion from organic coconut oil products to cocowater and coco-meat processing. MSME investments, mostly agribased, also increased from PhP212 million in 2010 to PhP2.1 billion in
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
2011 and to almost P3.0 billion in 2012. Furthermore, investments in tourism and ICT also increased as manifested in big investments in new accommodation facilities: three in 2011 including Go Hotels, also BOI-registered, and D’Oriental Hotels, among others; four in 2012 comprising Granda Manor, Z Pad, Milka Hotel and Ai’s Hotel. ICTsupport electronics (fiber optic) manufacturing also started in 2010. Highest investment was reported in 2011 with North Access Mining investing around PhP2.4 billion. Likewise, investments on trading also increased. This is shown in the proliferation of car dealers in the region. From what used to be only Mitsubishi, the region now has Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Susuki, which all opened in 2012. Gaisano Malls also opened in Ormoc
City and in Sogod, Southern Leyte. Shopping malls, aside from the existing Robinsons Mall Tacloban and Gaisano Central Mall, are expected to open in 2013. These are Robinsons Mall Tacloban North and SM’s Save More. From 2010 to 2011, the number of establishments increased by 1.82%. In the same period, the GRDP also inched forward, with a growth of 1.8%. This indicates that the increase in investments, which is manifested by the increase in the number of establishments, is a contributory factor to the GRDP growth. The increase in investments could be attributed to the intensified efforts of the government in creating a business-friendly environment that resulted in higher business confidence. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), for one, assisted the LGUs in streamlining business registration, permits and licensing, as well as in formulating local codes on tax holidays and incentives, among others. The LGUs and agency implementers such as DA, DTI and DOST have also promoted the declared eco-zones, to include LIDE, EVRGC, and Leyte ICT Park, as location for potential investors. Furthermore, DTI assisted 4,998 MSMEs on product development, branding, and market promotion. A total of 76 additional MSMEs were established and 249 were strengthened through the assistance of DTI’s 10 SMED Councils. DTI, in partnership with GIZ, also
undertook value-chain analysis to determine the gaps that need immediate investments, mediumterm investments, and long-term investments. The Regional Development Council, with the active participation of the regional line agencies like DA, DTI, DOT, DOST and NEDA, formulated the Agribusiness Commodity Roadmap, the Tourism Roadmap, and the ICT Roadmap. These roadmaps are comprehensive sources of information to potential investors. Despite these positive developments, the growth of business in the region still has to catch up with other regions such as Region IV-A (CALABARZON). Region IV-A is an industrial region and is contributing the highest portion to the national GVA on industry at 33.5%, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) of 19.6%, and Central Luzon at 12.3%. Region VIII shares only 3.5%. Region VIII follows a similar trend in terms of service sector contribution. NCR is the top contributor at 51.8%, followed by CALABARZON OF 9.9%, and Central Luzon at 6.7%. Region VIII provides only 1.6%. These trends point out the need for more investments to pour into the region, both in the industry and the service sectors.
Industry Sector In 2010-2011, the region’s Industry Sector had the lowest growth at
Table 27. New Investments: 2010-2012 Indicator Number and Type of Investment
2010 1 New – Fiber Optics Manufacturing (DSMI)
Investment Employment
Investments (in PhP‘000) 2011 2012 1 New – Magnetite 1 Expansion – Coco Water & Mining Meat Mfg (SC Global) 1 New – Hotel 2 Mass Housing (Go Hotels) 4,697 2,355,538 32 740
524,538 198
AAGR (%) 75%
24,986% 1,070%
Source: Board of Investment (BOI), 2013
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Table 28. Mineral Production: 2011 Name of Producer/ Project Name NICUA Leyte Ironsand Corp./ Leyte Magnetite Project Cambayas Mining Corporation / Homonhon Chromite Project Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corp. (SNMRC)Hinatuan Mining Corp. / Manicani Nickel Ore Exploration Project
Mineral Produced Philippine Iron Ore Philippine Metallurgical Chromite Ore Philippine Nickel Ore
Volume (Dry Metric TonsDMT) 126,177
314,964,029
14,954
75,368,160
Value (PhP)
Source: Philippine Metallic Mineral Production, 2013
0.4%, which fell short of the 5.47% target. Though the Industry Sector exhibited the lowest growth among the three major sectors, it remained as the biggest contributor to the GRDP at 43%. Manufacturing posted the largest share of 26.3% among the Industry sub-sectors. It grew at 4.5% and contributed 3.0% to the nation’s GVA on Manufacturing.
Mining and Quarrying The NICUA Leyte Irons and Corporation produced 126,177 dry metric tons (DMT) of Philippine Iron Ore valued at P314.96 million in 2011 (Table 28). In 2012, the operation of this same company was suspended. The Cambayas Mining Corporation produced 14,954 DMT iron ore valued at P75.37 million. The Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corporation with its affiliate, Hinatuan Mining Corporation in Manicani, returned operation in 2010. It had been suspended since 2001. Among the Industry sub-sectors, Mining and Quarrying grew most at 62.3%. This growth, however, did not affect much of the region’s economy because it contributed only 0.1% to the GRDP. This is despite the fact that four mining companies operated over an area of 11,962 hectares. Eastern Visayas contributed only 0.3% to the national GVA on Mining and Quarrying. Meanwhile, CARAGA (Region XIII) had a share of 19.9% and MIMAROPA, 36.3%. Mining may
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
not be substantial to hastening and sustaining the growth of the region. Nevertheless, mining activities support the operations of heavy industries.
Heavy Industries The bulk of manufacturing output comes from the heavy industries locators at the Leyte Industrial Development Estate, LIDE (Table 29). The increase in the manufacturing GVA is attributed to the 13% growth of PASAR’S copper cathodes and aluminum sulphate production by McMAI, a new industry locator in LIDE. In 2012, however, the LIDE operations encountered a setback when PASAR was razed by a fire in January, causing it to temporarily shut down. Another industry locator – Century Hua Guang, a nickel smelting plant – has stopped its plant construction due to China’s financial difficulties.
Agribusiness Over the first half of the Plan period, agribusiness has proliferated in the region. This is indicated by the number of additional agribusiness industries now operating in different areas of the region (Table 30). The growth of agribusiness could be a result of the joint efforts of concerned government agencies. The individual contributions of large processing companies include carrageenan powder, coconut cooking oil, edible crude coconut oil and pellets, abaca pulp, raw sugar, and bio-fuel, among others.
Table 29. Heavy Industry Locators: 2010-2012 Company Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation Copper Smelting and Refining Plant1 (1976)
Philippine Phosphate (PHILPHOS) Fertilizer Corporation (established in 1980, completed in 1984, and commercial operations in 1987)
Location LIDE, Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte (80-hectare)
LIDE, Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte (128-hectare)
Product, By-Products, and Product Certification Main products: Electrolytic Copper Cathodes; Refined Copper Anode = 215,000 mtpy
By products: Dore Metal; Granulated Slag; Selenium Powder; Sulfuric Acid Chemical Fertilizers: Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (NP/NPK); Magnesium Oxide (MgO); Urea; Muriate of Potash (MOP) Feed Grade Animal Supplement: Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate (MDCP)
Century Hua Guang Smelting, Inc. (CHGSI) - Nickel Smelting Plant (invested in October 2009) and Coking Coal Plant (investment expansion in March 2011)3 Clean Away Philippines, Inc. --Waste Water Treatment Plant (20112013)
LIDE, Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte (2,000sqm) LIDE, Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte
LIDE, Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte
China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia; Japan
ISO 9001:2008 on quality management system ISO 14001:2009 on environmental management system
Industrial Chemicals: Gypsum; Calcine
McMai / ALC Tonggo Fertilizer Manufacturing2 (2008)
Market
International: Kuala Lumpur; Indonesia; Thailand, Vietnam; Myanmar; Nepal (competitively leading in Asia and other nearby regions) Local: Luzon = 26 Visayas = 17 Mindanao = 15
Secondary Fertilizers: Aluminum Sulfate; Ammonium Aluminum Sulfate ISO Ferro-Nickel (Pig Iron) -- 7% Nickel Grade4
Not yet operational
100,000 metric tons annual capacity
Wastes with cyanide, acid wastes, alkali wastes, wastes with inorganic chemicals, reactive chemical wastes, inks, dyes, pigments, paint, latex, adhesives, organic sludge, wastes organic solvent, putrescible/organic wastes, waste oil, immobilized wastes, organic chemicals and miscellaneous wastes
PSR ISABEL Brand - registered as Grade A Copper with Metal Exchange (LME) and listed in the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) Also used by Water District to bring down suspensions in water 3 PEZA / ecozone export enterprise (registered with PEZA under certificate of registration 09-56 and EMB reference code 1003-0011) 4 Utilizing low grade nickel laterite ore from 0.9% to 3% from Palawan, Surigao, and Dinagat 1 2
Source: LIDE, company websites (2013)
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Table 30. Agribusiness Industries, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012 Industry TBK Industry (seaweed-based) (founded in 1999)
Location
Product
Nula-Tula, Tacloban City, Leyte
Carrageenan Powder
Strictly adheres to HACCP and GMP standards; Kosher and Halal certified; British Retail Consortium (BRC) certified; ISO 9001:2008 certification; Trans Fat Free, GMO and Allergen free; Radiation free Export market
Fiesta Oil Mill, Nula- Nula-Tula, Tula, Tacloban Tacloban City, Leyte
Coconut Cooking Oil
Domestic market
New Leyte Edible Oil Manufacturing Corporation1
San Roque, Tanauan, Leyte
Edible Crude Coconut Oil & Pellets
A subsidiary of Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. Export market
Tacloban Oil Mill (2006)
Opong, Tolosa, Leyte
Edible Crude Coconut Oil
Certified for British Retail Consortium (BRC), ISO 22000 (SGS), and O K Organization for Kosher Export market
Catarman Oil Mill (COMI) (2010)
Aguadahan, San Jose, Northern Samar
Edible Crude Coconut Oil
Export market
Sanvic Oil Mill
Alegria, San Isidro, Northern Samar
Edible Crude Coconut Oil
Domestic market
Samar Coco Calbayog Products Mfg. Corp. City, Samar
Edible Coco Oil
Export market
Visayan Oil Mill
Hilapnitan, Baybay City, Leyte
Edible Crude Coconut Oil
Export market
SC Global Products (2006)
Caridad, Baybay City, Leyte
BioCoco: Crude Coconut Oil (CNO); Refined and Bleached Coconut Oil/Cochin; Refined Bleached and Deodorized Coconut Oil (RBD); Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO); Coconut Fatty Acid Distillate (CFAD); Coconut Flour; Coconut Chips; Coconut Shortening; Copra Cake and Meal; Coconut Biodiesel; Coco Water & Coco Meat Products; Banana Chips
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) & Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) fully implemented; Ecocert and SGS- certified; Halal-certified; with Kosher star Export market
HIDECO Sugar Milling Company (HISUMCO)
Montebello, Kananga, Leyte
Raw Sugar, Refined Sugar, and other sugar products
Halal certified Export market
Pulp Specialties Philippines, Inc. (PSPI)
Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte
Abaca pulp
Export market
Specialty Pulp Mfg, Inc. (SPMI)
Hilapnitan, Baybay City, Leyte
Abaca pulp
Export market
Leyte Agri. Corp. (LAC)
Ipil, Ormoc City, Leyte
Bio-fuel
Export market
formerly National Investment and Development Corporation (NIDC) and Sol Oil Source: Company websites, 2013 1
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Product Certifications/ Market
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Production (metric tons)
37,500 refined oil
200 per day (52,800 per annum)
5,000 per day
(1,320,000 per annum)
450 per day (118,800 per annum)
HISUMCO’s production on raw sugar escalated by 21% and on molasses by 36% in 2011. Moreover, SC Global Food Products, Inc. expanded its operation from organic coco oil and coco meat products to coco water processing, which was prompted by a surge in global demand for organic drink. Catarman Oil Mills, Inc. was able to produce 200 metric tons of crude coconut oil per day. The Leyte Agricultural Corporation (LAC), however, temporarily shut down because of expensive molasses ranging from PhP2,500-PhP4,500 per metric ton, which is the company’s present raw material. However, the
company may also consider sugarcane residue and rice straw as alternative inputs in the production of cheaper bio-fuel. The LAC is using rice hulls as boilers that made them the Green Apple Awardee of a London-based environmental foundation. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) also contributed to the growth of the manufacturing subsector. Majority of these MSMEs are producing agri-based food products and souvenir items that support the growing tourism industry (Table 31). Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between SC Global Products, AFFIRE,
Table 31. MSMEs in Agribusiness: 2010-2012 Business Profile
Location / Market
Product
Agribusiness Federation of Matalom, Leyte Financial Intermediaries for Rural Empowerment (AFFIRE) Integrated Coconut Industry (AICI) Opened in July 2009 Organic 219 farmers 842 hectares
White copra (dehusked, deshelled, ground and cooked in ovens) Coco coir, Coco product derivatives ECOCERT- certified
Hernani Integrated Coconut Processing Plant Coco Bind
Hernani, Eastern Samar Catarman, Northern Samar San Francisco, Panaon Island, Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Mercedes, Eastern Samar Bato, Leyte
Coco coir, oil, vinegar
Alejandro, Jiabong, Samar
Tahong crackers
PEARBA and Co.
Agribusiness Livelihood Center Alternative Coco Enterprise Lola Concordia Agri-Industrial Farm and Processing Corporation (Benedicto Kuizon) Super J JED Tahong Crackers and Marine Product (Danilo Gabin) Carmela’s Tahong Crackers MLS-Maharlika Tahong Crackers Coco Sap Sugar Processing Plant
Production/Market (in tons) 45 tons of white copra = P1.3 million / SC Global 320 tons of baled fiber = P4 million 700 rolls of geonet = P1.1 million coco products derivatives = P350,000
Coco coir Coco coir
Dried mango, mango puree, mango juice
Alejandro, Jiabong, Samar Jiabong, Samar Catarman, Northern Coco sap sugar Samar
Sources: DTI, GIZ, afmis.da.gov.ph (2013)
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German International Cooperation (GIZ), and Matalom, Leyte was forged for organic farming and processing of coconut. KAHOI, a people’s organization in the neighboring town of Inopacan, Leyte, also deliver whole coconuts to AFFIRE. Another PPP comprising of eight Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) processing coco sap sugar in Catarman, Northern Samar had tie-ups with DOST, DTI and GIZ. DTI and GIZ intervened by matching the proponent with a buyer called BOCO TRADE, a US firm with a chain of organic stores. The DTI, GIZ, Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and APAC Customer Service, Inc. (a BPO company) had a PPP on “reverse market matching” where the needs of APAC were identified and led to
the investments of the Leyte Oriental Hotel, Leyte Provincial Convention Center, and MIKYU IT Business Park.
Services Sector The Services Sector registered the highest growth of 4.1% but below the 5.48% target. It is the second big contributor (35.6%) to the 2010-2011 GRDP.
Tourism Domestic arrivals in the region significantly grew at an average annual rate of 123% from 2010 to 2012 (Table 32). This could be a result of intensive tourism promotion through the quad media. Other factors that may have enticed more tourists to visit Eastern Visayas are promo fares offered by airlines,
Figure 16. Tourist Arrivals by Origin: 2012
Foreign Domestic
Source: DOT VIII, 2013
Table 32. Tourist Arrivals and Receipts by Type of Origin: 2010-2012 Type of Origin Foreign Domestic Total Arrivals Total Receipts (in million pesos)
2010 (base year) 16,069 191,348 207,417
27,368 338,099 365,467
28,790 461,682 490,472
38% 57% 55%
964
2,330
2,096
66%
Source: DOT VIII, 2013
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
2011
2012
% AAGR
increased flights to and from Manila, available accommodation facilities, and increased police visibility in tourism destinations. The desire of tourists to visit “less visited areas” could also be a factor.
Another tourism forest landscape is found in the Leyte Geothermal Reserve – the Lake Danao Natural Park. This guitar-shaped lake is the second of the two tourism sites listed in the National Ecotourism Strategy.
The proportion of foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 was relatively low compared to domestic tourist arrivals (Figure 16). Nevertheless, the number of foreign tourists grew at an average rate of nearly 40% from 2010-2012. This growth was mainly because of the lower cost of vacation in Eastern Visayas. The most expensive room accommodation, for instance, in a three-star hotel in Tacloban City costs PhP8,000 per day. This is relatively three times cheaper than in other areas outside the region, and by the standards of foreign tourists.
Sun and beach tourism is another asset of Eastern Visayas that competes with other Visayas regions. The region, however, has several of them declared as protected area, landscape and seascape. These are the Guiuan Marine Park Protected Landscape/Seascape (PLS) in Eastern Samar, also declared as small island tourism including Higatangan Island; the Biri-LaRoSa PLS in Northern Samar; and the Cuatro Islas PLS in West Leyte. Other popular sites are the Calanggaman Island in Palompon and the Canigao Island in Matalom.
1. Key Tourism Products
Still added as one of the tourism assets of Eastern Visayas, is culture tourism. Limasawa Island, where the First Mass was conducted, was declared as a Tourism Zone under Republic Act 7822. Likewise in Samar Island, historical areas could add to the tourist attractions of the region. These areas include the old fort of Palapag, Northern Samar where the galleons of yore first landed; the ruins of the first Jesuit Mission in 1596 in Dapdap, Tarangnan, Samar; the old Spanish fort in Zumarraga, Samar; and the 17th century churches in Basey (Samar), Guiuan (Eastern Samar), Catubig and Palapag (Northern Samar).
Over the Visayas areas, Eastern Visayas has the densest forests – best for nature and adventure tourism. These are the region’s biodiversity assets found in the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), and the Mt. Nacolod in Silago, Southern Leyte. Under the SINP is the Sohoton Caves Natural Bridge National Park in Basey which is one of the two premier ecotourism sites listed in the National Ecotourism Strategy. Among others, the SINP assets also include the Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, the second largest karst cave in Southeast Asia; the Lulugayan Falls and Literon Rapids also in Calbiga; the Torpedo and Rafting in Ulot Watershed; the Canopy Walk and View Deck in Paranas; and the majestic tri-layered Amandaraga Waterfalls in Lawaan, which is also being tapped for hydropower. Mt. Nacolod, on the other hand, is being developed as Silago Canopy Walk – one of the five destinations in the South Leyte as a Playground of Eastern Visayas. Others destinations are Agas-Agas Adventure, Napantao Marine Park/Sogod Bay Diving, Maasin Zoo, and Limasawa Historical Landmark.
2. Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) The Sustainable Tourism Management Plan for Central Philippines, supported by Republic Act 9593 known as the Tourism Act of 2009, paves the way to making tourism a sunrise industry in Eastern Visayas. Said Plan has identified six Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) for the region based on the availability of attractions, facilities and services; the capacity of the environment to sustain tourism development; and Competitive Industry and Services Sector
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the accessibility from key source market; among others (Figure 17). Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area Under this TDA, Tacloban City is the regional and provincial capital and gateway for Leyte First District and Samar District Two, close to San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines. This TDA offers a wide range of hotels and food centers, where accommodation establishments have amenities, attractions, activities, and souvenirs in place. The Tacloban Convention Center is one of the must-be amenities in Tacloban City as the core destination. The conduct of national conventions in Tacloban City is the region’s top tourist drawer. This TDA also includes Tanauan, a favorite venue for skim boarding competitions. Roads and bridges along this TDA are well-paved except in some isolated cases that need immediate repair. Tourist-worthy vehicles are moving around these areas.
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In Biliran, activities include hotbath swimming and snorkeling in its marine-bound and island destinations, while activities such as trekking and cool-bath swimming happen in forest-bound and waterfall spots. Roads and bridges along this TDA need improvement although some road sections are concretely paved. Southern Leyte Area It covers 12 municipalities (the pacific towns) and the capital city of Maasin in the province of Southern Leyte. This TDA has lots of deep-seated coral reefs, thus, activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling. Whale-shark watching is also another attraction. Sogod Bay Area offers opportunities for viewing whale sharks across Sogod and Liloan Bays in addition to its pristine reefs, walls and caves. It is also in this area where the Agas-agas Bridge in Sogod is found. Being the tallest bridge in the country, it is being eyed as a site for adventure tourism such as bungee jumping and zip line.
Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area
West Samar Area
It covers the Third, Fourth and Fifth Districts of Leyte and Biliran Island Province. This TDA offers good to best quality resorts, hotels and food centers. Attractions under this TDA also include nature activities like rafting in Lake Danao, island hopping in Cuatro Islas, ecological tripping in Tres Marias, among others. Swimming and snorkeling are likewise safe activities within the island destinations. The center here is Ormoc, a port city in the Bay of Ormoc facing Camotes Island. It has become a provincial hub on the western side of Leyte because of its protected harbor. Ormoc City is a transportation hub as there are regular shipping lines and fast craft services to and from Cebu City. Roads and bridges along this TDA are concretely paved.
This TDA covers Catbalogan, the capital town of the Province of Samar and Calbayog City, the lone city in Samar, dubbed as the City of Waterfalls.
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Catbalogan enjoys the amenities associated with cities, being the center of trade and commerce compounded with the fact that is a major hub along the Pan Philippine Highway. Attractions in this area are the Calbiga Caves and Tinagoan Cave. This area is also popularly known as the island of waterfalls such as the Lulugayan Falls, Pinipisakan Falls, Darosdos Falls, Panas Falls and Ton-ok Falls. Other places to visit are the island municipalities with scenic beaches.
Eastern Samar Area
Northern Samar Area
This area is inclusive of the Guiuan Group of Islands declared as small island tourism zone, as well as Southeastern Samar covering all other municipalities of Eastern Samar. The Guiuan Group of Islands is a protected landscape and seascape. This TDA has several other island escapades – white island beaches, enchanted island, among others. Activities under this TDA include swimming and snorkeling in its marine-bound and island destinations, and trekking in its forest-bound and waterfall spots.
This area includes the Balicuatro Group of Islands and Pacific Towns. Activities under this TDA include scuba diving, snorkeling, and shark viewing. A primary attractive spot is Biri-LaRosa, which is a protected landscape and seascape. Biri showcases marvelous rock formations brought about by the waves of San Bernardino Strait. Among these TDAs, three are considered emerging destinations in Eastern Visayas. These are: 1)
Figure 17. TDAs of Eastern Visayas http://iloveeasternvisayas.c om/
Rock Formation, Biri Island http://samar.lguph.com
Calbiga Cave www.lagawan.i nfo
Sohoton Cave www.calicoansurfcamp.c om
Calicoan Surf Camp, Guiuan
McArthur Landing Memorial
http://www.visitmyphilippines. com
Calanggaman Island
Biliran Shifting Sandbar Higatangan Island
Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge
Lake Danao
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Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area, 2) Eastern Samar Area, and 3) Southern Leyte Area. This is because these areas can offer better, if not the best, 5As in tourism – access, accommodation, attraction, activities/amenities, and acceptance of the communities. The rest of the TDAs are considered potential destinations. The region’s tourist destination areas are not yet as ready as in the other regions in meeting the demands of domestic and foreign tourists. Although some of them are now serving the domestic market, much has yet to be done, particularly in upgrading facilities that will cater satisfactorily to the international market. Hotels and restaurants are among the flourishing business establishments in cities, capital towns, and tourist destinations of the region. Generally, the quality of services is at par with the standards of the domestic market. There are some that can
meet international standards but these are mostly found in cities, capital towns and tourist destinations of the Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area, Southern Leyte Area, and Eastern Samar Area. Preserving and sustaining the region’s natural resources is paramount in promoting ecotourism. The proclamation of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) is a most welcome opportunity for the tourism industry of Region VIII. Found within the SINP are major attractions in the Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area. The region has 16 existing and potential ecotourism sites which, if well packaged and promoted, will attract not only local tourists but also those coming from other countries (Table 33). This is an opportunity for the community to engage in ecotourism-related services, hence, a source of revenue for the protected area.
Table 33. Existing and and Potential Ecotourism Sites, Eastern Visayas: 2012 Ecotourism Site Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape (PLS) Guiuan Marine PLS Biri-Larosa PLS Ulot River Sogod Bay Dive Sites Pan-as Hayiban PLS Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Amandaraga Falls Calbiga Cave Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest Silago Closed Canopy Mangrove Areas Along Dupon Bay Marabut Seascape/Marine Park Lake Danao Natural Park Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Source: DOT VIII, 2013
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Location/Province/City Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar Samar Southern Leyte Calbayog City Burauen, Leyte Lawaan, Eastern Samar Calbiga, Samar Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar Borongan-Llorente, Eastern Samar Silago, Southern Leyte Isabel and Merida, Leyte Marabut, Samar Ormoc City Samar
In the case of the SINP, it will be promoted as the center of ecotourism in Samar island by opening up certain areas of the protected area and its buffer zone for recreational activities. These areas are likewise wanting in terms of access road network and amenities, including those that will preserve the area such as proper waste disposal. Further, the development of ecotourism as a potential source of income for the community and the protected area necessitates partnership and collaboration with other sectors/ organizations including the LGUs, DENR, DOT and the private sector . Efforts to make Eastern Visayas a “tourism haven” involved the accreditation of tourism establishments, human resource development, and advocacy on tourism culture which were conducted by the national government. In 2012, seven primary and one secondary tourism establishments were accredited. Others are still in the process of accreditation. As part of human resource development, three LGU-based trainings for tourism frontliners were conducted. These were participated in by 16 female and 48 male frontliners. In addition, 38 tourismculture advocacies, joined in by 1,262 females and 1,223 males, were also done. Promotional activities on other tourist attractions (e.g. zipline and whale shark watching) had been conducted. Concerted tourism promotional services of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs), DOT, concerned LGUs, the civil society, and the media altogether contributed to the increasing tourist arrivals in Eastern Visayas. These are in the form of travel fairs and web-based advertisements, which greatly helped in increasing the region’s tourist arrivals.
In 2012, one international and three national fairs were participated in by the region’s tourism stakeholders. Familiarization tours for 39 media practitioners, 14 media outfits, and 17 foreign operations were also undertaken. Group tours were conducted for 1,697 domestic and 271 foreign tourists. Partnership with the media was also enhanced in five press conferences, 14 press coverages, and 154 features/blogs. A regional tourism website and one Facebook account were developed and maintained for Eastern Visayas. Around 22 outdoor ads, seven print ads, and 4,775 tourism brochures were designed, printed and distributed in strategic areas nationwide.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Eastern Visayas is gaining strength in ICT with declared ICT ecozones. One is the 6.8-hectare Leyte ICT Park located in Pawing, Palo, Leyte, which now hosts two Business Process Management and Outsourcing (BPMO) companies (Table 34). Another is the 22-hectare Leyte Mikyu Economic Zone now undergoing horizontal development. These two ICT parks are now available and ready for utilization by new locators. Moreover, two other recognized IT-BPMO companies are already operating in areas outside of the ICT parks. Several telephone companies (TelCos) are providing the wired and wireless connectivity solutions to the national fiber network as superhighway for data transmission. These are BayanTel, Globe, Smart, PLDT, Ormoc Telco, and Calbayog Telco. PLDT is providing five fiber nodes in the Tacloban-Palo Area. The status of local ICT enterprises in Eastern Visayas, in comparison to the national, is reflected in the succeeding table (Table 35).
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Table 34. Information Communication Technology (ICT) Park Area PEZA(hectares) approved Leyte ICT Park Pawing, Palo, Leyte 6.8 Yes Name
Uykim Ecozone Eastern Visayas Regional Growth Center (EVRGC) Other Locations
Location
Pawing, Palo, Leyte (across Leyte ICT Park) New Kawayan, Tacloban City
BPO locators
22
Yes
1992-ACCUDATA, Inc. (financial and data services) 2009-Expert Global Solutions (formerly APAC Customer Services, Inc.) 2013-Aktus Global Management Inc. (solutions, services, trainings, and web enabled) 1999- e-Systems Software (software development) 2007 – zurcSoft, Inc. (software development) 2004 - Asian Data Internet Solutions (content development) 2007 – Technology Business Incubator for ICT-based SME’s (e-Drawing Design Solutions, POS Technology Solutions Inc.) None yet
31.9
Yes
None yet
Tacloban City
GO ABROAD; COREDATA
Source: ICT Roadmap (2012)
Table 35. Local ICT Enterprises Enterprise ICT Establishments ICT Economy Computer Use at Work Internet Access / LAN / Broadband Penetration Internet Connection of Establishments Internet Literacy among Employees * routine use * utilization at work Mobile Phone Utilization
Total No. Nationwide 19,835 2,180 95.7% 60%
Total No. Eastern Visayas 485 28 96.4% 42.9%
88%
75%
% Regional to National 2.4 1 -
32.2% 71% (3rd rank) 66.8% (1st rank) 6th
Source: NSO Survey
Table 36. Employment in BPO: 2009-2012 Business Process Management and Outsourcing (BPMO) Combined Expert Global Solutions and ACCUDATA at Leyte ICT Park: Seats Jobs
2009
2010
2011
2012
1,264 1,231
1,161 1,485
1,222 883
1,222 1,900
Sources: NSCB (2009-2011); ICT Roadmap (2012)
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Like in agribusiness and tourism, the LGUs play a major role in attracting investors along these ICT fields. The Provincial Government of Leyte, an IT enthusiast, developed the Leyte ICT Park site, building, and made it into an economic zone. However, the region has yet to maximize the utilization of the Leyte ICT Park and the Uykim Ecozone, which cover 6.8 hectares and 22 hectares, respectively. This offers a wide area for IT-BPMO industries to come in. At present, the number of IT-BPMO investments/ locators is still limited. The Leyte provincial LGU also invited other IT Parks to locate nearby the Leyte ICT Park in preparation for becoming the Next Wave City.
Employment in Industry, Tourism and ICT Although there are more heavy industry locators in LIDE, these locators are employing the least because these industries are mostly machine-operated. Plant and machine operators constituted the third least number of employees, which slightly increased from 2.91% in April 2011 to 3.44% in April 2012. Under major occupation groups, female jobs are only 2% of the plant and machine operators in April 2010. This situation worsened in April 2011 with almost nil jobs for female. In the manufacturing industry, jobs occupied by males are 7% lesser than those occupied by females. Compared to the same period in 2011, however, female and male employment in the manufacturing industry was almost equal. Agri-based industries located in the countryside absorb farm labor. AFFIRE Integrated Coconut Industry in Matalom, Leyte employs a total of 219 farmers with a combined farm and industry income averaging P10,000. In Baybay City alone, around 500 workers from the locality were absorbed by the four agribusiness companies located there.
The services sector is the second biggest employer (44.6%). Most service workers are female (54%) as of April 2010, but this situation was reversed in April 2011. Tourism provides jobs in both core (landing areas) and satellite (activity areas) destinations. Hotels and restaurants employ more female workers than males though the proportion of male workers increased remarkably from 16% in April 2010 to 58% in April 2011. Latest data disclosed a relatively 60-40 job distribution in favor of females. Front desk officers were mostly females while housekeepers were mostly males. This could be attributed to gender stereotyping in occupations. ICT, particularly BPMO, is one of the drawers of employment with fast growing wage increases (Table 36). A BPMO company in the region employs as many as 2,000 people who earn an average of P15,000 a month. This figure does not include most of home-based online workers as they are unreported.
Labor Productivity Among the three major sectors, the industry sector had the highest labor productivity. The services sector, with second highest labor productivity, had the highest AAGR of 2.1%. Among regions, Eastern Visayas is fourth highest in labor productivity in the industry sector in 2011. In the services sector, the region was in the bottom-three in terms of labor productivity, together with Bicol and ARMM. Highest labor productivity in the services sector was observed in NCR, CAR and Central Visayas.
Summary of Challenges 1. Low investments. Low investments are being poured into Eastern Visayas, particularly in the countryside. Attracting business enthusiasts Competitive Industry and Services Sector
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to invest in the identified investment opportunities remains a challenge, especially in terms of foreign direct investments. Existing economic zones and industrial estates have yet to be optimized. 2. High dependence on heavy industries. For many years now, the region’s industry is highly dependent on heavy industries located in the LIDE. Thus, export is concentrated on few products such as fertilizers and copper cathodes. Processing of agri-based products is still very limited despite the region’s vast potentials. 3. Lack of competitive export products. The region is already producing a variety of products including agriculture and forest-based gifts, toys, houseware, and food items manufactured mostly by MSMEs. At present, however, these products cannot meet international standards, resulting to low demand from the global market and limited exports. Food-exporting MSMEs find it hard to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) or HALAL because of lack of technology. Some products of high-quality also lose in the global market because of lack of packaging. For certain products, small enterprises are unable to meet the volume of orders in the export market due to limited raw materials, capital, number of workers, and equipment. 4. High cost of doing business. Investors are discouraged to put up business in the region due to a number of reasons. One is the higher fuel price compared to Cebu and Manila, with a difference of around PhP5-PhP10
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
per liter for premium gasoline and PhP3-PhP5 for diesel. Also, electricity is more expensive in the region than in other regions. 5. Lengthy business and licensing procedure. Most LGUs’ permit and licensing processes are tedious and time-consuming. For a business applicant to be granted a permit/ license, it takes an average of 15 days. This situation might be due to two key factors. First, most LGUs impose voluminous requirements, thus, it takes a long time for MSMEs to comply. Second is “red tape,” which has something to do with negative work attitude of the staff incharge, resulting in delayed issuance of permit/license. 6. Lack/absence of business incentives for investors. Another reason why the region does not attract many investors is that many LGUs have yet to provide incentives for business locators. Such incentives could be in the form of tax holidays, tax exemptions, among others. This situation could be attributed to the fact that many LGUs do not have a Local Investment and Incentive Code (LIIC). This Code is supposed to serve as legal basis for the provision of business incentives. 7. Low availment of capital. There are actually many available funding opportunities that could be tapped for business capital. However, low availment of such has been observed. This could be due to the lack of awareness on the availability of these fund sources, the tedious requirements, the high interest rates, and the inability to comply with the required collateral due to the absence of assets on the part of the applicant.
8. Weak linkage with marketing channels. Producers/business owners are having difficulty in marketing their products due to their low awareness on the existence of various marketing channels. There are actually a lot of these that could be tapped without entailing so much cost. Examples are advertisements made through e-commerce such as text brigade, Facebook ads, and the like. 9. Inadequate infrastructure. Infrastructure facilities needed for business operations are still lacking. These include airports, ports, roads, among others. Likewise, unreliable power supply in some areas of the region (e.g. Samar) is a problem. This translates to additional cost to
the investors as they have to put up a back-up power source. Specific to the ICT industry, higher bandwidth allocations, among others, should also be provided to entice BPO locators. The service provider’s inability to purchase or utilize top-of-the line software and hardware is another ICT concern. 10. Slow development of the tourism industry. While Eastern Visayas has lots of tourist attractions, and has in fact already identified TDAs, a lot of things have to be put in place to make these areas tourist-ready. These include “high-end” accommodation facilities that pass tourism standards. Currently, only 16 of these accommodation facilities
Figure 18. Industry and Services Development Framework
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throughout the region are DOTaccredited. Another problem that besets the tourism industry is the lack of infrastructure support to the TDAs such as access roads. Likewise, tourist arrivals are limited because marketing of tourist-ready local attractions still needs to be further intensified. 11. Limited scale of the ICT industry. The region has already established its ICT industry but there is still a need to expand it. The Leyte ICT Park and the UyKim Ecozone have yet to maximize its utilization. At present, there is a limited number of BPMO locators. To attract more of these locators, there is a need to upgrade the digital infrastructure and skills requirements of the ICT companies. Specifically, English proficiency skills are needed. 12. Insurgency in isolated areas. The insurgency problem of the region has actually been under control already, except in certain isolated areas. This condition affects the tourism industry since some of these areas have potentials for ecotourism. Likewise, it may also hamper production and transportation of goods in these areas. 13. Lack of data on industry and services. This problem includes lack of data on minerals, tourism areas, and ICT. These data are needed by the business sector to help them with investment decisions. For instance, data on minerals that could be used as raw materials in heavy industries are being sought by business enthusiasts.
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Sectoral Development Framework Goals 1. Diversified agribusiness 2. Highly developed tourism 3. Viable ICT-BPMO
Objectives
On Agribusiness
1. Increased volume and value of exports 2. Increased volume and value of investments 3. Reduced costs of doing business (forms, procedures, days)
On Tourism
1. Increased tourists arrivals and receipts 2. Increased tourist facilities and activities 3. Eased travel regulations
On ICT-BPMO
1. Increased ICT-BPMO transactions and revenues 2. Increased ICT-BPMO centers and facilities 3. Enhanced ICT and other specialized graduates
Targets 1. Increased growth rate in GVA Industry by 5.49% to 5.57% or an average of 5.47% from 2014 to 2016 2. Increased growth rate in GVA Services by 5.53% to 5.63% or an average of 5.48% from 2014 to 2016 3. Increased Lkg (50 kilos per kilogram) sugar produced by an annual average of 19.95%
4. Employed three (3) persons for every MT processed and some 27,834 persons in the processing industry by 2016 Item Planting materials (pcs) New Production Areas (has) Increase in Total Production (MT) Employment Generated (prodn) Volume Processed to Chips (MT) Employment in Processing 5. Processed production either by small-scale remaining processed products
4% of annual into banana chips SC Global or by processors and the 96% sold fresh or into other banana
General Strategies 1. Conducting aggressive investment promotion - Conducting investment forums with local and international business persons 2 . I m provin g the busi ness environment a. Instituting reforms in governance - Streamlining business process licensing system (BPLS) in LGUs and regulatory agencies • Set a one-stop shop or office for business registration • Reduce number of forms to be filled-up and filed, say from 5 forms to 1 form • Lessen procedures of business registration, say from 10 steps to 3 steps • Shorten the number of days, say from 15 days to 1 day
2014 20,000 50 10,018 100 10,018 25,246
2015 20,000 50 10,519 100 10,519 26,508
2,016 20,000 50 11,045 100 11,045 27,834
b. Instituting reforms on financing - Providing easy access to capital • S t r e a m l i n e documentary requirements • Reduce interest rates for borrowers • Developing an investment culture • Stimulate savings and investments through advocacy • Build entrepreneurial attitude and capacity through trainings and advocacy c. Fast-tracking the formulation of the Local Investment and Incentives Code d. Rationalizing the price of power and fuel through policy recommendation e. Strictly enforcing the AntiRed Tape Act f. Hastening the provision of infrastructure facilities in tourism, agribusiness and ICT by giving priority to investments in infra projects in these areas 3. Mainstreat programs in industry and services sectors in order to enhance women’s participation in economic activities through the enforcement of the Magna Carta provisions related to industry and services
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Specific Strategies For Goal 1
Diversified agribusiness 1. Ensuring innovative, sustainable, and high-quality product development a. Strengthening product research b. Updating product quality through ISO accreditation c. Upgrading capacity of business enterprises to increase productivity and efficiency (in terms of capitalization, manpower, equipment, technology)
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a good chance that many of the region’s exports will constitute coconut-based products. With the global trend on organic food and beverages, banana and camote-based products will also take a significant share in the export market. 4. Tapping ICT for MSMEs a. Automation of business operations b. E-commerce c. Access to digital content and Internet connectivity
For Goal 2
2. Intensifying product promotion and marketing a. Enhancing product packaging b. Completing product labels: - Pro-global - product certifications, domestic and international - Pro-growth (societal advancement); or Pro-people (health benefits) - Pro-poor – livelihood of poor, women and men - Pro-environment – benefits to the environment (safety nets, organic) - Product usefulness or expiration c. Marketing assistance - Market matching - Internet marketing/ecommerce - Production of IEC materials
Highly developed tourism
3. Promoting industry clustering and product diversification. This is another agribusiness strategy that optimizes the use of raw materials. For instance, utilization of the whole coconut as raw materials instead of copra only in oil mills will give rise to the value-adding of coconut water, coco shell and coco-coir. Out of coconut water a refreshing organic drink can be produced. Likewise, coconut shell and coco-coir can be processed into gifts, toys and housewares (GTH). Given the diversification potentials of coconut, there is
2. Improving market access, connectivity, and destination infrastructure a. Increase internet marketing b. Add flights connectivity
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
1. Developing market-competitive tourist products and destinations a. Encouraging public and private investments to develop the TDAs b. Putting the necessary facilities and amenities in TDAs c. Enhancing attractiveness of TDAs - Establish tourism standards in other areas, e.g. destinations and services - Instill tourist-friendliness of frontliners - Promote TDAs through quad media and travel fairs - Use tag phrase (e.g. “Share the Fun, Choose Eastern Visayas”) to invite tourists
3. Improving tourism institutions, governance and human resource capacities
Additional Specific Strategies for Tourism 1. Prepare the house. Clean and put the house in order before inviting visitors. Dedicate the next 12 months to:
a. Site development b. Product development c. Access to destinations d. Upgrading of accommodation and other support facilities e. Improving tourism services (transportation, tour operations, tour guiding and other industry workers, cuisine, “pasalubong”) f. Intensifying tourism-related investments 2. Invite visitors a. Conduct familiarization tours for travel trade and media b. Develop Eastern Visayas Tourism web page c. Promote tourist spots through billboards, tri-media and online media d. Join travel fairs, exhibitions and sales missions e. P r e p a r e q u a l i t y a n d competitive tour packages f. Prepare promotional collaterals 3. Endeavour for return visits a. Continuously improve tourism products and services b. Gather market intelligence c. Conduct visitor /customer satisfaction surveys d. Make the culture of tourism and service excellence a way of life e. Ensure sustainable use of natural, historical, cultural, human-made tourism assets
For Objective 3
Expanded and viable ICT 1. Optimizing the utilization of the Leyte ICT Park and other ICT parks by promoting them to prospective IT-BPMO locators/ companies a. Conduct of selling missions b. Provision of incentives for new locators 2. Upgrading communication and telecommunication facilities needed by the locators
3. Producing ICT-skilled human resource that matches the needs of ICT companies
Programs, Projects and Activities Agribusiness 1. Business Process Licensing System (BPLS) 2. Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) 3. Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program 4. ISO 9001 and 17025 accreditation 5. Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program (CLEEP)
Tourism Regional High Impact Priority Projects/Activities 1. Designing and launching of EV tourism website/portal 2. Installation of EV tourism billboards at international airports 3. Installation of signages along roads leading to tourist sites / destinations 4. Redevelopment of the Tacloban Airport 5. Mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises 6. Recognition of more heritage sites at the national / international and designation of tourist heritage sites and landscapes to protect them from inappropriate uses 7. Advocacy on culture of tourism and service excellence 8. Mandatory submission of visitor statistics 9. Training for tourism frontliners 10. Tourism caravan / familiarization tours 11. Competitive tour packages
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12. Preparation of tourism investment plan and conduct of investment promotion drive 13. Samar Island as Growth Center for Ecotourism - Development and upgrading of facilities in ecotourism sites in: a. Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, Basey Samar b. Biri Protected Seascape, Biri, Northern Samar c. San Antonio beaches, San Antonio, Northern Samar d. Calbiga Caves, Calbiga, Samar e. Borongan-Llorente Forest Canopy, Borongan, Eastern Samar f. Network of waterfalls, Calbayog City High Impact Priority Projects to Develop TDAs 1. Preparation and implementation of TDA Action Plans that support the National Tourism Development Plan and the Eastern Visayas Regional Tourism Strategic Plan 2. Preparation and implementation of Destination Development Plans for identified anchor destinations /sites 3. Livelihood programs /projects for the communities to include production of “pasalubong” items, culinary products, provision of local and specialist guides, local transport services, food supply and ancillary services 4. Assistance to industry associations and expansion of industry linkages
ICT 1. ICT Park Creation, Expansion and Investment Promotion a. Innovation System and Marketing Support b. ICT Promotion/Advocacies (Forums, Expos) 2. Institutional Development and Linkages
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3.
4. 5.
6. 7.
a. Technology Business Incubator Program b. Industry-Academe Linkage - Skills Matching with Industry Needs Human Resource Upgrading a. Curricular Improvement b. Skills Upgrading c. Upgrading of School ICT Facilities Establishment of Database on ICT Graduates Infrastructure Support a. Interconnectivity b. Provision of back-up power source, reliable power supply, and preferential rates c. Support to national broadband strategy - Provision of bigger, higher, and wider bandwidth (bandwidth per user) Enforcement of IT-related laws and regulations, including those that address cyber crimes Enforcement of technical standards and accreditation
6
Agas-agas Bridge
Photo Courtesy of Ronald Tagra http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamsky/
Accelerating Infrastructure Development
The development of infrastructure in the region shall support the growth requirements of the various sectors of the regional economy to achieve the development goals and objectives of Eastern Visayas. Specifically, it is aligned with the needs of agribusiness, tourism and ICT. It aims to contribute to achieving inclusive growth and poverty reduction as well as enhance access to goods and services by providing safe, efficient, adequate, reliable, cost–effective, and sustainable infrastructure.
Assessment
in identified production and industry cluster areas, tourism destinations, and in areas with peace and order problems.
Transport Under the 2011-2016 Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan, the development of the region’s transport infrastructure network is focused on the provision of infrastructure and other support facilities for agribusiness, tourism and ICT industries. The strategy is to give priority in the allocation of public resources to the construction, rehabilitation and repair of major road links and farm-to-market roads
For roads and bridges, the substantial improvement and rehabilitation works implemented and completed are expected to reduce transport costs, thus, inducing economic activities, particularly in the rural areas. Towards this end, the national government gave priority to the completion of the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway that bridges
Table 37. Status of National Roads, by District Office: 2012 (in kilometers) District Office Biliran Tacloban Leyte 1st Leyte 2nd
Paved 120.6 59.1 107.6
Leyte 3rd Leyte 4th Leyte 5th Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar 1st Northern Samar 2nd Samar 1st Samar 2nd Region VIII Philippines
2010 Unpaved Total Length 31.5 152.1 10.4 69.5 18.7 126.3
Paved 148.5 62.9 116.1
% Paved 97.6 90.5 92.0
168.0 93.8 162.4 178.6
35.8 85.2 39.7 0.8
203.8 179.0 202.1 179.4
180.9 124.4 179.1 179.4
22.9 54.6 23.1 0.0
203.8 179.0 202.2 179.4
88.7 69.5 88.5 100.0
265.9
16.9
282.7
269.2
13.5
282.7
95.0
301.6
16.2
317.8
314.4
6.2
320.6
98.0
183.7
57.8
241.5
197.7
47.0
244.7
80.8
69.9 126.4 213.6 2,051.2
45.5
115.4 126.4 228.2 2,424.2
117.7 126.4 222.1 2,238.8 25,443.4
11.8
129.5 126.4 228.2 2,444.3 31,597.6
90.8 100.0 97.3 91.6 80.5
14.6 373.0
Source: DPWH VIII, 2013
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2012 Unpaved Total Length 3.6 152.1 6.6 69.5 10.1 126.2
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
6.1 205.5 6,154.2
Table 38. List of Major Ports by Province: 2012 Province Biliran
Leyte
No. of Ports 3
7
Southern Leyte
1* 1* 6
Eastern Samar
1* 1* 2
Northern Samar
2
Name of Port Naval Port Kawayan Port Maripipi Port Tacloban Port Ormoc Port Palompon Port Baybay Port Hilongos Port Calubian Port San Isidro Port Bato Port Isabel Port (Pingag Port) Maasin Port Liloan Ferry Terminal San Juan Port Padre Burgos Port Limasawa Port San Ricardo Port Sogod Port St. Bernard Port Borongan Port Guiuan Port San Isidro Ferry San Jose Port Allen Ferry Terminal 1
Location Naval Kawayan Maripipi Tacloban City Ormoc City Palompon Baybay Hilongos Calubian San Isidro Bato Isabel Maasin Liloan San Juan Padre Burgos Limasawa San Ricardo Sogod St. Bernard Borongan Guiuan San Isidro San Jose Allen
Allen Ferry Terminal 2 Calbayog Port Catbalogan Port Manguino-o Port
Allen Calbayog City Catbalogan Calbayog
Remarks New New w/ RORO Ramp w/ RORO Ramp w/ RORO Ramp
New LGU managed Private w/ RORO w/ RORO Ramp w/ RORO Ramp New New New LGU-managed LGU-managed
w/ RORO Ramp BALWHARTECO
Private w/ RORO Samar
2 1*
Private w/ RORO w/ RORO Ramp w/ RORO Ramp w/ RORO Ramp
Note: * Not managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Source: PPA, Tacloban and Ormoc Project Management Offices (PMOs), 2013
Table 39. Total Port Statistics, Eastern Visayas, 2010-2012 Indicator Shipcalls Cargo Throughput (MT) Domestic Foreign Passenger Traffic
2010 24,167 6,057,727 3,604,867 2,452,860 4,826,583
2011 23,405 5,653,779 3,464,581 2,189,197 4,720,203
2012 24,047 5,232,282 3,477,301 1,754,981 4,812,852
Source: PPA, PMO Tacloban and Ormoc, 2013
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the islands of Luzon and Mindanao. The completion of the Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte and the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway greatly enhanced vehicular traffic along the Eastern Nautical Highway of the country and improved the linkages between and among the provinces of the region. As of 2012, Eastern Visayas’ total road length of 2,444 kilometers of national roads is already 91.6% (2,239 km.) paved with the remaining 8.4% (205 km.) still unpaved, an increase of 188 kilometers paved road from 2,051 kilometers in 2010. This is 11% higher than the national average, which is only 80.5% paved (Table 37). However, some major sections of paved roads are in poor condition, particularly the Buray-Taft-BoronganGuiuan section in Eastern Samar. This section is currently being improved/ rehabilitated with grant assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States of America. Also, the missing road link in the Island of Samar which is the Oras-San PolicarpoArteche-Lapinig-Gamay-MapanasPalapag-Laoang Road or the Samar Pacific Coastal Road has already been approved for implementation to be funded by the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The completion of the Eastern Nautical Highway route from SurigaoBiliran-Masbate linking the region to the other parts of the country with RORO facilities increased the number of domestic tourists coming to Eastern Visayas. This nautical highway likewise placed the region in the tourism map of the country and expanded the country’s nautical highways. As of 2012, the region has 29 major ports and ferry terminals. Twenty two (22) are managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), four by local government units, and three by private companies (Table 38).
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With regard to ports, in 2012, the total cargo throughput of the region reached a total volume of 5.2 million metric tons (Table 39). Domestic cargoes comprised 3.47 million metric tons or 66% while the exported and imported cargoes totaled 1.75 million metric tons or approximately 34%. Compared to 2010, the cargo throughput declined by 13.6%. In terms of passenger traffic, the number of passengers totaled to 4.81 million. The highest number of passengers was registered in the port of Allen, Northern Samar, which catered to 1.6 million people or 34% of the total. This is evident of people coming to and from Manila, via Northern Samar. It is followed by the port of Ormoc, which served 1.05 million passengers going to Cebu and vice-versa, representing 22%. Compared to 2011, a modest growth of 2% is noted in passenger traffic. Regarding air transport, the region’s airport facilities are continuously upgraded to meet the increasing passenger and cargo traffic, to serve modern and bigger aircraft, and to provide safety to air commuters. To date, the Tacloban Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport is undergoing upgrading and improvement, with an estimated cost of PhP2.3 billion. Funding comes from the national government to be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). The Tacloban Airport Redevelopment Project is expected to be completed by 2015. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has programmed the improvement of other airports next year. Of the region’s 10 airports, only eight are operational and only three airports operate commercial flights, namely: Tacloban, Calbayog and Catarman Airports. The Tacloban Airport is classified as Principal Class I, three airports as Principal Class II (Ormoc, Calbayog and Catarman) and six as community airports
Table 40. Selected Statistics for Tacloban Airport by Type of Aircraft: 2010 and 2012 No. of Aircraft Movement 2010 2012 2,279 1,680 870 738 1,536 3,034 3,300 724 726 50 712 1,712 336 382 274 16 80 8,017 10,432
Airlines/Type of Aircraft Philippine Airlines Air Phil Express (Mactan) Air Phil Express (Manila) Cebu Pacific Air (Manila) Cebu Pacific Air (Mactan) Cebu Pacific Air (Iloilo) Zestair Seair/Tiger General Aviation Military/Gov’t. Plane TOTAL
No. of Passenger Movement 2010 2012 289,038 180,384 47,289 36,933 98,403 451,379 423,775 40,680 81,642 2,273 78,517 194,903 33,529 136 59 308 907,347 1,154,010
Volume of Cargo (MT) 2010 2012 1,555 953 64 52 359 3,289 4,106 15 156 3 1,390 1,575 6
6,323
7,209
Source: CAAP VIII, 2013
Table 41. Selected Statistics for Other Airports: 2010 and 2011 Airport Calbayog Airport Catarman Airport Ormoc Airport TOTAL
No. of Aircraft Movements 2010 2011 924 908 1,437 1,448 3,355 7,000 5,716
9,356
No. of Passenger Movements 2010 2011 44,432 44,415 69,519 74,922 18,434 37 132,385
119,374
Volume of Cargo (MT) 2010 2011 166,219 155,312 305,097 292,434 144,894 616,210
447,746
Source: CAAP VIII, 2013
Table 42. Proportion of Households with Access to Safe Water and Sanitary Toilet: 2010 and 2011 Area Region VIII Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Tacloban City Ormoc City Calbayog City Maasin City
Safe Water 2010 2011 88.83 71.33 96.10 97.64 89.80 84.82 78.80 77.76 103.8 71.43 86.10 83.26 71.00 25.20 100.00 70.60 96.00 95.95 82.00 63.82 91.70 94.10
% Increase/ (Decrease) (17.5) 1.54 (4.98) (1.04) (32.37) (2.84) (45.8) (29.4) (0.5) (18.18) 2.4
Sanitary Toilet 2010 2011 74.48 64.96 73.50 73.03 80.00 79.09 87.80 88.60 54.20 48.99 68.80 71.20 65.70 27.42 74.40 60.82 79.60 77.28 78.00 58.23 85.30 84.51
% Increase/ (Decrease) (9.52) (0.47) (0.91) (0.8) (5.21) 2.4 (38.28) (13.58) (2.32) (19.77) (0.79)
Source: FHSIS, DOH-RESU VIII, 2013
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(Maasin, Borongan, Hilongos, Biliran, Catbalogan and Guiuan). Presently, there are four airlines providing commercial flights to the three airports in the region. For the Tacloban Airport alone, Cebu Pacific Air provides five flights daily for Tacloban-Manila route, one flight daily for Tacloban-Cebu, and one flight every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for Tacloban-Iloilo (Table 40). Air Phil Express provides three flights daily for Tacloban-Manila, and one flight daily for Tacloban-Cebu. Furthermore, ZestAir has three flights daily while SeaAir/Tiger has two flights daily for the Tacloban-Manila route. Overall, the Tacloban Airport caters to 15-16 commercial flights daily, making it among the busiest and most congested airports in the country. With regard to the Tacloban Airport operational statistics (Table 40), a significant rise in aircraft and passenger movements was noted in 2012. Aircraft and passenger movements increased by 2,415 (30%) and 246,663 (27%) from 2010 figures, respectively. This indicates more activities along tourism and trading. For the other operational airports in the region, 2011 marked the termination of commercial flights in Ormoc Airport when Asian Spirit ceased its operation. The 2011 aircraft movements of 7,000 at Ormoc Airport were made by chartered planes (Table 41). On the other hand, the commercial flights in Calbayog and Catarman Airports were provided by Air Phil Express, Cebu Pacific Air, and Zestair. While the past two years saw notable accomplishments in the region’s transport sector, the quality and capacity of the transport network remained low. These deficiencies were caused mainly by inadequate and unstable funding for construction and development of transport infrastructure, as well as poor management and maintenance of
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existing transport infrastructure assets. Lack of integration between national and local government plans and programs/projects was also a major problem that resulted in gaps in the transport network. This was partly a consequence of the insufficient capacity of LGUs to finance and manage local projects, particularly roads, and the lack of national government funds to maintain the existing national transport infrastructure base. This condition of the transport system continues to exist, hence, should be given due urgent attention considering that it plays an important role in developing the agribusiness and tourism industries of the region. Roads are badly needed to transport products and lead tourists to and from tourism destinations. Transport is also supportive to the improvement of the condition of women. It has been noted that in areas that are not yet connected to a national road network, there is still incidence of maternal mortality. Lack of transport system hampers the accessibility of birthing facilities, especially during emergencies, which sometimes results to maternal death.
Water Water Supply Under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the government targets that by 2015, about 82.6% of households will have access to safe water supply and 75.9% to sanitary toilet. However, majority of LGUs have posted decreases in the proportion of households with access to safe water and toilet from 2010 to 2011 (Table 42). This situation could be attributable to low public investments in water supply and sanitation facilities. At the regional level, the current proportions of 71.33% for water supply and 64.96% for toilet against the MDG, indicate that there is a high
probability that the targets will be attained. In terms of the type of water supply service, however, only about 17% of the total population is served with Level III. Level II accounts for 8% and Level I for the big chunk of 41%. The remaining portion (34%) of the population is still dependent on doubtful sources. Level III water system is genderresponsive. It helps women in practical ways as water is essential in the daily life and tasks of the family, which are usually carried out by women. Also, potable water ensures the good health of the family. But as shown in the preceding Table, the percentage of households with access to safe water and toilet declined. There are 21 operational water districts serving 85,064 service connections. The Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) is the biggest water district with 28,623 service connections (36%); the others are shared by the other water districts. The region’s water service providers suffer from three major problems: 1) lack of operational/financial funds; 2) political interference in the operations; and 3) scarcity of water sources in some areas, which limits the expansion of service to more people.
Among the major constraints to water service providers’ expansion of coverage and improvement of quality of service is the low tariffs, which hinders cost recovery and accumulation of funds for new capital expenditures. Moreover, there is no clear policy framework for financing water supply programs and projects as financing comes from a variety of sources. National government financing is primarily administered through Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) or the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO). Congressional funds for water supply projects are likewise significant but uncoordinated and largely allocated to politicallydetermined areas. Local government units, on the other hand, can provide funding mostly for operation and maintenance only.
Irrigation
The 2011-2016 RDP cited that irrigation plays a vital role in the development of agriculture as well as in the attainment of food security of the region. As of 2012, about 55.7% of the region’s potential irrigable area is irrigated (Table 43). Compared to 2010 figure of 59,243 hectares, an increase of 9% was achieved. The province of Leyte has the largest irrigable area, comprising 45% of the total area. On the other hand, the province of Biliran has the least irrigable area of only 5% of total irrigable area.
Table 43. Status of Irrigation Development, by Province: 2012 Province Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar Samar TOTAL
Potential Irrigable Area (Ha.) 52,236 5,664 6,630 18,723 16,454 15,782 115,489
Existing Service Area (Ha.) National 18,188 386 800 1,275 20,649
Communal 14,652 2,961 3,874 5,549 3,434 3,029 33,499
OGA 2,116 383 532 452 14 3,497
Private 4,331 280 1,715 390 6,716
Total 39,287 3,624 6,507 5,549 4,686 4,708 64,361
Area for Dev’t. (Ha.)
% Dev’t.
12,949 2,040 123 13,174 11,768 11,074 51,128
75 64 98 29 28 29 55.7
Source: NIA VIII, 2013
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In terms of irrigation development by province, Southern Leyte ranks first at 98%, followed by Leyte and Biliran at 75% and 64%, respectively. On areas for development, Samar Island offers the biggest potential area, representing 70% of the remaining potential area. The potential sites for developing irrigation systems to intensify agricultural production in the region are Catarman-Bobon and Bugko in Northern Samar; Dolores Valley in Eastern Samar; Calbiga, Sta. Rita, Basey and Gandara in Samar; and Villaba in Leyte. One of the major causes of the low agricultural productivity in Samar is the inadequacy of irrigation facilities. A big project, the Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project (HCAAP) in Northern Samar funded by JICA has not been completed yet. It is envisioned to provide irrigation to 2,500 hectares of riceland in Catubig and Las Navas but as of 2012, only around 700 hectares were provided with irrigation water. Construction of the two diversion dams namely, Hagbay and Bulao, has encountered significant delays with overall accomplishment of only 50%. Lack of irrigation facilities is aggravated by the poor performance of most national and communal irrigation systems in the region. This is attributable to inadequate operation and maintenance, lack of routine repair, and ineffective management of irrigation facilities due to technical and institutional deficiencies.
Flood Control Eastern Visayas, being composed of small islands and facing the Pacific Ocean, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate data for the past 50 years already show trends of rising temperatures, changes in rainfall pattern, and an increasing number of extreme climate events like cyclones, flooding and drought.
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Recent events (typhoons, landslides, floods) that occurred in the region have shown the massive extent of damage, both in the loss of lives and properties, brought about by the unpredictable weather patterns as a result of climate change. Existing flood control structures, except the flood control project of Ormoc City funded under JICA grant, have proven to be inadequate in handling the unexpected increase in stormwater discharge, which resulted in massive flooding both in urban and rural areas such as in Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Matag-ob, Catarman, among others. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has identified several critical flood control projects in the region. However, due to the insufficiency of funds, these projects cannot be implemented immediately. The perennial problem of lack of funding affects not only the implementation of the hard infrastructure component but also the inherent activities in most flood control projects such as rightof-way acquisition as well as the implementation of complementary non-structural measures such as flood forecasting, warning and monitoring systems, evacuation plan, hazard mapping, and watershed management activities. Apart from said activities, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs are also heavily dependent on government allocation and are thereby not exempt from funding constraints. LGUs lack funds for regular O&M of existing flood control interventions. Considering that flood structures are exposed annually to the wear and tear of typhoons, regular maintenance works have to be carried out to ensure that the optimal conveyance capacities of said structures are maintained. We a k co o rd i n at i o n a m o n g government agencies and LGUs poses problems in the implementation, operation and maintenance of flood control structures. Ideally, upon its completion, the flood control
structures should be managed and maintained by the LGU having territorial jurisdiction over the project as they are the ones directly benefitting from it. However, due to the lack of financial support and capacity to conduct O&M, not all LGUs can commit to this responsibility. More so, it remains unclear on who shall take responsibility on O&M as there is no law/guidelines clarifying the sharing of this responsibility between the LGUs and the government agencies.
Energy Power and Electrification Eastern Visayas currently hosts five power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of 699.4 mega watts. The source of power supply in the region primarily is the Leyte Geothermal Production Field in Tongonan. Small islands are powered by individual generating sets. Eleven electric cooperatives (EC) and one multi-purpose cooperative are distributing electricity throughout the region (Table 44). The region has a total of 4,372 barangays, 4,371 of which are already energized. This shows an energization level of 99.97%
as of end of 31 December 2012, indicating a significant achievement from 82% in 2003. All provinces of the region are already 100% energized, except for Samar with one remaining barangay unenergized. Meanwhile, household connection level has already reached 81%. This means that out of 816,000 households, 657,204 households are with electricity connection. Electrification at the sitio level, on the other hand, was at 71%. For missionary areas, a large portion of the remaining unenergized sitios is mostly remote and with dispersed households that are difficult to energize as doing so would require extensive resources, time and effort. Transmission facilities needed to meet customer demand and ensure reliability, adequacy and stability of the region’s transmission system are in place and are being improved/ upgraded. The completion of the Wright-Calbayog 138 KV transmission line in Samar in 2012 will improve the reliability of transmission facilities. The improvement and upgrading of the region’s transmission facilities will ensure reliable and stable supply of electricity that will boost investments in agribusiness, tourism and ICT industries.
Table 44. Status of Electrification as of December 31, 2012 Electric Cooperatives DORELCO LEYECO II LEYECO III LEYECO IV LEYECO V SOLECO BILECO NORSAMELCO SAMELCO I SAMELCO II ESAMELCO TOTAL
Barangays Potential Energized 499 499 196 196 285 285 245 245 414 414 500 500 117 117 569 569 427 426 524 524 596 596 4,372 4,371
% 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99 100 100 99
Potential 384 144 220 1,075 1,496 1,816 203 361 70 1,523 547 7,839
Sitios Energized 161 112 82 1,025 954 1,621 144 69 26 1,204 149 5,547
% 42 78 37 95 64 89 71 19 37 79 27 71
Connections Potential Served 77,200 65,861 64,800 62,543 48,300 38,464 61,800 61,738 125,500 101,617 84,600 78,690 30,700 26,887 105,000 57,706 59,500 48,651 75,600 58,139 83,000 56,908 816,000 657,204
% 85 97 80 99 81 93 88 55 82 77 69 81
Source: NEA, 2013
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Energy Resources Eastern Visayas is the largest producer of geothermal energy in the country. It hosts the Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field, which generates a total capacity of 699.4 MW, more than enough to supply the power requirements of the region. Other sources under exploration include those in Central Leyte, Mt. Cabalian in Southern Leyte, and in the island of Biliran. The Biliran geothermal resource, with a potential capacity ranging from 40-80 MW, is currently being developed jointly by the Biliran Geothermal, Inc. and foreign partners. In terms of hydropower, there are five potential sites in Samar Island with a total estimated capacity of 33 MW. Two hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 5 MW are lined up for implementation in the region. These are the 1-MW Bugtong mini-hydropower project in Calbayog City and the 4-MW Amandaraga minihydropower project in Eastern Samar. With regard to wind power, a potential resource in Allen-Lavezares in Northern Samar is being considered for inclusion in the Wind Investment Promotion Round. Good-to-excellent energy potential can also be found in the northwest of Catarman, Northern Samar. As a resource option, the Philippines is considered as a potential site for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Based on initial findings, Northeastern Samar and San Bernardino Strait are potential sites for this resource.
Communication/ Telecommunications New innovations and technological developments have continuously provided growth opportunities in the ICT sector, owing to the efforts of private sector players who continue to invest in developing the region’s ICT infrastructure. The government,
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for its part, has had the common thrust of promoting the spread of ICT as a means for interconnecting the entire country, leading to economic redistribution, increase of overall living standard, and global competitiveness. At present, various ICT technologies and services including fixed telephone lines, wireless communications, and broadband Internet, among others, are already available regionwide. BayanTel, Globelines/Innove, Ormoc Telephone Company, Calbayog Telephone Company, PLDT, and PT&T provide telephone services in the region. These companies are interconnected to the main telephone backbone that enables subscribers to call any part of the region, other regions nationwide, and abroad. The cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) is by far still the most dominant telecommunications service in the market. The cellular mobile telephone providers in the region expanded their services through the establishment of 306 cell sites in 2011 from 248 in 2006 (Table 45). The largest CMTS providers in the region are Smart Communications and Globe Telecom. These two companies are supported by other cellular mobile providers of Sun Cellular and Touch Mobile. They serve the key cities and capital municipalities of the provinces in the region. With the tremendous popularity of cellular mobile phone in the region, BayanTel, Globelines, Smart Communications, and Sun Cellular continued to expand and promote both telephone and internet services through Broadband, DSL, Smart Bro, and Sun Broadband in support of the government’s program on ICT. Patronage of telephone and telegram services continued to decline due to the proliferation of cellular phones and the entry of wide range internet service providers. Cellular mobile providers serve the key cities and
Table 45. Number of Cell Sites: 2011 Network Provider
Biliran
SMART Inc. GLOBE Telecom, Inc. BAYAN Telecom, Inc. DIGITEL Mobile Philippines, Inc. SOLID Broadband Corp. INNOVE Communications, Inc. Total % to total
3 4 0 0 0 0 7 2
Eastern Samar 23 23 0 0 0 0 46 15
Province Northern Leyte Samar 47 0 51 1 8 0 37 0 1 0 4 0 148 1 48 0
Southern Leyte 15 20 0 12 2 1 50 16
Samar 17 22 2 12 0 1 54 18
Total 105 121 10 61 3 6 306
% to total 34 40 3 20 1 2 100 100
Source: NTC Manila
Table 46. Status of Landline Telephone Distribution: 2011 Province Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar Region VIII
Source: NTC VIII, 2013
Installed Capacity (No. of Lines Available)
49,925 1,554 9,943 468 1,634 23,091 86,615
% Share
Subscribed Telephone Lines Number
57.6 1.8 11.5 0.5 1.9 26.7 100.0
13,222 219 10,080 72 642 4,157 28,392
capital towns in the region. CMTS is the major mode of communication to all parts of the country and to the rest of the world. However, the challenge is to improve its service, particularly in the interior municipalities in the island of Samar.
Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) carried out merging of post offices, manpower realignment, modification of mail carriage frequency, and hiring of mail contractors.
In 2011, the government and private telephone companies had an installed capacity of 86,615 telephone lines with a telephone density of 2.21 (Table 46). Utilization rate, however, only registered 32.8% or 28,392 subscribed lines. Biliran posted a utilization rate with 26.5% and has the most number of installed lines, accounting for 57.6%, followed by Samar with 26.7%, and others shared the difference.
Health Facilities
Postal communications have been affected by financial problems and viability, considering the technological advancement in communications. In 2011, the
% Share
% Utilization Rate of Available Lines
47.0 1.0 36.0 0.0 2.0 15.0 100.0
26.5 14.1 101.4 15.4 39.3 18.0 32.8
Social Infrastructure
The Department of Health (DOH) reports that health facilities are already available and accessible in most barangays. Government primary health facilities are conveniently located, with most households being within 15-20 minute walking distance to an RHU or BHS. However, these facilities are frequently bypassed by community folks as some of them are either unaware of the services offered or have poor health-seeking behavior. Also, others seek specialized care in hospitals rather than in Rural Health Units (RHUs) or Barangay Health Stations (BHS). RHU resources then Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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remain underutilized while higher level facilities become overcrowded, reverting to a state of inaccessibility.
Cash Transfer to beneficiary families is for their school-age children to be in school.
For 2014-2016, the infrastructure aspect of the health sector will still experience funding restrictions due to the limitation of the approved Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocation for health facilities such as Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (B/CEmONC) facilities as well as DOH-retained and maintained hospitals.
Classroom shortage continues to hound the region. Even with the continuous efforts to build new schools, shortage is still apparent. This is especially true in far-flung and remote areas. In 2010, total classroom requirement was at 66,800 for all levels nationwide. Added to this is the need for major repair of the existing classrooms. The problem on classroom shortage is exacerbated by the damage brought about by typhoons and disasters to school buildings. Another factor is that these classrooms are being utilized as temporary shelter for those families who are affected by calamities.
Education Facilities Educating the young Filipino learners has always been the ultimate goal of the government. The Philippines is exerting all efforts to reach its MDG targets of ensuring improved quality, access and efficiency in terms of education. However, the Philippines was cited as a “particularly striking example of under-performance” in educational reforms in the 2010 Education For All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report, as its current policies failed to make a difference in improving the education of the poorest Filipinos. In Eastern Visayas, school-age population grew at an average annual rate of 2.1% during the last decade, far outpacing the average annual growth rate of 1% in school enrolment. This indicates the growing demand for classrooms, which is one of the crucial resources in education. With the intensification of DepED’s campaign to bring in all school-age children to school, in line with its commitment to EFA 2015 to achieve universal participation, classroom requirement will increase even more. For SY 2013-2014, the region has an estimated additional classroom need of 1,848. This increase in enrolment could also come from the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, wherein one conditionality for the Conditional
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It is also a given fact that to date, not all schools have been provided with adequate sanitation facilities. Insufficient facilities for hygiene may lead to the degradation of health of students that, in turn, may adversely affect their academic performance.
Summary of Challenges On Transport 1. Low quality and capacity of the transport network 2. Lack of an integrated and wellcoordinated national/regional transport plan that would guide the prioritized funding and implementation of transport projects as well as the physical planning and intermodality of transport infrastructure 3. Weak coordination, regulation, and oversight for the enforcement of transport policies and implementation of plans 4. Insufficient capacity of LGUs to finance and manage local projects, particularly roads 5. Lack of national government funds to maintain the existing national transport infrastructure base
On Water Supply 1. Low household access to water and sanitation facilities 2. Inadequate water supply system for economic purposes, especially in priority growth and production centers of the region 3. Lack of/inadequate sewerage and flood management system 4. Lack of data on priority waterless areas 5. Low investments in water supply and sanitation 6. Biased orientation of public infrastructure spending of the national government towards Metro Manila and other urban areas, specifically for water supply, sewerage and septage management
On Irrigation 1. Inadequate irrigation systems 2. Weak technical and institutional capacities for the maintenance and effective management of irrigation facilities
On Flood Control 1. Insufficient funds for flood control projects and other inherent activities such as right-of-way acquisition and non-structural measures, and O&M 2. Weak coordination among government agencies and the LGUs in the implementation and O&M of flood control structures, mainly due to absence of law/ guidelines on the delineation of responsibilities
On Energy
1. Insufficient and fluctuating power supply, particularly in some parts of Samar 2. Low investments in power generation 3. Need to complete the Philippine National Grid 4. Untapped regional potentials for renewable energy 5. Deregulation of the generation
sector and the privatization policy 6. High cost of electricity due to additional charges such as system loss, transmission power factor adjustments, transmission metering calibration, and line rental charges 7. High cost of operation of electric cooperatives due to low consumer densities and/or relatively small franchise areas 8. Electric cooperatives not functioning as “real” cooperatives 9. Conflicting role of NEA over the operations of the ECs 10. Failure of the implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to achieve its goal of reducing power cost
On Communication/ Telecommunications 1. Increasing demand for highspeed and high capacity voice, video, and data services and applications 2. Lack of private investments in the build-up and expansion of the ICT infrastructure networks to offer better and innovative services to the public 3. Presence of unserved/ underserved areas, which are considered by private investors as “not viable”
On Social Infrastructure 1. Inaccessibility and/or poor quality of health facilities in remote areas 2. Shortage of classroom and educational facilities 3. Poor quality of educational facilities, of water and sanitation
General/Cross-Cutting Challenges 1. Absence of a clear monitoring system to assess and address the sustainability of developed infrastructure 2. Lack of climate-proof and disaster-resilient infrastructure designs Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Sectoral Development Framework Goal The Infrastructure Sector aims to contribute to achieving inclusive growth. It shall support the growth requirements of the various sectors of the regional economy to achieve the development goals/ objectives of the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan and its Development Roadmaps on Agribusiness, Tourism and ICT.
Objective Quality, adequate and accessible infrastructure facilities and services
Overall Strategy Accelerating the provision of safe, efficient, reliable, cost-effective, climate-proof and disaster-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure
Strategies Transport 1. Prioritizing asset preservation. Priority will be given to the upgrading of quality and capacity of existing transport infrastructure in terms of resource allocation. This will involve preservation or maintenance/rehabilitation of the existing transport infrastructure network over new construction/development. 2. Providing access to the identified Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) and other key tourism destinations and production areas. To enhance the tourist-worthiness of major tourism destinations of the region, the establishment of dependable transport access will be facilitated in coordination
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with LGUs. Similarly, national and local coordination will be fostered for the provision of the necessary transport infrastructure that would link production/agricultural areas to major roads going to the market/ population centers. 3. Improving transport networks in conflict-affected and highly impoverished areas. Transport networks in underdeveloped regions and conflict-affected areas shall be improved to open up economic opportunities and help solve peace and order problems.
Water 1. Adopting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Towards the attainment of the sector goal, IWRM has been identified as an over-all strategy for the a) effective protection and regulation of water for security and ecosystem health, b) provision of responsive services for present and future needs, c) improved effectiveness, accountability and synergy among water-related institutions and stakeholders, and d) adaptive and pro-active responses to emerging and future challenges, such as climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management, among others. 2. Rationalizing financing in the water sector to attain the MDG. The low capital investments in the water supply and sanitation sector hinders the achievement of the MDG targets. Given the lack of a coherent financing framework, there is an urgent need to rationalize financing in the water sector to maximize utilization of limited public funds, concessional financing, and for private sector investments to deliver sector development outcomes.
Figure 19. Infrastructure Development Framework
3. Applying climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). In order to mainstream CCA and DRRM into water-related infrastructure, formulation of plans and designs of projects should already integrate the effects of climate change. Specifically, there is a need to develop disaster-resilient infrastructure that provides basic needs such as water supply and sanitation. Furthermore, LGUs should be able to incorporate CCA and DRRM strategies into their respective plans, programs and budgets to allow timely, efficient and effective mitigation as well as disaster response. 4. Giving priority to waterless areas. Stakeholder consultations have
affirmed the need for a specific priority program which shall ensure achievement of MDG-7 by 2015 and sustained 100% access to water within the mediumterm. Critical to the new program for water supply, however, is the identification of key beneficiaries based on an updated assessment and identification of remaining waterless municipalities and ensuring sustainability of water service provision. 5. Developing sustainable new water sources to meet demand. A comprehensive approach adherent to the IWRM framework should be developed. Said approach should enable the projection of the demand-supply gaps across the region as well as planning the development of new water sources needed not only by the population, but Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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also for the expected economic activities in new growth centers. Alternatives should be identified and prioritized based on a valueengineering perspective, which optimizes options and timing of development to provide value for money and minimize unnecessary costs for consumers. 6. Localizing national policies to address implementation issues. As local governments are in the frontline of service provision, each LGU should be able to develop its local roadmap containing plans and strategies aligned with national policies and targets, including those identified in the PWSSR. This shall aid in the harmonization and operationalization of programs that will address existing implementation issues. 7. Developing capacities of NGAs, LGUs and WSPs for the sustainable management of water supply. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall lead in building the capacities of LGUs in effective water governance as well as in building their ability to ensure sustainable use of water resources and planning for climate change adaptation. Developing the capacities of service providers in planning, budgeting and operations, among others, is also key to ensuring improved coverage, efficiency and sustainability of water supply. LGUs and water service providers should be provided assistance in the development of new, relevant and practical management tools that support IWRM and technologies that promote the implementation of ecological and economical water infrastructure (EEWIN) that will enable wider coverage and better quality of services. This is a paramount concern that should be the focus
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of joint efforts in the face of the region’s thrusts on agribusiness and tourism development. Water supply is a basic requirement in the establishment and operations of industries and tourism establishments.
Irrigation 1. Rehabilitating existing irrigation systems and constructing new small-scale systems. Provision of support services and infrastructure shall be geared towards the rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of existing irrigations systems. A rationalized fund mechanism should be implemented, specifically for the immediate rehabilitation of damaged irrigation facilities and systems, over and above the allocation that is intended for the regular maintenance activities. Construction of new infrastructure shall focus on the development of small-scale irrigation and water impounding systems, the same being easier to implement and are more costefficient than large irrigation systems with the exception of multipurpose systems. It should also consider climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management in the determination of locations for new irrigation systems. 2. Protecting irrigated and potential irrigable lands. To abate the alarming rate of depletion of irrigable lands due to conversion, and in order to ensure food security, a review of government policies protecting productive land is needed. To complement such initiative, land-use mapping indicating the extent of irrigable areas vis-à-vis irrigated areas should be conducted so as to clearly identify gaps.
3. Intensifying capacity building for institutions involved in the management of irrigation facilities. There is a need to conduct trainings to capacitate those who have the responsibility and stake in maintaining irrigation facilities. 4. Reducing the adverse effects of flooding occurrences by maintaining watersheds and providing efficient and adequate infrastructure. In order to substantially reduce the adverse effects of floods, a holistic approach to the problem is imperative. Interventions should be taken in the context of the entire river basin, where wate rshe d m anagem ent activities in the upstream have to be complemented with both soft and hard infrastructure downstream. Additional government appropriation is required to address the issue of insufficiency of funds that will finance both the implementation and the organization and management (O&M) of flood control structures and facilities. Also, greater coordination among implementing agencies and LGUs is needed, especially during the implementation and O&M phases of flood control projects. To establish clear delineation of responsibilities and enhance accountability among stakeholders, there is a need to formulate a policy or a set of guidelines towards this end. 5. Applying CCA and DRRM in planning and design of flood management structures. Taking into consideration the effects of climate change with respect to the frequency of storm occurrence and intensity of rainfall, the design criteria used for flood control structures must be revisited to ensure that design capacities of structures are adequate to handle the expected increase in volume
of floodwater. Moreover, downstream interventions should be complemented with activities upstream such as watershed management to minimize siltation because if left unabated, conveyance capacities of flood control structures will be reduced, making them ineffective in discharging floodwater in outlets downstream. Adoption and mainstreaming of the ecoefficiency concept in water infrastructure is an example of such an adaptation strategy.
Energy The Energy Reform Agenda (ERA) under the Aquino Administration for the period 2010-2016 has an overall vision of “Energy Access for More”. The government’s key priority is to ensure sustainable, diverse and reliable energy sources. Increased economic efficiency in the utilization and distribution of energy services is deemed critical to achieve energy access for the majority at competitive rates. The following strategies will support the ERA: 1. Intensifying development and utilization of renewable energy and environment–friendly alternative energy resources/ technologies. The government will pursue the research and development of untapped reserve energy available such as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). To date, the country’s potential sites for deep-ocean power consist of 910 blocks which is equivalent to 73,710 hectares. The Deep Ocean Power Philippines, Inc. (DOPPI) already filed its application for OTEC Pre-Development Contract for 36 areas. Harmonization is a critical factor in the exploration and development of geothermal resource, especially those located inside protected areas, thus, the need to unify Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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provisions of R.A. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System [NIPAS] of 1992) and of R.A. 8371 (Indigenous People’s Rights Act [IPRA] of 1997) with relevant energy policies and programs for an integrated response to environmental and socio-cultural concerns. The government’s policies and programs on alternative energy are geared towards weaning the country from its dependence on highly volatile oil import and diversifying from conventional fuels to indigenous renewable and more environment-friendly energy resources. 2. Utilizing public-private partnerships in energy projects. The ERA will be supported by the framework on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to implement critical government infrastructure projects that will address the growing energy needs of the country. Through the PPP, the Department of Energy (DOE) can benefit from the technical and financial support of its partners in the private sector, to include businesses, investors and non-government organizations (NGOs). The PPP will cover all phases of energy development and utilization.
Communications/ Telecommunications 1. Providing incentives/lower risk for the private sector to invest in rural and unserved areas. These could be in the form of: • Fiscal incentives such as “smart subsidies,” in addition to existing Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Board of Investments (BOI) incentives (e.g., incentives for equipment deployed in rural areas that provide clean power and/or renewable energy, open access) • L i m i ted (t i m e- b ou n d )
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protection from competition (exclusivity for a limited period) • Technology and service deployment – issue appropriate guidelines • Frequency allocation in rural areas – issue a policy on Broadband (for Universal Access) to guide the National Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission (NTC) There is a need for greater efficiency and transparency in spectrum allocation to better aid private sector efforts in providing ICT infrastructure and services, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. Through a policy on broadband service, it would be easier for NTC to allocate frequencies for players that would be interested in providing broadband (e.g., WiMAX) and other wireless technologies in unserved areas. 2. Encouraging infrastructure sharing among players. Technologies and infrastructure are already available that players could use or share, thereby making it easier and less expensive to provide services in the rural and unserved areas. 3. Network pooling for broadband deployment. The possibility of working with private sector to pool networks together in order to meet public sector needs for broadband and to avoid unnecessary duplication of investments and resources could also be explored. 4. Providing Last Mile Access. Residents of unserved/ underserved areas should also be provided access to secure, online E-Government services through affordable and ubiquitous technologies (e.g. mobile phones) 5. Supporting legal and regulatory reforms at the national level. The region will support the national government as it
pursues a policy environment that is more consistent, transparent and conducive for investments in ICT. This includes policy recommendations to lobby for legislations that will include the strengthening of the NTC, competition policy for the ICT sector, review of Republic Act 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act, “Green ICT” policy to reduce the ill effects of unregulated ICT to human health and the environment, among others.
Social Infrastructure 1. Increasing resources for health. This entails increasing public investment for health and rationalizing the use of all fund sources for health including national and local government budget, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and other extra-budgetary resources for health. These resources should be utilized to ensure that available accredited facilities are accessible to each Filipino family while improving the health service packages provided to them, including irrational spending. It also calls for securing the fiscal autonomy of government health facilities by enforcing fiscal and administrative autonomy in all DOH-retained facilities in exchange for capital outlay support, and the progressive and well-calibrated re-allocation of hospital budgets to public health priorities. This shall promote efficiency and improvement of health care services and securing investments. This can be achieved by pursuing corporate-like management of DOH-retained hospitals and promoting income retention at the LGU hospitals. 2. Improving access to local health facilities. This entails the provision of
access roads to RHUs and BHS to encourage availment of health services in these communitybased facilities. This will be particularly focused to remote areas. The construction of these access roads should be explicitly considered in the planning and development of health facilities. 3. Pursuing public-private partnerships in health and education. Possible PPP types of projects should be explored in the construction, structural retrofitting, rehabilitation and maintenance, and management of health facilities and classrooms.
Programs, Projects and Activities 1. Tacloban Airport Redevelopment Project 2. Improvement of other airports, including Calbayog Airport 3. Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project 4. Completion of Samar Island-wide Circumferential Road 5. Completion of the Rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway from Calbiga to Calbayog, Samar, and from Calbayog to Allen, Northern Samar 6. Calbayog-Sta. Margarita Diversion Road, Samar 7. Gandara-Matuguinao, Samar to Las Navas-Jipapad-Arteche Road, Eastern Samar 8. Catbalogan Diversion Road, Samar (as a major road connecting the Maharlika Highway) 9. MCC-funded National Secondary Roads Improvement Project in Easter Samar 10. Upgrading/Improvement of the remaining arterial roads 11. Upgrading/Improvement of the remaining national secondary roads 12. Roads leading to tourism destinations, including those identified under the Samar Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Island Partnership for Peace and Development of the three Dioceses of Samar Island in support of the Samar Island as Growth Center for Ecotourism: • Basey-Maydolong Road to reach the beaches of Marabut, Samar and Maydolong and Guiuan, Eastern Samar; the waterfalls of Lawaan, Eastern Samar; and the historical town of Balangiga, Eastern Samar • Upgrading of roads leading to Calbiga Caves and Lulugayan Falls, Calbiga, Samar • Rehabilitation of the Wright (Buray), Samar to TaftBorongan-Guiuan Road to reach the pristine beaches in Eastern Samar and the forest canopies along Buray-Taft and Borongan, Eastern Samar • Guiuan-Calicoan-Sulangan Road, Eastern Samar to reach the beautiful beaches and other tourist destinations of Calicoan 13. Roads leading to production areas, especially those identified in the Agribusiness Roadmap 14. Roads for peace and development 15. Farm-to-Market Roads (under the BuB) 16. Construction of fish ports 17. Philippine Rural Development Program 18. Feasibility Study for the Development of Container Port 19. Feasibility Study for the Development of Abuyog Port 20. Water Supply Program to waterless areas 21. Flood Control Projects 22. Hibulangan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (HSRIP) in Leyte 23. Sta. Rita SRIP in Samar 24. Pinipisakan, Bulao, and Hagbay Irrigation Projects in Northern Samar 25. Bugko Irrigation Project in Northern Samar 26. Catarman-Bobon Irrigation Project in Northern Samar
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27. Calbiga Irrigation Project in Samar 28. Gandara Irrigation Project in Samar 29. Small Irrigation Projects 30. Restoration/Rehabilitation of existing irrigation project 31. Biliran Geothermal Power Project 32. Cabalian Geothermal Power Project in Southern Leyte 33. Bugtong Hydropower Project in Calbayog City 34. Bangon Hydropower Project in Calbayog City 35. Amandaraga Hydropower Project in Eastern Samar 36. Bulusao Hydropower Project in Eastern Samar 37. Pinipisakan Hydropower Project in Northern Samar 38. San Isidro Hydropower Project in Northern Samar 39. Leyte-Mindanao Interconnection Project 40. Solar Power Project in Ormoc City 41. Private-Public Partnership Project for School Infrastructure 42. Legislative agenda: Formulation of a policy/ guidelines that will be the basis for clear delineation of responsibilities for the implementation and O&M of flood control projects
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Elementary School in Palo, Leyte
Photo Courtesy of Charlie David Martinez http://www.xdayv.com/
Creating Productive Human Resource
Social development plays a vital role in the attainment of the regional goals of economic growth and poverty reduction, thus, leading to the national societal goal of inclusive growth. For Eastern Visayas, it primarily focuses on creating a productive human resource base that will support its three major thrusts of agribusiness, tourism and ICT development. It is a given fact that economic growth is largely hinged upon the existence of a people with good health and nutritional status, educated and skilled labor force, and a population growing at a manageable pace. Towards the end, it is also envisioned that the same people who serve as instruments of development will also share equitably in the fruits of development.
Assessment Health, Nutrition, and Population Management Based on the vital health indicators, the health status of the people of Region VIII could be considered as generally improving. Maternal mortality in the region (Figure 20) has been following a series of ups and downs over the last decade. Steep spikes and dips have been particularly observed over the period 2000-2006. From 2007 to 2011, however, the increments and decrements were not as sharp. For 2011, maternal deaths reduced by 13 from 92 per 100,000 livebirths in 2010 to 79 in 2011.
This achievement could be related to the almost 4% increase in the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel. It is also a result of a host of intensive interventions including the conduct of Maternal/Neonatal Death Review (MNDR); trainings on Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) for rural health unit and hospital teams and midwives; trainings on family planning; and Community Health Team (CHT) organization, training and mobilization; and passage of ordinances on facility-based deliveries, user’s fees and incentives for CHTs. Although the decline in maternal deaths is significant compared to
Figure 20. MCH MDG Target vs Status of Maternal Morality Rate, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
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small decreases in prior years and to the 122 deaths recorded a decade before, the current rate of 79 is still considered high, and in fact far from the MDG target of 56.5. This is because less than 80% of births in the regions are attended by health personnel and only 57% of deliveries are facility-based. Access to a skilled provider of obstetric care at the time of childbirth is recognized as critical to the reduction of maternal mortality. Additionally, barely half (49%) of pregnant women practice antenatal care. Those who submit to at least 1-4 prenatal check-ups have lessened by almost 6% from 2010 to 2011.
Meanwhile, the 2009 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) showed that infant deaths reduced by 5 per 1,000 livebirths from 2010 to 2011 (Figure 21). Despite this reduction, the current level of 40 is also far from the MDG targets of 22 in 2011 and 20.3 in 2015. Under-five mortality exhibited a similar trend, with a decline of 11 deaths per 1,000 livebirths over the same period (Figure 22). The 2011 level of 53 is also very far from the MDG target of 31 for the year and 17 in 2015.
Figure 21. Infant Mortality Rate vs Status of MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
Figure 22. Under-five Mortality Rate vs Status of MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
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As of 2011, only 75% of children had been covered by full immunization, which means that one-fourth of them remain unprotected from immunizable diseases. The decline in children’s deaths could also be a result of the conduct of Maternal and Neonatal Death Review (MNDR); trainings on Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (EINC), and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF); implementation of the MNCHN, immunization, and micronutrient supplementation. Overriding factors to the decline of deaths among mothers and children are the provision of logistics from the national government to augment LGU resources, upgrading of health infrastructure facilities and equipment, strengthening of health systems such as referral, inter-local health zone (ILHZ), monitoring and evaluation, and assistance from development partners in terms of health infrastructure, equipment, drugs and medicines, trainings, and technical assistance. Figure 23. Prevalence of Underweight Children, 0-5 Years Old (0-60 Months), Eastern Visayas: 2008 and 2011
2011 2008
Figure 24. Prevalence of Stunted Children, 0-5 Years Old (0-60 Months), Eastern Visayas: 2008 and 2011
2011 2008
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Cardio-vascular diseases remained as the number one cause of death in the region. But as of 2011, the rate reduced to 127.43 per 1,000 population compared to the fiveyear (2006-2010) average of 140.56. Cancer, diabetes and kidney/renal diseases are on the rise. TB-associated deaths in 2011 was placed at 24.13 per 100,000 population. Based on this performance, the region has a low probability of achieving the MDG target of zero by 2015. The proportion of TB cases detected under the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Therapy (DOTS) decreased from 75% in 2010 to 58.65% in 2011. The percentage of TB cases cured under DOTS, however, remained at 83% in 2011, far from the 37.5% MDG target for the year. Doctor-population ratio as of 2011 remained below the standard of 1:20,000. One doctor served 27,000 population. Nurse-population ratio, however, was within the standard of 1:20,000. On increasing access to health insurance, intensive efforts had been exerted. In terms of nutrition, protein energy malnutrition, indicated by the large proportion of underweight and stunted preschoolers and schoolchildren, continues to be a serious problem in the region. There is also an emerging problem of overnutrition among children and adults. Based on the 2011 National Nutrition Survey (NNS), underweight prevalence among preschoolers posted a decline of 0.7 percentage points (Figure 23). This decrease is consistent with the downward trend over the last decade. Taking off from the 37.8% figure in 1998, there has already been a significant reduction of 12.1%. Despite this downtrend, the region has a low probability of attaining the MDG target of 18.9% in 2015.
Looking at height as an indicator of nutritional status, Region VIII showed a slight increase (0.6 percentage points) in the percentage of stunted preschoolers (Figure 24). The region has the highest prevalence of underheight preschoolers compared to all other regions. Undernutrition among children in Region VIII is a result of many factors. One major factor is the poor caring capacity of parents/caregivers. Good nutrition is not a popular practice as it is not given importance because of lack of nutrition education. Among preschoolers, improper infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices is cited as a major culprit. According to the 2011 Family Health Survey, the percentage of babies ever breast-fed in 2011 may be high at 92%, proximate to the national estimates of 94% but only 27% of babies are exclusively breast fed. This is aggravated by the practice of giving complementary food at age four months rather than the prescribed six months. Early introduction of complementary food is incorrect as it disrupts the nutritional benefits of exclusive breast-feeding. Among school children, consumption of unhealthy food is a key factor to malnutrition. Many school canteens, along with food vendors nearby school premises, still sell “junk food” despite prohibition. Malnutrition can be also attributed to high poverty and subsistence incidence in the region. With the number of income-poor and foodpoor people rising over the years, there is reason to believe that malnutrition is due to inadequate food intake attributed to the low capacity of families to buy food. Side by side with undernutrition, overnutrition is also an emerging problem among children. The number of overweight under-five children rose by 1.6% from 2008 to 2011. Among
adults (20 years old and over), the problem is more of overweight rather than underweight. The prevalence of overweight/obese adults was placed at 27.0% as against the 9.1% suffering from chronic energy deficiency (CED). The number of overweight adults in the region is slightly higher than the national figure. The emerging problem of overweight is brought about by faulty eating habits/unhealthy diet, coupled with physical inactivity. Modern technology has ushered in massive computerization and automation that gave rise to a culture of sedentary lifestyle. Meanwhile, micronutrient deficiencies, otherwise referred to as “silent malnutrition,” also still plagues the region. Iron Deficiency Anemia has been remarkably curbed over the years, particularly among the most vulnerable groups – infants, lactating mothers and pregnant women. The biggest reduction was among infants at a high 64.3%, followed by lactating mothers at 36.3%, and pregnant women at 22.2%. Among preschoolers, the decline was by 26.8%. As of the latest survey (2008), the prevalence of anemia in Region VIII for all groups was lower than that of the country. Distribution of iron-fortified rice (I-rice) under the Food for School Program (FSP) and iron tablet supplementation under the pre- and post-natal care program for pregnant women and lactating mothers are probable reasons for the decreases. But despite the high reduction in the number of anemic pregnant and lactating women, the prevalence of anemia is still high at 39.5% and 23.6%, respectively. Only 30% of the pregnant received at least 90 tablets of iron supplements. This is attributable to the inadequate and unsteady supply of the tablets at the LGU level, on one hand, and the reluctance of many mothers to take them, on the other hand, reportedly due to the tablet’s unpleasant taste.
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Table 47. Simple and Functional Literacy Rate and Ratio of Literate Females to Males, Eastern Visayas: 2003 and 2008 Indicator Simple Literacy Rate Female Male Functional Literacy Rate Female Male Ratio of literate females to males
2003 90.1% 93.3% 87.0% 76.7% 82.1% 71.7%
2008 93.6% 95.0% 92.2% 72.9% 78.2% 67.8% 1.030
% Increase/Decrease 3.5 1.7 5.2 (3.8) (3.9) (3.9)
MDG Target (2015) 100%
1.000
Sources: NSCB StatWatch as of January 31, 2013; MDG Watch as of September 2012
Table 48. Enrolment by Level of Education, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012 and SY 2012-2013 Indicator Total Enrolment Kindergarten Elementary Secondary
Public SY 2011SY 20122012 2013 1,098,354 1,104,286 95,203 96,707 710,883 707,367 292,268 300,212
Private SY 2011SY 20122012 2013 60,584 64,347 7,902 8,919 16,583 18,134 36,099 37,294
SY 20112012 1,158,939 103,105 727,466 328,367
Total SY 2012% Increase/ 2013 Decrease 1,168,633 0.83 105,626 2.44 725,501 (0.27) 337,506 2.78
Source: DepEd VIII 2012 Annual Report
Table 49. Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012 SY 2010-2011 SY 2011-2012 % Increase/ (%) (%) Decrease Participation Rate or Net Enrolment Rate (NER) Elementary 89.42 90.44 1.02 Secondary 54.98 48.47 (6.51) Completion Rate (CR) Elementary 71.79 65.58 (6.21) Secondary 69.7 65.92 (3.78) Cohort Survival Rate (CSR) Elementary 73.61 67.07 (6.54) Secondary 73.13 68.84 (4.29) Drop-Out Rate Elementary 0.85 8.13 7.28 Secondary 4.34 4.68 0.34 National Achievement Test-Mean Percentage Score (NAT-MPS) Elementary 72.39 76.95 4.56 Secondary 56.45 55.38 (1.07) Indicator
Source: DepEd VIII and MDG Watch as of Sept. 2012
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MDG Target (2015) (%)
Education for All (EFA) Target (2014-2015) (%)
100 -
98.10 87.73
100 -
81.04 75.27
100 -
84.67 83.00
-
-
-
74.20 71.10
Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders among all groups notably decreased countrywide from 2003 to 2008. Though there is no regional data available in the 2008 survey, it may be surmised that Region VIII is contributory to this reduction, owing to the high percentage of Vitamin A supplementation among the 6-71 months old in the region based on the NDHS 2008 and the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) report 2008. Inspite of DOH logistics, Vitamin A supplementation coverage in the region during the twice-ayear campaign has not covered the national standard of 95% primarily due to inadequate supplies at the LGUs’ end. But then again, even if there is sufficient supply in other areas, coverage is still low due to the poor health-seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers which is, in turn, due to inadequate knowledge on the importance of micronutrients. Around 97.2% of households in the region are already using iodized salt. This utilization rate may be high but based on urine sample tests, the iodine absorbed by individuals are inadequate. This is indicated by the below-standard median Urinary Iodine Excretion – only 83 microgram/L among 6-12 years old and 58 among lactating women against the standard of at least 100, and 83 among pregnant against the standard of at least 150. This is brought about by the inadequate amount of iodine mixed with the salt during the manufacturing process. Also, certain amounts of iodine are lost because of improper handling during transportation, packaging and storage. This might be an indication that some people could suffer from Iodine Deficiency Disorders, which is another form of micronutrient deficiency. Among children, pregnant and lactating women, this is a concern since iodine is needed for the mental development of a child. In terms of population management, the population of the region grew at a slower rate in the period 2000-2010
compared to the previous decade. Contraceptive prevalence rate slightly increased by 1.88 percentage points. However, based on the latest Young Adults and Fertility Survey, Region VIII is one of the country’s top-rankers in teenage pregnancy and pre-marital sex.
Education and Manpower Development Elementary and Secondary Education The national government has been exerting efforts to improve the educational status of the region. The Department of Education has anchored its major thrusts along the attainment of the MDGs, which includes achieving universal primary education, as well as the Philippine Education for All (EFA), both aimed at improving the quality of basic education for every Filipino by 2015. The region’s Simple Literacy Rate increased by 3.5% in 2008 (Table 47). A significant increase was noted among males. Figures show that the probability of attaining the MDG target of 100% by 2015 is moderate. On the other hand, Regional Functional Literacy Rate, a higher level of literacy that includes not only reading and writing skills but also numeracy skills, decreased by 3.8% in 2008. Rates for both men and women decreased by 3.9%. In terms of ratio, there are more literate women than men. As of 2008, the ratio is 1.030, pointing to a low probability of attaining the MDG target of 1.000 by 2015. Total enrolment across grade levels increased by 0.83% from School Year (SY) 2011-2012 to SY 2012-2013 (Table 48). The increase is attributed to the programs of the DepEd, namely: (1) “No Collection”; (2) Project Barangay Education Strategic Team, BEST; (3) Brigada Eskwela; and, (4) Enhanced Basic Education Information System, EBEIS. Creating Productive Human Resource
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Total enrolment at the elementary level, however, decreased by 0.27% in the same school years because of the drop in enrolment in public elementary schools. In SY 2011-2012, Participation Rate or Net Enrolment Rate (NER) was up by 1.02% in the elementary level but dropped by 6.51% in the secondary (Table 49). The increase is similarly attributed to the “No Collection" Policy and implementation of other programs like the Adopt-a-School Program, School Feeding Program, Support Options for Basic Education (SOBE), Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) of Learning, family mapping, and completion of multi-grade schools. The decrease, on the other hand, was brought about by child labor, lack of parental support, and insurgency. The probability of attaining the MDG target for the elementary level is low, and there is a slim chance for the secondary level to attain the EFA target of 87.73% in 2015. Completion Rate (CR) in the elementary and secondary levels both decreased in SY 2011-2012. In elementary, the decline was by 6.21%. The highest declines were seen in the provinces of Eastern and Northern Samar. Eastern Samar had a consistently decreasing completion rate in the last three school years. The secondary level also had a reduced rate of 3.78% for the same school year. Eastern Samar also had the lowest rate among provinces, which is also on a downtrend for the last three SYs. Among cities in the region, Calbayog had the biggest decline. Domestic burden, wherein learners take care of siblings, help families earn additional income, and suffer from lack of parental support, is the primary hindrance. Other factors are distance of residence to school, occurrence of natural calamities, and insurgency. Given this performance, the region has a low probability of attaining both the EFA and MDG targets.
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Cohort Survival Rate (CSR) also declined for both elementary and secondary in SY 2011-2012. It dropped by 6.54% for the elementary level and by 4.29% for the secondary level. Eastern Samar had the lowest CSR and had consistently decreasing figures in the last three SYs for the elementary level. For the secondary level, Calbayog City accounted for the biggest decline in CSR. Reasons cited for the decline are distance of residence to school, occurrence of natural calamities, and health problems of learners. Along this line, the region again has a slim chance of attaining both the EFA and MDG targets. Drop-out Rate for both levels increased from SY 2010-2011 to SY 2011-2012. At the elementary level, it increased by 7.28%, with the highest rate in Grade I. The rate at the secondary level increased by 0.34%, concentrated largely in the First Year. Contributory factors are family and health problems, lack of interest of pupils and students in their studies, presence of distractions such as modern technology and peer influence, early marriage, and domestic burden. In terms of National Achievement Test-Mean Percentage Score (NATMPS), the situation is favorable only in the elementary level, with an increase of 4.56%. A decrease of 1.07% was seen in the secondary level. The province of Northern Samar greatly pulled down the NAT-MPS performance in the secondary level. Reasons behind the deceleration are distance of home to school, occurrence of natural calamities, domestic burden (child labor due to poverty), migration, insurgency, passive parental support, and peer influence. With these realities, the region is still way too far in attaining the EFA targets. Teacher-to-pupils/students ratio and seating ratio are within standard (Table 50). This applies to both elementary and secondary levels
Table 50. Ratio Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012 SY 2010-2011 (%) Teacher- Student Ratio Elementary 1:32 Secondary 1:39 Student-Class Ratio Elementary 1:33 Secondary 1:50 Seating Ratio Elementary 1:1 Secondary 1:1 Girls to Boys Ratio Elementary 0.980 Secondary 1.104 Indicator
SY 2011-2012 (%)
MDG Target 2015 (%)
1:32 1:39
-
1:35 1:51
-
1:1 1:1
-
1.090 0.970
1.000 1.000
Sources: Regional Report on Education Outcome Indicators by MFO, DepEd VIII and MDG Watch as of September 2012
Table 51. Technical and Vocational Education Training Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SYs 2011 and 2012 % Increase/ Indicator SY 2011 SY 2012 Decrease Enrollees 40,093 41,524 3.56 ICT 2,993 3,505 17.11 Tourism 8,097 10,574 30.60 Agri-Fishery 9,030 11,642 28.92 Graduates 35,219 36,713 4.24 ICT 1,753 2,621 49.51 Tourism 6,203 8,606 38.74 Agri-Fishery 8,740 11,681 33.64 Graduates Assessed 21,950 29,584 34.77 ICT 1,410 1,024 (27.37) Tourism 5,509 6,734 22.23 Agri-Fishery 378 1,585 319.31 Graduates Certified 20,374 27,901 36.94 ICT 1,232 779 (36.76) Tourism 5,135 6,524 27.04 Agri-Fishery 374 1,579 322.19 Certification Rate 93% 94% 1 Beneficiaries of Private Education Students Financial Assistance Program (PESFA) Enrolled with PESFA 1,941 2,287 17.82 subsidy Graduates with PESFA 1,263 1,859 47.18 subsidy Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) Enrollees 3,391 5,720 68.68 Graduates 2,474 4,940 99.67 Source: TESDA VIII Accomplishment Report 2011 and 2012
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in SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012. The same is true for the studentclass ratio in the elementary level. In the secondary level, the ratio is quite above standard. The MDG of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education quality of girls has a moderate probability of being attained by the region.
Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) In terms of TVET, the enrollees in the region increased by 3.56% from 2011 to 2012 (Table 51). Along the three main thrusts of the region on agribusiness, tourism and ICT sectors, there had also been increases in the number of enrollees. While the agrifishery sector had the most number of enrollees in 2011 and 2012, the tourism industry had the highest rise in enrolment with 30.60% in 2012. The ICT sector remained to be at the bottom among the three sectors in terms of enrolment for the same years. TVET graduates in the region also showed an increasing trend for the same years. The figure increased by 4.24% in 2012. Among the three sectoral thrusts, tourism had the highest growth in graduates with 38.74% in 2012. To ensure competency on the part of the TVET graduates, TESDA
conducts mandatory assessment and certification of TVET graduates. The number of TVET graduates assessed increased by 34.77% in 2012. Noteworthy is the sweeping increase of TVET graduates assessed in the agri-fishery sector, which rose by 319.31%. The increase is not solely attributed to the increase in TVET graduates under the agri-fishery sector, but also to the increasing number of walk-in clients who want to earn National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC) under this field. The TVET graduates assessed in the ICT sector, on the other hand, dropped by 27.37%. This was the effect of a TESDA Circular issued on August 15, 2012 suspending the Competency Assessment and Certification in Programming NC IV qualification. The suspension was due to the low and continually decreasing National Certification Rate for Programming NC IV from 2009 to 2011. The order was issued to protect the integrity of the TVET system until such time that the necessary amendments to the existing Training Regulations have been prepared and the corresponding revised competency assessment tool has been deployed. The number of TVET graduates certified in the region follows the same pattern as the number of TVET graduates assessed. There was an
Table 52. Tertiary Education Performance Indicators Eastern Visayas: AY 2010-2011 and AY 2011-2012 Indicator Enrollees Graduates Higher education faculty with Master’s degree Higher education faculty with Doctorate degree Higher education institutions with accredited programs Beneficiaries of Student Financial Assistance Programs (STUFAP) in higher education Higher education institutions with Ladderized Education Program (LEP)
AY 2010-2011 138,264 13,265 -
AY 2011-2012 99,283 14,119 903* 344*
-
10 SUCs
1,654
2,333
-
21 HEIs**
Notes: *AY 2012-2013 **As of January 2013 Source: TESDA VIII Accomplishment Report 2011 and 2012
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% Increase/Decrease (28.19) 6.43 41.05 -
overall 36.94% increase in the TVET graduates certified, and the agrifishery sector had an astounding increase of 322.19%. The TVET graduates certified in the ICT sector decelerated by 36.76%, which was also brought about by the issuance of the above-mentioned TESDA Circular. The overall certification rate of the region increased by 1%. TESDA also offered scholarships and student financial assistance in order to develop middle-level skills in the region. These are in the form of the Beneficiaries of Private Education Students Financial Assistance Program (PESFA) and the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). The number of enrolled and graduate students with PESFA subsidy increased by 17.82% and 47.18%, respectively in 2011. TWSP enrollees and graduates also had an excellent performance with increases of 68.68% and 99.67%, respectively, for the same year.
Tertiary Education In terms of tertiary education, the number of enrollees from AY 20102011 to AY 2011-2012 dropped by 28.19% while the number of graduates increased by 6.43% (Table 52). These figures, however, may not be reflective of the real situation of enrollees and graduates in the region because of the problem of data submission from Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). Not all HEIs were able to submit the required reports to CHED due to periodic changes in personnel handling their records. For AY 2010-2011, there were 37 (public and private) out of the 95 HEIs in the region which failed to submit their reports on these indicators. However due to CHED’s persistence in data gathering, the number of non-compliant HEIs went down to five in AY 2011-2012. Still, the data generated is still non-reflective of the actual situation in the region. In AY 2012-2013, CHED has started the Base Regional Data on the
number of HEI faculty with Master’s and Doctorate degrees. For that academic year, 903 HEI teachers with Master’s degree and 344 with Doctorate degree had been counted. In terms of program accreditation, the ten (10) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region have programs accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) in varying levels and phases. Like TESDA, CHED also extended scholarships and student financial assistance to increase access to higher education by poor but deserving students. These were made possible through the Student Financial Assistance Program (STUFAP) and One Town, One Scholar (OTOS) Program. For AY 2010-2011, a total of 1,654 scholars benefited from this assistance, which increased by 41.05 % in AY 2011-2012. To institutionalize the ladderized system of education in higher education, 21 HEIs have implemented the Ladderized Education Program (LEP). This program allows recognition of units earned in technical vocational programs in TESDA-registered schools for equivalent academic units in CHED-recognized programs and institutions. Through the LEP, students can opt to temporarily leave school to work and re-enter any year level later. In the field of science and technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) implemented its S&T Scholarship Program. The number of scholarship qualifiers across the provinces vis-à-vis the number of examinees increased by 152.73% in 2012 (Table 53). This was brought about by the 6.8% increase in the number of examinees in 2012. All provinces, except Eastern Samar which had less number of takers, posted increases. Eastern Samar had the most number of passers from 2011 to 2012, posting an increase equivalent to 155%. Despite this Creating Productive Human Resource
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Table 53. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program Distribution of Examinees vs. Qualifiers: 2011 and 2012 2011
Province Leyte Biliran
2012
Percent No. of No. of No. of No. of Growth Examinees Qualifiers Examinees Qualifiers 1,079 33 1,225 69 109.09 115 7 128 7 -
Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
247
2
281
14
600.00
270 590
3 9
334 496
16 23
433.33 155.56
196
1
204
10
900.00
2,497
55
2,668
139
152.73
Source: DOST VIII , 2013
Figure 25. Eastern Visayas’ Centers of Excellence/Development Locator Map
Asian Development Foundation College (ADFC) Tacloban City Center of Development for Information Technology (IT)
Leyte Normal University (LNU) Tacloban City Center of Excellence for Education
Visayas State University (VSU) Baybay City Center of Excellence for Agriculture
Source: DOST VIII , 2013
increase, the percentage of passers vis-à-vis the examiners is still low at 2.2% and 5.2 %, respectively. Under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the DSWD has collaborated with CHED in providing scholarships to deserving students through the implementation of the Students Grant-in-Aide Program for
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Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA). For Region VIII, two HEIs are accredited to accommodate SGPPA scholars, namely: the Leyte Normal University (LNU) in Tacloban City and the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City. For AY 2012-2013, the two SUCs accepted 230 scholars for education and ICT courses. However, there was a notable rise in the number of SGPPA
scholar drop-outs in mid-school year. This is attributed to the inability of scholars to adapt to college environment. Most of the scholars are also from far-flung provinces like Northern Samar and Eastern Samar, which means additional cost in food, lodging and transportation, thereby forcing them to quit schooling. Also, some of the scholars are single parents who decided to drop out in order to take care of their children. Region VIII has only two Centers of Excellence (COEs) and one Center of Development (COD) out of its 95 public and private HEIs (Figure 25). LNU is the COE for Education while VSU is the COE for Agriculture. One Private HEI, Asian Development Foundation College (ADFC), is the COD for Information Technology. This is also one of the reasons why there are only two HEIs accommodating SGPPA scholars. CHED only authorizes COE HEIs to accommodate SGPPA scholars to facilitate the monitoring of performance of the students.
Social Welfare Discussions under social welfare focus on alleviating the conditions of the disadvantaged and marginalized
sectors of society. These basically include the poor, women, and children who live in difficult situations. Since a few years back, the government has been implementing the 4Ps through which the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is released to poor families as a way of uplifting their socio-economic conditions. The target beneficiaries are those identified under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). There was a significant increase of 27.2% in the number of CCT program beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas (Table 54). The increase was brought about by the inclusion of 40 new municipalities that passed the geographical selection criteria, resulting to the addition of new beneficiaries identified under the NHTS-PR. From 2011 to 2012, the province of Southern Leyte had the highest increase (465%) in the number of beneficiaries. Meanwhile, most beneficiaries are found in Leyte owing to its large geographic area, followed by Samar and Northern Samar.
Table 54. CCT Program Number of Identified Poor Households vis-à-vis Covered and Beneficiaries Served by Province: 2011 and 2012 Number of Households Covered and Beneficiaries Served Province
% Increase/ Decrease in Beneficiaries Households Beneficiaries Served Covered Served
2011 Identified Poor Households
Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
2012
Households Beneficiaries Covered Served
Identified Poor Households
1,741
3,324 74,457
-
7,030 79,484
111.5 6.8
82
2,163
-
12,234
465.6
9
46,779
-
42,913
(8.3)
236
5,519
-
24,601
345.8
-
29,756
-
34,798
16.9
161,998
-
206,063
27.2
2,068
86,988
58,427
Source: DSWD VIII , 2013
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Figure 26. Reported Cases of Crimes Against Women and Children: 2012
55 233 241
Sexual Abuse
Physical Injuries/maltreatment
Others
Source: NSCB VIII , 2013
Under the KapitBisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a total of 250 subprojects were completed in 2012. This is an increment of 1.3% from the previous year. These projects included, among others, the construction of school buildings, access trails, bridges, day care centers, and flood controls, which altogether improved the socio-economic situation of the poor communities in the project areas. With regards to the violation of human rights, women and children remained as the common victims, particularly of abuses, maltreatment, and human trafficking (Figure 26). Sexual abuse in the forms of rape, incest, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, and other related cases accounted for the highest number of crimes against children and women (46%). Physical injuries/ maltreatment was placed at 44%. This is an indication that discrimination against women and children poses as a problem in the region. Unaware of their rights, women and children victims are disempowered from seeking assistance from authorities. Meanwhile, the number of trafficked victims significantly increased by 131% from 36 cases in 2010 to 83 in 2011, which also signifies
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discrimination against women and children. The 2011 NSO survey reveals that the total number of child laborers in the country reached 5.59 million. Out of this number, a total of 213,000 (3.8%) children from Eastern Visayas were engaged in hazardous child labor. As concomitants of poverty, children are forced to work in difficult circumstances to help their families earn income. Moreover, based on the records of the DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) alone, Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) increased by 20% in 2012 – that is, from 75 in 2011 to 90 in 2012. The increase was due to new cases admitted to the Center, which posted an equivalent increase of 71%. Even outside of the RRCY, particularly in urban areas, there is a visible proliferation of street children and vagrants. Neglect of children due to broken marriages and lack of proper parenting especially in poor households are among the major reasons for the increase. Uncared and unguided, these street children become prone to abuses and conflict with law. Other cases of vagrants are linked to illegal mining activities in the upland. Moreover, some indigenous people (IP) are compelled to beg in the cities as they are pushed out of their ancestral
lands. There is a lack of protection for the IPs. Lax enforcement of laws on women and children and women protection amplifies the number of violators. The continued practice of giving alms to the vagrants seem to encourage them to stay in the streets. Based on NSCB reports, women’s participation in development and access to social protection are very limited. Their labor force participation rate in 2011 was very low at only 36.2% compared to men’s at 63.8%. In politics, based on the set of officials elected in the May 2010 local elections, about 75% of higher positions are occupied by men. These include congressional, gubernatorial, and vice-gubernatorial positions. Elected women are mostly vice-mayors, mayors, and board members. Further, in 2012, a small proportion of women in the informal economy were covered by social protection schemes. Only 27% of female informal workers were enrolled in the SSS, PAG-IBIG and GSIS. This situation is primarily attributed to women’s low self-esteem and limited economic opportunities. This stems from gender stereotyping whereby women are ascribed to domestic and/or reproductive role rather than productive.
Housing As cited in the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan, the total housing needs of Eastern Visayas decreased from 44,759 in 2011 to 38,045 in 2012. Despite of this decline, demand remains high. PAG-IBIG take-out in units fell way below the agency targets for both 2011 and 2012 (Table 55). There was also a year-on-year decline of 16%. The target shortfall was due to the very high regional targets set by the national office. The National Housing Authority (NHA), on the other hand, posted a 50% increase in the number of socialized housing take-outs. However, this percentage is also more than 50% below the agency targets. Noncompliance and delayed approval of documentary requirements by other concerned agencies were two of the major reasons for this performance. More than twice the targeted number of licenses-to-sell was actually issued in 2012 by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Compared to 2011, this is 31% more than the 62 issued in 2011. In terms of assistance in the preparation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the 2011 target was remarkably overtaken with 35 LGUs assisted instead of only 10. However, in 2012,
Table 55. Shelter Agencies’ Targets vs. Accomplishments: 2011 and 2012 Indicators NHA Socialized Housing Assistance PAG-IBIG Units Beneficiaries HLURB LGUs assisted (CLUP) License to Sell issued
2011 Target
2012
Accomplishment
Target
Accomplishment
% Increase/ Decrease
612
218
744
327
50
1,409 -
571 565
1,144 -
507 562
(16) (1)
10
35
245
95
171
40
62
40
81
31
Source: Shelter Agencies, 2013
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the situation was reversed, with only 95 LGUs assisted out of the targeted 145.
Summary of Challenges
On Health 1. High levels of maternal, infant and under-5 mortality – all far from the 2015 MDG targets 2. High prevalence of lifestylerelated diseases 3. Continued incidence of communicable diseases 4. Inadequate health personnel, facilities, and other logistics including medicines and supplies 5. Poor health-seeking behavior of the population 6. Limited access to health insurance 7. Non-functionality of local health boards in some areas 8. Lack of community health teams in certain areas 9. Delayed submission of reports from LGUs under the Field Health Service Information System
On Nutrition 1. High levels of undernutrition among preschoolers and schoolchildren 2. Micronutrient malnutrition at a level of public health significance 3. Emerging overnutrition among children 4. High level of overnutrition among adults 5. Low level of awareness, knowledge, understanding and practice of good nutrition among various stakeholders 6. Weak enforcement of nutritionrelated policies such as the Milk Code, RA 10028 (Expanded Breast-feeding Act), RA 8976 (Food Fortification), Essential Newborn Care Package 7. Adverse effects of climate change to food security and health 8. Weak nutrition management during emergencies 9. Limited functionality of nutritionrelated bodies such as local
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nutrition committees, especially in the barangays 10. Absence of nutrition workers in some areas 11. Inarbitrary replacement /removal of local nutrition workers and reduction in budget due to change in local leadership 12. Absence of Local Nutrition Action Plans in some LGUs 13. Lack of, non-standardized, and defective weighing scales 14. Difficulty in transition from International Reference Standards to Child Growth Standards, specifically the absence/inadequate budget for trainings and for the purchase of height boards and new growth charts 15. Hard-to-reach and conflictaffected barangays in certain localities 16. Lack of regional and provincial disaggregation of data in national surveys, hence, geographic comparisons are hard to come by (Examples: micronutrient deficiencies and food consumption in the NNS, breast-feeding and maternal mortality in the NDHS) 17. Different indicators used by the NDHS, hence, periodic comparison is difficult (Examples: b re a st- fe e d i n g i n d i c a t o rs , maternal mortality rate)
On Population Management 1. Need to further slow down population growth 2. Need to raise family planning practice among families
On Education and Manpower Development 1. Low probability of achieving MDG and EFA targets Despite DepEd’s intensive interventions, the region is still facing a slowdown in Basic Education Performance Indicators specifically on the Functional Literacy Rate, Participation Rate, Completion Rate, CSR,
NAT-MPS on one hand, and the undesirable rise in the Drop-Out Rates for both levels, on the other hand. Given this unpromising performance, the region has a low probability of meeting the MDG and EFA targets. Poverty is cited as the most common deterrent to education as it compels students to quit school and help their parents earn additional income. Geographic challenges also affect students performance in school. Some have to endure long walks in rocky and unpaved roads just to reach the nearest school. Insurgency and other political instability also hamper the opportunity of the students to earn quality education. Lack of teacher competency likewise contributes to the low performance of students. 2. Lack of enabling environment needed to produce globally competitive workers and professionals The education environment in the region is still wanting in terms of structures and mechanisms that will fully enable the development of the region’s workforce. In particular, these are: • Number of Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Centers of Development (CODs) Out of 95 public and private HEIs in the region, there are only two COEs and one COD. This compels students to study in other regions, especially for critical high level professional disciplines, thereby making education more expensive. The lack of COEs and CODs will also reflect on the competency of our graduates. • Competency of teachers Lack of competent teachers is manifested in the region’s poor performance along basic education performance indicators.
• Participation of industry players in HEI activities There is a perceived job and skills mismatch due to nonparticipation of industry players in the educational system, particularly in curriculum mapping and design. • Labor market information system While job and skills mismatch is a glaring problem in the region, the problem is not appropriately addressed due to lack of data that will identify areas of mismatch and help identify and implement strategies to address such mismatch. • Access to DOST scholarship programs As reported by DOST, there is a low turnout of examinees for the DOST scholarship despite extensive advocacy efforts. This could be due to lack of appreciation and/or dissemination of information, especially in the rural areas. 3. Need to prepare the region for the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), where the Philippines is a member of, forged a commitment under the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The MRA aims to facilitate mobility or free flow of professionals and skilled workers across countries, given that these workers possess the required skills and qualifications. Readiness of our professionals to the implementation of MRA is a concern that should be addressed.
On Social Welfare 1. Increased incidence of abuses against women and children
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Women and children are the most common victims of abuses and exploitation, especially in remote and poor areas. They fall prey to physical abuse, prostitution, child labor, juvenile delinquency, homelessness and vagrancy, and other difficult circumstances. This is amplified by the lack of awareness of stakeholders on women’s and children’s rights vis-a-vis victims and violators. Despite government policies, programs and projects assisting and rehabilitating women and children, the continuous challenge lies on protecting them from these difficult circumstances and safeguarding their rights. 2. Lack of women’s participation in development and limited access to social services Women comprised half of the regio n ’s p op u l at i on . Th ere is a n eed to i n crea s e t h ei r participation in development by empowering them and providing them opportunities for productive employment. Marginalized and disadvantaged women should also be provided social protection through SSS, PAGIBIG and PhilHealth. Families, communities, local governments, and other institutions should also be gender-sensitized to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.
On Housing 1. Low attainment of housing targets. Generally, there has been a low attainment of targets among shelter agencies. Very high targets set by the PAG-IBIG national office is one of the reasons cited by its regional office. Further, many of residential lands in the region remain untitled, thus deterring the speedy transaction of housing applications. Many people are also unaware of the existing related programs of the government.
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
2. Lack of standardized procedures Each shelter agency adopts its own systems, procedures, and documentary requirements that discourage people to avail of housing loans. 3. Lack of women’s access to housing Women in the informal economy have lack of access to housing programs because most of them have limited economic means and opportunities as a result of gender-role perception on women’s domestic responsibilities.
Challenges Specific to Agribusiness, Tourism, and ICT 1. Lack of nutrition consideration in work places, tourist destinations, and ICT areas Making work places and tourist destinations promotive of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle is a major challenge as the region aims to boom in agribusiness, tourism and ICT. Offices, business establishments, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and ICT parks should mainstream health and nutrition in their operations. They should provide wellness/ fitness amenities as well as healthy menu options for their clients and employees. It has been observed that many of these existing places are not equipped with facilities and equipment, and services that will allow the practice of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle. 2. Weak monitoring of compliance to policies on occupational health and safety standards by business companies While there is an existing law meant to ensure that work places are safe for the workers and the clients, there is a need to monitor if indeed this is being complied with. As the region aims for
agribusiness development, authorities should see to it that establishments are safe from any work-related hazards. 3. Lack of nutrition dimension in the tourism value chain The tourism value chain includes the production of food items such as pasalubong. However, most of these food items are prepared with little regard for their nutritional value visà-vis different dietary needs. For example, delicacies of the region like binagol could be prepared in two kinds – regular and low-sweet/sugar-free – and dried fish could be regular lowsalt. Likewise, restaurant/food establishments, particularly in tourist destinations, should be required to offer healthy menu options. This challenge is significant to the vision of the region to become a tourism haven. 4. Low supply of fortified food in the local market As the manufacturing sector of the region eyes for diversification of products, there is a need to co nsider incorporating nutrition in food production and processing. For instance, the nutrition sector faces the problem of lack of supply of Iron-fortified rice, flour and other staple foods, among other fortified food items. Local production of these fortified food items is presently difficult because there are no locally available Iron-fortificant, thus, interested manufacturers are discouraged from going into this venture. This, therefore, presents itself as one of the potential investment opportunities to be considered and marketed, especially in the light of the region’s vision to become an agribusiness leader. 5. Negative effects of ICT on the health and nutritional status of individuals
While ICT has countless benefits to society, it also tends to promote a sedentary lifestyle across ages. Automation and long hours in the computer dissuades individuals from engaging in physical activities and/or exercise. 6. Lack of skilled labor force, including women, required by agribusiness, tourism and ICT As the region strives to develop these three productive sectors, there is a need to create a productive skilled labor that will meet the demands of these sectors. At present, there is an observed inadequacy of skills among farmers and fisherfolks, tourism frontliners and other workers, call center agents and other BPO workers. Also, there is a need to instill the right values and attitude that will encourage the labor force to go into farming and MSMEs. There is a need to combat the existing culture and social issues among farmers as most of them prefer to cultivate their farmlands in a traditional way. Productivity of their farmlands is not optimized because they are reluctant to adopt new farming technologies. Many of them have yet to develop a desire to turn themselves into entrepreneurs. 7. Lack of women’s participation in agriculture and fisheries There are many women workers in agriculture. However, their participation is limited. One of the hindrances is the lack of skills that goes with limited access to training opportunities. Another major reason is the issue on multiple burden, which many women suffer from. They are simultaneously engaged in several incomegenerating activities besides their household responsibilities. This situation oftentimes takes a toll on their health, sense of well-being, and productivity. Creating Productive Human Resource
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This is also aggravated by the lack of women-friendly technology, and the appropriate trainings. Some products of women entrepreneurs/workers in MSMEs need packaging and longer shelf life in order to be able to compete in the market. 8. Pervasive drug abuse Creating a productive human resource encompasses having a drug-free society. People’s health and wellness is critical to the creation of a productive human resource that will back-up the development of the region. This cannot be attained if the drug abuse problem will continue to hound the region. It is a proven and tested fact that drug abuse can destroy lives and hamper the productivity of an individual. Hence, part of the challenge is to minimize, if not eradicate, the number of drug dependents. Figure 27. Social Development Framework
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Sectoral Development Framework
Health, Nutrition and Population Management Objectives 1. Birth-related deaths among women/mothers reduced 2. Access to ante-natal care and safe delivery increased 3. Infant deaths reduced 4. Communicable and noncommunicable diseases decreased 5. Full access to quality health services attained 6. Healthy human resource in support of agribusiness, tourism and ICT developed
Targets 1. Reduced Maternal Mortality Rate from 79 to 52/100,000 L.B. in 2016 2. Reduced Infant Mortality Rate from 40 to 20.3/1,000 L.B. in 2016 3. Reduced Under-Five Mortality Rate from 53 in 2011 to 25.5/1,000 L.B. in 2016 4. Decreased TB-associated deaths by 2% annually 5. Attained 100% universal coverage of health care services by 2016 6. Reduced prevalence of underweight • Among preschoolers – from 15.7% in 2010 to 10.9% in 2015 • Among schoolchildren – from 16.9% in 2009 to 9.78% in 2015 7 . Re d u c e d p re va l e n c e o f nutritionally at-risk pregnant women from 22.2% in 2008 to 11% in 2015 8 . Reduce d prevalenc e of overweight 9. Reduced micronutrient deficiencies to levels below public health significance based on WHO standards 10. Increased proportion of pregnant women with 4 pre-natal checkups from 77.3% to 90% in 2016 11. Increased facility-based deliveries 12. Attained 100% full immunization coverage 13. Attained 100% PhilHealth enrolment 14. Increased number of health professionals (doctors, nutritionists, dentists, among others) to levels that meet standard 1 5 . I n c r e a s e d number of establishments compliant to occupational safety standards 1 6 . I n c r e a s e d number of establishments serving healthy food and providing physical fitness facilities and equipment 1 7 . A ttaine d 100% of D OHaccredited drug-testing centers submitting a report on number of drug-positives and negatives
to DOH for consolidation into a centralized database 18. Slow down population growth rate 19. Decrease household size
Strategies 1. Health facility development/ enhancement. While there are already available health facilities down to the barangay level, there is a need to improve health service delivery by providing quality and adequate equipment, facilities, materials and supplies. Standards on health facility-to-population ratios should be followed. This should also cover the establishment of more BEMONC and CEMONC facilities in support to the national advocacy on health facility-based delivery. The government should ensure that as demand for the service increases, the needed birthing facilities are put in place as it will specifically bring down maternal deaths in the region. 2. Strengthening of the Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN). The MNCHN is a strategy of the national government that aims to deliver a core package of services consisting of interventions that will be delivered for each life stage: pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, delivery, and the post-partum and newborn periods. Most of these services require minimal cost and can be delivered by health workers as part of their routine functions with some that may require additional training and minimal investments in facilities. These services aim to prevent deaths and improve the health and nutritional status of mothers and children. 3. Institutionalizing Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (EINC) in all hospitals and birthing centers. Creating Productive Human Resource
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This strategy will ensure that all health-facility based deliveries will adopt the EINC to help prevent neonatal deaths, thereby reducing infant mortality. 4. Continuing the conduct of Maternal and Neonatal Death Review (MNDR). This is another important strategy that will help prevent infant and birth-related deaths of mothers. 5. Continuing prenatal check-ups as a conditionality for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Many mothers are reluctant to submit to prenatal care at the rural health units mainly because of their lack of appreciation for its importance. For those who are enrolled as Pantawid beneficiaries, they can be compelled to seek the prescribed four (4) pre-natal visits if it is made one of the requirements prior to the release of the cash transfer. 6. Expanding full immunization coverage. This will help arrest the spread of communicable diseases among children. 7. Fully adopting the Philippine Plan of Action to Control Tuberculosis (PhilPACT). Reduction of TB incidence is one of targets under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To contribute to the attainment of this target, the interventions embodied in the PhilPACT should be adopted by all concerned. 8. Continuing/intensifying Universal Health Coverage. While efforts to increase PhilHealth enrolment are underway, this is necessary to increase access of quality health services, especially among the indigents.
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9. Adopting the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). The PPAN provides for a menu of all the necessary programs and projects that will adequately address all forms of malnutrition and their causes. 10. Increasing public investments on health and nutrition, with focus on nutritionally needier areas and groups which are nutritionally at risk. B ot h n at i on a l a nd l o ca l government should allocate a bigger budget for the health and nutrition sector. LGUs should include nutrition in their priority agenda. More funds are needed to ensure the availability of personnel, facilities and supplies. However, given the limited resources of government, priority interventions should first be poured into nutritionallydepressed areas. Infants, children aged 1-3 years old, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent females should be given priority in nutrition interventions to minimize the intergenerational effects of malnutrition. 11. Mainstreaming nutrition in tourism, agribusiness, ICT development and in disaster risk reduction and management. Nutrition concerns should be explicitly incorporated into the tourism, agribusiness and ICT sectors of the region as it seeks to become a tourism haven and an agribusiness and ICT leader. 12. Carrying out food–based interventions to improve quantity and quality of food intake. Promoting production of locallygrown fruits and vegetables and other healthy commodities in all establishments. 13. Intensifying education on infant and young child feeding, including breast-feeding.
Teaching mothers, parents and caregivers correct practices on infant and young child feeding, especially the benefits of breast-feeding, will have farreaching implications on the health and nutritional status of future generations. 14. Enforcing regulatory policies on food serving and internet shop operation. To ensure that food establishments and internet shops are promotive of good nutrition, there should be policies towards this end. It has been observed that with the proliferation of fast foods, there are limited healthy menu options available. Moreover, the extended stay and patronage of these internet joints by the young population may have detrimental effects on their well-being. This situation can be abated by coming up with local regulatory policies. 15. Beefing up of the health human resource base. This strategy is needed to ensure that quality health services are adequately delivered. This will specifically respond to the problem on the lack of health personnel. Standard health personnel-to-population ratios should be complied with. It may include the deployment of Community Health Teams and RnHeals to communities and enhancing existing deployment programs such as Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB), DTTB-Leaders for Health, Rural Health Team Placement Program, and aligning them with the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP). Likewise, it will call for the enhancement of personnel administration systems and processes in order to effect the improvement of health workforce outcomes through incentive mechanisms.
16. Intensifying preventive and curative measures for communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Illnesses should be addressed in ways that will prevent their occurrences and if already present, proper management of cases should put in place. 17. Institutional linkaging/alliancebuilding. This is a critical strategy given that health and nutrition can only be addressed through multi-sectoral and multi-level participation and cooperation. 18. Generating LGU support on health, nutrition and population management interventions. The role of local governments in improving the health and nutritional status of the population is very critical since they are at the frontline of social service delivery and their proximity to local communities. Thus, their full support must be solicited in support to the national efforts on health and nutrition. 19. Strengthening research and development. Health and nutrition studies are needed to provide an evidence-based formulation of interventions. 20. Establishing/strengthening of enabling structures and mechanisms. Structures and mechanisms are already mandated but there are still a good number of LGUs who have not even established such. For those who already have, efforts should be geared towards making these structures and mechanisms functional/ operational. Among these are local health boards, community health teams, local nutrition committee, regular weight
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monitoring. The systems under the Inter-local Health Zones should also be continuously adopted and/or improved as an effective mechanism for sharing of resources on health. So, too, is the institutionalization of the DOH inter-agency task force on drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation. 21. Conducting Advocacy,Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) campaign to raise awareness and practice level on health, nutrition and population management Individuals and families should be convinced on the importance of health and nutrition in their well-being. Advocacy activities should be levelled up in order to effect not only awareness raising but also elevating the practice level of all constituents such that their health-seeking behavior will be improved, healthy lifestyle will become a way of life, and nutrition consciousness is ingrained in the day-to-day life of the population. This should also include advocacy towards institutionalizing healthy lifestyle in all schools, offices and LGUs. 22. Institutionalizing responsible parenting movement Though a continuing thrust of the government in past years, this still needs to be institutionalized, if only to succeed in the population management objective.
Education and Manpower Development Objectives 1. Educated, highly-skilled and entrepreneurial labor force responsive to the needs of agribusiness, ICT and tourism sectors developed 2. Access to quality education and training improved
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Targets On Basic Education 1. Attained 100% Simple Literacy Rate by 2016 2. Increased Total Enrolment • In kindergarten – from 105,501 in SY 2012-2013 to 107,606 in SY 2015-2016 • In elementary – from 725,501 in SY 2012-2013 to 739,103 in SY 2015-2016 • In secondary – from 337,506 in SY 2012-2013 to 343,833 in SY 2015-2016 3. Increased Net Enrolment Rate • In elementary – 100% by SY 2015-2016 • In secondary – from 48.47% in SY 2011-2012 to 71.97% in SY 2015-2016 4. Increased Completion Rate • In elementary – from 65.58% in SY 2011-2012 to 82.54% in SY 2015-2016 • In secondary – from 65.92% in SY 2011-2012 to 96.51% in SY 2015-2016 5. Increased Cohort Survival Rate • In elementary – from 67.07% in SY 2011-2012 to 86.76% in SY 2015-2016 • In secondary – from 68.84% in SY 2011-2012 to 87.36% in SY 2015-2016 6. Achieved 0% dropout rate for elementary and secondary by SY 2015-2016 7. Increased Achievement Rate • In elementary – from 76.95% in SY 2011-2012 to 90.03% in SY 2015-2016 • In secondary – from 55.38% in SY 2011-2012 to 79.02% in SY 2015-2016 8. Increased number of trainings for teachers in the K to 12 Program from 1 training for Kindergarten teacher in SY 2011-2012 to 9 trainings for Grades IV and X teachers in SY 2015-2016 9. Increased number of teachers trained for the K to 12 Program from 301 in SY 2011-2012 to 9,433 in SY 2015-2016
10. Increased number of enrolled/ registered in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program from 30,835 in SY 2011-2012 to 32,528 in SY 2015-2016 11. Increased number of ALS graduates from 27,511 in SY 2011-2012 to 28,199 in SY 20152016
On Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 1. Increased TVET enrollees from 41,524 in 2012 to 46,262 in 2016 2. Increased TVET graduates from 36,713 in 2012 to 41,636 in 2016 3. Increased TVET graduates assessed from 29,584 in 2012 to 32,635 in 2016 4. Increased TVET graduates certified from 27,901 in 2012 to 28,719 in 2016
On Higher Education 1. Increased Higher Education Faculty with Master’s Degree from 903 in AY 2012-2013 to 100% in AY 2015-2016 2. Increased number of DOST scholarship takers/applicant from 2,517 in 2012 to 3,527 in 2016 3 . I n cre ased num ber of municipalities with DOST scholarship applicants from 88 in 2013 to 102 in 2016
Strategies 1. Strengthening the implementation of existing programs/projects of DepEd. DepEd has various programs and projects in answer to the existing challenges of the basic education sector. These programs include: K-12 Basic Education Program, Brigada Eskewela, “No Collection Policy ”, Project Barangay Education Strategic Team (BEST), Adopt-a-School Program, School Feeding Program, Open High School Program, Support Options for Basic Education (SOBE), Project Shuttle for All Kids and Youngsters Needing Assistance
(SAKAY NA), Alternative Delivery M o d e ( A D M ) , D ro p - O u t Reduction Program (DORP), the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and a lot more. There is a need to strengthen the implementation of these programs and projects in order to effectively deliver quality education in the region. Technical assistance to school divisions with reduced enrolment, completion rate, cohort survival rate, NATMPS and increased drop-out rates should be provided. 2. Continuing improvement of teachers’ competency. Teachers, as frontliners of the education sector, should be wellequipped and be kept abreast of new developments in order to provide quality education to students, especially with the implementation of the K-12 Program. DepEd should continually conduct teachers’ trainings by year level and by specialization to keep them updated of the latest and more effective and efficient ways and means of educating the students. Priority should be given to teachers in low performing schools. Regular evaluation of teachers’ performance should also be undertaken in order to measure competency. At the tertiary level, faculty members should pursue continuing education in order to be more competitive in delivering quality education to the students. SUCs and CHED should provide enough faculty development support like scholarships to sponsor the continuing education of their faculty. Moreover, the evaluation of teachers’ performance should be continued to gauge their competencies. 3. Rationalizing the number of schools per Division. Rationalizing the number of schools per division will enable the Schools Divisions Superintendents to manage Creating Productive Human Resource
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their divisions more effectively by providing adequate technical assistance in areas where immediate interventions are highly needed, thereby improving the education performance indicators of their respective divisions and the region, in general. 4. Addressing malnutrition among pupils. One of the known factors for low learning capacity and dropping out is poor nutritional status of the pupil. A malnourished child has a greater tendency of not performing well in school and worse, even dropping out. Thus, to help prop up basic education performance, there is a need for nutrition interventions for children in the primary and elementary levels. 5. Focusing interventions in areas where there are problems on teacher and classroom shortage, distant schools, low enrolment rate and high drop-out rate. It has been reported over and over again that certain areas of the region perform well in terms of basic education indicators. However, the overall performance of the region is pulled down by other areas where there are documented shortage of teachers, classrooms and where schools are located very far from the communities, resulting to low access. It is, therefore, imperative that in this Plan period, priority in terms of higher fund investment should be given to these problematic areas. 6. Expanding participation of stakeholders in the delivery of basic education services. For the education sector to address issues and concerns, multi-sectoral participation is needed as the government alone cannot do it single-handedly. This calls for the sharing of resources, and the cooperation from all
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stakeholders including the local government units, parents/ families, the business sector, NGOs, and civil society. 7. Increasing the number of Center of Excellence (COE) and Center of Development (COD) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). With the assistance of CHED, public and private HEIs should exert more effort in improving the quality of higher education, hence, increase the number of COEs and CODs in the region. CHED can provide support to HEIs in the form of student scholarships, faculty development, infrastructure upgrading, and improving research efforts. 8. Intensifying information dissemination especially to remote areas regarding available scholarships from the DOST and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). DOST should strengthen its information dissemination drives on available scholarships for students in order to increase the number of DOST scholarship takers/applicants, especially in far-flung municipalities and areas. 9. Institutionalizing the Bridge Program. To provide a friendly environment for transition and to further harness the students to be adaptive to the new educational environment as they step into the tertiary level of education, the bridge program should be institutionalized. The bridge program will serve as a coping mechanism for high school graduates to gradually adjust to the new atmosphere in college. 10. Making education responsive to the local needs/industry demands. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Technical and
Vocational Institutions (TVIs) should be more responsive to the manpower needed by industry players in the region. Regular curriculum mapping and development should be conducted to be abreast with the fast-changing working environment. Participation of industry players in this process should also be institutionalized to ensure the inclusion of the market’s demand in the curricular offerings of HEIs and TVIs. Executive Order 83 – “Institutionalization of Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)”, already sets the guideline as to how the industry sector and the education providers can work together to ensure alignment of educational outcomes to job requirements. The OutcomesBased Education (OBE) approach should also be adopted in schools. Through the OBE, the entire education system focuses on what is essential for all students to ensure success in their learning experiences. This approach ensures relevance in the quality of education given to students. By relevance, it means that graduates produced by HEIs and TVIs address the needed workforce of the industries, coupled with global comparability. The Skills Registry System of DOLE should also be strengthened to minimize job and skills mismatch. 11. Institutionalizing linkages between HEIs and TVIs and public and private employers/ industries in the hiring of graduates. HEIs and TVIs should collaborate with potential employers such as the public and private institutions so as to ensure the employment of highly-skilled new job entrants. Existing government programs like the Government Internship Program, Special Program for the Employment of Students
(SPES), on-the-job trainings (OJT), and apprenticeship programs should be strengthened. Public and private employers should also consider OJTs as one of the work experiences acquired by graduates. OJTs offer a very good venue in providing the necessary experience, handson knowledge and proper work values and attitudes that are best required when already in the actual workplace. Particular attention will be given to the differential situation of women. They will be afforded trainings in fields that will expand their employment opportunities, e.g. welding, automotive, and others. There should be trainings and values orientation for farmers and fisherfolks so as to inculcate among them a passion for farming and the desire to become entrepreneurs. 12. Encouraging industry players to provide industry-initiated refresher courses. Industry players could be tapped in harnessing the skills of our labor force by providing refresher/deepening courses to their employees. Industry players should see to it that their workforce is always updated with the latest skills and tools in order to be dynamic and competitive with the fast-changing working environment. 13. Institutionalizing submission of public and private HEI reports to CHED. Public and private HEIs should be strictly compelled to submit on time the reports required by CHED as these reports are basis for assessment of the actual situation of tertiary education in the region. Effective initiatives should be implemented by CHED in order to motivate the HEIs to prepare and submit comprehensive reports within the deadlines set.
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14. Restructuring public HEIs through amalgamation. Public HEIs need to be restructured, and one effective approach seen is amalgamation. The objective of this program is to restructure the higher education system, specifically the public component consisting of SUCs/ Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and other government schools to improve efficiency in the delivery of quality programs, minimize duplication, and promote complementation between and among public and private HEIs. The restructuring could be achieved partly through amalgamation of SUCs into Regional University Systems (RUS) and the development of specialized institutions. 15. Reinforcing competitiveness of our professionals. In order to cope up with the challenges set by the implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), there is a need to reinforce the competitiveness of our professionals. One program of the government in harnessing our professionals is the Continuing Professional Educational Development Program (CPEDP). The program is, however, currently optional. If existing professional regulatory laws will be amended to make it mandatory, it would have big impact in improving the competency of our professionals. Other related laws and regulations in the practice of profession in the country also need to be amended in order to empower our professionals to comply with MRA standards. 16. Expanding, promoting and unifying agri-fishery, ICT and tourism-related courses. As the main thrusts of the region, the agri-fishery, ICT and tourism subsectors should be given much emphasis. To do this, agri-fishery, ICT and tourism PHEIs and TESDA
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Technology Institutions (TVIs) should be mobilized to encourage additional enrollees in the course. These programs should also be re-designed to make them responsive and more beneficial and profitable. A mechanism to unify the three main thrusts should also be in place. Public and private HEIs should find ways in which these three main sectors be integrated in one program that will immediately address the needs of the region. 17. Strengthening PPPs in Education. The Public-Private Partnership should be pursued so as to deliver the basic infrastructure needs of the education sector. 18. Mainstreaming Gender and Development in education and training. One of the entry points to instill gender sensitivity is the education system. Thus, current efforts to make the curriculum gender bias-free should be continued. Trainings should also be designed and promoted in such a way that the gender stereotyping in courses will be removed. 19. Intensifying advocacy on responsible parenting. While it is the reproductive right of every couple to decide on their desired number of children, they should also be convinced on the value of family planning and responsible parenting. Community-based advocacy on the need to consider their capacity to raise children and provide a quality life for the whole family should be continued. Information on the existence of a wide array of choices on both natural and artificial contraception should likewise be intensified as basis for informed decision making. A broader-based acceptance and practice of responsible parenting will minimize the pressure of a fast growing population to development.
Social Welfare
Objective Access to quality social protection improved
Targets 1. Attained 100% coverage of poor families identified under the National Household Targeting System (NHTS)-PR by 2016 2. Increased number of OFWs covered by social security 3. Increased number of sub-projects completed under KALAHI-CIDS from 276 in 2012 to 544 in 2016 4. Increased number of job seekers placed in local employment 5. Increased number of informal sector workers, unemployed persons, minimum wage earners and OFWs and their families provided with capacity building services for livelihood under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program 6 . I n c re a s e d number of seminars conducted through Comprehensive Livelihood and Employment E Program (CLEEP) 7. Increased number of poor senior citizens covered by social pension from 14,294 in 2012 to 23,261 in 2016
Strategies 1. Advocating children and women’s rights. To educate people, especially those in the poor households where abuse of children and women mostly occur, Gender and Development (GAD) and children’s rights will be mainstreamed in the modules of family development session, attendance to which is a CCT conditionality. These two topics will also be explicitly surfaced in the framework of local development plans. GAD advocacy will be intensified by conducting orientation on
related laws such as Republic Act 7610 or an Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination; RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women; RA 9262 or the AntiViolence against Women and their Children Act, the Criminal Justice System from the provinces down to the barangay level. 2. Mainstreaming Women and Children’s Rights in Local Plans. Women’s and children’s rights will be explicitly provided for in the framework of local development plans. This should also call for the strict enforcement of laws on children and women at the local level. There are already many laws that will protect the rights of women and children. What is needed is to strictly enforce these laws by imposing sanctions to non-compliant LGUs and offenders. 3. Strengthening the Implementation of the CCT Program. The convergence efforts through the provision of livelihood, employment opportunities, health care and other similar undertakings to improve the living condition of the poorest of the poor in the region will be focused on the CCT program beneficiaries. Recognizing the family as a basic unit of society where provision of children’s protection and rights commences, there will be more systematic and sustainable social welfare efforts through the CCT family development projects. Furthermore, the generation of strong support and commitment for a higher resource allocation and mobilization for the expansion of CCT program in the region will be founded on effective coordination and partnership with the national high ranking decision makers, people’s organizations and other stakeholders. Creating Productive Human Resource
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Housing Objective Access to shelter security improved
Targets 1. Increased number of NHA socialized housing assistance provided 2. Increased number of LGUs assisted in the preparation of CLUP 3. Increased number of License-toSell issued 4. Increased number of take-out in units by PAG-IBIG 5. Increased number of beneficiaries served by PAG-IBIG 6. Increased number of preproclamation household beneficiaries by HUDCC 7. Increased number of beneficiaries of Social Housing Finance Corporation
Strategies 1. Encouraging partnerships of LGUs and cooperatives with government shelter agencies in housing programs. The PAG-IBIG will partner with the local government units and cooperatives through a Group Housing Program that will encourage and facilitate availment of housing programs by local employees and members of cooperatives. 2. Streamlining checklist of requirements. Shelter agencies must streamline requirements in housing programs to fast-track applications and completion of transactions. This shall be done by rationalizing the procedures and removing duplicative documents. 3. Recommending the establishment of shelter agencies in the region. Currently, the Visayas offices of
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HLURB and HUDCC are based in Cebu. Thus, clients of these agencies need to travel to Cebu for their transactions, hence, clients incur substantial costs, thereby discouraging them to avail of government housing programs. There is then a need for a policy recommendation calling for the putting up of regional offices in Eastern Visayas. 4. Intensifying information dissemination on the availability of housing loans/programs. While there are already existing housing programs that can be availed of by target beneficiaries, information on what these are, the eligibility requirements, and the availment procedure should be widely disseminated so that more beneficiaries can avail of such programs.
Programs, Projects and Activities On Health and Nutrition 1. Health Facility Enhancement Program 2. MNCHN 3. National Health Insurance Program 4. PPPs on Health 5. Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition inclusive of the following impact programs: • Home, School, and Community Food Production • Food Assistance • Micronutrient Supplementation • Nutrition Information, Communication & Education • Food Fortification • Livelihood Assistance • Nutrition in Essential Maternal and Child Health Services 6. Programs on the Control of Communicable and NonCommunicable Diseases 7. Healthy Lifestyle Program 8. School Health and Nutrition Program
9. Gulayan sa Paaralan 10. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) 11. Comprehensive Mental Health Program 12. Establishment of a consolidated (central) database on the result of drug-testing 13. Profiling of drug users 14. Establishment of drug rehabilitation and treatment referral desk in every barangay 15. Legislative Agenda: • Enforcement/Formulation of national and local policy on facility-based deliveries • Advocacy for the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholars • Policy Review/Enforcement on Occupational Health • Policy Review/Enforcement of the Essential Intra-partum Newborn Care • Enforcement of the Expanded Breast-feeding Act (RA 10028) • Enforcement of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) • Enforcement of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (RA 10354) • Formulation/Enforcement of ordinances/national policies on sanitation • Formulation/Enforcement of a policy to integrate healthy lifestyle in all schools, offices and LGUs • Formulation/Enforcement of regulatory policies on food serving in food establishments and internet shop operation
On Education and Manpower Development 1. Support to Special Science Elementary School 2. Support to Multi-Grade Education 3. Support to Engineering and Science Education Program for High Schools
4. Support to Secondary Schools offering the Special Program for the Arts and Sports 5. Support to SPED Centers/Schools 6. Every Child A Reader Program (ECARP) 7. Alternative Delivery Mode Programs (Project e-IMPACT) 8. Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) 9. Indigenous People (IP) Education 10. Basic Education Madrasah 11. Redesigned Technical-Vocational High School Program 12. School-Based Management (SBM) Installation and Support 13. Human Resource Training and Development including Teacher’s Training, Scholarship and Fellowship Grants and Capacity building for Non-Teaching Personnel 14. Lump-sum for Acquisition, Improvement, Titling and Survey of School Sites 15. Innovative Programs to Promote Access to Education 16. Repair of Elementary/Secondary Classrooms 17. Innovative Program (Open High School) 18. Innovative Program (Out-ofSchool-Youth) 19. Modified-in School Off-School Approach 20. E-Impact 21. Provision of Instructional Materials for ALS and SPED 22. Provision of Educational Tools and Materials 23. Provision of School Water Facilities 24. Provision of School Equipment 25. Provision of K-12 Activity Sheets and Instructional Materials 26. Advocacy of the “Adopt-aScholar” Program 27. Improvement of the SGPPA Selection Process 28. Orientation of Prospective Scholar on GSM 29. Issuance of a CHED Order to HEIs to involve Guidance Counsellors in SGGPA 30. Revision of the criteria in school accreditation 31. Provision of incentives for private schools (tax incentives) Creating Productive Human Resource
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32. Delimitation of courses 33. Training Provision through various delivery modes (Institution-based, Enterprisebased and Community-based) 34. Conduct of Competency Assessment to TVET graduates/ workers 35. Provision of Scholarship Programs 36. Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS) 37. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships 38. Merit Scholarship Program 39. RA 7687 Scholarship Program 40. Junior Level Science Program (JLSS) 41. DOST-SEI MS and PhD Graduate Scholarships 42. Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) 43. Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) 44. Teachers First: Honors Program for Quality Teaching 45. Summer Orientation Enrichment Program 46. Summer Practical Training Program 47. Tutorial Classes 48. Strengthening the Capacity of Science and Mathematics Teachers on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 49. Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC) 50. Australian Mathematics Competition 51. Young Excellence in Science (YES) Award 52. Water Rocket Competition 53. Dissemination of application forms and brochures to all high schools in every municipality 54. Massive TV and Radio campaign 55. JobsFit Program
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On Social Welfare and Housing 1. Mainstreaming children’s rights and GAD in the module of CCT’s Family Development Session conditionality 2. Advocacy of social and welfare development laws in the provinces down to the barangay level 3. Establishment of communityand center-based programs in the LGUs 4. Women’s forum on the Magna Carta of Women 5. Organization of Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere “MOVE” program up to the barangay level 6. Trainings, seminars, demonstrations on social welfare and development programs and projects 7. Recommendation for the issuance of an EO to adopt standardized procedures 8. Housing Caravan 9. Streamlining the checklist of requirements 10. Quarterly One-Stop-Shop Program
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Awards Received by LGU-Tacloban City Photo Courtesy of LGU-Tacloban City http://www.ilovetacloban.com
Good Governance and the Rule of Law
Good governance fosters participation, ensures transparency, demands accountability, promotes efficiency, and upholds the rule of law in economic, political and administrative institutions. It is the embodiment of an ideal government. The benefits of having good governance make it desirable for the government to aim for it. Good governance is not an end in itself as it should lead to better life for the citizenry. The practice of good governance translates into a favorable political, legal and economic and business environment that leads to economic growth and more jobs, effective and efficient delivery of basic services, increase in income of its people, and reduction in poverty among many others. Improved governance leads to better development outcomes. Local Government Units (LGUs) and Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) in Eastern Visayas shall exert more efforts to practice effective, efficient and responsive governance and, at the same time, aim for inclusive growth. With them practicing the tenets of good governance, giving importance to the selection of leaders and embracing inclusive growth, sustained economic progress and an improved wellbeing of its people, may not be far behind.
Assessment This portion is an evaluation of how the LGUs and RLAs in Region VIII fared in terms of good governance. In the past years, the national government helped LGUs acquire, install and use the necessary structures, systems, mechanisms and tools towards attaining good governance.
State of Local Governance Two national monitoring systems on good governance are in place, namely: (1) the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), and (2) the Local Governments’ Performance Monitoring System (LGPMS). These monitoring systems are being implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The SGH recognizes LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping, particularly in the areas of local legislation, development planning, resource generation, resource allocation and utilization, customer service, human resource management and development, and
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valuing the fundamentals of good governance. LGUs awarded with a Gold Seal have LGPMS performance that is above the benchmark. They have an existing Internal Audit Office, functional Local Development Council (LDC), Local School Board (LSB), Local Health Board (LHB), Peace and Order Council (POC), and joint ventures or cooperative arrangements with people’s organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs). These joint ventures are along the delivery of basic services, capability building, livelihood projects, agriculture, and other socioeconomic development endeavors. Another benchmark is the Indigenous People representation in the local Sanggunian and other local policymaking bodies as embodied in DILG MC No. 2010-119. In 2013, two cities and two municipalities in Eastern Visayas emerged as winners in the Local Legislative Awards. The Awards seeks to highlight innovations and excellence in local legislation that will serve as an inspiration to other sanggunians
Table 56. Administrative Governance Performance, Eastern Visayas: 2009 and 2011 Year/ Difference
Legislation
2009 2011 Increase/ Decrease
Development Planning
Resource Allocation and Utilization 2.69
Revenue Generation
Human Resource Management and Overall Rating Development 4.47 3.80
3.77
4.37
3.73
3.38
4.76
3.40
2.68
4.93
3.83
(0.39)
0.39
(0.33)
(0.01)
0.46
0.03
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Table 57. Administrative Governance Performance By Province
3.40
Resource Allocation and Utilization 2.29
Human Resource Management and Development 5.00
4.48
2.12
1.00
5.00
4.66 4.42 5.00 5.00
3.91 3.24 3.51 4.20
3.25 2.50 3.83 3.21
5.00 4.60 5.00 5.00
Local Legislation
Development Planning
Revenue Generation
Leyte Samar
4.47
5.00
2.85
Eastern Samar Biliran Southern Leyte Northern Samar
3.13 2.64 3.72 3.49
Province
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Table 58. Regional Summary on Economic Governance: 2009 and 2011 Year/ Difference 2009 2011
Support to Agriculture 4.13
Increase/ Decrease
Entrepreneurship, Business and Industry Promotion 3.62
Support to Fisheries 4.17
Overall Rating 3.97
4.55
5.00
3.78
4.44
0.42
0.83
0.16
0.47
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Table 59. Regional Summary on Social Governance: 2009 and 2011 Year/ Difference 2009 2011 Increase/ Decrease
Support to Housing and Basic Utilities
Peace Security and Disaster Risk Management 4.45
Health Services
Support to Education Services
4.56
4.13
3.80
4.38
3.92
3.33
4.60
4.06
(0.18)
(0.21)
(0.47)
0.15
(0.17)
Overall Rating 4.23
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
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Figure 28. Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance: 2011
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Figure 29. Provincial Government Performance, Social Governance: 2011
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
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to perform better. Declared regional winners were Catarman in Northern Samar, Limasawa in Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, and Calbayog City. In 2011, three LGUs topped the 2011 Gawad Awards. These are Naval in Biliran, Ormoc City, and Leyte. Tacloban City also won as the Asian Institute Management’s (AIM) 5th Most Competitive City, 8th Busiest Airport in the Philippines, DILG’s 2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awardee, DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping, PNP’s Best LGU, and the National Literacy Award. Another important monitoring tool established by the national government to check the achievements of LGUs in governance is the LGPMS. This tool measures the state of local governance in the following areas: (1) Administrative Governance; (2) Social Governance; (3) Economic Governance; (4) Environmental Governance; and (5) Valuing Fundamentals in Local Governance. The SGH has already been conducted for three rounds. The result of the SGH-Round 3 conducted in the later part of 2011 showed an increase in the number SGH recipients in Eastern Visayas. Of the six provinces, three were already awardees compared to none in Round 1. Also, two cities and 24 municipalities became recipients in Round 3 from no city and 2 municipalities in Round 1. Only two cities and eight municipalities are non-recipients of the SGH due to non-compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy of the DILG, and all disclaimer Commission on Audit (COA) opinion for 2011. Most of the LGUs in the provinces are holders of the Bronze Seal. These improvements show that the LGUs of Region VIII are trying harder in practicing good governance.
Administrative Governance Administrative governance covers the basic functions of government such as legislation, development planning, revenue generation, resource allocation, and human resource management (Table 56). How these
functions are being carried out affects the socio-economic development of the region. A transparent and participative decision making process in this area of governance shall be promoted and government officials are held accountable by an informed citizenry. Along this area, the region posted a very slight increase of 0.03 from 2009 to 2011. Increases were noted in development planning, and human resource management and development. In 2011, about 30% of provinces in the region showed low performances in three areas of governance. Resource allocation and utilization was the lowest, with a score of 1, followed by revenue generation and local legislation (Table 57). Another area that requires strengthening is local legislation. Quality legislation is desired in most provinces. These provinces have to give importance to building the competence of legislative staff, the use of research-based agenda development, legislative tracking, and setting up of a backstopping committee.
Economic Governance To ensure sustainable economic development and inclusive growth, LGUs must continuously provide support to the agriculture and fisheries sectors. These sectors are the lifeline of most of the rural population. Almost 50% poor people of Eastern Visayas rely heavily in these sectors. To spur economic development in an area, LGUs should ensure that their offices and processes are business-friendly. A comparison between the 2009 and the 2011 figures showed that the performance of the region in the three areas of economic governance is encouraging (Table 58). Support to fisheries has the highest increase Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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of 0.83. It was followed by support to agriculture and entrepreneurship, business and industry promotion. Though the figures are good, these did not redound to an overall improvement in the lives of the poor, especially in the rural areas as the recent survey showed an increase in the number of poor people in the region. The figures at the regional level on entrepreneurship, business and industry promotion are a bit low (Figure 28). This means the provinces’ capacity to spur economic development is weak due to its inability to promote a businessfriendly environment. The concerned provinces have to put in more efforts towards improving the quality of its permitting or licensing, ensuring the ease of doing business, establishing an administrative body to take the lead in marketing the investment potentials of the local government, and providing direct support services to business, particularly MSMEs. Support services may come in the form of tax incentives, product labeling, packaging, training, job fairs and trade fairs.
Social Governance
Providing basic social services to the public, particularly the poor, is one of the basic functions of government. Transparent and effective delivery of these services contributes to the attainment of inclusive growth. A comparison of the region’s rating for social governance in 2009 and 2011 showed a decrease by 0.17 points (Table 59). Particularly, performances in support to housing and utilities, education and health services declined. Among provinces, Eastern Samar posted a significant decrease in support to education, while Samar posted notable increases in support to health, education services and peace, security and disaster risk management (Figure 29). This shows that the region is exerting more effort towards better performances in these areas of governance.
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In 2011, the province of Leyte was the best performer in all areas of providing social services. Most provinces also did well in providing health services to its constituents. Almost all provinces performed better in peace, security and disaster risk management. However, support to housing services was weak in some provinces. The concerned LGUs were advised to extend assistance and sustain it.
Environmental Governance
Environmental governance looks into the LGUs’ management of their respective forest, freshwater, coastal marine and urban ecosystems. Overall, in 2011, the region posted lower index ratings in the areas of forest, fresh water and coastal marine resource management than in 2009 (Table 60). The region, in general, posted a fair rating in urban ecosystems management. This is a major challenge considering the possible effect of heightened ecotourism and agribusiness activities in identified Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) and production areas. Noteworthy is the province of Leyte which got excellent ratings in all four areas of environmental management covered by the LGPMS. The other provinces had high ratings in three areas except in urban ecosystem management. This means that these provinces showed minimal effort or have low capacities in pollution control and solid waste management.
Valuing Fundamentals of Governance The three main indicators for good governance covered by the LGPMS are on participation, transparency and financial accountability. In 2011, the region’s average score in transparency was quite high at 4.71 and higher by 0.13 points than in 2009 (Table 61). Increases in the
three areas were noted, which signal that LGUs are now slowly practicing good governance. Most of the provinces got high scores in transparency (Figure 30). This means transparency in government operations is remarkable. Communicating to the public through various means such as bulletin boards, a Public Information Office or Desk, print, broadcast media, website and forum is valued.
Financial Performance
The regional average for locally sourced revenue to total income of LGUs in Eastern Visayas is very low. This means that LGUs in Eastern Visayas are highly dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the national government. The total income of the LGUs consists of locally sourced revenues, IRA, and other inter-governmental fund transfers such as those for projects implemented by the national government and grants. On the cost of collecting locally sourced revenues, some provinces had very high rates, even reaching 78% of the revenue collected and way above the national average of around 25%. Efficiency in collecting locally sourced revenues is desired in
these provinces. On how much was actually spent by the LGUs on a per capita basis, all provinces are below the national average. This means the region’s LGUs are spending less for their constituents than other provinces that are in similar situations.
Delivery of Public Services by National Government Agencies (NGAs) Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Watch Delivery of public services must be timely and sufficient for all citizens, regardless of their status in life. Lengthy and tedious government procedures slow down the delivery of public service and increase transaction cost. The ARTA of 2007 intends to improve efficiency in the delivery of government services to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape and preventing graft and corruption. It requires all government offices to draw up a Citizen’s Charter that identifies the frontline services offered, the steps involved in availing of such services, the civil servant responsible for each step, the amount of fees, the documents to be presented by the client, and the
Table 60. Regional Summary on Environmental Governance: 2009 and 2011 Year/ Difference 2009 2011 Increase/ Decrease
Forest
Freshwater
Coastal Marine
Urban
Overall Rating
4.56
4.56
4.78
3.16
4.26
4.39
4.33
4.17
3.25
4.03
(0.23)
(0.61)
0.09
(0.23)
(0.17)
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Table 61. Regional Summary on Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2009 and 2011 Year/ Difference 2009 2011 Increase/ Decrease
Participation
Transparency
Financial Accountability
Overall Rating
4.56
4.13
3.80
4.23
4.38
3.92
3.33
4.06
(0.18)
(0.21)
(0.47)
(0.17)
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
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Figure 30. Provincial Government Performance, Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2011
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Figure 31. Locally Sourced Revenue to Total Income
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
procedure for filing complaints in relation to services. In 2012, result of the ARTA Watch conducted by the Civil Service Commission showed a total of 36 agencies that are ARTA-compliant. These include 18 NGAs, 15 GOCCs, and three government hospitals. This is much higher than in 2011 with only 11 NGAs and GOCCs compliant
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to the requirements of ARTA. ARTAcompliant agencies are those who have completed their respective citizen’s charters, set up public assistance and complaints desks, and have adopted measures to stop fixing activities in their respective agencies. The monitoring of LGUs compliant to ARTA was transferred to DILG in 2012 under the SGH.
Convergence of Government Services
Strengthening of Democratic Institutions
To meet the goal of inclusive growth, government services are being brought to the poor and the unemployed. Active engagement and coordinated efforts by agencies are now being pursued under the present administration. In doing this, lead agencies of programs coordinate the actions of supporting/ participating agencies during the stages of planning, budgeting and execution to ensure successful accomplishment of program targets. Coordination/convergence of efforts by groups of agencies are facilitated by the Program Budgeting Approach. This convergence of efforts will have to happen at the national, regional and sub-regional levels.
Involvement of the people in the development process is important to make them all feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. All groups, particularly the most vulnerable, should be given equal opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being. Partnership between government and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Philippine setting has shown some success as demonstrated by the participation of Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) and CSOs in government bodies and processes. The Local Government Code has mandated the creation of local special bodies such as the Local Development Councils, Local Health Board, among others. However, citizen’s participation in these local councils and special bodies are nominal if not inoperative.
The focus areas for convergent public investments from national and local agencies will be offered not only basic social services and protection but also infrastructure and enterprise development. The priority geographical areas for program convergence are sites identified under the Coconut Industry and Poverty Reduction roadmaps, localities under the Pantawid programs where majority of the fisherfolks reside, and the ten (10) gateway tourism destination clusters.
Public-Private Partnership Public infrastructure delivery services are traditionally within the domain of the government. However, given the limited funding of the government, it turns to the private sector as an alternative approach to meet its massive infrastructure requirements. This strategy draws significant benefits like efficiency in service delivery, innovation, access to private capital, cost savings, among others. An example of this is the Schoolbuilding Project being implemented by the Department of Education
Private Sector Representation in the Regional Development Council Executive Order No. 325 provides for the reorganization and strengthening of the Regional Development Council (RDC) to make it a more effective institution in the regions. The RDC is responsible for ensuring sustainable, participatory and equitable development. To ensure ample participation of the people in the development process at the regional level, the reorganized RDC provides seats for PSRs, comprising one-fourth of the total RDC members or 15 PSRs sitting in the RDC as voting members. They are nominated by accredited Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) to represent in various sectors and bring forth issues and concerns of the sectors they represent.
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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Budget Formulation and Execution
to improve the implementation of projects and programs and uplift the poorest regions in the country.
The civil society plays a key role in ensuring government transparency and accountability. With dedicated effort, CSOs now participate in certain inclusive and participatory budgeting processes. A new feature in budget preparations of NGAs seeks to increase citizens’ participation in the budget process. Departments and agencies are tasked to partner with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other citizen-stakeholders as they prepare their agency budget proposals. This new process, called Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB), was piloted in the preparation of the 2012 National Budget and is being expanded towards institutionalization.
Monitoring Capacities of the National and Local Governments
To institutionalize participatory budgeting in the bureaucracy and broaden the constructive partnership with the CSOs and other stakeholders, DBM issued National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 536. This Circular provides for the guidelines on partnership with CSOs and other stakeholders in the preparation of agency budget proposals. Moreover, NBC No. 539 provides for the guidelines on partnership with CSOs and other stakeholders in the execution of the agency budget. The BuB system establishes closer citizen engagement in the budgeting process. It is done through consultations with the CSOs and the poorest municipalities of the country. These municipalities prepare their Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans in cooperation with local CSOs which are then submitted to the national government for consideration in the national budget. This process assures that public funds will be spent on programs that intend to benefit target recipients and ultimately improve the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens. The BuB aims to fight corruption in government and create a more open and transparent government. Ultimately, it intends
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Monitoring of programs and projects of NGAs and LGUs is still weak as shown in the on-and-off or lax monitoring activities. The monitoring capacity of government agencies, especially at the LGU level, is low. However, continuous efforts to strengthen monitoring tools and mechanisms are being started. Among the government’s initiatives that have been implemented to strengthen monitoring are the SGH, LGPMS and currently the results monitoring in the updated PDP/RDP 2013-2016. The PSRs participation in project monitoring has also been encouraged.
Political Processes and Systems Political analysts have long observed that the problems of lack of accountability and corruption in governance are traceable to the country’s political processes and traditions that evolved through the years. These include the dominance of elite interests in politics, the weakness and subservience of the bureaucracy relative to the political class, and corruption of elections through patronage and money politics.
Summary of Challenges 1. Weak practices of some LGUs in administrative governance. The problem of weak multilevel and multi-year planning perspective, as manifested in disconnected plans between the LGUs and the national government, still needs to be addressed. Incorporating LGU plans in the national plans will ensure that priority local programs and projects are considered in
the national agency plans and budget. A more synchronized local and national plan will redound to a more effective and efficient utilization of resources. The lack of data at the LGU level is a big hindrance towards making a good plan. Also, with the devastating effects of climate change occurring in some parts of our country, an urgent need to integrate the concerns on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in development plans must be pursued. Formulating and/or regularly updating the Local Development and Investment Plan (LDIP) is a constant challenge to LGUs. Essentially, this exercise aims to realize the vision of the LGUs by translating the strategies defined in the Local Development Plan (LDP) into programs and projects for implementation. Regularly updating the LDP ensures that only relevant and responsive programs and projects will be implemented. 2. Low capacity of some LGUs to spur economic development. One of the factors that hinder the inflow of investments is the LGUs’ long and tedious process for starting business. No less than President Aquino himself called on the LGUs to “look for more ways to streamline processes in order to make business start-ups easier.” With the government proposing service standards for business registration processes, there is now a need to capacitate cities and municipalities to comply with these standards. A simple and relatively low tax rate is also one of the aspects that entice investors, yet in most LGUs of the region, this has yet to be rationalized. The lack of an LGU instrument that illustrates the local government’s investment policies
and programs, the Investments Priority Areas (IPAs), the local incentives available to domestic and foreign investors and the mechanics for availing them, all deter investors from pouring in capital into the locality. To draw investments especially in priority areas for development, there is a need for LGUs to formulate its Local Investment and Incentive Code (LIIC). 3. Low capability of some LGUs to provide effective and efficient delivery of public services. One of the key devolved functions that need LGU support is the delivery of social services. Weak support to housing services by some provinces were identified in the 2011 LGPMS. This is due to the low priority given to the provision of housing by most LGUs. Also, weak support to education services by some provinces was noted. Basic public education is still largely the responsibility of the national government, delivered through the Department of Education (DepEd). However, the LGUs, through the Local School Board, are considered major partners of the national government in the delivery of basic education services. Low support to environmental management along the areas of forest, fresh water, costal marine, and urban ecosystems, and the low capacities in pollution control and solid waste management were recorded in some provinces. 4. Lack of transparency, participation and accountability of some responsible officials in government institutions and processes. There remains a need to capacitate all government procurement practitioners on Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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Government Procurement Reform Act. One of the principles of RA 9184 is transparency in the procurement process and in the implementation of procurement contracts. A system of accountability to all involved in the procurement process is still wanting in some LGUs and NGAs.
Sectoral Development Framework Goals The two main goals under Good Governance and the Rule of Law are: (1) the practice of effective, transparent and participative governance, and (2) the enhanced access to justice. The region’s overall goal of sustained economic growth that leads to Figure 32. Good Governance and the Rule of Law Framework
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poverty reduction will be achieved if RLAs and LGUs practice effective, efficient and responsive governance with the private sector playing an active role as partner of development. The contention here is that no matter how comprehensive the planned interventions are if the key players are not practicing good governance, all other development goals of the region will not be attained. The practice of good governance shall lead to an environment which is conducive to business and investors wanting to invest in a locality. Strengthening LGUs’ capacity to spur economic development shall be pursued. LGUs shall be the catalysis for more investments in agribusiness and tourism. The development of these two sectors is expected to create more jobs and to increase the income of poor families. Beyond providing a conducive environment for economic activities is also to
think global. Government should also promote exports of non-traditional agri-products. Exporting agricultural/ fishery fresh and processed products is the way to a more sustainable agribusiness. NGAs shall exert more efforts towards providing the LGUs the necessary technical and fiscal assistance. Side by side with this, the region also aims to enhance its justice system by strengthening the rule of law.
Objectives and Strategies 1. Effective and efficient delivery of public services with greater transparency and accountability provided by RLAs and LGUs. The delivery of public services is still a shared responsibility between the LGUs and the national government. Providing the public with valuable services efficiently and with greater transparency shall be aimed by every LGU. Below are the strategies identified to achieve this objective: • Capacitating LGUs for an effective and efficient delivery of public services • Strengthening planning and budgeting linkages at all levels - Capacitate LGUs in the preparation/integration of all local plans (CLUPs, FLUP, CRMP, EMP, LDRRMP) • Conducting an effective and efficient resource mobilization • Improving measures that support the increase of local revenues through the following: - Ensure adoption of electronic statement of receipts and expenditures (e-SRE) reporting system of LGUs (target: all LGUs by end of 2016)
-
Update tax/revenue code (target: 80% of LGUs by end of 2016) - Intensify tax IEC campaign - S t ren gt h en Pu b l i c Finance Management of LGUs * Come up with an incentive mechanism to LGUs which has i n st i t u t i o n a l i ze d the conduct of PFMAT and PFMIP formulation * Comply with the Revenue Code • Strengthening and sustaining monitoring systems - Mainstreaming the private sector in the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) - S u sta i n i n g LG P M S as a management p e r fo r m a n c e t o o l of LGUs and results utilized in development planning - Consistent monitoring 2. Business-friendly environment promoted by LGUs Ensuring the ease of doing business is a must if LGUs would like to attract investors to do business in their locality. This is to be coupled with providing the environment that will sustain businesses such as the availability of raw materials, labor, incentives for better profit, promoting their products, and many other forms of direct support services. Below are the strategies identified to address this concern: • Improving the quality of its permitting or licensing • Establishing an administrative body to take the lead in marketing the investment potentials of the local government Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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• Providing direct support s e r v i c e s to b u s i n e s s , particularly MSMEs. Support services may come in the form of tax incentives, product labeling, packaging, training, job fairs and trade fairs. • Requiring all LGUs to formulate the medium-term LDIP as mandated 3. Improved transparency, participation and accountability in government institutions and processes The fundamentals of good governance are transparency, participation and accountability. Transparency in government activities leads to a more informed citizenry and persuades people to participate in government activities. Encouraging citizens to participate in formulating policies and priorities of government helps people feel that their interest are valued and becomes supportive of government activities. On the other hand, accountability is practiced when citizens’ themselves hold their officials answerable for their actions. It is a deterrent to committing unethical and illegal acts. This objective can be achieved through the following strategies: • Improving citizens’ access to i nfor m at i on and strengthening the Citizens Feedback System • Encouraging citizens to participate in local special bodies and in promoting good governance • Promoting the Full Disclosure Policy • Promoting broad participation in establishing public priorities and policies • Empowering citizens to hold governing institutions, officials and officers accountable • Effectively engaging CSOs in governance
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• Creating Citizens’ Watch in Eastern Visayas 4. Rule of law strengthened A cornerstone to good governance is adherence to the rule of law. Strict and impartial enforcement of laws and policies will safeguard the rights of the citizens and ensure that public interest will be upheld at all times. The identified strategies are as follows: • Enhancing capacity and integrity of law enforcement • Promoting full compliance on programs and projects on good governance (transparency and participation) • Adhering to ARTA • Complying to RA 9184 • Complying to the Full Disclosure Policy • Strictly observing the PAGIBIG Law • Strictly enforcing the RESA Law • Empowering citizens by educating them on honesty and integrity • Fostering democratic elections by educating the public • S p e e d y re s o l u t i o n o f corruption cases • Enhancing integrity of the judiciary Other strategies to strengthen the justice system: • Functionalizing the local Human Rights Action Offices, Lupong Tagapamayapa, and the Peace and Order Councils (at all levels) • Creating database on the inventory of pending cases • Localizing the “Justice on Wheels” • Facilitating speedy trials of pending cases • Creating and designating special drug courts
• Strengthening the witness protection program • Disseminating information on the criminal justice system by LGUs
Targets 1. Increased number of LGUrecipients of the Seal of Good Housekeeping to 80% by 2016 2. Increased number of LGUs with OPI of 4 and Valuing Fundamentals of Government under LGPMS 3. Increased number of LGUs with integrated plans 4. Increased number of ARTAcompliant RLAs and LGUs 5. 100% of NGAs and SUCs compliant to Full Disclosure Policy 6. 100% of LGUs trained on RA 9184 7. 100% of LGUs trained on Public Financial Management Assessment Tool (PFMAT and Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) 8. 100% web presence of NGAs, GOCCs, CSOs and SUCs 9. Increased number of LGUs with websites 10. Increased number of CSOs participated in the budget process for LGUs 11. Increased number of Citizens Charters created/organized 12. Increased number of LGUs with budgets, expenditures, contracts and loans, and procurement plans posted in conspicuous places within public buildings in the locality, on the web, and in print media with local or general circulation 13. All LGUs adopted electronic statement of receipts and expenditures (e-SRE) reporting system by end of 2016 14. 80% of LGUs with updated tax/ revenue code by end of 2016 15. All provinces/cities compliant to RA 7160 (Adherence to the mandatory provisions of RA 7160 in conducting general revision of RPT every 3 years) 16. All LGUs with institutionalized PFMAT conducted trainings/ orientation on the PFMAT
17. All LGUs (down to the barangays) are COA-audited yearly to ensure strict compliance to Public Financial Management System, particularly on procurement 18. PFMIPs targets attained: 201355 LGUs, 2014- 115 LGUs, 20152016 all remaining LGUs
Programs, Projects and Activities 1. Strict enforcement/adoption/ updating of the following laws, systems and monitoring tools: • Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) • Full Disclosure Policy • Bottom-up Budgeting System • Public Financial Management Assessment Tool for LGUs • Public Financial Management Information Systems (PFMIS) • Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003 (RA 9184) • Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGeps) • Local Government Code (RA 7160) • Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) • Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) 2. Policy Recom m en d at i on s / Formulation of local laws on the following: • Proper valuation of exports/ imports • Wage laws • Magna Carta of Women • Children-related laws • Environmental laws • ICT-related laws • National Heritage Act • Dangerous Drugs Act • Occupational Safety Law • Electric Power Industry Reform Act • Formulation of a policy/ guidelines on the Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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• • •
•
•
•
162
implementation, operations and maintenance of flood control Formulation of the Local Investment Incentive Code (LIIC) Updating of tax code Streamlining the checklist of requirements for availment of housing programs among shelter agencies in order to fast-track applications and completion of transactions (rationalizing the procedures and removing duplicative documents) Recommending the establishment of regional offices of shelter agencies (e.g. HLURB and HUDCC) Creating and/or functionalizing local special bodies such as, but not limited, to: - Local Development Council - Local Health Board - Local Nutrition Committee - Local School Board - Peace and Order Council - Poverty Reduction Council - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Mandatory establishment of databases/improvement of data generation - Graduates of courses along agribusiness, tourism, ICT - Priority waterless areas - Micronutrient malnutrition - Maternal mortality
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PAMANA-DILG Pillar 3 project’s bridge would connect the towns of Mondragon and Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar Photo Courtesy of PAMANA http://pamana.net/photos
Peace and Security
Protecting the life, liberty, and property of the citizens is the one of the primordial concerns of the government. It is recognized that security is best guaranteed when the general public is secure, free, and prosperous, and when they respect human rights and the rule of law. However, peace and security can be threatened by internal concerns such as recurring armed conflict and criminality. This RDP, therefore, takes cognizance of the importance of achieving stability on peace and security through an appropriate and adequate response to internal conflicts and criminality. The development goals of the region will not be attained if peace and security is not made an integral part of the development process. A just and safe environment conducive to local economic development should, therefore, be given equal attention and resources, particularly as the region braces for economic growth and poverty reduction.
Assessment Peace and Order
Index Crimes while the rest were Non-Index Crimes. Compared to the 2011 figures, there was a decrease of 43% and 40%, respectively.
Eastern Visayas continues to manifest a generally peaceful situation. Based on the 2010 population of 4.101 million and police strength of 6,091, the police-to-population ratio was below standard, it being 1:673 against the standard of 1:500.
Among the six provinces of Region VIII, Northern Samar recorded the highest Crime Volume while Biliran recorded the lowest (Figure 34). The reported crime volume of provinces showed a decline from 2011 to 2012 except for Samar.
The Total Crime Volume (TCV) reported for 2012 was recorded at 4,420 incidents (Figure 33). This is 41% lower than the 2011 figures. Out of the TCV, a total of 2,645 were
The criminality situation of Eastern Visayas is within manageable level (Figure 34). The significant decrease in the crime volume is attributable to the implementation of the Police
Figure 33. Incidence of Crimes Committed by Crime Category: 2011 and 2012 7,553
4,420
4,611 2011 2,645
2,942
2012 1,775
Crime Volume
Index Crime
Source PRO VIII, 2013
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Non-Index Crime
Figure 34. Distribution of Crime Volume by Province: 2011 and 2012 1,106
855
909 806
813
777
631 532 338
Leyte
S. Leyte
634
608
Biliran
2011 2012
371
Samar
N. Samar
E. Samar
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
Figure 35. Index Crimes Classification: 2011 and 2012 2,329 2,500
2,282 1,614
2,000 1,500
1,031
1,000
Crimes vs Property Crimes vs Persons
500 0 2011
2012
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) by police units/stations; maximized downloading of manpower and logistical resources; the active Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs); and the rationalization of “Pulis Nyo Po Sa Barangay.” The deployment of PO1s undergoing Field Training Program (FTP) augmented the needed manpower for police visibility in crime-prone areas. Of the 2,645 reported index crimes, 61% is classified as crimes against persons while 39% is against property (Figure 35). Leyte recorded high incidences on crimes against persons and crimes against property, a
scenario which is most prevalent in highly-populated areas. The comparative data across provinces showed that there was a decrease of non-index crimes in most provinces, with Eastern Samar recording the highest percentage (53%) of decline (Table 62). The decrease could be a result of the relentless campaign and enforcement against violators of special laws in the past year and the maximum utilization of the PNP personnel in anti-criminality programs, especially in its prevention and control. Strong partnership between LGUs and the local police units in areas of Peace and Security
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responsibility (AOR) tremendously deterred law violators from engaging in illegal activities especially those involving environmental and marine resources. In relation to the crimes with the use of firearms, there were 385 incidents recorded in 2012, which is 7.89% lower compared to the previous year (Figure 36). Implementation of enhanced Police Integrated Patrol Systems (PIPs), especially the intensified checkpoints/ chokepoints, and the sustained operations of Oplan BAKAL contributed to the decrease. Data on crimes involving criminal syndicates/criminal gangs indicated a total of five gangs operating in the areas of responsibility (AOR) in 2011, three of which were involved in robbery/hold-up while two were engaged in illegal drug trade. These were all in Samar and Leyte Provinces. In 2012, while there was a zero incident, robberies took place in Maasin City and Tacloban City though the culprits were not members of the monitored criminal gang. In 2012, crime solution efficiency (CSE) was 35.81% and crime clearance efficiency was 60.90% (Figure 37). These are 14.73% and 23.71% higher compared to the 21.08% and 37.19% of the previous year, respectively.
The increased efficiency rates are due to the capture of suspects at large, owing to the aggressive conduct of fixed/mobile checkpoints at pinpointed/ designated critical strategic locations. Another reason could be the lesser fear of reprisal or refusal by the witnesses to give statements for the victims, which may be attributed to the expanded coverage of the Witness Protection Program. Case build-up is currently a priority among the police and the Regional Prosecutor’s Office to arrest and prosecute the traffickers. Rescue and counseling of the victims are continuing activities undertaken by both the government and private sectors.
Internal Security To address the insurgency , the Police Regional Office (PRO) VIII and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) jointly implemented strategies to speed up the timely exchange of information between PNP and AFP units. Interagency coordination meetings with AFP counterparts in the region were periodically conducted. The PRO VIII supported the AFP in the conduct of investigation, documentation and prosecution of all ISO-related cases.
Table 62. Index Crimes Distribution: 2012 Province Leyte Southern Leyte Biliran Northern Samar Samar Eastern Samar TOTAL
Crimes Against Persons Homi- Physical Murder Rape cide Injury 120 70 222 25 22 13 78 12
Total 973 257
10 94
12 29
94 198
15 10
131 331
10 39
40 105
0 2
0 6
50 146
181 477
116 65
18 21
149 173
37 11
320 270
33 40
13 76
5 0
0 5
51 116
371 386
427
163
914
110
1,614
331
671
17
12
1,031
2,645
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
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SubRobbery Total 437 154 125 55
Crimes Against Property Carnap- Cattle SubTheft ping Rustling Total 374 7 1 536 74 3 0 132
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Figure 36. Distribution of Non-Index Crimes by Province: 2011 and 2012 461 379 306 291
377 336
348
275
248
237 206
2012
157
Leyte
S. Leyte
Biliran
Samar
2011
N. Samar
E. Samar
Note: Provincial figures do not include cities. Sources: PRO VIII and RSET, NSCB Region VIII, 2013
Figure 37. Crime Solution Efficiency and Crime Efficiency: 2011 and 2012 60.90%
37.81%
35.81%
2011 2012
21.08%
Crime Solution Efficiency
Crime Clearance Efficiency
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
Figure 38. CPP-NPA-NDF CNN Strength, Firearms and Affected Barangays: 2011-2012 700 633
672
591
2011 2012 136
Strength
Firearms
121
Affected Barangays
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
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As a result of these joint efforts, 2012 saw a reduction in insurgency-related violence (Table 63). There were four less violent incidents recorded during the year compared to 2011. This signifies an improvement in addressing the insurgency situation of the region. The present strength of the CPP-NPANDF CNN is figured at 591, of which 265 are by political membership and 326 by military component (Figure 38). This registers a decline in the CPP-NPA-NDF CNN strength. The CPP-NPA-NDF CNN is equipped with 672 firearms wherein 517 are high powered and 155 are low powered as reported for the year end of 2012. As compared to the previous year, there is a decrease of 28 firearms under its custody. The continuing threat posed by the CPPNPA-NDF CNNs in some areas of the region is being aggressively addressed by the joint efforts of the AFP and PNP units to negate any terroristic activity that maybe directed against civilian and government entities and vital installations. The NPA organization operating in Region VIII is known as the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. It consists of four Provincial Party Committees, namely: (1) the Northern Samar Provincial Party
Committee (NSPPC), (2) the Samar Provincial Party Committee (SPPC), (3) the Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee, and (4) the One Front Committee in Leyte. In line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the 8th Infantry Division was able to handover the internal security operations (ISO) responsibility to the local government units through the Peace and Order Councils. The first province declared as insurgency-free on December 11, 2009 was Biliran. This was followed by Southern Leyte on September 29, 2011. Three months after, Leyte was declared as a manageable conflict-affected and developmentready province on December 8, 2011. Samar Island is a case in point of the correlation between insurgency and poverty. It has been one of the strong seats of insurgency, which is largely driven by poverty – a problem perennial to its three component provinces. As of 2012 poverty statistics, Eastern Samar is the poorest province of the region while Northern Samar and Samar follow in the ranks. The widespread poverty in Samar Island is largely attributed to the
Table 63. Insurgency-Related Violent Incidents: 2011 and 2012 Violent Incidences A. Encounters 1. Government-Initiated a. AFP b. PNP c. Joint AFP-PNP 2. CPP-NPA-NDF CNN-Initiated B. Ambuscade C. Harassments D. Raids E. Liquidation F. Abduction TOTAL Source: PRO VIII, 2013
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
2011 33
2012 32
33 4 8 1 7 0 53
32 3 9 1 3 1 49
inaccessibility or lack of road networks, particularly in the municipalities along the tri-boundaries of the three provinces. These towns are notably the most vulnerable to communist insurgency activities as security forces even experience difficulty covering these areas. Inter-barangay roads are also wanting, constraining access of communities to social services and economic opportunities. With the convergence efforts under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), the major issues on poverty and insurgency in these top three poorest provinces of the region are being addressed. PAMANA is the national government's program of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP), which provides the framework for peace and development. It is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements. A complementary track to peace negotiations, the program’s main strategy is to bring back government to PAMANA areas, ensuring that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent, and accountable local government units. In 2012, the implementation of PAMANA covered various projects in conflict-affected areas. These include, among others, concreting of certain road sections and farm-tomarket roads in Samar areas.
Women and Children in Armed Conflict
Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) include those who have been victims of armed conflict and other forms of conflicts. Child abuse, on the other hand, generally refers to the victimization of children under different circumstances to include armed conflict. Despite the fact that DSWD and the Philippine Army reported no cases of recruitment
and use of children in armed conflict for 2011-2012, children continue to be associated with armed forces or armed groups. The 2010 NSCB report shows that there were 29 children victims of armed conflict. Out of this number, 11 were from Region VIII. Children associated with armed forces or armed groups are exposed to tremendous violence – often forced to witness and commit violence, while themselves being abused, forced to use drugs, exploited, injured or even killed as a result. Their condition deprives them of their rights, often with severe physical and emotional long-term consequences, including disabilities, as a result of their experiences.
Summary of Challenges 1. Threats to peace and development (criminality concerns). The vision of the region is to make Eastern Visayas a tourism haven, and an agribusiness and ICT leader. In pursuit of this vision, LGUs and concerned agencies are challenged to ensure the security and gain the confidence of potential investors and tourists. 2. Threats to internal security (insurgency concerns). Among the security concerns of the region, the most critical is the continuous threat to the region’s internal security and presence of internal conflict involving armed groups who can gravely affect lives and properties in some areas of the region. Criminal elements and armed threats that arise in local communities and pose as menace to peace and development is one issue that the region must address. The presence of PAGs (Partisan Armed Groups) that surface during national and local elections poses a threat. The sector is thereby faced with the challenge of reducing the capabilities of these Peace and Security
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armed groups at a level where they can no longer threaten the stability of the region and affect the delivery of basic services. 3. Concerns of women and children in armed conflict. Protection of children in armed conflict is an important aspect of any comprehensive strategy to resolve conflict and should be a priority concern of the region. Children become victims of killing, maiming, rape, and other forms of violence and criminality. Another challenge is protecting women in armed conflict, whose rights should be protected during and after conflict situations. How to mainstream the gender perspective in all aspects of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building poses as a challenge. Figure 39. Peace and Security Framework
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Sectoral Development Framework Goal Peaceful, just and safe environment conducive for local economic development
Objectives 1. Sustained peace and order condition with reduced crime incidence, increased crime solution efficiency, and increased police-to-population ratio 2. Armed conflict effectively addressed, and peace and social cohesion strengthened 3. Concerns of women and children in armed conflict effectively addressed
Targets 1. Reduced crime incidence by 70% in the areas of operation by 2016 2. Increased Crime Solution Efficiency to 36% by 2016 3. Attained the ideal police-topopulation ratio of 1:500 by 2016 4. Reduced insurgents by 25% per year from 2014-2016 5. Reduced Conflict Affected Areas (CAAs) from 136 to 0 by 2016 6. Increased CAAs granted support through PAMANA 7. Reduced number of CAAs with abused women and children
Strategies To sustain peace and order condition 1. Sustaining and intensifying anticriminality and crime prevention drives in all aspects 2. Increasing police visibility, especially in production and tourist areas 3. Utilizing the Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPAT) 4. Translating policies into action through efficient program and project implementation that is participated in by different stakeholders of the sector 5. Upgrading the region’s internal defense capability including intelligence and crime prevention To increase police-to-population ratio 1. Upsizing the police force 2. Recruiting more PNP personnel 3. Imposing equitable quota distribution of PNP applicants among provinces To effectively address the cause of armed conflict 1. Realigning of more PNP personnel to police stations and maneuver units, specifically in CPP-NPA-NDF CNN-targeted areas 2. Instituting target-hardening measures in all units of PRO VIII to negate enemy hostile actions 3. Conducting Security Survey and Inspection of police stations and vital installations in the region
4. Increasing the level of alertness and vigilance among PNP personnel 5. Intensifying information collection efforts and intelligence fusion with other members of the intelligence community to detect any enemy hostile plan of action 6. Intensifying conduct of BTAs by the AFP 7. Intensifying internal security operations 8. Applying the convergence approach for synchronized delivery of basic services in CAAs in the region through the PAMANA program To strengthen peace and social cohesion 1. Establishing peace-building structures, and healing and reconciliation processes in CAAs 2. Building capacity of LGUs and other local partners in conflict, sensitivity and peace building 3. Completing community-driven projects in CAAs 4. Applying the convergence approach for synchronized delivery of basic services in CAAs in the region through the PAMANA Program 5. Intensifying campaign on the mainstreaming of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) to encourage the insurgents to return to the folds of the law, under which returnees will be provided aftercare programs. This will involve provincial and city government’s initiatives to institutionalize half-way houses connected to industries which are hiring freed inmates and ex-combatants. 6. Strengthening of local Peace and Order Councils (POCS) to carry a comprehensive peace and development agenda that includes ensuring protection of service providers from harassment and extortion activities 7. Enhancing peace and security coordinating mechanisms through close coordination/collaboration Peace and Security
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with LGUs, community and other stakeholders regarding prevention of “Permit-to-Carry” campaign and other extortion activities, as well as measures towards resolving insurgencyrelated and other human rights violation cases 8. Uplifiting the socio-economic status through the provision of basic social services such as livelihood opportunities, employment of vulnerable sectors (e.g., out-of-school youth and women), social protection and the support for poor families To effectively address the concerns of women and children in armed conflict 1. Promoting the participation of women in peace building 2. Providing gender-sensitive and sustainable livelihood to uplift the socio-economic status of women 3. Formulating structures and mechanisms that ensure protection of women and children against all forms of violence 4. Mainstreaming gender in all aspects of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building 5. Setting up an effective mechanism to monitor, report, and immediately respond to the seven identified grave child rights violations in conflict situations
Projects, Programs and Activities
PNP-PRO8 1. Regular Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) Conference with AFP and PNP 2. Adherence to “Pulis Makakalikasan” Program 3. Regular Campus Tours and School Visitations 4. “Pulis niyo po sa Barangay” Program 5. Reactivation of Barangay Anti-
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Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) 6. Organization of Student Crime Prevention Committees in various schools 7. Distribution of Anti-Criminality Cards with PNP Hotline Telephone numbers 8. Regular meetings with and trainings for BPATS 9. Creation/Activation of Tourist Police Units (TPUs)/Bicycle Patrol 10. Regular conduct of Internal Security Operations (ISO) 11. Regular conduct of Checkpoint/ Chokepoints and Oplan BAKAL/ Sita 12. Reactivation of Motorized Anti-Street Crimes Operative (MASCO) to complement the MPU and Police Stations in their effort to reduce crimes PAMANA Projects 1. Potable Water Supply in Brgy Sapinit, San Isidro 2. Construction of Multi-Purpose Buildings in Brgys. Bay-ang, Mabuhay, Quezon – all in San Jorge, Samar 3. Village Level Corn Mill in Brgy. Maboob, San Jorge, Samar 4. Carabao Dispersal with Farm Implements in Brgy. Tomogbong, San Jorge, Samar 5. Provision of Pre & Post Harvest Facilities in Brgy. Canyaki, San Jorge, Samar PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in Eastern Samar 1. Road rehabilitation and concreting of a section of Brgy. Imelda, Lapinig, Northern Samar to Jipapad, Eastern Samar Farmto-Market Road 2. Construction/rehabilitation of a section of Maslog to Brgy. Carolina, Can-avid FMR 3. Concreting of a section of Canavid Town to Malogo, Brgy. Can-ilay, Can-avid Samar Road – Phase II 4. Road rehabilitation and concreting of a section of Brgy.
Imelda, Lapinig to Jipapad FMR – Phase II 5. Road concreting of a section of Maslog to Brgy. Carolina, Canavid FMR – Phase II 6. Coconut Industry Emergent Product Development Program PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in Northern Samar 1. Construction of Brgy. Nenita to Mirador, Mondragon Road (section of the Modragon-Silvino Lobos Road) 2. Construction of a 50-meter Span Bridge in Brgy. Cagpanit-an and concreting of a section of the road stretch from Brgy. Cagpanitan to Silvino Lobos (section of the Modragon-Silvino Lobos Road) 3. Concreting of a Section of the Mondragon – Silvino Lobos road network 4. Construction/Improvement/ Opening of Silvino Lobos-Lope de Vega Road (12 km; partly funded by ADB) PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in Samar: 1. Rehabilitation of 1.9 km-road from Barangay Barruz, Gandara to Poblacion, Matuguinao 2. Construction of a section of Lokilokon-Calapi, San Jose de Buan 3. Improvement and upgrading of a section of the Lokilokon, Paranas to Calapi, San Jose de Buan Road Network-Phase II Special Program Focused PPAs for Samar Island as a Showcase for Peace and Development (Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development)
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10
174
Lake Danao Natural Park, Ormoc City
Photo Courtesy of Russell A. Fermin http://www.flickr.com/photos/28164317@N04/
Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Eastern Visayas, like the rest of the country, is endowed with rich natural resources providing the essential ecosystem products and services needs of the population. These resources should be managed well for them to last for productivity and environment protection, not only for the present generation, but also for future generations. This Chapter supports the vision and the major thrusts espoused in the Plan. The vision explicity espouses that while the region will push to become a tourism haven, an agribusiness and ICT leader, all its activities will be cognizant of environmental sustainability. Over the years, there has been documented and observed neglect on the management of natural resources as well as abuse on their utilization. This resulted to a host of environmental problems affecting the region, especially the vulnerable groups. It should, therefore, be emphasized that the human being is the center of development and that the environment should be sustainably managed to provide the ecosystem services and needs of the population.
Assessment and State of the Environment and Natural Resources Forest Cover As of 2011, forest land comprises around 47% of the region’s total land area, the rest being Alienable and Disposable (A&D) lands (Figure 40). Of the total land area, timberland comprises 1,018,238 hectares. The three provinces of Samar have bigger shares of forest lands than of A&D lands, while the provinces of Leyte and Biliran have bigger shares of A&D lands than of forest lands. From 2002 to 2008, timber poaching has been a major cause of forest destruction, which peaked between 2003 and 2005 with 382 cu.m., 353 cu.m., and 363 cu.m. volume of confiscated forest products,
respectively (Figure 41). This declined in 2006 until 2008 when the logging ban was seriously considered and eventually implemented. Forest destruction remains to be one of the major causes of environmental degradation. This is also one reason for the occurrence of landslides and flooding in disaster-prone and vulnerable areas. Despite strict enforcement of forest laws and the logging moratorium, timber poaching and kaingin-making still exist. Kaingineros cut down trees and burn them to clear the area in order to start their cultivation for food production. In addition, timber poaching still thrives because oftentimes poachers violate without being apprehended and also due to the great demand of lumber for local/ domestic use. Timber poaching is a way of getting logs, which often find their way to lumber yards and/or furniture shops.
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Figure 40. Forest Cover Map of Eastern Visayas
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
Deforestation is also caused by the clearing of some of the forest lands for mineral exploitation in search for the rich mineral reserves and for conversion into farmland for agricultural use. As a result, cleared lands become easily eroded and washed out during heavy rains. In the case of Samar island, logging and mining operations provided an opening and access to remote forestlands for human settlements, agricultural development and other land uses. This resulted in the reduction of its forest cover. Based on a satellite map, it reduced from 45% in 1978 to about 33% in 1987.
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Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
Logged over areas were converted into kaingin (slash-and-burn) farms and coconut plantations while human settlements moved farther into the forested areas. In addition, infrastructure developments such as the opening of roads and bridges in forested areas also made them accessible to the people, thus exposing them to more abuse and destruction. The degradation of the environment aggravates the impact of disasters and climate change. Deforestation increases the chances of landslides. The risk of drought and poor availability of water are aggravated by the loss of forest cover. Depleted mangrove reserves deprives coastal communities of natural protection from storm surges.
Figure 41. Forest Destruction by Cause: 2001-2008
Timber poaching Note: Moratorium of logging operations in the region started on February 8, 1989
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
Executive Order No. 26 provides for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) as a government priority not only to reduce poverty and promote food security but also to push for environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. The program calls for the planting of 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares by 2016 nationwide. The areas for development are the forestlands, mangroves and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of the LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands. The NGP accomplishment for the region for the past two years increased by 16.4%, with the biggest increases in the provinces of Eastern Samar and Leyte. This was made possible by mobilizing all sectors, and by monitoring and data management. However, despite the regional increase, some of the provinces, including Biliran and Samar, registered decreases in the number of trees planted during the two-year period.
Patent Issuances Beneficiaries of patents issued by the DENR increased by 18.8% from 2010
to 2011 (Table 64). The province of Leyte, on account of it having the biggest population and A&D area, has the biggest share in 2010 and 2011, followed by the province of Samar. Patents issued through CARP comprised the bulk or 54.6% of the patents issued. In 2010, only around 32% of the total number of patent holders were women. Approximately 50% were separately given to men. The remaining 15.5% were jointly awarded to both spouses. In 2011, women’s share increased by 29%. This increase in the number of women patentees signified an increase in the number of women recognized as active partners in the community.
Water Resources The region has 75 major watersheds covering a total area of 1,016,146 hectares distributed among the provinces. The provinces of Leyte and Biliran have the most number of watersheds comprising 35% and 27% of the total number, respectively. To date, however, only nine watershed areas have been proclaimed (Table 65). Out of the nine proclaimed watersheds in the region, two are still to be delineated, while the rest are in various phases of documentation and preparations. Nonetheless, these watershed areas provide the region with water essential for
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Table 64. Number of Patents by Sex, Type and Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010 and 2011 Type/ Province
2010
2011
Region VIII Regular
19,296 323
6,118 150
9,605 173
Joint Spouses 3,573 -
CARP LAMP Biliran Regular CARP Eastern Samar Regular CARP Leyte Regular CARP LAMP Northern Samar Regular CARP Southern Leyte Regular CARP Samar Regular CARP
12,500 6,473 424 24 400 2,757
4,525 1,443 146 9 137 1,048
7,975 1,457 278 15 263 1,709
57 2,700 6,539 66 2,900 3,062
29 1,019 1,484 41 1,443 843
62 3,000 2,457 57 2,400 4,057 57 4,000
Total
22,921 6,670
8,660 2,607
11,105 3,315
Joint Spouses 3,156 748
3,573 -
12,510 3,741 1,078 578 500 4,006
4,959 1,094 521 266 255 1,673
6,856 934 557 312 245 2,333
695 1,713 -
28 1,681 1,482 25 1,457 2,219
3,573 3,573 -
1,106 2,900 7,108 1,667 1,700 3,741 3,417
433 1,240 2,153 528 531 1,094 1,514
673 1,660 1,799 391 474 934 1,903
3,158 748 695 1,713 -
29 814 804
33 2,186 1,653
-
1,107 2,310 3,000
476 1,038 1,053
631 1,272 1,953
-
20 784 1,93 22 1,771
37 1,616 2,262 35 2,229
-
1,106 1,900 4,306 1,106 3,200
495 558 1,748 409 1,337
611 1,342 2,560 697 1,863
-
Women
Men
Total
Women
Men
-
Source: RSET 2012-NSCB VIII
Table 65. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province, Eastern Visayas Province Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
Name of Watershed
Municipalities Covered
Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Bolusan Watershed Forest Reserve Jicontol Watershed Forest Reserve
Naval, Almeria and Culaba Lawaan, Marabut Can-avid, Dolores
Palompon Watershed Forest Reserve Catubig Palapag Forest Reserve Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed Reserve Catbalogan Watershed Forest Reserve Calbayog-Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape Loog Watershed Forest Reserve
Palompon, Villaba Catubig, Palapag St. Bernard, Hinunangan, Silago Catbalogan, Jiabong
7,390
Proc.. No./ Date 763/ 3-16-06 106/ 12-10-02 882/ 3-26-92
2,392.0 70,157.0 4,536.3
107/ 11-23-92
804.9
413/ 6-29-94
Calbayog City
5,132.0
318/ 12-15-67
Basey
1,866.0
701/ 11-29-95
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
178
Total Area Covered 1,142.3
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016
212/ 1-29-88
domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial needs.
Mineral Resources
Due to deforestation and misuse of natural resources, the absorptive capacity of some of the watersheds to retain water was affected, hence, the water supply for domestic consumption as well as for other uses.
Production of metallurgic chromite ore accelerated substantially, that is, by 30% from 2010 to 2011. This is equivalent to a very remarkable increase in the total value of chromite ore production by 195.6% from PhP43.0 million to PhP127.2 million (Table 66).
Table 66. Volume and Estimated Value of Mineral Resources, Eastern Visayas: 2010 and 2011 2010 Province/Type of Mineral Region VIII Metallics Metallurgic Chromite Ore Non-Metallics Sand and Gravel (cu.m.) Hydrated Lime (d.m.t.) Limestone for Agriculture (d.m.t.) Biliran Eastern Samar Metallics Metallurgic Chromite Ore Leyte Non-Metallics Sand and Gravel (cu.m.) Hydrated Lime (d.m.t.) Limestone for Agriculture (d.m.t.) Northern Samar * Southern Leyte Non-Metallics Sand and Gravel Samar** Non-Metallics Sand and Gravel
Volume (in dry metric ton/cubic meter)
2011 Volume (in dry metric ton/cubic meter)
Value (PhP)
% Increase/ Decrease (Volume)
Value (PhP)
17,932
43,041,775
24,899
127,250,722
30.0
130,663
10,335,128
295,264
36,695,258
55.7
1,997
15,017,419
5,997.50
46,856,841
66.7
9,310
931,000
18,297
1,882,700
49.1
-
-
-
-
-
17,932
43,041,775
24,899
127,250,772
28.0
129,783
10,176,728
231,799
22,279,858
44.0
1,997
15,017,419
5,997.50
46,856,841
66.7
9,310
931,000
18,827
1,882,700
50.5
-
-
-
-
-
880
158,400
63,485
14,415,400
98.6
-
-
-
-
-
Notes: *Available data- 2005 only; **Available data-up to 2008 only Sources: RSET, NSCB, Region VIII, 2013
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While mineral production is a potential source of income for the community, the bigger challenge lies on the effect of mineral extraction to the environment. So as not to compromise the environment, social responsibility should be exercised by mining companies and other concerned groups.
Biodiversity The region is rich in biological and genetic resources or biodiversity and is one of the 18 mega-diverse countries in the world. Majority of plant and animal species in the region are unique and cannot be found anywhere else, thus, the need to preserve them. Among these are the following: • The Eastern Visayas BioGeographic Zone (EVBZ) is one of the centers of botanical diversity of the Philippines sharing floristic affinities with Leyte, Luzon and the island of northeastern Mindanao. Several species are unique to EVBZ including certain species that exist only in Samar while some can also be found in the neighboring areas of Bicol and Mindanao. • The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has declared Samar as one of the 200 Eco-Regions of the world for being characterized by its high biodiversity and rate of endemism, which are vital to the preservation of the Earth’s biodiversity. • The Conservation International (CI) considers Samar island as one of the 206 biodiversity conservation priority areas of the Philippines. The island ranks extremely high in biological importance on terrestrial and inland water areas and is known as an important biodiversity corridor for the country.
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Further, the region’s forests and coastal and marine ecosystems, inland water bodies, wetlands and caves are also home to a wide variety of biodiversity. They are also among the most endangered in the world.
Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) The Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), declared as one of the protected areas (PAs) of the country by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 442 issued on August 3, 2003, has the largest continuous tropical rainforest in the Philippines. It has 360,000 hectares of old growth forest which is equivalent to 25% of the national total. The SINP has a total land area of 333,300 hectares and a buffer zone of 125,400 hectares which is equivalent to around 34% of Samar Island’s total land area, most of which are classified as timber or forestlands. Within the SINP, there are four Protected Areas, namely: (1) the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, (2) the Calbiga Caves Protected Landscape, (3) the Jicontol Natural Park, and (4) the Taft Forest Philippine Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary. There are about 56 potential ecotourism sites identified within the SINP area, three (3) of which have been included in the national ecotourism strategy. Further, SINP is promoted as the center of ecotourism in Samar island and as such, certain areas of the protected area and its buffer zone shall be opened for recreational activities. The passage of the proposed SINP Bill declaring SINP as a Protected Area has been pending both at the lower and upper houses of Congress since the 13th Congress. This should be one of the priority policy agenda of the sector within the remaining half of the Plan period.
Table 67. Assessment of Programs/Accomplishments: 2011 and 2012 Laws/Policies/Programs
Particulars/Indicators
2011
2012
% Increase/ Decrease
2,105 1,700 770 1,460 1,330 2,388 9,753
3,429 1,786 466 1,222 2,428 2,339 11,670
38.6 4.8 (65.2) (16.3) 45.2 (2.1) 16.4
12,500
12,500
100
6,627
6,627
100
3,367 3,006 1,078 4,306 4,006
6,207 2,500 1,077 3,345 3,448 2,700 19,277
45 20 (.09) (29) (16) (26) .50
1. Forestry National Greening Program (E.O. No. 26) area planted in has.
Leyte Southern Leyte Biliran Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
2. Land Management a. No. of beneficiaries with secured land tenure in public agricultural lands b. No. of beneficiaries with secured land tenure in residential land c. No. of patents issued
Leyte Southern Leyte Biliran Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
3,417
19,180
3. Protected Area No. of protected areas managed/ protected
Leyte
3
3
Southern Leyte
1
1
Samar
2
2
Eastern Samar
1
1
Northern Samar
1
1
Leyte
3
3
Southern Leyte
1
1
Samar
2
2
Eastern Samar
1
1
Northern Samar
1
1
Leyte (Leyte Danao Natural Park)
1
4. PAWB Operationalization No. of PAWBs operationalized
5. Delineation of PA Management Zones No. of delineated PA Mgt. Zones
Leyte (Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park)
1
6. Environmental Quality a. Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) Level
TSP level below the 90 ug/ TSP level ncm standard below 90 ug/Ncm*
b. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of other priority rivers within the water quality criteria of DENR
No. of rivers w/ BOD level w/ in DENR criteria
5
5
100
c. Ecological Solid Waste Management No. of LGUs compliant to the (ESWM) 4 ESWM criteria
14
14
100
2 (Ormoc and Calbayog City)
2 (Ormoc and Calbayog City)
8
10
No. of operational sanitary landfills
TSP level below 90 ug/Ncm*
7. Geo-hazard Survey Assessment No. of municipalities with geo-hazard maps indicating landslides and flooding prone areas
20
Sources: DENR VIII, EMB VIII and MGB VIII, 2013 *within standard
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Mt. Nacolod Key Biodiversity Area Another area in the region that is also found to be rich in biodiversity is Mount Nacolod in Silago, Southern Leyte. Reported to be one of the country’s 228 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), it has a total expanse of 33,494 hectares. It covers the municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, St. Bernard, Hinunangan, Silago (all in Southern Leyte) and parts of Abuyog and Mahaplag in Leyte. The area has two significant watersheds: 1) Buac, and 2) HinabianLawigan. Mount Nacolod is one of the pilot sites of the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project or NewCAPP, which also indicates the presence of rich biodiverse resources in the area. The globally significant biodiversity of the country and the region is threatened by a host of interrelated factors ranging from timber poaching, habitat destruction, land conversion, slash and burn farming, overharvesting of resources, indiscriminate mining and infrastructure development, and lack of awareness on environmental conservation. The government’s efforts to address the threats and their underlying causes have been instituted through the establishment of a system of Protected Areas (PAs) in areas found to harbor unique and important biodiversity. This is in turn concretized through a legal framework known as the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. The government has given priority to critical conservation efforts in identified bio-geographic regions and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) in 2005 (Table 67). This resulted to the refinement of the 1997 Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Such Plan provided a clear rationale for more systematic
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and science-based approach to the establishment of an expanded and more representative PA system in the Philippines.
Environmental Quality Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from human activities have a great bearing on climate and weather, which poses risks on the health status and well-being of the people and the community. The effects of air pollution and other environmentrelated factors are already being widely felt. Compared to industrialized regions expected to generate more pollution, Eastern Visayas has only a Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) level of 33.72 ug/Ncm. This level is within the standard of 90 ug/Ncm. This indicates that Region VIII is relatively less polluted. The Philippines has completed the GHG emissions inventory, which serves as a basis for actions to reduce GHG emissions, thereby reducing the impacts of climate change. A profile of emission sources across the region is a guide on how to reduce such impacts at the local level. This inventory is useful in establishing a benchmark or emissions baseline data by comparing GHG emission levels over time. In Region VIII, the Leyte Geothermal Airshed ensures the monitoring of the geothermal power plant.
Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act or RA 9275 is the national policy on the prevention, control and abatement of pollution of the country’s water resources. One program in support of the law is Adopt-an-Estero, which involves the clean-up of esteros from wastes, debris, and silt through a social mobilization approach. In Region VIII, these activities had been done by firms who have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with the DENR. Of the 137 firms monitored and surveyed, 20% were found to have committed minor violations, thus, issued Notice of Violation (NOVs). These violators eventually were able to comply with the requirements. There is a need to sustain the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of priority rivers that are already within the water quality criteria of the DENR. However, there is no uniform criteria being followed since the river is only assessed on the basis of its utilization (i.e. for agricultural, domestic use, and others).
Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes Act RA 6969 or the Toxic Substance and Hazardous Waste Act recorded an accomplishment of 100% in terms of its efficiency. All of the 11 firms monitored and surveyed complied with the requirements. Hospitals are the most common sources of toxic and hazardous wastes. With the growing number of hospitals established, especially in the regional center and in provincial centers, such wastes are expected to increase in volume. Thus, the need for appropriate equipment/facilities and system to ensure proper waste disposal, as well as the need for regular monitoring.
Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Efforts to comply with RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 are being exerted in the region. Because of the technical assistance provided, more LGUs have become compliant to the four criteria on ESWM. The city governments of Calbayog and Ormoc already have their respective Sanitary Landfills (SLFs). The rest of the cities of the region are in the process of availing funds for the establishment of their own SLFs. On the other hand, other LGUs resorted to other types of safe waste disposal system because of the high cost of landfills (Table 68). Although more and more municipalities and barangays are implementing solid waste segregation and disposal system, sustaining ESWM practice at the local level is still a big challenge. It is observed that local government units tend to revert to their old disposal method when the proper disposal system is no longer supported as a result of changes in local leadership and in their priorities. To ensure that proper waste management is sustained until it becomes a way of life of the people, there is a need for continued and regular monitoring and advocacy.
Table 68. Existing Dumpsites and Junkshops, Eastern Visayas: 2009 Province
No. of LGUs
Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
8 45 19
Open Dumpsite Number % to Total 5 63 29 64 12 63
Controlled Dumpsite Number % to Total 1 13 6 13 4 21
No. of Junkshops Number % to Total 10 4.8 114 54.8 16 7.7
26 23
14 19
54 83
5 2
19 9
30 10
14.4 4.8
24
15
63
1
4
28
13.5
143
94
65
19
13
208
100
Source: EMB VIII, 2013
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Improper disposal of solid wastes is hazardous to the environment as well as to aquatic resources, resulting to fish kills and/or the death of land animals, as well as human ailment and death. Some wastes can also be harmful to the atmosphere, i.e., affecting the ozone layer, which further results to global warming.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Initiatives The region is vulnerable to disasters such as, but not limited to, landslide and flooding. Given this fact, the passage of RA 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 provided the enabling mechanism for incorporating climate change concerns in government policies and strategies. Consequently, the National Strategy on Climate Change was formulated in 2010 to ensure and strengthen the adaptation of the country’s Natural Ecosystems and Human Act of 2010. This issuance was reinforced by the enactment of RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The Act seeks to strengthen the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, hence, address the realities brought about by climate change. It is also a challenge to be more aggressive in dealing with disaster and climate-related issues. In the region, four out of the six provinces have already done their respective Disaster and Vulnerability Assessments (DVAs). These are the provinces of Biliran, Southern Leyte, Leyte and Samar. The two other provinces, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, have started their hazard assessment.
Protection of Ecotourism Sites and Renewable Energy Resources The National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) and New Frontier 2013-2022
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identifies 16 existing and potential ecotourism sites in the region. This is an opportunity for the community to engage in ecotourism-related services that can be a source of revenue for the protected area. While the development and promotion of these ecotourism sites supports the region’s vision to become a tourism haven, this move should be balanced with a responsibility of protecting the environment and the region’s natural resources. Eastern Visayas is host to the largest geothermal energy producer in the country, the Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field and other potential energy sources. Like the ecotourism areas, development of these resources should not compromise ecological integrity and the welfare of the people. Concerned stakeholders and partner agencies should likewise ensure that the watershed areas are protected and properly maintained.
Summary of Challenges 1. Deforestation and land degradation. Despite the logging moratorium, timber poaching and kainginmaking continue to hound the region’s forest resources, resulting to destruction of forest cover. The declining forests as a result of deforestation and land conversion leads to the loss of biodiversity and further contributes to carbon emissions leading to the degradation of the ecosystem services. 2. Land conversion. This problem is a result of kaingin-making, increasing population vis-à-vis a limited land and resource base, poverty, landlessness, and absence of secured tenure rights over secondary forest areas. These areas have become attractive to agricultural conversion, thus, changing the forest landscape.
3. Unregulated and conflicting use of marine resources. This stems from an institutional problem premised on conflicting and overlapping policies between and among concerned agencies and the LGUs. Thus, there is a need to review and harmonize these policies. For instance, some provisions in the NIPAS Act is in conflict with the Fisheries Code on the municipal water within protected area. There is also a problem with the Local Government Code in terms of jurisdiction of LGUs within protected areas. Likewise, conflicts also exist in the implementation as well as interpretation of environmentrelated laws such as the Mining Act, NIPAS Act, and the LGC.
small mining companies only in as much as social responsibility among large mining companies is integral to the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSAs). In the case of small scale mining companies, however, the approval of mining activities is lodged at the Office of the Governor. Thus, the terms and conditions relative to the approval of the mining operation rests on both parties, the governor and the mining company. There is a need to review the process and/ or institute improvements on the system to ensure that the interest of the people within the mining areas are protected. With a new mining law in the offing, these concern is expected to be appropriately addressed.
4. Environmental degradation due to human-induced and natural hazards that aggravate the impact of climate change. Environmental degradation goes beyond forest or land degradation. It also reflects the lack of proper management and utilization of natural resources that affected the quality of the environment. Misuse of these resources has detrimental effects to the people and the environment. Climate change is now a reality. Recent scientific assessments have confirmed that the warming of the climate system is most likely due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and land use change. Current warming has increasingly posed quite considerable challenges to man and the environment. Improper management of wastes including toxic and hazardous ones which are harmful to people’s health and well-being, along with other environmental malpractices, affects the ecosystem, hence, contributes to climate change.
6. Depletion of coastal and forest resources due to mine tailings. This concern is commonly observed in areas where miners operate. It is a result of the chemicals used in the cleaning and processing of the minerals. The problem proliferates due to lack of or inadequate monitoring in mining areas, coupled with the unprecedented issuance of small mining permits by local politicians. Aside from environment-related problems, other problems related to mining include the use of child labor. More so, there may be unaccounted mining revenues that deprive the host community and the government what is due them.
5. Lack of social responsibility among small mining companies. This challenge is particular to
7. Industrial pollution. With additional metal industries that will be operating in LIDE, industrial pollution may double in the locality while more employees will be exposed to work hazards. Industry locators are causing a lot of pollution that at times can go beyond the acceptable standard of 90 ug/Ncm despite the available pollution-control devices. Observers noticed an
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on-and-off operation of the pollution control devices in an attempt by industry locator to reduce their operating costs. The increasing number of vehicles in the region also contribute to pollution, especially in cities and provincial centers. This requires regular monitoring so as to ensure that they are not emitting smoke at a level that is inimical to the environment. 8. Under-pressure key biodiversity areas of the region. The remaining forests of the region are under pressure from various resource uses ranging from community subsistence to large-scale exploitation. 9. Weak enforcement of environmental and mining laws. Essential environmental laws aimed at conserving and Figure 42. Environment Integrity Framework
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preserving the environment are already in place. However, enforcement of these laws and applying the corresponding punishment to erring individuals are still inadequate. 10. Limited capability of stakeholders on environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation. Environmental awareness has become essential, especially with the concerns on disasters and climate change. People have become more concerned about the state of the environment. However, in terms of capability, there is still so much to be done to develop/enhance it, especially among stakeholders from the civil society and government. There is a need to conduct trainings and workshops that would improve their knowledge and skills.
Sectoral Development Framework Goals 1. Health ecosystem sustained 2. Environmental quality improved 3. Protected the population from natural disaster and capacitated on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation 4. National wealth created, and climate change and disaster risk vulnerability reduced
For Goal 1 Healthy Ecosystem Sustained Objective 1 Targets
1. Rehabilitated and maintained forest protection areas with 103,885 hectares of forest lands planted and rehabilitated by 2016 2. Rehabilitated and maintained denuded mangrove areas with 6,099 has. of mangrove areas planted/rehabilitated by 2016 3 . P re v e n te d ex t i n c t i o n o f threatened species of wild flora and fauna • By 2016, 50% of threatened species (marine turtles) w h o s e ex t i n c t i o n wa s prevented (through tagging and releasing to the sea) • By 2016, 50% of wild flora (indigenous species) whose extinction was prevented (through the Rainforestation Project under the NGP) • Improved population of threatened species: - 2 Philippine Eagles - 10 Philippine Cockatoos - 20 Tarsiers • Increased percentage of
terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas -- which are important for biodiversity and ecosystem services -- are effectively and equitably managed through NIPAS and other effective area-based conservation measures or modalities: - 100% (5 sites or 347,498 has.) of terrestrial areas effectively managed thru NIPAS - 100% (3 sites or 106,440 has.) of marine areas effectively managed thru NIPAS - 100% (3 sites) of critical habitat effectively managed pursuant to RA 9147 (Wildlife Act) 4. Enforced environmental laws • Filed cases against all offenders • Issued notice of violations to all violators • Issued Cease and Desist Orders to all violators 5. Increased number of beneficiaries with secured land tenure in public agricultural A&D land from 12,500 in 2010 to 70,688 in 2016. 6. Increased number of beneficiaries with secured land tenure in residential land from 6,627 in 2010 to 33,517 in 2016
Strategies
1. Sustaining the gains of the National Greening Program. This will be achieved by increasing the targets and expanding areas in order to maximize coverage of areas planted. The program is expected to increase the productivity in the uplands through the stability and productivity of the watershed, to increase the productivity of idle lands, and to improve farm level stability. To ensure project implementation, an enhanced
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and effective monitoring and management of data shall be in place in order to track down vital information and to generate accurate information for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
2. Protection and preservation of model protected areas for ecotourism. Model protected areas which are identified as ecotourism sites should be conserved and preserved so that its attraction and marketability shall be maintained and/or sustained. The program is expected to increase the productivity in the uplands through the stability and productivity of watershed, the increase in the productivity of idle lands, and the improvement in farm level stability. 3. Providing alternative livelihood. This will provide the people with a steady source of income, and will reduce their dependence on the natural resources which may otherwise be at their disposal in the absence of a regular source of livelihood. This concern may be linked to the state of the watershed areas so that these are not threatened and will not deprive the rural communities of the economic gains that can be derived from forest-based resources. 4. Encouraging private sector participation in upland reforestation/tree plantation. This will encourage People’s O rga n i za t i o n and Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs) to establish partnership and agreement with the DENR and/or concerned local government units. A system of partnership or memo of agreement will be made between and among the government
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through the DENR and/or the LGUs and interested civil society (NGOs, POs and business sector). 5. Encouraging and enabling investments in large-scale forest and backyard plantations and agro-forestry. This will involve the private sector and NGOs such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and for them to join and participate in this endeavour on a large-scale. 6. Encouraging provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) in certifying the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Tree Planting Program. 7. Strengthening environmental/ forest governance. This shall form part of the crosscutting strategies of the sector in an effort to achieve the desired goal of sustaining a healthy ecosystem. This includes a multistakeholder partnership through a mechanism which encourages greater commitment, particularly along community-based natural resources management efforts. That is, in forestry, biodiversity conservation, protected area management, coastal resource management, and integrating resilience, especially among vulnerable groups (women, children, elderly, and others). Apart from their involvement in agro-forestry projects, the private/business sector shall also be encouraged in cleaning the environment, natural resource management and in other environment-related endeavors. Efforts along environmental protection and conservation should be harmonized and streamlined such that policies, plans and programs that are related to the different ecosystems and natural resources do complement and do not compete with each other.
Objective 2 Target Rehabilitated and maintained denuded mangrove areas with 6,099 has. of mangrove areas planted/ rehabilitated by 2016
Strategies 1. Promoting aquasilviculture projects through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) 2. Encouraging private sector participation in mangrove reforestation (POs, NGOs, CSR) 3. Intensifying Bantay Dagat Guards 4. Strengthening marine governance 5. Strict enforcement of all environmental laws 6. Forging tripartite cooperation b e t w e e n c i v i l s o c i e t y, government, and business sector
frequently visited by local and foreign tourists 7. Increased to 21 the number of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) established by 2016 8. Rehabilitated Bagacay Mines: • 100% of the structural e n g i n e e r i n g m e a s u re s established by 2016 • Revegetate/maintain 100% (70 has.) of mined area by 2016
Strategies 1. Rehabilitating mined-out areas • S o i l A m e l i o ra t i o n a n d application of appropriate technologies to enhance soil nutrient potential; and • Introducing N-fixing plant species 2. Regulating small-scale mining
For Goal 2 Environmental Quality Improved
Objective 3
Targets
Targets
1. Sustained Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of other priority rivers that are already within the water quality criteria of DENR (5 rivers) 2. Increased proportion of LGUs monitored with increased solid waste diversion rate (14 LGUs) by 25% 3. Increased number of beach resorts and marine resource management projects with E nviro nmenta l Clearance Certificates/Certificates of NonCompliance (ECCs/CNCs) and other clearances issued 4. Sustained Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) at levels below 90 ug/Ncm in Tacloban City 5. Improved water quality of priority river systems under the Linis Estero/Adopt a Waterbody Program (18) 6. Improved water quality of 5 bathing beaches, which are
1. Number of rivers classified 2. TSP level within DENR standards maintained 3. Waterways/esteros rehabilitated 4. LGUs monitored 5. Industries compliant to environmental laws increased
Air and water quality improved
For Goal 3 Protected the population from natural disaster, and capacitated on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation Objective 2
Geo-hazard Assessment and Mapping conducted
Targets 1. Municipalities assessed 2. Multi-hazard maps (hydro-met hazard, geo-hazard) prepared and distributed to LGUs
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Strategies
1. Strengthening institutional capacities of regional, local government, Civil Society Organizations and private sector for CCA and DRRM 2. Implementing a Unified Mapping Program
Objective 3
Level of awareness of the communities and other stakeholders on DRR/CCA enhanced
Targets 1. Brochures, flyers, posters, multihazard maps (hydro-met hazard) prepared and distributed 2. Number of functional DRRMCs increased
Strategies 1. Conducting regular Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on DRR/CCA in order to increase public awareness in communities and other stakeholders 2. Improving Adaptive Capacities of Communities 3. Integrating DRR/CCA in school curriculum at all levels including technical trainings 4. Establishing accredited community disaster volunteers 5. Strengthening partnerships among Civil Society Organizations, private sector and LGUs on DRR/ CCA 6. Ensuring sustainable use of natural, historical, cultural, human-made tourism assets 7. Advocating the Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Declaration. Declaring unique geological formations and ecosystem under NIPAS is a strategy to conserve and protect natural destinations.
For Goal 4 National wealth created, and climate change and disaster risk vulnerability reduced
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Objective 1
Biodiversity conservation in landscape and seascapes ensured
Strategies 1. Implementing the National Integrated Coastal Management 2. Enhancing biodiversity awareness, as well as partnershipbuilding 3. Implementing terrestrial ecosystem s a n d w i l d l i fe protection management 4. Forging multi-sectoral and multi-level partnerships and collaboration 5. Advocating the strict enforcement and monitoring of laws
Objective 2
Resilient communities and facilities developed
Strategies 1. Initiating massive capability building initiatives 2. Conducting IEC campaigns
Programs, Projects and Activities 1. National Greening Program Executive Order No. 26, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino, provides for the implementation of a National Greening Program as a government priority. The program calls for the planting of 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares by 2016, nationwide. The NGP areas for development are the forestlands, mangroves and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of the LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands.
2. Protected Area Management Enhancement in the Philippines The project is aimed at improving the improved the protection and management of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Philippines including the five KBAs in Region VIII which are the following: 1) Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in Samar island; 2) Guiuan Landscape and Seascape, Eastern Samar; 3) Cuatro Islas in Leyte; 4) Biri-Larosa in Northern Samar; and Divinobo Island in Northern Samar. The expected outputs of the project are: 1) improved management and technical capacities of concerned staff; 2) Management of existing terrestrial and marine protected areas in KBA improved; 3) Additional conservation areas established under innovative conservation management systems; and 4) improved knowledge management and awareness raising about the values of biodiversity. 3. Expanding and Diversifying the National System of Terrestrial Protected Areas in the Philippines Project or the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP) This is a five-year (2010-2015) project of the Government of the Philippines with financial support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This aims to expand and strengthen the terrestrial protected areas system in the Philippines by developing new Protected Area (PA) models and building capacities at the individual systemic and institutional levels for effective management of the system. This is being implemented by the
DENR through the Protected Area and Management Bureau. Upscaling Forest Reforestation Efforts in KBAs in Mt. Nacolod, Sogod, Southern Leyte is one of the pilot sites of the project. This is being implemented by the Visayas State University (VSU) and VISCA Foundation for Agricultural Development, Inc. (ViFARD) in collaboration with the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE) with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 4. Institutional Policies and Legislative Agenda In addition to the ongoing and proposed programs, environmental policies and mechanisms will be formulated to help address environmental issues and concerns. a. Environmental Policies Existing environmental policies and laws shall be welldisseminated and understood by the concerned parties. Those overtaken by other policies may be reviewed and assessed to determine their relevance and complement and/or support other related policies. Policy recommendations may be formulated as a result of consultations with concerned stakeholders. In response to present and emerging needs, relevant laws such as the smallscale mining law may be improved and/or enhanced to make them more responsive to environment and social issues.
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b. National Land Use Bill The National Land Use Act of the Philippines is aimed at ensuring the proper management of land resources and providing the mechanism for resolving conflict over land. It will provide rationalized planning and will put to order national laws on land uses (such as agrarian reform, protected areas, ancestral domain, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, agricultural modernization, mining and housing) that are sector-specific and do not address the crosscutting land use issues. The enactment of the National Land Use Bill or the NaLUA will streamline all policies and strategies that have bearing with land uses especially at the local level. c. Land Administration Reform Bill and Land Administration Code The proposed Land Administration Reform Bill will address the problem on multititling through the rationalization of the different agencies responsible in land titling and related activities. This will be addressed through the adoption of a one-stop shop concept. The Land Administration Code, on the other hand, aims to update and harmonize land administration laws enacted at different dispensations to support the future roles of key agencies towards addressing cadastral information requirements and land administration services for sustainable development. d. Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) The passage of the Samar Island Natural Park Bill will finally establish SINP as a Protected
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Area (PA). Said Bill, which was fully supported and endorsed by various relevant and development oriented bodies, has been deliberated on and endorsed to appropriate bodies, specifically the two Houses of Congress. 5. Patent Issuance (Agricultural and Residential) 6. Watershed Management 7. Geo-hazard Survey and Assessment 8. Ecotourism Development Program 9. Adopt-an-Estero Program 10. Air and Water Quality Management 11. Solid Waste Management 12. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation 13. Management of Foreshore Areas 14. Land Administration and Management Systems (LAMS) 15. Research and Development 16. Technology Transfer and Extension
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 Published by: National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office VIII Government Center, Palo, Leyte Tel: +63 53 323 3092
[email protected] http://nro8.neda.gov.ph
