Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2011-2016

EASTERN VISAYAS

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

2011-2016

FEBRUARY 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RDC Resolution No. 6 s. 2011 i

Message from the President ii

Message from the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning iii

Message from the RDC Chair iv

Foreword v

CHAPTER 1 ASSESSMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Physical Resources 1

General Land and Water Characteristics 1

Environmental Characteristics 5

Population/Demography 9

Macroeconomic Performance 10

Status of the Tourism Industry 14

Status of the Agri-business Industry 18

Status of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry 23

Access to Social Services 25

Education and Skills Development 25

Health 29

Nutrition 31

Housing and Access to Sanitary Facilities 33

Access to Utility and Infrastructure Services 35

Road Transport 35

Water Transport 37

Air Transport 37

Irrigation and Water Supply 38

Energy 39

Communications/Telecommunications 41

State of Local Governance 42

Summary of Issues and Challenges 46

Summary of Opportunities 49

CHAPTER 2 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Development Vision 51

Development Goals and Objectives 51

Development Strategies 52

CHAPTER 3 RESULT EVALUATION AND MONITORING

Result Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix (REMM) 60

List of Tables Table 1. Land Area by Province, 2006 1

Table 2. Land Classification, 2006 3

Table 3. Resource Profile, 2006 3

Table 4. Proclaimed Major Watershed Areas, 2005 4

Table 5. Disaster-Prone Areas, 2009 6

Table 6. Existing Dumpsites and Junk Facilities, 2009 7

Table 7. Demographic Trends, 2000-2007 9

Table 8. Labor Force and Employment Status of Household Population,

2004-2009 11

Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group, 2008 12

Table 10. Top Exports, 2005-2009 13

Table 11. Top Imports, 2005-2009 13

Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 14

Table 13. Subsistence Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 14

Table 14. Distribution of Tourists Arrivals in Central Philippines, 2006 15

Table 15. Palay Production, 2004-2009 19

Table 16. Sufficiency Index, 2009 20

Table 17. Production of Selected Crops, 2007-2008 20

Table 18. Outsourcing Companies (ICT) 23

Table 19. Major Service Providers (ICT) 23

Table 20. TESDA Graduates in ICT-Related Diploma, 2009 24

Table 21. Performance Assessment Education and Manpower, 2008-2010 25

Table 22. Performance Indicators by Level of Education and by Gender, 2009-2010 26

Table 23. Participation Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009-2010 26

Table 24. Cohort Survival Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009 26

Table 25. Completion Rate vs. 2009-2010 Target 27

Table 26. Completion Rate Public Elementary 27

Table 27. Public Secondary 27

Table 28. Results of the 2009 NAT Elementary and Secondary 28

Table 29. Number of Government and Private Schools 28

Table 30. Maternal, Infant and Under-5 Mortality Rates 29

Table 31. Trends in Mortality Leading Causes 30

Table 32. Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2010 30

Table 33. National Roads, by District, by Type of Pavement, as of December 2000 35

Table 34. Road Density, by Type, by Province 36

Table 35. Motor Vehicle Registration, by Type, 2005-2009 36

Table 36. Status of Irrigation Development, by Province, by Type, (In hectares)

as of December 2009 39

Table 37. Status of Electrification, by Province, by Cooperative, as of December 2009 40

Table 38. Basic Telephone Indicators, 2006-2009 41

Table 39. State of Local Governance, 2009 42

Table 40. Regional Summary Report Administrative Governance, 2009 43

Table 41. Regional Summary Report Economic Governance, 2009 43

Table 42. Regional Summary Report of Environmental Governance, 2009 44

Table 43. Regional Summary Report Social Governance, 2009 45

Table 44. Regional Summary Report Valuing Fundamentals of Governance, 2009 45

Table 45. Proportion of Population below the Poverty Threshold (Target), 2011-2016 60

Table 46. Proportion of Population below the Subsistence (Food) Threshold (Target),

2011-2016 61

Table 47. GRDP Growth Rates, 2011-2016 61

List of Figures Figure 1. Projected Population by Age and Sex Group, 2010 9

Figure 2. GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009 10

Figure 3. AFF Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 10

Figure 4. Industry Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 10

Figure 5. Services Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 11

Figure 6. Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) 16

Figure 7. Trends in the Prevalence of Underweight among 0-5 Years Old Children,

2003, 2005, 2008 (NNS) 31

Figure 8. Trends in the Prevalence of Malnutrition among 0-6 Years Old Children,

2005-2009 (OPT) 31

Figure 9. Comparative Data on the Trends of Underweight among 6-10 Years Old

Children, 2003, 2005, 2008 32

Figure 10. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency and

Overweight, 2008 32

Figure 11. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

among Various Population Groups, 1998 and 2008 33

Figure 12. Transport Network 38

List of Acronyms

4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program

BAS Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

BDS Business Development Services

BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

BLGF Bureau of Local Government Finance

BNR Business Names Registration

BPLS Business Permit and Licensing System

CAPE Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement

CBMS Community-Based Monitoring System

CDA Cooperative Development Authority

CFV Commercial Fishing vessel

CHED Commission on Higher Education

CLEEP Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program

CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan

CMTS Cellular Mobile Telephone Service

CPH Census of Population and Housing

CSO Civil Society Organization

DA Department of Agriculture

DAC Development Administration Committee

DAR Department of Agrarian Reform

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DepEd Department of Education

DILG Department of Local Government

DOH-CHD Department of Health-Center for Health Development

DOLE Department of Labor and Employment

DOST Department of Science and Technology

DOT Department of Tourism

DOTC Department of Telecommunications Commission

DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways

DRR Disaster Risk Reduction

DRRMC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee

DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development

DTI Department of Trade and Industry

EDC Energy Development Committee

EMB Environment Management Bureau

ETT Economic Transformation Team

EVCIERD Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development

FDA Food and Drugs Administration

FIDA Fiber Development Authority

FIES Family Income and Expenditure Survey

FMR Farm-to-Market Road

FNRI Food and Nutrition Research Institute

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GFIs Government Financing Institutions

GIS Geographic Information System

GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms

GRDP Gross Regional Domestic Product

GSIS Government Service Insurance System

HEIs Higher Education Institutions

HLURB Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

ICT Information and Communication Technology

IMR Infant Mortality Rate

JMC Joint Memorandum Circular

LCEs Local Chief Executives

LEIPO Local Economic and Investment Promotion

LGPMS Local Governance Performance Monitoring System

LIDE Leyte Industrial Development Estate

LRED Local and Regional Economic Development

LTFRB Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

LTO Land Transportation Office

MARINA Maritime Industry Authority

MDG Millennium Development Goals

MFIs Micro Finance Institutions

MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau

MMR Maternal Mortality Rate

MPEX Manufacturing Productivity Extension

MPs Mariculture Parks

MSMEs Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

MTPDP Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan

NAPC National Anti-Poverty Commission

NCPP National Coconut Productivity Program

NEA National Electrification Administration

NEDA National Economic and Development Authority

NERBAC National Economic Research and Business Action Center

NFA National Food Authority

NHA National Housing Authority

NIA National Irrigation Administration

NNC National Nutrition Council

NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board

NSO National Statistics Office

NTC National Telecommunications Commission

NWPC National Wages and Productivity Commission

OCD Office of the Civil Defense

ODRE Ownership Dwellings and Real Estate

OFW Overseas Filipino Workers

OTOP One Town One Product

PAMANA Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan

PAs Protected Areas

PASAR Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation

PBR Philippine Business Registry

PCA Philippine Coconut Authority

PD Presidential Decree

PDDCP Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines

PDMS Poverty Database Monitoring System

PETCs Private Emission Testing Centers

PhilHealth Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

PHILPHOS Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation

PNP Philippine National Police

POC Peace and Order Council

POPCOM Population Commission

POTOS Products and Other Trade Organizations Summit

PPA Philippine Ports Authority

PPHF Pre-Post-Harvest Facilities

PPP Public-Private Partnership

PS Procurement Service

R&D Research and Development

RBOs Rural-Based Organizations

RDC Regional Development Council

REMM Result Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix

RITECC Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee

ROP Roll-Out-Plan

RORO Roll-On/Roll-Off

RPM Responsible Parenting Movement

RSET Regional Social Economic Trends

RuMEPP Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program

SCUBA Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

SET-UP Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program

SINP Samar Island Natural Park

SMEs Small Medium Enterprises

SUCs State Universities and Colleges

TCS Transport, Communications and Storage

TDAs Tourism Development Areas

TELOF Telecommunications Office

TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

TVET Technical Vocational Education and Training

U5MR Under-Five Mortality Rate

UNAIP Unified National Artificial Insemination Program

ViCARP Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Program

VSU Visayas State University

WINAP Workers’ Income Augmentation Program

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

Excerpts from the Minutes of the RDC Meeting Held February 18, 2011 at the RDC Conference Room, NEDA Region VIII Government Center, Palo, Leyte

RDC Resolution No. 6 (s. 2011)

APPROVING THE 2011-2016 EASTERN VISAYAS

MEDIUM-TERM REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Whereas, Memorandum Circular No. 3, issued September 2, 2010, signed by the Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. directs the formulation of the 2011-2016 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP); Whereas, corollary to the MTPDP and MTPIP formulation are the formulation of the Medium-Term Regional Development Plans (MTRDP) and Regional Development Investment Programs (RDIP); Whereas pursuant to the above memorandum, the RDC through its sectoral committees, formulated the 2011-2016 Eastern Visayas Medium-Term Regional Development Plan; Whereas, the Plan embodies the region’s long-term vision of making Eastern Visayas an eco-toruism haven, agri-business leader and an information and communication technology leader; Whereas, the Plan also supports the present administration's “Social Contract with the Filipino People” as mandated by Memo Circular No. 3; Whereas, on December 6, 2010, the RDC Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 11, (s. 2010), endorsing the Draft 2011-2016 MTRDP to the RDC for approval. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, to approve the 2011-2016 Eastern Visayas Medium-Term Regional Development Plan for adoption. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, February 18, 2011. Certified Correct: Attested: MA.VICTORIA C. CUAYZON BUENAVENTURA C. GO-SOCO, JR. Acting Secretary Vice-Chair

Approved:

GOV. CARLOS JERICHO L. PETILLA

Chair

___________________________________________________________________________________ Secretariat: RDC chair’s Office: NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NEDA) 2F NEDA Regional Office No. VIII Building Regional Office No. VIII Telephone No. 524-9306; Fax: 323-8823 Government Center, Palo, Leyte, Philippines, 6501 email: [email protected] Telephone Nos. 323-3090 to 94, 323-2975, 323-2147, 323-4118; Fax: 323-3093 URLs: http://www.rdc8.ph, http://www.evis.net.ph Email:[email protected] – URL: http://www.neda8.ph http://www.evonline.net.ph

i

http://www.rdc8.ph/

ii

Message

I commend the NEDA Regional Development Councils and all

stakeholders in the 17 regions for coming together to formulate

your respective Regional Development Plans. May this partnership

among regional and local institutions, the private sector, and civil

society ensure the continued success of these programs and the

distribution of their benefits throughout the country.

Along with the Philippine Development Plan, the RDPs will guide our development efforts in the

next five years, and will act as a common roadmap for our country’s development and for the

establishment of the necessary infrastructure that will help us achieve our goal of increasing

economic and social opportunities for our people. Guided by our commitment to the UN

Millennium Development Goals, our concerted efforts will not only help accelerate economic

growth, but will also give our provinces improved access to quality education, health, and social

services.

We came to government with a mandate to eradicate poverty and create a better future for our

nation. As we carry out key reforms in the bureaucracy, we also strive to set in place an

environment of sustainable and equitable progress in the coming years. Together, let us fulfill the

potential of our great nation.

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President

Republic of the Philippines

M A N I L A

May 2011

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

iii

Message

The Regional Development Plans (RDPs) represent the aspirations of

Filipinos in different areas of the country. As accompanying documents

of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, the RDPs also

provide the spatial dimension to the national plan by identifying the

regions’ contributions to our goal of a high, sustained and broad-based

growth. This “inclusive growth” involves rapid economic expansion

that must reach population groups throughout the country through the

provision of productive employment opportunities, thereby reducing poverty.

The attainment of our goals requires massive investments in infrastructure, social services and other

productive activities. The PDP, along with the RDPs are the key instruments that will guide the proper

and equitable allocation of resources to ensure improvements in the welfare of our people. Likewise,

our plans shall direct our efforts in protecting the environment, reducing climate and disaster risks,

promoting good governance and ensuring peace and stability.

The RDPs provide the framework for local development. We thus enjoin the local government units to

align their local plans and programs with the RDPs. We likewise seek the support of regional

institutions and the private institutions in the realization of the plans which many of them have

helped prepare. We need to strengthen our multistakeholder cooperation particularly as we promote

public-private partnership to improve the provision of services for our people.

I thank the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) for spearheading the preparation of the RDPs and

we count on their continued leadership in coordinating development efforts in the regions.

CAYETANO W. PADERANGA, JR.

Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and NEDA

Director-General

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

iv

Message

On behalf of the Regional Development Council (RDC), I am pleased to

present to you the Eastern Visayas 2011-2016 Medium-Term Regional

Development Plan.

This plan outlines the development framework the region would push

forward in the next six years. It envisions the collective aspirations of

the regional planners and other stakeholders in the region. This Plan

supports the present administration’s Social Contract with the Filipino people that gives emphasis on

government transparency and accountability; poverty reduction; rapid equitable economic growth; just,

inclusive and lasting peace; and sustainable development with climate change mitigation and

adaptation.

2004-2010 has been a rough period for the region as shown by the unstable growth of our Gross

Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and the increasing poverty incidence. These will be our major

challenges in the next six years and the RDC will take the lead in addressing these challenges.

The pursuit of economic development always involves two essential tasks: policy-making and policy

execution. The first role is already partially fulfilled with the RDP as solid evidence but the second task

is more critical as it demands the policies to be put into action by means of efficient program and

project implementation. The Plan is indeed timely as I am to commence my duties as RDC Chair. The

RDC will be the prime mover of development in the region and this plan will be our guide.

In the next six years, we will strengthen partnership with the private sector by involving them in the

implementation of this Plan. We will pursue a more aggressive and intensive approach in marketing

and developing our potentials especially in eco-tourism, agri-business and ICT. Ensuring the

implementation of this Plan will be everyone’s role. Thus, I call for a collaborative effort of all sectors.

It may not be that easy, but neither would it be very difficult, if all of us will give our support and

commitment. This is our development blueprint so let us give it our best effort and thereby improve

the economic and social well-being of the people of Eastern Visayas as we continue to contribute to

national development.

CARLOS JERICHO L. PETILLA

RDC Chair and Governor of Leyte

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Eastern Visayas

v

Foreword

The 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan (RDP) of Eastern Visayas

is a successor plan of the previous regional development plans (the

most recent covered the years 2008-2010).

The Development Vision of the region is “to make Eastern Visayas an

eco-tourism haven, and an agri-business and Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) leader where related activities in

agriculture, services and industry are cognizant of environmental

sustainability and where men and women are secure, are self-sufficient and are economically

empowered”. This vision is based on the strategic location of the region and its abundant resources

for agri-business and tourism. ICT is underscored in this Plan because of its immense potential in

providing employment. Through this development thrust, the region will have better employment and

increased incomes of the population.

This RDP was crafted through participatory planning. Assessment and validation of the previous plan

was done, followed by a series of sectoral planning workshops and consultations with the department

heads of the different regional line agencies, local government units, and representatives from the

private sector. Our deepest gratitude goes to those who actively participated in the planning process.

This Plan will serve as a blueprint for the national line agencies and the local officials in the region in

their decision-making processes. Embodied in the Plan are set of strategies that will guide them in

coming up with sound and viable programs and projects that will lead to the development of the

region.

The Plan also provides the private sector with precise information of the current situation of the

region that will help them plan for their businesses.

Together with the mix of eco-tourism, agri-business, and ICT strategies in this Plan, it is anticipated

that poverty in the region will be substantially reduced by 2016. All those involved in the

implementation of this Plan will have to rise up to the challenge by working together and moving in

the same direction.

BUENAVENTURA C. GO-SOCO, JR.

RDC Vice-Chair and

NEDA Regional Director

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Region VIII

Chapter 1:

Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges

This section presents the socio-economic conditions of the region based on its inherent

characteristics and performance in the various sectors during the previous plan period. The

discussion highlights the opportunities available to the region and the challenges it has to

meet in the next six years (2011-2016).

Eastern Visayas is naturally endowed with abundant resources, which can be tapped to

improve the quality of life of its people. Part of the challenge that the region faces is how to

put these resources to best use towards attaining the region’s vision of becoming an

eco-tourism haven, an agri-business leader, and ICT leader.

I. PHYSICAL RESOURCES

General Land and Water Characteristics

Location

Eastern Visayas is located in the eastern part of the Philippine islands, facing the Pacific Ocean. It

serves as the geographical backbone of the country. 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. Region VIII is strategically located because it is the only gateway to northern

and southern parts of the country via the Philippine-Japan Highway and roll-on roll-off ports.

The region 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.

Land Area

The region has a total land area of

2,143,169 hectares. This accounts

for approximately 7.14% of the

country’s total land area of

30,000,000 hectares.

Province Total Land Area % to Total

Biliran Island 55,549 3

Leyte Island 744,757 35

Leyte 571,277 27

Southern Leyte 173,480 8

Samar Island 1,342,863 66

Samar 559,100 26

Eastern Samar 433,965 20

Northern Samar 349,798 16

Table 1. Land Area by Province, 2006 (in hectares)

Source: DENR Region VIII

1

Topography

Eastern Visayas is composed of the islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran. These three islands have

relatively flat areas near and along the coasts and mountainous areas in the midst.

The Samar Island is characterized by mountain ranges with forest and deep valleys. The Leyte Island,

on the other hand, is extensively flat on the northern part and mountainous on its southern and south-

western 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 – fertile soil, abundant water

and wet climate 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% slope, which are generally flatlands and irrigable, thus suitable for settlement and

agriculture. A total of 318,800 hectares has 3-8% slope – 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 areas. Slopes of 18-30%, which covers 564.5 hectares, are

appropriate for production forest (timber). Meanwhile 30-50% slope, constituting 538.8 hectares, is

moderately steep to very steep ranges. These are suitable for timber production and adventure tourism.

The remaining 10% (211.6 hectares) of the area has a very steep slope to extremely rough

mountainous. These are often called cloud forest. This area keeps the air clean, sustains the supply of

water, and protects the soil from landslides.

The region experiences unpredictable weather conditions due to climate change. In order to avert

untoward incidents like avalanche, which could bring great damage to life and properties, areas with

50% slopes or more must be held in reserve as protection forest. Areas with 18% slope and below 50%

slope can still be used for production but limited to forest production. Coconut and abaca production

must be discouraged along these areas since these areas are prone to erosion. Death of fish and other

marine resources was traced to so much erosion in the upland. Estuaries and coastal ecosystem were

destroyed by siltation.

Elevation

The region’s land area elevation ranges from less than 100 to more than 1,000 meters. However,

predominant in all the provinces are elevations that are less than 100-meter range. Only the provinces

of Leyte and Biliran have areas with elevation of more than 1,000 meters but account for only .02% of

the total land area of the region. Areas with elevation of above 500 but below 1,000 meters can be

utilized for agro-forestry; areas with 1,000 meters and above must be set aside as protection forest. In

areas with below 18% slope, agricultural production can be undertaken.

2

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 area of the region is affected by wet season

while only 19% of the area experiences the moist season.

Climate is an important factor in agricultural productivity. Any drastic change in climate will cause

economic burden and affect the survival of the region. Specifically, it could adversely affect agriculture,

forestry and water resources.

Land Classification

Of the region’s total land area, forest land accounts for 52.18% while 47.82% are alienable and

disposable lands.

Eastern Visayas is basically an agricultural area with 45% of its total land area devoted to agriculture.

The top three provinces whose agricultural land is more than 50% of its land area are Leyte (58%),

Northern Samar (57%) and Southern Leyte (52%). The province of Samar has the least agricultural

land, which is 28%.

Region/Province Forest Land A&D Total Land Area % to Total

Philippines 15,792,418 14,207,582 30,000,000

Region VIII 1,118,214 1,024,955 2,143,169

Leyte 89,744 381,532 571,276 27

Biliran 26,900 28,650 55,550 3

Southern Leyte 47,519 125,961 173,480 8

Samar 62,644 196,456 559,100 6

Eastern Samar 289,743 144,222 433,965 20

Northern Samar 201,664 148,134 349,798 16

Table 2. Land Classification, 2006 (in hectares)


Region/Province Forest Land A&D Total Land Area % to Total

Region VIII 1,118,214 1,024,955 2,143,169

Leyte 89,744 381,532 571,276 27

Biliran 26,900 28,650 55,550 3

Southern Leyte 47,519 125,961 173,480 8

Samar 62,644 196,456 559,100 6

Eastern Samar 289,743 144,222 433,965 20

Northern Samar 201,664 148,134 349,798 16

Table 3. Resource Profile, 2006 (in hectares)


3

Among agricultural products, coconut is the major crop that utilizes a large part of the agricultural land

of the region. Rice comes in second; majority of it is found in the province of Leyte and in the three

provinces of the Samar Island. Abaca is abundantly grown in the province of Northern Samar while

sugarcane is grown mainly in Leyte.

Water Resources

The region is practically covered by watershed areas, which are rich sources of water. It has nine major

proclaimed watershed areas covering a total area of 32,450 hectares as of 2005.

Water supply for irrigation facilities is dependent on these watersheds. Degradation of these

watersheds will hinder the agricultural productivity of the region.

Major rivers are found in the three islands of Samar, Leyte and Biliran. The province of Samar 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. The

province of Leyte has principal rivers, namely: Binahaan-Kilt, Anilao-Malbasag and Daguitan.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte has Subang Dako and Hinabian. Biliran has two principal rivers: Anas and

Caraycaray.

The region is also endowed with five major bays that are abundant sources of coastal and marine

resources. These are the Maqueda Bay in Samar; Carigara Bay and Ormoc Bay in Leyte; San Pedro Bay

in Leyte and Samar; and Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte.

Mineral Resources

The region is rich in mineral resources encased in 563,049 hectares. A total of 220,046 hectares

(39%) is covered by mining rights and 343,003 hectares (61%) by mineral reservation, including

geothermal.

The top three metallic deposits of the region are bauxite, nickel and chromite. Around 149.4 million

tons are bauxite or aluminum, which are abundant in San Jose de Buan and Gandara, Samar, in the

Province Name of Watershed Municipalities Covered % to Total

Leyte Palompon Watershed Forest Reserve Palompon, Villaba 2,392

Biliran Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Naval, Almeria and Culaba 1,142

Southern Leyte Hinabian, Lawigan Forest Reserve St. Bernard, Silago 4,536

Samar Catbalogan Watershed Forest Reserve Catbalogan, Jiabong 805

Pan-as Watershed Forest Reserve Calbayog City 5,132

Loog Watershed Forest Reserve Basey 1,866

Eastern Samar Bolusao Watershed Forest Reserve Lawaan, Marabut 4,055

Jicontol Watershed Forest Reserve Can-avid, Dolores 7,390

Northern Samar Catubig Watershed Forest Reserve Catubig, Palapag 5,132

Table 4. Proclaimed Major Watershed Areas, 2005 (in hectares)


4

southern part of Eastern Samar, and in the island of Batag, Northern Samar. Open mining either in

upland or coastal areas threatens the fishing industry because of siltation which destroys the coastal

ecosystem.

In summary, Eastern Visayas has a wide array of opportunities that could be made to work to its

advantage. These include its strategic location being the only road link from Luzon to Mindanao and

vice-versa, natural endowments in the form of vast agricultural lands and other natural resources

conducive to agricultural production, sea and inland waters rich in salt and fresh water fish and other

marine products, rich mineral deposits, extensive coastlines, unspoiled scenic islands, beaches and

caves offering a perfect haven for nature tripping, abundant water and power supply, and the presence

of 11 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private education and social service facilities. All of

these can support the needs of agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism industries.

The Samar Island Natural Park

The Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) offers large prospects for eco-tourism in the region. There are

around 56 potential eco-tourism sites identified within the SINP area, three of which are included in the

national eco-tourism strategy.

The SINP has been declared as one of the protected areas (PAs) of the country by virtue of Presidential

Proclamation No. 442 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on August 13, 2003.

It has a total land area of 333,300 hectares and a buffer zone of 125,400 hectares, which is about

34% of Samar Island’s total land area. The SINP has the largest continuous tropical rainforest in the

Philippines with 360,000 hectares of natural forest including 120,000 hectares of old growth forest

(25% of the national total).

Within the SINP, there are four PAs: the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, Calbiga Caves Protected

Landscape, Jicontol Natural Park, and Taft Forest Philippine Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are also 25 critical watersheds covered by the SINP, which assures continuous flow of water that

is essential for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial needs of Samar Island.

Environmental Characteristics

The current ecological state of the region is a critical factor to consider in the entire plan period and

beyond.

Disasters and Geo-hazard Areas

The region is vulnerable to geo-hazards as manifested by the number of disasters that happened in the

region that resulted to loss of life and damage to properties.

In the past 20 years, aside from typhoons, the region experienced the following major disasters:

1) flashflood in Ormoc City and Burauen, Leyte on November 5, 1991, killing around 8,000 people;

2) landslide in Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte on February 2006, burying an entire village

and killing almost 1,200 people; and 3) landslide/flashflood in Panaon Island, Southern Leyte on

December 19, 2003 claiming the lives of more than 100 people.

5

Based on the Rapid Geo-hazards Assessment the most common geo-hazards of the region are:

landslide, flood, earthquake and earthquake-related hazards, coastal erosion, volcanic eruption, and

subsidence (lowering of the ground)/carbonate sinkholes (a geological condition wherein sinkholes are

developed in limestone or carbonate rocks).

Hazard Description Areas to be Affected

Earthquake

Parallel NW Faults to the

Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ)

25 km danger zone along the

Philppine Fault Zone

NNE Splay Fault from PFZ

Leyte: Tacloban City, Babatngon, San Miguel, Sta. Fe,

Palo, Tanauan and Tolosa

Samar: San Sebastian Calbayog and Catbalogan

Eastern Samar: Can-avid and Giporlos

Leyte: 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, Hinundayan, Anahawan, Liloan,

San Franicsco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo

Southern Leyte: Maasin City, Bontoc, Malitbog and

Tomas Oppus

Landslide Leyte: Coastal Section of Abuyog. Upland and mountainous portion of Ormoc City and Isabel, Leyte

Southern Leyte: Hilly areas of Maasin City

Mountainous portion of Sogod, Southern Leyte

Samar: Rock formation of Catbalogan, Samar

Tsunami Samar: Calbayog City, Catbalogan, 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: The coastal villages of Panaon Island

Volcanic

Eruption Biliran: Maripipi and Kawayan

Southern Leyte: San Juan

Liquefaction Leyte: Alang-alang, Pastrana, Dagami, Sta. Fe,

Tabontabon, Dulag, Tolosa, Tanauan, San Miguel,

Tacloban City

Table 5. Disaster-Prone Areas in Region VIII, 2009

Source: OCD Region VIII

6

Water and Air Quality

Past studies and monitoring made on water sources of the region have shown that Eastern Visayas is

facing a water pollution problem coming from a number of sources. Domestic waste is one of them.

Other sources are wastewater discharges from industries and factories, water transportation facilities,

among others.

As part of the system to ensure air quality management, major industrial firms such as power plants,

refinery plants, manufacturing and processing plants are being required to install a continuous

emission monitoring system. These establishments are being monitored for their compliance to this

requirement. There are 20 Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs) in Eastern Visayas to assist in the

monitoring of mobile sources.

Furthermore, LGUs are mandated by the Clean Air Act and the Local Government Code to implement

programs on Air Quality Management and to abate pollution coming from mobile, stationary, and area

sources. Control of open burning of garbage is being done. This requirement is also incorporated in

the process of issuing business permits to industries, commercial establishments, and institutions.

Solid Waste Disposal

Efforts to comply with Republic Act 9003 (Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)

are being exerted in the region. Since putting up a sanitary landfill is costly, the LGUs have resorted to

other types of safe disposal. The table below presents an inventory of other forms of solid waste

disposal mechanisms prescribed in RA 9003 adopted in the region.

Solid waste, when improperly disposed, can be a hazard to the surrounding environment as well as to

aquatic resources. Improper dumping leads to death of fish and land animals as well as diseases and

death to man. Death of animals such as cattle and carabao contributes to poverty as they are

commonly used in farming.

Some wastes can also be very harmful to the atmosphere. They can lead to the destruction of the

ozone layer resulting to global warming. These wastes may also cause illness. Air pollution can also

lead to formation of acidic rain, which is dangerous to crop life since it removes soil fertility.

Province Number of

LGUs

Open Dumpsite Controlled Dumpsite Junkshop

Number % Number %

Biliran 8 5 63 1 13

Leyte 45 29 64 6 13 114

Southern Leyte 19 12 63 4 21 16

Samar 26 14 54 5 19 30

Eastern Samar 23 19 83 2 9 10

Northern Samar 24 15 63 1 4 28

Total 143 94 65 19 13 206

Table 6. Existing Dumpsites and Junk Shop Facilities, 2009

Source: EMB Region VIII

7

Solid waste also affects drainage when dumped in drainage channels and gutters because it blocks the

sewerage. This causes flooding and affects soil drainage, which hinders the growing of crops.

Water-proof waste materials can be dangerous to the aeration system of the soil, hindering agricultural

production. Uncontrolled dumping of solid waste can lead to wastage of land. Many lands are used as

dumping sites but are later abandoned. This reduces fertile cultivatable land, likewise affecting the

region’s agricultural output.

Poor waste management also results to unsightly surroundings. This could turn off tourists, and may

therefore harm the tourism industry.

Spread of diseases can also happen with poor solid waste disposal. Bottles, tires and the like, if

dumped anywhere, collect water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Challenges:

Owing to the natural and physical environment of Eastern Visayas, there is a host of challenges that the

region must contend with. These include:

1. Being ready to face unpredictable weather conditions and protect itself from the natural

geo-hazards to which it is prone and vulnerable

2. Sustaining its natural resources including water

3. Halting the deterioration of the environment through proper waste disposal

8

II. POPULATION/DEMOGRAPHY

Population

In the 2007 Census of Population and Housing (CPH), Eastern Visayas registered a total population of

3,912,936. At 8.4% higher than the population in 2000, its annual population growth rate was placed

at 1.12%, lower than the national growth rate of 2.04%. Eastern Visayas ranks 7th from the region with

the lowest population.

Among its six provinces, Northern Samar had the highest annual growth rate of 1.3%.

Population density in 2007 was recorded at 168 persons per square kilometers, an increase of 12

persons per square kilometer from the year 2000.

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. This age

structure indicates a higher dependency ratio and the

need for more basic social services.

Human Development Index

In 2000, the Human Development Index (HDI) in

Eastern Visayas was pegged at 0.656, an improvement

of 4.3% over the last three years. Among provinces,

Southern Leyte, Leyte and Biliran are slightly better off than the three Samar provinces.

Life expectancy was recorded at 69 years in 2000, an increase of one year life compared to 1997. Dur-

ing these periods, combined enrolment rate (elementary and secondary) was higher by 1.6 (84.5 in

2000 and 82.9 in 1997) while functional literacy rate was maintained at 83.79%. Real per capita

income, on the other hand, lowered to 21,104 from 21,877.

Table 7. Demographic Trends, 2000-2007

Region/Province Population

Annual Population

Growth Rate Population Density

2000 2007 2000 - 2007 2000 2007

Philippines 76,504,008 88,574,614 2.04 255 -

Region VIII 3,610,355 3,912,936 1.12 155 168

Leyte 1,592,336 1,722,036 1.09 244 264

Biliran 140,274 150,031 0.93 262 280

Southern Leyte 360,160 390,847 1.13 200 217

Samar 641,124 695,149 1.12 106 115

Eastern Samar 375,822 405,114 1.04 81 87

Northern Samar 500,639 549,759 1.3 136 149

Source: NSCB Region VIII

Figure 1. Projected Population by Age and Sex Group, 2010

Source: NSO Region VIII

9

III. Macroeconomic Performance

Slow Economic Growth

From 2004 to 2009, the Gross Regional

Domestic Product (GRDP) of Eastern

Visayas grew at an average rate of 3.6%,

short of the RDP target of 6.1% and the

average national growth rate of 4.8%. The

region’s contribution to the national

economy remains at an average of 2.2%

The Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF)

Sector, which accounts for around 33.5% of

the GRDP, showed an uptrend up to 2006.

It continued to grow up to 2008 but at a

slower rate. In 2009, AFF plunged down

to -1.6%.

The sharp decline in 2009 is attributed to

heavy rains during the early part of the year

and infestation of pests and diseases in

major production areas. Palay, corn,

coconut, abaca and sugarcane were the

most affected. The agriculture and fishery

subsector accounts for 33.5% of the GRDP,

making it the biggest contributor to the

regional economy. The forestry subsector

contributes only .01%.

The Industry Sector comprises 30.2% of the

regional economy, whereas 19.6% come

from the manufacturing subsector where

PASAR and PHILPHOS in the Leyte Industrial

Development Estate (LIDE) are the key

players. The rest comes from construction

(7%), electricity and water (3%) and mining

and quarrying (0.6%). The manufacturing

subsector is the second biggest contributor

to the GRDP.

From 2004 to 2009, the sector showed a

5.55.8

6.4 6.7

5.96.2

5.2

3.1

5.2

3.1 3.4

1.8

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Target

Actual

Figure 2. GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009


6.57.0

7.3 7.6

5.6 6.2

3.6

4.55.3 5.1

4.9

-1.6

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Target

Actual

Figure 3. AFF Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009


5.0 4.86.0

6.5 6.76.7

7.8

2.8

7.6

-1.6

2.2

4.8

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Target

Actual

Figure 4. Industry Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009


10

fluctuating trend. Growth in 2004 was above the RDP target, which could be attributed to the

implementation of major government infrastructure projects and high prices of copper products in the

world market. It went down to 0.1% in 2005 due to the temporary shutdown of PHILPHOS for

maintenance operation. With increased demand for basic metals and high prices in the international

market, it bounced back to 7.6% in 2006 and down again in 2007 due to drop in the production of

basic metals. Exportation of metal products was moderated during the year due to the appreciation of

the peso. Data show that the total performance of the industry sector is highly affected by PASAR and

PHILPHOS.

The Services Sector accounts for 36.2% of the

GRDP. Ownership Dwellings and Real Estate

(ODRE) and Trade are the two largest

contributors to this sector. The sector managed

a positive growth from 2004 to 2009. In 2007,

it posted a high growth rate brought about by

the robust growth in trade with the proliferation

of Taiwanese and Korean establishments in the

capital towns of the region.

Lack of Employment Opportunities and Low Labor Productivity

As of 2009, the region had a population (15 years old and over) of 2.6 million, placing the labor force

population at 1.7 million. Labor force participation rate was estimated at 66.1%. Males have high labor

force participation rates than females.

The region had an employment rate of 94.6%, lower than the rates in 2007 and 2008. Of those

employed, 47.9% are working in the AFF Sector, 42.3% in the Services Sector, and 9.9% in the Industry

Sector. Males showed to have slightly higher employment rates than females. Almost 60.0% of those

5.25.5

5.8 6.0

5.5

5.8

4.84.9

3.2

5.5

3.0

2.6

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Target

Actual

Figure 5. Services Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009


Employment Status 2004 2005 2006

Total Female Male Total Female Male Total Female Male

Household Population 15

years old and over 2,463

2,541

2,429

In the Labor Force 72.1 58.1 85.6 66.2 51.4 80.7 66.0 50.6 80.8

Employed 90.7 88.7 92.0 95.5 95.7 95.4 94.2 94.2 95.2

AFF 49.0 31.2 59.9 49.3 30.5 59.2 48.6 30.0 60.2

Industry 10.6 8.7 11.8 8.8 8.3 11.3 9.7 8.0 10.8

Services 40.5 60.1 28.4 41.7 61.1 29.4 41.8 62.1 29.1

Unemployed 9.3 11.3 8.0 4.5 4.3 4.6 4.8 5.8 4.2

Visibly Underemployed 16.1 12.6 18.3 17.6 16.2 18.3 21.4 17.9 23.5

Table 8. Labor Force and Employment Status of Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, 2004-2009

(number in thousand and rate in percent)

11

working in the AFF sector are males. In the services sector, 66.4% are females. Underemployment rate

was high at 17.2%. More males than females are underemployed.

In terms of labor productivity,

workers in the electricity,

water and manufacturing

sector have the highest

productivity at P762,700 and

P384,934 per worker,

respectively. However, this

high productivity is thinly felt

since the industry sector

employs only around 10% of

the total employed persons in

the region. Ironically, in the

AFF Sector where almost half

of the region’s employed are

working, productivity is

lowest at only P66,789.

Limited External Trade

The region’s exports largely come from PASAR and PhilPhos. In 2005-2009, the port of LIDE in Isabel,

Leyte contributed around 78.6% to the region’s total value of exports. Manufactured goods classified

chiefly by materials accounted for 74.8% of the bulk of exports in 2005-2006 while copper cathodes

accounted for 70.9% of the bulk of exports in 2007-2009. Other products exported by the region

include gold (unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms), crude coconut oil, mineral or chemical

fertilizers, copper anodes and silver (in unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms).


Employment Status 2007 2008 2009

Total Female Male Total Female Male Total Female Male

Household Population 15

years old and over 2,536

2,603

2,658

In the Labor Force 51.1 80.3 64.8 48.8 79.9 66.1 50.7 81.0 51.1

Employed 94.8 95.4 95.5 95.3 95.7 94.6 94.3 94.8 94.8

AFF 28.2 59.4 47.0 27.1 58.8 45.5 25.8 57.2 28.2

Industry 8.3 11.2 10.0 7.6 11.2 10.0 7.8 11.4 8.3

Services 64.1 29.2 43.0 65.3 30.2 44.6 66.4 31.4 64.1

Unemployed 5.2 4.7 4.5 4.8 4.3 5.4 5.6 5.3 5.2

Visibly Underemployed 14.6 19.9 18.0 14.2 20.1 17.2 14.1 19.1 14.6

*electricity, gas and water

Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group, 2008

(in million at current prices)

Source of Basic Data: DOLE-NWPC, NSCB Region VIII

Major Industry Group Philippines Region VIII AGRICULTURE, FISHERY AND FORESTRY

Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry 91,643 66,789

INDUSTRY

Mining and Quarrying 702,468 190,671

Manufacturing 565,480 384,934

Construction 188,987 182,357

Electricity and Water 1,812,431* 762,700

SERVICES

Transportation, Communication and Storage 196,458 78,439

Trade 168,818 35,432

Finance 607,226

224,040

Real Estate and Private Services 134,588

Government Service - 189,017

12

Cont. Table 8

The port of LIDE also accounted for 78.6% of the region’s imports in 2007-2009. Crude materials,

indelible except fuels were the top import commodities in 2005 while copper ores and concentrates

comprised the bulk of imports in 2007-2009. Other imports include natural calcium phosphates,

natural aluminum phosphates and phosphatic chalk, urea and sulphur.

Table 10. Top Exports, 2005-2009 (value in thousand US dollars)

Product 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total 412,534 1,539,618 1,653,374 2,018,323 966,812

Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material 312,768 1,154,679

Chemical and related products 71,121 98,202

Animal and vegetable oil, fats and waxes 27,100 52,684

Crude materials, indelible except fuels 8,981 3,085

Food and live animals 1,511 3,240

Copper cathodes 1,293,928 1,309,187 685,545

Gold (unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms) 105,782 287,236 94,181

Silver(unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms) 94,624

Copper anodes for electrolytic refining 155,184

Crude coconut oil 57,124 123,786 61,486 Coconut (copra), palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions thereof

32,316

Sulphuric acid from copper smelter and others 47,744

Mineral or chemical fertilizers 55,821

Refined oil (cochin) 28,077


Table 11. Top Imports, 2005-2009 (value in thousand US dollars)

Product 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total 509,879 488,974* 469,629 510,833 964,679

Crude materials, indelible except fuels 423,002

Chemical and related products 62,170

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials 7,830

Manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials 8,117

Machinery and transport equipment 8,760

Copper ores and concentrates 374,455 362,622 823,215

Anhydrious ammonia 18,324 18,159

Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution 23,089 26,485

Copper anodes for electrolytic refining 14,689

Iron ores and concentrates 20,688

Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters 13,819

Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium

phosphates and phosphatic chalk

18,411 33,795

Potassium chloride 8,817

Sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed sulphur,

precipitated sulphur and colloidal sulphur/crude

or unrefined

18,003 20,022

*No available data per commodity


13

Worsening Poverty

Over a period of six years, poverty

situation in Eastern Visayas steadily

worsened. From 7th in 2003, Eastern

Visayas now ranks 5th in terms of

severity of poverty among the 17

regions. Between 2003 and 2009, the

magnitude of poor population increased

by 3.8% (33,809) or an addition of

166,550 individuals bringing the total

number of poor population to 1.7

million.

The region’s poverty incidence is higher by 12.3 percentage points compared with the 20.9% at the

national level. Among the six provinces, only Leyte and Northern Samar showed declining poverty

incidence from 2006 to 2009.

At 41.4% poverty incidence in 2009, the

region is still far from attaining the MDG

target of 26.3% in 2011.

The magnitude of food-poor population

also increased by 0.3%, an addition of

45,176 individuals in 2009. This

translates to 794,766 people who

cannot even meet the basic food

requirements.

IV. Status of the Tourism Industry

Tourist Arrivals

Using registered tourist arrivals as an indicator, the region’s tourism industry has a lot to catch up

compared with other areas in Central Philippines.

The main entry point to Eastern Visayas, which is Tacloban City, has a registered tourist arrivals of only

145,000 in 2006. This number accounts for only 4% of the tourist arrivals in the entire Central

Philippines.

Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Population, 2003-2009


Table 13. Subsistence Incidence among Population, 2003-2009

Region/Province 2003 2006 2009

Region VIII 15.3 18.7 19.0

Biliran 14.3 14.3 11.8

Eastern Samar 18.3 22.6 32.2

Leyte 15.7 15.7 13.4

Northern Samar 18.0 34.9 27.4

Southern Leyte 15.4 9.7 15.6

Samar 11.0 16.7 22.5


Region/Province 2003 2006 2009

Region VIII 37.6 39.0 41.4

Biliran 38.2 33.8 34.9

Eastern Samar 36.4 47.8 54.0

Leyte 37.2 34.9 34.3

Northern Samar 44.6 53.8 51.2

Southern Leyte 37.7 30.2 43.3

Samar 33.9 38.1 45.0

14

Tourism Establishments

The 2008 statistics on tourism establishments showed that Eastern Visayas holds only 0.85% of the

tourism establishments in the Philippines. Central Visayas holds 8%, Western Visayas, 5%, Northern

Mindanao, almost 3%, and Bicol almost 2%. MIMAROPA, composed of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon

and Palawan, however, holds lesser establishments (0.64%) than that of Eastern Visayas.

The bulk (64%) of major tourism establishments in Eastern Visayas is along food services, followed by

accommodation facilities, and then night-time amenities like bars. Services and facilities offered in

these establishments cater more to domestic visitors. Quality-wise, only a few of these establishments

are considered to be at par with the standards of the international market.

Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)

The region’s tourist destination areas are not yet as ready as 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 our natural resources is paramount in promoting eco-tourism. The

proclamation of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) is a most welcome opportunity for the tourism

* Note: Figures rounded/STMP-CP

Table 14. Distribution of Tourists Arrivals in Central Philippines, 2006

Destination Foreigners Balikbayans Locals Total % Distribution

Tacloban City 7,000 N/A 138,000 145,000 4

Cebu 475,000 3,000 772,000 1,250,000 31

Iloilo 40,000 31,000 294,000 365,000 9

Boracay 185,000 32,000 358,000 575,000 14

Guimaras 9,000 N/A 166,000 175,000 4

Bohol 45,000 5,000 170,000 220,000 6

Negros Occidental 30,000 15,000 375,000 420,000 11

Negros Oriental 20,000 1,000 134,000 155,000 4

Camiguin 12,000 2,000 206,000 220,000 6

Camarines Sur 13,000 13,000 234,000 260,000 7

Palawan 50,000 N/A 140,000 190,000 5

Total 886,000 102,000 2,987,000 3,975,000 100

Source: DOT Region VIII

15

industry of Region VIII. Found within the SINP area are major attractions in the Northeastern

Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area.

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 eco-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;

capacity of the environment to sustain tourism development; accessibility

from key source market; among others.

Figure 6. Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)

16

Rock Formation, Biri Island

Calbiga Cave

Sohoton Cave

McArthur Landing Memorial

Lake Danao Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge Calanggaman Island Biliran Shifting Sandbar

Calicoan Surf Camp, Guiuan

Higatangan Island

www.calicoansurfcamp.com

www.lagawan.info

http://samar.lgu-ph.com

http://iloveeasternvisayas.com/

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com

The TDAs of the region are as follows:

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 and 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.

Northwestern Leyte-Biliran 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.

In Biliran, activities include hot-bath swimming and snorkeling in its marine-bound and island

destinations and trekking and cool-bath swimming 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

snorkelling. 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.

West Samar Area

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.

Catbalogan enjoys the amenities associated with cities, being the center of trades 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, Pan-as Falls and

Ton-ok Falls. Other places to visit are island municipalities with scenic beaches.

17

Eastern 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 forest-bound and waterfall spots.

Northern Samar Area

This area includes the Balicuatro Group of Islands and Pacific Towns. Activities under this TDA likewise

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) 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.

Challenges:

Challenges in the tourism industry of the region have something to do with the gaps seen in the tourism

value chain for almost all TDAs. These are in:

1. Promoting and advertising of the TDAs

2. Putting in place the necessary infrastructure support and social amenities

3. Capacity building for human resource requirements

4. Protecting the environment

5. Building stronger public and private collaboration to do all of the above

V. Status of the Agri-business Industry

The agri-business industry in the region offers great potential for creating employment in the region.

Abundant human and natural resources, existing technology, government policies, local and global

opportunities – these factors can be tapped to bring agri-business to a higher level towards economic

progress in the region.

However, agricultural productivity in the region is low compared to national standards. This is the

reason why farm income is insufficient to provide a decent living to rural families. Since the region is

predominantly agricultural, 33.2% of families in the region live below poverty line.

18

Agricultural Inputs

A major constraint to agricultural production is the high cost of agricultural and fishery inputs. This is

because there are no local manufacturers of feeds and fertilizers in the region, which is in turn due to

inadequacy of inputs to feed mills (e.g. corn).

Due to environmental concerns, the government is currently promoting organic farming. Hence, organic

products now command a higher price in the market. Investing in the manufacture of organic inputs

has become a promising venture. Despite this, however, there are few investors in organic fertilizer

and they only produce small volumes, mostly for their own use.

Using certified palay seeds has proven to be more beneficial as it improves rice farm productivity. But

then again, there is an insufficient supply of certified or hybrid seeds due to lack of seed growers.

In terms of capital, there are actually several microfinance institutions and agencies providing

livelihood funds. But the poor credit worthiness and bankability of coops, farmers and individuals

render them disqualified to avail of the needed capital. High interest rate is also a deterrent. Most

farmers/fishers also lack the entrepreneurial spirit, thus are not keen about engaging in business.

Lack of adequate support to agri-credit such as guarantee and mutual funds aggravates the situation.

Agricultural Production

Eastern Visayas is strong in the production of traditional crops.

In 2008, Eastern Visayas breached the 1 million-metric ton mark in rice production, enabling itself to

achieve a surplus of 95,511 metric tons or a rice sufficiency index of 119% though it slightly went down

in 2009.

Palay production has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2004 to 2009. This

growth performance can be surpassed in the next six years if the vast irrigable lands in Samar Island

will be developed.

19

Table 15. Palay Production, 2004-2009

Province/Region 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Region VIII 721,932.00 788,857.00 830,287.00 948,827.00 1,030,621.00 952,220.00

Biliran 57,885.00 64,538.00 72,930.00 71,817.00 70,798.00 69,120.00

Eastern Samar 31,875.00 34,722.00 39,529.00 43,734.00 47,153.00 46,291.00

Leyte 417,048.00 458,641.00 479,264.00 582,840.00 605,833.00 530,473.00

Northern Samar 77,787.00 80,293.00 82,478.00 76,766.00 101,007.00 89,377.00

Southern Leyte 70,990.00 82,451.00 84,413.00 86,902.00 99,934.00 102,791.00

Samar 66,347.00 68,212.00 71,673.00 86,768.00 105,896.00 144,168.00

Source: BAS Region VIII

Eastern Visayas is the number 2 producer of coconut in the country. In 2009, coconut production stood

at 2 billion nuts. However, coconut production had an average growth rate of only 0.54% per year since

2004.

In 2008, the region was found to be self-sufficient in corn,

root crops, fruits, vegetables, pork, chicken and carabeef.

Based on this scenario, an increase in agricultural production

for agri-business purposes is targeted for the next six years.

Modern farm technology, a vehicle for higher productivity, is

not yet widely adopted. This is partly attributed to poor

extension support and unsynchronized and inadequate

implementation of a structured program.

The occurrence of natural calamities like floods and typhoon

as well as pests and diseases affect the region’s production.

Viral attack on abaca plantations has resulted in the decline

of abaca production by 19%, from 26,124 metric tons in

2004 to 21,239 metric tons in 2009.

The potentials of aquaculture have not yet been fully developed due to high investment cost. There is a

dearth of cost-effective technology and capital for aquaculture investors.

Processing and Packaging of Agricultural Products and By-products

The processing and packaging node in the agri-business value chain is now given importance by LGUs.

Many municipalities have chosen processing of agricultural products like coconut and marine products

for their One Town One Product (OTOP).

However, regional products are still poorly packaged and labeled.

Also, most products are not certified by the Bureau of Food and

Drugs because securing such a certification is very costly. Labeling

assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is

being extended by government agencies. The region also has a

pool of designers who undergo continuous skills upgrading from

the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines

(PDDCP). The Regional Microbiological Testing Laboratory at the

DOST is a support facility that can be tapped for raw materials or

Table 16. Sufficiency Index, 2009

Commodity Sufficiency Index

Rice 119%

Corn (W) 192%

Root Crops 180%

Fruits 152%

Vegetables 75%

Pork 243%

Chicken 182%

Eggs 41%

Beef 62%

Carabeef 168%

Source: DA Region VIII

Crops 2007 2008 % Increase

Palay 948,827.00 1,030,621.00 8.6

Corn 88,252.00 96,597.00 9.4

Vegetables 196,429.00 194,846.42 -0.8

Fruits 256,146.00 279,811.00 9.2

Table 17. Production of Selected Crops, 2007-2008 (in metric tons)

Source: DA Region VIII

20

Fermented Rock Oyster “Sisi”, Leyte,Leyte

product testing and analysis. But there appears to be a gap between these existing resources and

MSMEs.

Packaging entails additional cost in business. Thus, lack of capital hampers high quality packaging and

labeling by MSMEs. Banks in the region have funds available for lending but because of poor

bankability, MSMEs are not able to access such funds. Also, too many requirements imposed by these

institutions for loan discourages MSMEs. However, there are also some government agencies, micro

finance institutions, and government financing institutions who offer a less stringent procedure in

accessing funds for packaging and labeling.

Trading and Distribution of Agricultural Products

Marketing is one area of difficulty for most MSMEs. Many of

them are not aware of existing marketing facilities and

opportunities. Existing pasalubong centers provide market

outlets for products but these are not maximized. In some areas,

such centers are absent.

Handling and transportation of products are very costly in the

region. Poor road conditions, limited transport facilities, and

inadequate handling facilities in certain areas are contributory

factors. Marketing support from the government is also

inadequate.

Small-medium enterprises in the region have been generally sluggish these past years as seen in the

declining number of active establishments. Eastern Visayas lags behind Regions VI and VII. As of

2006, there was a total of only 20,764 total establishments reported, which is less than half the

number in the two other regions.

The current situation of MSMEs is a result of several factors in the business environment and the

capital market.

Industrial peace is felt in the region but the lengthy and complicated process of starting a business

deters the growth of MSMEs. The lengthy process makes it more costly for applicants. Also, potential

entrepreneurs do not have sufficient business information to get started in their desired business.

This scenario may change in the next six years in view of the availability of a successful model for

streamlining business licensing. Other LGUs can learn from the

experiences of Ormoc City and the municipality of Tanauan that

have both received national citations for this best practice. Also,

the National Economic Research and Business Action Center

(NERBAC) can serve as the center for business information.

Another major challenge to making MSMEs grow is how to instill

or enhance entrepreneurial spirit and skills among the people.

21

Freshwater Prawn “Ulang”, SLSU, So. Leyte

Eucheuma Pickles, ESSU Salcedo, E. Samar

Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety

Training for Barugo Roscas Producers Association,

Barugo Leyte

Consumer Products

Price, quality, and safety of products are very important

considerations. The role of the Food and Drugs Administration

(FDA) is crucial in assuring product safety. However, MSMEs

cannot afford product registration because it is costly. This

lack of FDA registration results to a limited marketability of

potential export products.

Good handling facilities (pre- and post-harvest) and good

roads must be present to ensure that perishable and fragile

products will reach the consumer in good condition. For most

processed products, shelf-life has to be improved without

sacrificing taste and with due concern for their health effects. At present, greater research efforts are

needed for regional products to be more globally competitive.

As the region aspires for leadership in agri-business, it must be competitive with other regions. To

maximize productivity, collaboration must be fostered among private and public institutions. Policies

and interventions should be fine-tuned to the demands of the industry so that producers and

manufacturers are able to take advantage of the opportunities and produce the volume and quality

required by the domestic and international market.

Challenges:

For Eastern Visayas to jumpstart its agri-business industry, it has to surpass the following challenges:

1. Increasing access to funds and marketing channels

2. Increasing productivity along traditional crops while venturing into other crops and moving

aggressively into agri-business for higher value-added products and services

3. Raising productivity and efficiency in production and processing

4. Optimizing the use of the region’s vast idle lands suitable for agriculture, particularly

existing coconut lands

5. Putting in place support infrastructure so as to reduce marketing costs and ensure good

quality of products at the users’ end

22

Oil Mill, Tanauan, Leyte

Training on Furniture Finishing, Marabut Samar

Photo courtesy of DOST VIII Photo courtesy of DOST VIII

http://www.panoramio.com

VI. Status of the Information and Communications

Technology (ICT) Industry

On information and communications technology (ICT), substantial accomplishments by both private and

government sectors were achieved, the most significant of which were the establishment of an ICT Park

in Leyte, the alliance formed between the academe and the industry sectors. Several jobs were created

as well.

The growth of the ICT industry in the region is being led by the province of Leyte with the establishment

of the 6.8-hectare ICT Park in Pawing, Palo, Leyte. The province also promoted the establishment of

ICT companies in Eastern Visayas through selling missions to big ICT companies in Manila and linkages

with these companies.

The locators of the Leyte ICT

Park generated 216 jobs in

2007, which gradually

increased to 423 in 2008, and

then to 1,104 in 2009. The

b i g g e s t p o r t i o n w a s

contributed by APAC Customer

Services, Inc., an inbound and outsourcing telemarketing and call center company.

The Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee (RITECC) also addressed the

mismatch of skills requirements of ICT companies with graduates of Eastern Visayas. It recommended

the setting-up of training centers to cater to inbound and outbound tele-centers and the enhancement

of curricula in the tertiary level.

ICT Infrastructure

All capital towns and cities of the region have well-placed ICT infrastructure for telephone, cellular

phone network, data and internet lines. Furthermore, 3G services are now available, which gives

mobile internet access to prepaid and post-paid subscribers.

The major ICT infrastructure

and service providers in

Eastern Visayas are Bayan

Telecommunications Inc.

( B a y a n t e l ) , G l o b e

T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s

(Globe), Smart Telecommu-

nications (Smart) and Sun

Cellular (Sun). These companies provide internet connections, either wired (broadband, DSL, E1, T1,

etc.) or wireless (wireless broadband, 3G, EDGE, WIFI, etc.). Globe, Smart and Sun provide the cellular

phone services.

Bayantel is the leading telecommunications/ICT provider in Eastern Visayas followed by Globe. These

providers offer diversified range of telecommunications services such as wired line, wireless phone

Table 19. Major Service Providers (ICT)

Source: NTC Region VIII

Cellular Network Providers Internet Service Providers

Globe Telecom Bayan Telecommunications, Inc.

Smart Communications, Inc. Smart Communications, Inc. (wireless 3G)

Sun Cellular Sun Cellular (wireless 3G)

23

Table 18. Outsourcing Companies (ICT)

Source: Leyte ICT Park

Software

Development Inbound/Outbound Telemarketing

and Call Center Services Technology Business

Incubator (TBI)

POS APAC Customer Services, Inc. Coredata

zurcSoft, Inc. E-DWG Designs

(CDMA-based), leased line, DSL and satellite networks.

Under the Digital Connectivity Plan, tele-centers contributed to the rise and expansion of internet

facilities located in cities and capital towns.

ICT Education

In 2009, a total of 52 higher education institutions (HEIs) offered ICT-related courses compared to 43

in 2005.

Also, 75 TESDA-registered training centers throughout the region offered finishing courses for call

center agents, computer programmers, and hardware servicing technicians in 2009.

24

Graduates Total Female Male

No. % No. % No. %

2006

Total 2,582 100.00 1,711 66.30 871 33.70

School-Based 1,540 59.70 1,078 41.80 462 17.90

Community-Based 749 29.00 477 18.50 272 10.50

Center-Based 293 11.30 156 6.00 137 5.30

2007

Total 12,141 99.80 5,646 46.40 6,495 53.40

School-Based 11,264 92.70 5,213 42.90 6,051 49.80

Community-Based 227 1.80 114 0.90 113 0.90

Center-Based 650 5.30 319 2.60 331 2.70

2008

Total 12,091 99.90 6,188 51.10 5,903 48.80

School-Based 10,633 87.90 5,540 45.80 5,093 42.10

Community-Based 855 7.10 486 4.00 369 3.10

Center-Based 603 4.90 162 1.30 441 3.60

Table 20. TESDA Graduates in ICT-Related Diploma (ICT), 2009

Source: TESDA Region VIII

Income Creating Opportunities through Technology Project on ICT (ICOT P - ICT) Scholars, ICT Park, Palo, Leyte

Challenges:

Given the current state of the ICT sector, the region has to face the following challenges:

1. Convincing ICT companies to locate at the ICT Park in the region

2. Increasing the competitiveness of ICT business in the region

3. Persuading skilled IT workers to work in the region

4. Upgrading the skills of IT graduates and other IT-related job applicants to qualify in ICT

industries

5. Suiting the tertiary curricula to meet the demands of the ICT industry

VII. Access to Social Services

Education and Skills Development

As of 2009, four of the five education indicators, namely;

participation rate, completion rate, dropout rate, and NAT

achievement rate are still short of the targets set for 2010.

The biggest shortfalls are in the secondary participation rate

and the NAT Achievement rate, which are 11.79% and 19.75%

below the targets, respectively.

Dropout rate both in the elementary and high school are also

way below the targets.

However, in terms of cohort survival rate, the region already surpassed the 2010 target by .81% in the

elementary and .36% in the secondary level.

Table 21. Performance Assessment Education and Manpower, 2008-2010

Indicator RDP Target

2010 MDG Target

2010 Accomplishment

2010 % Below/Above

Increase Participation rate

Elementary 84.60% 80.43% -4.3

Secondary 65.09% 55.14% -11.79

Increase completion rate

Elementary 77.17% 71.70% -5.47

Secondary 77.81% 70.60% -7.21

Increase cohort survival rate

Elementary 72.39% 73.20% 0.81

Secondary 73.64% 100.00% 74.00% 0.36

Bring down dropout rate

Elementary 1.08% 6.51% 5.43

Secondary 4.1% 9.65% 5.48

Bring down dropout rate 78.09% 58.34% -19.75%

Source of Basic Data: DepEd Region VIII

25

Photo courtesy of DSWD VIII

The MDG commitment is to attain a

100% elementary net enrolment

ratio and basic literacy rate. As of

2009, the actual accomplishment

is still far at 76.20% for elementary

net enrolment and 90.10% for

basic literacy.

Participation Rate

The overall performance of the

region in terms of participation rate

for school year 2009-2010 is about

80.3%. This encompasses private

schools and SUCs. Among

provinces, Eastern Samar and

Northern Samar were able to

achieve targets above the regional target. The other divisions are below target.

At the secondary level, the average partici-

pation rate of the region in 2009 is only

53.3% as against the target of 63.3%. Only

Eastern Samar and Tacloban City school

divisions were above target.

Cohort Survival Rate

At the elementary level, six divisions

performed higher than the 2009-2010

target of 74.04%. This includes Biliran,

Leyte, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, Tacloban

City, and Maasin City. Other divisions

performed below target.

At the secondary level, the average

Table 22. Performance Indicators by Level of Education and by Gender, 2009-2010

Indicator Elementary Secondary

Total % Male % Female

%

Gender

Parity Index Total % Male %

Female

%

Gender Parity

Index

Participation Rate 87.65 86.37 89.02 1.03 50.52 44.92 56.42 1.26

Cohort Survival Rate 63.57 59.37 68.46 1.09 63.98 60.93 66.92 1.11

Completion Rate 62.60 58.10 67.81 1.09 61.17 57.77 64.40 1.11

Dropout Rate 1.06 1.35 0.75 0.56 4.83 6.44 3.31 0.51


Province/City Elementary Secondary

Biliran 76.3 57.7

Leyte 74.5 49.9

So. Leyte 74.4 56.1

E. Samar 89.1 64.6

No. Samar 90.6 51.5

Samar 81.6 47.3

Calbayog City 80.5 49.1

Ormoc City 83.5 60.1

Tacloban City 80.1 64.6

Maasin City 73.7 50.5

Region VIII 80.4 55.1

Target 2009-2010 74.04 74.2

Table 23. Participation Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009-2010


Table 24. Cohort Survival Rate, Elementary and Secondary, 2009


Biliran 83.0 74.5

Leyte 74.9 76.5

So. Leyte 87.6 81.8

E. Samar 65.6 73.7

No. Samar 71.3 70.5

Samar 65.2 65.4






Target 2009-2010 74.04 74.2


26

performance of the region is 74.5%, slightly higher than the target. Five divisions showed good

performance, namely: Biliran, Leyte, Southern

Leyte, Tacloban City and Maasin City.

Completion Rate

During the SY 2009-2010, the elementary

completion rate of 74.8% is lower than the

target. Five divisions performed above target,

namely: Biliran, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City,

Tacloban City, and Maasin City.

On the other hand, at the secondary level, it

was 69.9%, also lower than the target. Only

Maasin City and Southern Leyte divisions

were able to attain completion rates higher

than the target of 77.3%.

A rundown of the elementary completion rate

statistics (Table 26) shows that from an

enrolment population of 141,028 in SY 2003-

2004, only 85,350 (61%) were able to complete

the elementary education cycle.

This leaves more than 40% (55,678) who were

not able to graduate in the elementary (Table

26). This trend could only mean that every year,

an average of more than 50,000 is added to the

unskilled and farmers’ group of the region’s

labor force or migrate to other regions.

The same trend is also observed at the

secondary level (Table 27). The enrolment

population in first year high school from SY

2005-2006 to SY 2008-2009 reached 82,479.

Only 49,916 (60.52%) were able to complete

secondary education. This has left 32,563 stu-

dents who were unable to secure a high school

diploma (Table 27). Since this group could not

even qualify for vocational courses offered by

TESDA and other government agencies, they

also add up to the unskilled or farmers’ group if

they opt to be employed in the region.


Biliran 80.2 71.6

Leyte 73.5 74.2

So. Leyte 85.3 79.3

E. Samar 65.1 69.4

No. Samar 69.1 67.3

Samar 64.2 60.5






Target 2009-2010 77.1 77.3

Table 25. Completion Rate vs. 2009-2010 Target


Table 26. Completion Rate Public Elementary

School Year Enrolment CSR %

2003-2004 141,028 83

2004-2005 117,577 77

2005-2006 108,027 72

2006-2007 102,012 69

2007-2008 97,406 65

2008-2009 92,043 61

Completed Elementary

Education

85,350


School Year Enrolment CSR %

2005-2006 82,479 85.61

2006-2007 70,614 75.38

2007-2008 62,176 66.94

2008-2009 55.215 60.52

Completed Secondary 49,916

Table 27. Completion Rate Public Secondary


27

National Achievement Test

The 2009 NAT yielded a passing rate of

77.6% at the elementary level and only

60.4% at the secondary level. The divisions

with passing rate higher than the regional

average are the provinces of Southern Leyte

and Eastern Samar and the cities of

Calbayog and Ormoc.

In the secondary, the passers are lower at

60.4%. However, only three school divisions

registered rates lower than the regional

average, namely: Biliran, Southern Leyte and

Tacloban City.

Vocational Training

From CY 2007 to 2009, a total of 136,046 have enrolled in Technical Vocational Education and

Training (TVET) courses, of which 104,641 (76%) have graduated. The enrolees are high school

graduates, out-of-school youths, workers, and members of the informal sector.

Courses were both school-based and community-based training programs conducted by private TVET

providers and TESDA training institutions.

Table 28. Results of the 2009 NAT Elementary and Secondary


Biliran 76.6 53.1

Leyte 75.8 56.6

So. Leyte 80.2 62.0

E. Samar 80.7 68.2

No. Samar 75.0 63.4

Samar 77.8 65.9







Table 29. Number of Government and Private Schools

School Year Level

04 - 05 05 - 06 06 - 07 07 - 08 08 - 09

Elementary

Government 3,544 3,637 3,585 3,592 3,603

Private 123 153 106 108 111

Secondary

Government 369 374 382 387 396

Private 104 105 112 123 105

Tertiary

Government 35 36 40 41

Private 53 54 55 57

Total

Government 3,948 4,047 4,007 4,020 3,999

Private 280 312 273 288 213

Grand Total 4,228 4,359 4,280 4,308 4,215


28

Schools

Based on an inventory of the region’s government and private schools in the elementary, secondary

and tertiary levels from 2004 to 2009, the government provides 97% of school facilities in the

elementary and 79% in the secondary. At the tertiary level, 58% are private schools.

The very structure of the educational system could be a major reason for the big number of students

who are unable to finish high school. Table 29 shows that the number of public high schools is a

measly 11% of the number of elementary schools. The number of teachers also speaks of the same

situation.

Health

Mortality and Morbidity

In Region VIII, maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates are still high. As of 2009, maternal

deaths recorded reached 84 per 100,000 livebirths. Maternal mortality is related to the low proportion

of health facility-based deliveries and the persistent practice of delivery by untrained hilots. The MDG

target of 100% of births attended by skilled health personnel is still far-fetched, with only an actual

figure of 71.5% as of 2009.

In 2008, deaths among infants were placed at 45 per 1,000 live births. This is still way below the

2015 MDG target of reducing it to 20.3. Among the under-five age group, mortality rate was 64 in 2008

also far from the MDG target of 32.7. Around 37% of these deaths are among neonates. Reasons

include poor practice of the essential newborn care due to poor knowledge, with the latest policy on the

proper neonatal care still not yet widely adopted in birthing homes of the region.

From Table 30, it can be gleaned that

an emerging concern is the rise of

mortality due to non-communicable or

l i f e s t y l e - r e l a t e d d i s e a s e s .

Cardio-vascular diseases remain as

the top killer among adults. From a

five-year average rate of 129.84 over

the period 2003-2007, it has

increased to 143.98 in 2008. This is

equivalent to an increase of 587

deaths. This scenario is brought

about by unhealthy diet, physical

inactivity or sedentary lifestyle,

smoking, alcohol intake, and stress –

all risk factors that could lead to hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia.

Cancer has also become widespread, going up from the five-year average of 28.34 to 29.22. Same

holds true for diabetes, a highly debilitating illness. From an average of 11.15 it has gone up to 14.17.

Another illness that beset the health of the people is dengue. Compared to the last three years,

number of dengue cases dramatically increased by 178% and deaths by 274%.

Table 30. Maternal, Infant and Under-5 Mortality Rates

Indicator Actual

Performance

Based on Latest

Data MDG Target 2015

RDP Target

2010

Maternal mortality rate 56.6

per 100T livebirths 88 per 100T

Livebirths 84 (2009)*

Infant mortality rate 20.3 per

1000 livebirths 23 per 1000

livebirths 45 (2008)**

Under-five mortality rate 32.7

per 1000 livebirths 32 per 1000

livebirths 64 (2008)**

Proportion of births attended by

skilled health personnel -100% No target 71.5%

(2009)*

Sources: *DOH-CHD Region VIII, **NSO Region VIII

29

Mother Bles Clinic, Palo, Leyte

On a positive note, deaths due to kidney diseases posted a decline. Among chronic communicable

diseases, mortality from TB also decreased by 278 cases. There were also fewer deaths due to

influenza, an acute communicable disease, going down from the average rate of 291.48 to 192.85.

The 2010 statistics on sexually

transmitted diseases revealed

that 93.1% of those affected

are women while only 6.9% are

men. Becoming an eco-tourism

haven will increase the risk of

rural and urban women to

sexually transmitted diseases

( S T D s ) . P r e c a u t i o n a r y

measures for women workers

of tourism-related establishments will be needed.

Health Facilities

Based on the standard hospital bed to population ratio of

1:2,000, the condition in Tacloban City improved from 2007 to

2008 (1:422 to 1:362). In other cities, hospitals remained

congested. Ormoc has a lower hospital bed to population ratio

of 1:1,104 in 2008 while Calbayog and Maasin have much

higher ratio of 1:852 and 1:810, respectively. Province-wise,

hospital bed to population ratio is not good – Eastern Samar,

1:1,055; Southern Leyte, 1:1,337; Northern Samar, 1:1,538;

Leyte, 1:2,170; and Samar, 1:2,710. Hospital bed to population

scenario is worst in Biliran with 1 bed per 6,057 population.

As of 2008, not one province of Eastern Visayas was able to meet the standard ratio of population to

Causes 5-Year Average (2005-2007) 2008

No. Rate No. Rate

1 Cardio-vascular Disease (CVD) 5,114 129.84 5,701 143.98

2 Pneumonia 3,658 92.88 3,011 76.04

3 Malignant neoplasm/cancer 1,116 28.34 1,157 29.22

4 Gastro-intestinal diseases 496 12.59 972 24.55

5 Accidents 886 22.5 901 22.76

6 Tuberculosis, all forms 1,116 28.34 8.38 21.16

7 Pulmonary diseases 803 20.39 714 18.03

8 Diabetes Mellitus 439 11.15 561 14.17

9 Septicemia 395 10.03 504 12.73

10 Kidney diseases 482 12.24 449 11.34

Table 31. Trends in Mortality Leading Causes

Source: DOH-CHD Region VIII

Type of Disease Female Male

Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 498 37

Gonorrhea 45 32

Non-gonococcal infections 382 3

Bacterial Vaginosis 18 0

Trichomoniasis 42 0

Genital Warts 11 2

Table 32. Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2010

Source: DOH-CHD Region VIII

30

medical health providers, which is one physician and one nurse for every 20,000 population. Eastern

Samar though is almost near the standard requirement. However, this trend is expected to be reversed

in 2010 due to the substantial increase in nurses. Physicians, on the other hand, are expected to

increase thrice in the next four years since most of these unemployed nurses proceed to medicine.

There is still a big gap for midwife services in all provinces of the region (1:5,000) but oversupply of

nurses may fill in the gap.

The eight identified TDAs of the region have existing nearby health facilities and personnel who can

readily respond to tourists in case of emergencies. The facilities of these hospitals have to be

upgraded though.

Health Insurance

Health insurance as a way of accessing health care had limited coverage. Based on the 2008 National

Demographic and Health Survey, only 75% were enrolled in PhilHealth. Though the 2009 PhilHealth

Report revealed an increase to 93%, this is still short of the targeted 100% coverage. Low appreciation

for the importance of health insurance and having no money to pay the premium are cited as main

reasons.

The 100% PhilHealth coverage is critical to the poor families considering that health facilities and

personnel are far from their communities. Project NARS (Nurses Assigned in Rural Service) and RN

HEALS (Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service) of DOH, DOLE and DSWD can

somehow solve the health problem but sustaining an improved health status of the general population

is still a concern that has to be addressed.

Nutrition

In terms of nutritional status, Eastern Visayas is plagued by problems of

underweight and underheight children, overweight adults, and

micronutrient deficiency and disorders among vulnerable groups –

children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Protein Energy Malnutrition

Results of the

National Nutrition

Surveys of the FNRI-DOST showed that the

prevalence of underweight among 0-5 years old in

the region increased by 2.2% from 2003 to 2005,

and thereafter (2008) stagnated at 32.1%.

Whereas, the prevalence of underweight

preschoolers in Region VIII in the five-year period

has been consistently higher than the national

prevalence. However, based on the local weighing

(OPT), a downtrend of malnutrition among

preschoolers has been observed from 2005 to

2009.

31

Figure 7. Trends in the Prevalence of Underweight

among 0-5 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008

26.924.6 26.2

29.932.1 32.1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2003 2005 2008Pe

rce

nta

ge

of

Un

de

rwe

igh

t

YearPhilippines

Eastern Visayas

Source: NNS, FNRI - DOST

Photo courtesy of NNC VIII

In terms of height, which is another indicator of

nutritional status, the region has the highest

prevalence of underheight preschoolers in the

entire country. The proportion of underheight

children in the region was seen to be

consistently higher than the national estimates

in the last three surveys.

However, among older children aged 6-10, the

number of underweight continually declined by

3.4% from 2003 to 2008.

While poverty is obviously one of the major

reasons for undernutrition, another major

contributor is the poor caring capacity of

mothers and caregivers due to negative values

and low level of knowledge on the importance

of nutrition.

Another revealing fact is that in 2009, Eastern

Visayas was number 3 nationwide in the

prevalence of worm-burden children aged 12-

71 months old. This is an aggravator since the

presence of worms in the human body inhibits

the absorption of nutrients.

Meanwhile, among school children, the

consumption of unhealthy food is a significant contributor to the problem.

Figure 10 shows that among adults 20 years

old and over, the problem is more of

overnutrition rather than undernutrition. It

reveals further that 27% of them are

overweight/obese. This is brought about by

faulty dietary intake side by side with

sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity.

The region’s prevalence for the overweight

among adults is slightly higher than the

national prevalence, while the region’s

underweight prevalence among adults is lower

than that of the country.

Figure 9. Comparative Data on the Trends of Underweight


11.6

26.6

9.1

27.0

Chronic Energy Deficiency

Overweight/Obese

Eastern Visayas Philippines

Figure 10. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of

Chronic Energy Deficiency and Overweight, 2008

32


among 6-10 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008

2.38 2.64 2.10 2.25 2.06

21.41 20.40 20.15 19.2118.17

0

5

10

15

20

25

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Pe

rce

nta

ge

of

Ma

lnu

trit

ion

Year of OPTOverweight

Underweight

Figure 8. Trends in the Prevalence of Malnutrition

among 0-6 Years Old Children, 2005-2009

Source: Operation Timbang (OPT)

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Disorders

Aside f rom protein energy

malnutrition, the region has also a

problem of what is called “silent

malnutrition” or micronutrient

deficiencies or disorders.

One of these is anemia. Figure 11

shows that over one decade (1998

to 2008), anemia among the most

vulnerable groups remarkably

declined in the region. The biggest

reduction was among infants at a

high 64.3%; lactating mothers,

36.3%; pregnant women, 22.2%;

and preschoolers, 26.8%. Despite

the high reduction, it still affects 39.5% of pregnant women and 23.6 lactating women.

Another problem is iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). While 97.2% of households already use iodized

salt, iodine status among individuals is still below standard. This is indicated by the low median iodine

values in household salt samples at 7.9 ppm as against the standard figure of 15 ppm.

In relation to the region’s vision of becoming an eco-tourism haven and agri-business and ICT leader,

an important concern is having business and tourist establishments that are not equipped as safety

places for leisure and work. Standards for safety and health in tourist destinations and work places are

mandated by law but strict adherence to such standards should be ascertained.

Housing and Access to Sanitary Facilities

During the period 2005-2009, interventions in the housing sector were limited to services given to

housing subdivision developers, informal settlers, and members of the Pag-Ibig, GSIS and SSS. The

major concern is how to integrate all these housing programs of the various housing sector agencies to

synchronize interventions that will address the housing demand and backlog of the region. Specifically,

there is a need to come up with programs that will provide housing for low income workers, as well as

accommodation needs of tourists.

Access to safe water and sanitary toilets is an accompanying

concern of the housing sector. Latest data show that the

proportion of households with access to safe water in the

region is only 86%. Places in Samar Island generally fall below

this rate. On the other hand, the proportion of households with

access to sanitary toilets is much lower. It ranged only from

70.67% in 2005 to 74.64% in 2009. Again, households in the

three Samar provinces, Calbayog City and Baybay City have

access to sanitary toilets lower than the regional average.

33

Figure 11. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency

Anemia (IDA) among Various Population Groups, 1998 and 2008

56.6

29.5

50.745.7

84.8

47.361.7

59.9

23.7 23.7

42.5

31.6

20.5 20.5

39.523.6

infants preschoolers pregnant women lactating mothers

1998-Philippines 1998-Eastern Visayas

2008-Philippines 2008-Eastern Visayas



Challenges:

Given this performance, the challenges in the social development sector are in:

1. Ensuring more access to and better quality of elementary and secondary education,

particularly in provinces where completion, participation and achievement rates are low

2. Preparing students in the tertiary level and technical vocational education training

(including scholarships) for productive employment in the agri-business, ICT and

tourism-related activities in the region

3. Providing non-formal education to unskilled workers, farmers, and fisherfolks

4. Reducing maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates

5. Abating the rise of mortality due to non-communicable or lifestyle-related diseases

6. Reducing risks to HIV/AIDS/STDs in TDAs

7. Upgrading of health facilities and equipment

8. Increasing coverage of health insurance

9. Reducing protein energy malnutrition among children

10. Reducing overnutrition among adults through the practice of healthy lifestyle

11. Reducing micronutrient deficiencies and disorders especially among pregnant, lactating

and children

12. Ensuring healthy and safe work places and tourist destinations

13. Filling in the housing demand and backlog through convergence of efforts of various

housing agencies, especially for low income workers and in tourist areas

14. Increasing access to sanitary facilities

34

VIII. Access to Utility and Infrastructure Services

Road Transport

As of September 2010, Eastern Visayas has a total road length of 2,409 kilometers of national roads.

As shown in Table 33, a total of 2,044 kilometers are paved roads, representing 85% of the total

national road length in Eastern Visayas. This is 704 kilometers higher than the 1,340 kilometers (52%)

in 2003. Of the total paved road 1,602 kilometers are concrete-paved while 441 kilometers are

asphalt-paved. This is 10% higher than the national average, which is only 75% paved. The remaining

365 kilometers are gravel-paved.

However, 35% of the paved roads is in poor condition. Major

road sections have deteriorated and need rehabilitation.

These include the Maharlika Highway and the Buray-Taft-

Borongan-Guiuan road sections. There is also a need to

improve and complete the missing road link in Samar Island,

specifically the Oras-San Policarpo-Arteche-Lapinig-Gamay-

Mapanas-Palapag-Laoang road. Also, there is a need to

improve the Biliran Circumferential Road and the Leyte-

Calubian-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba Road in Northern Leyte.

35

Type of Pavement (Km)

Total District/City Paved Unpaved

Concrete Asphalt % Gravel Earth %

Biliran 117.2 3.1 79 31.8 - 21 152.1

Leyte I 90.4 18.3 84 17.6 3.4 14 129.7

Leyte II 144.5 23.6 84 31.3 1.0 16 200.4

Leyte III 81.1 12.8 52 81.1 4.0 45 179.0

Leyte IV 158.5 3.9 80 39.8 - 20 202.2

Leyte V 175.8 2.6 99 1.0 - 1 179.4

Southern Leyte 248.0 15.2 93 18.3 - 7 281.5

Eastern Samar 132.4 165.9 94 19.5 - 6 317.8

Northern Samar I 171.8 9.4 80 42.0 4.1 18 227.3

Northern Samar II 66.3 2.3 59 46.8 - 41 115.4

Samar I 67.6 58.8 100 - - 0 126.4

Samar II 102.6 112.7 94 12.9 - 6 228.2

Tacloban City 46.4 12.7 85 10.4 - 15 69.5

Region VIII 1,602.6 441.3 85 352.5 12.5 15 2,408.9

Philippines 14,187.0 8,282.0 75 7,342.0 87.0 25 29,898.0

Table 33. National Roads, By District, By Type of Pavement, as of September 2010

Source: DPWH Region VIII

Deteriorated road along Calbayog-San Isidro section

of the Maharlika Highway being rehabilitated

Table 35. Motor Vehicle Registration, By Type, 2005-2009

Meanwhile, the ongoing rehabilitation/improvement of the Allen-Calbayog road section of the

Maharlika Highway, the completion of the rehabilitation/improvement of the Calbayog-Calbiga-Tacloban

road section of the Maharlika Highway, and the construction of the Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod,

Southern Leyte have greatly enhanced vehicular traffic along the Eastern Nautical Highway of the

country and improved the linkages between and among the provinces of the region.

In terms of road density (km. of road/sq. km. of land area), Table 33 indicates that the region has a

road density of 0.45, which shows a modest improvement from the 2003 figure of 0.41. However, the

figure is still far below the national average of 0.55.

While the existing production areas and eco-tourism sites are already provided with roads and/or

intermodal transport, there is a need to provide access roads to newly identified potential production

areas and eco-tourism destinations.

In terms of transport services, the number of motor vehicles registered in the region reached 127,354

in 2009 (Table 34). There was a total of 15,195 motor vehicles registered, indicating that there is

more than enough public transport to support the tourism and agri-business thrust of the region.

36

Table 34. Road Density*, By Type, By Province

Note: Square kilometer of road per square kilometer of land (Sq. Km. of road/Sq. Km. of land)

Province

National

Roads

(Km) a/

Local Roads (Km) b/ Barangay/

FMR Roads

(Km) c/

Land Area

Total

Road Density

Provincial City/

Municipal

(Sq. Km.)

d/

(Km of Road/

Sq. Km of

Land)

Biliran 152 57 37 222 467 556 0.84

Leyte 960 552 357 1,676 3,545 5,713 0.62

Southern Leyte 282 364 241 582 1,468 1,735 0.85

Eastern Samar 318 231 156 1,125 1,829 4,340 0.42

Northern Samar 343 493 89 305 1,230 3,498 0.35

Samar 355 154 123 395 1,027 5,591 0.18

Region VIII 2,409 1,851 1,003 4,304 9,567 21,432 0.45

Philippines 29,898 29,156 16,769 88,363 164,186 300,000 0.55

Sources: a/ - 2008 RSET, NSCB Region VIII b/ & c/ - DPWH Atlas

b/ - 2008 RSET (Provincial & City Roads) d/ - DENR Region VIII

Total Type of Registration %

Increase Year Private Government For Hire Diplomatic

2005 105,874 88,355 2,182 15,336 1 -

2006 110,894 93,952 2,053 14,889 2 4.7

2007 119,946 102,851 2,066 15,029 0 8.1

2008 124,008 107,221 1,999 14,788 0 3.4

2009 127,354 109,970 2,189 15,195 0 2.7 Average Annual

Growth Rate 4.1 4.8 0.1 0.2 0

Sources: LTO Region VIII

Water Transport

The establishment of the Eastern Nautical Highway route

(Surigao-Southern Leyte-Biliran-Masbate), which links the

region to other parts of the country with Ro-Ro facilities is about

to be completed. In Eastern Visayas, the Ro-Ro port of San

Ricardo in Southern Leyte and the Ro-Ro ports of Naval and

Kawayan in Biliran have been completed. These expanded the

country’s nautical highways and will further enhance tourism

and boost the growth of agri-business in Eastern Visayas. The

number of ports increased from 21 in 2003 to 29 in 2009.

The combined (inbound and outbound) domestic cargo

throughput of the region’s ports in 2009 registered a total volume of 3.3 million metric tons.

Meanwhile, exported and imported cargoes totaled 2.0 million metric tons or approximately 60%.

The volume of passengers totaled to 3.86 million. The biggest volume was in Allen, Northern Samar,

which catered to 1.4 million people or 36% of the total. This is evident of people coming to and from

Manila via Northern Samar.

Statistics indicated that some major ports are underutilized in 2009 compared to previous years in

terms of passengers and cargo handling, which indicates weak and sluggish economic activities in

these areas.

Air Transport

Air transport facilities situated in various parts of the region are being continuously upgraded to cope

with increasing passenger and cargo traffic, serve modern and bigger aircraft, and provide safety to air

commuters. To date, five airports are undergoing upgrading and improvement, namely: Tacloban,

Ormoc, Calbayog, Maasin and Guiuan.

Of the region’s 10 airports, only eight are operational. Out of

these, only four operate commercial flights, namely: Tacloban,

Ormoc, Calbayog and Catarman airports. The Tacloban

Airport is classified as Principal Class I while the three others

are Principal Class II. Six are community airports, namely:

Maasin, Borongan, Hilongos, Biliran, Catbalogan and Guiuan.

In support of the Integrated Surfing Tourism Development

Program, the Guiuan Airport was constructed and completed

in 2009.

In 2009, aircraft movements in these airports have gradually

increased to 14,886 from 9,566 in 2008 or an increment of 64.3%. Of the total 14,886 aircraft move-

ments, 10,062 are commercial airlines and the difference is general aviation. The four airports in the

region with commercial flights posted a total of 1,123,992 passengers or an increase of 77% from the

previous year’s 635,264 passengers.

Also in the same year, cargo movements in these airports reached 5,788 tons or an increase of 27%

37

Ferry boat plying the Allen, Northern Samar -

Matnog, Sorsogon route

DZR Airport, Tacloban City

compared to the prior year. Incoming cargoes posted an increasing trend, dominating cargo movement

with almost 69% share of the total volume of cargoes passing these airports. However, the difference

(3%) goes to outgoing cargoes. This indicates that the region imports more goods than it sells to other

parts of the country. Outgoing cargoes in these airports include live Bangus, Lapu-lapu, prawns, live

shells like Ala-an, Buranday, Tahong, foodstuff like lechon, moron, binagol, etc. While incoming cargoes

consist of medicines, spare parts, personal effects, canned goods, meats, vegetables and appliances.

Figure 12 shows the land, water and air transportation network of Region VIII

38

Figure 12. Transport Network

Irrigation and Water Supply

As of 2009, the region has 58,135 hectares of irrigated area, representing 50% of the 115,489

hectares potential irrigable area. The province of Leyte has the largest irrigable area capturing 45% of

the total area or 52,236 hectares. The province of Biliran has the least irrigable area of only 5,664

hectares or 5% of total irrigable area. The distribution among the provinces is shown in Table 36.

In terms of irrigation development by province, Southern Leyte ranks number 1 at 90% and the least is

Samar at 15%. In terms of areas for development, Samar Island offers the biggest potential area of

more than 40,043 hectares, representing 70% of the remaining potential area for development.

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

and Basey in Western Samar; and Villaba in Leyte.

One of the major causes of the slow growth of agricultural productivity in the Samar provinces is the

inadequacy of irrigation facilities.

On water supply, only about 17% of the total population is served with Level III, 8% with Level II, and

41% with Level I. The remaining portion (34%) of the population is still dependent on doubtful sources.

Energy

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 megawatts (MW), more than

enough to supply the power requirements of the region. Other sources under exploration include those

39

Table 36. Status of Irrigation Development, By Province, By Type, (In hectares), as of December 2009

Province

Potential

Irrigable

Area (Ha.)

Existing Service Area by Type (Ha.) Area for

Develop-

ment (Ha.)

Percent

(%)

Developed National Communal OGA Private Total % to

Biliran 5,664 - 2,786 383 280 3,449 6% 2,215 61

Leyte 52,236 18,118 12,692 2,116 4,848 37,774 65% 14,462 72

So. Leyte 6,630 386 3,900 532 1,178 5,996 10% 634 90

E. Samar 18,732 - 4,037 - - 4,037 7% 14,686 22

N. Samar 16,454 - 3,479 552 520 4,551 8% 11,903 28

Samar 15,782 - 1,908 25 395 2,328 4% 13,454 15

Samar Island 50,959 - 9,424 577 915 10,916 19% 40,043 21

Region VIII 115,489 18,504 28,802 3,608 7,221 58,135 100% 57,354 50

Philippines** 3,126,340 748,593 554,020 217,329 1,519,942 1,606,398 49

* Constructed by Other Government Agencies

** As of December 2008

Source: NIA Region VIII

Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field

in Central Leyte, Mt. Cabalian in Southern Leyte, and the island

of Biliran. The Biliran geothermal resource which has a

potential capacity ranging from 40 to 80 MW is currently being

developed by Biliran Geothermal, Inc. through a joint venture

with 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 include the

1-MW Bugtong Mini-hydropower project in Calbayog City and the 4-MW Amandaraga Mini-hydropower

project in Eastern Samar.

With regard to wind power, the 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 portion of Catarman.

As a resource option, the Philippines is considered a potential site for ocean thermal energy conversion

(OTEC). Based on initial findings, Northeastern Samar and San Bernardino Strait can be potential sites

for this resource.

Power and Electrification

Eastern Visayas currently hosts five power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of 726.2 MW.

40

Table 37. Status of Electrification, By Province, By Cooperative, as of December 2009

Province/Cooperative No. of Towns/Cities No. of Barangays

Covered Energized % Covered Energized %

Biliran/BILECO* 8 8 100 132 132 100

Leyte 43 43 100 1,639 1,638 99.9

DORELCO 13 13 100 499 498 99.8

LEYECO II 3 3 100 196 196 100

LEYECO III 9 9 100 285 285 100

LEYECO IV 6 6 100 245 245 100

LEYECO V 12 12 100 414 414 100

Southern Leyte/SOLECO 19 19 100 500 500 100

Eastern Samar/ESAMELCO 23 23 100 596 563 94

Northern Samar/NORSAMELCO 24 24 100 569 569 100

Samar 26 26 100 951 934 98

SAMELCO I 10 10 100 427 414 97

SAMELCO II 16 16 100 524 520 99

Region VIII 143 143 100 4,387 4,336 99

Philippines 36,030 35,860 99

Unenergized

Region VIII 51 1

Philippines 170 0.5

% share of Region VIII 30 Maripipi is served by Maripipi Multipurpose Cooperative

Source: NEA Region VIII

Satellite Tower, Tacloban City

The source of power supply in the region primarily comes from the Leyte Geothermal Production Field in

Tongonan, except for small islands, which are powered by individual generating sets. As shown in Table

37, the region has a total of 4,387 barangays, of which 4,336 are already energized. This shows an

energization level of 99% as of end of 2009, indicating a significant achievement from the 2003

barangay energization level of 82%. The provinces of Biliran, Southern Leyte and Northern Samar are

100% energized.

The required 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 construction of the Wright-Calbayog 138-KV transmission line in Western Samar is one project

intended to improve the reliability of the transmission facilities. The project’s construction activities are

underway and the construction/installation of the transmission line is expected to be completed in

2012.

The improvement and upgrading of the region’s transmission facilities will ensure reliable and stable

supply of electricity that will boost investments in agri-business and tourism industries.

Communications/Telecommunications

A good number of companies provide telephone services to the region,

namely: BayanTel, Globelines/Innove, DOTC-TELOF, Ormoc Telephone

Company, Calbayog Telephone Company, PLDT, and PT&T. These

companies are interconnected to the main telephone backbone that

enables subscribers to call any part of the region and the country and

abroad.

As of 2007, a total of 200,469 telephone lines have already been

installed in the region. About 85% of these is part of the Roll-Out-Plan

(ROP) for Eastern Visayas until 2010. Subscribed telephone lines were

placed at 59,947 in 2007, representing 30% of the installed capacity.

Telephone density in the region is placed at 5.12 working telephone lines per 100 persons. This is

below the national average of 7.38. The low telephone density is attributed to the overwhelming

popularity of cellular mobile phones over fixed telephone lines.

Cellular mobile telephone providers in the region expanded their services. From what used to be only

248 cell sites in 2006, it has increased to 291 in 2007. The largest Cellular Mobile Telephone Service

(CMTS) providers in the region are Smart Communications and Globe Telecom. These two companies

41

Year Indicators

2006 2007 2008 2009

No. of installed Telephone Lines 200,514 205,849 200,469 200,469

No. of Subscribed Telephone Lines 60,458 60,119 59,964 59,964

% of Subscribed Telephone Lines 30.2 29.2 30 30

Table 38. Basic Telephone Indicators, 2006-2009

Source: NTC Region VIII

are supported by other cellular mobile providers of Sun Cellular and Touch Mobile. They serve the key

cities and capital towns in the region.

Challenges:

Given the above situation, the challenges in the infrastructure sector are in:

1. Improving the transport subsector and providing intermodal/alternative mode of transport

to propel economic growth of the region, specifically in areas leading to eco-tourism

destinations and agri-business centers

2. Intensifying the development of irrigation systems particularly in the Island of Samar and

the provision of potable water in areas served with doubtful sources

3. Providing reliable electric power supply by improving/rehabilitating transmission lines to the

provinces of Samar Island, replacing all wood poles with steel poles and energizing all

barangays

IX. State of Local Governance

Given the broad definition of good governance, this section high-

lights the assessment 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 assessment is based on the Local Governments’ Performance Monitoring System (LGPMS) of the

Department of the Interior and Local Government, which attempts to measure the efficiency and

effectiveness of the delivery of the mandated functions of the LGUs. The LGPMS reflects the overall

performance of the provinces based on the aggregate performance of their component cities and

municipalities.

Table 39 shows that, overall, Eastern Visayas has a local governance index of 4, which is equivalent to

a high rating.

42

Source: www. blgs.gov.ph/lgpms

Table 39. State of Local Governance, 2009

Region/LGU Economic Environment Social Administrative Overall

Rating Region VIII 1.94 3.05 3.32 3.80 3.02

Biliran 2.38 3.14 3.53 4.08 3.28

Leyte 1.67 3.18 3.24 3.83 2.98 Southern Leyte 1.87 3.17 3.66 3.92 3.16

Samar 1.69 2.84 2.91 2.61 2.51 Eastern Samar 1.67 2.99 3.43 4.38 3.12

Northern Samar 2.34 2.95 3.12 4.00 3.10

Leyte Provincial Capitol Building

Administrative Governance

Administrative governance measures the performance of the LGUs in the areas of:

1. local legislation

2. development planning

3. revenue generation

4. resource allocation and utilization

5. human resource management and development

Overall, the region posted a high rating of 3.80. Fair performance was, however, noted in the field of

resource allocation and utilization. This means that LGUs need to be equipped more in the

management and coordination of budgeting and accounting processes, especially in strengthening

plan-budget link to ensure efficient resource allocation and utilization.

Also, while the region’s provinces in general garnered high ratings in development planning, there is a

need to formulate and/or regularly update the Local Incentive and Investment Plans (LIIPs) and

integrate disaster risk management in their economic plans. These are recognized concerns that are

not yet measured by the LGPMS.

Economic Governance

Economic Governance covers the areas of:

1. support to agriculture sector

2. support to fishery services

3. enterprise, business and industry promotion

Table 41 shows that the region’s economic governance index is high at 3.97. The province of Samar,

however, posted a low rating in support to agriculture and a very low rating in entrepreneurship,

business and industry promotion. Likewise, the region generally rated fair in entrepreneurship,

business and industry promotion. This means that the region’s capacity to spur economic development

is still weak. This could be due to inability to promote a business-friendly environment. Cumbersome

43

Table 40. Regional Summary Report Administrative Governance, 2009

Region/

LGU Legislation

Development

Planning Revenue

Generation Resource Allocation

& Utilization

Human Resource

Management &

Development

Overall

Rating

Biliran 3.43 3.79 3.61 4.57 5.00 4.08

Leyte 4.75 5.00 3.40 1.00 5.00 3.83

So. Leyte 3.57 4.89 3.16 3.00 5.00 3.92

Samar 2.89 3.25 4.09 1.00 1.80 2.61

E. Samar 4.38 4.78 4.01 3.71 5.00 4.38

N. Samar 3.57 4.49 4.12 2.83 5.00 4.00

Region VIII 3.77 4.37 3.73 2.69 4.47 3.80

Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms

permit and registration procedures discourage entrepreneurs to engage in business.

Environmental Governance

Environmental governance looks into the LGUs’ management of their respective forest, freshwater,

coastal marine and urban ecosystems. Overall, the region posted a high index at a rating of 4.2. Poor

ratings were noted in the province of Samar which reflects their capacity in pollution control and solid

waste management. The region, in general, posted a fair rating in urban ecosystems management.

This is a major challenge considering the possible effect of heightened eco-tourism and agri-business

on the environment.

Social Governance

Social governance measures LGU performance in terms of:

1. provision of health services

2. support to education services

3. housing and basic utilities

44

Table 42. Regional Summary Report Environmental Governance, 2009

Region/

LGU Ecosystem Resource Management

Overall Rating Forest Freshwater Coastal Marine Urban

Biliran 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.08 4.52

Leyte 5.00 5.00 5.00 4.76 4.94

So. Leyte 5.00 5.00 5.00 4.92 4.98

Samar 2.33 2.33 3.67 1.80 2.53

E. Samar 5.00 5.00 5.00 1.00 4.00

N. Samar 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.40 4.60

Region VIII 4.56 4.56 4.78 3.16 4.26


Table 41. Regional Summary Report Economic Governance, 2009

Region/

LGU Support to Agriculture

Sector Support to Fishery

Services Entrepreneurship, Business

& Industry Promotion Overall

Rating

Biliran 4.65 5.00 2.34 4.00

Leyte 4.93 5.00 5.00 4.98

So. Leyte 4.07 5.00 4.00 4.36

Samar 2.57 1.34 1.30

E. Samar 4.22 5.00 4.34 4.52

N. Samar 4.34 5.00 4.67 4.67

Region VIII 4.13 4.17 3.62 3.97


4. peace, security and disaster risk management

Overall, the region posted a high rating of 4.2. In five provinces, high to excellent ratings were noted in

all indicators of social governance. The province of Samar, however, posted low ratings in the provision

of health and education services and a very low rating in support to housing and basic facilities. High

rating was generally noted in the area of peace, security and disaster risk management. If the region

will promote agri-business and eco-tourism, LGUs and the national government need to exert more

efforts on these areas to ensure the security and gain the confidence of potential investors and

tourists.

Valuing Fundamentals in Local Governance

Valuing fundamentals covers LGU initiatives in promoting

1. participation

2. transparency

3. financial accountability

Overall, the region got a high rating in transparency and financial accountability. However, fair rating

was noted in the participation index, which means there is a need to strengthen the Citizen Feedback

System and increase Civil Society Organization (CSO) participation in local special bodies, including the

maximization of CSO engagement in development projects.

45

Table 43. Regional Summary Report Social Governance, 2009

Region/

LGU Health Ser vices

Support to

Education

Services

Support to

Housing & Basic

Utilities

Peace, Security &

Disaster Risk Overall Rating

Biliran 4.83 4.15 4.20 4.31 4.37

Leyte 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

So. Leyte 5.00 4.55 5.00 4.67 4.81

Samar 2.67 2.35 1.00 3.13 2.29

E. Samar 4.83 4.75 3.00 4.82 4.35

N. Samar 5.00 4.00 4.60 4.75 4.59

Region VIII 4.56 4.13 3.80 4.45 4.23 Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms

Table 44. Regional Summary Report Valuing Fundamentals of Governance, 2009

Region/

LGU Participation Transparency Financial Accountability Overall Rating

Biliran 4.33 4.87 4.08 4.43

Leyte 433 5.00 4.83 4.72

So. Leyte 4.00 5.00 4.59 4.53

Samar 1.83 2.60 4.40 2.94

E. Samar 5.00 5.00 4.40 4.80

N. Samar 2.67 5.00 4.92 4.20

Region VIII 3.69 4.58 4.54 4.27


Summary of Issues and Challenges

The preceding assessment showed that the biggest problem confronting the region is the

increasing number of poor population.

In the next six years, Eastern Visayas shall strive to curb this problem by exerting more efforts

to address the key issues that restrict the region’s economic growth. These are:

1. Lack of employment opportunities due to:

1.1. Low productivity in agriculture due to:

a. Lack of capital

b. Lack of investors

c. High cost of agricultural inputs

d. Low access to credit

e. High transportation cost

f. Inadequate marketing/handling facilities

g. Low technological adoption

h. Lack of pre- and post-harvest facilities

i. Poor management and utilization of idle lands

j. Lack of irrigation facilities and other support infrastructures (e.g. roads)

k. Effects of climate change and natural hazards

1.2. Lack of MSMes/industries due to:

a. Unfriendly business environment

b. Low access to capital

c. Low access to credit

d. Inadequate marketing/handling facilities

e. Below-standard product packaging

f. Need to organize small entrepreneurs into business groups and develop their or-

ganizational skills

g. Limited channel and market of products and services

h. Lack of entrepreneurial spirit

1.3. Underdeveloped tourism industry due to:

a. Lack of private sector investments

b. Weak tourism promotion

c. Weak tourism organizations

46

d. Inadequate marketing of sites

e. Limited capability of service providers

f. Inadequate maintenance of tourism areas and products

2. Low labor productivity due to:

2.1. Large family size and high dependency ratio

2.2. Mismatch of skills with employment demand

2.3. Low educational attainment and lack of skills

2.4. Landless tenants

2.5. Complacency

2.6. Poor health and nutritional status

2.7. High subsistence incidence

2.8. Unhealthy and hazardous work places

2.9. Inadequate access to safe water and sanitary toilets

2.10. Inadequate housing programs for low income workers

2.11. Lack of safety net measures to address proliferation of prostitution and violence, sex

trafficking, street children, vagrants, etc.

2.12. Low labor force participation of women

Cognizant of the above-mentioned factors that constrain the region’s economic growth, there

is a host of corresponding challenges that the region should combat in the entire plan period.

These are:

Macroeconomy:

1. Worsening Poverty

2. Slow economic growth

3. Lack of employment opportunities and high underemployment rate

4. Low labor productivity

5. Need to strengthen external trade

Eco-Tourism:

1. Promoting and advertising of the TDAs

2. Putting in place the necessary infrastructure support and social amenities

3. Capacity building for human resource requirements

4. Protecting the environment

5. Building stronger public and private collaboration to do all of the above

47

Agri-business:

1. Increasing access to funds and marketing channels

2. Increasing productivity along traditional crops while venturing into other crops and moving

aggressively into agri-business for higher value-added products and services

3. Raising productivity and efficiency in production and processing

4. Optimizing the use of the region’s vast idle lands suitable for agriculture, particularly existing

coconut lands

5. Putting in place support infrastructure so as to reduce marketing costs and ensure good quality of

products at the users’ end

Information and Communication Technology:

1. Convincing ICT companies to locate at the ICT Park

2. Increasing the competitiveness of ICT business in the region

3. Persuading skilled IT workers to work in the region

4. Upgrading the skills of IT graduates and other IT-related job applicants to qualify in ICT industries

5. Suiting the tertiary curricula to the demands of the ICT industry

Social Development:

1. Ensuring more access to and better quality of elementary and secondary education, particularly in

provinces where completion, participation and achievement rates are low

2. Preparing students in the tertiary level and technical vocational education training (including

scholarships) for productive employment in the agri-business, ICT and tourism-related activities in

the region

3. Providing non-formal education to unskilled workers, farmers, and fisherfolks

4. Reducing maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates

5. Abating the rise of mortality due to non-communicable or lifestyle-related diseases

6. Reducing risks to HIV/AIDS/STDs in TDAs

7. Upgrading of health facilities and equipment

8. Increasing coverage of health insurance

9. Reducing protein energy malnutrition among children

10. Reducing overnutrition among adults through the practice of healthy lifestyle

11. Reducing micronutrient deficiencies and disorders especially among pregnant, lactating and

children

12. Ensuring healthy and safe work places and tourist destinations

13. Filling in the housing demand and backlog through convergence of efforts of various housing

agencies, especially for low income workers and in tourist areas

48

14. Increasing access to sanitary facilities

Infrastructure:

1. Improving the transport subsector and providing intermodal/alternative mode of transport to propel

economic growth of the region specifically in areas leading to eco-tourism destinations and

agri-business centers

2. Intensifying the development of irrigation systems, particularly in the Island of Samar and the

provision of potable water in areas served with doubtful sources

3. Providing reliable electric power supply by improving/rehabilitating transmission lines to the

provinces of Samar Island, replacing all wood poles with steel poles and energizing all barangays

Governance:

1. Formulating and/or regularly updating the Local Incentive and Investment Plans (LIIPs) and

integrating disaster risk management in economic plans

2. Strengthening the region’s capacity to spur economic development through entrepreneurship,

business and industry promotion – promoting a business-friendly environment by streamlining

business permit and registration procedure

3. Strengthening the Citizen Feedback System and increasing private sector participation in local

special bodies and engagement in development projects

4. Improving governance along social services, environmental protection, agriculture,

entrepreneurship, business and industry promotion in the province of Samar

5. Strengthening urban ecosystems management vis-a-vis effect of heightened eco-tourism and

agri-business on the environment

6. Improving peace and order to ensure security and gain confidence of potential investors and

tourists

Summary of Opportunities

Alongside the numerous challenges that it is facing, there are also a lot of opportunities that the region

can grab and make use of in order to surpass those challenges. These are:

1. Abundant natural resources

2. Strategic location with the region as the only gateway to Luzon and Mindanao via the Philippine-

Japan Highway

3. Declaration of the Samar Island Natural Park as a protected area

4. Existence of the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan for Central Philippines

5. Identification of existing Tourism Development Areas (TDAS)

6. Presence of the vast Leyte ICT Park in Palo, Leyte

7. Existence of the Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee (RITECC) and the

ICT Plan

49

8. Existence of centers of excellence in various fields of education through the 11 SUCs

9. Presence of 52 HEIs with ICT course offerings and 75 TESDA training centers offering ICT-related

courses

10. Prolific human resources, modern technology ready for adoption, and enabling policy environment

11. Existing Regional Physical Framework Plan

12. Available Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans of the provinces

13. High performance in local governance

14. Existence of inter-local health zones as an integrated system for improved health delivery,

Provincial Investment Plans for Health, and Nutrition Strategic Plan

15. Presence and functionality of nutrition bodies at the regional and local levels such as the Regional

Nutrition Committee, Regional Technical Working Group on Nutrition, Regional Anti-Hunger Task

Force, Bantay Asin Task Force, Regional/Provincial/City/Municipal Federations of Barangay

Nutrition Scholars, among others

16. Available infrastructure facilities and utilities to support eco-tourism, agri-business and ICT

development

50

Chapter 2:

Strategic Framework This chapter outlines the shape and direction Eastern Visayas will pursue over the next six

years. It spells out the long-term vision of the region from which the goals and objectives

were derived, considering the challenges and opportunities. This framework shall also serve

as basis in identifying the priority activities, programs and projects of the region.

Development Vision

Eastern Visayas shall become an eco-tourism haven, an

agri-business leader, and an ICT leader where related

activities in agriculture, services and industry are

cognizant of environmental sustainability, and where

men and women are secure, are self-sufficient and are

economically empowered.

This long-term vision sets the direction that will guide all

economic and social development efforts in the region

up to the year 2020.

Development Goals and Objectives

Choosing eco-tourism, agri-business, and ICT as the way to go in accelerating the development of East-

ern Visayas is a logical approach given its resources. Thus, in the next six years, development pro-

grams, projects and policies shall be directed towards the achievement of the following goals and ob-

jectives:

Goals

1. To develop the eco-tourism, agri-business, and ICT potentials of the region; and

2. To develop a productive labor force that will support the eco-tourism, agri-business, and ICT sectors

Objectives

1. To generate more employment in the eco-tourism, agri-business, and ICT sectors

2. To increase labor productivity through an educated, highly skilled, and healthy labor force in a safe

work environment, and who has access to basic services

51

Various Products in Eastern Visayas

Development Strategies

To achieve the regional goals and objectives, the following strategies will be pursued:

1. Increase of Investments in Agriculture and Fishery

Agricultural production on a commercial scale is desired in order to support agri-business goals.

Corporate farming, promotion of agro-enterprise clusters and more investments in agricultural and

fishery ventures will be pushed.

2. Increase of Investments in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

MSMEs is recognized as the growth engine of an economy.

It is a potential source of employment for the surplus labor

in agriculture. However, the number of MSMEs in Region VIII

has not grown significantly since 2004. Interventions are

needed to spur the growth of MSMEs such as:

2.1. Establishment of database on MSMEs

2.2. Provision of incentives to MSMEs

2.3. Promotion of industrial peace

2.4. Streamlining of Business Process Licensing System (BPLS) in towns and cities

3. Access to Capital

Several financial institutions are offering credit facilities to farmers and to MSMEs. The problem is

farmers and small entrepreneurs do not qualify to access said capital. The following, therefore, should

be done:

3.1. Link MSMEs to sources of capital

3.2. Provide livelihood grants to informal sector

3.3. Promote bankability or credit worthiness of credit users

3.4. Promote innovative financing schemes

3.5. Strengthen agricultural insurance/guarantee program/financial intermediaries in support

to capital

4. Aggressive/intensive Promotion of and Marketing Assistance to MSMEs

In order to increase the market exposure of local producers, the government will provide marketing

support in the form of trade fairs, market matching and linkaging, selling missions, and science and

technology fairs. Pasalubong Centers will also be established to capture the tourist market.

52

Photo courtesy of DOST VIII

5. Capacity Building/Empowerment of Farmers into Entrepreneurs

Agricultural production is seasonal. Helping farmers to become entrepreneurs will provide them

off-season employment and thereby increase farm incomes.

6. Product Development and Packaging/Labeling Interventions

Proper packaging and labeling is important in order for local

products to be competitive in major urban centers like Cebu

and Manila and in the world market. Technical assistance

on this aspect will be provided as well to MSMEs. To make

packaging more affordable to small businesses, provincial/

regional branding or generic branding will be pursued in the

next six years.

7. Improvement of Workers’ Conditions in the Workplace

Occupational safety to protect the health of workers is another important consideration in order to

improve productivity of workers. The implementation of labor standards in Region VIII establishments

will be pursued. Workers will also be made aware of their right to a healthy and conducive work

environment.

8. Increase in Agricultural and Aqua-marine Productivity

For agri-business to flourish, agricultural surplus must be achieved. This will be possible by optimizing

the utilization of available land and water resources, enhancing farmer’s capabilities, using appropriate

technology, and providing adequate infrastructure support to agricultural producers. Specifically, the

region will:

8.1. Push for the enactment of the Extension Bill and/or the Magna Carta for the Agriculture

Sector

8.2. Establish techno-demo farms production and the dissemination of information, education

and communication materials

8.3. Optimize use of land and water resources for agriculture and fishery through

ecosystem-based management approaches

8.4. Maximize use of inland and marine water resources

8.5. Utilize indigenous resources as inputs to maximize production

8.6. Intensify development of potential irrigable areas, especially in identified production areas

8.7. Provide Pre- and Post-Harvest Facilities (PPHF) through Rural-Based Organizations (RBOs)

9. Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture and Fishery

Region VIII is affected by climate change that results in, for instance, floods, which cause significant

damage to agriculture. It is, therefore, important that the region prepares for climate change by

53



Instant Ginger Tea,

Javier Leyte

Cinnamon Cookies “Roscas”

Barugo, Leyte

adopting plants and animal species, technologies and infrastructure support that are durable or

resilient to it. These can be done through the following specific interventions:

9.1. Promote the utilization of improved genes/species of local livestock and poultry that are

less vulnerable

9.2. Pursue aggressive research and development (R&D) on climate change-sensitive technolo-

gies, climate-proof support facilities and climate-responsive food production system

9.3. Promote climate-resilient aquaculture technologies

9.4. Encourage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the generation, restoration and rehabilitation

of irrigation systems that are climate-proof

9.5. Intensify public investment in construction/rehabilitation of climate-proof Production and

Post-Harvest Support Services

10. Development of Eco-tourism Potentials

Achieving the vision as an eco-tourism haven will take a lot of

work in the series of functions along the tourism value chain:

from advertising, transportation, accommodation and food

services, and packaging of destination areas (e.g. activities,

amenities and souvenirs).

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other stakeholders

must conduct investment fora. Private investments may come

in the form of advertising, transport, hotels and restaurants,

activities, amenities and souvenirs.

In support to private investments, public investments may

include web hosting that will link up with LGUs/private entities,

provision of access roads and protection and preservation of

the TDAs with the global market attractions.

Other public support will be in form of open franchising of

transport (air, water, and land), including tourist vans and

buses, standardization and monitoring of hotels and restaurants, police visibility in all destinations to

ensure peace and order and public safety, and ensuring safety of all.

Specifically, the following strategies should be undertaken:

10.1. Public investment support for tourism

Public funding for tourism must be targeted to enhance profitable growth and

competitiveness both in the domestic and foreign market. This includes web hosting to

link up with LGUs/private entities, access roads (national and local roads and bridges),

preservation of the attractions (geological formations, natural aesthetics and

bio-diversity), and security of tourists through increased police visibility.

54

Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge, Southern Leyte

Ulot Torpedo Boating, Paranas Samar

Other public support will be in form of open franchising of transport (air, water, and land),

including tourist vans and buses, standardization and monitoring of hotels and

restaurants, ensuring safe activities (free from natural and human-made hazards and

existing life guards), approval of delicacies by the Bureau of Food and Drugs, and proper

packaging and labeling of souvenirs.

There is a need to strengthen Private-Public Partnership. The government should serve

as facilitator through improved inter- and intra-sectoral coordination and collaboration. It

must encourage more private sector participation by involving them in the various stages

of the eco-tourism value chain – from planning to advocacy and to provision of frontline

services.

10.2. Site/destination development and upgrading of facilities and amenities

This strategy calls for a strong collaboration between the public and private sector.

Private sector takes on the development of the facilities while the government takes the

lead in improving public infrastructure like road, bridges, water system, power, among

others.

10.3. Establishment/maintenance of tourism standards (Classification System)

DOT accreditation of all hotels, restaurants, transport services and human resource

complementation ensures the standard quality of services acceptable to domestic and

international market.

Development of a grading system for tourism accommodation and other services is

important in attracting tourists. Visitors’ satisfaction is vital to sustain the industry. The

most effective way of avoiding dissatisfaction of tourists is to make sure that their

expectations are met. Pilot projects to showcase eco-tourism best practices can be

implemented.

10.4 Development of tourism products

The region’s eco-tourism sites will be packaged into clusters revolving around a hub and

operating like a circuit or network with one iconic destination per cluster. Each cluster will

be packaged into a one-of-a kind destination that will keep tourists busy but relaxed and

contented. Packaging destinations is highly viable considering that all provinces in the

region are accessible by land transportation from the regional hub, Tacloban City, where

the DZR airport and where hotels that cater to tourists abound.

Eco-tourism industry relies on the support of the community. Efforts must therefore be

made to raise people’s awareness on the benefits and opportunities that the industry

brings and the effect that their behaviors and activities can have on the industry.

Assistance must be provided for communities seeking involvement in tourism

development.

10.5. Strong promotion of tourism Icons

Intensive promotion will be undertaken through multi-media advertising in brochures,

magazines, guidebooks, and the internet. The business sector will play a major role in

55

such marketing efforts.

Participation in international eco-tourism and special interest travel and trade fairs is

another way to promote tourism icons.

10.6. Development of capacities and skills needed to enhance tourism competitiveness

(Human Resource Development)

Development and enhancing the capacities and skills of tourism frontliners and

stakeholders are paramount to promoting tourism as a major development strategy for

economic prosperity. This includes making sure that there are enough tourist-friendly

tour guides, waiters and waitresses, hotel receptionists, and the like.

11. Promotion of Ecosystem-based Management Approaches, Conservation

Efforts, and Sustainable Environment to reduce climate change risks and

vulnerability of natural ecosystems and biodiversity

11.1. Integrate Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in environment and

other sectoral plans

11.2 Strictly enforce existing environmental laws and strictly implement climate change

adaptation and mitigation measures

11.3 Strengthen campaign on climate change risks and natural hazards and existing

environmental laws

11.4 Forge multi-sectoral and multi-level collaboration/coordination on issues/concerns and

actions related to climate change and natural hazards

12. ICT Industry Promotion

12.1 Expand ICT Park

a. Establish new sites for other ICT Parks in highly

urbanized cities in the region where the

geographical location and the required support

facilities like communication and transportation

support are available. Ormoc City and Catarman

may be considered. Available manpower

resources to support the ICT Park should also be

considered.

b. Encourage other private investors to establish support facilities like transport,

restaurants and other amenities

12.2. Promote the establishment of ICT companies in Eastern Visayas

a. Conduct selling missions to big ICT companies in Manila and abroad. This may be

done during foreign business trips of legislators and LGU officials.

b. Invite ICT companies to establish regional branches in Eastern Visayas and offer

56

ICT Park, Palo Leyte

them incentives

c. Enhance Public-Private Partnership by inviting real estate investors to develop sites

for business zones

12.3. Promote linkages/tie-up with ICT companies and schools in the region

a. Match human resource capability with ICT industries’ requirements by offering the

required ICT-related courses in private schools and universities in the region

b. State universities and private schools in Eastern Visayas should produce highly

qualified graduates to meet the requirements of ICT industries.

12.4. Provide incentives for newly-established ICT enterprises

a. Offer tax exemption for newly-established ICT companies as an incentive

b. Establish one-stop shop for business permits

13. Improvement of Health and Educational Status and Skills of the Labor Force

through the following measures:

13.1. Increase educational facilities and resources, especially in the elementary and secondary

levels, and intensify advocacy in the availment of scholarships and training programs (to

provide adequate and better facilities, resources and the different programs of

government) to encourage students to go through the stream of formal education

13.2. Establish database of graduates employed within-outside the region. The database will

be used in curriculum development and policy recommendations on the field of study that

would be given priority in the region

13.3. MOUs/MOA with Academe, LGUs, NGAs and private investors to implement province –

based agri-business, eco-tourism and ICT; and provide linkages with schools and training

centers for curriculum improvement related to ICT. Aside from the formal education

system, the region is also confronted with a substantial number of uneducated labor

force. The strategy is, therefore, to engage the provinces in specific training and

education programs with the SUCs and NGAs for frontline workers in specific agri-

business, tourism and ICT industries that they would champion.

13.4. Lobby with LGUs to implement Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM). This strategy is

consistent with the MTPDP which is to promote responsible parenthood rather than

population management. This move will reduce/eliminate the number of juvenile

delinquents and Out-of-School-Youth (OSY) troublemakers, and ultimately encourage

more investors in TDAs, ICT and agri-business

13.5. Establish/increase/upgrade health facilities and health personnel in TDA destinations,

ICT parks and agri-business centers to respond to the needs of tourists, TDA workforce,

ICT staff, agri-business workers and the communities that will rise nearby these

industries

13.6. Intensify upgrading of health facilities, capability of health workers, inter-local health

zones and referral system and rationalize use of realistic population figure in targeting

57

immunization, disperse immunization points to increase access. These strategies are

“double time” efforts to catch up with the region’s MDG commitments to reduce infant,

young child and maternal mortality to desired levels within the Plan period.

13.7. Conduct advocacy to LCEs on various disease prevention and control program and

increase of PhilHealth coverage of all sectors

13.8. Conduct mass media advocacy on good nutrition, proper sanitation and physically active

life or “healthy lifestyle”. This is the best step towards disease-free communities and

better environment.

13.9. Conduct policy advocacy to LGUs and NGAs re: compliance/enforcement of occupational

health safety policies

13.10. Localize the operation and maintenance of nationally funded water supply projects

13.11. Continue education on proper utilization of facilities and sanitary practices

13.12. Create supportive environment for healthy lifestyle

13.13. Intensify advocacy with LCEs to promote various nutrition and healthy lifestyle programs

and access to health care programs and improve practice of good nutrition in food

establishments and tourist areas. These strategies are sweeping approaches to

promote nutrition not only among children but also in workplaces and food

establishments.

13.14. Forge partnership among LGUs, NGAs and stakeholders in providing housing facilities

for low income workers especially in agri-business, eco-tourism, ICT areas. This strategy

supports the partnership with LGUs in providing the needed education and training

program of low-income beneficiaries.

13.15. Organize/strengthen local councils to implement

national laws for the children, women, senior

citizens, and differently abled persons. This

strategy reiterates the important role of LGUs in

enforcing laws that would protect the vulnerable

sectors, especially as the region tries to attract

more tourists, and enhance the agri-business

and ICT industries in the region.

14. Provision of Infrastructure and Logistics Support to the sectors where they

are needed by:

14.1. Giving priority in the allocation of public resources to the construction, rehabilitation and

repair of major road links and farm-to-market roads in identified production and industry

cluster areas, tourism destinations and in areas with peace and order problems

14.2. Improving access to ICT facilities through awareness campaign and establishment of

e-community centers, local inter-connection among TelCos, and establishing joint ICT

58


ventures with TelCos, ISPs and other ICT industries

14.3. Intensifying development of potential irrigable areas especially in identified production

areas

14.4. Implementing total barangay energization and improve reliability of the region’s

transmission and distribution facilities

14.5. Developing the region’s indigenous renewable energy resource

15. Promotion of Good Governance to facilitate growth of investments, generate

more employment and attract more tourists. This means creating an

environment that is responsive to the needs of the general public, respects

the rule of law, protects human rights and provides for an effective civil

society participation. The essential elements of such environment are as

follows:

15.1. Effective Fiscal Management

Effective fiscal management by fully operationalizing JMC Number 1 (s. 2007) which

seeks to improve and systematize methods, techniques and procedures in the various

budget processes of LGUs. The inherent power of LGUs to mobilize and create their own

sources of revenues should also be optimized to support their budget and finance local

development projects.

15.2. Transparency and accountability

Transparency and accountability in policy making and administration by instituting

systems and procedures that allow public’s access to information that could be used to

measure government authorities’ performance in the delivery of public service and

implementation of programs and projects and to guard against possible misuse of

authority

15.3. Planning and consensus building/decision making

Continuous capacity building in local planning and decision making and promoting

participation of the non-government sector (i.e., private and voluntary sectors) in the

various stages of development planning to ensure that the development aspirations of all

stakeholders are consistent and supportive of one another

15.4. Ensuring peace and order, security and safety of the public and their properties

Ensuring peace and order, security, and safety of the public and their properties by

intensifying anti-criminality and crime prevention drives and operationalizing local special

bodies mandated to undertake these functions

15.5. Efficient regulatory system

Efficient regulatory system by eliminating red tape and improving public service delivery,

to encourage investments and promote fair competition in business

59

Chapter 3:

Result Evaluation and Monitoring This chapter summarizes the strategies, programs, projects and activities for implementation

within the plan period. All these are presented in the succeeding matrix called Results

Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix (REMM).

The REMM is organized in such a manner that the priority strategies and activities (PSAs) are

grouped together towards a desired outcome. Each desired outcome corresponds to a major

development issue or challenge identified in the Regional Development Framework contained

in Chapter 2.

Also shown in the REMM are the concerned agencies and the measurable outputs and

targets. All these information are important elements needed for effective monitoring and

evaluation. Although a thematic approach is followed in the grouping of the PSAs, the

arrangement of the PSAs are done by sector to facilitate its implementation and monitoring.

Below are the desired outcomes at the end of the plan period:

Reduction of Population Below the Poverty Threshold from 41.4% in 2009 to

21.6% in 2016

In the next six years the region will pursue activities that will lead to a substantial reduction in the

number of poor families in the region by providing more employment opportunities and increasing

income of poor families. The goals of developing the

region’s agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism

industries will propel the region towards significant

increase of economic activities in local communities,

thereby generating substantial employment

opportunities and dramatically reducing the

proportion of population below the poverty threshold

from 41.4% in 2009 to 21.6% in 2016, consistent

with the MDG target of halving the proportion of poor

population.

60

Table 45. Proportion of Population Below the

Poverty Threshold (Target), 2011-2016

Year MDG Target 1991 45.1*

2011 26.3

2012 25.4

2013 24.4

2014 23.5

2015 22.6

2016 21.6

*Baseline Data

Source: NSCB

Together with the reduction of poor

families will be the reduction of the

proportion of population below the

subsistence (food) threshold from

19.0% in 2009 to 11.7% in 2016.

Increase in GRDP Growth Rates

With the anticipated increase of economic activities in all sectors, Eastern Visayas will be looking

forward to increased growth rates in the GRDP in the next six years. The GRDP will grow by an average

of 5.4% annually from 2011 to 2016 from an average of 3.6% in 2004 to 2009. The Services Sector

will contribute the most in this increase by an average of 5.48% annually. The increased productivity in

the Agriculture and Fishery Sector is hoped to raise the contribution of the AFF sector to the GRDP by

an average of 5.34% annually.

The projected increases in the GRDP growth rates will be the outcome of the interventions and

programs and projects implemented within the Plan period. Particularly, these are some of the growth

factors that can be found in the RDP: a) jobs that will be generated over the Plan period; b) increase in

MSMEs; c) the conditional cash transfer program (4Ps) of the national government; d) new investments

in the agriculture, tourism, energy and infrastructure sectors; and e) increase in revenue collection.

61

Table 46. Proportion of Population Below the Subsistence

(Food) Threshold (Target), 2011-2016

Year MDG Target

1991 24.4*

2011 14.2

2012 13.7 2013 13.2

2014 12.7 2015 12.2

2016 11.7

*Baseline Data

Source: NSCB

Table 47. GRDP Growth Rates, 2011-2016

Growth Rates Year

GRDP AFF Industry Services

2010-2011 5.26 5.10 5.36 5.32

2011-2012 5.31 5.16 5.43 5.37

2012-2013 5.39 5.26 5.45 5.46

2013-2014 5.46 5.37 5.49 5.53

20-14-2015 5.54 5.52 5.52 5.59

2015-2016 5.61 5.62 5.57 5.63

Source: NEDA Region VIII

The desired outcomes will be achieved if the following are attained:

Highly developed Agri-business, Eco-tourism and ICT Indusries

A highly developed agri-business is characterized by increased agricultural productivity, increased

investments in the sector, modernized and efficient production and processing, high labor

productivity, well developed aggressive marketing system, controlled and managed pest and

livestock diseases, and low cost of farm inputs.

On the other hand, a competitive eco-tourism destination would require the presence of tourism

standard-compliant facilities, high quality of service and skilled workers, accessible sites and

destinations, distinctive souvenirs and local products, and a peaceful and secured environment.

Highly developed infrastructure and other support facilities for Agri-business, Eco-tourism and ICT

industries

The provision of infrastructure and other support facilities for Agri-business, Eco-tourism and ICT

industries is an important factor towards having a competitive agri-business and tourism industry.

This implies that all roads necessary for doing business in these areas are well paved; transport

cost is reasonable; transportation, electricity and water are readily available for domestic and

commercial consumption; and reliable internet and network coverage are present.

Educated and highly skilled labor force in support of the agri-business, ICT and Eco-tourism sectors

An educated and highly skilled labor force can be produced through quality education and good

training. A good and quality education for the schoolchildren of Eastern Visayas from elementary

to high school, coupled with the support of parents, is the key towards having an educated labor

force. This can also be achieved by increasing participation rate in elementary, secondary and

tertiary levels, reducing average household/family size and malnutrition and increasing the skills

of frontline tourism and ICT workers, farmers, fisher folks, and forestry workers.

Governance that stimulates and sustains economic growth

Good governance can be achieved by improving LGU capacity to undertake sound planning and

decision making, managing its fiscal resources, and delivering public services. It should also

promote transparency and accountability in government and encourage active participation and

vigilance of the citizenry. It must provide a favorable climate for stable economic growth in a

peaceful, just and safe environment. In the end it can be determined by the impact of

government’s exercise of power on the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens.

62

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES

MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/TARGETS

2011-2016

Increase in food sufficiency levels

See specific strategies below See specific activities below Rice sufficiency index 2011 – 124% 2012 – 129% 2013 – 134% 2014 – 139% 2015 – 144% 2016 – 150% Corn sufficiency index 193% HVCC – 110% Pork – 116% Chicken – 100% Fish – 143.20%

Jobs created in agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism

See specific strategies below See specific activities below Jobs created in: Rice – 7,200 Sugarcane – 30,000 Coconut – 15,000 Abaca – 3,078 Aquaculture – 1,800 Forestry – 1,137 RUMEPP – 3,000 SET-UP – 13,600 ICT – 5,000 Jobs created in tourism: 3 per establishment Increase LF participation rate of women by 15%

RESULT EVALUATION AND MONITORING MATRIX (REMM)

63

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

1. Increase investments in agricul-ture and fishery

1.1 Strengthen corporate farm-

ing system in a supervised credit scheme

1.2 Promote climate change-

sensitive technologies for commercialization

1.3 Create mechanism that

could address the splintered production system of coco-nut industry

1.4 Promote agro-enterprise

clusters

1.5 Encourage investment in

agri-fishery production and processing technologies and facilities that are resilient to climate change

Conduct Investment Fora Tap private sector/corporation to invest in corporate farming or con-tract growing Technology investment forum Advocacy/implementation of Technology Transfer Law (R.A. 10055) Strengthen regional private sector- led Coco Industry Council Conduct Coconut Industry Summit Strengthen vegetable, jackfruit and goat industry clusters Reproduce and distribute posters and brochures on pastures

Develop Mariculture Parks (MPs)

DA, DTI BFAR

DA DOST, VICARP,

EVCIERD

PCA

DA, VSU

BFAR

No. of investors and amount of new investments in agriculture and fishery: increased by 15% No. of enterprises developed No. of farmers assisted 4 IEC campaigns on pasture per year 2,000 brochures on pasture for distribution 2,300 posters and 28,500 bro-chures on rice for distribution

600 investors in fishery- related activities 14 MPs developed 18 newly registered commercial fishing vessels (CFVs) 10 CFV license renewals every 3 years

64

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

2. Increase investments in MSMEs

2.1 Establish database on MSMEs

2.2 Provide incentives to MSMEs 2.3 Promote industrial peace

Conduct Investment Forum Conduct Financing Forum Facilitate Investment Matching Establish MSMEs database sys-tem Prepare directories of MSMEs Institutionalize data collection sys-tem re MSMEs Conduct advocacy and TA to LGUs on Investment/Incentive Code formulation and Investment Incen-tive Plan Tax holidays Expand LMCs to non-organized sector Expand Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and create ITCs on HRT to provincial level and key cities

DTI, LGUs

DTI

NSCB data sources:

DTI, SEC, CDA, DOST and LGUs (provinces)

DAC/DILG

DTI, CDA

DOLE, NCMB, NLRC, RTWPB, NMP, OWWA,

POEA, PRC, TESDA and Tripartite Indus-trial Peace Councils

Business Names Registration (BNR) increased by 15%; No. of businesses from Mayor’s Permits reports increased by 15% No. of viable/sustainable MSMEs (including those operated by women) increased by 15% Market information readily avail-able NERBAC as center for knowledge management and research; the central database for MSMEs LGUs with Local Investment/ Incentive Codes (LIIC) increased by 15% 6 LMCs per year in 6 years 7 Provincial TIPCs and ITCs on HRT

65

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

2.4 Streamline Business Pro-cess Licensing System (BPLS) in towns and cities

2. 5 Establish Technology Busi-

ness Incubator and Tech-nomart

Implement the Single Entry Ap-proach to adjudication of Labor and Employment Cases in all prov-inces Conduct BPLS Streamlining Workshops/Validation Advocate setting up of NERBAC in all provincial capitals Assist LRED municipalities/cities Advocate for the adoption of streamlined BPLS to LGUs Strengthen local Business Devel-opment Services (BDS) to assist MSMEs to be competitive Establish facility Conduct technology commercialization via TBI and technomart

DILG (Lead), DTI,

LGUs

DTI (lead) LGUs,

DILG(lead)

DTI

VSU

VSU and VICARP-member agencies

100% implemented 6 provincial NERBACs estab-lished - Maximum turn-around time for the processing of license applica-tions: 5 days LGUs adopting streamlined BPLS increased from 3% in 2010 to 75% by 2016 Facility developed-3 buildings No. of technology commercialized - 30 No. of new entrepreneurs/ locators - 30 No. of persons directly employed - 120

3. Provide access to capital

Accessed capital/loan/ finan-cial assistance by MSMEs: P60 M

66

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

3.1 Link MSMEs to sources of capital

3.2 Provide livelihood grants to informal sector 3.3 Promote bankability or credit worthiness of individual farmers/ farmers groups, coops, MSMEs 3.4 Provide innovative financing schemes

3.5 Strengthen agricultural guar-

antee/financial intermediar-ies in support to capital

Implement Small Enterprise Tech-nology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) Extend loan assistance through Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) Conduct Financing Forum in cities and municipalities Provide info materials to MSMEs on financing programs Establish partnership with LGUs, private firms and funding agen-cies -Networking and fund-sourcing -Organizing and training of inter-ested participants Implement Workers Income Aug-mentation Program (WINAP) Link mature organizations coops with existing credit institutions Disseminate information on fund sources Provide TA on fund sourcing Institute counterparting scheme

VSU, VICARP-member Agencies

DOLE

CDA, QUEDANCOR, LBP, DBP, DAR

No. of MSMEs assisted: 600

No. of people engaged in tech-no-based livelihood/ self employed – 50 No. of organizations able to avail of credit/amount of loan availed: increase by 15%

67

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

4. Provide aggressive/intensive pro-motion and marketing assistance to MSMEs

Conduct investment promotion activities:

-Trade fairs -Market matching and linkaging -Selling missions --S&T Fairs

Establish pasalubong centers Conduct information dissemination and inter-agency collaboration

LGUs, DTI, PIA, CDA, Media, DOST

LGUs

DTI

No. of trade fairs – 12 No. of exhibitors – 67 No. of market matching con-ducted – 100 No. of pasalubong centers sustained – in 6 provinces Increase revenues of formal business establishments by 20%

5. Build capacity of/empower farmers as entrepreneurs

5.1 Build organizational capacity

of MSMEs for a productive engagement with other in-dustry players

5.2 Organize small entrepre-

neurs and business groups 5.3 Implement capability devel-

opment/ enhancement pro-gram for farmers

Implement Capacity Development/ Enhancement Program Conduct formal and non- formal trainings (e.g. empowering ses-sions to potential entrepreneurs including women) > skills trainings > techno transfer trainings > entrepreneurial trainings Conduct operations management, capability building to coops (trainings and practicum) and edu-cational exposure Conduct entrepreneurial trainings/ activities Carry out Extension, Education and Training Services

CDA, DAR, LGUs

LGUs, DTI, CDA, DOLE, DOST,DA, DAR, BFAR

CDA

DTI

DA, ATI

No. of farmers’ organizations assisted/ organized No. of trainings by DTI - 300 No. of trainings and seminars per year: - 4 seminars (series) - 4 trainers’ trainings - 5 hands-on activities Trainings per year: 2011 – 15 2012 – 13 2013 – 8 2014 – 7 2015 – 7 2016 – 7

68

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Conduct seminars/trainings for the trainers at the PLGU level

6. Carry out environment-friendly product development and packag-ing/labeling Interventions

6.1 Continuous product develop-

ment especially for pro-cessed food, GTH including souvenir items for tourists

6.2 Provision of eco-friendly

packaging and labeling assistance to MSMEs

6.3 Provide product develop-

ment assistance to women operated MSMEs

6.4 Capability building workshop

for local designers 6.5 Promote strong involvement

of LGUs in MSME develop-ment

Conduct product development for root crops, coconut and abaca Conduct Products and Other Trade Organizations’ Summit (POTOS) Develop regional/provincial brand-ing and “generic packaging” Conduct Products and Other Trade Organizations’ Summit (POTOS) Develop regional/provincial brand-ing and “generic packaging” Give TA on packaging and labelling Give TA on the utilization of recy-cled products as packaging materi-als Conduct product development clinique and consultation Prepare promo collaterals Conduct trainings for local design-ers


SUCs

DOST/DTI


SUCs

DOST/DTI

DTI, DOST

EMB

DTI, DOST

No. of new products found acceptable and economically viable – 25 1 regional summit conducted Markets penetrated by prod-ucts with packaged interven-tions: increased by 15% No. of new products found acceptable and economically viable – 25 1 regional summit conducted Markets penetrated by prod-ucts with packaged interven-tions: increased by 15%

69

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Implement One Town One Product (OTOP) Mainstream MSME development in local plans

DTI

DTI, DILG, LGUs

Increase in labor productivity

7. Improve workers’ conditions in the workplace

7.1 Implement labor standards in establishments

7.2 Strengthen partnership with

POs/NGOs, TIPCs on labor standards awareness

Implement Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program (CLEEP) (Labor Relations, Human Relations

and Productivity Seminars, Em-ployer’s Forums, Labor Educa-tion for Graduating Students)

Implement Labor Standards En-forcement Program a. Self Assessment Approach b. Inspection Approach c. TAV Approach

DOLE RCC No. of seminars – 30 No. of establishments covered – 140 No. of workers covered – 1,400

Increase in productivity of agriculture and fishery

8. Increase agricultural and aqua-marine productivity

DA – Lead VICARP,

EVCIERD, BFAR, FIDA, PCA,LGUs,

DOST

Productivity per unit area: Rice: 2011 - 3.27 tons/ha. 2012 – 3.66 tons/ha. 2013 – 3.74 tons/ha. 2014 – 3.86 tons/ha. 2015 – 4.04 tons/ha. 2016 – 4.23 tons/ha. Corn: 2011 – 1.48 tons/ha. 2012 – 1.58 tons/ha. 2013 – 1.68 tons/ha. 2014 – 1.78 tons/ha. 2015 – 1.88 tons/ha. 2016 – 1.98 tons/ha.

70

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

8.2 Establish techno-demo farms

production and the dissemi-nation of information, educa-tion and communication ma-terials

Encourage cultivation of idle lands and proper use of production lands Maximize coconut farm utiliza-

tion (e.g. intercropping)

Implement Techno Gabay Program Implement the Comprehensive Ag-ricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) and Manufacturing Pro-ducitivity Extension (MPEX) pro-grams Strengthen implementation of DOST Academe Technology Based Extension Development (DATBED) Program Conduct advocacy/policy support for the utilization of idle lands Implement Abaca Expansion Pro-ject Implement National Coconut Productivity Program Integrated farming and planting/ replanting of high-yielding and fast- growing varieties

DA-ATI, DOST,

VICARP, LGUs, SUCs

DA-ATI (lead), DOSt,TAPI, LGUs

FIDA

PCA

Coconut: 3 tons/ha./yr. Abaca: 800 kg/ha./yr. 270 techno demo on rice per year: Integrated; Water Saving; Compact; Hybrid Rice Ratooning; Farm Mechanization; Palayamanan Concept 72 other techno demos con-ducted per year 32 on farm trainings No. of firms assisted increased by 15% No. of students-beneficiaries increased by 15% Expansion areas for abaca 1,078 has.: Leyte – 300 N. Samar – 350 E. Samar – 150 Samar – 200 Biliran – 78 30% of coconut land fully uti-lized under the NCPP

71

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

8.4 Maximize use of inland and marine water resources

8.5 Utilize indigenous resources as inputs to maximize produc-tion

Promote organic farming

Promote organic farming Produce corn and

cassava for feeds

Do regular seeding of tilapia finger-lings in backyard fishponds and communal bodies of water Pilot community-based organic fer-tilizer facilities -Rice Organic Farming -Vermi Composting Establish local/accessible supply of organic fertilizer (large-scale composting) Conduct Field testing of Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMO) Social marketing of bio-technology

and its products Actual field-testing Implement Regional Corn Program Focus on POT corn and cassava at

farm level

Improve post-production handling

BFAR

DA

VSU

VSU, IPB and ISAA

DA

140MT tilapia harvested annu-ally from backyard fishponds and communal bodies of wa-ter 1 idle fishpond converted an-nually 1,500 farmers per year farm-ers shift to organic farming 50 pilot demo farms on organ-ic farming per year 1 large-scale composting facili-ty developed Volume of organic fertilizer produced -6,000 bags No. of organic farming practi-tioners-200 No. of GMO crops tested-3

72

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

8.6 Provide Pre- and Post-

Harvest Facilities (PPHF) through Rural-Based Organi-zations (RBOs)

Carry out large-scale production of cassava in Region VIII - Development of local “assembler/

buyer” - Training ATs for technical assis-tance in the cassava production Establish one feed mill to be man-aged under public-private partner-ship

VSU, VICARP, LGUs, private firms

Phil. Mech.

No. of assemblers/buyer- 5 No. of farmers engaged in cas-

sava production-200 Volume of cassava chips pro-duced-8,000 MT 1 feed mill established in 2011

9. Climate Change Adaptation in Agri-culture and Fishery

9.1 Promote the utilization of improved genes/species of local crops, livestock and poultry that are less vulnera-

ble to climate change

Introduce varietal improvement in root crops and coconut Implement Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program: Genetic Improvement Program a. Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) b. Male Breeder Loan Program Genetic Resources Improve- ment Program (small and large ruminants) Institute breeder stock production in private and government farms Implement UNAIP Implement Male Breeder Distribu-tion Program

VSU, VICARP mem-ber-agencies

DA PLGUs MLGUs

No. of new varieties developed and recommended by NSIC- 10 No. of new varieties developed and recommended by NSIC- 10 Livestock/Poultry Inventory (heads/year): Carabao - 20,000 Cattle - 1,034 Goat - 6,909 Swine - 124,661 Chicken- 507,757

73

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Campaign from the private sector to invest in the estab-lishment of breeder farms.

Intensify breeder production at

the Provincial LGU.

Intensify the implementation of the UNAIP at P/MLGU lev-els.

Disperse Male Breeder from

existing dispersal program Intensify the campaign on the

utilization of the improve spe-cies of pastures.

Distribute planting materials for pasture free of charge from DA-Livestock stations.

Continue R&D activities in agricul-tural production and agricultural products processing including in-dustry, energy and health

DA PLGUs MLGUs

Breeder farms established- 4 farms/yr. Breeders produced- 200 heads/breeder farm/yr. Unified National Artificial In-semination Program (UNAIP) localization/ expansion- 8 municipalities/yr. 500 A.I. services/ municipality/yr. Male breeder distributed from gov’t. station- 10 bulls/yr.; 50 bucks/rams/year Hectarage of pasture devel-oped-100 has./yr. Distribution of planting materi-als-10 tons/yr. R&D activities conducted- 50

74

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

9.2 Pursue aggressive R&D of climate change-sensitive technologies, climate proof support facilities and climate-responsive food production system

9.3 Promote aquaculture tech-

nologies that are climate-change resilient

Promote protective cultivation of vegetables to LGUs Conduct training of growers Establish protective structures Practice/adopt protected cropping Implement Seaweed Roll-Over Scheme Implement livelihood in Mariculture Parks (MPs) Implement Mussel Hanging Culture Method Project in Maqueda Bay Establish satellite nurseries and hatcheries operated by private per-sons or fish coops Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) program

SUCs, DA, DOST, DAR, DOH, VICARRP, EVCI-

ERRD, EVHRDC

VICARP

VICARP, LGUs DA and funding agencies

BFAR

No. of LGUs investing on pro-tected cropping- 20

No. of growers trained- 100 No. of protective structures established-100 Volume of produce from pro-tected cropping area No. of individuals partially employed-200 231 MT of seaweeds harvest-ed for 2011 (10% increase annually) 1,362 MT bangus harvested for 2011(10% increase annu-ally) 10,500MT mussel harvested for 2011 (10% increase annu-ally) 1 nursery/hatchery every year

75

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

9.4 Control and manage pests and diseases

9.5 Prevent and control diseases in livestock and Poultry 9.6 Ensure availability of climate change-ready seed variety

9.7 Ensure the availability of climate-proof facilities and support system 9.8 Rehabilitate degraded fishing areas

Produce disease-resistant coconut and abaca varieties Implement coconut and abaca dis-ease management Develop GMO abaca resistant to abaca bunchy-top disease Implement Animal Health Program on Prevention and Control of Diseases Implement FIELDs (Fertilizer, Irriga-tion, Education and Extension , Dryers) Implement mangrove reforestration Restoration of fish habitat through establishment of fish sanctuaries and seeding of giant clam Environmental monitoring to abate fish kill and pollution

DOST/TAPI

DA, PCA, FIDA VSU-NARC, DOST and Chun Ching Univ., Tai-

wan

DA

DA, PCA, FIDA

BFAR

BFAR

BFAR

Reduction in farm losses by 15% Rehabilitation of abaca farms: Southern Leyte–6,000 has. Leyte–600 has. No. of resistant clones devel-oped-2 drought tolerant – 25,170 has. submerged tolerant – 9,895 has. saline tolerant – 676 has. 5,000 mangrove propagules planted 2 fish sanctuaries established; 50 giant clam seeded annually 14 MPs monitored; 11 bays monitored for red tide occurrence

76

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

9.9. Strengthen agricultural and fisheries weather-based insurance system

9.10 Intensify public invest ment in construction rehabilitation of climate- proof Production and Post-Harvest Support Services

Advocate crop insurance to LGUs and raise awareness of farmers Assist farmers/groups to avail of weather-based insurance Farm Mechanization and Post Har-vest Development Program Utilize NFA existing PHF facilities

PCIC, LGUs

DA NFA

Has. covered by crop insur-ance: 2011 - 6,936 2012 - 7,979 2013 - 9,130 2014 - 10,552 2015 - 12,133 2016 - 13,953 Farmers covered by crop insur-ance: 2011 - 6,686 2012 – 7,690 2013 - 8,809 2014 – 10,172 2015 – 11,695 2016 – 13,449 Amount of insurance cover-age: 2011 - P114.5M 2012 - 131.7M 2013 - 151.5M 2014 - 174.2M 2015 - 200.3M 2016 - 230.4M Pre-Post Harvest Facilities (PPHF): rice threshers – 142 farm level grains center -18 community-based drying ser-vices center – 43 provincial level rice seed pro-cessing centers - 7

77

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

9.11 Ensure availability of climate change-ready seed variety

Establish trading posts/ Bagsakan Centers Establish climate-proof post har-vest facilities for aqua-marine prod-ucts

BFAR

corn shellers - 93 corn millers – 69 corn dryers – 237 1 Bagsakan Center annually For 2011: 1 unit reefer van 1 unit mobile ice maker 1 cold storage facilities 1 Hazard Analysis Critical Con-trol Point (HACCP) facility

10. Develop the region’s ecotourism Potential

10.1 Promote tourism-related Investment, including Facility upgrading, capacity expansion and

product / service diversification

10.2 Public and Private partnership/ multi-sectoral representation through Regional and Provincial Tourism Council

Identify priority investment areas using the tourism-value chain anal-ysis Fine-tune TDAs action plans. Validate tourism circuits/test run TDA tourism circuits Lobby adoption of TDAs action and operation plan Benchmark successful tourist des-tinations

DOT, LGUs, Local Tourism Councils

RDC, DOT

DOT, LGUs,

10% increase in tourist-oriented establishments (TOE)/ yr. 10% increase/ yr. in the amount of investment generat-ed in tourism-related estab-lishments No. of MSMEs, including co-ops, NGOs, community organi-zations, people’s organization, households/ 10% increase/yr. in amount invested/ Jobs created/ incremental value

78

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

10.3 Provide technical assistance to LGUs in tourism development planning/ Networking with the local government units

10.4 Public investment support

Conduct investment forum by value chain/business matching For in-bound travel and tours For convention centers, hotels

and restaurants or homestay For site development Establish three agri-tourism

loops: Fun (livestock) farm, Eco-Farm, Nature Loop

For souvenirs/native delica-

cies/local products Provide accessibility to and within the destination

DOT, LGUs

DOT (lead) DTI, LGUs, Travel and Tours Agencies, CCIs/

Business Sector

DOT (lead) DTI, LTO, LTFRB, MA-

RINA, CAAP, CCIs Transport Business

DOT(lead), LGUs,

NSCB, NSO DOT, DTI, DPWH, PNP,

DENR, EMB, MGB, PAMB

LGU (lead) in coordina-

tion with DOT, DTI, DPWH, PNP, DENR, EMB, MGB, PAMB

VSU

DTI

DPWH, LGUs, DOT

No. of MSMEs, including co-ops, NGOs, community organi-zations, people’s organization, households/ 10% increase/yr. in amount invested/ Jobs created/ incremental value No. of tourist destinations with tourist-quality transport 10% increase/yr. No. of tourist-quality HRAs 10% increase/yr. No. of ECC/CNC issued No. of tourism sites ready for tourists No. of tourism loops estab-lished No. of visitors-12,000 No. of tourist-quality “pasalubong”

No. of accessible tourist desti-nations - Tourism Development Areas

79

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

10.5 Develop and upgrade facilities and amenities in the TDAs that are risk- free from natural and man-made hazards

Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Ma-rabut Area (Tacloban-Sohoton Road) Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area (Lake Danao Access Road & Cir-cumferential Road of Biliran) Eastern Samar Area (Southeastern Samar Road from Quinapundan to Guiuan) Southern Leyte Area Northern Samar Area (Calbayog –Allen Road)

Concrete paving of 5-km road leading to beach front/jump-off points to the rock formations)

West Samar Area Northeastern Leyte-Basey Area Mini Jetty Ports at:

Brgy. Inuntan Base of Sohoton Cave, Basey, Samar

Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area Visitor Reception Center and

Rest Area in Lake Danao, Ormoc City Boardwalk and Viewing Deck in

Mangrove Areas of Baybay, Leyte

80

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Rest Area at Mainit Hotspring at Brgy. Villa Vicenta, Caibiran, Biliran

Southern Leyte Area Silago Visitor Reception Center

and Rest Area in Silago, South-ern Leyte

Libagon-Liloan Junction Visitor

Reception Center and Rest Area in Libagon-Liloan Junc-tion, Southern Leyte

Come up with geo-hazard map-

ping Identify tourist attractions lo-

cated within geo-hazard areas Create risk reduction and dis-

aster response teams in said areas

Prepare Protected Area Manage-ment Plan Award stewards (MSMEs, including Tourist Developer, Cooperative, Peoples Organization, Households, Individuals) Carry out social preparation and mobilization Rehabilitate/restore degraded areas

MGB

DENR, LGUs, PAMB

DENR (in coordination with DOT, LGUs)

DENR (in coordination with DOT, LGUs)

DENR, BFAR, LGUs,

VSU/ Stewards

Has. of strict protection deline-ated 4 Protected Area Management Plans prepared Has. of biodiversity regained - 1,137 (2011)

81

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

10.6 Establish/maintain tourism standards (Classification System)

10.7 Develop tourism products

Upland reforestation/ rainfor-estation

Mangrove reforestation Undertake Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for tourism sites/facilities Prepare/implement Solid Waste Management Plan Make inventory of tourism en-

terprises (primary and second-ary)

Conduct campaign /advocacy re: tourism standards and ac-creditation

Enforce mandatory accredita-tion of primary tourism enter-prises

Monitor accredited establish-ments

Revitalize Hotel and Restau-rant Associations

Monitor water bodies for safe use as recreation

Inventory and assessment of: destinations and attraction festivals and events tour packages and tourism

circuits

DENR, VSU/ Stewards

DENR, BFAR

EMB, LGUs, Stewards (in coordination with

DOT, PAMB)

DOT, LGUs

EMB/LGUs/ Private Sector

DOT, LGUs

No. of has. reforested with indigenous forest species No. of has. reforested with indigenous mangroves No. EIAs and other clearances issued No. of tourism areas with solid waste management system - 10% increase/yr. No. and percentage of HRAs/tourism-related MSMEs ac-credited- 11 (2011) 12 (2012) 10% increase/ yr. NOTE: full implementation of mandatory accreditation will be in 2012 No. of water bodies moni-tored

No. and percentage of tourism-worth products- 10% increase per year

82

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

10.8 Conduct strong promotion of tourism Icons

tourism products/activities - spelunking/caving - mountaineering - surfing - Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving - Island hopping 1. Create Eastern Visayas Tour-

ism Portal 2. Market tourism icons:

Regional and Eastern Samar Icon - Calicoan Surfing;

Leyte Icon - Cuatro Islas; S. Leyte Icon - Sogod Bay

SCUBA Diving; Biliran Icon - Tinago Falls; Samar - Sohoton Caving; Northern Samar - Biri Rock

Formations 3. Market tourism circuits

Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area

Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area

Eastern Samar Area Southern Leyte Area Northern Samar Area West Samar Area

4. Participate in TravEx/ Travel Tours and showcases

DOT

1 tourism product per TDA / year 1 tourism product for SIBP project site Increased tourist arrivals- 10%/yr.

83

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

10.9 Develop capacities and skills needed to enhance tourism competitiveness (Human Resource Development

Capability building of PAMBs Training of tourism police TOP COP training for destinations with heavy tourist traffic (high visi-tor arrival) Creation of tourists desk in each municipality / city / province and designation a tourist assistance officer Conduct of Handling Tourist-related complaints seminar for designated tourist assistance officer Creation of Tourism Crisis Commu-nications Team (main task is to communicate to market and to the global tourist community re the crisis and what is being done about it) Training on Tourist Security and Safety / Safety of Women and Chil-dren in Tourism

DENR/DOT

PNP (in coordination with DOT, PAMB)

LGUs (in coordination with DOT)

DOT, LGUs, PNP, PhilArmy, DSWD, LTO/

TRAFFIC PATROL GROUP, OCD, Private sector Tourism Enter-

prises, Red Cross

Number of tourism areas with police visibility/ Decrease in crime rate Decline in the number of casu-alties in marine-bound and mountain-bound Decline in number of crimes against tourist Increase in number of protect-ed women and children

84

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

1. Capability building on tourism marketing Training of packaging and

costing Training on tourism market-

ing and promotion Training of product branding

and imaging Training on preparing promo-

tional collaterals Training, development and

website hosting for tourism 2. Training on multimedia hosting

(TV, radio and print) 3. Capacity enhance for tourism

industry workers a. frontliners b. Guides c. service staff d. other soft and hard skills

Develop new tourism products

a. Product identification b. Community orgainizing

(specially for tourism prod-ucts to be operated by Pos)

c. Training of manpower - Technical Skills - First aid

Basic management, record keeping and bookkeeping skills

DOT, LGUs, Private sector and stakehold-

ers

(DOT-8 web hosting of TDAs)

DOT, LGUs

DOT, LGUs, TESDA, ACADEME,

tourism enterprises

Number of EV tourism web sites developed and operational NOTE: having many tourism web-sites for the region will create confusion. There should only be one. And this can offer links to the websites of the LGUs and private sector

Frequency of EV-focused expo-sure per week, per month, bi-monthly, quarterly, annually

85

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

11. Promote ecosystem-based man-agement approaches, conservation efforts, and sustainable environ-ment to reduce climate change risks and vulnerability of natural ecosystems and biodiversity

Seminar/orientation on R.A. 7942 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Advocate/Strengthen Information, Education and Communication ac-tivities on existing environmental laws Partnership with the LGUs for wa-tershed rehabilitation - Sourcing external development

fund with the LGUs - Training and orientation - Technical support, monitoring and Evaluation Implementation of the Clean Water Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act Improve management of SWM by fully implementing the ESWM Act (RA 9003) Technical assistance to LGUs for the closure and rehabilitation of open dump sites, establishment of Material Recovery Facilities and other safe disposal facilities Conduct detailed geohazard survey assessment (1:10,000 scale)

Mainstreaming DRR/CCA in the

MGB/LGUs

MGB/DENR/LGUs/PNP EMB

VSU and VICARP

EMB/MGB/ LGU

DENR

DENR/SIBP/LGUs/RDC

NEDA

DENR

NEDA

LGUs and other stakeholders trained/oriented Number and watershed areas under rehabilitation or rehabili-tated Number of LGUs engaged in wa-tershed rehabilitation Quality of drinking water moni-tored and assessed No. of LGUs assisted In the safe closure and rehabili-tation of disposal facilities No. of LGUs with Sanitary Land fill Closed/rehabilitated dump sites Materials Recovery Facility Other safe disposal system -Area covered (has.) -No. of municipalities -No. of Barangays

86

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Training on GIS Mapping for Provincial and Municipal Plan-ners

Fast track Passage of the Samar Island Natural Park Bill

Lobby at the two houses Advocacy/Orientation/Re-

orientation for new and old Local Chief executives in the Samar Island provinces

SINP Bill

12. ICT Industry Promotion 12.1 Expand ICT Park 12.2 Promote the establishment of ICT companies in Eastern Visayas 12.3 Promote linkages/tie-up with ICT companies 12.4 Provide incentives for newly-established ICT enterprises Sustain/strengthen Blue Desk Officers

Expansion of ICT Park – Leyte Academic Center Establishment of ICT Park in Catarman, Northern Samar Technology Business Incubators Selling Missions Trade Fairs (Quarterly) ICOT-P I-Tax

DTI, DOST, Province of Leyte-LAC

TESDA

No. of incubates Selling missions – 67 companies per year 4 trade fairs per year

87

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Educated and highly skilled labor force in support of the agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism sectors

Increased partici-pation rate in ele-mentary, second-ary & tertiary lev-els

Increase facilities and resources to cope with more enrolment Advocacy in the availment of schol-arship & training programs Establish database of graduates employed within-outside the region

- 4 Ps, Project BEST, Caravan for Excellence, BRIGADA Skwela Plus, RCEFAs, KALAHI/CDSS

- Lobby support from Region VIII Legislators to increase budget of SUCs - Information dissemination to pro-mote availment of scholarships/ agricultural extension program; Secure funding and full implemen-tation of tracers studies

DepEd, LGUs, DSWD, SUCs & other con-cerned agencies

SUCs, DBM, TESDA, DOST LGUs, PHEIs

HEIs, DBM

Increase participation rate to 100% by 2016, 0% dropout rate by 2016, no. of schools, no. of teachers, no. of teacher train-ings, no. of beneficiaries of school-based programs, No. of scholarship grantees, ex-tension programs availed No. of tracer studies fully imple-mented, updated database of graduates employed

Increased Skills of frontline tourism/ICT workers, farm-ers , fisher folks & forestry workers

MOUs/MOA with Academe, LGUs, NGAs & private investors to imple-ment province-based agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism

- Information dissemination to pro-mote availment of scholarships/ agricultural extension program; - Forge linkages with LGUs and oth-er government agencies in provid-ing incentives, recognitions and awards to farmers - Include MOAs or MOUs with learning institution as part of the requirement for the accreditation of tourism establishment - Continuing curriculum develop-ment/ training for tourism estab-lishments on new trends

SUCs, TESDA, DA, De-pEd, CHED, LGUs, DENR, DOT, HEIs, DBM, Region 8 Legis-lators

No. of farmers adopting appro-priate technology, no. of front-line workers trained, no. of grad-uates proficient in English & ICT literate, Organized regional/ pro-vincial association of tour guides

88

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Provide linkages with schools and training centers for curriculum im-provement related to ICT Certification of skilled workers in the tourism sector

-- Provide course offering for certifi-cate trainings for frontline workers - Organized regional/provincial association of tour guides - Secure financial assistance of Legislators to put up speech labs - Hire highly qualified & skilled pro-fessors & trainers. Promote ICT skills upgrading in institutions, like short-courses on English proficiency Establish/upgrade speech labora-tories to upgrade ICT capabilities Train/develop ICT programmers Conduct of TVET Training Programs related to ICT Conduct of competency assess-ment to TVET graduates/workers in the tourism sector

TESDA, SUCs, CHED

SUCs, TESDA

TESDA

TESDA

No. of assessed and certified workers in the tourism Sector

Reduced average household/family size from 6.3 as of 2008 to 4.9 by 2016

Lobby with LGUs to implement Re-sponsible Parenting Movement (RPM)

- Lobbying with LCEs for adoption of RPM - Conduct of RPM trainings for LGUs/ couples - Lobbying with LCES; conduct of RPM classes in the brgys; for-mation of RPM federations

POPCOM

POPCOM

DOH/POPCOM/LGUs

Number of couples trained on Responsible Parenting Program (RPM) 50,000 by 2016, 139 LGUs are adopting the RPM from 105 in 2010 Train 50,000 couples on RPM by 2016; Increase no. of LGUs (cities & municipalities) adopting the RPM from 105 to 139 in 2010

89

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Reduced Infant and maternal mor-tality

Intensify upgrading of health facili-ties, capability of health workers, inter-local health zones and referral system

- Establishment/upgrading of Be-MONC/ CeMONC facilities, en-hancement of public-private part-nership, capability building for health workers, enhancement of government health financing pack-ages, Women's Health Teams - Upgrading of Catarman District Hospital into a regional hospital - Continuation of the MCP accredi-tation and funding support to birth-ing facilities establishment (BeMONC/CeMONC), intensified campaign on responsible parenting and responsible adolescent sexual-ity through integration in the curric-ulum , continuation of the DTTB program, Pinoy MD, GIDA, inter-local health zones, strengthening of referral system, training on new-born care, WHT, MNCHN Advocacy on Essential Newborn Care; exclusive breastfeeding; proper complementary feeding; establishment of BeMONC facili-ties, immunization, capability build-ing of health workers; trainings on Infant and Young Child FeedingI-EC /behavior change communica-tion (BCC)

DOH, PhilHealth, LGUs, NGO, communi-

ty support group

DOH, DILG, LGUs, POPCOM, PhilHealth,

DepEd

DOH, Local Health Offices, LGUs, NNC

- Increase proportion of births attended by skilled health per-sonnel from 71.5% in 2009 to 100% in 2015 (MDG) Reduce MMR from 84 per 100T livebirths to 56.5 in 2015 (MDG); Reduce further MMR of 84 per 100T LB to 50 in 2016 (DOH8-FHSIS) - Reduce U5MR from 98 in 1993 to 32.7 in 2015 (MDG target); - Reduce IMR from 61.0 in 1993 to 20.3 in 2015 (MDG); Reduce further IMR of 8.98 per 100T LB to 20 in 2016 (DOH8-FHSIS, 2009) Immunize 100% of 1 year old against measles

Reduced morbidity and mortality from c o m m u n i c a b l e a n d n o n -c o m m u n i c a b l e diseases

Advocacy to LCEs on various dis-ease prevention and control pro-gram, Increase PhilHealth coverage of all sectors

Intensified IEC campaign using tri-media approach, behavior change communication , compulsory enrol-ment of private employees, com-pulsory registration of govt. employ-ees

PhilHealth, LCEs, DSWD

Increased no. of PhilHealth en-rolment from 93% to 100% by 2015. 100% of indigent farmers, & fisher folks covered by health insurance

90

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Policy advocacy to LGUs & NGAs re: Compliance/ enforcement of occu-pational health safetyand safety places policies Localize the operation & mainte-nance of nationally funded water supply projects Continuing education on proper utili-zation of facilities and sanitary prac-tices

Policy advocacy (Issuance of RDC Resolution or DILG Memo Circular re: compliance/enforcement of Occupational Health Safety /Safety Places Policies to all LGUs), re-wards/recognition system by the RDC, DOLE, DILG for compliant establishments or LGUs, Capacity building for Local sanitary inspec-tors, close and regular monitoring, enforcement of sanctions by LGUs , multiple designation of local staff as RSIs Capacity building of BAWASAs, proper turnover of nationally fund-ed water supply projects to LGUs, counterparting scheme to promote accountability and ownership Construction/Improvement of Wa-ter Supply Systems Education on the utilization and sanitary practices; complementary water supply project

RDC, LGUs, DILG, DOLE, DOH, DOT

LGUs, implementing agency, international donors, NGO Water Districts LGUs LGUs, implementing agency, international donors, NGO

Reduce TB mortality by 1% per year; maintain the leprosy preva-lence rate of <1/10,000; reduce in dengue cases and deaths; eliminate filariasis in endemic provinces All business establishments and tourist areas in the region made healthy and safe Increase proportion of house-holds with access to safe water from 75% (DOH8, 2009) to 94% in 2015 Increase proportion of house-holds with access to sanitary toilet from 67.43% (DOH7, 2009) to 91% (MDG)

91

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Reduce morbidity due to schistoso-miasis through mass treatment Create supportive environment for healthy lifestyle

Case finding and treatment, snail control, environmental sanitation, health education Information dissemination/enhancement of awareness cam-paign, smoking cessation, institu-tional linkages, demonstration pro-jects, IEC plus environmental inter-ventions, research

DOH, LGU, Interagency coordinating team DOH, DepEd, CSC, NGO, other stakehold-ers

Reduce prevalence by 50%, from 8.2% in 2009 to 4.1% in 2015 Reduce morbidity and mortality on life-style-related diseases

Reduced malnutri-tion prevalence

Intensify advocacy with LCEs to pro-mote various nutrition and healthy lifestyle programs & access to health care programs

- Endorsements of RDC and other nutrition bodies/organizations to express full support to the immedi-ate passage of the Legarda Bill; intensified advocacy on nutrition to LCEs; documentation and sharing of best practices on nutrition (through conventions); Malnutrition Watch in Region 8 (countdown to 2015-MDG target, sharing of expe-riences - to create pressure, social barometer), intensified implemen-tation of the Priority Actions spelled out in the MTPPAN Intensified health and nutrition education, continued salt monitor-ing, private-public partnership in salt trading and investment promo-tion for the local production of for-tificants, increasing logistics for supplementation - Promotion of good nutrition, office-to-office hopping on BMI assess-ment and nutrition counseling, inte-gration of HL in advocacy activities

NNC, RDC, DOH, DILG Regional BNS Federa-tion/ other federa-tions,

Reduce proportion of under-weight children to 17% by 2015 with an annual reduction of 2%; Reduce prevalence of worm-burden children from 82.3% to 50% by 2016 - Reduce Iron Deficiency Anemia of 6 months to 5 years old from 20.5% to 17.5%; of pregnant women from 39.5% to 34.5%; of lactating mothers from 23.6% to 18.6%; increase median Urinary Iodine Excretion (UIE) among children from 83 to 100; among lactating from 58 to 100; among pregnant from 83 to 150; in-crease median iodine value in household salt samples from 7.9 ppm to 15ppm

92

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Improve practice of nutrition in food establishments & tourist areas

- Intensified advocacy on the safety & importance of anti-helminthic drugs - Provision of nutritious food through the Sulong Pinoy and other food and nutrition programs of FNRI-DOST Policy advocacy through RDC reso-lution as basis of LGUs for passage of ordinances , monitoring compli-ance of the existing national laws, inclusion in the promotion of healthy lifestyle

DOST

All food establishments & tourist areas & LGUs practicing/ pro-moting good nutrition

Improved access to affordable housing

Partnership with LGUs, NGAs & stakeholders in providing housing facilities for low income workers especially in tourism, ICT & agri-business areas

NHA, DSWD, PCUP, HLURB, (Gawad Kalin-ga) and other housing stakeholders, busi-nessmen (esp. those in tourism)

Improved provi-sion of social pro-tection

Organization/strengthening of local councils to implement national laws for the children, women, senior citi-zen & differently abled sectors

- Advocacy to LGUs for the enact-ment of ordinances to implement national laws - Generation/updating of relevant database and best practices against prostitution, sex trafficking, violence, drug abuse, vagrants, street children - monitoring implementation/compliance of national laws on senior citizens, gender and children

LGUs, NGAs, NGOs and other stake-holders

Reduced incidence of prostitu-tion, sex trafficking, violence, drug abuse, vagrants, street chil-dren

93

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Highly developed infrastructure and other support fa-cilities for agri-business, tourism and ICT industries

Provision of infrastructure and other support facilities for agri-business, tourism and ICT industries

Give priority in the allocation of pub-lic resources to the construction, rehabilitation and repair of major road links and farm-to-market roads in identified production and industry cluster areas, tourism destinations and in areas with peace and order problems. A. National government should give priority to the completion, construc-tion and/or repair of major road links that would provide linkage with the other regions among provinces and island groups in the region, in-cluding the rehabilitation of Ma-harlika highway that bridges the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.

Construction/rehabilitation/ im-provement of national roads, local roads and farm to market roads Rehabilitation of Buray-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Rd Const/Imprvt of Laoang-Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay- Lapinig-Arteche- San Policarpo Road Construction of Simora Bridge along Simora (Laoang)-Palapag Road Upgrading of the Leyte-Calubian-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba Road Upgrading of Biliran Circumferen-tial Road Construction/Upgrading of Burau-en-Albuera Road Completion of Catbalogan Diver-sion Road Construction of Calbayog-Sta. Mar-garita Diversion Road

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

220.0 Km. 65.00 Km. 100 LM 24.00 Km. 27.00 Km. 28.50 Km. 3.25 Km. 17.00 Km.

94

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Construction of Gandara-Matuguinao Road Construction of Cagpanit-an-Silvino Lobos Road Construction of San Isidro-Lope de Vega Road Construction of Palo East By Pass Road Rehabilitation of Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road Upgrading of Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon Road Upgrading of Merida-Lundag-Puting Bato-Consolacion-Isabel Road Rehabilitation of Daang Maharlika Upgrading of San Ricardo-Bil-atan Road Upgrading of Jct. Himayangan-Silago-Abuyog Boundary Road Upgrading of Jct. Taft-Oras-San Policarpo-Arteche Road Upgrading of San Juanico-Basey-Sohoton Road Upgrading of Dolongan-Basey Road

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

21.00 Km. 13.50 km. 44.25 Km. 1.75 Km. 37.00 Km. 17.50 Km. 15.50 Km. 18.50 Km. 4.50 Km. 8.50 Km. 16.00 Km. 5.50 Km. 5.00 Km.

95

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Upgrading of San Antonio Circum-ferential Road Upgrading of Poblacion-Barangay Trujillo Road Upgrading of Poblacion-Barangay Cabacungan Road Upgrading of Poblacion-Gengarog-Tubigdanao-San Lorenzo-Bonglas-Manduga Road Upgrading of Mondragon-Bantayan Road Upgrading of Allen-Frederick Road Widening/Improvement/Upgrading/Rehabilitation of Mari-pipi Circumferential Road Upgrading of Tigbao-Sta. Fe-San Miguel Road Upgrading of Tigbao-Pulak-Sta. Fe Road Upgrading of Leyte-Samar Inter-Provincial Road Upgrading of Mainit-San Miguel-Santol Road Upgrading of Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

20.50 Km. 9.50 Km. 4.50 Km. 5.50 Km. 4.00 Km. 2.50 Km. 22.00 Km. 4.00 Km. 1.00 Km. 4.50 Km. 6.00 Km. 16.50 Km.

96

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Upgrading of Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-Lapaz Road Upgrading of Burauen-Mahagnao Road Upgrading of San Isidro-Daja Road Upgrading of Cabunga-an-Tabunok-Consuegra-Belen Road Upgrading of Tabing-Kawayan-Sta. Rosa-Lawis-Tabango Road Upgrading of Tabango-Catmon-La Fortuna-Manlawaan-Gimarco Road Upgrading of Ormoc-Lake Imelda Road Rehabilitation of Bato-Bontoc Construction of Panaon Island Cir-cumferential Road Construction of Gandara-Matuguinao-Las Navas-Jipapad- Lapinig Road Construc on of Basey-Sohoton-Maydolong Road Construction of San Jose de Buan- Maslog-Dolores Road

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

10.00 Km. 12.50 Km. 7.00 Km. 16.00 Km. 11.50 Km. 12.00 Km. 4.50 Km. 3.50 Km. 17 km.

97

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

B. LGUs should give priority to im-proving the quality of farm-to-market roads that connect production areas to market centers and access roads to tourism sites and rural areas to increase people's access to basic services (e.g. Health and Education). Pursue Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Arrangements in the Imple-mentation of Government Projects

Construction of San Jose de Buan- Maslog-Dolores Road Construction of Jipapad-Arteche Road Improvement of the Guiuan-Sulangan Road Construction of Borongan-San Gabriel-Calbiga Road Construction of Lokilokon (Paranas)-San Jose de Buan-Matuguinao Road Construction of Calbiga-Parasanon-Borong Road Construction of farm-to-market roads (FMR) Conduct Feasibility Studies of pri-ority PPP projects Construction of PPP priority pro-jects

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

DPWH DA/DAR

LGUs

RLAs/LGUs

RLAs/LGUs

2 km. 50 km. 5 projects

5 projects

98

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Improve access to ICT facilities through awareness campaign and establishment of e-community centers, local inter-connection among Telcos, and establishing joint ICT ventures with Telcos, ISPs and other ICT industries

Intensify development of potential irrigable areas especially in identi-fied production areas. Implement total barangay energiza-tion and improve reliability of the region's transmission and distribu-tion facilities through:

a. Implementation/ upgrading/

improvement of transmission lines to provide efficient ser-vice to the region and to com-plete the looping of the Samar Island

b. Fast-tracking the replacement

of the wood poles to steel poles in all the provinces of the region

Construction of New Irrigation Systems/Restoration/ Rehabilita-tion of Existing Irrigation Systems:

Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar

Samar Wright - Calbayog Transmission Project Replacement of wood poles to steel poles

CITC NTC

TelCos

NIA

134 Km. telecom system, 24-count fiber optic cable 61,186 has. 21,691 has. 2,280 has. 6,040 has. 5,888 has. 13,833 has. 11,454 has. 65 km 138 KV double circuit 50 MVA substation 1,400 wood poles replaced by steel poles

99

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

c. Completion of Barangay En-ergization Program

Develop the region's indigenous renewable energy resources

Biliran Geothermal Power Project Cabalian (So. Leyte) Geothermal Power Project Bugtong Hydropower project Amandaraga Hydropower project Bulusao Hydropower project Pinipisakan Hydropower project Bangon Hydropower project San Isidro Hydropower project Establishment of facility and Promotion of use of biodiesel by

LGUs Production of biodiesel Entering into agreement with LGUs

BGI EDC

VSU and VICARP

100% Barangay Energization 80 MW 50 MW 1 MW 4 MW 4 MW 8 MW 5 MW 3 MW Volume of biodiesel produced

and utilized Number of LGUs adopting-3

Efficient, reliable, and affordable air and water transport

Rationalize airport development in the Region based on strategic im-portance Provide access to tourism sites and agri-business centers through water transport Intensify development of potential irrigable areas, especially in identi-fied production areas

Redevelopment of Tacloban Air-port, Upgrading of Calbayog, Catarman, Maasin, and Ormoc Airports Construction/Development of Seaports Construct new irrigation systems Restore/Rehabilitate existing irri-gation systems

DOTC CAAP

DOTC PPA

NIA

Hectarage covered by construc-tion - 20,500 has.

100

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Encourage Public-Private Partner-ship for generation, restoration and rehabilitation of irrigation systems that are climate-proof

Establish, rehabilitate/repair SWIPS, STWs, SFRs, DDs

DA

Hectarage covered by restora-tion: Leyte - 6,661 has. Biliran - 610 has. S. Leyte - 895 has. E. Samar - 1,760 has. N. Samar - 5,390 has. Samar - 5,184 has. Has. irrigated: 2011 – 2,731 2012 – 7,044 2013 – 5,548 2014 – 5,600 2015 - 5,800 2016 – 6,000

Promote Good Governance

Improved LGU capacity to under-take sound plan-ning and decision making, fiscal management and efficient delivery of public services

Planning and Consensus Building Conduct of JMC advocacy/orientation especially in LGUs with new LCEs Conduct of trainings/provision of technical assistance on plan prep-aration promoting agri-business and SME development Advocacy on the passage of Local Investment Incentive Code (LIIC) Technical Assistance in the prepa-ration of the Local Investment/Incentive Plan (LIIP)

DILG(lead), JMC Inter-Agency Com-

mittee NEDA, DBM, BLGF, HLURB

NEDA, DILG, HLURB

DAC (lead) DTI, DILG

DTI (lead)

LGUs DILG, DTI, GTZ, LGUs

JMC No. 1 advocated in all LGUs LGUs with completed PDPFP/PDPIP – 6 CDP - 10 LGUs per year 15% increase in the no. of LGUs with LIIC No. of LGUs with LIIP

101

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Fiscal Management

Advocacy for the adoption of LRED by LGUs Converged and synchronized plan-ning and delivery of basic services through the PAMANA Program Advocacy on PPP Framework Updating of tax ordinance Codification of tax ordinances to broaden LGU tax base Installation/automation of fiscal database and collection (E-SRE) Provide TA on fund sourcing Conduct of training/fora/seminars on the effective and efficient utili-zation of funds

DAC(lead)

LGU (lead)

BLGF, DILG

LGUs (Provinces and Cities)

BLGF/LGUs

DBM/BLGF/LGUs

BLGF/LGUs

BLGF/BTr (lead) LGUs

LGUs adopting Local and Region-al Economic Development (LRED) approach increased No. of trainings/updating work-shops conducted 5% increase in the no. of updat-ed tax codes 20% of LGUs increase in tax col-lections by 5% annually 1 E-SRE system established No. of trainings conducted 100% LGU access to e-financial system) 6 orientations/fora No. of provincial trainings/fora/seminars 5% increase/yr in the no. of LGUs qualified to access credit facilities (per Local Finance Cir-cular No. 1-2000 dated Jan.19, 2000) Increase in the volume loans/grants/donations granted to LGUs

102

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Conduct of information campaign to LGUs on loan portfolios/ fund sources available for LGUs Conduct of trainings/provision of technical assistance on plan prep-aration

LBP, DBP, Quedancor, BSP

DBM

LGUs availment of loans in-creased UBOM: Orientation of LCEs, Pres. Offic-ers and SB – 100% by 2014 Orientation of Dept. Heads 100% by 2012 Full Training on BOM PCM 2011 – 100% Full Training on BOM Brgy 2011 – 100 2014 – 30% 2015 – 70%

A transparent and accountable bu-reaucracy that encourages active participation and vigilance of the citizenry and where public inter-est is paramount.

Transparency and Accountability Citizens Charter institutionalize among LGUs and NGAs Conduct of orientation to LCEs on the implementation of Anti-Red Tape Act or RA9485 Conduct of training on RA 9184 “An Act Providing For The Modern-ization, Standardization and Regu-lation Of The Procurement Activi-ties Of The Government And For Other Purposes” to LGUs officials and staff

CSC – lead LGUs CSC Regional Composite Training Team (DBM, COA & DILG)

50% of LGUs and RLAs with Citi-zen’s Charter 100% of local elective officials oriented Provinces (6), cities (7), munici-palities (139), HOPE, BACs TWGs & secretariat trained on RA 9184 (see attached target) 4,390 Barangay BACs trained on RA 9184 HOPE – 100% by 2014 Orientation of Pres. Officers & SBs – 100% by 2014 Barangays

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OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Monitor Agency/GOCCs/LGU com-pliance to RA 9184 Encourage private sector partici-pation in local bodies Conduct of trainings to strengthen Local Special Bodies especially the Tourism Councils

DILG(lead), LGUs

DILG (lead), LGUs

2011 – 100% 2014 – 30% 2015 – 70% 100% of NGAs, LGUs, GOCCs, GFIs procuring at PS depot and sub-depot Increase by 40% in the ratio of PSR in local bodies (men and women) No. of trainings conducted No. of LGUs with functional LDCs, tourism councils and other councils

A peaceful, just and safe environ-ment conducive to local economic development

Security, Peace and Order and Safe-ty

Converged and synchronized de-livery of basic services in conflict-affected areas in the regin through the PAMANA Program Reorganization and training of Peace and Order Councils (POCs) to enable them to fully function Conduct of forum/seminar on the Criminal Justice System Sustain and intensify anti-criminality and crime prevention drives in all aspects Increase police visibility specially in tourist areas

NAPC, Samar and Northern Samar LGUs, DILG, PNP and other

agencies

DILG(lead), LGUs

DOJ, BJMP

PNP/LGUs

80% of peace and order councils (POCs) fully functional by 2016 from 75% in 2009 At least 1 Criminal Justice Sys-tem Seminar forum conducted per year 70% reduction in crime inci-dence in the areas of operation by 2016 from 2,908 in 2009 (Region VIII) 1:500 police population ratio in all LGUs (prov/muns/cities)

104

OUTCOME

STRATEGIES

ACTIVITIES

AGENCIES


2011-2016

Intensified internal security opera-tions Creation of DRRMC and DRRMO at the local level

- Installation/procurement of DRR facilities/ mecha-nisms

Capacity-building for LCEs and key players on DRRMC Preparation of Disaster Prepared-ness Plans

DND/LGUs 8ID/PNP/ LGUs

OCD

OCD

OCD

DILG, LGUs

70% reduction of (417 brgys) of insurgency-affected areas by 2016 from 1,392 in 2009 100% of DDRMCs and DDRMOs institutionalized at all levels by 2016 No. of LGUs with DRR facilities and mechanisms 100% of DDRMCs and key play-ers trained on DRRM by 2016 No. of trainings conducted 145 LGU DPPs

An environment conducive to the growth and com-petitiveness of private entrepre-neurs (big, medi-um and small)

Regulatory Incentives to MSMEs Promotion of Local Economic Devel-opment (LED) to LGUs

Adoption of the BPLS Reform to LGUs Advocacy to LGUs and provision of TA on Investment/incentive Code formulation and investment Incen-tive Plan Organization and strengthening of LED Teams, Economic Transfor-mation Teams (ETT), and designa-tion of Local Economic and Invest-ment Promotion (LEIPO) to Prov-ince and cities regionwide

DILG and DTI acts as co-conveners per JMC No. 1 Series

of 2010

DTI – lead DILG DAC

DILG, DTI, LGUs

No. of LGUs adopting stream-lined BPLS increased from 3% to 15%

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Documents

Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2011-2016