RegVIII RDP 2011-2016

EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011-2016
FEBRUARY 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RDC Resolution No. 6 s. 2011 Message from the President Message from the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning Message from the RDC Chair Foreword
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CHAPTER 1
ASSESSMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

1 1 5 9 10 14 18 23 25 25 29 31 33 35 35 37 37 38 39 41 42 46 49
Physical Resources General Land and Water Characteristics Environmental Characteristics Population/Demography Macroeconomic Performance Status of the Tourism Industry Status of the Agri-business Industry Status of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry Access to Social Services Education and Skills Development Health Nutrition Housing and Access to Sanitary Facilities Access to Utility and Infrastructure Services Road Transport Water Transport Air Transport Irrigation and Water Supply Energy Communications/Telecommunications State of Local Governance Summary of Issues and Challenges Summary of Opportunities
CHAPTER 2
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
51 51 52
Development Vision Development Goals and Objectives Development Strategies
CHAPTER 3
RESULT EVALUATION AND MONITORING

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Result Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix (REMM)
List of Tables
Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table 5. Table 6. Table 7. Table 8. Table 9. Table 10. Table 11. Table 12. Table 13. Table 14. Table 15. Table 16. Table 17. Table 18. Table 19. Table 20. Table 21. Table 22. Table 23. Table 24. Table 25. Table 26. Table 27. Table 28. Table 29. Table 30. Table 31. Table 32. Table 33. Table 34. Table 35. Table 36. Table 37. Table 38. Land Area by Province, 2006 Land Classification, 2006 Resource Profile, 2006 Proclaimed Major Watershed Areas, 2005 Disaster-Prone Areas, 2009 Existing Dumpsites and Junk Facilities, 2009 Demographic Trends, 2000-2007 Labor Force and Employment Status of Household Population, 2004-2009 Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group, 2008 Top Exports, 2005-2009 Top Imports, 2005-2009 Poverty Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 Subsistence Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 Distribution of Tourists Arrivals in Central Philippines, 2006 Palay Production, 2004-2009 Sufficiency Index, 2009 Production of Selected Crops, 2007-2008 Outsourcing Companies (ICT) Major Service Providers (ICT) TESDA Graduates in ICT-Related Diploma, 2009 Performance Assessment Education and Manpower, 2008-2010 Performance Indicators by Level of Education and by Gender, 2009-2010 Participation Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009-2010 Cohort Survival Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009 Completion Rate vs. 2009-2010 Target Completion Rate Public Elementary Public Secondary Results of the 2009 NAT Elementary and Secondary Number of Government and Private Schools Maternal, Infant and Under-5 Mortality Rates Trends in Mortality Leading Causes Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2010 National Roads, by District, by Type of Pavement, as of December 2000 Road Density, by Type, by Province Motor Vehicle Registration, by Type, 2005-2009 Status of Irrigation Development, by Province, by Type, (In hectares) as of December 2009 Status of Electrification, by Province, by Cooperative, as of December 2009 Basic Telephone Indicators, 2006-2009 1 3 3 4 6 7 9 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 19 20 20 23 23 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 29 30 30 35 36 36 39 40 41
Table 39. Table 40. Table 41. Table 42. Table 43. Table 44. Table 45. Table 46. Table 47.
State of Local Governance, 2009 Regional Summary Report Administrative Governance, 2009 Regional Summary Report Economic Governance, 2009 Regional Summary Report of Environmental Governance, 2009 Regional Summary Report Social Governance, 2009 Regional Summary Report Valuing Fundamentals of Governance, 2009 Proportion of Population below the Poverty Threshold (Target), 2011-2016 Proportion of Population below the Subsistence (Food) Threshold (Target), 2011-2016 GRDP Growth Rates, 2011-2016
42 43 43 44 45 45 60 61 61
List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 11. Figure 12. Projected Population by Age and Sex Group, 2010 GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009 AFF Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 Industry Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 Services Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009 Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) Trends in the Prevalence of Underweight among 0-5 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008 (NNS) Trends in the Prevalence of Malnutrition among 0-6 Years Old Children, 2005-2009 (OPT) Comparative Data on the Trends of Underweight among 6-10 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008 Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency and Overweight, 2008 Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among Various Population Groups, 1998 and 2008 Transport Network 9 10 10 10 11 16 31 31 32 32 33 38
List of Acronyms
4Ps BAS BDS BFAR BLGF BNR BPLS CAPE CBMS CDA CFV CHED CLEEP CLUP CMTS Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Business Development Services Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bureau of Local Government Finance Business Names Registration Business Permit and Licensing System Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Community-Based Monitoring System Cooperative Development Authority Commercial Fishing vessel Commission on Higher Education Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program Comprehensive Land Use Plan Cellular Mobile Telephone Service
CPH CSO DA DAC DAR DENR DepEd DILG DOH-CHD DOLE DOST DOT DOTC DPWH DRR DRRMC DSWD DTI EDC EMB ETT EVCIERD FDA FIDA FIES FMR FNRI GDP GFIs GIS GMOs GRDP GSIS HEIs HLURB ICT IMR JMC LCEs LEIPO LGPMS LIDE LRED LTFRB LTO MARINA MDG MFIs MGB MMR MPEX MPs MSMEs MTPDP NAPC NCPP NEA NEDA
Census of Population and Housing Civil Society Organization Department of Agriculture Development Administration Committee Department of Agrarian Reform Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department of Education Department of Local Government Department of Health-Center for Health Development Department of Labor and Employment Department of Science and Technology Department of Tourism Department of Telecommunications Commission Department of Public Works and Highways Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee Department of Social Welfare and Development Department of Trade and Industry Energy Development Committee Environment Management Bureau Economic Transformation Team Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development Food and Drugs Administration Fiber Development Authority Family Income and Expenditure Survey Farm-to-Market Road Food and Nutrition Research Institute Gross Domestic Product Government Financing Institutions Geographic Information System Genetically Modified Organisms Gross Regional Domestic Product Government Service Insurance System Higher Education Institutions Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board Information and Communication Technology Infant Mortality Rate Joint Memorandum Circular Local Chief Executives Local Economic and Investment Promotion Local Governance Performance Monitoring System Leyte Industrial Development Estate Local and Regional Economic Development Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Land Transportation Office Maritime Industry Authority Millennium Development Goals Micro Finance Institutions Mines and Geosciences Bureau Maternal Mortality Rate Manufacturing Productivity Extension Mariculture Parks Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan National Anti-Poverty Commission National Coconut Productivity Program National Electrification Administration National Economic and Development Authority
NERBAC NFA NHA NIA NNC NSCB NSO NTC NWPC OCD ODRE OFW OTOP PAMANA PAs PASAR PBR PCA PD PDDCP PDMS PETCs PhilHealth PHILPHOS PNP POC POPCOM POTOS PPA PPHF PPP PS R&D RBOs RDC REMM RITECC ROP RORO RPM RSET RuMEPP SCUBA SET-UP SINP SMEs SUCs TCS TDAs TELOF TESDA TVET U5MR UNAIP ViCARP VSU WINAP
National Economic Research and Business Action Center National Food Authority National Housing Authority National Irrigation Administration National Nutrition Council National Statistical Coordination Board National Statistics Office National Telecommunications Commission National Wages and Productivity Commission Office of the Civil Defense Ownership Dwellings and Real Estate Overseas Filipino Workers One Town One Product Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Protected Areas Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation Philippine Business Registry Philippine Coconut Authority Presidential Decree Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines Poverty Database Monitoring System Private Emission Testing Centers Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation Philippine National Police Peace and Order Council Population Commission Products and Other Trade Organizations Summit Philippine Ports Authority Pre-Post-Harvest Facilities Public-Private Partnership Procurement Service Research and Development Rural-Based Organizations Regional Development Council Result Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee Roll-Out-Plan Roll-On/Roll-Off Responsible Parenting Movement Regional Social Economic Trends Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program Samar Island Natural Park Small Medium Enterprises State Universities and Colleges Transport, Communications and Storage Tourism Development Areas Telecommunications Office Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Technical Vocational Education and Training Under-Five Mortality Rate Unified National Artificial Insemination Program Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Program Visayas State University 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 MediumTerm 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 regions 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: MA.VICTORIA C. CUAYZON Acting Secretary Approved: GOV. CARLOS JERICHO L. PETILLA
Chair ___________________________________________________________________________________
Secretariat: NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NEDA) Regional Office No. VIII Government Center, Palo, Leyte, Philippines, 6501 Telephone Nos. 323-3090 to 94, 323-2975, 323-2147, 323-4118; Fax: 323-3093 Email:neda8@evis.net.ph URL: http://www.neda8.ph RDC chairs Office: 2F NEDA Regional Office No. VIII Building Telephone No. 524-9306; Fax: 323-8823 email: rdc@evis.net.ph URLs: http://www.rdc8.ph, http://www.evis.net.ph http://www.evonline.net.ph
Attested: BUENAVENTURA C. GO-SOCO, JR. Vice-Chair
Message
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
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 countrys 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
MANILA May 2011
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Message
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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
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Message
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Eastern Visayas
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 administrations 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 everyones 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
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Foreword
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Region VIII
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
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 regions 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.
Table 1. Land Area by Province, 2006 (in hectares) Province Total Land Area 55,549 744,757 571,277 173,480 1,342,863 559,100 433,965 349,798 Biliran Island Leyte Island Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Island Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar
Source: DENR Region VIII
% to Total 3 35 27 8 66 26 20 16
Land Area
The region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares. This accounts for approximately 7.14% of the countrys total land area of 30,000,000 hectares.
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 southwestern portions. Scattered coastal flatlands are found in the northwest of the island. Biliran, the smallest island of the region, has large mountainous interior and narrow coastal areas. The lowlands of Eastern Visayas are endowed with rich land resources fertile soil, abundant water and wet climate suitable for agriculture.
Slope
Some 39% or 841,400 hectares of the regions 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 regions 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 regions 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.
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 regions total land area, forest land accounts for 52.18% while 47.82% are alienable and disposable lands.
Table 2. Land Classification, 2006 (in hectares) Region/Province Philippines Region VIII Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar
Forest Land 15,792,418 1,118,214 89,744 26,900 47,519 62,644 289,743 201,664
A&D 14,207,582 1,024,955 381,532 28,650 125,961 196,456 144,222 148,134
Total Land Area 30,000,000 2,143,169 571,276 55,550 173,480 559,100 433,965 349,798
% to Total
27 3 8 6 20 16
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%.
Table 3. Resource Profile, 2006 (in hectares) Region/Province Region VIII Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar
Forest Land 1,118,214 89,744 26,900 47,519 62,644 289,743 201,664
A&D 1,024,955 381,532 28,650 125,961 196,456 144,222 148,134
Total Land Area 2,143,169 571,276 55,550 173,480 559,100 433,965 349,798
% to Total 27 3 8 6 20 16
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.
Table 4. Proclaimed Major Watershed Areas, 2005 (in hectares) Province Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Samar Name of Watershed Palompon Watershed Forest Reserve Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Hinabian, Lawigan Forest Reserve Catbalogan Watershed Forest Reserve Pan-as Watershed Forest Reserve Loog Watershed Forest Reserve Eastern Samar Northern Samar Bolusao Watershed Forest Reserve Jicontol Watershed Forest Reserve Catubig Watershed Forest Reserve
Municipalities Covered Palompon, Villaba Naval, Almeria and Culaba St. Bernard, Silago Catbalogan, Jiabong Calbayog City Basey Lawaan, Marabut Can-avid, Dolores Catubig, Palapag
% to Total 2,392 1,142 4,536 805 5,132 1,866 4,055 7,390 5,132
Water supply for irrigation facilities is dependent on these watersheds. watersheds will hinder the agricultural productivity of the region.
Degradation of these
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
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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 Islands 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.
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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).
Table 5. Disaster-Prone Areas in Region VIII, 2009 Hazard Earthquake Description Parallel NW Faults to the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) Areas to be Affected Leyte: Tacloban City, Babatngon, San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Palo, Tanauan and Tolosa Samar: San Sebastian Calbayog and Catbalogan Eastern Samar: Can-avid and Giporlos 25 km danger zone along the Philppine Fault Zone 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 NNE Splay Fault from PFZ 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 Liquefaction Biliran: Maripipi and Kawayan Southern Leyte: San Juan Leyte: Alang-alang, Pastrana, Dagami, Sta. Fe, Tabontabon, Dulag, Tolosa, Tanauan, San Miguel, Tacloban City
Source: OCD Region VIII
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.
Table 6. Existing Dumpsites and Junk Shop Facilities, 2009 Province Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Total
Source: EMB Region VIII
Number of LGUs 8 45 19 26 23 24 143
Open Dumpsite Number 5 29 12 14 19 15 94 % 63 64 63 54 83 63 65
Controlled Dumpsite Number 1 6 4 5 2 1 19 % 13 13 21 19 9 4 13
Junkshop
114 16 30 10 28 206
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.
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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 regions 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
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.
Table 7. Demographic Trends, 2000-2007 Region/Province 2000 Philippines Region VIII Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar
Source: NSCB Region VIII
Population 2007 88,574,614 3,912,936 1,722,036 150,031 390,847 695,149 405,114 549,759
Annual Population Growth Rate 2000 - 2007 2.04 1.12 1.09 0.93 1.13 1.12 1.04 1.3
Population Density 2000 255 155 244 262 200 106 81 136 2007 168 264 280 217 115 87 149
76,504,008 3,610,355 1,592,336 140,274 360,160 641,124 375,822 500,639
Figure 1. Projected Population by Age and Sex Group, 2010
The regions 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 Source: NSO Region VIII 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. During 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.
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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 regions 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%.
Figure 3. AFF Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009
10.0 8.0 6.5 6.0 4.5 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 -1.6 3.6 7.0 7.3 5.3
Figure 2. GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009

8 7 6 5 4 3 5.5 5.8 6.4 6.7 5.9 6.2
5.2
5.2
3.1
3.1
3.4
1.8
Target Actual
2
1 0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

7.6
5.1 5.6 4.9 6.2 Target Actual
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
Figure 4. Industry Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009

10.0
8.0
6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0
7.8 5.0 4.8 2.8
7.6 6.0
6.5
6.7
6.7 4.8 Target
2.2 2006 2007 2008 -1.6 2009
Actual
2004
2005
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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.
Figure 5. Services Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009
7.0
6.0 5.2 5.0

4.8
5.5
4.9
5.8
6.0
5.5
5.8 5.5 Target
4.0
3.0
3.2
3.0
2.6
Actual
2.0 1.0 0.0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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
Table 8. Labor Force and Employment Status of Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, 2004-2009 (number in thousand and rate in percent) Employment Status Household Population 15 years old and over In the Labor Force Employed AFF Industry Services Unemployed Visibly Underemployed 2004 Total 2,463 72.1 90.7 49.0 10.6 40.5 9.3 16.1 58.1 88.7 31.2 8.7 60.1 11.3 12.6 85.6 92.0 59.9 11.8 28.4 8.0 18.3 11 Female Male Total 2,541 66.2 95.5 49.3 8.8 41.7 4.5 17.6 51.4 95.7 30.5 8.3 61.1 4.3 16.2 80.7 95.4 59.2 11.3 29.4 4.6 18.3 2005 Female Male Total 2,429 66.0 94.2 48.6 9.7 41.8 4.8 21.4 50.6 94.2 30.0 8.0 62.1 5.8 17.9 80.8 95.2 60.2 10.8 29.1 4.2 23.5 2006 Female Male
Cont. Table 8
Employment Status Household Population 15 years old and over In the Labor Force Employed AFF Industry Services Unemployed Visibly Underemployed
2007 Total 2,536 51.1 94.8 28.2 8.3 64.1 5.2 14.6 80.3 95.4 59.4 11.2 29.2 4.7 19.9 64.8 95.5 47.0 10.0 43.0 4.5 18.0 Female Male Total 2,603 48.8 95.3 27.1 7.6 65.3 4.8 14.2
2008 Female Male Total 2,658 79.9 95.7 58.8 11.2 30.2 4.3 20.1 66.1 94.6 45.5 10.0 44.6 5.4 17.2 50.7 94.3 25.8 7.8 66.4 5.6 14.1
2009 Female Male
81.0 94.8 57.2 11.4 31.4 5.3 19.1
51.1 94.8 28.2 8.3 64.1 5.2 14.6
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, Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group, 2008 workers in the electricity, (in million at current prices) Major Industry Group Philippines water and manufacturing AGRICULTURE, FISHERY AND FORESTRY sector have the highest Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry 91,643 productivity at P762,700 and INDUSTRY P384,934 per worker, Mining and Quarrying 702,468 respectively. However, this Manufacturing 565,480 high productivity is thinly felt Construction 188,987 since the industry sector Electricity and Water 1,812,431* employs only around 10% of SERVICES the total employed persons in Transportation, Communication and Storage 196,458 the region. Ironically, in the Trade 168,818 AFF Sector where almost half Finance 607,226 of the regions employed are Real Estate and Private Services working, productivity is Government Service lowest at only P66,789.
*electricity, gas and water Source of Basic Data: DOLE-NWPC, NSCB Region VIII
Region VIII 66,789 190,671 384,934 182,357 762,700 78,439 35,432 224,040 134,588 189,017
Limited External Trade

The regions exports largely come from PASAR and PhilPhos. In 2005 -2009, the port of LIDE in Isabel, Leyte contributed around 78.6% to the regions 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).
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Table 10. Top Exports, 2005-2009 (value in thousand US dollars) Product Total Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material Chemical and related products Animal and vegetable oil, fats and waxes Crude materials, indelible except fuels Food and live animals Copper cathodes Gold (unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms) Silver(unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms) Copper anodes for electrolytic refining Crude coconut oil Coconut (copra), palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions thereof Sulphuric acid from copper smelter and others Mineral or chemical fertilizers Refined oil (cochin)
2005 2006 2007 2008 412,534 1,539,618 1,653,374 2,018,323 312,768 1,154,679 71,121 98,202 27,100 52,684 8,981 3,085 1,511 3,240 1,293,928 1,309,187 105,782 287,236 94,624 155,184 57,124 123,786 32,316 47,744
2009 966,812
685,545 94,181
61,486
55,821 28,077
The port of LIDE also accounted for 78.6% of the regions 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 11. Top Imports, 2005-2009 (value in thousand US dollars) Product Total Crude materials, indelible except fuels Chemical and related products Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials Manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials Machinery and transport equipment Copper ores and concentrates Anhydrious ammonia Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution Copper anodes for electrolytic refining Iron ores and concentrates Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium phosphates and phosphatic chalk Potassium chloride Sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed sulphur, precipitated sulphur and colloidal sulphur/crude or unrefined
*No available data per commodity Source: NSCB Region VIII
2005 509,879 423,002 62,170 7,830 8,117 8,760
2006
2007
2008
2009 964,679
488,974* 469,629 510,833
374,455 362,622 18,324 23,089 14,689 20,688 13,819 18,411 8,817 18,003
823,215 18,159 26,485
33,795
20,022
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Worsening Poverty
Over a period of six years, poverty Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 situation in Eastern Visayas steadily Region/Province 2003 2006 2009 worsened. From 7th in 2003, Eastern Region VIII 37.6 39.0 41.4 Visayas now ranks 5th in terms of Biliran 38.2 33.8 34.9 severity of poverty among the 17 Eastern Samar 36.4 47.8 54.0 regions. Between 2003 and 2009, the Leyte 37.2 34.9 34.3 magnitude of poor population increased Northern Samar 44.6 53.8 51.2 by 3.8% (33,809) or an addition of Southern Leyte 37.7 30.2 43.3 166,550 individuals bringing the total Samar 33.9 38.1 45.0 number of poor population to 1.7 Source: NSCB Region VIII million. The regions 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.
Table 13. Subsistence Incidence among Population, 2003-2009 Region/Province Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
2003 15.3 14.3 18.3 15.7 18.0 15.4 11.0
2006 18.7 14.3 22.6 15.7 34.9 9.7 16.7
2009 19.0 11.8 32.2 13.4 27.4 15.6 22.5
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 regions 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.
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Table 14. Distribution of Tourists Arrivals in Central Philippines, 2006 Destination Tacloban City Cebu Iloilo Boracay Guimaras Bohol Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Camiguin Camarines Sur Palawan Total Foreigners 7,000 475,000 40,000 185,000 9,000 45,000 30,000 20,000 12,000 13,000 50,000 886,000 Balikbayans N/A 3,000 31,000 32,000 N/A 5,000 15,000 1,000 2,000 13,000 N/A 102,000 Locals 138,000 772,000 294,000 358,000 166,000 170,000 375,000 134,000 206,000 234,000 140,000 2,987,000 Total 145,000 1,250,000 365,000 575,000 175,000 220,000 420,000 155,000 220,000 260,000 190,000 3,975,000 % Distribution 4 31 9 14 4 6 11 4 6 7 5 100
* Note: Figures rounded/STMP-CP Source: DOT Region VIII
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 regions 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
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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. http://iloveeasternvisayas.com/ 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)
Rock Formation, Biri Island http://samar.lgu-ph.com
Calbiga Cave www.lagawan.info
Sohoton Cave www.calicoansurfcamp.com
Calicoan Surf Camp, Guiuan
McArthur Landing Memorial http://www.visitmyphilippines.com
Calanggaman Island
Biliran Shifting Sandbar Higatangan Island
Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge
Lake Danao
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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 regions 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.
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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.
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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.
Table 15. Palay Production, 2004-2009 Province/Region Region VIII Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Southern Leyte Samar
Source: BAS Region VIII
2004 721,932.00 57,885.00 31,875.00 417,048.00 77,787.00 70,990.00 66,347.00
2005 788,857.00 64,538.00 34,722.00 458,641.00 80,293.00 82,451.00 68,212.00
2006 830,287.00 72,930.00 39,529.00 479,264.00 82,478.00 84,413.00 71,673.00
2007 948,827.00 71,817.00 43,734.00 582,840.00 76,766.00 86,902.00 86,768.00
2008 1,030,621.00 70,798.00 47,153.00 605,833.00 101,007.00 99,934.00 105,896.00
2009 952,220.00 69,120.00 46,291.00 530,473.00 89,377.00 102,791.00 144,168.00
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.
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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 regions 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.
Table 16. Sufficiency Index, 2009 Commodity Rice Corn (W) Root Crops Fruits Vegetables Pork Chicken Eggs Beef Carabeef
Source: DA Region VIII
Sufficiency Index 119% 192% 180% 152% 75% 243% 182% 41% 62% 168%
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.
Table 17. Production of Selected Crops, 2007-2008 (in metric tons) Crops Palay Corn Vegetables Fruits
Source: DA Region VIII
2007 948,827.00 88,252.00 196,429.00 256,146.00
2008 1,030,621.00 96,597.00 194,846.42 279,811.00
% Increase 8.6 9.4 -0.8 9.2
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
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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.
Eucheuma Pickles, ESSU Salcedo, E. Samar
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.
Freshwater Prawn Ulang, SLSU, So. Leyte
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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.
http://www.panoramio.com
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 Oil Mill, Tanauan, Leyte 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.
Photo courtesy of DOST VIII Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Training for Barugo Roscas Producers Association, Barugo Leyte
Photo courtesy of DOST VIII Training on Furniture Finishing, Marabut Samar
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 regions 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
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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 Table 18. Outsourcing Companies (ICT) Park generated 216 jobs in Software Inbound/Outbound Telemarketing Technology Business Development and Call Center Services Incubator (TBI) 2007, which grad ually POS APAC Customer Services, Inc. Coredata increased to 423 in 2008, and then to 1,104 in 2009. The zurcSoft, Inc. E-DWG Designs biggest portion w a s Source: Leyte ICT Park 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 Table 19. Major Service Providers (ICT) and service providers in Cellular Network Providers Internet Service Providers Eastern Visayas are Bayan Globe Telecom Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. Telecommunications Inc. Smart Communications, Inc. (wireless 3G) (Bayantel), G l o b e Smart Communications, Inc. Sun Cellular (wireless 3G) T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Sun Cellular (Globe), Smart Telecommu- Source: NTC Region VIII 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
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(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.
Income Creating Opportunities through Technology Project on ICT (ICOT P - ICT) Scholars, ICT Park, Palo, Leyte
Table 20. TESDA Graduates in ICT-Related Diploma (ICT), 2009 Graduates No. 2006 Total School-Based Community-Based Center-Based 2007 Total School-Based Community-Based Center-Based 2008 Total School-Based Community-Based Center-Based
Source: TESDA Region VIII
Total % No.
Female % No.
Male %
2,582 1,540 749 293 12,141 11,264 227 650 12,091 10,633 855 603
100.00 59.70 29.00 11.30 99.80 92.70 1.80 5.30 99.90 87.90 7.10 4.90
1,711 1,078 477 156 5,646 5,213 114 319 6,188 5,540 486 162
66.30 41.80 18.50 6.00 46.40 42.90 0.90 2.60 51.10 45.80 4.00 1.30
871 462 272 137 6,495 6,051 113 331 5,903 5,093 369 441
33.70 17.90 10.50 5.30 53.40 49.80 0.90 2.70 48.80 42.10 3.10 3.60
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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 Increase Participation rate Elementary Secondary Increase completion rate Elementary Secondary Increase cohort survival rate Elementary Secondary Bring down dropout rate Elementary Secondary Bring down dropout rate
Source of Basic Data: DepEd Region VIII
Photo courtesy of DSWD VIII
RDP Target 2010 84.60% 65.09% 77.17% 77.81% 72.39% 73.64% 1.08% 4.1% 78.09%
MDG Target 2010
Accomplishment 2010 80.43% 55.14% 71.70% 70.60% 73.20%
% Below/Above
-4.3 -11.79 -5.47 -7.21 0.81 0.36 5.43 5.48 -19.75%
100.00%
74.00% 6.51% 9.65% 58.34%
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Table 22. Performance Indicators by Level of Education and by Gender, 2009-2010 Indicator Total % Participation Rate Cohort Survival Rate Completion Rate Dropout Rate 87.65 63.57 62.60 1.06 Elementary Male % 86.37 59.37 58.10 1.35 Female % 89.02 68.46 67.81 0.75 Gender Parity Index 1.03 1.09 1.09 0.56 Total % 50.52 63.98 61.17 4.83 Secondary Male % 44.92 60.93 57.77 6.44 Female Gender Parity % Index 56.42 66.92 64.40 3.31 1.26 1.11 1.11 0.51
Table 23. Participation Rates, Elementary and Secondary, 2009-2010
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.
Province/City Biliran Leyte So. Leyte E. Samar No. Samar Samar Calbayog City
Elementary 76.3 74.5 74.4 89.1 90.6 81.6 80.5
Secondary 57.7 49.9 56.1 64.6 51.5 47.3 49.1 60.1 64.6 50.5 55.1 74.2
Participation Rate
83.5 The overall performance of the Ormoc City 80.1 region in terms of participation rate Tacloban City for school year 2009-2010 is about Maasin City 73.7 80.3%. This encompasses private Region VIII 80.4 schools and SUCs. Among Target 2009-2010 74.04 provinces, Eastern Samar and Source of Basic Data: DepEd Region VIII Northern Samar were able to achieve targets above the regional target. The other divisions are below target. Table 24. Cohort Survival Rate, Elementary and Secondary, 2009 Province/City Biliran Leyte So. Leyte E. Samar No. Samar Samar Calbayog City Ormoc City Tacloban City Maasin City Region VIII Target 2009-2010 Elementary 83.0 74.9 87.6 65.6 71.3 65.2 66.5 80.5 86.2 86.8 76.8 74.04 Secondary 74.5 76.5 81.8 73.7 70.5 65.4 71.7 72.7 74.7 83.3 74.5 74.2
At the secondary level, the average participation 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
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the
secondary
level,
the
average
performance of the region is 74.5%, slightly higher than the target. Five divisions showed good performance, namely: Biliran, Leyte, Southern Table 25. Completion Rate vs. 2009-2010 Target Leyte, Tacloban City and Maasin City. Province/City Elementary Secondary
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%.
Biliran Leyte So. Leyte E. Samar No. Samar Samar Calbayog City Ormoc City Tacloban City Maasin City Region VIII Target 2009-2010
80.2 73.5 85.3 65.1 69.1 64.2 65.8 78.1 83.2 83.3 74.8 77.1
71.6 74.2 79.3 69.4 67.3 60.5 57.2 67.8 69.5 82.0 69.9 77.3
A rundown of the elementary completion rate Source of Basic Data: DepEd Region VIII statistics (Table 26) shows that from an
Table 26. Completion Rate Public Elementary School Year 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 Completed Elementary Education Enrolment 141,028 117,577 108,027 102,012 97,406 92,043 CSR % 83 77 72 69 65 61 85,350
enrolment population of 141,028 in SY 20032004, 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 regions labor force or migrate to other regions.
The same trend is also observed at the Table 27. Completion Rate Public Secondary secondary level (Table 27). The enrolment School Year Enrolment population in first year high school from SY 2005-2006 82,479 2005-2006 to SY 2008-2009 reached 82,479. 2006-2007 70,614 Only 49,916 (60.52%) were able to complete 2007-2008 62,176 secondary education. This has left 32,563 students who were unable to secure a high school 2008-2009 55.215 diploma (Table 27). Since this group could not Completed Secondary even qualify for vocational courses offered by TESDA and other government agencies, they Source of Basic Data: DepEd Region VIII also add up to the unskilled or farmers group if they opt to be employed in the region.
CSR % 85.61 75.38 66.94 60.52 49,916
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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.
Table 28. Results of the 2009 NAT Elementary and Secondary Province/City Biliran Leyte So. Leyte E. Samar No. Samar Samar Calbayog City Ormoc City Tacloban City Maasin City Region VIII Elementary 76.6 75.8 80.2 80.7 75.0 77.8 78.0 80.1 76.0 76.1 77.6 Secondary 53.1 56.6 62.0 68.2 63.4 65.9 64.9 62.8 45.5 61.2 60.4
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 29. Number of Government and Private Schools Level Elementary Government Private Secondary Government Private Tertiary Government Private Total Government Private Grand Total 3,948 280 4,228 4,047 312 4,359 4,007 273 4,280 4,020 288 4,308 3,999 213 4,215 35 53 36 54 40 55 41 57 369 104 374 105 382 112 387 123 396 105 3,544 123 3,637 153 3,585 106 3,592 108 3,603 111 04 - 05 05 - 06 School Year 06 - 07 07 - 08 08 - 09
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Schools
Based on an inventory of the regions 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 Table 30. Maternal, Infant and Under-5 Mortality Rates an emerging concern is the rise of Actual Indicator Performance mortality due to non-communicable or RDP Target Based on Latest lifestyle-related diseases. MDG Target 2015 2010 Data Cardio-vascular diseases remain as Maternal mortality rate 56.6 88 per 100T the top killer among adults. From a 84 (2009)* per 100T livebirths Livebirths five-year average rate of 129.84 over Infant mortality rate 20.3 per 23 per 1000 the period 2003-2007, it has 45 (2008)** 1000 livebirths livebirths increased to 143.98 in 2008. This is Under-five mortality rate 32.7 32 per 1000 equivalent to an increase of 587 64 (2008)** per 1000 livebirths livebirths deaths. This scenario is brought Proportion of births attended by 71.5% No target about by unhealthy diet, physical skilled health personnel -100% (2009)* inactivity or sedentary lifestyle, Sources: *DOH-CHD Region VIII, **NSO Region VIII 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%.
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Table 31. Trends in Mortality Leading Causes 5-Year Average (2005-2007) Causes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cardio-vascular Disease (CVD) Pneumonia Malignant neoplasm/cancer Gastro-intestinal diseases Accidents Tuberculosis, all forms Pulmonary diseases Diabetes Mellitus Septicemia Kidney diseases No. 5,114 3,658 1,116 496 886 1,116 803 439 395 482 Rate 129.84 92.88 28.34 12.59 22.5 28.34 20.39 11.15 10.03 12.24 No. 5,701 3,011 1,157 972 901 8.38 714 561 504 449 2008 Rate 143.98 76.04 29.22 24.55 22.76 21.16 18.03 14.17 12.73 11.34
Source: DOH-CHD Region VIII
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 Table 32. Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2010 transmitted diseases revealed Type of Disease Female that 93.1% of those affected Victims of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 498 are women while only 6.9% are Gonorrhea 45 men. Becoming an eco-tourism Non-gonococcal infections 382 haven will increase the risk of Bacterial Vaginosis 18 rural and urban women to Trichomoniasis 42 sexually transmitted diseases Genital Warts 11 (STDs). Precautionary Source: DOH-CHD Region VIII measures for women workers of tourism-related establishments will be needed.
Male 37 32 3 0 0 2
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.
Mother Bles Clinic, Palo, Leyte
As of 2008, not one province of Eastern Visayas was able to meet the standard ratio of population to
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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.
Photo courtesy of NNC VIII
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 Figure 7. Trends in the Prevalence of Underweight National Nutrition among 0-5 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008 Surveys of the FNRI-DOST showed that the 32.1 32.1 35 29.9 prevalence of underweight among 0-5 years old in 30 26.2 24.6 25 the region increased by 2.2% from 2003 to 2005, 26.9 20 and thereafter (2008) stagnated at 32.1%. 15 Whereas, the prevalence of underweight 10 preschoolers in Region VIII in the five-year period 5 has been consistently higher than the national 0 2003 2005 2008 prevalence. However, based on the local weighing Philippines (OPT), a downtrend of malnutrition among Year Eastern Visayas preschoolers has been observed from 2005 to Source: NNS, FNRI - DOST 2009.
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Percentage of Underweight
Figure 8. Trends in the Prevalence of Malnutrition among 0-6 Years Old Children, 2005-2009
Percentage of Malnutrition
25 20 15 10 5
0
21.41 20.40 20.15 19.21
18.17
2.38
2.64
2.10 2.25
2.06
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.
Figure 9. Comparative Data on the Trends of Underweight among 6-10 Years Old Children, 2003, 2005, 2008
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Overweight Year of OPT Underweight Source: Operation Timbang (OPT)
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 1271 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 Source: NNS, FNRI - DOST consumption of unhealthy food is a significant contributor to the problem.
Figure 10. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency and Overweight, 2008
Eastern Visayas Philippines
Overweight/Obese
27.0 26.6 9.1 11.6
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 regions prevalence for the overweight among adults is slightly higher than the national prevalence, while the regions underweight prevalence among adults is lower than that of the country.
Chronic Energy Deficiency
Source: NNS, FNRI - DOST
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Micronutrient Deficiencies and Disorders

Asid e f rom protein energy malnutrition, the region has also a problem of what is called silent malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies or disorders.
Figure 11. Comparative Data on the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among Various Population Groups, 1998 and 2008
1998-Philippines 2008-Philippines 1998-Eastern Visayas 2008-Eastern Visayas
One of these is anemia. Figure 11 61.7 shows that over one decade (1998 59.9 47.3 56.6 50.7 to 2008), anemia among the most 42.5 45.7 vulnerable groups remarkably 29.5 39.5 31.6 23.7 23.7 declined in the region. The biggest 23.6 20.5 reduction was among infants at a 20.5 high 64.3%; lactating mothers, infants preschoolers pregnant women lactating mothers 36.3%; pregnant women, 22.2%; Source: NNS, FNRI - DOST 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 regions 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.
84.8
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.
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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
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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.
Table 33. National Roads, By District, By Type of Pavement, as of September 2010 Type of Pavement (Km) District/City Concrete Biliran Leyte I Leyte II Leyte III Leyte IV Leyte V Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar I Northern Samar II Samar I Samar II Tacloban City Region VIII Philippines 117.2 90.4 144.5 81.1 158.5 175.8 248.0 132.4 171.8 66.3 67.6 102.6 46.4 1,602.6 14,187.0 Paved Asphalt 3.1 18.3 23.6 12.8 3.9 2.6 15.2 165.9 9.4 2.3 58.8 112.7 12.7 441.3 8,282.0 % 79 84 84 52 80 99 93 94 80 59 100 94 85 85 75 Gravel 31.8 17.6 31.3 81.1 39.8 1.0 18.3 19.5 42.0 46.8 12.9 10.4 352.5 7,342.0 Unpaved Earth 3.4 1.0 4.0 4.1 12.5 87.0 % 21 14 16 45 20 1 7 6 18 41 0 6 15 15 25 152.1 129.7 200.4 179.0 202.2 179.4 281.5 317.8 227.3 115.4 126.4 228.2 69.5 2,408.9 29,898.0 Total
Source: DPWH Region VIII
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-TaftBorongan-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-GamayMapanas-Palapag-Laoang road. Also, there is a need to improve the Biliran Circumferential Road and the LeyteCalubian-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba Road in Northern Leyte.
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Deteriorated road along Calbayog-San Isidro section of the Maharlika Highway being rehabilitated
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.
Table 34. Road Density*, By Type, By Province National Roads (Km) a/ 152 960 282 318 343 355 2,409 29,898
a/ b/ -
Local Roads (Km) b/ Provincial City/ Municipal 37 357 241 156 89 123 1,003 16,769
Province
Barangay/ FMR Roads (Km) c/ 222 1,676 582 1,125 305 395 4,304 88,363
Land Area Total (Sq. Km.) d/ 556 5,713 1,735 4,340 3,498 5,591 21,432 300,000
Road Density (Km of Road/ Sq. Km of Land) 0.84 0.62 0.85 0.42 0.35 0.18 0.45 0.55
Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar Samar Region VIII Philippines
Sources:
57 552 364 231 493 154 1,851 29,156
467 3,545 1,468 1,829 1,230 1,027 9,567 164,186
Note: Square kilometer of road per square kilometer of land (Sq. Km. of road/Sq. Km. of land) 2008 RSET, NSCB Region VIII 2008 RSET (Provincial & City Roads) b/ & c/ d/ DPWH Atlas DENR Region VIII
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.
Table 35. Motor Vehicle Registration, By Type, 2005-2009 Type of Registration Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Average Annual Growth Rate Total Private Government For Hire Diplomatic 2,182 2,053 2,066 1,999 2,189 0.1 15,336 14,889 15,029 14,788 15,195 0.2 1 2 0 0 0 0 105,874 88,355 110,894 93,952 119,946 102,851 124,008 107,221 127,354 109,970 4.1 4.8 % Increase 4.7 8.1 3.4 2.7
Sources: LTO Region VIII
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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 countrys 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 regions 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.
Ferry boat plying the Allen, Northern Samar Matnog, Sorsogon route
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 regions 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.
DZR Airport, Tacloban City
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 movements, 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 years 635,264 passengers. Also in the same year, cargo movements in these airports reached 5,788 tons or an increase of 27%
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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
Figure 12. Transport Network
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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.
Table 36. Status of Irrigation Development, By Province, By Type, (In hectares), as of December 2009 Province Biliran Leyte So. Leyte E. Samar N. Samar Samar Samar Island Region VIII Existing Service Area by Type (Ha.) Potential Irrigable National Communal OGA Private Total Area (Ha.) 5,664 52,236 6,630 18,732 16,454 15,782 50,959 115,489 18,118 386 18,504 2,786 12,692 3,900 4,037 3,479 1,908 9,424 28,802 554,020 383 2,116 532 552 25 577 3,608 280 4,848 1,178 520 395 915 7,221 3,449 37,774 5,996 4,037 4,551 2,328 10,916 58,135 % to 6% 65% 10% 7% 8% 4% 19% 100% Area for Percent Develop(%) ment (Ha.) Developed 2,215 14,462 634 14,686 11,903 13,454 40,043 57,354 1,606,398 61 72 90 22 28 15 21 50 49
Philippines** 3,126,340 748,593
217,329 1,519,942
* Constructed by Other Government Agencies ** As of December 2008 Source: NIA Region VIII
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
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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 Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field 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.
Table 37. Status of Electrification, By Province, By Cooperative, as of December 2009 Province/Cooperative Biliran/BILECO* Leyte DORELCO LEYECO II LEYECO III LEYECO IV LEYECO V Southern Leyte/SOLECO Eastern Samar/ESAMELCO Northern Samar/NORSAMELCO Samar SAMELCO I SAMELCO II Region VIII Philippines Region VIII Philippines % share of Region VIII
Maripipi is served by Maripipi Multipurpose Cooperative Source: NEA Region VIII
No. of Towns/Cities Covered Energized % 8 8 100 43 43 100 13 13 100 3 3 100 9 9 100 6 6 100 12 12 100 19 19 100 23 24 26 10 16 143 23 24 26 10 16 143 100 100 100 100 100 100
No. of Barangays Covered Energized 132 132 1,639 1,638 499 498 196 196 285 285 245 245 414 414 500 500 596 569 951 427 524 4,387 36,030 563 569 934 414 520 4,336 35,860 Unenergized 51 170
% 100 99.9 99.8 100 100 100 100 100 94 100 98 97 99 99 99 1 0.5 30
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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 regions 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 projects 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 regions 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.
Satellite Tower, Tacloban City
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.
Table 38. Basic Telephone Indicators, 2006-2009 Year Indicators No. of installed Telephone Lines No. of Subscribed Telephone Lines % of Subscribed Telephone Lines
Source: NTC Region VIII
2006 200,514 60,458 30.2
2007 205,849 60,119 29.2
2008 200,469 59,964 30
2009 200,469 59,964 30
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
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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 highlights 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.
Leyte Provincial Capitol Building
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.
Table 39. State of Local Governance, 2009 Region/LGU Region VIII Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Samar Eastern Samar Northern Samar Economic 1.94 2.38 1.67 1.87 1.69 1.67 2.34 Environment 3.05 3.14 3.18 3.17 2.84 2.99 2.95 42 Social 3.32 3.53 3.24 3.66 2.91 3.43 3.12 Administrative 3.80 4.08 3.83 3.92 2.61 4.38 4.00 Overall Rating 3.02 3.28 2.98 3.16 2.51 3.12 3.10
Source: www. blgs.gov.ph/lgpms
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.
Table 40. Regional Summary Report Administrative Governance, 2009 Region/ LGU Biliran Leyte So. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar Region VIII Legislation 3.43 4.75 3.57 2.89 4.38 3.57 3.77 Development Planning 3.79 5.00 4.89 3.25 4.78 4.49 4.37 Revenue Generation 3.61 3.40 3.16 4.09 4.01 4.12 3.73 Resource Allocation & Utilization 4.57 1.00 3.00 1.00 3.71 2.83 2.69 Human Resource Management & Development 5.00 5.00 5.00 1.80 5.00 5.00 4.47 Overall Rating 4.08 3.83 3.92 2.61 4.38 4.00 3.80
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms
Also, while the regions 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 regions 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 regions capacity to spur economic development is still weak. This could be due to inability to promote a business-friendly environment. Cumbersome
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permit and registration procedures discourage entrepreneurs to engage in business.

Table 41. Regional Summary Report Economic Governance, 2009 Region/ LGU Biliran Leyte So. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar Region VIII Support to Agriculture Sector 4.65 4.93 4.07 2.57 4.22 4.34 4.13 5.00 5.00 4.17 Support to Fishery Services 5.00 5.00 5.00 Entrepreneurship, Business & Industry Promotion 2.34 5.00 4.00 1.34 4.34 4.67 3.62 Overall Rating 4.00 4.98 4.36 1.30 4.52 4.67 3.97
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.
Table 42. Regional Summary Report Environmental Governance, 2009 Region/ LGU Biliran Leyte So. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar Region VIII Ecosystem Resource Management Forest 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.33 5.00 5.00 4.56 Freshwater 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.33 5.00 5.00 4.56 Coastal Marine 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.67 5.00 5.00 4.78 Urban 3.08 4.76 4.92 1.80 1.00 3.40 3.16 Overall Rating 4.52 4.94 4.98 2.53 4.00 4.60 4.26
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
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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.
Table 43. Regional Summary Report Social Governance, 2009 Region/ LGU Biliran Leyte So. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar Region VIII Health Ser vices 4.83 5.00 5.00 2.67 4.83 5.00 4.56 Support to Education Services 4.15 5.00 4.55 2.35 4.75 4.00 4.13 Support to Housing & Basic Utilities 4.20 5.00 5.00 1.00 3.00 4.60 3.80 Peace, Security & Disaster Risk 4.31 5.00 4.67 3.13 4.82 4.75 4.45 Overall Rating 4.37 5.00 4.81 2.29 4.35 4.59 4.23
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.
Table 44. Regional Summary Report Valuing Fundamentals of Governance, 2009 Region/ LGU Biliran Leyte So. Leyte Samar E. Samar N. Samar Region VIII Participation 4.33 433 4.00 1.83 5.00 2.67 3.69 Transparency 4.87 5.00 5.00 2.60 5.00 5.00 4.58 Financial Accountability 4.08 4.83 4.59 4.40 4.40 4.92 4.54 Overall Rating 4.43 4.72 4.53 2.94 4.80 4.20 4.27
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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 regions 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. j. Poor management and utilization of idle lands 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 organizational 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
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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 regions 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
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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 regions 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
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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 regions 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, entrepreneurship, business and industry promotion in the province of Samar agriculture,
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 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
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Philippine-
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
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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 Eastern Visayas is a logical approach given its resources. Thus, in the next six years, development programs, projects and policies shall be directed towards the achievement of the following goals and objectives:
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
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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
Various Products in Eastern Visayas Photo courtesy of DOST VIII
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.
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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.
Photo courtesy of DOST VIII
Instant Ginger Tea, Javier Leyte
Photo courtesy of DOST VIII Cinnamon Cookies Roscas Barugo, Leyte
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 farmers 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
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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 technologies, 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 Ulot Torpedo Boating, Paranas Samar 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.
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Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge, Southern Leyte
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 regions 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 peoples 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
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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.
ICT Park, Palo Leyte
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
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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 agribusiness, 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
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immunization, disperse immunization points to increase access. These strategies are double time efforts to catch up with the regions 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
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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 regions transmission and distribution facilities 14.5. Developing the regions 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 publics 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
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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 Table 45. Proportion of Population Below the regions agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism Poverty Threshold (Target), 2011-2016 industries will propel the region towards significant increase of economic activities in local communities, thereby generating and substantial dramatically employment reducing the
Year 1991 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: NSCB
opportunities
proportion of population below the poverty threshold
MDG Target 45.1* 26.3 25.4 24.4 23.5 22.6 21.6
from 41.4% in 2009 to 21.6% in 2016, consistent *Baseline Data with the MDG target of halving the proportion of poor population.
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Table 46. Proportion of Population Below the Subsistence (Food) Threshold (Target), 2011-2016
Year 1991 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
*Baseline Data Source: NSCB
MDG Target 24.4* 14.2 13.7 13.2 12.7 12.2 11.7
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. Table 47. GRDP Growth Rates, 2011-2016
Year 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 20-14-2015 2015-2016
Source: NEDA Region VIII
Growth Rates GRDP 5.26 5.31 5.39 5.46 5.54 5.61 AFF 5.10 5.16 5.26 5.37 5.52 5.62 Industry 5.36 5.43 5.45 5.49 5.52 5.57 Services 5.32 5.37 5.46 5.53 5.59 5.63
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.
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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 governments exercise of power on the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens.
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RESULT EVALUATION AND MONITORING MATRIX (REMM)
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 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%
Increase in food See specific strategies below sufficiency levels
See specific activities below
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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%
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 No. of investors and amount of new investments in agriculture and fishery: increased by 15%
1. Increase investments in agriculture and fishery 1.1 Strengthen corporate farming system in a supervised credit scheme 1.2 Promote climate changesensitive technologies for commercialization
Conduct Investment Fora Tap private sector/corporation to invest in corporate farming or contract growing Technology investment forum Advocacy/implementation of Technology Transfer Law (R.A. 10055) DA, DTI BFAR DA DOST, VICARP, EVCIERD PCA
1.3 Create mechanism that Strengthen regional private sectorcould address the splintered led Coco Industry Council production system of coconut industry Conduct Coconut Industry Summit 1.4 Promote agro-enterprise clusters Strengthen vegetable, jackfruit and goat industry clusters Reproduce and distribute posters and brochures on pastures
DA, VSU
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 brochures 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
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Develop Mariculture Parks (MPs) 1.5 Encourage investment in agri-fishery production and processing technologies and facilities that are resilient to climate change
BFAR
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Business Names Registration (BNR) increased by 15%; No. of businesses from Mayors Permits reports increased by 15% No. of viable/sustainable MSMEs (including those operated by women) increased by 15%
2. Increase investments in MSMEs
Conduct Investment Forum Conduct Financing Forum Facilitate Investment Matching
DTI, LGUs
2.1 Establish database on MSMEs
Establish MSMEs database system Prepare directories of MSMEs Institutionalize data collection system re MSMEs
DTI
Market information readily available
NSCB NERBAC as center for knowledge data sources: management and research; the DTI, SEC, CDA, DOST central database for MSMEs and LGUs (provinces) DAC/DILG LGUs with Local Investment/ Incentive Codes (LIIC) increased by 15%
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2.2 Provide incentives to MSMEs Conduct advocacy and TA to LGUs on Investment/Incentive Code formulation and Investment Incentive Plan Tax holidays 2.3 Promote industrial peace Expand LMCs to non-organized sector Expand Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and create ITCs on HRT to provincial level and key cities
DTI, CDA DOLE, NCMB, NLRC, 6 LMCs per year in 6 years RTWPB, NMP, OWWA, POEA, PRC, TESDA and Tripartite Indus- 7 Provincial TIPCs and ITCs on trial Peace Councils HRT
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 2.4 Streamline Business Process Licensing System (BPLS) in towns and cities
ACTIVITIES Implement the Single Entry Approach to adjudication of Labor and Employment Cases in all provinces Conduct BPLS Streamlining Workshops/Validation Advocate setting up of NERBAC in all provincial capitals
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 100% implemented
DILG (Lead), DTI, LGUs DTI (lead) LGUs, DILG(lead) DTI
6 provincial NERBACs established - Maximum turn-around time for the processing of license applications: 5 days
Assist LRED municipalities/cities Advocate for the adoption of streamlined BPLS to LGUs Strengthen local Business Development Services (BDS) to assist MSMEs to be competitive 2. 5 Establish Technology Business Incubator and Technomart Establish facility Conduct technology commercialization via TBI and technomart VSU VSU and VICARPmember agencies Facility developed-3 buildings No. of technology commercialized - 30 No. of new entrepreneurs/ locators - 30 No. of persons directly employed - 120 Accessed capital/loan/ financial assistance by MSMEs: P60 M LGUs adopting streamlined BPLS increased from 3% in 2010 to 75% by 2016
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3. Provide access to capital
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 3.1 Link MSMEs to sources of capital
ACTIVITIES Implement Small Enterprise Technology 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
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016
No. of MSMEs assisted: 600
VSU, VICARP-member Agencies No. of people engaged in techno-based livelihood/ self employed 50 DOLE CDA, QUEDANCOR, LBP, DBP, DAR No. of organizations able to avail of credit/amount of loan availed: increase by 15%
3.2 Provide livelihood grants to informal sector

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Establish partnership with LGUs, private firms and funding agencies -Networking and fund-sourcing -Organizing and training of interested participants Implement Workers Income Augmentation Program (WINAP)
3.3 Promote bankability or credit worthiness of individual farmers/ farmers groups, coops, MSMEs 3.4 Provide innovative financing schemes 3.5 Strengthen agricultural guarantee/financial intermediaries in support to capital
Link mature organizations coops with existing credit institutions Disseminate information on fund sources Provide TA on fund sourcing Institute counterparting scheme
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 4. Provide aggressive/intensive promotion and marketing assistance to MSMEs
ACTIVITIES 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
AGENCIES LGUs, DTI, PIA, CDA, Media, DOST
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 No. of trade fairs 12 No. of exhibitors 67 No. of market matching conducted 100
LGUs DTI
No. of pasalubong centers sustained in 6 provinces Increase revenues of formal business establishments by 20% No. of farmers organizations assisted/ organized
5. Build capacity of/empower farmers Implement Capacity Development/ as entrepreneurs Enhancement Program
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CDA, DAR, LGUs
5.1 Build organizational capacity of MSMEs for a productive engagement with other industry players 5.2 Organize small entrepreneurs and business groups
Conduct formal and non- formal trainings (e.g. empowering sessions to potential entrepreneurs including women) > skills trainings > techno transfer trainings > entrepreneurial trainings Conduct operations management, capability building to coops (trainings and practicum) and educational exposure
LGUs, DTI, CDA, DOLE, No. of trainings by DTI - 300 DOST,DA, DAR, BFAR
CDA
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
5.3 Implement capability development/ enhancement program for farmers
Conduct entrepreneurial trainings/ activities Carry out Extension, Education and Training Services
DTI DA, ATI
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Conduct seminars/trainings for the trainers at the PLGU level
AGENCIES
6. Carry out environment-friendly Conduct product development for product development and packag- root crops, coconut and abaca ing/labeling Interventions 6.1 Continuous product development especially for processed food, GTH including souvenir items for tourists Conduct Products and Other Trade Organizations Summit (POTOS) Develop regional/provincial branding and generic packaging 6.2 Provision of eco-friendly packaging and labeling assistance to MSMEs 6.3 Provide product development assistance to women operated MSMEs Conduct Products and Other Trade Organizations Summit (POTOS) Develop regional/provincial branding and generic packaging
VSU, VICARP-member No. of new products found Agencies acceptable and economically viable 25 SUCs 1 regional summit conducted
DOST/DTI
Markets penetrated by products with packaged interventions: increased by 15%
VSU, VICARP-member No. of new products found Agencies acceptable and economically viable 25 SUCs 1 regional summit conducted Markets penetrated by products with packaged interventions: increased by 15%
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6.4 Capability building workshop Give TA on packaging and labelling for local designers 6.5 Promote strong involvement Give TA on the utilization of recyof LGUs in MSME develop- cled products as packaging materiment als Conduct product development clinique and consultation Prepare promo collaterals Conduct trainings for local designers
DOST/DTI
DTI, DOST EMB DTI, DOST
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Implement One Town One Product (OTOP) Mainstream MSME development in local plans
AGENCIES DTI DTI, DILG, LGUs DOLE RCC
Increase in labor productivity
7. Improve workers conditions in the Implement Continuing Labor and workplace Employment Education Program (CLEEP) 7.1 Implement labor standards in establishments 7.2 Strengthen partnership with POs/NGOs, TIPCs on labor standards awareness (Labor Relations, Human Relations and Productivity Seminars, Employers Forums, Labor Education for Graduating Students) Implement Labor Standards Enforcement Program a. Self Assessment Approach b. Inspection Approach c. TAV Approach
No. of seminars 30
No. of establishments covered 140 No. of workers covered 1,400
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Increase in productivity of agriculture and fishery
8. Increase agricultural and aquamarine 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.
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Coconut: 3 tons/ha./yr. Abaca: 800 kg/ha./yr.
8.2 Establish techno-demo farms production and the dissemination of information, education and communication materials
Implement Techno Gabay Program
DA-ATI, DOST, VICARP, LGUs, SUCs DA-ATI (lead), DOSt,TAPI, LGUs
270 techno demo on rice per year: Integrated; Water Saving; Compact; Hybrid Rice Ratooning; Farm Mechanization; Palayamanan Concept 72 other techno demos conducted per year 32 on farm trainings No. of firms assisted increased by 15% No. of students-beneficiaries increased by 15%
Implement the Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) and Manufacturing Producitivity Extension (MPEX) programs Strengthen implementation of DOST Academe Technology Based Extension Development (DATBED) Program
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Encourage cultivation of idle lands and proper use of production lands
Conduct advocacy/policy support for the utilization of idle lands Implement Abaca Expansion Project
FIDA
Expansion areas for abaca 1,078 has.: Leyte 300 N. Samar 350 E. Samar 150 Samar 200 Biliran 78 30% of coconut land fully utilized under the NCPP
Maximize coconut farm utiliza- Implement National Coconut Productivity Program tion (e.g. intercropping) Integrated farming and planting/ replanting of high-yielding and fastgrowing varieties
PCA
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 8.4 Maximize use of inland and marine water resources
ACTIVITIES Do regular seeding of tilapia fingerlings in backyard fishponds and communal bodies of water
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 140MT tilapia harvested annually from backyard fishponds and communal bodies of water 1 idle fishpond converted annually
BFAR
8.5 Utilize indigenous resources as inputs to maximize production Promote organic farming Pilot community-based organic fertilizer facilities -Rice Organic Farming -Vermi Composting Establish local/accessible supply of organic fertilizer (large-scale composting) Promote organic farming 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 VSU DA 1,500 farmers per year farmers shift to organic farming 50 pilot demo farms on organic farming per year 1 large-scale composting facility developed
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VSU, IPB and ISAA
Volume of organic fertilizer produced -6,000 bags No. of organic farming practitioners-200
Produce corn and cassava for feeds
DA
No. of GMO crops tested-3
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Carry out large-scale production of cassava in Region VIII - Development of local assembler/ buyer - Training ATs for technical assistance in the cassava production
AGENCIES VSU, VICARP, LGUs, private firms
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 No. of assemblers/buyer- 5 No. of farmers engaged in cassava production-200 Volume of cassava chips produced-8,000 MT 1 feed mill established in 2011
8.6 Provide Pre- and PostHarvest Facilities (PPHF) through Rural-Based Organizations (RBOs)
Establish one feed mill to be managed under public-private partnership
Phil. Mech.
9. Climate Change Adaptation in Agri- Introduce varietal improvement in culture and Fishery root crops and coconut 9.1 Promote the utilization of improved genes/species of local crops, livestock and poultry that are less vulnerable to climate change Implement Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program: Genetic Improvement Program a. Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) b. Male Breeder Loan Program Genetic Resources Improvement Program (small and large ruminants) Institute breeder stock production in private and government farms Implement UNAIP Implement Male Breeder Distribution Program
VSU, VICARP mem- No. of new varieties developed and recommended by NSICber-agencies
10
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DA PLGUs MLGUs
No. of new varieties developed and recommended by NSIC10
Livestock/Poultry Inventory (heads/year): Carabao - 20,000 Cattle 1,034 Goat 6,909 Swine - 124,661 Chicken- 507,757
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Campaign from the private sector to invest in the establishment of breeder farms. Intensify breeder production at the Provincial LGU. Intensify the implementation of the UNAIP at P/MLGU levels.
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Breeder farms established- 4 farms/yr. Breeders produced200 heads/breeder farm/yr. Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) localization/ expansion- 8 municipalities/yr. 500 A.I. services/ municipality/yr.
DA PLGUs MLGUs
Disperse Male Breeder from existing dispersal program Intensify the campaign on the utilization of the improve species of pastures. Distribute planting materials for pasture free of charge from DA-Livestock stations.
Male breeder distributed from govt. station10 bulls/yr.; 50 bucks/rams/year Hectarage of pasture developed-100 has./yr. Distribution of planting materials-10 tons/yr. R&D activities conducted- 50
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Continue R&D activities in agricultural production and agricultural products processing including industry, energy and health
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 9.2 Pursue aggressive R&D of climate change-sensitive technologies, climate proof support facilities and climate -responsive food production system
ACTIVITIES Promote protective cultivation of vegetables to LGUs Conduct training of growers Establish protective structures Practice/adopt protected cropping
AGENCIES
SUCs, DA, DOST, DAR, No. of LGUs investing on proDOH, VICARRP, EVCItected cropping- 20 ERRD, EVHRDC No. of growers trained- 100 VICARP No. of protective structures established-100
VICARP, LGUs DA and Volume of produce from profunding agencies tected cropping area No. of individuals partially employed-200
9.3 Promote aquaculture technologies that are climatechange resilient
Implement Seaweed Roll-Over Scheme Implement livelihood in Mariculture Parks (MPs)
BFAR
231 MT of seaweeds harvested for 2011 (10% increase annually) 1,362 MT bangus harvested for 2011(10% increase annually)
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Implement Mussel Hanging Culture Method Project in Maqueda Bay Establish satellite nurseries and hatcheries operated by private persons or fish coops Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) program 10,500MT mussel harvested for 2011 (10% increase annually) 1 nursery/hatchery every year
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 9.4 Control and manage pests and diseases
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES DOST/TAPI
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Reduction in farm losses by 15% Rehabilitation of abaca farms: Southern Leyte6,000 has. Leyte600 has.
Produce disease-resistant coconut and abaca varieties Implement coconut and abaca disease management Develop GMO abaca resistant to abaca bunchy-top disease DA, PCA, FIDA
VSU-NARC, DOST and No. of resistant clones develChun Ching Univ., Tai- oped-2 wan DA
9.5 Prevent and control diseases in livestock and Poultry

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Implement Animal Health Program on Prevention and Control of Diseases
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
Implement FIELDs (Fertilizer, Irrigation, Education and Extension , Dryers)
DA, PCA, FIDA
drought tolerant 25,170 has. submerged tolerant 9,895 has. saline tolerant 676 has.
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
BFAR BFAR
5,000 mangrove propagules planted 2 fish sanctuaries established; 50 giant clam seeded annually 14 MPs monitored; 11 bays monitored for red tide occurrence
BFAR
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 9.9. Strengthen agricultural and fisheries weatherbased insurance system
ACTIVITIES Advocate crop insurance to LGUs and raise awareness of farmers Assist farmers/groups to avail of weather-based insurance
AGENCIES PCIC, LGUs
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Has. covered by crop insurance: 2011 - 6,936 2012 - 7,979 2013 - 9,130 2014 - 10,552 2015 - 12,133 2016 - 13,953 Farmers covered by crop insurance: 2011 - 6,686 2012 7,690 2013 - 8,809 2014 10,172 2015 11,695 2016 13,449 Amount of insurance coverage: 2011 - P114.5M 2012 - 131.7M 2013 - 151.5M 2014 - 174.2M 2015 - 200.3M 2016 - 230.4M
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9.10 Intensify public invest ment in construction rehabilitation of climateproof Production and Post-Harvest Support Services
Farm Mechanization and Post Harvest Development Program Utilize NFA existing PHF facilities
DA NFA
Pre-Post Harvest Facilities (PPHF): rice threshers 142 farm level grains center -18 community-based drying services center 43 provincial level rice seed processing centers - 7
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 corn shellers - 93 corn millers 69 corn dryers 237
Establish trading posts/ Bagsakan Centers
1 Bagsakan Center annually For 2011: 1 unit reefer van 1 unit mobile ice maker 1 cold storage facilities
9.11 Ensure availability of climate change-ready seed variety

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Establish climate-proof post harvest facilities for aqua-marine products
BFAR
1 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) facility 10% increase in touristoriented establishments (TOE)/ yr. 10% increase/ yr. in the amount of investment generated in tourism-related establishments
10. Develop the regions ecotourism Identify priority investment areas Potential using the tourism-value chain analysis 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 Fine-tune TDAs action plans. Validate tourism circuits/test run TDA tourism circuits
DOT, LGUs, Local Tourism Councils
Lobby adoption of TDAs action and operation plan Benchmark successful tourist destinations
RDC, DOT DOT, LGUs,
No. of MSMEs, including coops, NGOs, community organizations, peoples organization, households/ 10% increase/yr. in amount invested/ Jobs created/ incremental value
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 10.3 Provide technical assistance to LGUs in tourism development planning/ Networking with the local government units
ACTIVITIES Conduct investment forum by value chain/business matching For in-bound travel and tours
AGENCIES DOT, LGUs
No. of MSMEs, including coops, NGOs, community organizations, peoples organization, DOT (lead) households/ DTI, LGUs, Travel and 10% increase/yr. in amount Tours Agencies, CCIs/ invested/ Business Sector Jobs created/ incremental value DOT (lead) DTI, LTO, LTFRB, MARINA, CAAP, CCIs Transport Business No. of tourist destinations with tourist-quality transport 10% increase/yr.
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For convention centers, hotels and restaurants or homestay
DOT(lead), LGUs, No. of tourist-quality HRAs NSCB, NSO 10% increase/yr. DOT, DTI, DPWH, PNP, DENR, EMB, MGB, No. of ECC/CNC issued PAMB LGU (lead) in coordina- No. of tourism sites ready for tion with DOT, DTI, tourists DPWH, PNP, DENR, EMB, MGB, PAMB VSU No. of tourism loops established No. of visitors-12,000 No. of tourist-quality pasalubong No. of accessible tourist destinations Tourism Development Areas
For site development
Establish three agri-tourism loops: Fun (livestock) farm, Eco -Farm, Nature Loop For souvenirs/native delicacies/local products
DTI DPWH, LGUs, DOT
10.4 Public investment support Provide accessibility to and within the destination
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area (Tacloban-Sohoton Road) Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area (Lake Danao Access Road & Circumferential 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
AGENCIES
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Northeastern Leyte-Basey Area 10.5 Develop and upgrade Mini Jetty Ports at: facilities and amenities in Brgy. Inuntan the TDAs that are risk- free Base of Sohoton Cave, Basey, from natural and man-made Samar hazards 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
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Rest Area at Mainit Hotspring at Brgy. Villa Vicenta, Caibiran, Biliran
AGENCIES
Southern Leyte Area Silago Visitor Reception Center and Rest Area in Silago, Southern Leyte Libagon-Liloan Junction Visitor Reception Center and Rest Area in Libagon-Liloan Junction, Southern Leyte
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Come up with geo-hazard mapping Identify tourist attractions located within geo-hazard areas Create risk reduction and disaster response teams in said areas
MGB
Has. of strict protection delineated
Prepare Protected Area Management Plan Award stewards (MSMEs, including Tourist Developer, Cooperative, Peoples Organization, Households, Individuals) Carry out social preparation and mobilization Rehabilitate/restore degraded areas
DENR, LGUs, PAMB DENR (in coordination with DOT, LGUs)
4 Protected Area Management Plans prepared
DENR (in coordination with DOT, LGUs) DENR, BFAR, LGUs, VSU/ Stewards Has. of biodiversity regained 1,137 (2011)
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Upland reforestation/ rainforestation Mangrove reforestation
AGENCIES
DENR, VSU/ Stewards No. of has. reforested with indigenous forest species DENR, BFAR No. of has. reforested with indigenous mangroves No. EIAs and other clearances issued
Undertake Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for tourism sites/facilities Prepare/implement Solid Waste Management Plan
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EMB, LGUs, Stewards No. of tourism areas with solid (in coordination with waste management system DOT, PAMB) 10% increase/yr. DOT, LGUs No. and percentage of HRAs/ tourism-related MSMEs accredited11 (2011) 12 (2012) 10% increase/ yr. NOTE: full implementation of mandatory accreditation will be in 2012 EMB/LGUs/ Private Sector DOT, LGUs No. of water bodies monitored No. and percentage of tourism -worth products- 10% increase per year
10.6 Establish/maintain tourism standards (Classification System)
Make inventory of tourism enterprises (primary and secondary) Conduct campaign /advocacy re: tourism standards and accreditation Enforce mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises Monitor accredited establishments Revitalize Hotel and Restaurant Associations Monitor water bodies for safe use as recreation
10.7 Develop tourism products
Inventory and assessment of: destinations and attraction festivals and events tour packages and tourism circuits
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES tourism products/activities - spelunking/caving - mountaineering - surfing - Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving - Island hopping
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 1 tourism product per TDA / year 1 tourism product for SIBP project site
10.8 Conduct strong promotion of tourism Icons
1. Create Eastern Visayas Tourism 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
Increased tourist arrivals10%/yr.
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OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 10.9 Develop capacities and skills needed to enhance tourism competitiveness (Human Resource Development
ACTIVITIES Capability building of PAMBs Training of tourism police TOP COP training for destinations with heavy tourist traffic (high visitor 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
AGENCIES DENR/DOT
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Number of tourism areas with police visibility/ Decrease in crime rate
PNP (in coordination with DOT, PAMB) LGUs (in coordination with DOT)
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Creation of Tourism Crisis Communications 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 DOT, LGUs, PNP, Safety / Safety of Women and Chil- PhilArmy, DSWD, LTO/ dren in Tourism TRAFFIC PATROL GROUP, OCD, Private sector Tourism Enterprises, Red Cross Decline in the number of casualties in marine-bound and mountain-bound Decline in number of crimes against tourist Increase in number of protected women and children
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES 1. Capability building on tourism marketing Training of packaging and costing Training on tourism marketing and promotion Training of product branding and imaging
AGENCIES
DOT, LGUs, Private Number of EV tourism web sites sector and stakehold- developed and operational ers NOTE: having many tourism web(DOT-8 web hosting of sites for the region will create TDAs) confusion. There should only be one. And this can offer links to the websites of the LGUs and private sector DOT, LGUs Training on preparing promotional collaterals Training, development and website hosting for tourism DOT, LGUs, TESDA, ACADEME, tourism enterprises Frequency of EV-focused exposure per week, per month, bimonthly, quarterly, annually
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 products to be operated by Pos) c. Training of manpower - Technical Skills - First aid Basic management, record keeping and bookkeeping skills
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OUTCOME
STRATEGIES 11. Promote ecosystem-based management approaches, conservation efforts, and sustainable environment to reduce climate change risks and vulnerability of natural ecosystems and biodiversity
ACTIVITIES Seminar/orientation on R.A. 7942 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Advocate/Strengthen Information, Education and Communication activities on existing environmental laws Partnership with the LGUs for watershed 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
AGENCIES MGB/LGUs
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 LGUs and other stakeholders trained/oriented
MGB/DENR/LGUs/ PNP EMB VSU and VICARP Number and watershed areas under rehabilitation or rehabilitated Number of LGUs engaged in watershed rehabilitation Quality of drinking water monitored and assessed No. of LGUs assisted In the safe closure and rehabilitation 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
EMB/MGB/ LGU DENR
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DENR/SIBP/LGUs/ RDC NEDA
DENR NEDA
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Training on GIS Mapping for Provincial and Municipal Planners
AGENCIES
Fast track Passage of the Samar Island Natural Park Bill Lobby at the two houses Advocacy/Orientation/Reorientation for new and old Local Chief executives in the Samar Island provinces
SINP Bill
12. ICT Industry Promotion 12.1 Expand ICT Park

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Expansion of ICT Park Leyte Academic Center
DTI, DOST, Province of Leyte-LAC TESDA
12.2 Promote the establishment Establishment of ICT Park in of ICT companies in Eastern Catarman, Northern Samar Visayas 12.3 Promote linkages/tie-up with ICT companies 12.4 Provide incentives for newly-established ICT enterprises Sustain/strengthen Blue Desk Officers Technology Business Incubators Selling Missions Trade Fairs (Quarterly) ICOT-P I-Tax No. of incubates Selling missions 67 companies per year 4 trade fairs per year
OUTCOME Educated and highly skilled labor force in support of the agri-business, ICT and ecotourism sectors Increased participation rate in elementary, secondary & tertiary levels
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
Increase facilities and resources to cope with more enrolment
- 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 promote availment of scholarships/ agricultural extension program; Secure funding and full implementation of tracers studies - Information dissemination to promote availment of scholarships/ agricultural extension program; - Forge linkages with LGUs and other government agencies in providing 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 development/ training for tourism establishments on new trends
DepEd, LGUs, DSWD, Increase participation rate to SUCs & other con- 100% by 2016, 0% dropout rate cerned agencies by 2016, no. of schools, no. of teachers, no. of teacher trainings, no. of beneficiaries of school-based programs, SUCs, DBM, TESDA, DOST LGUs, PHEIs HEIs, DBM No. of scholarship grantees, extension programs availed No. of tracer studies fully implemented, updated database of graduates employed No. of farmers adopting appropriate technology, no. of frontline workers trained, no. of graduates proficient in English & ICT literate, Organized regional/ provincial association of tour guides
Advocacy in the availment of scholarship & training programs

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Establish database of graduates employed within-outside the region Increased Skills of frontline tourism/ ICT workers, farmers , fisher folks & forestry workers MOUs/MOA with Academe, LGUs, NGAs & private investors to implement province-based agri-business, ICT and eco-tourism
SUCs, TESDA, DA, DepEd, CHED, LGUs, DENR, DOT, HEIs, DBM, Region 8 Legislators
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES -- Provide course offering for certificate 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 professors & trainers.
AGENCIES
TESDA, SUCs, CHED
Provide linkages with schools and training centers for curriculum improvement related to ICT
Promote ICT skills upgrading in institutions, like short-courses on English proficiency Establish/upgrade speech laboratories to upgrade ICT capabilities Train/develop ICT programmers Conduct of TVET Training Programs related to ICT
SUCs, TESDA
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TESDA TESDA No. of assessed and certified workers in the tourism Sector 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
Certification of skilled workers in the Conduct of competency assesstourism sector ment to TVET graduates/workers in the tourism sector Reduced average Lobby with LGUs to implement Rehousehold/family sponsible Parenting Movement size from 6.3 as of (RPM) 2008 to 4.9 by 2016 - Lobbying with LCEs for adoption of RPM - Conduct of RPM trainings for LGUs/ couples - Lobbying with LCES; conduct of RPM classes in the brgys; formation of RPM federations
POPCOM POPCOM
DOH/POPCOM/LGUs
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 - Increase proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel 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 (DOH8FHSIS) - Reduce U5MR from 98 in 1993 to 32.7 in 2015 (MDG target);
Reduced Infant Intensify upgrading of health faciliand maternal mor- ties, capability of health workers, inter-local health zones and referral tality system
- Establishment/upgrading of BeDOH, PhilHealth, MONC/ CeMONC facilities, enLGUs, NGO, communihancement of public-private partty support group nership, capability building for health workers, enhancement of government health financing packages, Women's Health Teams DOH, DILG, LGUs, - Upgrading of Catarman District POPCOM, PhilHealth, Hospital into a regional hospital DepEd - Continuation of the MCP accreditation and funding support to birthing facilities establishment (BeMONC/CeMONC), intensified campaign on responsible parenting and responsible adolescent sexuality through integration in the curriculum , continuation of the DTTB program, Pinoy MD, GIDA, interlocal health zones, strengthening of referral system, training on newborn care, WHT, MNCHN Advocacy on Essential Newborn Care; exclusive breastfeeding; proper complementary feeding; establishment of BeMONC facilities, immunization, capability building of health workers; trainings on Infant and Young Child FeedingIEC /behavior change communication (BCC)
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DOH, Local Health Oces, LGUs, NNC
- 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 (DOH8FHSIS, 2009) Immunize 100% of 1 year old against measles
Reduced morbidity and mortality from communicable an d n o n communicable diseases
Advocacy to LCEs on various disease prevention and control program, Increase PhilHealth coverage of all sectors
Intensified IEC campaign using trimedia approach, behavior change communication , compulsory enrolment of private employees, compulsory registration of govt. employees
PhilHealth, LCEs, DSWD
Increased no. of PhilHealth enrolment from 93% to 100% by 2015. 100% of indigent farmers, & fisher folks covered by health insurance
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Reduce TB mortality by 1% per year; maintain the leprosy prevalence rate of <1/10,000; reduce in dengue cases and deaths; eliminate filariasis in endemic provinces
Policy advocacy to LGUs & NGAs re: Compliance/ enforcement of occupational health safetyand safety places policies
Policy advocacy (Issuance of RDC Resolution or DILG Memo Circular re: compliance/enforcement of Occupational Health Safety /Safety Places Policies to all LGUs), rewards/recognition system by the RDC, DOLE, DILG for compliant establishments or LGUs, Capacity building for Local sanitary inspectors, close and regular monitoring, enforcement of sanctions by LGUs , multiple designation of local staff as RSIs Capacity building of BAWASAs, proper turnover of nationally funded water supply projects to LGUs, counterparting scheme to promote accountability and ownership Construction/Improvement of Water Supply Systems
RDC, LGUs, DILG, DOLE, DOH, DOT
All business establishments and tourist areas in the region made healthy and safe
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Localize the operation & maintenance of nationally funded water supply projects
LGUs, implementing agency, international donors, NGO Water Districts LGUs
Increase proportion of households with access to safe water from 75% (DOH8, 2009) to 94% in 2015
Continuing education on proper utili- Education on the utilization and zation of facilities and sanitary prac- sanitary practices; complementary tices water supply project
LGUs, implementing agency, international donors, NGO
Increase proportion of households with access to sanitary toilet from 67.43% (DOH7, 2009) to 91% (MDG)
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES Reduce morbidity due to schistosomiasis through mass treatment Create supportive environment for healthy lifestyle
ACTIVITIES Case finding and treatment, snail control, environmental sanitation, health education
AGENCIES
DOH, LGU, Interagency Reduce prevalence by 50%, from coordinating team 8.2% in 2009 to 4.1% in 2015
Information dissemination/ DOH, DepEd, CSC, Reduce morbidity and mortality enhancement of awareness camNGO, other stakehold- on life-style-related diseases paign, smoking cessation, instituers tional linkages, demonstration projects, IEC plus environmental interventions, research - Endorsements of RDC and other nutrition bodies/organizations to express full support to the immediate 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 experiences - to create pressure, social barometer), intensified implementation of the Priority Actions spelled out in the MTPPAN Intensified health and nutrition education, continued salt monitoring, private-public partnership in salt trading and investment promotion for the local production of fortificants, increasing logistics for supplementation - Promotion of good nutrition, office -to-office hopping on BMI assessment and nutrition counseling, integration of HL in advocacy activities NNC, RDC, DOH, DILG Regional BNS Federation/ other federations, Reduce proportion of underweight children to 17% by 2015 with an annual reduction of 2%; Reduce prevalence of wormburden 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; increase median iodine value in household salt samples from 7.9 ppm to 15ppm
Reduced malnutri- Intensify advocacy with LCEs to promote various nutrition and healthy tion prevalence lifestyle programs & access to health care programs
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OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES - 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
AGENCIES
Improve practice of nutrition in food Policy advocacy through RDC resolution as basis of LGUs for passage establishments & tourist areas of ordinances , monitoring compliance of the existing national laws, inclusion in the promotion of healthy lifestyle Improved access to affordable housing Partnership with LGUs, NGAs & stakeholders in providing housing facilities for low income workers especially in tourism, ICT & agribusiness areas Organization/strengthening of local councils to implement national laws for the children, women, senior citizen & differently abled sectors
DOST
All food establishments & tourist areas & LGUs practicing/ promoting good nutrition
NHA, DSWD, PCUP, HLURB, (Gawad Kalinga) and other housing stakeholders, businessmen (esp. those in tourism) - Advocacy to LGUs for the enactLGUs, NGAs, ment of ordinances to implement national laws NGOs and other stake- Generation/updating of relevant holders 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 Reduced incidence of prostitution, sex trafficking, violence, drug abuse, vagrants, street children
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Improved provision of social protection
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
Highly developed Provision of infrastructure and other infrastructure and support facilities for agri-business, other support fa- tourism and ICT industries cilities for agribusiness, tourism and ICT industries Give 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. A. National government should give priority to the completion, construction and/or repair of major road links that would provide linkage with the other regions among provinces and island groups in the region, including the rehabilitation of Maharlika highway that bridges the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.
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Construction/rehabilitation/ improvement of national roads, local roads and farm to market roads Rehabilitation of Buray-TaftBorongan-Guiuan Rd Const/Imprvt of Laoang-PalapagMapanas-Gamay- Lapinig-ArtecheSan Policarpo Road Construction of Simora Bridge along Simora (Laoang)-Palapag Road Upgrading of the Leyte-CalubianSan Isidro-Tabango-Villaba Road Upgrading of Biliran Circumferential Road Construction/Upgrading of Burauen-Albuera Road Completion of Catbalogan Diversion Road Construction of Calbayog-Sta. Margarita Diversion Road
DPWH DA/DAR LGUs 220.0 Km. DPWH 65.00 Km. DPWH 100 LM DPWH
DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH
24.00 Km. 27.00 Km. 28.50 Km. 3.25 Km. 17.00 Km.
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Construction of GandaraMatuguinao 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-CarigaraOrmoc Road Upgrading of Libungao-Matag-obPalompon Road Upgrading of Merida-Lundag-Puting Bato-Consolacion-Isabel Road Rehabilitation of Daang Maharlika Upgrading of San Ricardo-Bil-atan Road Upgrading of Jct. HimayanganSilago-Abuyog Boundary Road Upgrading of Jct. Taft-Oras-San Policarpo-Arteche Road Upgrading of San Juanico-BaseySohoton Road Upgrading of Dolongan-Basey Road
AGENCIES DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 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.
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OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Upgrading of San Antonio Circumferential Road Upgrading of Poblacion-Barangay Trujillo Road Upgrading of Poblacion-Barangay Cabacungan Road Upgrading of Poblacion-GengarogTubigdanao-San Lorenzo-BonglasManduga Road Upgrading of Mondragon-Bantayan Road Upgrading of Allen-Frederick Road Widening/Improvement/ Upgrading/Rehabilitation of Maripipi Circumferential Road Upgrading of Tigbao-Sta. Fe-San Miguel Road Upgrading of Tigbao-Pulak-Sta. Fe Road Upgrading of Leyte-Samar InterProvincial Road Upgrading of Mainit-San MiguelSantol Road Upgrading of Bagahupi-BabatngonSta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road
AGENCIES DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 20.50 Km. 9.50 Km. 4.50 Km. 5.50 Km.
DPWH DPWH DPWH
4.00 Km. 2.50 Km. 22.00 Km.
96
DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH
4.00 Km. 1.00 Km. 4.50 Km. 6.00 Km. 16.50 Km.
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Upgrading of Jaro-Dagami-BurauenLapaz Road Upgrading of Burauen-Mahagnao Road Upgrading of San Isidro-Daja Road Upgrading of Cabunga-an-TabunokConsuegra-Belen Road Upgrading of Tabing-Kawayan-Sta. Rosa-Lawis-Tabango Road Upgrading of Tabango-Catmon-La Fortuna-Manlawaan-Gimarco Road
AGENCIES DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 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
Upgrading of Ormoc-Lake Imelda Road Rehabilitation of Bato-Bontoc Construction of Panaon Island Circumferential Road Construction of GandaraMatuguinao-Las Navas-JipapadLapinig Road
Construc on of Basey-SohotonMaydolong Road Construction of San Jose de BuanMaslog-Dolores Road
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Construction of San Jose de BuanMaslog-Dolores Road Construction of Jipapad-Arteche Road Improvement of the GuiuanSulangan Road Construction of Borongan-San Gabriel-Calbiga Road Construction of Lokilokon (Paranas)-San Jose de BuanMatuguinao Road Construction of CalbigaParasanon-Borong Road
AGENCIES DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs DPWH DA/DAR LGUs
98
2 km.
B. LGUs should give priority to imConstruction of farm-to-market proving the quality of farm-to-market roads (FMR) 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 Implementation of Government Projects Conduct Feasibility Studies of priority PPP projects Construction of PPP priority projects RLAs/LGUs RLAs/LGUs
50 km.
5 projects 5 projects
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES Improve access to ICT facilities through awareness campaign and establishment of ecommunity centers, local interconnection among Telcos, and establishing joint ICT ventures with Telcos, ISPs and other ICT industries Intensify development of potential irrigable areas especially in identified production areas.
ACTIVITIES CITC NTC
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 134 Km. telecom system, 24-count fiber optic cable
TelCos
Construction of New Irrigation Systems/Restoration/ Rehabilitation of Existing Irrigation Systems: Leyte Biliran Southern Leyte Eastern Samar Northern Samar Samar
NIA
61,186 has. 21,691 has. 2,280 has. 6,040 has. 5,888 has. 13,833 has. 11,454 has.
99
Implement total barangay energization and improve reliability of the region's transmission and distribution facilities through: a. Implementation/ upgrading/ improvement of transmission lines to provide efficient service to the region and to complete the looping of the Samar Island Wright - Calbayog Transmission Project 65 km 138 KV double circuit 50 MVA substation
b. Fast-tracking the replacement Replacement of wood poles to of the wood poles to steel steel poles poles in all the provinces of the region
1,400 wood poles replaced by steel poles
OUTCOME c.
STRATEGIES Completion of Barangay Energization Program
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 100% Barangay Energization
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
80 MW 50 MW 1 MW 4 MW 4 MW 8 MW 5 MW 3 MW
VSU and VICARP
Volume of biodiesel produced and utilized Number of LGUs adopting-3
100
Efficient, reliable, Rationalize airport development in and affordable air the Region based on strategic imand water portance transport
Redevelopment of Tacloban Airport, Upgrading of Calbayog, Catarman, Maasin, and Ormoc Airports
DOTC CAAP
Provide access to tourism sites and Construction/Development of agri-business centers through water Seaports transport Intensify development of potential irrigable areas, especially in identified production areas Construct new irrigation systems Restore/Rehabilitate existing irrigation systems
DOTC PPA
NIA
Hectarage covered by construction - 20,500 has.
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 Hectarage covered by restoration: 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.
Encourage Public-Private Partnership for generation, restoration and rehabilitation of irrigation systems that are climate-proof
101
Establish, rehabilitate/repair SWIPS, STWs, SFRs, DDs
DA
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 Planning and Consensus Building capacity to undertake sound planning and decision making, fiscal management and efficient delivery of public services Conduct of JMC advocacy/ DILG(lead), JMC No. 1 advocated in all LGUs orientation especially in LGUs with JMC Inter-Agency Comnew LCEs mittee NEDA, DBM, BLGF, HLURB Conduct of trainings/provision of technical assistance on plan preparation promoting agri-business and SME development Advocacy on the passage of Local Investment Incentive Code (LIIC) Technical Assistance in the preparation of the Local Investment/ Incentive Plan (LIIP) NEDA, DILG, HLURB LGUs with completed PDPFP/ PDPIP 6 CDP - 10 LGUs per year
DAC (lead) DTI, DILG
15% increase in the no. of LGUs with LIIC
DTI (lead) LGUs No. of LGUs with LIIP DILG, DTI, GTZ, LGUs
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Advocacy for the adoption of LRED by LGUs Converged and synchronized planning and delivery of basic services through the PAMANA Program Advocacy on PPP Framework
AGENCIES DAC(lead) LGU (lead) BLGF, DILG LGUs (Provinces and Cities) BLGF/LGUs
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 LGUs adopting Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) approach increased
Fiscal Management
Updating of tax ordinance Codification of tax ordinances to broaden LGU tax base
No. of trainings/updating workshops conducted 5% increase in the no. of updated tax codes 20% of LGUs increase in tax collections by 5% annually
102
Installation/automation of fiscal database and collection (E-SRE)
DBM/BLGF/LGUs
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 Circular No. 1-2000 dated Jan.19, 2000) Increase in the volume loans/ grants/donations granted to LGUs
Provide TA on fund sourcing Conduct of training/fora/seminars on the effective and efficient utilization of funds
BLGF/LGUs BLGF/BTr (lead) LGUs
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Conduct of information campaign to LGUs on loan portfolios/ fund sources available for LGUs Conduct of trainings/provision of technical assistance on plan preparation
AGENCIES
LBP, DBP, Quedancor, LGUs availment of loans inBSP creased DBM UBOM: Orientation of LCEs, Pres. Officers 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%
103
A transparent and Transparency and Accountability accountable bureaucracy that encourages active participation and vigilance of the citizenry and where public interest is paramount.
Citizens Charter institutionalize among LGUs and NGAs Conduct of orientation to LCEs on the implementation of Anti-Red Tape Act or RA9485
CSC lead LGUs CSC
50% of LGUs and RLAs with Citizens Charter 100% of local elective officials oriented Provinces (6), cities (7), municipalities (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
Conduct of training on RA 9184 Regional Composite An Act Providing For The Modern- Training Team (DBM, ization, Standardization and Regu- COA & DILG) lation Of The Procurement Activities Of The Government And For Other Purposes to LGUs officials and staff
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
AGENCIES
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 2011 100% 2014 30% 2015 70%
Monitor Agency/GOCCs/LGU compliance to RA 9184 Encourage private sector participation in local bodies Conduct of trainings to strengthen Local Special Bodies especially the Tourism Councils
104
DILG(lead), LGUs
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
DILG (lead), LGUs
A peaceful, just Security, Peace and Order and Safeand safe environ- ty ment conducive to local economic development
Converged and synchronized delivery of basic services in conflictaffected 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 anticriminality 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 80% of peace and order councils (POCs) fully functional by 2016 from 75% in 2009 DILG(lead), LGUs At least 1 Criminal Justice System Seminar forum conducted per year 70% reduction in crime incidence 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)
DOJ, BJMP
PNP/LGUs
OUTCOME
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES Intensified internal security operations Creation of DRRMC and DRRMO at the local level - Installation/procurement of DRR facilities/ mechanisms Capacity-building for LCEs and key players on DRRMC
AGENCIES DND/LGUs 8ID/PNP/ LGUs OCD
MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/ TARGETS 2011-2016 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 players trained on DRRM by 2016 No. of trainings conducted 145 LGU DPPs
OCD
OCD
105
Preparation of Disaster Preparedness Plans An environment Regulatory conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private entrepreneurs (big, medi- Incentives to MSMEs um and small) Adoption of the BPLS Reform to LGUs
DILG, LGUs
DILG and DTI No. of LGUs adopting streamacts as co-conveners lined BPLS increased from 3% to per JMC No. 1 Series 15% of 2010 DTI lead DILG DAC DILG, DTI, LGUs
Advocacy to LGUs and provision of TA on Investment/incentive Code formulation and investment Incentive Plan
Promotion of Local Economic Devel- Organization and strengthening of opment (LED) to LGUs LED Teams, Economic Transformation Teams (ETT), and designation of Local Economic and Investment Promotion (LEIPO) to Province and cities regionwide

RegVIII RDP 2011-2016

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RegVIII RDP 2011-2016

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EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011-2016

ASSESSMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Development Vision Development Goals and Objectives Development Strategies

RESULT EVALUATION AND MONITORING

Result Evaluation and Monitoring Matrix (REMM)

Attested: BUENAVENTURA C. GO-SOCO, JR. Vice-Chair

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President Republic of the Philippines

MANILA May 2011

CAYETANO W. PADERANGA, JR. Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and NEDA Director-General

CARLOS JERICHO L. PETILLA RDC Chair and Governor of Leyte

BUENAVENTURA C. GO-SOCO, JR. RDC Vice-Chair and NEDA Regional Director

Chapter 1: Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges

A&D 14,207,582 1,024,955 381,532 28,650 125,961 196,456 144,222 148,134

Forest Land 1,118,214 89,744 26,900 47,519 62,644 289,743 201,664

A&D 1,024,955 381,532 28,650 125,961 196,456 144,222 148,134

The Samar Island Natural Park

Disasters and Geo-hazard Areas

Source: OCD Region VIII

Water and Air Quality

Solid Waste Disposal

Number of LGUs 8 45 19 26 23 24 143

Open Dumpsite Number 5 29 12 14 19 15 94 % 63 64 63 54 83 63 65

Controlled Dumpsite Number 1 6 4 5 2 1 19 % 13 13 21 19 9 4 13

76,504,008 3,610,355 1,592,336 140,274 360,160 641,124 375,822 500,639

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

Human Development Index

III. Macroeconomic Performance

Figure 2. GRDP Growth Rates, 2004-2009

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Source: NSCB Region VIII

Figure 4. Industry Sector Growth Rates, 2004-2009

7.8 5.0 4.8 2.8

6.7 4.8 Target

2.2 2006 2007 2008 -1.6 2009

Source: NSCB Region VIII

6.0 5.2 5.0

5.8 5.5 Target

2.0 1.0 0.0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Source: NSCB Region VIII

Lack of Employment Opportunities and Low Labor Productivity

2009 Female Male

81.0 94.8 57.2 11.4 31.4 5.3 19.1

51.1 94.8 28.2 8.3 64.1 5.2 14.6

Limited External Trade

2005 509,879 423,002 62,170 7,830 8,117 8,760

488,974* 469,629 510,833

823,215 18,159 26,485

2003 15.3 14.3 18.3 15.7 18.0 15.4 11.0

2006 18.7 14.3 22.6 15.7 34.9 9.7 16.7

2009 19.0 11.8 32.2 13.4 27.4 15.6 22.5

IV. Status of the Tourism Industry

* Note: Figures rounded/STMP-CP Source: DOT Region VIII

Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)

Calbiga Cave www.lagawan.info

Sohoton Cave www.calicoansurfcamp.com

Calicoan Surf Camp, Guiuan

McArthur Landing Memorial http://www.visitmyphilippines.com

Biliran Shifting Sandbar Higatangan Island

Zipline, Agas-agas Bridge

The TDAs of the region are as follows:

Northeastern Leyte-Basey and Marabut Area

Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area

Southern Leyte Area