Table of Contents

Message of the President Message of the NEDA Director General Message of the RDC Chairman Foreword Map of Bicol Map of the Philippines i ii iii iv v vi 1 1 3 5 8 10 10 12 14 16 17 17 20 21 22 23 25 25 27 28 30 30 31 32 34 36

Chapter One Development Challenges

1. 2. 3. 4. Regional Situationer Macroeconomy National and Global Trends Development Vision

Chapter Two Providing for Basic Needs

5. 6. 7. 8. Education Health Housing Social Welfare

Chapter Three Ensuring Economic Growth

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing Trade Tourism

Chapter Four Improving Infrastructure

14. 15. 16. Transportation Communications Energy

Chapter Five Sustaining Development

17. 18. 19. 20. Land Use Management Good Governance Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Plan Implementation

List of Acronyms

MALACAAN PALACE Manila

Message

I commend the 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.

President Republic of the Philippines MANILA May 2011

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 12 Saint Josemaria Escriva Drive, Pasig City

Message
The Regional Development Plans (RDPs) represent the aspirations of Filipinos in different areas of the country. As accompanying documents of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, the RDPs also provide the spatial dimension to the national plan by identifying the regions contributions to our goal of a high, sustained and broad-based growth. This inclusive growth involves rapid economic expansion that must reach population groups throughout the country through 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 helped prepare. We need to strengthen 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.

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (Bicol Region) Arimbay, Legazpi City

Message
The Regional Development Plan (20112016) is the guide to attain our vision of making Bicol the most livable region in the country. It supports the attainment of the nations Millennium Development Goals and the Presidents social contract with the people. The Bicol regional development plan is composed of three volumes. This is Volume 1 or the plan summary; Volume 2 contains the detailed sectoral plans; Volume 3 is the regional development investment program. The plan pursues four major development goals: provide for basic needs, ensure economic growth, improve infrastructure, and sustain development. The provision of basic services (education, health, nutrition, housing, and social welfare) shall be prioritized to help the poor and vulnerable groups. The expansion of Bicols primary economic growth drivers (agriculture and fishery, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, trade and tourism) shall provide jobs and increase family incomes. The improvement of infrastructure facilities and utilities shall increase the productivity and competitiveness of the region. All of these undertakings shall be sustained through good governance, peace and security measures, land use management, improving productivity in the public and private sectors, adapting to disaster risks and climate change, and people participation. I call on the stakeholders to help in the implementation of the plan. Let us all make a big difference for Bicol and the country.

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Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regional Office No. 5 Arimbay, Legazpi City

Foreword

The preparation of the Regional Development Plan was guided by RDC Memorandum Circular No. 2 (S. 2009) and OP Memorandum Circular No. 3 (S. 2010) issued by the President directing all national government agencies and local government units to formulate medium term development plans and investment programs. NEDA Region 5 coordinated the preparation of the plan in consultation with the stakeholders in the region. Discussions were held during inter-agency technical working group sessions and RDC sectoral committee meetings. Multi-sectoral consultations were conducted in the six provinces of the region. A meeting with the Bicol congressmen was held to solicit their inputs. We thank all those who participated in formulating this plan: regional line agencies and their attached offices; provincial, city, and municipal governments; state universities and colleges; government financial institutions; government owned and controlled corporations; private and business organizations; non-government organizations; and various civil society groups. Their knowledge, ideas, opinions, and suggestions will help build the desired future for all Bicolanos. Dios mabalos!

ATTY. ROMEO C. ESCANDOR Regional Director

15 March 2011

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Bicol Region

Bicol Region and the Philippines

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Chapter One
DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES 1. Regional Situationer

The Bicol region is rich in cultural and spiritual heritage. It has a wealth of natural resources suitable to agriculture, fishing, forestry, manufacturing, mining, and tourism. However, there is widespread poverty in the region. Almost half of the Bicolanos are poor. They earn below the minimum amount required for food and other basic needs. Most families depend on rural employment as source of income. Many Bicolanos are unemployed. Most professionals, skilled, and unskilled workers look for jobs outside the region and abroad. School age population continues to increase. But not all children are in school. Many do not finish basic education. Students perform below average in the National Achievement Test. Most graduates of technical, vocational, and college courses are not gainfully employed. Although Bicolanos have longer life expectancy and infant deaths in the region have decreased, maternal mortality is still high. There is high incidence of tuberculosis, malaria, and lifestyle related illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Malnutrition among schoolchildren is prevalent. The health situation is aggravated by expensive medicines and inadequate health services. Half of the poor families in Bicol do not own the home lots they occupy. Many families live in makeshift houses located on public lands, along riverbanks, railroad tracks, and in high disaster risk areas. Many houses do not have potable water and sanitation facilities. Some population groups are susceptible to abuse and are most vulnerable to disaster risks. These are the poor families, women, children, indigenous peoples, the elderly, persons with HIV/AIDS, disabled persons, landless farmers, and overseas workers. Agriculture, fishery, and forestry employ the most number of persons. Most families dependent on this sector are poor. Only half of the irrigable land is covered by inefficient irrigation systems. Many agricultural areas are not served with roads. Illegal and abusive fishing and forestry practices threaten the sustainability of these resources. Although mining contributed substantially to the economic growth of the region in 2009, the industry is constrained by issues related to 1

environmental protection, child labor, and risks to life and health. There is also strong opposition to mining in the region. Manufacturing activities in Bicol are mostly small scale. Many are agriculture and mineral based. Several manufacturing establishments have stopped operations due to high cost of doing business, low labor productivity, unreliable power supply, and lack of raw materials. Wholesale and retail trade is a major economic activity within the region. But the exchange of goods outside the region is hampered by inadequate infrastructure and logistics. Prices of most commodities in Bicol are higher than in Metro Manila. Export sales have decreased. Tourism and its related service industries play an important role in the regions economy. The whalesharks in Donsol, Sorsogon and the Pili watersports complex and Caramoan beaches in Camarines Sur have put Bicol region in the domestic and international tourism map. Jobs have been created by tourism. But investments in tourist destinations are inadequate and tourism activities are not integrated. Bicol is connected to other parts of the country through land, water, and air transport. Movement within the region relies heavily on the local road network which needs a lot of improvement. Farm to market roads are in very poor condition. Rail transport service has not been restored after Typhoon Reming destroyed the railroad tracks. Water transport is underutilized. The Pantao regional port and some municipal ports have no ship calls. National ports need to be improved to accommodate more and larger vessels. All airports operate only at daytime and are unreliable in poor weather conditions. The liberalization of the telecommunications industry allowed the entry of more telephone and internet service providers in the region. Telecommunications has become more affordable and efficient. But the development of this sector is constrained by vulnerability of cell sites and telephone lines to strong typhoons and sabotage, pilferage of telephone cables, and power outages. Bicol is a major geothermal energy supplier. Energy generated by power plants in Bicol is more than the demand of the region. However, there are frequent brownouts in Bicol and cost of electricity is high. The quality of Bicols natural environment (land, water and air) has been deteriorating as a result of conversion of prime agricultural lands into residential and commercial uses, proliferation of informal settlers in urban areas not suitable for housing, encroachment of settlements in protection areas, improper disposal of wastes, illegal cutting of trees, and

improper practice of slash and burn agriculture. Most LGUs do not have comprehensive land use plans. Bicol is vulnerable to climate and geological related hazards such as typhoons, floods, landslides, storm surge, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The increased frequency and intensity of these hazards, aggravated by changes in climatic conditions, have brought damages to life and property. Most LGUs and majority of the population are not prepared for hazards and communities are not organized for disaster risk reduction. There are houses and other structures that are built in high disaster risk areas and in waterways. Most LGUs lack technical capability and financial resources to manage and implement devolved programs. They lack the capability to mobilize communities when there are impending disasters. Peace and security is threatened by high crime incidence, low crime solution efficiency, illegal drugs, insurgency, and human rights violations. Productivity both in the government and private sectors is low. Business transactions take a long time. People have become indifferent and complacent to what is going on around them and are not aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. In summary, the region faces the following challenges: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Sustaining high and more inclusive economic growth Providing for the basic needs of the poor and disadvantaged groups Creating stable and adequate paying jobs for the labor force Ensuring adequate supply of basic goods and services Maintaining low population growth and promoting small family size Balancing utilization and protection of natural resources Adapting to disaster risks and climate change

2.

Macroeconomy

The regions resources should be used to provide employment and ensure rapid economic growth. The benefits of economic growth should be distributed equitably. The regions economic performance can be assessed using the following indicators: gross regional domestic product, employment, inflation, and poverty situation. Bicols population was 5,109,798 in 2007. It grew annually at 1.23 percent starting 2000. Bicols share to the countrys population is 5.7 percent, the sixth largest region in terms of population. Population is expected to double in 56 years. Population density stood at 290 persons per square kilometer, lower than the countrys density of 295.

Although Bicol is an out migration region, its population continues to grow because of a high birth rate, estimated in 2009 to be 21 births per 1000 population. The fertility rate of four children per woman is higher than the desire of most women to have only three children. Based on the 2000 census, average household size is five persons. Seventy two percent of the population is in the rural areas. Around 46 percent of Bicolanos are within the dependent age brackets of 0-14 and 65 years old and above. Thus the dependency ratio is 85 dependents for every 100 persons in the working age bracket of 15-64 years. The high dependency ratio implies a greater burden on the working age population, thereby lowering the regions capability for savings and investment. As a result, most of public expenditures are allocated for the delivery of basic social services. GRDP grew by 8.2 percent in 2009, the fastest growth among all regions. The high growth was due to mining and quarrying which grew by 64.6 percent. Construction grew by 7.6 percent while manufacturing grew by one percent. Electricity and water contracted by 4.2 percent. The services sector, the biggest contributor to GRDP at 41.8 percent share, expanded by five percent. Growth in private services, mainly from tourism, accelerated to 7.6 percent. Transport and communication services grew by 4.2 percent, dwellings and real estate services by 3.9 percent and trade services by 2.8 percent. Finance services grew by 8.5 percent while government services grew by 7 percent. Growth in the agriculture and fishery sector accelerated to 4.1 percent. Per capita GRDP increased from P7,210 in 2008 to P7,650 in 2009. This improved the rank of Bicol from third lowest to fourth lowest in the country in terms of per capita GRDP. However, the high GRDP growth did not create enough jobs for the regions labor force. The number of persons in the Bicols labor force was 2.155 million in 2009. Of this number, only 2.029 million or 94.2 percent were employed. Compared to the previous year, the number of employed persons increased by only 30,750. Despite the increase, regional employment rate still decreased from 94.4 percent in 2008 to 94.2 percent in 2009. This shows that employment generation was not able to keep up with the increasing labor force. About 43 percent of the employed persons are in the agriculture sector. Another 45 percent are employed in the services sector, mostly in trade, transport, and communication. Tourism is a major employment generator due to its impact on the other sectors, such as transport, communication, trade, hotels, restaurants, and personal services. The industry sector employs the remaining 12 percent of the regions workers.

Under this sector, manufacturing and construction generate employment than electricity, water, mining, and quarrying.

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Underemployment rate in the region went up from 35.8 percent in 2008 to 36.2 percent in 2009, which is the highest in the country. This is because 37 percent of the employed persons are laborers and unskilled workers and the number even increased by 8,000 from the previous year. About 41 percent of the employed persons only reached or finished elementary, while 38 percent reached or finished high school. Only 21 percent reached or finished college education. The benefits of economic growth were not equitably distributed. Poverty incidence was 45.1 percent in 2009, the third highest in the country. Although this was slightly lower than 45.2 percent in 2006, the magnitude of poor Bicolanos still increased by 86,583 thus bringing the total number of poor Bicolanos to 2,422,267. Per capita poverty threshold was pegged at P17,146 per year or about P47 per day. A Bicolano family of five members should earn at least P85,730 a year or P235 a day so as not to be considered poor. Poverty incidence among Bicolano families was 36 percent in 2009, the fourth highest in the country. Masbate had the highest incidence of poor families at 42.5 percent, followed by Camarines Sur at 38.7 percent, Albay at 36.5 percent, Camarines Norte at 32.3 percent, Sorsogon at 31.3 percent, and Catanduanes at 22.0 percent. Bicolano families earned an average of P152,000 in 2009, lower than the countrys average of P206,000. Income inequality among Bicolano families as measured by the Gini coefficient was 0.4164 in 2009, better than the countrys Gini coefficient of 0.4484. Adjusted for inflation, however, average family income in Bicol increased by only P3,000 from P92,000 in 2006 to P95,000 in 2009 at 2000 prices. Inflation rate in Bicol averaged 4.6 percent in 2009, higher than the countrys 3.2 percent. The purchasing power of the peso in the region decreased to P0.62, lower than the countrys P0.63. Price increments in food, fuel, light, water, and services items contributed largely to the increase in inflation rate.

3.

National and Global Trends

Recent developments at the national level pose new challenges to the Bicol region. Emerging national and global trends provide opportunities and threats to regional development. They provide the environment where Bicol can find its most strategic position given its natural resources and capability of its people. The Department of Education is proposing the transition to a 12 year basic education program that is comparable to the rest of the world. Elementary and secondary schools in Bicol face the challenges brought by

the transition such as lack of school buildings, classrooms, textbooks, and teachers. Another development in the education sector is the decreasing budget for state universities and colleges which affects the regions capacity to produce professionals. The Philippine government is expanding public health insurance cover to the poor and vulnerable groups which is a welcome development for Bicol, being the fourth poorest region in the country. Aside from health insurance, interventions include conditional cash transfers, food for work, livelihood projects, microfinance, and marketing assistance. More evacuation centers and provision of medical assistance are being proposed for funding. These interventions are intended to contribute to poverty alleviation in the region and the attainment of the countrys Millennium Development Goals. While the country in general recorded a decline in tourist arrival in 2009, Bicol recorded an increase of 75 percent. Foreign tourists comprise an increasing portion of tourist arrival in the region. To sustain this growth, other tourist destinations should be developed to cater to emerging interests of the global tourism market. These include medical and wellness tourism, farm tourism, sports tourism, retirement villages, and culinary tourism. The challenge is to make the tourists stay longer and visit more provinces. The government intends to implement key infrastructure projects through public private partnership. Local government units in the region should provide an enabling environment for private sector investments. They should attract investors for undertaking priority infrastructure projects. These include intermodal transport systems that will facilitate movement of goods and people at lower cost. LGUs will be encouraged to go into joint ventures with private sector investors. Developed countries around the world show a declining growth in population and size of families. While these countries have an ageing population, developing countries like the Philippines have a relatively young population. As a result, developed countries accept migrants and overseas workers to supply the needs of the ageing population and the economy. Overseas Bicolanos work as skilled workers, information technology experts or technicians, seafarers, scientists, professionals, teachers, service providers, and domestic helpers. While this provides an opportunity for Bicolanos to migrate to developed countries, it may also lead to a shortage of professionals in the region. The education sector is losing a lot of good teachers. Many companies in developed countries are outsourcing jobs in countries like the Philippines to lower labor cost. This opened up business

and job opportunities for businessmen, professionals and skilled workers in the region. More establishments and jobs are being generated from business process outsourcing, call centers, telemarketing, and other online services. The increased demand for telecommunication and internet services has encouraged providers to make their facilities comparable with other countries. The global concept of manufacturing is component specialization, i.e., components are produced in different countries and assembled in strategic locations. Trade agreements among nations are now being implemented, resulting to the influx of low cost and low quality products in the country. New economic powers have emerged and have gained competitive advantage in manufacturing. These countries provide stiffer competition to manufacturers and exporters in the Philippines. The increase in the price of gold in the world market spurred mining activities in the region, contributing substantially to Bicols economic growth in 2009. But mining depletes the resources of the region. There is a need to ensure that mining companies adhere to the conditions stated in the Environmental Compliance Certificate and implement social development programs in host communities. There is an emerging global partnership on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The incidence of disasters is increasing and the cost of damages due to disasters is also increasing. The region should step up efforts to minimize the negative effects of climate change and make use of its beneficial aspects. These include the establishment of a disaster risk management office in each LGU, vulnerability assessment, formulation of relocation and evacuation plans, engineering interventions, and farming systems adaptation. Watershed, river basin, and natural parks management approaches and bio-engineering measures for environmental management and flood control and drainage may be adopted. Renewable energy sources such as wind, hydrothermal and solar, and biofuel sources are promoted at the global and national level. Tapping these energy sources will generate employment and local revenues for the region and will contribute to climate change mitigation. These national and global trends highlight the need to transfer more power, authority, and resources to the regions. Undertaking steps toward more meaningful autonomy, devolution of powers, and allocation of resources to the regions will boost their development efforts.

4.

Development Vision

Bicol will be the countrys most livable region in 2020. This vision will guide the development objectives, strategies, and interventions contained in the plan. The number of poor Bicolanos is reduced by more than half to meet the MDG on poverty reduction. Adequate paying jobs are available for all Bicolanos and they enjoy their right to work without discrimination. Livelihood opportunities are available for families who want to have other sources of income. Bicolanos will want to stay and live in the region. They do not have to migrate to other regions and countries to have more decent lives. Those who are living in other regions and countries will be inspired to relocate back to Bicol. Every Bicolanos right to education is fulfilled. Each child is provided with early childhood care. Elementary and high schools achieve 100 percent enrolment. School drop out rates decline and achievement test results are higher than the national average. Elementary graduates possess a high degree of competence in reading, writing, and mathematics. High school graduates are equipped with occupational skills in agriculture, trade, and entrepreneurship. All families have graduates in tertiary education who have skills required by government, business, and emerging global industries. All schools are accessible and safe. Males and females have equal participation in all levels of education thus achieving the MDGs on universal primary education and gender equality. Every Bicolanos right to the highest attainable standard of health is fulfilled. Modern and affordable health services are accessible to all Bicolanos. Health indicators improve, i.e., reduced infant and maternal mortality, decline in morbidity, and increased life expectancy. The incidence of communicable diseases, such as polio, tuberculosis, and malaria, is eliminated. There is a continuous decline in malnutrition cases, as most of the households are able to meet the minimum nutritional requirements of family members. Each province has a tertiary hospital located in a safe area and is provided with modern equipment. All health care providers and workers are competent. Health insurance coverage is expanded to the poor, disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Bicol has achieved the MDGs on child mortality reduction, maternal health improvement, and elimination of all major communicable diseases. Every familys right to adequate housing is fulfilled. Homeless families are provided with decent and affordable homes in safe areas. Families squatting on public lands have security of tenure, while those in disaster risk areas have been relocated to safe communities. All houses are typhoon resistant, provided with potable water supply, sanitation

facilities, and electricity. Vulnerable groups are covered protection to empower them to engage in productive activities.

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Economic activities produce sufficient goods and services for home consumption and export. The regions economy generates enough jobs to increase family incomes. The benefits of economic growth are distributed equitably among the Bicolanos. Outputs from research and development are widely disseminated to entrepreneurs. Quality Bicol products are sold locally and internationally. Bicol is a primary tourist destination for ecological, agricultural, educational, and medical tourism in the country. Every Bicolanos right to adequate food is satisfied. Food and other basic commodities are available and affordable. Sustainable use of agriculture, fishery, forestry, and mineral resources is maintained. There is sufficient supply of raw materials and other production inputs for manufacturing and other economic activities. Crop production systems are resilient to changes in weather patterns. Education and health facilities, production and market centers, and tourist destinations are accessible in all weather conditions. Bicol has a well developed network of paved roads connecting all barangays. International, national and regional ports and facilities are comparable to other countries. Alternative low cost inland water transport facilities are available. Efficient rail transport is available. Transport systems are interconnected and are able to handle increased volume of passengers and cargo. All barangays are covered by telecommunication and internet facilities. Bicol enjoys a reliable power supply and cost of electricity is lower than in other regions. Critical infrastructure facilities are located in areas that are safe from disasters and sabotage. Bicols natural environment is clean and healthy. Forests, wildlife, and water resources are protected despite increase in population. Air and water bodies are not polluted. The degradation of land and forest resources has been reversed to halt soil erosion, restore nutrients to crop lands, and rehabilitate forest lands. Local government units are implementing land use plans that ensure disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. There is a conscious concern for ozone depleting substances. The MDG on environmental sustainability is achieved. Good governance is a shared responsibility of the government, the private sector, and civil society. There is transparency and accountability in all three sectors of governance. Government takes a proactive role as facilitator and catalyst in charge of bureaucracy, peace, justice, and security. The private sector introduces new technologies, provides

financing to implement infrastructure projects, and integrates social programs in business plans as part of corporate responsibility. Civil society and other voluntary associations serve as partner and link of the government to the communities. All the other human rights of Bicolanos are fulfilled, i.e., right to participate in government, freedom of opinion and expression, right to peaceful assembly and association, and right to social security. Corruption in the public sector and in the private sector is eliminated.

Chapter Two
PROVIDING FOR BASIC NEEDS 5. Education

Every Bicolano has the right to education. The goal of education is to produce good and productive citizens. Two of the MDGs are universal primary education and equal ratio of girls to boys in basic education. Not all Bicolano children are provided with early childhood care. A total of 356 barangays or 10 percent of the barangays in Bicol have no day care centers. In 2009, only 64 percent of pupils in grade 1 had early childhood care. Not all school-age children are enrolled in schools. A low percentage of pupils reached grade 6, but a high percentage of elementary graduates made it to high school. Low participation and survival rates in basic education are due to unstable economic condition of families, poor health and nutrition among the learners, lack of schools, and distance of schools from the residence of learners. Results of the National Achievement Test for elementary and high school indicate below average performance in all subject areas. A growing number of graduates of technical, vocational, and college degree courses are not gainfully employed. Passing rate in licensure examinations is low. Some skills acquired through education and training do not match the skills required by the domestic and global labor market. Accessible and affordable learning opportunities are inadequate for special clientele groups like women, disabled persons, and indigenous peoples.

Objectives 1. 2. To provide access to quality education for all Bicolanos To improve education outcomes at all levels

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Strategies 1. Implement reforms to enhance the quality of basic education, e.g., universal pre-school, 12 year basic education, mother tongue instruction, internet-based educational methods, re-introduction of vocational education in public high schools, competency based teacher standards, and school based management. Ensure universal access to quality basic education. Expand the conditional cash transfer program. Provide alternative learning schemes to the disabled and indigenous peoples. Encourage public private partnership in education. Implement a private sector led and market-driven technicalvocational education and training program with emphasis on proactive job and skills matching. Improve quality of tertiary education. Prioritize program offerings of higher education institutions. Phase out programs that are not viable and with zero passing rate in board examinations. Accredit academic programs and upgrade equipment and facilities of HEIs. Provide more resources to Centers of Excellence. Broaden access and equity in higher education. Expand tertiary education equivalency accreditation program. Establish additional agriculture training centers. Expand education voucher system. Make higher education responsive to industry needs. Develop innovative programs in science and technology. Reinforce higher education research in aid of regional development. Strengthen graduate education in science, engineering, and agriculture.

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3.

4.

5.

6.

Targets 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 100 percent of Grade 1 enrolees with ECCD experience Better performance in the National Achievement Test 100 percent elementary participation rate 100 percent elementary cohort survival rate Equal ratio among boys and girls in elementary and secondary Increased number of educational centers of excellence 50 percent increase in enrolment in priority program areas 50 percent increase in graduates from priority courses

Major Programs and Projects 1. Early Childhood Care and Development

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Basic Literacy Program Adopt a School Project Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program Training for Work Scholarship Program Ladderized Education Program Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency/Accreditation Program Centers of Development and Centers of Excellence Social Infrastructure Program

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. Institutionalize pre-school in basic education Implement the 12 year basic education Restore the trade secondary education

6.

Health

Every Bicolano has the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Healthy Bicolanos will have more economically productive life. Improvements were noted on the average life expectancy, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, crude birth rate, access to safe water and sanitary facilities, and health insurance coverage. However, Bicol is lagging behind in terms of achieving the MDGs on maternal mortality, immunization coverage, and incidence of deaths due to tuberculosis and malaria. Other problems in the health sector include high cost and inaccessibility of health services, lack of logistic support for medicines, food supplements and medical supplies, and inadequate funds for PhilHealth coverage. Nutrition problems include protein and energy malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and diet related non-communicable diseases. Underlying causes are low intake of nutrients, wrong beliefs and practices on nutrition, and lack of medical services. These are compounded by insufficient family incomes to provide minimum nutritional requirements. The unmet need for family planning is still high. Contraceptive prevalence rate remains low, with those not using any contraceptive method outweighing those using modern and traditional methods. This is because of inadequate knowledge on population and family planning and lack of access to contraceptive materials and commodity support. Objectives 1. 2. To provide access to health and family planning services To improve health, nutrition, and family planning outcomes

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Strategies 1. Enhance capability of LGU health personnel to administer devolved health, nutrition, and family planning services. Localize health laws that respond to specific health issues in the area. Encourage provincial governments to implement health programs. Expand the national health insurance program among LGUs and employers and sustain membership to social health insurance. Upgrade facilities of rural health units to the level of accreditation by health maintenance organizations and PhilHealth. Emphasize preventive health services and promote programs for the prevention of communicable diseases. integrated

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3.

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5.

Ensure the availability of low priced quality medicines and drug packages in hospitals and Botika ng Barangay.

Targets 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Maternal mortality reduced to 0.32 deaths per 1,000 livebirths Under-five mortality reduced to 15.9 percent Infant mortality reduced to 8.4 percent Fully immunized children increased to 95 percent Underweight children under 5 years reduced to 34.2 percent Zero incidence/mortality due to malaria and tuberculosis Life expectancy increased to 71 years for males Life expectancy increased to 77 years for females Protein energy malnutrition reduced to 16.8 percent Decreased gap between desired and actual family size Improved hospital bed population ratio Improved hospital manpower population ratio Reduced cost of medicines commonly bought by the poor 100 percent health insurance coverage

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Maternal and Child Health Program Communicable/Non- Communicable Disease Control Program National Health Insurance Program Nutrition PPAN Interventions Program Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program and other projects Responsible Parenthood Movement Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program Population and Development Integration

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Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. 4. Integrate maternal and child health/nutrition in medical curriculum Establish a revolving drug fund for indigent patients Reactivate LGU nutrition committees and nutrition officer items Pass the Reproductive Health Bill

7. Housing
Every Bicolano family has the right to adequate housing. The need for housing increases as the population continues to grow. From 2004 to 2009, the government provided housing to 56,770 families. This was more than the plan target, but is only one-fifth of the total estimated housing need. Of the total housing output, 82 percent benefited the poor and victims of disasters. Security of land tenure is a problem among poor Bicolanos. Four proclamations declared parcels of public land in Bicol as socialized housing sites for informal settlers. These benefited a total of 2,102 families or 52 percent of the plan target. Most LGUs lack funds to provide for the housing needs of homeless constituents as mandated by the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 and the Local Government Code of 1991. They lack the capability to tap fund sources from housing agencies, government banks, the Presidents Social Fund, local appropriations for housing, bond flotation, calamity funds, and non-government organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga. The 2007 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey showed that 47 percent of poor families do not own the house and the lot they occupy. They live in makeshift homes located on public lands, along river banks, railroad tracks and in high disaster risk areas. Access to potable water is a human right. About 85 percent of households in Bicol have access to safe water, making the region on track in achieving the MDG target of 67.5 percent. A total of 49 water districts serve the households in urban areas. Households in areas not served by water districts get their drinking water from unprotected wells, undeveloped springs, rivers, streams and lakes. Only 68 percent of households have access to sanitary toilets, still short of the MDG target of 79.2 percent. Objectives 1. 2. 3. To provide affordable, decent, and safe houses to the homeless To provide potable water to households To provide sanitation facilities to households

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Strategies 1. Make decent housing more available and affordable to the homeless through socialized housing. Strengthen cooperation among shelter agencies, government financing institutions, and private developers to invest in housing delivery. Relocate families in high disaster risk areas to safe communities with climate-resilient houses, adequate services and employment opportunities. Speed up the process of providing security of tenure to families occupying public lands declared as socialized housing sites. Promote new technologies to lower construction cost such as standardized housing components. Encourage investments in water supply and sanitation facilities through public private partnership. Integrate small and medium scale water utilities to improve their viability. Provide technical assistance and institutional support to water utilities and water service providers. Minimize contamination of water systems by strengthening water pollution monitoring systems, instituting polluters pay principle on waterways, promoting best management practices for pollution control and solid waste management, and engaging communities in protecting water systems and waterways. Regulate the volume of water extraction from the aquifer, so as not to exceed the recharge capacity.

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6.

7.

Targets 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Completion of 10,917 housing units for the poor Relocation of 13,210 poor families in resettlement sites Regularization of tenure of 3,748 informal settler families Local Housing Boards established in 19 LGUs 90 percent of households provided with water supply facilities 85 percent of households provided with sanitation facilities

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. Resettlement Programs of NHA and LGUs Community Based Housing Program Core Shelter Assistance Program

15

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Slum Upgrading Program Housing Materials Assistance Program Medium House Rising Abot Kaya Pabahay Community Mortgage Program Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Program Expansion/Improvement of 49 water districts Establishment of eight new water districts Water Supply and Sanitation Projects in rural areas

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cities and municipalities to establish local housing boards Reactivate the Presidential Housing Assistance One Stop Center Rationalize water supply and sanitation services tariff regulation Develop standards of water supply and sanitation Develop standards for basic dwelling unit

8. Social Welfare
Certain population groups are vulnerable to abuse and disaster risks. These are the poor families, women, children, indigenous peoples, the elderly, persons with HIV/AIDS, disabled persons, landless farmers, contractual workers, and overseas Bicolano workers. They are vulnerable to temporary or permanent loss of employment, high cost of basic commodities, illnesses, physical injury, violence, natural disasters, and man made calamities. Government has the primary responsibility to provide social welfare services to these population groups. Government should ensure that their basic rights are not impaired, and they have access to opportunities that would improve their well-being and empower them to participate in the development process. Objective To provide social welfare services to the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups Strategies 1. Enhance the capability of LGUs to partner with NGOs, civil society groups, international organizations and the business sector in providing social welfare services. Improve infrastructure in remote areas to provide indigenous peoples access to markets and livelihoods.

16

2.

Adopt a community-based or center-based approach in providing social welfare services. Focus on family-oriented programs, such as rehabilitation of youth offenders, protection of abused women and children, care for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and reform of dysfunctional parents. Strengthen community based support for families of overseas Filipino workers. Facilitate the re-integration of returning OFWs through favorable terms of investment, tax incentives, and other benefits that are offered to foreign investors.

3.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Programs Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran Program Scholarship and Skills Training Programs OFW Reintegration Programs Project Jobs Fit

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. Review the policy of deployment of workers abroad Reform the labor arbitration and adjudication systems Provide institutions catering to persons with disabilities

Chapter Three
ENSURING ECONOMIC GROWTH 9. Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry

The agriculture, fishery and forestry sector contributes 30 percent to GRDP. Persons employed in this sector comprise 44 percent. Agriculture and fishery are the main sources of food for the population. An adequate, affordable, safe and stable food supply is needed for a healthy citizenry. Average yield of the regions major agricultural crops is lower than the national average. Supply of raw materials for agribusiness is inadequate. Landholdings are small and most farmers do not practice new farming technologies. Extension work is hampered due to devolution. The budget for agricultural research is inadequate. Only half of the potentially irrigable area is covered by irrigation systems. These are generally 17

inefficient due to poor canal maintenance, inequity in water distribution, untimely water deliveries, insufficient water, extreme weather conditions, and poor management. Other problems are lack of farm to market roads, irrigation facilities, flood control and drainage systems, and post-harvest facilities. Bicol has ten major fishing grounds and contributes five percent to the national catch. Fishery resources are threatened by a growing population in coastal areas, illegal fishing practices, and habitat destruction. Inland fishing is affected by pollution and sedimentation. These are aggravated by frequent typhoons that visit the region, thus putting food security at risk. Bicols forest lands comprise 31 percent of the total land area. Classified forest lands cover 511,316 hectares and timberlands account for 81 percent of the classified forest. Minor forest products are bamboo, vines and nipa leaves. There are open alienable and disposable lands fit for tree farming. Due to declining forest cover, there is total log ban in the region. Illegal logging remains a problem.

Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. To To To To increase GVA from agriculture, fishery and forestry increase the income of farmers and fishers attain self-sufficiency in basic food commodities provide raw materials needed for agribusiness and exports

Strategies 1. Promote cultivation of idle lands for the production of pili and other high value crops. Encourage plantation farming and organize small farmers into nucleus farms. Establish convergence agro-enterprise clusters in agrarian reform communities and upland areas. Revitalize the abaca industry through better site selection and planting materials. Use high yielding varieties and productivity improvement technologies in crop production. These include genetically modified varieties of corn, asexual propagation of quality pili seedlings, hydroponics and protective culture to allow year-round growing of vegetables, and mechanized pineapple production. Provide trainings to extension agents and farmers on advanced production technologies.

2.

18

3.

Provide support facilities and services, such as farm to market roads, composting facilities, tissue culture laboratories and nurseries, credit and marketing facilities. Improve marketing services through electronic information access, i.e., prices of farm inputs and produce shall be uploaded in the internet. Promote integrated water resources management to improve water recharge, reduce run-off and soil erosion and address competition on water use. Adopt volumetric water pricing in national and communal irrigation systems. Promote drip irrigation in vegetable farms. Focus research and development agenda on: developing rice production systems to counter the effect of rising temperature and changing weather conditions; propagating high yielding coconut varieties tolerant to strong winds; producing embryo-cultured coconut seedlings; and developing new products from pili and prolonging its shelf life. Promote investments in chicken and egg production using advanced technologies like tunnel ventilation of growing houses and highly mechanized operations. Use cattle breeds like Murrah buffalo and improve goat breeds for the production of halal meat. Encourage commercial hog production. Increase the number of marine reserves and sanctuaries. Promote fish hibernation technology in the transport of live fish. Introduce pangasius for fillet production in freshwater aquaculture. Regulate inland lakes to avoid over stocking. Revive prawn production and open mariculture parks in new sites. Intensify sea weeds farming. Promote tree farming among private land owners. Utilize indigenous tree species, bamboo and rattan for reforestation. Sell tree seedlings at cost to interested farmers and landowners. Conduct research on the use of minor forest species like salago, buri and caragumoy.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. Commodity specific programs Irrigation Development Program Mariculture and Aquaculture Development Program Private Lands Tree Farming Program

19

10.

Mining and Quarrying

Bicol is rich in mineral resources. Copper, silver, gold, lead, iron, manganese, marble, chromite and bauxite deposits abound in most parts of the region. Also in abundance are guano and rock phosphate. Three large mining/quarrying projects operate in the region: Quarry and Cement Plant Project in Camalig Albay; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in RapuRapu, Albay; and Masbate Gold Project in Aroroy, Masbate. There are also four small mining operations in Bicol. From 2004 to 2009, gross value added from mining and quarrying increased at an average of 22 percent and contributed 6.7 percent share to GRDP. Workers in this sector comprise less than one percent of total employed persons in the region. Huge reserves of commercially available mineral deposits can be developed. There are large deposits of quality aggregates around Mayon Volcano that can be quarried and exported to other countries. Small scale illegal mining operations and treasure hunting are still rampant. The sector is also faced by protests from anti-mining and environmental groups. Objectives 1. 2. To increase gross value added from mining and quarrying To minimize risks to life, health, and the environment

Strategies 1. Promote responsible mining and quarrying by monitoring the safety, health and environmental commitments of mining companies. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integrated in environmental management systems of mining companies. Apprehend illegal mining and treasure hunting in coordination with the LGUs and law enforcement agencies. Strengthen the Provincial Mineral Regulatory Board .

2.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Mineral Industry Development Program Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project Masbate Gold Project Paracale Gold Project Exploration of Mineral Deposits

Proposed Policy/Legislation: Review the issuance of quarrying permits

20

11.

Manufacturing

From 2004 to 2009, gross value added from manufacturing increased at an average of 3.6 percent and contributed 1.3 percent share to GRDP. Workers in manufacturing comprise six percent of total employment. Manufacturing industries are mostly small scale. These include food preservation, furniture making, fiber craft, shell craft, pottery, pili confectionery, coco-based products, minerals and marine products. The industry is constrained by high power and transport cost, lack of access to financing, high tariffs on inputs, and bureaucratic red tape. Funds for R&D in support of the manufacturing sector are inadequate. Other problems are unreliable supply of raw materials and low productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises. Objectives 1. 2. To increase investments in manufacturing industries To strengthen existing small scale manufacturing industries

Strategies 1. Promote investments in the production of raw materials for manufacturing, such as coconut, abaca, pineapple, pili, marine and mineral products. Support the fabrication of agricultural machines. Encourage Bicolanos abroad and returning OFWs to invest in manufacturing industries. Focus research and development on manufactured products and disseminate results and new technologies. Conduct market researches to identify new products. Reduce the cost of doing business by upgrading infrastructure, lowering power cost, simplifying business procedures, and improving productivity levels of manufacturing companies. Improve education curricula to produce graduates with skills required by the manufacturing industry. Provide entrepreneurship training programs to existing and potential entrepreneurs.

2.

3.

4.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. One Town One Product Program One-Stop Action Center in each LGU Industry Clusters and Special Economic Zones LGU training programs on investment promotion

21

5. 6.

Trainings for MSMEs on productivity and quality improvement Common service facilities for processing and packaging

Proposed Policy/Legislation Review the Foreign Investment Act to remove constitutional and legal constraints for foreign investors

12.

Trade

From 2004 to 2009, wholesale and retail trade services grew at an average of 3.8 percent and contributed 12 percent share to GRDP. Workers in this sector comprise 18 percent of total employed persons in the region. Goods and commodities in Bicol are more expensive compared to those in NCR and CALABARZON. In 2009, the regions average inflation was 4.6 percent, the fourth highest among the regions. It is higher than the national average of 3.2 percent and the NCRs average of 1.6 percent. Higher inflation was noted for food items, which constitute the biggest component of the consumer basket. The rise in prices of goods is due largely to the high cost of transportation. Bicol contributes less than one percent to the countrys total exports. Exporters are faced with high cost of shipping, scarcity of raw materials, costly and unreliable power supply, low productivity levels, poor technology transfer, and high cost of financing. These problems are aggravated by stiff competition from other regions and countries and weak penetration in new markets like Eastern Europe and other ASEAN countries. Objectives 1. 2. 3. To increase investments in wholesale and retail trade services To make goods available at lower prices throughout the year To increase the share of Bicol to the countrys total exports

Strategies 1. Promote investments in wholesale and retail trade. Enhance the capability of LGUs and the private sector on export and investment promotion. Simplify business registration procedures and make them more transparent. Encourage Bicolanos abroad and returning OFWs to invest in this sector. Modernize the physical infrastructure and logistics system through public private partnership.

2.

22

3.

Strengthen collaboration among the government, research institutions, and the private sector to make exporters more competitive through: a. b. c. Continuous product development and market research to identify new products and create market niches. Strengthening of traditional products and looking for new markets. Application of appropriate technologies to increase production of raw materials, lower production cost and increase productivity. Credit facilitation and financial intermediation to allow business expansion, product diversification, and technology improvement. Compliance with international standards on product quality. Aggressive promotion of Bicol exports through all forms of media and product branding for easy name recall in the global market.

d.

e. f.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. One-Stop Action Center in each LGU Special Economic Zones Rural Micro-enterprise Promotion Program Establishment of trade facilities in strategic locations LGU training programs on export and investment promotion Trainings for MSMEs/exporters on productivity and improvement

quality

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. Amendments to PD 930 (Simplifying Export Procedures by Realigning Functions of Certain Government Agencies Involved in Processing Export Documents) Amendments to RA 7844 (Export Development Act) Amendments to RA 9280 (The Customs Brokers Act of 2004)

2. 3.

13.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the most promising and resilient sectors in the region. The beautiful islands in Bicol, year round fine weather, local cuisine, available workforce with the ability to speak, write and understand English, and the hospitality of Bicolanos make tourism a major economic growth driver for Bicol.

23

From 2004 to 2009, tourist arrival grew at an average rate of 39 percent. In 2009, the number of tourists registered a record high of 2,287,365 or a growth of 75 percent from the previous year. Foreign tourists increased by 80 percent and domestic tourists by 74 percent. Among the provinces in the region, Camarines Sur had the most number of tourists with 1,566,447 and ranked second among the top 15 destinations of the country. The whalesharks of Donsol, Sorsogon has also attracted a large number of tourists to the province. However, there is no spill over of tourists to other areas of the region, particularly Catanduanes and Camarines Norte. Provinces have various destination products that are not integrated. This limits the length of stay and average spending of visitors. Other provinces also lack investments in the 4As of tourism (attractions, access, accommodation, and activities) that are at par with international standards. LGUs lack the capability to promote tourism and provide an environment conducive to private sector investments. Other challenges include maintaining peace and order, instilling tourism culture at the community level, and curtailing opportunistic practices of tricycle, jeepney drivers, and ambulant vendors. Objectives 1. 2. To increase investments in tourist destinations To increase tourist arrival in all provinces

Strategies 1. Enhance the capability of LGUs on investment and tourism promotion and facilitation, packaging of tourism destinations, project development for ODA and BOT/PPP funding, and social preparation of the community on tourism-related activities. Promote private sector investments in new tourist destinations, accommodation facilities and amenities, particularly in ecotourism, sports and recreation tourism, medical tourism, and culinary tourism. Prioritize infrastructure projects that would provide access, communication, power and water supply in tourist destinations comparable with international standards. Improve the basic education system building necessary manpower skills for quality education and competencies of courses. Provide training programs for ensure quality service to visitors. to lay the foundation for the tourism industry. Ensure graduates of tourism-related tourism service providers to

2.

3.

4.

24

5.

Maintain peace and order for the security of tourists and tourism facilities and amenities.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. LGU Capability Building Programs Training programs for tourism service providers Development of New Tourism Destinations Construction/Upgrading of Tourism Infrastructure Facilities Tourism Promotion Programs

Proposed Policy/Legislation Review the Foreign Investment Act to remove constitutional and legal constraints to foreign investors

Chapter Four
IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE 14. Transportation

Bicol needs an efficient intermodal transport network that will connect its four mainland and two island provinces to other regions. An integrated transport network will open up new economic opportunities, reduce transportation cost, and increase access to social services. It will support the development of the countryside and strengthen the socioeconomic, cultural and political linkages between and among regions. The region's transport system relies heavily on the road network which resulted in the fast deterioration of the roads and high cost of goods. Maharlika Highway is the main trunkline road that connects the Bicol mainland to Metro Manila. Most of the local roads need improvement to efficiently link them to arterial or national roads. Generally, barangay or farm to market roads are in very poor condition. Rail transport has not been fully rehabilitated. Water transport is not maximized. The nine national ports in the region do not have adequate and comfortable passenger terminals, warehouses, parking areas, berthing facilities, and other appurtenant facilities needed to accommodate more and large vessels. The 36 municipal ports are underutilized. Air transport is unreliable during inclement weather. Most airports are not equipped with adequate navigation systems to allow aircraft landing at night and during adverse weather conditions. Most airports need improvement and upgrading of their passenger terminal buildings and amenities.

25

Objective To establish an integrated and efficient intermodal (land, water and air) transport system that will support the domestic and industrial transportation requirements of the region Strategies 1. Prioritize strategic roads that need upgrading like diversion roads and those leading to RORO ports, tourism and investment areas. Implement BOT projects on mass transport systems and oneticketing system. Pursue online transactions among regulatory agencies. Adopt a standard gauge railway system for PNR south rail line and extend railway line to Matnog, Sorsogon. Encourage private sector participation in railway development. Develop a new and modern double-track electric rail system for PNR south rail line harnessing the power generated by geothermal plants in Laguna, Albay and Sorsogon. Partner with the private sector in upgrading national port facilities, improving municipal ports, and implementing RORO port projects identified in the proposed central and eastern nautical highways. Develop new ports along the western seaboard of the region which are easily accessible to Manila Harbor, Batangas Port and Cebu Port. Enhance maritime safety especially for passenger vessels and small sea craft. Upgrade domestic airports to international standards to attract more domestic flights. Undertake measures to restore Category 1 status of air transportation. Prioritize airport development projects to support the growth of industries, trade and tourism. Convert underutilized airports to military air bases.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. National Roads and Bridges Improvement Project Circumferential, coastal, by-pass, FMR and other roads GUICADALE Road Projects of Albay Central and Eastern Nautical Highway Projects Main Line South and Sorsogon Railroad Extension Project RORO Ports Development along nautical highways BRBWMP Flood Control and Mitigation, Watershed Protection Strategic RORO Ports Development linking Catanduanes

26

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Comprehensive Disaster Prevention around Mayon Volcano Port Terminal Facilities Improvement Projects Bicol International Airport Naga Airport Runway Re-orientation Project Masbate Airport Relocation Project Old Legazpi Airport Re-development Project Airport Terminal and Air Navigation Facilities Improvement

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. Privatize PNR Convert Quirino Highway into a toll road Convert idle airports into military air bases

15.

Communications

The liberalization of the telecommunications industry allowed the entry of more telephone and internet service providers in the region. Competition among service providers resulted to cheaper and more efficient communication services. Major telephone operators in Bicol are Bayantel and Digitel, which offer cable and wireless systems, as well as internet services. There is wide cellular phone coverage in the region. Most investment centers, tourism and production areas are accessible by mobile phones. The sector is threatened by vulnerability of cell sites and telephone lines to strong typhoons and sabotage, pilferage of telephone cables, and power supply interruptions. Another concern is the wide disparity between the price of a voice call and the price of a text message for mobile phone services. There is also a need to reduce the cost of connectivity among telephone service providers to further lower user costs. The telephone and telegraph services of the Telecommunications Office and private telegraph companies have become obsolete. The viability of the Philippine Postal Corporation is also threatened, with private courier services displacing the government postal services especially in urban areas. Objective To provide effective and efficient communication facilities and services that are universally accessible, interconnected and affordable Strategies 1. Establish a regulatory environment conducive to the sustainable growth and development of the information infrastructure and services.

27

2.

Encourage investments on physical infrastructure for high-speed connectivity, high capacity and secured services at low cost. Support the safeguarding calamities. initiatives of the private service their facilities against man-made providers in and natural

3.

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. National Standards Certification System for ICT professionals Development of typhoon-proof telecommunication facilities

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. Rationalize/Privatize TELOF. Re-engineer the Philippine Postal Corporation to make it more financially viable by considering the following: a) abolishing the Postal Bank; b) stopping of franking privileges; c) providing courier services in rural areas; d) serving as payment and remittance centers; e) selling school and office supplies; and f) operating internet caf or coffee shop.

16. Energy
The maximum capacities of the regions geothermal generating plants were not achieved because of shutdowns due to the usual wear and tear and damages brought by Typhoons Reming and Milenyo. Only Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant units 1 and 2 contributed 1141.124 GWH or 30.66 percent of total geothermal energy supplied to the Luzon Grid. But this is more than enough to supply the regions total power demand of 740.50 GWH. The electric cooperatives have energized 223 barangays or 99.9 percent of the potential barangays as of 2009. Only 3 barangays are not yet energized. Off-grid barangays in the province of Masbate were energized by the National Power Corporation-Small Power Utilities Group through its Philippine Rural Electrification Project. A total of 114 barangays in Masbate island and 14 barangays in Ticao island have been energized. Another 26 barangays in the island municipalities of Claveria, San Pascual, San Fernando and San Jacinto are for energization. Despite being a major contributor to the Luzon grid, Bicol is faced with high power cost and frequent brownouts. This is primarily due to the inefficiency and mismanagement of electric cooperatives. Power pilferage reflected as systems loss is a perennial problem of the cooperatives which is passed on to the consumers bill. The super typhoons that frequent the region cause damages to the generation facilities, transmission lines and distribution facilities.

28

Objective To provide sufficient, stable, secure, accessible, affordable power supply to all domestic and industrial users Strategies 1. Promote private investments in energy development. Harmonize environment and socio-cultural concerns in prospective areas which are either protected or ancestral lands. Develop alternative and renewable energy sources, innovative technologies, and non-power applications of geothermal energy resources, such as spa resorts, balneology, and crop drying. Strengthen advocacy on energy conservation measures. Improve the efficiency of local electric cooperatives.

2.

3.

Targets 1. 2. 3. 4. Power rate in the region one of the lowest in the country Minimal incidence of brownouts in the region Single-digit systems loss Energization of 100% barangays and 49% sitios

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Development of Renewable Energy Sources Plasma Gasification Rehabilitation of BacMan Geothermal Power Plants Masbate and Catanduanes interconnection to the Luzon Grid Barangay and Sitio Energization Program Providing dedicated power supply for Bicol consumers Upgrading of power distribution lines and substations

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Separate power grid for Bicol Review ER 1-94 and royalty benefits Impose no limit on bilateral contracts Stop charging systems loss to consumers Amend the EPIRA Law Use pre-paid cards for paying electric bills Study the privatization of power distribution and interconnection of island provinces to the Luzon Grid

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Chapter Five
SUSTAINING DEVELOPMENT 17. Land Use Management

Land use planning and management ensures the sustainability of our natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation and the future generations. It promotes the proper allocation of land according to various uses that would minimize the ill effects of development on the state of the natural environment. A comprehensive land use policy will provide for cohesive and consistent strategic interventions on the use of the land. For the past 15 years, however, the national land use bill has not been passed in Congress. At the regional level, the Regional Physical Framework Plan provides land use policies on protection, production, settlement, and infrastructure. To determine the extent of implementation of these policies, a review and updating of the RPFP is necessary. At the provincial level, the preparation of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan is underway with assistance from the NEDAPLPEM project. Some provinces are constrained by insufficient and not updated data, lack of capability of planning staff, and other priority work. At the local level, there are only about 50 percent of LGUs with approved and/or updated Comprehensive Land Use Plans. Aside from the reasons mentioned above, the LGUs lack manpower and financial resources for land use planning. Objective To ensure the sustainable allocation of land for development and environmental protection Strategies 1. Provide technical assistance to LGUs in the preparation of CLUPs and PDPFPs. Ensure that CLUPs and PDPFPs are consistent with the RPFP and national land use policies. Monitor the implementation of policies and strategies contained in all land use and physical framework plans.

2.

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. 2. 3. Pass the National Land Use Act Include spatial framework in local plans Devolve forest protection

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18. Good Governance

Good governance ensures efficient delivery of public services. It provides an environment of less bureaucracy that is favorable to investments. It is characterized by transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation, and responsiveness to the needs of the people. It is an effective participation of all development stakeholders that guarantees full respect of human rights, increased productivity and competitiveness, and peace and security. According to the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Philippines ranked low in government and business efficiency due to corruption, inability to adopt new technologies, and weak LGUs. It is also attributed to low productivity and poor compliance to international standards. Government and private organizations in the region should strive to be more productive and to be globally competitive. Peace and security is threatened by weak law enforcement, high crime incidence, low crime solution efficiency, insurgency, and human rights violations. Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. To To To To To improve the delivery of public services create an environment of transparency and accountability make productivity improvement a way of life in Bicol ensure peace, order, and security in the region eliminate corruption in the public and private sectors

Strategies 1. Strengthen the collaboration among the government, civil society, and business groups in eliminating corruption in the public and private sectors. Promote transparency in all government and private transactions. Enforce anti-red tape measures. Simplify, automate, and make online all business licensing and registration procedures. Provide online information on available credit facilities to private investors. Assist LGUs in formulating investment incentive code and creating an investment promotion center that can be accessed online. Improve the capability of LGUs in development planning, investment programming, project development and monitoring. Provide trainings on participative leadership, community-based resource management, basic social service delivery, tourism and investment promotion, and disaster risk management.

2.

3.

31

4.

Encourage government and private institutions to establish productivity improvement units. Implement continuing productivity improvement programs and aim for international standards certification. Strengthen the five pillars of the justice system to address the root causes of conflict. Strengthen the management of peace and order in terms of manpower, institutions development, and equipment. Upgrade qualification standards for law enforcement officers. Protect vital installations, places of convergence, tourism and business areas.

5.

Major Programs and Projects 1. Programs Promoting Transparency and Accountability a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. 2. 3. 4. Local Government Performance Management System Honor and Awards System in the Civil Service Good Practices on Local Governance Community Based Management System Electronic New Government Accounting System Electronic Treasury Operations Management System Regional Resource Center Online Business Licensing and Registration

Capability Building Programs for LGUs Productivity Improvement in the Public and Private Sectors Peace and Security Programs

Proposed Policies/Legislation 1. Develop a system of cross-posting between senior public and private sector officials as a mechanism for sharing of management expertise. Review policies, executive orders, ordinances and other directives regarding peace, order and security.

2.

19.

Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation

Disasters undermine development, impoverish people, and impede the achievement of the MDGs. Climate change is a global threat that puts developing island nations like the Philippines at greatest risk. Bicol has one of the highest risk environments in the country. About 20 tropical cyclones visit the region annually. Mayon and Bulusan volcanoes threaten residents in Albay and Sorsogon. The El Nio phenomenon has dried up areas in the highlands and resulted in agricultural losses. Flooding has

32

intensified due to increased impermeable areas, loss of forest cover, changes in land use, rapid urbanization, increased population, removal and alteration of natural drainage features, increased storm water volumes and increased peaks. With a population of five million, almost half of whom live below poverty line, there is a pressing challenge for all Bicolanos to implement disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures. Mainstreaming DRR/CCA in local development planning is imperative. Efforts to shift from flood control to flood mitigation were pursued in the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project. The CCA and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management laws emphasize the need for increased preparedness and adaptation measures, rather than just response mechanisms. This requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders in building effective DRR/CCA institutions and capacities at the barangay, municipal, city and provincial levels. Objective To achieve zero casualty and minimum damage to property during emergencies and disasters Strategies 1. Provide technical assistance to LGUs in mainstreaming DRR and CCA in local development planning. Ensure that all LGUs complete their DRR/CCA-enhanced CLUPs and PDPFPs. Maximize the use of information technology tools such as GIS, remote sensing, REDAS and the SimCLIM software in hazard mapping, risk identification, and vulnerability assessment. Enhance the capability of communities, LGUs, and concerned agencies in all aspects of disaster risk management, i.e, mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation. Establish DRR/CCA training institutions and include disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation in the school curriculum. Increase public awareness on DRR/CCA measures. Provide safe and well equipped evacuation shelters with programs and services responsive to the psycho-social needs of the internally displaced persons. Ensure that hospitals can effectively deliver health services during disasters. Conduct massive tree planting and reforestation. Promote the establishment of eco-parks and urban gardens.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

33

Major Programs and Projects 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Establishment of DRMO in all LGUs Preparation of DRR/CCA-enhanced PDPFPs and CLUPs Mangrove & Forest Reforestation Project Solid Waste Management Programs of LGUs Establishment of Eco-Parks and Urban Gardens Low Cost Housing Project/Core Shelter Assistance Project Integrated Livelihood Program BRBWMP Flood Mitigation and Watershed Component Emergency and Educational Preparedness Programs

Proposed Policy/Legislation Review the design of flood control structures and other engineering mitigating measures to meet the changes in the intensities and occurrences of natural hazards

20.

Plan Implementation

The Regional Development Council shall coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the implementation of the regional development plan. The plan shall be communicated and advocated to stakeholders to encourage them to participate in plan implementation. The plan shall be translated into a regional development investment program consisting of public sector programs, projects, and activities. The RDIP shall be the basis for preparing the annual budget proposals of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges. Given the limited resources of the government, the most feasible projects shall be prioritized for funding and implementation during the plan period. The Bicol Project Development Committee shall provide technical assistance to LGUs in project development. Funds for the implementation of programs, projects and activities shall be sourced mainly from government revenues generated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs. Other sources of revenues are official development assistance, government owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, local government revenues, and bond flotation. The private sector shall also be tapped for public private partnership projects. The implementation of the strategies, programs, projects and activities in the plan shall be undertaken by the regional line agencies, GOCCs, GFIs, LGUs, SUCs, and other concerned agencies. An annual regional development report shall be prepared to assess plan implementation.

34

The Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System shall be used for monitoring and evaluating programs and projects implemented in the region. These include all foreign assisted projects, all area development projects, nationally funded projects, and those considered critical by the Office of the President, the RDC, and planning boards. This is to ensure that plan objectives and targets are attained, strategies are undertaken, stakeholders are informed, and resources are mobilized. Monitoring and evaluation processes shall be carried out with the active participation of government agencies, LGUs and non-government organizations. The Regional Project Monitoring Committee shall prepare quarterly project monitoring reports. The figure below shows the hierarchy of development plans prepared at different levels. At the national level, the National Framework for Physical Planning (NFPP) provides long term policies on the allocation, use, and management of the countrys land and other physical resources. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) is prepared every six years to coincide with the term of the President. The medium term public investment program (MTPIP) is an accompanying document of the PDP.

NFPP/PDP

MTPIP

RPFP/RDP

RDIP

PDPFP

PDIP

CDP/CLUP

M/CDIP

The Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) is in accordance with the NFPP. Likewise, the regional development plan (RDP) is consistent with the PDP. The RDIP should be included in the MTPIP. The Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) should also be consistent with the RDP and the RPFP. The PDPFP shall be the basis for the Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of component cities and municipalities.

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List of Acronyms
AIDS ASEAN BOT BRBWMP CALABARZON CCA CLUP DRMO DRR ECCD EPIRA ER FMR GFI GIS GOCC GRDP GUICADALE GVA GWH HEIs HIV ICT LGUs MDGs MSMEs NCR NEDA NGOs NHA ODA OFWs PD PDPFP PhilHealth PLPEM PNR PPAN PPP R&D RA RDC RDIP REDAS RORO RPFP SUC TELOF Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Association of Southeast Asian Nations build-operate-transfer Bicol River Basin Watershed Management Program Calamba-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon climate change adaptation Comprehensive Land Use Plan Disaster Risk Management Office disaster risk reduction early childhood care and development Electric Power Industry Reform Act Energy Regulations farm to market road government financial institution geographic information system government owned and controlled corporation gross regional domestic product Guinobatan-Camalig-Daraga-Legazpi gross value added gigawatt-hour higher education institutions Human Immunodeficiency Virus information and communications technology local government units Millennium Development Goals micro, small and medium enterprises National Capital Region National Economic and Development Authority non-government organizations National Housing Authority official development assistance overseas Filipino workers Presidential Decree Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Provincial/Local Planning and Expenditure Management Philippine National Railways Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition public private partnership research and development Republic Act Regional Development Council Regional Development Investment Program Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System roll-on/roll-off Regional Physical Framework Plan state university and college Telecommunications Office

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