Final Ev RDP 2014-2016

About the cover
The cover depicts a red and blue film strip shaped into a ribbon, with
photos showing the various sectors and stakeholders in development.
The sunburst and yellow backgrounds depict the current
administrations Daylight strategy, focusing on good governance
and anticorruption to achieve inclusive growth, create employment,
and reduce poverty.
2013 by the National Economic and Development Authority

All rights reserved. Any part of this book may be used and
reproduced, provided that proper acknowledgement is made.
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-1026
Published by:
National Economic and Development Authority
Regional Office VIII
Government Center, Palo, Leyte
Tel: +63 53 323 3092
nro8@neda.gov.ph
www.neda8.ph
Message
Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan (RDP) draws from the
effective execution of development programs and policies in the first three
years of its implementation.
At the national level, the strong macroeconomic fundamentals resulted in
stronger investor interest, improved competitiveness rankings, and recent
investment grade status granted by credit rating agencies. However, we are
mindful that the experience of growth is still not enough to make a significant
impact on our poverty reduction and employment creation goals across the
country. Thus, the need to purposefully consider spatial and sectoral concerns
becomes the thrust of the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) at the
national level and the Updated RDPs at the regional level.
The Regional Development Council (RDC), in crafting this plan, took stock of
the accomplishments achieved and challenges encountered in the first three
years of its implementation. Various stakeholders were engaged through
a series of consultations to ensure that the entire process of development
would be inclusive.
Message
It is with great pride and honor that we in the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC)
VIII present to the public this Updated Regional Development Plan (RDP)
2014-2016 of Eastern Visayas.
This Plan symbolizes a lot of hard work and our renewed drive to steer Region
VIII faster towards attaining a better life for its people. The first half of the
2011-2016 RDP implementation taught us many lessons that should guide our
development efforts in the second half.
Poverty is still here, and has grown worse. Our economy is still not producing
as much as it should to bring more jobs, meet more needs, and contribute
more significantly in attaining the nations goal of inclusive growth. We are
confronted by lots of gaps to fill in. This Updated Plan draws out what these
are and how we can possibly close them. There are as many challenges as
there are issues and concerns. Please let us look at them as challenges rather
than problems.
This plan is a living document that validates RDCs commitment to achieve

the regions development goals. We hope that through this Updated RDP,
development in Eastern Visayas shall be appropriately guided through the
prudent use of its vast natural resources and a productive partnership between
government and an engaged and active citizenry.
Eastern Visayas, with all its natural endowments, is still bigger than any of
the challenges it is facing, thus, none of these are insurmountable. If we
would only embrace these challenges, learn how to put our resources to best
use, muster greater cooperation among us, there is no reason we cannot
transform this region into what we envision it to be a leader in agribusiness
and information and communications technology (ICT), and a tourism haven.
As we all work for the realization of this vision, let us not forget that our vision
is not an end in itself. Our gains in agribusiness, ICT and tourism should enable
us to reap the fruits of a robust economy, fruits that will benefit each and
every family, especially those who have long been deprived of lifes comforts
as basic as roof over their heads, food on their tables, clothes on their back,
and a diploma that would bring them a bright future.
We, in NEDA, fully support the regions desire for inclusive growth as we all
strive to not leave a single Filipino lagging behind our countrys economic
successes.
Thank you to all those who, by their expertise, power and commitment, made
this Updated Plan a true reflection of planned actions that are doable and
dreams that are realizable.
With a renewed desire to deliver inclusive growth, this plan provides the
spatial dimension to the Updated PDP by identifying region-specific resources,
needs and interventions. While Eastern Visayas Updated RDP provides the
framework for local development, strategies are parallel with the national
plan to ensure alignment of national and regional policies and programs.
Mabuhay ang Eastern Visayas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

ARSENIO M. BALISACAN

Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and NEDA

Director-General
ATTY. BONIFACIO G. UY
OIC-Regional Director, NEDA VIII and
Vice-Chair/Acting Chair, RDC VIII
Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
Preface
Excerpts from the Minutes of the Regional Development Council VIII held on August 23, 2013 at the NEDA Regional
Office No. VIII, Government Center, Palo, Leyte
This Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016 of Eastern Visayas was
prepared before Typhoon Yolanda struck and wreaked havoc in the region.
Thus, the Plan framework goals, objectives, targets, strategies and programs,
projects and activities has been anchored entirely on the assessment of the
pre-disaster conditions prevailing in the region. The targets, specifically, had
been pegged based on the baseline data as well as the growth trends and
developments that occurred in recent years.
While disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation has been explicitly
considered in its preparation, the Plan was done at a time when Eastern Visayas
and its people did not at all imagine how massive the destruction Typhoon
Yolanda would have wrought to this part of the country, most especially
Tacloban City, the regions capital.
It is unfortunate that this Updated RDP, which represents the whole gamut
of dreams and aspirations of Eastern Visayas, would suddenly become just
that. After Yolanda, the regions efforts would have to be redirected primarily
towards restoring Eastern Visayas to at least its pre-disaster condition, and
thereafter building it to a better region.
The ideals that this Plan captures are not totally without chances of being
realized. Still guided by those ideals, the people of Region VIII have put
together their minds, hearts and whatever is left of their resources to come
up with the
RDC VIII Resolution No. 44, Series of 2013

APPROVING AND ENDORSING THE UPDATED
EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (RDP) 2014-2016 AND
THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT INVESMENT PROGRAM (RDIP) 2014-2016
Whereas, the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan (RDP) was assessed midway of its implementation period
and, based on such assessment, was updated;
Whereas, the draft Updated RDP is a product of a multi-stakeholder consultative process through the conduct
of a series of Technical Planning Group (TPG) Workshops partcipated in by representatives of different regional line
agencies, business groups, private companies, and Private Sector Representatives of the RDC VIII;
Whereas, the Updated RDP is a geographic slice of the Updated Philippine Development Pan, which serves as
the blueprint for the development of Eastern Visayas and the regions contribution to the attainment of the national
goal of inclusive growth;

Whereas, the draft Updated RDP, together with its two (2) companion documents, namely: a) the 2014-2016
Results Matrices (RM) and b) the 2014-2016 Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), was reviewed by the
sectoral committees of the RDC;
Eastern Visayas Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (EV-YRRP).
Whereas, the draft Updated RDP and RDIP were found to be comprehensive enough, except for a few suggested
improvements.
As this Updated RDP gets published, the EV-YRRP would soon come out as a
living document, upon which new hopes of the people of Eastern Visayas are
pinned. With the birth of the EV-YRRP, we are promised anew of a better life
after the grim realities Yolanda forced all of us to face.

NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVED, to approve and endorse the Updated Eastern
Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2014-2016 and the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 20142016, subject to the incorporation and/or consideration of corrections/suggestions raised during the floor as well as
additional inputs that may be submitted prior to the target completion of the Updated RDP.
The EV-YRRP is something to look forward and commit to. It will be our
testimony that we will not forget the lesson learned, especially because we
learned it the hardest way. We will remain undaunted. Through the EVYRRP, we will show the world that Bangon Eastern Visayas is more than just
a battlecry.

Approved unanimously, this 23rd day of August, Two Thousand and Thirteen, at the NEDA Region VIII,
Government Center, Palo, Leyte, Philippines.
Certified true and correct:
On behalf of Eastern Visayans,

NEDA VIII
MA. VICTORIA C. CUAYZON

Acting Secretary
Attested/Approved:
DIRECTOR BONIFACIO G. UY
Vice-Chairperson and Presiding Officer
Table of Contents
Messages
4
Preface

6
RDC Resolution No. 44, s. 2013
7
List of Tables and Figures
14
List of Acronyms
17
Introduction
20
Chapter 1: Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
22
Location
23

Political Subdivision
23

Land Area
23

Population
23

Climate
24

Physical Characteristics
24

Topography
24
Slope 25

Elevation
25

Land Classification
26

Mineral Resources
26
Water Resources 26

Geo-Hazards and Disaster-Prone Areas
28

Earthquake-Prone Areas
28

Landslide-Prone Areas
28

Tsunami-Prone Areas
29

Liquefaction and Flood-Prone Areas

29
Chapter 2: Regional Development Framework 30

Regional Vision
31

Regional Goal
32

Regional Objectives
33

Key Development Thrusts
33

Pole-vaulting the Agriculture Sector towards Agribusiness Development
33

Batting to Become a Tourism Haven
33

Pushing for ICT Development
34

Regional Strategies
34
Chapter 3: Macroeconomy
36

Assessment
37

Gross Regional Economic Product (GRDP)
37

Per Capita GRDP
39

Labor and Employment
40

Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group
40

External Trade
42

Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso
44

Poverty
44

Summary of Challenges
46

Macroeconomic Development Framework
47

Goal
47

Objectives
47

Targets
47

Strategies
48

Programs, Projects and Activities
50
Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
51

Assessment
52

Crop Production
53

Palay/Rice
53

Coconut
55
Abaca 55

Sugarcane
56

Banana (Saba)
56

Corn
59
Rootcrops 59

Fruits and Vegetables
59

Livestock and Poultry Production
59

Fisheries Production
59

60

Sectoral Development Framework
62
Goals 62

Objectives
62

Targets
62
Palay 62

Coconut
63

Abaca
64

Sugarcane
65

Banana (Saba)
66

Livestock and Poultry
66

Fisheries
68

Strategies
69

72
Chapter 5: Competitive Industry and Services Sector
70

Assessment
73

Ease of Doing Business
73

Investments
74

Industry Sector
75

Mining and Quarrying
76

Heavy Industries
76

Agribusiness
76
Services Sector 80

Tourism
80

Key Tourism Products
81

Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)
81

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
85

Employment in Industry, Tourism and ICT
87

Labor Productivity
87

87

90
Goals 90
10

Objectives
90

Targets
90

Strategies
91

93
Chapter 6: Accelerating Infrastructure Development 95

Assessment
96
Transport 96

Water
100

Water Supply
100

Irrigation
101

Flood Control
102

Energy
103

Power and Electrification
103

Energy Resources
104

Communications/Telecommunications
104

Social Infrastructure
105

Health Facilities
105

Education Facilities
106

106

108

Goal
108

Objective
108

Strategies
108

113
Chapter 7: Creating Productive Human Resources
115

Assessment
116

Health, Nutrition, and Population Management
116

Education and Manpower Development
121

Elementary and Secondary Education
121

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)
124

Tertiary Education
125

Social Welfare
127

Housing
129

130

134

Health, Nutrition and Population Management
134

Objectives
134

Targets
134

Strategies
135

Education and Manpower Development
138

Objective
138

Targets
138

Strategies
139

Social Welfare
142

Objective
142

Targets
142

Strategies
143

Housing
143

Objective
143
11

Targets
144

Strategies
144

144
Chapter 8: Good Governance and the Rule of Law
147

Assessment
148

State of Local Governance
148

Administrative Governance
150

Economic Governance
150

Social Governance
151

Environmental Governance
151

Valuing Fundamentals of Governance
151

Financial Performance
152

Delivery of Public Services by National Government Agencies (NGAs)
152

Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Watch
152

Convergence of Government Services
155

Public-Private Partnership
155

Strengthening of Domestic Institutions
155

Private Sector Representation in the Regional Development Council
155

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Budget Formulation and Execution 156

Monitoring Capacities of the National and Local Governments
156

Political Processes and Systems
156

156

158

Goals
159

Objectives and Strategies
160

Targets
161

161
Chapter 9: Peace and Security
163

Assessment
164

Peace and Order
164

Internal Security
166

Women and Children in Armed Conflict
169

169

170

Goal
170

Objectives
170

Targets
170

Strategies
170

172
Chapter 10: Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment
and Natural Resources
174

Assessment and State of the Environment and Natural Resources
175

Forest Cover
175

Water Resources
177

Mineral Resources

179

Biodiversity
180

Environmental Quality
182
12

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Initiatives

Protection of Ecotourism Sites and Renewable Energy Resources


Goals

Targets

184
184
184
186
186
186
190
13
Table 24. Livestock and Poultry Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 25. Fish Production by Sub-sectors, Eastern Visayas: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
List of Tables and Figures
Figure 14. Major Crop Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Figure 15. Agriculture and Fisheries Development Framework
Chapter 1: Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas

Table 1. Land Area by Province: 2010 (in hectares)
Table 2.
Demographic Trends: 2007 and 2010
Table 3.
Land Classification by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010
Table 4.
Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province: 2010
Table 5.
Disaster-Prone/Vulnerable Areas in Eastern Visayas
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Map of the Philippines

Map of Eastern Visayas
Household Population by Sex and Age Group
Land Classification of Eastern Visayas
Chapter 2: Regional Development Framework

Figure 5. National Development Framework of the Philippines, Philippine Development Plan 2014-2016
Figure 6. Regional Vision
Figure 7. Regional Development Framework of Eastern Visayas Region, Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan

2014-2016

Chapter 3: Macroeconomy
Table 6. GRDP and GVA Growth Rates by Industrial Origin: 2010-2011 (at constant prices)
Table 7. Per Capita GRDP, Visayas Regions: 2009-2011 (in pesos, at constant prices)
Table 8. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, by Employment Status and Industry Group: 2010-2011
Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group: 2009-2011 (at constant 2000 prices)
Table 10. Volume and Value of Exports and Imports: 2011-2012
Table 11. Poverty Incidence among Population: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent)
Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Families: First Semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012 (in percent)
Table 13. Distribution of Family Income by Income Class and Main Source of Income: 2009
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Percent Distribution by Sector: 2012 (at 2000 constant prices)

Gross Value Added by Origin: 2010-2012 (in million pesos, at 2000 constant prices)
Top 5 Exports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar)
Top 5 Imports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar)
Inflation Rate: 2011-2012 (in percent)
Macroeconomic Development Framework
Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries

Table 14. Palay Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 15. Rice Sufficiency Index, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012
Table 16. Palay Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons/hectare)
Table 17. Coconut Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 18. Abaca Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 19. Sugarcane Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 20. Banana (Saba) Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 21. Banana (Saba) Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons/hectare)
Table 22. Corn Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
Table 23. Fruits and Vegetables Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011-2012 (in metric tons)
14
Chapter 5: Competitive Industry and Services Sector

Table 26. Local Government Units with Steamlined BPLS
Table 27. New Investments: 2010-2012
Table 28. Mineral Production: 2011
Table 29. Heavy Industry Locators: 2010-2012
Table 30. Agribusiness Industries, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012
Table 31. MSMEs in Agribusiness: 2010-2012
Table 32. Tourist Arrivals and Receipts by Type of Origin: 2010-2012
Table 33. Existing and Potential Ecotourism Sites, Eastern Visayas: 2012
Table 34. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park
Table 35. Local ICT Enterprises
Table 36. Employment in BPMO: 2009-2012
Figure 16. Tourist Arrivals by Origin: 2012
Figure 17. Tourism Development Areas of Eastern Visayas
Figure 18. Industry and Services Development Framework
Chapter 6: Accelerating Infrastructure Development
Table 37. Status of National Roads, by District Office: 2012 (in kilometers)
Table 38. List of Major Ports by Province: 2012
Table 39. Total Port Statistics, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012
Table 40. Selected Statistics for Tacloban Airport by Type of Aircraft: 2010 and 2012
Table 41. Selected Statistics for Other Airports: 2010 and 2012
Table 42. Proportion of Households with Access to Safe Water and Sanitary Toilet: 2010-2011
Table 43. Status of Irrigation Development, by Province: 2012
Table 44. Status of Electrification as of December 31, 2012
Table 45. Number of Cell Sites: 2011
Table 46. Status of Landline Telephone Distribution: 2011
Figure 19. Infrastructure Development Framework
Chapter 7: Creating Productive Human Resource
Table 47. Simple and Functional Literacy Rate and Ratio of Literate Females to Males, Eastern Visayas:

2003 and 2008
Table 48. Enrolment by Level of Education, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012 and SY 2012-2013
Table 49. Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012
Table 50. Ratio Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012
Table 51. Technical and Vocational Education Training Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012
Table 52. Tertiary Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: AY 2010-2011 and AY 2011-2012
Table 53. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program Distribution of Examinees vs. Qualifiers: 2011-2012
Table 54. CCT Program Number of Indentified Poor Households vis-a-vis Covered and Beneficiaries Served

by Province: 2011-2012
Table 55. Shelter Agencies Targets vs Accomplishments: 2011-2012
Figure 20. MCH MDG Target vs Status of Maternal Mortality Rate, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011
Figure 21. Infant Mortality Rate vs MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011
15
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Under-five Mortality Rate vs MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011

Prevalence of Underwight Children 0-5 Years Old (0-60 Months Old): 2008 and 2011
Prevalence of Stunted Children 0-5 Years Old: 2008 and 2011
Eastern Visayas Centers of Excellence/Development Locator Map
Reported Cases of Crimes Against Women and Children: 2012
Social Development Framework
Chapter 8: Good Governance and the Rule of Law

Table 56. Administrative Governance Performance, Eastern Visayas: 2009 and 2011
Table 57. Administrative Governance Performance by Province:
Table 58. Regional Summary on Economic Governance: 2009 and 2011
Table 59. Regional Summary on Social Governance: 2009 and 2011
Table 60. Regional Summary on Environmental Governance: 2009 and 2011
Table 61. Regional Summary on Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2009 and 2011
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Figure 30.
Figure 31.
Figure 32.
Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance: 2011

Provincial Government Performance, Social Governance: 2011
Provincial Government Performance, Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2011
Locally Sourced Revenue to Total Income
Good Governance and the Rule of Law Framework
Chapter 9: Peace and Security

Table 62. Index Crimes Distribution by Province: 2012
Table 63. Insurgency-Related Violent Incidents: 2011-2012
Figure 33.
Figure 34.
Figure 35.
Figure 36.
Figure 37.
Figure 38.
Figure 39.
Incidence of Crimes Committed by Crime Category: 2011-2012

Distribution of Crime Volume by Province: 2011-2012
Index Crimes Classification: 2011-2012
Distribution of Non-Index Crimes by Province: 2011-2012
Crime Solution Efficiency and Crime Efficiency: 2011-2012
CPP-NPA-NDF CNN Strength, Firearms and Affected Barangays: 2011 -2012
Peace and Security Framework
Chapter 10: Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources
Table 64. Number of Patents by Sex, Type and Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2011
Table 65. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2011
Table 66. Volume and Estimated Value of Mineral Resources, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2011
Table 67. Assessment of Programs/Accomplishments: 2011-2012
Table 68. Existing Dumpsites and Junkshops, Eastern Visayas: 2009
Figure 40. Forest Cover Map of Eastern Visayas
Figure 41. Forest Destruction by Cause: 2001-2008
Figure 42. Environment Integrity Framework
16
List of Acronyms
A&D
AAGR
AFFIRE
AFP
AHFF
ARTA
ASTHRDP
BADACs
BAS
BEmONC
BFAR
BIR
BOD
BOI
BPLS
BPMO
BPO
CAAP
CCA
CCI
CCT
CHED
CHT
CICL
CLEEP
CMTS
CPEDP
CPH
CR
CSOs
DA
DBM
DENR
DepEd
DILG
DOE
DOH
DOST
DOT
DOTC
DPWH
DRR/CCA
DRRM
DSWD
DTI
DVAs
EDC
EFA
EINC
ERA
ERDT
ESWM
EVBZ
FSP
Alienable and Disposable

Average Annual Growth Rate
Agribusiness Federation of Financial Intermediaries for Rural Empowerment
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery
Anti-Red Tape Act
Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program
Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils
Bureau of Agricultural Statistics
Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Bureau of Internal Revenue
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Board of Investments
Business Processing and Licensing System
Business Process Management and Outsourcing
Business Process Outsourcing
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
Climate Change Adaptation
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cash Conditional Transfer
Commission on Higher Education
Community Health Team
Children in Conflict with Law
Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program
Cellular Mobile Telephone Service
Continuing Professional Educational Development Program
Census of Population and Housing
Completion Rate
Civil Society Organizations
Department of Agriculture
Department of Budget and Management
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Department of Education
Department of Interior and Local Government
Department of Energy
Department of Health
Department of Science and Technology
Department of Tourism
Department of Transportation and Communications
Department of Public Works and Highways
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Department of Social Welfare and Development
Department of Trade and Industry
Disaster Vulnerability Assessments
Energy Development Corporation
Education for All
Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care
Energy Reform Agenda
Engineering Research and Development for Technology
Ecological Solid Waste Management
Eastern Visayas Bio-Geographic Zone
Food for School Program
17
FTP
GAD
GFIs
GHGs
GOCCs
GRDP
GSIS
GVA
HCAAP
HLURB
HQ
HUDCC
ICI
ICT
IRA
IWRM
IYCF
JICA
JPSCC
KAANIB
KALAHI-CIDSS
LAC
LAMS
LBP
LDC
LGPMS
LGUs
LIDE
LIDP
LIIC
LMWD
LRED
LTO
LWUA
MASCO
MDFO
MDG
MNCHN
MNDR
MPEX
MRA
MSMEs
mtpy
NAT-MPS
NEA
NEDA
NER
NGAs
NGOs
NGP
NHA
NHTS-PR
NIA
NIPAS
NSCB
NSO
NTC
18
Field Training Program

Gender and Development
Government Financial Institutions
Greenhouses Gases
Governed Owned and Controlled Corporations
Gross Regional Domestic Product
Government Service Insurance System
Gross Value Added
Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
High Quality
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
Integrated Coconut Industry
Information and Communications Technology
Internal Revenue Allotment
Integrated Water Resources Management
Infant and Young Child Feeding
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Regular Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center
Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan
Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services
Leyte Agricultural Corporation
Land Administration and Management Systems
Land Bank of the Philippines
Local Development Council
Local Governments Performance Monitoring System
Local Government Units
Leyte Industrial Development Estate
Local Development and Investment Plan
Local Investment Incentive Code
Leyte Metropolitan Water District
Local and Regional Economic Development
Land Transportation Office
Local Water Utilities Administration
Motorized Anti-Street Crimes Operative
Municipal Development Fund Office
Millennium Development Goals
Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition
Maternal/Neonatal Death Review
Manufacturing Productivity Extension
Mutual Recognition Agreement
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
metric tons per yield
National Achievement Test Mean Percentage Score
National Electrification Administration
Net Enrollment Rate
National Government Agencies
Non-government Organizations
National Greening Program
National Housing Authority
National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction
National Irrigation Administration
National Integrated Protected Area System
National Statistical Coordination Board
National Statistics Office
National Telecommunications Commission
OPAPP
OTEC
PAG-IBIG
PAMANA
PASAR
PCA
PESFA
PEZA
PHILPHOS
PIPS
PNP
PPA
PPAN
PPC
PPP
PSOs
PSYSC
R&D
RERBA
RLAs
RRCY
SFRs
SGPPA
SINP
SLFs
SNMRC
SPES
SSIPs
SSS
STFAP
SUCs
SWIPs
TDAs
TESDA
TVET
TWSP
UN
UTPRAS
ViFARD
WEDC
WWF
Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)
PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn
Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation
Philippine Coconut Authority
Private Education Students Financial Assistance
Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation
Police Integrated Patrol System
Philippine National Police
Philippine Ports Authority
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition
Philippine Postal Corporation
Private Sector Organizations
Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs
Research and Development
Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities
Regional Line Agencies
Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth
Small Farm Reservoirs
Students Grant-in-Aide Program for Poverty Alleviation
Samar Island Natural Park
Sanitary Landfills
Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corporation
Special Program for the Employment of Students
Small Scale Irrigation Projects
Social Security System
Student Financial Assistance Program
State Universities and Colleges
Small Water Impounding Projects
Tourism Development Areas
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
Technical Vocational Education and Training
Training for Work Scholarship Program
United Nations
Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System
VISCA Foundation for Agricultural Development Incorporation
Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances
World Wildlife Fund
19
Introduction
The Regional Development Plan (RDP) for 2011-2016 has been prepared as a
blueprint of the regions development directions and actions. With the first half
of the Plan period already behind us, it is now time to use our hindsight and
take stock of our current situation. How did the region fare in terms of what we
aspired for way back in 2010? Are we any better as a region? Have we made a
difference already in the lives of our people?
A general assessment of our performance in the last three years unfolds
basically the same odds we had defined before and been painstakingly trying
to beat. Poverty continues to hound us, with even more of our people slipping
into the food-poor and income-poor classes. This is understandable because
underemployment is high, hence majority of workers are not earning enough
to afford even basic needs for themselves and their families. And this has a lot
to do with our snail-paced economy, which over the years has been inching very
slowly forward. Although visible signs of progress can be seen sporadically in
cities and urban centers, a large part of our Eastern Visayas has yet to be uplifted
from miserable conditions. Inclusive growth indeed remains a wish. Given this
development landscape, the region then should brace for the continued fight
against poverty and the challenge of hastening economic growth.
This 2014-2016 Updated RDP presents the foresight of Eastern Visayas in the near
future. The same vision crafted in 2010 for the region to turn into an Agribusiness
Leader, Tourism Haven, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Leader stays. In the next three years then, it will be all systems go for raising
production and productivity levels in agriculture as input to agribusiness
development and making industry and services more competitive, especially
along tourism and ICT. This means a full back-up in terms of creating a human
resource and infrastructure tailor-fit to the needs of agriculture, agribusiness,
tourism, and ICT.
Likewise, this Updated Plan is a geographic slice of the 2014-2016 Updated
Philippine Development, thus contributory to the realization of the national goal
of inclusive growth. It draws inspiration from President Aquinos Social Contract
with the Filipino People that promises positive transformation for the Philippines.
Practically, this Updated RDP carries the same aspirations and more or less the
same strategies for the region. However, underpinning some aspects became
imperative after stakeholders have commonly agreed that no matter how
beautifully crafted the RDP is, if bottlenecks in implementation are not removed,
our efforts will not get us anywhere. This refers to issues on good governance,
peace and security, and the environment.
Economic growth is expected to happen if we can create a business boom, which
is largely contingent upon having a regionwide business-friendly environment.
This clearly calls for good governance in its real sense. Well-meaning projects,
on the other hand, should not fall prey to politics, graft and corrupt practices,
and irrational systems and procedures. Non-partisanship, streamlining, removal
of red tape, strict enforcement of sound policies, and review of existing
policies that stifle rather than nurture positive actions should be the call of every
institution and public servant. One chapter here is devoted to what needs to be
done in pursuit of good governance.

20
Next is the overriding concern on peace and security. Investments will be hard
to come if safety of human life and investments is not assured. Public goods
cannot be delivered and projects could be hacked by criminal elements, thereby
wasting precious scarce resources. For as long as conflict-affected areas and
people pervade, inclusive growth will remain in the books.
The adverse effects of climate change are already being felt globally. Eastern
Visayas is not spared from this phenomenon. Disasters have taken a toll on
humans, properties, and crops, and disrupted the normal functions of the
ecosystems. Hence, the region has to cushion itself from further destruction.
The necessity for environmental integrity has never been this big. The national
government has articulated that all national development efforts should be
pursued without compromising environmental integrity. In Region VIII, the same
philosophy holds true. A separate chapter on conservation, protection, and
rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources is thus made integral to
this Updated RDP.
A distinct improvement of this Updated RDP is the inclusion of the 2014-2016
Results Matrices (RM). The RM is a companion document of the RDP that gives
us a handle in determining whether our actions are leading us to our expected
impacts. It clearly presents our set goals and the corresponding specific targets
per goal, such that in any given year, we would know if our desired changes
have really occurred. The RM is a tool for periodic measurement of results that
provides the basis to adjust interventions to keep us on track. At the end of the
Plan period, it would be easier for us to say whether we have succeeded or not
in our implementation.
The proposed outline adopts the format of the 2011-2016 Philippine Development
Plan (PDP), which is sectoral. It tackles macroeconomy, agriculture and fisheries,
industry and services, infrastructure, human resource, peace and security, good
governance and the rule of law, and environment.
Consistent with the format of the PDP 2011-2016, the sectoral chapters cover
the following parts: 1) Assessment of Performance/Situational Analysis and
Summary of Challenges, 2) Sectoral Development Framework inclusive of goals,
objectives, targets, strategies, and programs/projects/activities (PPAs).
The particulars of the PPAs are contained in another companion document of
the RDP the 2014-2016 Updated Regional Development Investment Program
(RDIP). It captures the list of the major PPAs and their respective funding
requirements and source.
This Updated RDP also recognizes the important role that the local government
plays in regional development. Essentially, it has considered the thrusts of the
provinces, cities and municipalities of the region as contained in their local
development plans. In like manner, the insights and ideas of the private sector
have contributed to a substantive RDP.
This Updated RDP is a product of multi-sectoral and multi-level brainstorming and
consensus building sessions. A series of Technical Planning Group workshops had
been conducted, followed by an extensive review by the Regional Development
Council. Both levels of consultation provided a venue for the extensive
participation of the various sectors and LGUs. Suffice to say that in every step of
its formulation process, all voices had not only been heard, but intently listened
to, and ultimately found way into this Plan document.
21
Location
Eastern Visayas is located in the
eastern part of the Philippines, facing
the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). It lies in
the mid-easternmost border of the
Philippine archipelago linking Luzon
and Mindanao through the national
arterial road network called the
Maharlika Highway. It is strategically
located, being the principal gateway
to northern and southern parts of the
country via the Maharlika Highway.
Region VIII, as Eastern Visayas is
politically known, is bounded on the
south by the Surigao Channel and
the Mindanao Island; on the north
by San Bernardino Strait and the tip
of the Bicol Peninsula; on the west
by the Surigao Channel, Camotes
and Visayan Seas, and the Cebu and
Bohol Islands; and on the east by the
Leyte Gulf, the Philippine Sea and the
Pacific Ocean.
San Juanico Bridge, Eastern Visayas
Photo Courtesy of Charlie David Martinez

http://www.xdayv.com/
Physical Profile
of Eastern
Visayas
Political Subdivision
Eastern Visayas is one of the two
regions of the country with no
land border with another region;
MIMAROPA being the other. It is
composed of two main islands, Leyte
and Samar, connected by the famous
San Juanico Bridge, and the small
island of Biliran (Figure 2).
The provinces of Leyte, Southern
Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern
Samar and Western Samar compose
its main political subdivisions, which
are further subdivided into twelve
(12) congressional districts. Eastern
Visayas has seven cities, namely:
Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay, Maasin,
Calbayog, Catbalogan, Borongan.
It has one hundred thirty six (136)
municipalities and four thousand
three hundred ninety (4,390)

barangays. Tacloban City, the most
populated and highly urbanized, is
the regions capital and center of
trade, commerce and industry.
Land Area
The region has a total land area of
2,143,169 hectares (Table 1). This
accounts for approximately 7.14%
of the countrys total land area of
30,000,000 hectares.
Figure 1. Map of the Philippines
Population
In the 2010 Census of Population
and Housing (CPH), Eastern Visayas
registered a total population of
4,101,322. Eastern Visayas ranks
seventh among the regions with
the lowest population. The annual
population growth rate of the region
was placed at 1.28%, lower than
the national growth rate of 1.90%.
Among its provinces, Northern Samar
had the highest annual growth rate of
1.64% percent.
Population density in 2010 was
recorded at 177 persons per square
kilometer, an increase of nine (9)
persons per square kilometer from
the year 2007 (Table 2).
Figure 2. Map of Eastern Visayas
Over the recent years, Eastern Visayas

has a worsening poverty situation
consistently moving up the ranks in
terms of poverty incidence among
population from 7th poorest region
in 2006 (41.4% incidence) to the 5th
in 2009 (43.8%) and then 3rd in 2012
(45.4%).

The 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 (Figure 3). This
age structure indicates a higher
dependency ratio and the need for
more basic social services.
Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas
23
Slope
Table 1. Land Area by Province: 2010 (in hectares)

Province
Biliran
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Region VIII
Land Area
55,550
571,276
173,480
559,100
433,965
349,798
2,143,169
Percent to Total
2.6
26.6
8.1
26.1
20.2
16.3
100.0
Source: 2012 RSET
Figure 3. Household Population by Sex and Age Group
Some 39% or 841,400 hectares of the

regions total land area has 0-18%
slope, while 404,400 hectares has
0-3%. These are generally flatlands
and irrigable, thus, suitable for
settlement and agriculture. A total of
318,800 hectares has 3-8% slope that
is suitable for agriculture as well as
non-agricultural development. The
8-18% slope covers around 318,800
hectares suitable for planting seasonal
and permanent crops. These are also
good for rain forestation technology
(multi-level agriculture and forest
production).
On the other hand, approximately
51% (1,103.3 hectares) of the
regions total land area has 18-50%
slope, described as rolling to steep.
Slopes of 18-30%, which covers
564.5 hectares, are appropriate for
timber production. Meanwhile the
30-50% slope, constituting 538.8

hectares, is moderately steep to
very steep ranges. These are also
suitable for timber production and
adventure tourism. The remaining
10% of the area (211.6 hectares) has
a very steep slope to extremely rough
mountainous terrain. These are often
called cloud forest, which keeps the
air clean, sustains the supply of water,
and protects the soil from landslides.
Elevation
The regions elevation ranges from
less than 100 to more than 1,000
meters. However, predominant in all
the provinces are elevations less than
100-meter range. Only the provinces
of Leyte and Biliran have areas with
elevation of more than 1,000 meters
but this accounts for only 0.02% of
the total land area of the region.
Areas with elevation of above 500 but
below 1,000 meters can be utilized
Table 2. Demographic Trends: 2007 and 2010

Population
Region/Province
Source: 2012 RSET
Climate
The region has two types of
climate: Type A (wet or rainy) and
Type C (moist or rain is sufficiently
distributed). Type A is felt throughout
the year with 1.5 dry months while
Type C is sufficiently distributed with
at most 4.5 dry months. About 81% of
the region is affected by wet season
while only 19% experiences the moist
season.
Physical
Characteristics
Topography
The regions three islands of Leyte,
Samar and Biliran have relatively flat
24
areas near and along the coasts, and

have mountainous areas in the midst.
Samar Island is characterized by
mountain ranges with forest and
deep valleys. Leyte Island, on the
other hand, is extensively flat on
the northern part and mountainous
on its southern and southwestern
portions. Scattered coastal flatlands
are found in the northwest of the
island. Biliran, the smallest island of
the region, has large mountainous
interior and narrow coastal areas.
The lowlands of Eastern Visayas are
endowed with rich land resources,
with fertile soil, abundant water,
and wet climate that is suitable for
agriculture.
Philippines
Region VIII
Leyte
Biliran
Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
2007
88,574,614
3,912,936
1,722,036
150,031
390,847
695,149
405,114
549,759
2010
92,337,852
4,101,322
1,567,984
161,760
399,137
733,377
428,877
589,013
Annual Population
Growth Rate
2007 - 2010
1.90
1.28
1.04
1.43
1.03
1.35
1.33
1.64
Population Density (per sq. km)

2007
168
264
280
217
115
87
149
2010
177
248
302
222
121
92
159
Source: 2012 RSET
Table 3. Land Classification by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010

Province
Total Land
Area
(in hectares)
% to
Regional Land
Area
A&D
(in hectares)
A&D % to
Total Land
Area
Area of Forest
Land
(in hectares)
Forest Land %
to Total Land
Area
Biliran
55,550
2.6
29,376
52.88
26,174
Leyte
571,276
26.6
409,833
71.74
161,443
28.26
Southern Leyte
173,480
8.1
105,567
60.85
67,913
39.15
Eastern Samar
433,965
20.2
157,643
36.33
276,322
63.67
Northern Samar
349,798
16.3
185,807
53.12
163,991
46.88
Samar
559,100
26.1
238,797
42.71
320,303
57.29
2,143,169
100.0
1,127,023
52.59
1,016,146
47.41
Region VIII
47.12
Source: DENR VIII, 2013
25
for agro-forestry but areas with 1,000

meters and above are set aside as
protection forest. In areas with a
slope of less than 18%, farming can
be undertaken.
Land Classification

Eastern Visayas is basically an
agricultural area with 45% of its total
land area devoted to agriculture. Four
provinces have agricultural land that
is more than 50% of their respective
land areas. These are Biliran (64%),
Southern Leyte (63%), Samar (56%)
and Leyte (52%). The province of
Northern Samar has the smallest
agricultural land, with only 28%.
Based on the 2011 report, the region
has a total land area of 2,143,169
hectares with 52.59% classified as
Alienable and Disposable (A&D) and
the rest as forest land (Table 3).
The three provinces of Samar have
bigger shares of forest lands than
A&D lands, while the provinces of
Leyte and Biliran have bigger shares
in A&D lands than forest lands (Figure
4).
It is significant to note that Samar
Island, which comprises three
provinces and with a combined total
land area of 1,342,863 hectares,
accounts for approximately 63%
of the regions total land area. It
is the third largest island of the
country.
It is also known for its
vast lowland forests, originally
covering almost its entire land area.
However, agricultural development
and human settlements contributed
to deforestation, not only in Samar
Island but also in other parts of the
region.
Mineral Resources
Region VIII has rich mineral resources
contained in 700,429.48 hectares. A
total of 105,152.96 hectares (15%)
is covered by approved mining
rights and 393,306.52 hectares
(56%) are covered by tenement
applications. The remaining area of
26
201,970 hectares (28%) constitutes

the bauxite Mineral Reserve of the
region.
Figure 4. Land Classification of Eastern Visayas
Bauxite is the top ore deposit in

the region, estimated to have a
total reserve of 116,230,220 metric
tons. This is typically found in Batag
Island, Northern Samar; in San Jose
de Buan, Matuguinao, Hinabangan,
Wright, Marabut and Basey in Samar
Province; and in Llorente, Salcedo
and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
This vast mineral wealth is a potential
contributor to the economic growth
of the region and of the country.
With the passage of RA 7942 or
the Philippine Mining Act of 1995,
coupled with the approval of EO
79 and other laws, the utilization
of mineral resources could spur
economic development and alleviate
poverty.
Water Resources
As of 2011, the region has nine major
proclaimed watershed areas covering
a total area of 32,450 hectares.
Water for irrigation is dependent on
these watersheds.
Major rivers are found in the three
islands of Samar, Leyte and Biliran.
Samar Province has four major rivers,
namely: Gandara, Gibatan, Calbiga
and Basey. Eastern Samar has six:
Dolores, Ulut, Oras, Taft, Suribao,
and Llorente while Northern Samar
has three: Catubig, Catarman and
Palapag. Leyte Province has principal
rivers, namely: Binahaan-Kilt, AnilaoMalbasag and Daguitan. Meanwhile,
Southern Leyte has Subang Dako and
Hinabian. Biliran has two principal
rivers: Anas and Caraycaray.
The region is also endowed with eight
(8) major bays where coastal and
marine resources abound. These are
the Maqueda Bay in Samar; Carigara
Bay and Ormoc Bay in Leyte; San
Pedro Bay in Leyte and Samar; Sogod
Bay in Southern Leyte; Matarinao
Bay in Eastern Samar; Leyte Gulf; and
Silago-Cabalian Bay.
A&D
(1,21 )
FL
Table 4. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province: 2011

Province
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
Name of Watershed
Municipalities Covered
Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Naval, Almeria and

Culaba
Bolusan Watershed Forest
Lawaan, Marabut
Reserve
Jicontol Watershed Forest
Can-avid, Dolores
Reserve
Palompon Watershed Forest
Palompon, Villaba
Reserve
Catubig Palapag Forest Reserve Catubig Palapag
Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed
St. Bernard, Hinunangan,
Reserve
Silago
Catbalogan Watershed Forest Catbalogan, Jiabong
Reserve
Calbayog-Pan-as Hayiban
Calbayog City
Protected Landscape
Loog Watershed Forest Reserve Basey
Total Area
Covered
(in hectares)
Proc.No./Date
1,142.3
763/ 3-16-06
4,055
106/ 12-10-02
7,390
882/ 3-26-92
2,392.0
212/ 1-29-88
70,157.0
4,536.3
107/ 11-23-92
804.9
413/ 6-29-94
5,132.0
318/ 12-15-67
1,866.0
701/ 11-29-95
27
Geo-Hazards and
Disaster-Prone Areas
Geo-hazards refer to all forms of
threats to human lives and properties
originating from natural and nonliving process and forces within the
planet such as earthquakes, volcanic
activity and earth instability, including
tsunamis. Region VIII is prone to
several geo-hazards on account of
its location and geological make-up.
This in turn makes the region and
its people prone and vulnerable to
disasters (Table 5).
1. Earthquake-Prone Areas
The region is traversed by the
Philippine Fault, which cuts across
the eastern sections of the Philippine
Archipelago. Areas on or near faults
are prone to movement due to the
build up of stress among the rock
masses and are thus, not suitable for
human settlements and construction

of infrastructures.
The provinces in the region that are
most prone to earthquake are Leyte,
Southern Leyte, and Samar since they
are located near the fault line of the
Philippine Deep.
2. Landslide-Prone Areas
Landslides are the result of several
interrelated factors such as the
degree of slope, the nature of soils
and rock, vegetation cover, rainfall
and the amount of water which acts
as lubricant and provides added
weight to the situation.
Landslide-prone areas should be
avoided in zoning settlements and
as sites for the construction of road,
utilities and other infrastructure.
For Leyte Province, the coastal
Table 5. Disaster-Prone/Vulnerable Areas in Eastern Visayas

Type of Hazard
Description
Earthquake
Parallel NW Faults to the
Philippine Fault Zone
25-km. danger zone along the
Philippine Fault Zone
Landslide
Tsunami
Liquefaction
NNE Splay Fault Zone

Gravity-induced displacement
of earth surface materials,
such as rocks, boulders and
soil from a point of higher
elevation to a point of lower
elevation
Geologic hazard created
by undersea earthquake or
volcanic eruption
One type of hazard related

to natural geologic processes
under the earths crust
Areas to be Affected
Leyte: Tacloban City, Babatngon, San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Palo,
Tanauan and Tolosa
Samar: San Sebastain, cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan
Leyte: Carigara, Kananga, Capoocan, Jaro, Tunga, Ormoc City,
Albuera, Burauen, Baybay, Abuyog and Mahaplag
Southern Leyte: Silago, Sogod, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog,
Padre Burgos, Hinunangan, Limasawa, St. Bernard, San Juan,
Anahawan, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo
Southern Leyte: Maasin City, Bontoc, Malitbog and Tomas Oppus
Leyte: Coastal section of Abuyog, Upland and mountainus portion
of Ormoc City and Isabel
Southern Leyte: Hilly areas of Maasin City, Mountainous portion
of Sogod
Samar: Rock formation of Catbalogan City
Samar: Calbayog City, Catbalogan City and San Sebastian
Northern Samar: Catarman and low lying municipalities
Eastern Samar: The whole of Eastern Samar since it is fronting the
Philippine Trench
Southern Leyte: Coastal villages of Panaon Island
Leyte: Coastal municipalities situated at the eastern portion of
the province
Leyte: Alangalang, Pastrana, Dagami, Sta. Fe, Tabontabon, Dulag,
Tolosa, Tanauan, San Miguel and Tacloban City
Source: OCD VIII, 2013
28
section of Abuyog, the upland and

mountainous
portion of Ormoc
City and Isabel are most prone to
landslides.
For Southern Leyte, the hilly areas
of Maasin City and the mountainous
portion of Sogod are also prone to
this kind of disaster. However, it will
be recalled
that the most recent
landslide that happened in Brgy.
Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern
Leyte was caused by a combination
of the volume of rain, the type of
soil and the extent of deforestation
within the affected area.
In Samar Province, the rock
formation in the city of Catbalogan
is also vulnerable to landslide and
thus should be avoided in zoning
settlement and infrastructure.
Originally, only certain areas in

the province of Leyte had been
considered flood-prone. In recent
years, however, flooding has been
reported to occur in almost every
province of the region, most notable
of which are in the provinces of
Eastern and Northern Samar, and the
province of Leyte including the cities
of Ormoc and Tacloban.
Liquefaction
normally
happens
when the upward force of the water
becomes nearly equal to the force of
the settling material, the soil would
have a hard time settling down and
would thus turn semi-liquid resulting
in settlement, tilting and rupturing
of the structures. Thus, it is not safe
for settlements or communities to be
within the liquefaction zone.
3. Tsunami-Prone Areas
A tsunami is a huge wave or water
wall that can cause massive amounts
of damage. Tsunamis are often
caused by natural occurrences like
earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
Tsunami causes damage on coral
reefs and mangrove areas. When
the waves get very close to shore,
they are amplified, releasing their
energy and thus
d e s t ro y i n g
anything on their way including trees
and houses. When detected early,
lives can be saved by evacuating the
people living around the shores to
safer grounds.
In Region VIII, certain areas in five of
its six provinces are tsunami-prone
and these include coastal and lowlying villages. The whole province
of Eastern Samar is tsunami-prone
because it faces the Philippine Trench.
4. Liquefaction and Flood-Prone

Areas
The areas vulnerable to flooding
are the low-lying floodplain areas
where, during periods of pronounced
rainfall, the capacity of the rivers to
drain water exceeds. Thus, flooding
occurs.
29
In the second half of the Plan implementation period (20142016), Eastern Visayas will continue to support the national
goal of inclusive growth (Figure 5). Inclusive growth is defined
as rapid and sustained growth that massively creates jobs and
reduces poverty.
Regional Vision
To contribute to the attainment of
the national goal of inclusive growth,
Eastern Visayas, through the 20112016 Regional Development Plan
will pursue its vision of becoming
a tourism haven, and a leader in
agribusiness and ICT (Figure 6).
For the Plan period 2011-2016,
Eastern Visayas has contributed and
will continue to contribute to the
national goal of inclusive growth and

pursue its vision of a better economy
and lessened poverty (Figure 7).
These twin regional objectives of
increased productivity and increased
employment and family income
are anchored on three major
development thrusts of making
the regions agribusiness industry
competitive, its tourism industry
highly developed, and its ICT sector
viable.
Figure 5. National Development Framework of the Philippines, Philippine Development Plan 2014-2016
Children of Tacloban City
Photo Courtesy of Vic Dy III

Alyansa ng mga Kristiyanong Mag-aaral-Gugma
Regional
Development
Framework
Source: NEDA, 2012
Regional Development Framework
31
Figure 7. Regional Development Framework of the Eastern Visayas Region 2014-2016
Figure 6. Regional Vision
In Pursuit of Inclusive Growth through

Agribusiness, Tourism, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development
The region believes that, given its rich

potentials on agribusiness, tourism
and ICT, developing extensively these
three sectors will spur a remarkable
growth of the regional economy and,
at the same time generate more
quality jobs that will translate to
increased family income.
Being one of the poorest regions in
the country, Region VIII will make a
big contribution to the national goal
of inclusive growth once it is able to
push its economy to a much higher
level and reduce the proportion of its
poor population.
The regions development track is
parallel to the national platform of
good governance, national security,
and ecological integrity as it fully
considers these three concerns
among its support strategies.
32
Regional Goal
To attain inclusive growth, the regional
plan seeks to achieve an economic
growth that creates quality jobs,
increase labor income and eventually
reduce poverty. Efforts for inclusive
growth should result to more of the
regions constituents, particularly
women, participating in the growth
process and everyone benefitting
from the growth.
Lessening the number of poor people
through an improved economy that
generates enough quality jobs is the
primordial goal of the region. This
means the region will ascertain that
as its economy grows, the fruits of
economic growth will redound to
liberating its people from the clutches
of poverty.
Regional Objectives
For such goals to be attained, the
regional objectives of Eastern Visayas
are to: 1) escalate the growth of the
(GRDP) to higher levels, and 2)
generate more employment and
increase family income to levels
above the poverty threshold. These
are expected to happen when
agribusiness becomes competitive,
tourism becomes highly developed,
and the ICT industry becomes viable.
Key Development Thrusts

Pole-vaulting the Agriculture
Sector towards Agribusiness
Development
Agriculture remains to be the
backbone of the regions economy,
employing the biggest bulk (45.3%)
of the total employed persons in

the region. Out of this chunk of
agriculture workers, majority (64.1%)
are men while the rest (35.9%) are
women.
Given the regions abundant
agricultural and fisheries resources,
it has vast potentials for agribusiness.
Providing value-added to the regions
crops, marine, and other products
is one way of accelerating economic
growth and generating employment
opportunities for the regions
increasing labor force.
Batting to Become a Tourism

Haven
The region is also endowed with
natural beauty that could make it a
premier tourist destination. Tourism
Development Areas (TDAs) have
already been identified, with some of
them already developed while others
33
at different stages of development.

The regions attractiveness to
domestic and foreign tourists relies
on how competitive the tourism
industry in the region is vis--vis
other tourist destinations.
Pushing for ICT Development

Eastern Visayas is also banking on its
potentials for ICT development. It has
available sites, digital infrastructure,
and human resources that could be
tapped for the development and
expansion of ICT parks where ICT
companies can locate and conduct
profitable business. Along with
agriculture, agribusiness and tourism,
the ICT industry can also generate
a lot of jobs for the people of the
region. The ICT roadmap could propel
the region towards the development
of this sector.
The services sector, where tourism
and ICT belongs, is the second top
employer among the three thrusts,
employing around 44.5% of the
employed persons in the region in
2011, only 0.8 percentage points
lower than the agriculture sector.
Regional Strategies
The major strategies then of the
region are to: 1) increase agricultural
and fisheries production, 2) intensify
agribusiness, 3) develop the
identified TDAs, and 4) expand the
ICT industry.
In agribusiness, an important strategy
is to empower the micro, small
and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
already existent in the region. This
calls for efforts that will increase
their access to capital, and efforts to
help them develop and package their
products at par with export-quality
standards to make these products
more marketable and saleable. This
likewise calls for efforts that will
enhance entrepreneurial attitude
and skills. Equally significant is the
diversification of products. Marketing
34
support should also be given due

concern to ensure that products are
sold, hence, translated to income.
Women in micro enterprises will be
given primary attention, particularly
in the provision of enabling
mechanisms that will increase their
participation and engagement in
productive endeavors.
For agribusiness to flourish, there is a
need to ensure a steady and adequate
production of farm and fisheries
products. To reduce the vulnerability
of crops to natural calamities, the
region should strategize on making
agriculture and fisheries more
adaptable to climate change.
Moreover, to raise agricultural
productivity, there is a need to
optimize the use of available land
and water resources of the region.
Farmers capability must be developed
or enhanced. Appropriate farming
technologies should be adopted by
farmers and all the necessary faming
inputs should be made available to
them.
Along tourism, public and private
investments are both needed in order
to develop the TDAs. The TDAs have
already been identified in various
areas of the region. The challenge now,
especially to the local governments,
is putting in place the necessary
infrastructure facilities and amenities
in these TDAs. Once developed, the
region has to work also on enticing
tourists to choose Eastern Visayas as
a destination. To do this, intensive
promotion should be carried out
utilizing all communication channels
possible, including participation in
travel fairs. Tourism standards in
hotels and restaurants and other
amenities also have to be established
and maintained. Likewise, frontline
workers in the tourism industry have
to be trained on how to become more
tourist-friendly.
Meanwhile, on ICT, the region should
exert efforts on expanding the existing
Leyte ICT Park and on attracting more
investments for the establishment

of other ICT parks and ICT locators
through promotional activities such
as selling missions and offering
incentives for new ICT locators.
Ensuring that the communication
and telecommunication facilities
are upgraded and that the labor
requirements of ICT companies are
made available are both equally
important strategies.
However, none of these will be
possible if the required infrastructure
and human resource requirements
are not made available.
Thus,
accelerating
infrastructure
development that will produce
roads, power and water supply,
and other facilities and amenities,
particularly in production areas,
TDAs and ICT sites is a paramount
concern. Simultaneously, manpower
requirements of the agribusiness,
tourism and ICT sectors must be met.
Another
support
strategy
is
institutionalizing good governance
and strengthening the rule of law
and ensuring peace and order and
security in the region. No amount
of investment promotion will attract
investors if there is a threat to their
security. Business will not flourish
if red tape, especially in securing
licenses and permits, still abounds.
Local Government Code. They are

expected not only to extend greater
support and to work more closely
with the national government but
also to be more capacitated and
empowered so that they become a
prime mover of the development of
their locality. However, the entire
government, by itself alone, cannot
accomplish the goals. The private
sector is recognized and challenged
to share their resources, expertise
and influence in the development
efforts of the region.
The region has also recognized the

need to put environmental concerns
at the helm of all its development
efforts. Sustainable development can
only happen when the integrity of the
environment is kept.
This is the development path
that Eastern Visayas will follow
in the second half of the Plan
implementation period. Towards the
end, it visualizes a robust economy
with fruits shared by most, if not
all, of its families and population.
The region can only reach that end
if there is multi-sectoral and multilevel coordination and participation.
The local government units have
a very critical role to play given
their mandate as provided in the
35
The behavior of the whole regional economy is determined by

the performance and relationships of aggregate indicators such
as regional income measured by the Gross Regional Domestic
Product (GRDP), labor and employment levels, poverty levels, and
inflation. These are the only macroeconomic variables which can
be used for easy comparisons nationwide and across countries.
A discussion of these indicators will help us understand the
workings of the economy of Region VIII, which in turn is essential
in macroeconomic analysis that becomes the basis for formulating
economic policies. Such policies for the reduction of poverty,
improvements in employment, and price stabilization must be
based on reliable statistics of the aggregate variables. Hence, give
a clear direction towards the economic development of the region.
Assessment
Gross Regional Domestic
Product (GRDP)
Slow Economic Growth
The GRDP of the region contracted by
6.2% in 2012. This is lower than the
2.1% growth rate recorded in 2011,
and very much lower than the 2012
target growth rate of 5.31%.
Philippine Bills at the Stock Exchange
Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Cellona

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13034925@N03/
Among the three Visayas regions,

Eastern Visayas registered the lowest
growth rate. Its growth rate dropped
by 8.3 percentage points. The region

belongs to the bottom three regions
with the lowest economic growth.
The regions contribution to the
national economy declined to 2.3% in
2012 from 2.6% in 2011.
The contraction of the regional
economy in 2012 was brought about
by the slump in Manufacturing
sub-sector.
Nevertheless, three
sub-sectors and industries of the
region are the top growth drivers
in 2012, namely, Construction,
Mining and Quarrying, and Financial
Intermediation or banking.
Figure 8. Percent Distribution by Sector: 2012 (at 2000 constant prices)
Service
Sector
Macroeconomy
Agriculture,
Hunting,
Forestry &
Fishing
22.6%
39.3%
38.1%
Industry
Sector
Source: NSCB VIII, 2013
Macroeconomy
37
Table 6. GRDP and GVA Growth Rates by Industrial Origin: 2010-2012 (at
constant prices)
Sector/Sub-sector
I. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing
a. Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry
b. Fishing
II. Industry Sector
a. Mining and Quarrying
b. Manufacturing
c. Construction
d. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
III. Service Sector
a. Transport, Storage and Communication
b. Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles,
Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods
c. Financial Intermediation
d. Real Estate, Renting an Business
e. Public Administration and Defense;
Compulsory Social Security
f. Other Services
2010
(0.4)
(0.7)
0.9
(0.0)
19.2
(1.7)
5.1
0.7
6.1
1.6
2011
(0.8)
0.2
(4.1)
1.7
116.5
6.9
(17.3)
(0.1)
4.5
6.7
2012
(0.3)
(2.0)
6.3)
(18.5)
26.0
(40.4)
31.8
7.7
7.5
8.0
12.1
13.7
3.5
4.6
(1.8)
5.4
10.2
13.5
8.1
11.6
3.5
2.0
0.0.
7.2
2.1
5.2
4.2
(6.2)
Meager Growth of the AHFF

Sector
The Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry
and Fishery (AHFF) sector accounts
for almost 22.6% of the regions
economy (Figure 8). It contracted
from a negative 0.8% in 2011 to
negative 3.0% in 2012. It did not
meet the target growth rate of 5.16%
for 2012. The GVA of the AHFF sector
has also been declining from 20102012 (Figure 9). The regions AHFF
contributes 4.7% to the national
economy.
The negative 3.0% growth in this
sector is due to the combined
reduction in the GVA of the Agriculture
and Forestry, and Fishing sub-sectors
by 2.0 and 6.3%, respectively. This
was due to the decline in livestock
and fisheries production and reduced
farmgate prices of major crops such
as coconut, sugarcane, and abaca.
On the other hand, the subsubsector on Fishing decelerated
to a negative 3.0% from a negative
0.8% in 2011 caused by the decline in
38
fisheries production. The decreased

production is attributed to depleted
fishing ground with fisherfolks forced
to fish farther to the sea, higher prices
of fuel, weather disturbances and the
unloading of fish catch outside the
region.
Downscale in the Industry Sector

The Industry sector, which accounts
for the second largest share (38.1%)
of the regions economy, suffered a
reversal from a 1.7% growth in 2011
to negative 18.5% growth in 2012. Its
growth is very much lower than the
Plan target of 5.45%.
The
Manufacturing
sub-sector
plunged to a negative 40.4% growth
in 2012 due to the tremendous
decline in the production of basic
metals. The reduction can be
traced to the six months temporary
shutdown of Philippine Associated
Smelting and Refining Corporation
(PASAR), a major processing and
exporting establishment located in
Leyte Industrial Development Estate
(LIDE). As a result of the production
Figure 9. Gross Value Added by Origin: 2010-2012 (at 2000 constant prices)
67
66
55 57
53
51
AHFF
Industry
34
34
2010
Service
33
2011
2012
shutdown,
manufacturing
and
exports of copper cathodes and
related products went down by half.
Exports of these products dropped
from $1.4 billion in 2011 to only $0.52
billion in 2012. Exports of fertilizers
and related products by Philippine
Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation
(PHILPHOS) also fell by about 14% in
2012.
Construction
rebounded
from
a negative 17.3% to 31.8%
growth in 2012 brought about by
increased government spending in
infrastructure and construction of
more commercial and residential
buildings throughout the region.
Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
(EGWS) recovered from a negative
0.1% growth in 2011 while Mining
and Quarrying dropped to 26.0%.
Robust Growth of the Services

Sector
The Services sector is the leading
growth sector of the regions
economy, accounting for 39.3% of
the GRDP. It exhibited a strong 7.5%
growth from 4.5% in 2011 surpassing
its growth target of 5.46% in 2012.
All sub-sectors posted accelerated
growths, except for Other Services.
Financial Intermediation grew the
highest on account of increased
number of banking and insurance
branches and transactions. The subsector on Trade and Repair of Motor

Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal
and Household Goods expanded
by 10.2% as evidenced by the
establishment and opening of major
car dealers in the regional center.
Real Estate, Renting and Business
Activities (RERBA) and Transport,
Storage and Communication subsector accelerated to 8.1% and 8.0%,
respectively.
The tourism and ICT industries
contributed
to
the
bullish
performance of the Services Sector.
The number of tourists arrivals in
2012 is higher by 34.2%. This resulted
to P2.1 billion tourist receipts. A
significant development in the ICT
industry is the expansion of the Expert
Global Solutions, a BPO company.
Per Capita GRDP

The regions real per capita GRDP
declined by 7.3% in 2012. The per
capita GRDP of the region was lower
than the per capita GRDP of Regions
VI (Western Visayas) and VII (Central
Visayas). Among regions, it ranks 4th
from the lowest. The regions per
capita GRDP was only less than half
of the national (Table 7).
The regions per capita growth rate
may be lower than the rest of the
Macroeconomy
39
Table 7. Per Capita GRDP, Visayas Regions: 2010-2012 (in pesos, at constant
prices)
Per Capita
Growth Rate
2011
2012
1.9
5.0
4.9
6.1
Annual Popn
Growth Rate
(2000-2010)
Region
2010
2011
2012
Philippines
VI- Western
Visayas
VII- Central
Visayas
VIII- Eastern
Visayas
61,570
31,927
62,739
33,499
65,904
35,559
49,966
52,528
56,507
5.1
7.6
1.77
36,694
37,006
34,305
0.9
(7.3)
1.28
1.90
1.35
Visayas and the national figures.

However, Eastern Visayas has slower
annual population growth rate than
Regions VI and VII.
Labor and Employment

High Underemployment
The regions labor force population
grew by 1.2% in 2011. This is
equivalent to an addition of 40,000
persons who entered the labor force.
Employment rate is high, at 95.1%,
which is the highest in Visayas and
higher than the national level (92.8%).
As shown above, the employment
rate increased in the AHFF sector
(Table 8). A more detailed picture of
the total employed persons in the
region reveals that almost one-third
are elementary undergraduates. By
major occupation group, 37.2% are
laborers and unskilled workers.
The
regions
unemployment
rate at 5.7%, is below the target
unemployment rate (6.8-7.2%) set by
the national government within the
Plan period 2011-2016.
The regions underemployment rate,
however, is high at 22.7%. This is
alarming as this translates to low
income. The underemployment rate
is even higher than the national level.
Across regions, Eastern Visayas is
the fourth region with the highest
underemployment rate in 2011.
Underemployment continues to
40
grow as more workers are found in

the sector that offers low-paying and
seasonal jobs.
Wage Order No. RB VIII-17 sets the
daily minimum-wage rate at P260 for
non-agriculture, P238 for cottage/
handicraft industry, P229 for retail/
service industry, P241 for agriculture,
and P239 (average) for the sugar
industry.
Low Labor Force Participation of

Women
Women account for almost half of the
total labor force, yet their participation
rate is only 36.2% while that of
men is 63.8%. This low labor force
participation rate of women could be
attributed to a number of factors that
hinder women from participating in
the labor force, such as gender role
stereotyping, inadequate skills, and
lack of employment opportunities.
This situation is reflected in Table 8,
where few women are into AHFF and
industry but many are into services.
Labor Productivity by Major

Industry Group
Lowest Labor Productivity in the
AHFF Sector

Among the three major industry
groups, the Agriculture, Hunting,
Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) sector had
the least labor productivity at P40,481
per worker and a decelerating growth
rate of -0.7% (Table 9). This is quite
Table 8. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over, by Employment Status and Industry Group: 2010-2011
April 2010
April 2011
Percent Change
Employment Status
Number (in 000)
Number (in 000)
Rate
Rate
Number Rate
(in
%)
(in
%)
Total
Male Female
Total
Male Female
Household
Population 15 Yrs
Old and Over
2,761
1,390
1,371
2,772
1,406
1,365
0.4
Labor Force
1,728
1,081
667
63.3
1,788
1,139
649
64.5
2.3
1.2
Employed
1,677
1,039
638
95.9
1,686
1,081
605
94.3
0.5 (1.6)
AHFF
735
571
164
43.8
763
602
161
45.3
3.8
1.5
Industry
182
131
51
10.8
173
129
44
10.3
(4.9) (0.5)
Services
763
339
425
45.4
751
351
402
44.5
(1.6) (0.9)
Underemployed
210
149
61
12.5
383
274
110
22.7
82.4 10.2
Unemployed
72
43
29
4.1
102
58
43
5.7
41.7
1.6
Source: NSO VIII, 2013
Table 9. Labor Productivity by Major Industry Group: 2009-2011 (at constant 2000 prices)
Major Industry Group
All Industries
I. Agriculture, Hunting,
Forestry and Fishing
Philippines
Region VIII
2009
2010
2011
AAGR
2009
2010
2011
AAGR
151,086
158,222
159,293
2.7
88,045
89,268
88,268
0.1
55,110
55,425
55,470
0.3
41,614
41,614
40,481
(0.7)
a. Agriculture and
Forestry
49,766
50,175
50,881
1.1
40,995
40,995
40,461
0.4
b. Fishing
93,791
92,937
89,264
(2.4)
44,302
44,302
40,564
(5.2)
327,298
344,418
343,834
2.5
412,230
412,230
401,512
0.5
a. Mining and
Quarrying
356,205
331,146
334,166
(3.1)
23,000
23,000
37,400
16.9
b. Manufacturing
393,202
416,922
429,977
4.6
477,388
477,388
458,816
4.0
c. Construction
150,711
161,537
144,435
(1.7)
135,113
135,113
117,449
(7.7)
1,302,415
1,355,160
1,382,074
3.0
2,619,429
3,078,333
3,688,400
18.7
II. Industry Sector
d. Electricity, Gas, and

Water Supply
III. Service Sector
165,526
170,183
172,350
2.0
66,108
68,684
68,865
2.1
a. Transport, Storage
and Communication
158,043
157,094
160,730
0.9
125,989
121,011
131,922
2.5
b. Trade and Repair

of Motor Vehicles,
Motorcycles, Personal
and Household Goods
130,010
134,880
132,520
1.0
19,167
20,613
20,338
3.1
c. Financial
Intermediation
922,301
936,790
908,689
(0.7)
435,000
549,556
441,455
3.3
d. Real Estate, Renting

and Business Activities
514,912
513,915
511,901
(0.3)
429,368
422,050
444,550
1.8
e. Public
Administration and
Defense, Compulsory
Social Security
137,798
138,109
136,560
(0.4)
61,616
74,019
71,472
8.3
f. Other Services
101,103
105,586
110,046
4.3
61,691
62,070
63,701
1.6
Source: http://www.bles.gov.ph (April 2013)
Macroeconomy
41
alarming. The negative growth rate

is a logical consequence of the low
GVA of the sector vis-a-vis the large
number of employed persons in the
same sector.
The Industry sector had the highest
labor productivity.
However, its
average annual growth rate (AAGR)
is slow at less than 1%. The Services
sector registered the second highest
labor productivity, and its growth rate
of 2.1% is the fastest. The sub-sector
on Electricity, Gas and Water Supply
registered the highest productivity per
worker at an average of P3.1 million
from 2009-2011. The region hosts the
Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field,
the largest producer of geothermal
energy in the country. The regions
labor productivity in this sub-sector is
more than twice higher than that of
the national level.
Labor productivity is lowest in
trade and repair of motor vehicles,
motorcycles, personal and household
goods at P20, 338 per worker. This
sub-sector employs almost 19%
of the total workers in the region,
receiving a daily minimum wage of
P229 or less. It should be noted that
most women are in this sector.
In 2012, the regions labor productivity
was recorded at P81,506.00, down by
8.9% from the 2011 figure. The region
ranks 5th among regions with lowest
labor productivity.
External Trade
In 2012, the value of the regions
exports was recorded at $730 million,
lower than in the previous year (Table
10). Its contribution to the national
figure of $52.1 billion for the same
year is only around 0.01%.
The decline in the value of exports
could be attributed to the decrease in
the volume of almost all commodity
groups, as well as the nonexportation of some commodities,
namely: sulphuric acid, diammonium
phosphate, and copper alloys, among
others. In 2012, the volume of copper
42
cathodes exported from PASAR was

down by 55%. Production decelerated
because the plants operation
stopped when its anti-pollution
control system was damaged by fire
in early 2012.
Copper cathodes remain as the
dominant export commodity of the
region (Figure 10). It accounts for
almost 73% of the regions total value
of exports in 2011-2012. Mineral
or chemical fertilizers followed
far behind at 9.6%. Together with
other commodities of the region,
export of copper cathodes showed a
downtrend.
The value of the regions imports also
posted a decline in 2012 (Table 10).
Valued at $839 million, this comprised
0.01% of the total value of imports of
the country.
Among the commodity groups
imported by the region (Figure 11),
copper ores and concentrates is at
the top of the list. Accounting for
almost 70% of the total value of
imports, this commodity serves as
raw material for the copper smelting
and refining operation in LIDE.
In 2012, the volume of imports of
almost all commodity groups went
down. Non-importation also was
noted for some commodities listed
in 2011 like ammonium sulphate,
natural barium sulphate, and copper
anodes, among others.
Exportation is still largely limited
to basic metal products produced
by PASAR. To further industrialize
the region and prop up its external
trade, other locators are needed in
LIDE. At present, two new locators,
namely: McMAI and Clean Away
Waste Treatment Plant are already
operational in the said estate.
Another company named Century
Hua Guang is also slated to operate
soon.
Even as the LIDE expands, the region
should likewise shift from being overly
dependent on LIDE-based heavy
Table 10. Volume and Value of Exports and Imports: 2011-2012

2011
Exports
Volume (in gross kgs.)
Value (in US dollars)
Imports
Volume (in gross kgs.)
Value (in US dollars)
Percent
change
2012
1,098,973,130
1,476,149,263
825,487,310
730,501,601
(24.9)
(50.5)
1,390,557,188
1,286,986,771
1,084,161,956
839,479,326
(22.0)
(34.8)
Figure 10. Top 5 Exports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar)

Diammonium phosphate
20
27
Refined Coconut Oil
41
46
89
103
Mineral/chemical fertilizers
18
Crude coconut oil
2012
2011
116
505
Copper cathodes
0
200
400
600
1120
800 1000 1200
Figure 11. Top 5 Imports: 2011-2012 (in million US dollar)

18
16
Sulphur of all kinds
30
55
Anhydrous ammonia
55
77
Salt, sulphur
2012
2011
72
Copper cathodes
581
Copper ores and concentrates

0
200
400
600
686
800
Macroeconomy
43
industries and start concentrating

on agri-based processing by micro,
small and medium enterprises
(MSMEs).
The MSMEs generate
more jobs than the heavy industries,
thus processing of export-oriented
agri-based products should also be
ventured into. However, while the
region has already been exporting
such products, it has been observed
that some are currently undervalued
as export products resulting to noncommensurate revenues.
Inflation Rate and

Purchasing Power of Peso
Lower rates were noted in 2012,
posting an annual average of 3% from
4.5% in 2011 (Figure 12). The region is
within the annual target inflation rate
of 3-5% for 2011-2016. The target
is lower than the national average
which is set at 3.2%.
The lower inflation rate was due
to the slight increases in prices of
commodities as compared to the
previous year, specifically on the food
commodity items such as rice, bread
and cereals, meat and sugar.
The purchasing power of the peso
shrunk to P0.75 in 2012 from P0.77
in 2011. At P0.75, this denotes that
the value of peso for the period
compared to the base year 2006 is
only 75 centavos.
Poverty
Poverty Incidence Among the
Population Remains High
Table 11 shows that while poverty
incidence among population remains
unchanged at the national level, in
Region VIII it has been continually
increasing from 2006 to 2012. The
2012 first semester per capita
poverty threshold of the region
was valued at P8,989, the amount
of income that a person should
have for six months in order to be
considered non-poor. Around 45% of
the population fall below this poverty
threshold. Across provinces, poverty
incidence worsened in Eastern Samar
and Southern Leyte. Looking at the
situation of the basic sectors, the
poverty incidence of senior citizens
reduced in 2006-2009. Children,
farmers and fishermen persistently
have high poverty incidence in 20062009.
One of the United Nation (UN)
Millennium Development Goal (MDG)
targets is to reduce poverty incidence
among population to 22.6% in 2015.
Given the current proportion of poor
people, the region still has a long way
to go to attain this target.
High poverty incidence could be a
direct result of slow economic growth
and high underemployment rate.
Figure 12. Inflation Rate: 2011-2012 (in percent)
Closer study of the poverty situation

reveals that the low productivity of
the agriculture sector and services
sectors, where almost 80% of the
workers are found, coupled with the
lack of private investments, may be
cited as the major underlying factors.
High Poverty Incidence Among

Families
The latest poverty statistics revealed
that poverty incidence among
families remains high, at 37.2% (Table
12). Although the increase from 2009
to 2012 is slight (0.9%), it placed
the region third among the poorest
regions of the country from being
fifth in 2009.
The provinces of Eastern Samar
and Northern Samar had poverty
incidence higher than the regional
average and twice than that of the
national figure. Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar belong to Cluster 1
or the poorest cluster of provinces in

the country.
The increasing poverty incidence
among the population and the
families could be further analyzed
by examining in which sectors are
the workers employed. In Region
VIII, the bulk of employment is in the
AHFF and services sector. Ironically,
these sectors have low productivity,
translating to less income of workers,
thus explaining why poverty has
been increasing. Unless the region
is able to prop up the productivity
of these two sectors through high
and sustainable economic growth
and unless women are provided with
enabling mechanisms to participate
actively in the economy, productive
employment will be hard to come
by, and high poverty incidence will
persist.
In terms of distribution of families
by income class, 32% of the families
in the region belonged to the
Table 11. Poverty Incidence among Population: First Semesters of 2006,

2009 and 2012 (in percent)
Philippines
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2006
28.8
41.4
34.8
51.8
39.4
54.4
30.0
37.1
2009
28.6
43.8
41.4
54.4
39.3
52.4
38.9
45.2
2012
27.9
45.4
28.1
67.1
40.2
53.1
42.8
44.0
Table 12. Poverty Incidence among Families: First Semesters of 2006, 2009
and 2012 (in percent)
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2011
44
Jul
Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2012
Philippines
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2006
23.4
33.3
24.2
39.4
33.2
45.1
21.9
29.6
2009
22.9
36.2
34.6
46.7
33.1
43.6
28.2
37.4
2012
22.3
37.2
20.7
59.4
31.9
43.7
36.4
36.0
Macroeconomy
45
Table 13. Distribution of Family Income by Income Class and Main Source of Income: 2009
Main Source of Income
Number of Families (in 000)
Percent
Wage/Salaries
Entrepreneurial activities
Other sources of income
All Income
Classes
865
100.0
38.3
34.7
26.6
Under
P40,000
66
100.0
21.1
32.1
46.8
P40,000P59,999
137
100.0
34.5
40.8
24.7
Income Class
P60,000P100,000P99,999
P249,999
272
261
100.0
100.0
38.0
37.2
41.6
34.9
20.4
27.9
P250,000
and over
128
100.0
57.3
14.4
28.3
income class with annual earnings

of P60,000 - P99,999 (Table 13). This
is equivalent to 272,000 families.
Another 30% (comprising 261,000
families) had annual earnings
of P100,000-P249,999. A great
percentage of the families in the
region derived their income from
wage/salaries (57.3%), followed by
entrepreneurial activities (34.7%),
and other sources of income (26.6%).
The average annual family income
of the region is higher than that of
Region IV-B and ARMM but lower
than that of the NCR, Region IV-A,
CAR, Region I, Region II and Region III.
The regions Gini coefficient, which
measures income inequality within a
population, slightly rose from 0.4828
in 2006 to 0.4841 in 2009. This
movement indicates greater income
disparity among families in the
region. Eastern Visayas registered the
highest Gini coefficient among the 17
regions in 2009, even higher than the
national estimate of 0.4484.
1. Slow Economic Growth.
GRDP grew slightly from 20092011. The productivity of the
AHFF, industry and services
sector have been low. Goods and
services of the region are not
competitive enough to command
high price in the market. Some
sub-sector performances may
have been high but not significant
enough to pull strongly the
regions overall economic growth.
46
2. Low Labor Productivity.

The regions agriculture is
vulnerable from natural calamities
and global/external factors such
as world prices. Add to that
the limited number of private
investments such that workers
have no other option but to stay
in their low-paying jobs. In 2012,
the amount of investments went
down by 77% from the 2.3 billion
pesos worth of investments in
2011. The minimal increase in
agricultural productivity comes
alongside the increasing number
of underemployed persons.
3. Lack of Employment
Opportunities and High
Underemployment.
Employment
generated
by
private investments is not enough
to absorb the number persons
currently looking for work. With
the 1.28% annual population
growth rate (2000-2010) and
a higher projected labor force
population, there is a need
to provide more employment
opportunities to the new labor
market entrants.
More than eighty percent (80%)
of the workers are found in the
two sectors where productivity
is low. Jobs in the agriculture
sector and its related businesses
are usually seasonal. In addition,
workers in the services sector
are minimum-wage income
earners. These situations led to
underemployment. Their income
is not enough for the needs of the
family, thus, resulting to poverty.
Limited access to capital also

exacerbates the situation. This is
usually felt by women who are
engaged in micro enterprises.
This is coupled by their hesitancy
to engage in fields that are
traditionally occupied by males.
4. Low Labor Force Participation of
Women.
Womens employment opportunities
are somehow affected with the
stereotyping attached to gender
roles. Women are mostly found in
the services sector, specifically in
the wholesale and retail industry,
where jobs are traditionally
ascribed to women and where
income is not fixed.
Macroeconomic
Development
Framework
Given the above economic performance
of the region and the identified
challenges, the following macroeconomic
development framework is laid
down for the second half of the Plan
period (Figure 13). The succeeding
discussion provides the directions
at the macro level, paying attention
to areas where the region can
implement certain interventions while
fiscal and monetary concerns are
simultaneously addressed at the
national level.
5. Weak and Limited External

Trade.
Since the region is heavily
dependent on exports from
LIDE, a major set-back in the
manufacturing sub-sector, like
a drop in the value of exports of
cathodes, will have a direct impact
on the regions GRDP. There is a
need to refocus or venture into
a more competitive agribusiness
and its related services to create
more employment and not to
rely on LIDE alone.
The macroeconomic goal, objectives,

targets, strategies and programs, projects
and activities herein presented are all
anchored on the overall development
framework of Eastern Visayas for the
remaining Plan period, that is, 20142016.
6. Worsening Poverty.
Poverty incidence has been
steadily increasing over the past
six years. The last three surveys
have placed the region in the
higher ranks of impoverished
regions. From the 7th poorest
region in the country in 2006, it
went up to 5th in 2009, and 3rd
in 2012.
Objectives
Among its provinces, higher

poverty incidence has been
reported in Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar. The regions
snail-paced economic growth
and the lack of employment
opportunities are among the
major factors contributing to the
increasing poverty.
Goal
Inclusive growth
This means a growth that is sustained

and rapid enough that massively
creates jobs and reduces poverty.
1. High and sustained economic

growth achieved
2. Jobs generated and family income
increased
3. Poverty reduced
Targets
For Objective 1: High and sustained
economic growth achieved
1. GRDP growth rate increased to
an average 5.54% for the period
2014-2016
a. AHFF sector growth rate
increased by 5.50% on the
average for the period 2014-2016
b. Industry
sector
growth
rate increased by 5.53% on the
Macroeconomy
47
Figure 13. Macroeconomic Development Framework
and at the same time ensuring

its climate-resiliency, promoting
mechanization
of
on-farm
operations,
enhancing
the
delivery and effectiveness of
extension services, and sustaining
research
and
development
(R&D) for new varieties and crop
management.
On the other hand, the industry
and services sector must also
push for innovative and globally
competitive outputs to be able to
increase its value-added.
2. Effectively implementing highimpact projects.
Limited government resources
should be channeled to and
efficiently used in selected
high-impact projects. Proper
implementation of these projects
is needed to ensure that they will
contribute to development.
c. Services sector growth rate

increased by 5.58% on the
2. Average real per capita GRDP
increased by 4.2% from 20142016
3. Value of exports increased by
5% on the average for the period
2014-2016
For Objective 2: Jobs generated and
family income increased
1. Annual employment of 140,000
generated for the period 20142016
2. Underemployment rate reduced
to as low as 20% by 2016
3. Labor productivity increased
by 4.2% on the average for the
period 2014-2016
48
4. Annual family income increased

from P160,000 in 2009 to
P232,000 in 2015
For Objective 3: Poverty reduced
1. Poverty incidence among population
reduced to 21.6% in 2016
2. Gini Coefficient lowered to a
range between 0.3932-0.4076 by
2016
3. Inflation rate lowered and kept to
a level between 3-5% from 20142016
Strategies
1. Increasing and sustaining high
value-added in agriculture and
fisheries, industry and services.
Raising productivity depends
on a lot of factors. This include,
among others, the expansion of
irrigation services, widespread
use of high-yielding varieties
3. Improving competitiveness of
agribusiness, tourism and ICT.
Production of goods and services
in the region should be at par in
terms of quality demanded not
only by the local but also by the
international market.
4. Putting in place governance
that is supportive of economic
development.
An enabling environment must
be established. This particularly
calls for streamlining the business
processes to encourage the
inflow of investments. A simple
tax system and low tax rate are
other aspects that will entice
investments. It should also entail
maintaining and sustaining a
stable political environment. This
would also include making capital
accessible for micro, small and
medium enterprises, including
those operated by women.
5. Increasing investments in
agriculture, agribusiness, tourism
and ICT.
Private sector investments to
these three key priority areas
of the region are deemed

important. This will translate
to the generation of quality
and sustainable jobs, hence,
increased income for the people
of Eastern Visayas.
6. Building the capacities and skills
of the work force.
To enhance the quality and
productivity of the workforce,
LGUs and industries should
directly participate in the delivery
of Technical Vocational Education
and Training (TVET) programs in
which labor force participants can
gain employable and productive
skills. The new graduates could
also be trained through the
Government Internship Program,
the Special Program for the
Employment of Students (SPES),
and the apprenticeship programs.
Particular attention will be given
to the differential situation of
women. They will be afforded
trainings in fields that will expand
their employment opportunities,
e.g. welding, automotive, and
others.
7. Generating quality jobs in
agribusiness, tourism and ICT.
Poor families of the region will
only be able to rise above the
poverty threshold if and when
decent sources of income are
provided to them.
Quality
employment generation should
particularly target the 80% of
the labor force who are engaged
in seasonal and low-paying jobs
in the agriculture and services
sector. Since the region is pushing
for agribusiness, tourism and ICT
development, it is expected that
high quality jobs will be produced
in these three sectors. Processing
of products, contracting forward
and backward services in tourism,
outsourcing of BPOs in other
regions/countries will churn
out a lot of job opportunities
for the people of Region VIII.
Implementation of infrastructure
projects could also generate
numerous, though seasonal
Macroeconomy
49
jobs for the poor families. With

the improved infrastructure,
production costs will be reduced,
thereby, raising profitability and
income of the families. It would
also mean new investments
critical for economic growth.
However, stricter enforcement of
wage laws should be imposed to
ensure that the workers are wellcompensated.
8. Increasing labor productivity.
The labor force of the region will
become more productive if more
investments are channeled into
the sectors where most of them
belong. On the side, they should
also be assisted in terms of
developing/enhancing their skills
through appropriate education
and training, and complemented
with complete equipment and
facilities. Increased productivity
will lead to increased income,
thus, reduced poverty.
9. Controlling population growth.
While it is the reproductive
right of every couple to decide
on their desired number of
children, the national policy
and corresponding measures to
control population growth should
be enforced. This is based on
the premise that economic gains
cannot be enjoyed if economic
growth cannot keep up with a
rapidly growing population.

1. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program (4Ps)
2. Infrastructure Projects
supportive of agribusiness,
tourism and ICT
3. Philippine Rural Development
Project (PRDP)
4. Bottom-up Budgeting System for
Poverty Alleviation
5. Private-Public Partnership
Projects
6. Establishment of Economic
Zones
7. Investment Promotion Activities
50
8. Responsible Parenting
Movement
9. Technical and Vocational Skills
Education and Training
10. Government Internship Program
11. Special Program for the
Employment of Students (SPES)
12. Continuing Labor and
Employment Education Program
(CLEEP)
13. Close monitoring of high-impact
projects through the Regional
Project Monitoring Committee
14. Legislative Agenda:
a. Strict enforcement/
monitoring of wage laws
b. Revisiting of the existing laws
to ensure proper valuation
of exports/imports
c. Streamlining of Business
Processing and Licensing
System (BPLS)
d. Updating of tax ordinances
e. Formulation of the Local
Investment Incentive Code
(LIIC)
f. Strict enforcement of
Sections 25 (Right to
Decent Work) and 26 (Right
to Livelihood, Credit,
Capital and Technology)
of the Magna Carta of
Women to ensure womens
productive employment
g. Enforcement of the
Reproductive Health Law
down to the local level
(inclusive of passage of
ordinances and/or
resolutions in support of the
RA)
Farmers doing the Palaycheck System, a dynamic

rice crop management system
Photo Courtesy of DA VIII
http://da08.da.gov.ph
Competitive
and Sustainable
Agriculture and
Fisheries
Eastern Visayas is endowed with abundant land and water resources

that support the economic activities of the region. Most of the
population, specifically in rural areas, are dependent on agriculture as
the main source of income. Agricultural and fisheries products supply
raw materials and food to the non-agricultural sector (industries and
services). Some of them are processed through agribusiness.
In order to prop up the agriculture sector, a separate 2012-2016
Eastern Visayas Agribusiness Roadmap was prepared to focus on major
commodities that can jumpstart the economic growth of the region.
These major commodities include palay, abaca, banana, coconut,
sugarcane, corn, pineapple and rootcrops (cassava, camote and gabi),
fisheries products (mussel, seaweeds and bangus), and livestock and
poultry (native chicken, hog, cattle, carabao and goat). Emerging crops
were also identified, namely: jackfruit, cacao, pili, ginger, tomato,
rubber, coffee, and palm tree. Emerging fisheries products are blue
crab, abalone, sea cucumber, panggasius, fresh water prawn, and cream
dory.
For agriculture and fisheries to become competitive, the labor resource
should be honed. Agricultural technology should be developed and
adopted, and farm equipment should be modernized. Subsidies to
poor farmers, cultivation of idle lands, multi-cropping, venturing into
non-traditional crops, irrigation, and credit assistance will altogether
facilitate the attainment of competitive and sustainable agriculture
and fisheries. Moreover, climate-resilient crops, livestock and poultry
products are essential for higher production and productivity.
Assessment
In 2011, the Gross Value Added
(GVA) in real terms (constant
prices) in Agriculture, Hunting,
Forestry and Fishery (AHFF) reached
PhP31,130,113.00, posting a growth
rate of only 0.7%. Compared to the
5.10% target for the year, this is very
low. The minimal growth was due to
production decreases in major crops,
livestock and poultry, and fisheries
primarily caused by weather-related
factors. In 2012 alone, two major
typhoons hit Eastern Visayas
Typhoons Ofel and Pablo. Typhoon
Ofel greatly affected the regions
agriculture sector, with about P15
million worth of damages recorded.
In terms of credit access by farmers,
three major sources are available in
the region. These are the Land Bank
of the Philippines (LBP), Quedancor,
52
and the Center of Agriculture and

Rural Development, a private credit
institution.
Employment generated from agriculture
increased by 3.6% from 743 in 2010
to 770 in 2011. There are gender
disparities in real wage of farm
workers in 2011. Womens real wage
for palay was placed at P100.65 while
that of men was higher at P107.10.
The figures reflect that women are
treated differently in agriculture as
male palay workers are paid P6.45
more than their female counterparts.
Ironically, the regions natural

endowments in terms of vast
idle agricultural lands that could
otherwise be utilized for farming,
coupled with rich agricultural
and marine resources, offer great
potentials to upscale the growth of
these sectors. For water resources
alone, Eastern Visayas has a total of
3,065 kilometers coastline and 33
protected bays/coves. The region has
a vast potential for the expansion of 5,
285 hectares of non-traditional areas,
particularly for seaweed culture
parks, with the largest estimated area
in Northern Samar.
To harness the regions great potential
for
agricultural
development
and expansion, there has to be
infrastructure facilities as well as
technology, capital and marketing
assistance, among others, that should
be put in place.
Samar Island, in particular, being the
countrys third largest island, is seen
to have a huge potential contribution
to the regional economy. Thus, in
the remaining half of the Plan period,
interventions on its agriculture and
fisheries sector must be intensified
in order to attain food security and
boost agribusiness in the whole
Eastern Visayas.
Crop Production
Total production of major crops
declined by 2.9% in 2012, from
3,556,428 MT in 2011 to 3,452,354.64
MT in 2012 (Figure 14). Contributory
factors to this decline are flooding due
to typhoons; diseases; decrease in
farm size; and low rate of technology
adoption.
Major crops included in the
succeeding discussions are palay,
coconut, abaca, sugarcane, banana/
saba, corn, vegetables, and fruits.
1. Palay/Rice
Total palay production of the region
went up by 1.1% in 2012 but is 1.1
percentage points less than the
growth rate of 2.1% in 2011 (Table
14). This is also 1.9% short of the
2012 production target of 1,014,122
MT as provided in the Agribusiness
Roadmap.
Leyte Province is the top contributor
of palay output in the region but its
production declined by 1.1%. This
was mainly the effect of Typhoon
Ofel in October 2012 that damaged
841 hectares of rice fields in Leyte.
It should be noted that any decline
in the palay production of Leyte
pulls down the total production
Figure 14. Major Crop Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012 (in metric
tons)
Poverty among farmers and fishers

is a big challenge. Poverty incidence
among fishers increased by 5.5
percentage points from 40.2% in
2006 to 45.7% in 2009. Also, farmers
poverty incidence went up by 4.6
percentage points from 42.1% in
2006 to 46.7% in 2009.
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Office (BAS) VIII, 2013
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
53
Table 14. Palay Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012
(in metric tons)
Region/Province
2011
2012
% Change
Eastern Visayas
984,017
994,972
1.1
Biliran
66,604
66,543
(0.1)
Eastern Samar
53,632
59,412
10.8
Leyte
526,762
521,115
(1.1)
Northern Samar
106,048
111,207
4.9
Southern Leyte
92,653
96,166
3.8
Samar
138,318
140,529
1.6
Source: BAS VIII, 2013
Table 15. Rice Sufficiency Index, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and
2012
Sufficiency Index
Region/Province
2011
2012
Eastern Visayas
97.36
96.56
Leyte
130.13
126.36
Southern Leyte
87.67
89.53
Biliran
148.21
144.91
Samar
73.82
73.42
Eastern Samar
50.77
55.34
Northern Samar
64.63
66.44
Source: DA VIII, 2013
Table 16. Palay Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012
(in metric tons/hectare)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
3.45
4.49
2.63
3.93
2.68
4.26
2.55
2012
3.49
4.49
2.82
3.92
2.80
4.36
2.57
% Change
0.9
0.1
7.3
(0.4)
4.8
2.2
0.9
Source: DA VIII, 2013
Table 17. Coconut Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and
2012 (in metric tons)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
1,769,951.50
58,456
274,837
680,140
337,690
126,302
292,527
*Preliminary data
54
2012*
1,771,459.42
58,990
274,852
676,021
345,209
123,780
292,607
% Change
0.1
0.9
0.0
(0.6)
2.2
(2.0)
0.0
of the region. Biliran also posted a

decrease of 0.1%. On the other hand,
Eastern Samar, the least contributor
of palay output of Eastern Visayas,
increased its production by 10.8%.
The next better-performing province
is Northern Samar (4.9%), followed
by Southern Leyte (3.8%) and Samar
(1.6%).
Production increases in
all provinces of Samar Island are
attributable to the increase in area
harvested,
improved
irrigation
systems, and use of hybrid seeds.
The Rice Sufficiency Index (RSI) of
the region slightly decreased in 2012
(Table 15). For the past two years,
the levels were way below the RDP
targets of 124% in 2011 and 129%
in 2012. Eastern Samar recorded
the lowest RSI among provinces.
This indicates that its production,
though high, is not sufficient to meet
the demand of its population. The
provinces production is still affected
by inadequate irrigation support
systems and poor farm-to-market
roads, climate change, and low rate
of technology adoption. On the other
hand, Biliran posted the highest rice
sufficiency index.
Palay productivity in the region
slightly increased by 0.9% in 2012
(Table 16). Average yield per hectare
increased from 3.45MT/ha. in 2011 to
3.49MT/ha. in 2012.
Though this seems a meager increase,
this somehow reflects a better
picture. Across provinces, Eastern
Samar recorded the highest increase
of 7.3%, followed by Northern Samar,
Southern Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
Leyte, however, posted a decline.
2. Coconut
Volume of coconut produced went
up by only 0.1%. In terms of absolute
figures, it increased from 1,769,951.50
MT in 2011 to 1,771,459.42 MT in
2012 (Table 17). The increment was
meager due to Brontispa Longissima
that affected some coconut trees.
The disease occurred despite the
ongoing wasp parasitoid production
that fights Brontispa. In relation

to the Agribusiness Roadmap, the
production in 2012 was below target
by 3.2%.
Across provinces, only Northern
Samar and Biliran had an increase
in coconut production of 2.2% and
0.9%, respectively. Leyte, which is
the largest producer of coconut,
experienced a drop in production
by 0.6% and Southern Leyte, by
2.0%. This is attributed to the lack
of demand in the local market and
the very low price offered by coconut
traders.
The average farmgate price of
copra corriente in Eastern Visayas
significantly declined by 41.1%, from
P29.78 per kilogram in 2011 to P17.55
per kilogram in 2012. The drop in
price was consequential to the price
reduction of coconut in the domestic
and international market. The very
low price of coconut products such
as copra affected about 368,524
coconut farmers in the region.
3. Abaca
Abaca production decreased by
4.2%, from 20,023.43 MT in 2011
to 19,190.87 MT in 2012 (Table
18). This negative performance was
brought about by viral diseases that
infected the abaca farms of Leyte,
particularly in the second, third and
fourth districts; in Dolores, Eastern
Samar; and in Lavezares, Northern
Samar. Some disease-freed farms in
Southern Leyte were also not utilized
because they are still undergoing
rehabilitation.
Another factor is
the shift of market preference from
good grade abaca (I/S2/G) in favor
of the food and beverage industry.
Moreover, the total demand for
abaca in Japan decreased by 69% or
21,282 bales, and in other exporting
countries by 40% or 6,452 bales. Such
decline in demand may be attributed
to the global financial crisis.
Compared to its 2012 production
target in the Agribusiness Roadmap,
which is 21,027.44 MT, there is a
shortfall of 8.7%.
55
The highest decline (22.1%) was

recorded in Biliran Province, followed
by Leyte (11.0%) and Southern
Leyte (3.7%). However, increases
were exhibited in the three Samar
provinces. Northern Samar increased
its production by 1.9%, Eastern Samar
by 0.9%, and Samar by 0.6%.The
significant deceleration in Biliran is
attributable to the decline in Japans
demand for JK abaca fiber, which is
used in making the Japanese currency
bills. Most Biliran farmers produce
such kind of abaca fiber. Because
of low demand in the foreign and
domestic markets, some abaca buyers
in the province stopped purchasing
abaca fiber, which subsequently
compelled the farmers to slow down
fiber production.
Abaca farmgate price in the region
dropped from P37.22 per kilogram
in 2011 to P35.18 per kilogram or a
decrease of 5.5%.
4. Sugarcane
Sugarcane production significantly
dropped by 23.4%, from 516,705.82
MT in 2011 to 395,842.80 MT in 2012.
Leyte, where 99% of sugarcane
production in Region VIII comes from,
encountered a 23.4% contraction.
This was because of high rainfall and
decrease in area harvested. Eastern
Samar and Southern Leyte also
posted decreases by 1.5% and 8.3%,
respectively. Only Samar recorded a
meager increase of 0.1%.
Mostly affected by the decrease are
the small sugarcane farmers since
they comprise about 84% of the total
number of sugarcane farmers. They
are those who work in sugarcane
farms that are 10 hectares or less.
They account for 20% of the total land
area allocated for sugarcane farming.
On the other hand, big farmers (i.e.,
those with 50 hectares or more),
comprise 4% of sugarcane farmers
and cultivate more than 50% of the
land area.
To protect children engaged in family
56
labor in sugarcane plantations,

the OrmocKananga Mill District
Development Council Foundation,
Inc., committed to provide assistance
in the implementation of Republic
Act No. 9231 or the Anti-Child Labor
Law.
5. Banana (Saba)
Production of banana, specifically,
increased by 1.0%, from 181,739.03
MT in 2011 to 183,556.55 MT in
2012 (Table 20). The slow growth
in saba production was mainly
due to the disease bugtok, and the
damage brought about by Typhoon
Ofel. Underreporting could also be a
problem since available data is more
on table banana (e.g. Cavendish)
rather than on saba.
Samar is the highest saba producer
in Region VIII. For the period 20112012, the province produced an
annual average of over 95,000 MT. It
was followed far behind by Eastern
Samar with a yearly average of about
2,422 MT, and Leyte with 28,356 MT.
The current saba production is
sufficient and even churned out
a surplus that could support the
banana industry of the region such as
SC Global,which requires about 7,700
MT a year. However, farmers should
comply with the standard quality of
banana/saba fruit that industries
require for them to be assured of
market.
Aside from its healthy benefits to the
human body, banana is used for agriindustrial purposes, and for food and
feed preparations. It is a raw material
used in the processing of banana
chips, catsup, wine, vinegar, flour,
puree, and other cooked food.
In terms of saba productivity at the
regional level, a 0.1% decrease was
noted because of the heavy rains.
This is equivalent to a reduction
from 12.5 MT/ha. in 2010 to 12.4
MT/ha. in 2011. Across provinces,
only Northern Samar recorded an
increment of 0.1%.
Table 18. Abaca Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012
(in metric tons)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
20,023.43
127.00
397.31
7,426.70
7,195.94
3,501.89
1,374.59
2012*
19,190.87
98.90
401.01
6,606.68
7,329.89
3,372.00
1,382.39
% Change
(4.2)
(22.1)
0.9
(11.0)
1.9
(3.7)
0.6
*Preliminary data
Table 19. Sugarcane Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and
2012 (in metric tons)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
516,705.82
2.15
516,674.90
0.24
28.53
2012*
395,842.80
2.12
395,811.99
0.22
28.56
% Change
(23.4)
(1.4)
(23.4)
(8.3)
0.1
*Preliminary data
Table 20. Banana (Saba) Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011
and 2012 (in metric tons)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
181,739.03
10,716.30
2,382.94
28,443.62
7,364.17
37,822.00
95,010.00
2012*
183,556.55
10,719.55
2,502.02
28,269.65
7,696.33
39,275.00
95,094.00
% Change
1.00
0.03
5.00
(0.61)
4.51
3.84
0.09
*Preliminary data
Table 21. Banana (Saba) Productivity, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2010
and 011 (in metric tons/hectare)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Western Samar
Southern Leyte
2010
12.5
11.4
3.5
17.9
2.8
27.1
7.2
2011
12.4
11.4
3.4
17.6
2.9
27.1
7.2
% Change
(0.1)
0.0
(0.1)
(0.3)
0.1
0.0
0.0
*Preliminary data
57
Table 22. Corn Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province: 2011 and 2012
(in metric tons)
Region/Province
Eastern Visayas
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
2011
83,992
733
534
52,427
13,779
7,321
9,198
2012
87,333
745
593
55,392
14,352
7,118
9,133
% Change
4.0
1.6
11.0
5.7
4.2
(2.8)
(0.7)
Source: http://www.bas.gov.ph (2013)
Table 23. Fruits and Vegetables Production, Eastern Visayas and by Province:
2011 and 2012 (in metric tons)
Product
Pineapple
Cacao
Pili Nut
Calamansi
Lanzones
Mango
Papaya
Rambutan
Watermelon
Ampalaya
Cabbage
Eggplant
Ginger
Kangkong
Mongo
Okra
Peanut
Stringbeans
Tomato
2011
7,377.33
116.6
973.53
2,478.98
151.14
884.72
3,033.82
15.39
777.75
1,180.36
181.03
2,251.29
2,174.89
11,695.79
272.42
954.16
574.66
1,888.48
696.07
2012
7,456.57
114.44
995.72
2,510.02
151.68
882.73
3,109.35
25.64
775.5
1,196.42
179.61
2,315.07
2,206.42
9,732.36
270.61
982.12
579.06
1,911.39
719.21
% Change
1.1
(1.9)
2.3
1.3
0.4
(0.2)
2.5
66.6
(0.3)
1.4
(0.8)
2.8
1.4
(16.8)
(0.7)
2.9
0.8
1.2
3.3
Table 24. Livestock and Poultry Production, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012
(in metric tons)
Product
Carabao
Cattle
Hog
Goat
Chicken
Duck
2011
10,838
2,394
101,228
1,448
41,675
1,494
Source: http://www.bas.gov.ph (2013)
58
2012
11,210
2,267
89,240
1,283
40,326
1,389
% Change
3.4
(5.3)
(11.8)
(11.4)
(3.2)
(7.0)
6. Corn
8. Fruits and Vegetables
Corn production accelerated from

83,992 MT in 2011 to 87,333 MT
in 2012 (Table 22). This increase
of 4.0% is attributed to the use of
hybrid seeds in program areas of the
Department of Agriculture. Average
yield per hectare rose by 0.02 MT/
ha., from 1.38 MT/ha. in 2011 to 1.4
MT/ha. in 2012.
Below are some of the fruits and

vegetables produced in the region,
which also contributed to the
economy.
Yellow corn is used for various food

industries, human consumption, and
animal feeds. White corn, on the
other hand, is used in food-grade
starch and paper. Domestic white
corn is used to produce snack foods
such as tortilla chips, and food wraps.
However, exported white corn is
mainly used for corn-based flour
products such as tortillas, muffins,
and bread.
Among the provinces, Eastern Samar
is the lowest producer of corn. Yet,
it recorded the highest increase of
11.0%, followed by Leyte (5.7%),
Northern Samar (4.2%) and Biliran
(1.6%). Samar and Southern Leyte
declined their production by 0.7%
and 2.8%, respectively, due to
unfavorable weather condition.
7. Rootcrops
Total rootcrop production in the
region increased by 3.8% - from
219,094.51 MT in 2011 to 227,381.35
MT in 2012. Camote is up by 3.7%,
cassava by 3.9%, and gabi by 3.8%.
Though cassava posted a production
increase, it was reported that there
were more cassava chips rejected in
2012 because of poor quality resulting
from improper handling/preparation.
Cassava is now increasingly being
used in the animal feeds industry,
in brewery, glue making, and in the
food industry as a thickener, timber
industry, and paper industry. It is
also used for biscuits and bread in
Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania
and Madagascar, among others. Local
production is supplemented with
imports, mainly from Eastern Asia.

Production
Total livestock and poultry production
declined by 8.4%. Hogs, cattle, goat
and chicken production dropped
by 11.8%, 5.3%, 11.4% and 3.2%,
respectively. The decline in livestock
and poultry production is attributed to
the high price of feeds that left some
backyard raisers with no choice but to
stop operation. Specifically, chicken
consolidators in Calbayog City ceased
operation. Only carabao production
recorded an increase of 3.4% because
of artificial insemination of highbreed varieties.
Fisheries Production
Total fish production declined by
4.5%, from 209,777.74 MT in 2011
to 200,417.52 MT in 2012 (Table 25).
Commercial fisheries went down
by 13.3% and municipal fisheries by
5.5%. Aquaculture production, on
the other hand, increased by 8.3%.
The drop in fisheries production
was caused mainly by the decline
in fish catch, which is, in turn, due
to depleted fishing grounds. The
decrease was also a consequence
of fewer number of fishing trips due
to the high cost of fuel and weather
disturbances brought about by
Typhoons Dindo, Ofel and Butsoy.
Moreover, several commercial fishing
vessels were forced to dry-dock, while
some of them opted to unload their
catch at landing centers near fishing
grounds outside the region like Cebu
to reduce operational expenses and
seek better prices for their catch.
This situation negatively affects the
socio-economic conditions of fishing
families, especially those who solely
depend on fishing as a source of
income.
59
Table 25. Fish Production by Sub-sector, Eastern Visayas: 2011 and 2012 (in
metric tons)
Sub-sector
Commercial
Fisheries
Municipal
Fisheries
Aquaculture
2011
61,228.67
2012
53,084.41
% Change
(13.3)
98,212.04
92,806.99
(5.5)
50,337.03
54,526.12
8.3

1. Low agricultural production and
productivity.
Generally, the current figures
on production and productivity
remain at low levels. This
is attributable to weather
factors; lack of inputs such as
high quality seeds, fertilizers,
modern technology, and capital;
inadequate infrastructure support
such as irrigation and farm-tomarket roads; and weak market
linkaging.
2. Low labor productivity and
income.
Farmers income, especially that of
the tenants, is still on subsistence
level. Their percentage share of the
farms produce is very small. The
farms they till are not yet applied
with modern technologies for
large scale production, thus,
resulting to low labor productivy
and income.
3. Unutilized agricultural lands.
The region is endowed with vast
agricultural lands. However, much
of this resource is just lying idle
and unproductive.
4. Lack of infrastructure support.
Infrastructure is an essential input
in developing the agriculture
sector of the region. Farm-tomarket roads, irrigation systems,
post-harvest facilities, port loading
facilities, among others, are
still inadequate. This situation
greatly affects the marketability
of the products. It also poses
as a disincentive to production
60
because of higher transport

cost. The need for infrastructure
support becomes greater as the
region focuses on agribusiness.
5. Reluctance of farmers to utilize
available post-harvest facilities.
The economic value of most
agricultural products is lost
due to post-harvest losses. The
problem affects not only rice
but other farm commodities as
well. In some areas where postharvest facilities are available,
farmers are not willing to utilize
such facilities. Some of them
are interested to avail of their
usage but the problem is they
are not technically capable of
and/or interested in using and/or
maintaining these post-harvest
facilities.
assets required as loan collateral.

Likewise,
the
voluminous
requirements and the tedious
process in applying for a loan
discourage many farmers and
fishers. Moreover, banks prefer
to grant loans to farmers
organizations/cooperatives than
to individuals.
8. Low participation of women in
agriculture and fisheries due to
lack of skills and limited access
to training and capital.
There are many women workers
in agriculture. They actually
contribute significantly to agriculture
and fisheries through their role
in the processing of products
such as seaweeds into gulaman,
banana into banana chips,
deboned bangus with different
flavors, among others. However,
this contribution to the sector
is limited due to lack of skills
and limited access to training
opportunities
and
capital.
Another major reason is the
issue on multiple burden from
parenting and housekeeping
responsibilities. Moreover, their
participation in agriculture and
fisheries is unrecognized due
to the notion that agriculture is
largely the males turf.

9. Vulnerability of agriculture and
fisheries to climate change.
Climate change can adversely
affect agriculture and fisheries.
Changing
temperature
and
precipitation patterns may affect
the production and productivity
of crops, fisheries, livestock and
poultry. Insects and diseases
during humid and warmer
conditions are expected, which
altogether affect animal health
and productivity. In fisheries,
climate change affects the
number of fish in the rivers
and seas as the water becomes
warmer. Some fish may also be
extinct in particular areas. As
this happens, the food chains are
consequently disrupted.
10. Non-optimal utilization of
agricultural resources of Samar
Island.
The utilization of Samar Islands
rich agricultural endowments
need to be optimized given the
fact that it is the third largest
island of the country and it is
where most of the poor people in
the region are located.
6. Low technology adoption.

Most farmers prefer to cultivate
their farmlands in a traditional
way. Productivity of their
farmlands is not optimized because
they are reluctant to adopt new
farming technologies. Another
reason is the high cost of modern
technology.
7. Poor financial capability of
farmers and fishers.
Lack of capital needed for
agricultural production besets
majority of the regions farmers
and fishers. There are actually
many credit opportunities offered
by banks and other funding
institutions but availment by
farmers and fishers is very low.
Most of them have low credit
worthiness because of lack of
61
Figure 15. Agriculture and Fisheries Development Framework
2. Regional rice self-sufficiency ratio increased from 97% in 2011 to 114%

in 2016, contributing an annual average of 5.68% to the national palay
production. The three Samar provinces should be rice self-sufficient by
2016.
3. Food subsistence incidence decreased by 11.7% in 2016
4. Employment of 142,311 generated from 2014 to 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Nothern Samar

Goals
1.
2.
3.
4.
Food sufficiency attained

Growth in agriculture and fisheries increased
Climate change-resilient agriculture and fisheries attained
Incomes in agriculture and fisheries increased
Invesments in agriculture and fisheries increased

Productivity of all major crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry increased
Labor productivity increased
Womens participation in agriculture and fisheries increased
Targets
1. Productivity increased from 3.45 MT/ha in 2011 to 4.42 MT/ha. in 2016
62
2014
4.10
4.78
4.07
4.36
3.29
5.14
3.61
2015
4.19
4.92
4.16
4.43
3.41
5.24
3.70
2016
28,284
944
556
19,067
556
2,495
4,667
5. Palay production increased at a yearly average of 1,257,398 MT

Region/Province
2014
2015
2016
Region VIII
1,222,818
1,254,400
1,294,977
Biliran
71,122
73,222
74,425
Eastern Samar
103,598
106,510
115,470
Leyte
584,811
594,933
604,248
Samar
188,952
196,846
205,492
Southern Leyte
111,796
113,912
115,255
Nothern Samar
162,538
168,977
180,086
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
Note: in PhP000
Palay
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Nothern Samar
2015
52,333
1,111
6,600
18,515
17,333
3,307
5,467
6. Palay investment cost of about PhP4 billion reached in 2016
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
2014
61,694
1,500
1,502
23,607
23,111
2,959
9,016
2016
4.28
4.97
4.31
4.48
3.54
5.26
3.89
Coconut
2014
1,726,219
53,414
62,444
692,845
572,243
97,483
247,790
1. Productivity level of 1.20 MT/ha.

attained in 2016
Year
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Target
1.09
1.12
1.15
1.17
1.20
2015
1,526,457
45,370
178,131
582,087
444,762
106,098
170,009
2016
996,421
41,941
44,602
597,003
69,630
88,178
155,067
2. Copra production increased by

11% or 60,000 MT per year
Year
2014
2015
2016
Annual Target
1,949,952
2,009,952
2,069,952
63
3. Coconuts planted/re-planted in 25,000 has. per year, with larger areas to

be covered in Leyte, Samar and Northern Samar
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
NW Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
25,000
1,872
3,248
4,625
3,250
4,589
3,249
4,167
2015
25,000
1,872
3,248
4,625
3,250
4,589
3,249
4,167
2016
25,000
1,872
3,248
4,625
3,250
4,589
3,249
4,167
Note: Of the 147,100 hectares of coconut land in the region, about 72,800 hectares can
be planted to coconut.
4. Salt fertilization applied to a total area of 91,577 has. or an annual average

of 18,315 has. in order to increase production by 25% during the first
application and 100% after 3 years of consecutive applications
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
NW Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
18,150
726
3,267
3,630
2,420
2,904
1,815
3,388
2015
19,965
799
3,594
3,993
2,662
3,194
1,997
3,727
2016
21,962
878
3,953
4,392
2,928
3,514
2,196
4,099
2014
5,000
2015
5,000
1,250
1,250
1,250
Abaca
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
1. Abaca productivity increased to 1.5 MT/ha. In 2016

2014
- 0.9 MT/ha.
2015
- 1.2 MT/ha.
2016
- 1.5 MT/ha.
64
2016
5,000
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
20,417.10
104.92
425.43
7,009.03
1,524.08
3,577.35
7,776.28
2015
21,060.10
108.07
438.19
7,219.30
1,600.29
3,684.68
8,009.57
2016
21,723.90
111.31
451.34
7,435.88
1,680.30
3,795.22
8,249.86
3. Around 6,000 jobs generated from abaca rehabilitation activity by 2016

4. Area planted to abaca increased by 6.47% in 2016 or 500 has. annually
from 39,513 has. in 2011 to 42,073 has. in 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
E. Samar
2014
41,049
1,769
3,181
2015
41,561
1,821
3,283
2016
42,073
1,873
3,385
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
14,166
2,434
7,160
12,339
14,268
2,536
7,212
12,441
14,370
2,638
7,264
12,543
5. Area planted expanded by 50 has. per year for each of the provinces of
Southern Leyte and Biliran
6. Area planted expanded by 100 has. per year for each of the provinces of
Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar
5. Intercropping adopted in a total area of 5,000 has. every year

Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
NW Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2. Abaca production increased to 25,000 MT by 2016 or at an annual average

growth rate of 5.0% equivalent 1.5 MT/ha./year
7. A total of 6,000 old and unproductive disease-freed abaca farms

rehabilitated by 2016
8. Made available 10.9 million planting materials produced through in-vitro
and from field nurseries in LGUs
Sugarcane
1. Productivity increased by 12.11% ton cane/ha., by 13.60% Lkg/ha., and

by 0.90% Lkg/ton cane

Crop Year
Indicator
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
Total Area
8,900.00
9,000.00
9,000.00
Planted
Tons Cane
534,000.00
585,000.00
675,000.00
Lkg Sugar
1,100,040.00
1,216,800.00
1,417,500.00
Produced
Ton Cane/
60.00
65.00
75.00
Hectare
LKG/Hectare
123.60
135.20
157.50
LKG/Ton Cane
2.06
2.08
2.10
65
2. Sugarcane production increased by an annual average of 19.82%

3. Area planted increased by an annual average area of 3.9% until 2016
Banana (Saba)
1. Saba productivity increased from 12.4 MT/ha. in 2011 to 15.61 MT/ha. in

2016 for Region VIII, in general, and specifically for Samar to increase its
saba productivity from 27.1 MT/ha. in 2011 to 33.93 MT/ha. by 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Nothern Samar
2014
14.26
13.05
3.83
19.86
30.99
8.28
3.29
2015
14.92
13.63
4.00
20.73
32.40
8.67
3.45
2016
15.61
14.24
4.17
21.57
33.93
9.09
3.62
2. Saba production increased from 181,739 MT to 231,949 MT in 2016

Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
210,385
12,405
2,758
32,927
109,985
43,784
8,525
2015
220,904
13,025
2,896
34,573
115,484
45,973
8,951
2,016
231,949
13,676
3,041
36,302
121,258
48,272
9,398
For Samar to produce 121,258 MT, equivalent to 52.3% of total regional

production
3. Total production area increased to 14,855.50 has.
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
14,755.50
950.5
719
1,658
3,549
5,290
2,589
2015
14,805.50
955.5
724
1,668
3,564
5,300
2,594
2,016
14,855.50
960.5
729
1,683
3,574
5,310
2,599
1. Livestock inventory increased by at least 5% within 5 years with at least

1-2% increment per year until 2016
66
2. An annual average target of 494,998 swine heads attained from 2014 to

2016
Region/Province
2014
2015
2016
Region VIII
487,647
494,961
502,386
Biliran
11,954
12,133
12,315
Eastern Samar
26,693
27,094
27,500
Leyte
307,905
312,524
317,212
Samar
44,079
44,740
45,412
Southern Leyte
31,207
31,675
32,150
Northern Samar
65,809
66,796
67,798
3. An annual average target of 293,031 carabao heads achieved from 2014
to 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
288,679
4,220
25,883
154,401
40,344
16,771
47,061
2015
293,010
4,283
26,272
156,717
40,949
17,023
47,767
2016
297,405
4,347
26,666
159,068
41,563
17,278
48,483
4. An annual average target of 23,634 cattle heads achieved from 2014 to

2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
23,283
1,740
2,753
11,232
811
3,455
3,293
2015
23,632
1,766
2,794
11,400
823
3,507
3,342
2016
23,987
1,793
2,836
11,571
835
3,560
3,392
5. An annual average target of 56,086 goat heads attained from 2014 to 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
55,253
12,512
5,357
25,759
2,265
4,264
5,095
2015
56,082
12,700
5,438
26,145
2,299
4,328
5,172
2016
56,923
12,890
5,519
26,537
2,334
4,393
5,250
67
6. An annual average target of 3,773,943 chicken heads achieved from 2014

to 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
3,717,896
122,648
151,190
2,486,324
308,053
373,765
275,916
2015
3,773,664
124,488
153,458
2,523,619
312,674
379,371
280,055
2016
3,830,269
126,355
155,759
2,561,474
317,364
385,062
284,255
7. Meat production increased by at least 3% per year within 5 years

Commodity
2014
2015
2016
Carabeef
11,501
11,731
11,966
Beef
2,540
2,591
2,643
Chevon
1,536
1,567
1,598
Pork
10,742
10,957
11,176

Fisheries
Seaweed
1. Production increased from 31,939 MT in 2011 to 75,907 MT in 2016
Region/Province
2014
2015
2016
Region VIII
58,320.25
67,114.00
75,907.00
Biliran
0.17
0.2
0.23
Eastern Samar
17,671
20,336
23,000
Leyte
30,910
35,570
40,231
Samar
9,390
10,805
12,221
Southern Leyte
2.39
2.75
3.11
Northern Samar
432
497
563
2. Employment generation increased from 696 seaweed farmers in 2011 to
2,010 seaweed farmers by 2016
Region/Province
Employment
Region VIII
2,010
Biliran
198
Leyte
462
Eastern Samar
426
Samar
198
Southern Leyte
264
Northern Samar
462
3. Non-traditional area of seaweed culture park expanded from the existing

1,261 has. to 209.375 has. in 2016
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Leyte
Eastern Samar
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
Estimated Area (has.)

209.375
20.625
48.125
44.375
20.625
27.5
48.125
Mussel
1. Mussel production of 1,000 MT annually expanded, from the targeted
additional area of 40 has. per year in the expansion areas of Daram,
Zumarraga, Villareal, Gandara, Calbayog and Talalora all in Samar
2. At least 1,000 jobs from the mussel industry generated.
Bangus
1. Production increased by an annual average of 14,611 MT per year
Region/Province
Region VIII
Biliran
Leyte
Eastern Samar
Samar
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
2014
14,238.12
30
5,137
2,385
5,403
641
642
2015
14,950.02
31
5,394
2,504
5,674
673
674
2016
15,697.52
33
5,664
2,629
5,957
706
708
Strategies
For Objective 1
GVA in agriculture and fisheries increased
and Objective 2
Productivity of all major crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry increased

1. Increasing farm and aqua-marine productivity
a. Building/Enhancing farmers and fishers capability, including that of
womens
b. Using appropriate production and post-production technologies such as
inter/multi-cropping, salt fertilization and putting-up of Kasaganaan sa
Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAANIB) sites for coconut, longline and
raft methods for mussel, among others.
c. Venturing into alternative farming activities such as livestock raising,
fruits and vegetables production, as sources of income, particularly for
farmers whose farms are affected with crop disease and low price of
products.
68
69
d. Providing farming inputs such

as fertilizers, planting materials,
and others.
e. Piloting an island-wide but
village-based commercial production
of organic fertilizer and fisherfolkdriven aquaculture development
program in Samar island, the
countrys third largest island. This
will enable farmers to continue
farming despite the high prices of
fertilizers, and will provide people
with fish as a substitute source of
protein, thus, addressing food
security. This strategy is relevant
to oil dependence reduction in
support of the governments oil
substitution strategy in the area
of food production.
f. Focusing on priority and
emerging commodities
g. Adopting
management
integrated
crop
With agribusiness as one of the

key development thrusts of the
region, more efforts should be
exerted to push both agricultural
production and productivity to
much higher levels so as to ensure
availability of raw materials for
industries.
2. Optimizing the use of available
land and water resources. The
region has vast lands that are
suitable for farming, the use
of which can be optimized by
identifying and opening new
areas for expansion. This should
be one of the priority actions for
agriculture.
Eastern Visayas likewise has
rich water resources including
coastlines and bays/coves. The
region has a vast potential for
expansion of non-traditional
areas, particularly for seaweed
culture parks, with the largest
estimated area in Northern
Samar.
3. Establishing climate-smart and
70
disease-free agriculture
fisheries sector
and
showcase the competitiveness of

the regions major industries.
a. Ensuring the adapatability

of agriculture and fisheries to
climate change
Support of the business sector may

come in through market matching
and linkage. Farmers cooperatives
may be introduced to domestic and
foreign buyers of the regions major
products. Direct market linkage will
assure farmers of the highest possible
returns for their produce.
b. Rehabilitating unproductive
and disease-infested areas
c. Using disease-free planting
materials
d. Strengthening research and
development
(e.g.
diseasetolerant planting materials, crops
variety, and others)
4. Accelerating the establishment/
improvement
of
necessary
infrastructure and production
support facilities. Efforts should
be directed at accelerating the
provision of all infrastructure
facilities needed to polevault
production. These should cover
expansion of irrigated areas of the
region, particularly in the three
Samar provinces (with 52.55%
irrigation development) through
the establishment of additional
irrigation systems as well as the
rehabilitation and restoration
of existing ones. Alternative
irrigation should be pursued
such as the establishment of
Small Scale Irrigation Projects
(SSIPs), Small Water Impounding
Projects (SWIPs), and Small Farm
Reservoirs (SFRs). Post-harvest
facilities and farm-to-market
roads should also be provided.
5. Providing marketing assistance.
There is a need to provide
marketing support in the form
of regular industry consultations
between and among industry
participants to include farmers,
exporters/traders, and processors
to be able to continuously
identify market-related problems
and issues.
Market promotion will be carried
out through direct participation
in fairs, missions, and exhibits to
For Objective 3
Labor productivity increased
and Objective 4
Womens participation in agriculture

and fisheries increased through
the provision of skills trainings and
capital
1. Capacitating farmers to become
farm entrepreneurs
2. Developing technical skills of
farmers through trainings
3. Encouraging off-farm employment
at the household and village level
4. Processing of agricultural products
as a source of employment
5. Increasing the employability of
the labor force through skills
training and delivery of health
services
6. Gender and Development Advocacy
for keyplayers in the agriculture
sector
7. Strict enforcement of the Magna
Carta of Women, particularly on
provisions related to services to
women in agriculture
Cross-Cutting Strategies
1. Strengthening linkages among
government and private stakeholders
in agriculture
Programs, Projects and

Activities
Program
2. SIKAT SAKA
3. Farm Mechanization
4. Farm-to-Market Roads
5. Pre- and Post-harvest Facilities
6. Irrigation Systems
7. Credit Support
8. Extension Support, Education
and Training Services
9. Inventory of Idle Lands and
Mariculture parks
10. Seed Certification and Seed
Disease Monitoring
11. Plant Inspection and Cerification
and Product Certification
12. Production of Organic
Agriculture Technology
13. Production support services:
a. Soil fertility mapping
b. Pest and disease surveillance
c. Disaster quick response
d. Quarantine services
e. Seed production and
distribution
f. Input assistance
14. Market development services:
a. Value chain analysis
b. Trading centers
15. Research and development (e.g.
climate-resilient crops)
16. Samar Island as a Rice Granary
and Pillar of National Food
Security (as proposed by the
Samar Island Partnership for
Peace and Development a
development consortium of the
Dioceses of Catarman, Calbayog
and Borongan)
17. Fisheries, Coastal Resources and
Livelihoods Project (FishCORAL)
18. Ecosystems Improved for
Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH)
Project
19. Philippine National
Aquasilviculture Program (PNAP)
2. Creating an enabling environment

(policies on incentives, streamlining
of processes, infrastructure
support)
71
As part and parcel of the national economy, Eastern Visayas competes

with other regions for investments, trade, tourists, people, jobs, brand,
image and reputation.
Competitiveness in the industry and services sector basically depends
on market performance but for it to be realized, government support
and private sector participation play a very critical role. This would
mean that more infrastructure and better governance must be in place
in the next three years. These two factors are essential in drawing
investors, both foreign and domestic. Foreign and export-oriented
domestic investments should be the regions top two priorities because
both variables result in the inflow of new money.
This chapter is very critical in the development of Eastern Visayas as
the region pushes for agribusiness, tourism and ICT development.
Agribusiness is part of the industry sector while tourism and ICT are
integral to the services sector.
To increase the economic value of the regions agricultural and fisheries
products, agribusiness should be scaled up to a higher level. Valueadding of these products will translate to more jobs and income,
particularly in view of the fact that the bulk of employment in the region
is in the agriculture and services sector.
Tourism is also expected to prop up the economy given the regions
scenic and historical spots. At the same time, the ICT sector in the
region should be expanded as a source of employment and income. In
the face of the global trends on business process outsourcing, and given
the regions vast potentials on ICT, this is not impossible.
Inside the PASAR refinery plant

Photo Courtesy of PASAR
http://www.pasar.com.ph
Competitive
Industry and
Services Sector
Assessment
In its desire to achieve inclusive
growth, the region focused on
developing these three sectors
agribusiness, tourism and ICT to
boost its competitiveness in Industry
and Services. In the first three years
of the Plan period, the performance
of three focused sectors has yet to
show remarkable improvements.
Ease of Doing Business

One basic indicator in assessing
competitiveness is the ease or cost of
doing business. Second is the level of
investments indicated by the number
of investments/ establishments,
amount of investments, volume and
value of exports, jobs and income
generated as a result of competitive
cost of doing business.
The cost of doing business in Eastern

Visayas compared to Manila and Cebu
is still not competitive enough. While
the region has abundant, reliable
and cheap supply of electricity and
water, its fuel rates are higher than
in Manila and Cebu. Manufacturers,
agribusiness or heavy industries, with
PEZA-declared locations, connect
directly to the Energy Development
Corporation (EDC).
However,
logistics of these manufacturers
also suffer, given the higher prices
of petroleum products, which range
from P5 to P10 per liter. Some areas
in Eastern Visayas though, like Sogod
in Southern Leyte, are now offering
fuel prices comparable to Cebu and
Manila.
Currently, a total of 71 Local
Government Units (LGUs) have
streamlined their business permits
and licensing system (Table 26).
Competitive Industry and Services Sector
73
Table 26. Local Government Units with Streamlined BPLS

Province
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Biliran
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Cities/Municipalities Covered
Cities of Tacloban, Ormoc and
Baybay; Abuyog, Barugo, Bato, Dulag,
Hilongos, Isabel, Kananga, Palo, San
Isidro, Tanauan, Villaba
Maasin City, Bontoc, Hinunangan,
Libagon, Liloan, Limasawa, Macrohon,
Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan,
San Francisco, Silago, San Ricardo and
Tomas Oppus
Naval, Biliran, Caibiran, and Kawayan
Calbayog City and Catbalogan City
Almagro, Calbiga, Daram, Marabut,
Pagsanghan, Paranas, Pinabacdao,
San Sebastian, Sto. Nio and Tagapulan
Borongan City, Guiuan and Maydolong
Catarman, Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul,
Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig,
Las Navas, Lavezares, Lope de Vega,
Mapanas, Mondragon, Palapag,
Pambujan, Rosario, San Antonio, San
Isidro, San Roque, San Vicente, Silvino
Lobos, Victoria
Total
No. of Cities/
Municipalities
14
14
4
12
3
24
71
Source: DTI VIII, 2013
Agencies with ISO 9001:2008 or

Quality Management System include
TESDA-VII, DOST-Regional Standards
and Testing Laboratory, among
others.
Investments
Flow of investments in industry and
services from 2010 to 2012 was
sluggish. Based on records of the
Board of Investments (BOI), only one
company in 2010, two companies in
2011, and three companies in 2012
poured in investments to the region.
In relation to the regions thrust on
agribusiness, new investments came.
In 2012, additional investments were
generated from the BOI-registered
SC Global through its expansion from
organic coconut oil products to cocowater and coco-meat processing.
MSME investments, mostly agribased, also increased from P212
million in 2010 to P2.1 billion in 2011
74
and to almost P3.0 billion in 2012.

Furthermore, investments in tourism and
ICT also increased as manifested in big
investments in new accommodation
facilities: three in 2011 including
Go Hotels, also BOI-registered, and
DOriental Hotels, among others;
four in 2012 comprising Granda
Manor, Z Pad, Milka Hotel and Ais
Hotel. ICT-support electronics (fiber
optic) manufacturing also started
in 2010. Highest investment was
reported in 2011 with North Access
Mining investing around P2.4 billion.
Likewise, investments on trading
also increased. This is shown in the
proliferation of car dealers in the
region. From what used to be only
Mitsubishi, the region now has Ford,
Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Susuki,
which all opened in 2012.
Gaisano Malls also opened in Ormoc
City and in Sogod, Southern Leyte.
Shopping malls, aside from the
existing Robinsons Mall Tacloban and

Gaisano Central Mall, are expected to
open in 2013. These are Robinsons
Mall Tacloban North and SMs Save
More.
From 2010 to 2011, the number of
establishments increased by 1.82%.
In the same period, the GRDP also
inched forward, with a growth of
1.8%. This indicates that the increase
in investments, which is manifested
by the increase in the number of
establishments, is a contributory
factor to the GRDP growth. The
increase in investments could be
attributed to the intensified efforts
of the government in creating a
business-friendly
environment
that resulted in higher business
confidence.
The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), for one,
assisted the LGUs in streamlining
business registration, permits and
licensing, as well as in formulating
local codes on tax holidays and
incentives, among others. The LGUs
and agency implementers such as DA,
DTI and DOST have also promoted
the declared eco-zones, to include
LIDE, EVRGC, and Leyte ICT Park, as
location for potential investors.
Furthermore, DTI assisted 4,998
MSMEs on product development,
branding, and market promotion.
A total of 76 additional MSMEs
were established and 249 were
strengthened through the assistance
of DTIs 10 SMED Councils. DTI,
in partnership with GIZ, also
undertook
value-chain
analysis
to determine the gaps that need
immediate investments, mediumterm investments, and long-term

investments.
The Regional Development Council,
with the active participation of the
regional line agencies like DA, DTI,
DOT, DOST and NEDA, formulated the
Agribusiness Commodity Roadmap,
the Tourism Roadmap, and the
ICT Roadmap.
These roadmaps
are comprehensive sources of
information to potential investors.
Despite these positive developments,
the growth of business in the region
still has to catch up with other regions
such as Region IV-A (CALABARZON).
Region IV-A is an industrial region and
is contributing the highest portion
to the national GVA on industry at
33.5%, followed by the National
Capital Region (NCR) of 19.6%, and
Central Luzon at 12.3%. Region VIII
shares only 3.5%.
Region VIII follows a similar trend in
terms of service sector contribution.
NCR is the top contributor at 51.8%,
followed by CALABARZON OF 9.9%,
and Central Luzon at 6.7%. Region
VIII provides only 1.6%.
These
trends point out the need for more
investments to pour into the region,
both in the industry and the service
sectors.
Industry Sector
In 2010-2011, the regions Industry
Sector had the lowest growth at
0.4%, which fell short of the 5.47%
target. Though the Industry Sector
Table 27. New Investments: 2010-2012

Indicator
Number
and Type of
Investment
2010
1 New Fiber Optics
Manufacturing
(DSMI)
Investment
Employment
Investments (in PhP000)

2011
2012
1 Expansion Coco Water &
1 New Magnetite
Mining
Meat Mfg
(SC Global)
1 New Hotel
2 Mass Housing
(Go Hotels)
4,697
2,355,538
32
740
524,538
198
AAGR (%)
75%
24,986%
1,070%
Source: Board of Investment (BOI), 2013
75
Table 28. Mineral Production: 2011
Table 29. Heavy Industry Locators: 2010-2012
Name of Producer/ Project Name

NICUA Leyte Ironsand Corp./ Leyte Magnetite
Project
Cambayas Mining Corporation / Homonhon
Chromite Project
Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corp. (SNMRC)Hinatuan Mining Corp. / Manicani Nickel Ore
Exploration Project
Mineral Produced
Philippine Iron Ore
Philippine Metallurgical
Chromite Ore
Philippine Nickel Ore
Volume
(Dry Metric TonsDMT)
126,177
314,964,029
14,954
75,368,160
Company
Value
(PhP)
Philippine Associated
Smelting and Refining
(PASAR) Corporation Copper Smelting and
Refining Plant1 (1976)
Location
LIDE, Brgy.
Libertad,
Isabel, Leyte
(80-hectare)
Source: Philippine Metallic Mineral Production, 2013
exhibited the lowest growth among

the three major sectors, it remained
as the biggest contributor to the
GRDP at 43%. Manufacturing posted
the largest share of 26.3% among the
Industry sub-sectors. It grew at 4.5%
and contributed 3.0% to the nations
GVA on Manufacturing.
Mining and Quarrying

The NICUA Leyte Irons and
Corporation produced 126,177 dry
metric tons (DMT) of Philippine Iron
Ore valued at P314.96 million in 2011
(Table 28). In 2012, the operation of
this same company was suspended.
The Cambayas Mining Corporation
produced 14,954 DMT iron ore valued
at P75.37 million.
The Samar Nickel Mining Resources
Corporation with its affiliate, Hinatuan
Mining Corporation in Manicani,
returned operation in 2010. It had
been suspended since 2001.
Among the Industry sub-sectors,
Mining and Quarrying grew most at
62.3%. This growth, however, did not
affect much of the regions economy
because it contributed only 0.1% to
the GRDP. This is despite the fact that
four mining companies operated over
an area of 11,962 hectares.
Eastern Visayas contributed only
0.3% to the national GVA on Mining
and Quarrying. Meanwhile, CARAGA
(Region XIII) had a share of 19.9%
and MIMAROPA, 36.3%. Mining may
not be substantial to hastening and
sustaining the growth of the region.
76
Nevertheless, mining activities support

the operations of heavy industries.
Philippine Phosphate
(PHILPHOS) Fertilizer
Corporation (established in
1980, completed in 1984,
and commercial operations
in 1987)
Heavy Industries
The bulk of manufacturing output
comes from the heavy industries
locators at the Leyte Industrial
Development Estate, LIDE (Table 29).
McMai / ALC Tonggo

Fertilizer Manufacturing2
(2008)
By products: Dore Metal; Granulated

Slag; Selenium Powder; Sulfuric Acid
Chemical Fertilizers:
Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium
(NP/NPK); Magnesium Oxide (MgO);
Urea; Muriate of Potash (MOP)
Feed Grade Animal Supplement:
Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate (MDCP)
Century Hua Guang

Smelting, Inc. (CHGSI)
- Nickel Smelting Plant
(invested in October 2009)
and Coking Coal Plant
(investment expansion in
March 2011)3
Clean Away Philippines,
Inc. --Waste Water
Treatment Plant (20112013)
Agribusiness
LIDE, Brgy.
Libertad, Isabel,
Leyte (2,000sqm)
LIDE, Brgy.
Libertad, Isabel,
Leyte
LIDE, Brgy.
Libertad, Isabel,
Leyte
Market
China, Korea, Taiwan,
Vietnam, Thailand,
Malaysia, Indonesia; Japan
ISO 9001:2008 on quality

management system
ISO 14001:2009 on environmental
management system
Industrial Chemicals:
Gypsum; Calcine
The increase in the manufacturing

GVA is attributed to the 13% growth
of PASARS copper cathodes and
aluminum sulphate production by
McMAI, a new industry locator in
LIDE. In 2012, however, the LIDE
operations encountered a setback
when PASAR was razed by a fire in
January, causing it to temporarily
shut down. Another industry locator
Century Hua Guang, a nickel
smelting plant has stopped its plant
construction due to Chinas financial
difficulties.
Over the first half of the Plan period,

agribusiness has proliferated in
the region. This is indicated by the
number of additional agribusiness
industries now operating in different
areas of the region (Table 30). The
growth of agribusiness could be a
result of the joint efforts of concerned
government agencies. The individual
contributions of large processing
companies include carrageenan powder,
coconut cooking oil, edible crude
coconut oil and pellets, abaca pulp,
raw sugar, and bio-fuel, among
others.
HISUMCOs production on raw sugar
escalated by 21% and on molasses
LIDE, Brgy.
Libertad,
Isabel, Leyte
(128-hectare)
Product, By-Products, and Product

Certification
Main products: Electrolytic Copper
Cathodes; Refined Copper Anode
= 215,000 mtpy
International: Kuala
Lumpur; Indonesia;
Thailand, Vietnam;
Myanmar; Nepal
(competitively leading
in Asia and other nearby
regions)
Local:
Luzon = 26
Visayas = 17
Mindanao = 15
Secondary Fertilizers: Aluminum

Sulfate; Ammonium Aluminum
Sulfate
ISO
Ferro-Nickel (Pig Iron) -- 7% Nickel
Grade4
Not yet operational
100,000 metric tons annual capacity
Wastes with cyanide, acid wastes,

alkali wastes, wastes with inorganic
chemicals, reactive chemical wastes,
inks, dyes, pigments, paint, latex,
adhesives, organic sludge, wastes
organic solvent, putrescible/organic
wastes, waste oil, immobilized
wastes, organic chemicals and
miscellaneous wastes
PSR ISABEL Brand - registered as Grade A Copper with Metal Exchange (LME) and listed in the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE)
Also used by Water District to bring down suspensions in water
3
PEZA / ecozone export enterprise (registered with PEZA under certificate of registration 09-56 and EMB reference code 1003-0011)
4
Utilizing low grade nickel laterite ore from 0.9% to 3% from Palawan, Surigao, and Dinagat
1
2
Source: LIDE, company websites (2013)
77
Table 30. Agribusiness Industries, Eastern Visayas: 2010-2012

Industry
TBK Industry
(seaweed-based)
(founded in 1999)
Location
Nula-Tula,
Tacloban
City, Leyte
Product
Carrageenan Powder
Coconut Cooking Oil
Domestic market
New Leyte Edible

Oil Manufacturing
Corporation1
San Roque,
Tanauan,
Leyte
Edible Crude Coconut Oil & Pellets
A subsidiary of Fuji Oil Co.,

Ltd.
Export market
Tacloban Oil Mill

(2006)
Opong,
Tolosa, Leyte
Edible Crude Coconut Oil
Certified for British Retail

Consortium (BRC), ISO 22000
(SGS), and O K Organization
for Kosher
Export market
Catarman Oil Mill

(COMI) (2010)
Aguadahan,
San Jose,
Northern
Samar
Export market
Sanvic Oil Mill
Alegria,
San Isidro,
Northern
Samar
Domestic market
Samar Coco
Calbayog
Products Mfg. Corp. City, Samar
Edible Coco Oil
Export market
Visayan Oil Mill
Hilapnitan,
Baybay City,
Leyte
Export market
Caridad,
Baybay City,
Leyte
BioCoco: Crude Coconut Oil (CNO); Refined

and Bleached Coconut Oil/Cochin; Refined
Bleached and Deodorized Coconut Oil
(RBD); Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO); Coconut
Fatty Acid Distillate (CFAD); Coconut Flour;
Coconut Chips; Coconut Shortening; Copra
Cake and Meal; Coconut Biodiesel; Coco
Water & Coco Meat Products; Banana Chips
Good Manufacturing
Practices (GMP) & Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Point
(HACCP) fully implemented;
Ecocert and SGS- certified;
Halal-certified; with Kosher
star
Export market
HIDECO Sugar
Milling Company
(HISUMCO)
Montebello,
Kananga,
Leyte
Raw Sugar, Refined Sugar, and other sugar

products
Halal certified
Export market
Pulp Specialties
Philippines, Inc.
(PSPI)
Tinag-an,
Albuera,
Leyte
Abaca pulp
Export market
Specialty Pulp Mfg,

Inc. (SPMI)
Hilapnitan,
Baybay City,
Leyte
Abaca pulp
Export market
Leyte Agri. Corp.

(LAC)
Ipil, Ormoc
City, Leyte
Bio-fuel
Export market
formerly National Investment and Development Corporation (NIDC) and Sol Oil
Source: Company websites, 2013
Production
(metric tons)
Strictly adheres to HACCP

and GMP standards; Kosher
and Halal certified; British
Retail Consortium (BRC)
certified; ISO 9001:2008
certification; Trans Fat Free,
GMO and Allergen free;
Radiation free
Export market
Fiesta Oil Mill, Nula- Nula-Tula,

Tula, Tacloban
Tacloban
City, Leyte
SC Global Products
(2006)
78
Product Certifications/
Market
37,500
refined oil
by 36% in 2011. Moreover, SC Global

Food Products, Inc. expanded its
operation from organic coco oil and
coco meat products to coco water
processing, which was prompted by
a surge in global demand for organic
drink. Catarman Oil Mills, Inc. was
able to produce 200 metric tons of
crude coconut oil per day.
The Leyte Agricultural Corporation
(LAC), however, temporarily shut
down because of expensive molasses
ranging from PhP2,500-PhP4,500 per
metric ton, which is the companys
present raw material. However, the
company may also consider sugarcane
residue and rice straw as alternative
inputs in the production of cheaper

bio-fuel. The LAC is using rice hulls
as boilers that made them the Green
Apple Awardee of a London-based
environmental foundation.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) also contributed to the
growth of the manufacturing subsector. Majority of these MSMEs are
producing agri-based food products
and souvenir items that support the
growing tourism industry (Table 31).
Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
between SC Global Products, AFFIRE,
German International Cooperation
(GIZ), and Matalom, Leyte was forged
Table 31. MSMEs in Agribusiness: 2010-2012

Business Profile
200 per day
(52,800 per
annum)
White copra (dehusked,

deshelled, ground and
cooked in ovens)
Coco coir, Coco product
derivatives
ECOCERT- certified
Hernani Integrated Coconut

Processing Plant
Coco Bind
Hernani, Eastern
Samar
Catarman, Northern
Samar
San Francisco,
Panaon Island,
Southern Leyte
Eastern Samar
Mercedes, Eastern
Samar
Bato, Leyte
Coco coir, oil, vinegar
Alejandro, Jiabong,
Samar
Tahong crackers
Agribusiness Livelihood Center

Alternative Coco Enterprise
(1,320,000
per annum)
450 per day

(118,800 per
annum)
Product
Agribusiness Federation of
Matalom, Leyte
Financial Intermediaries for
Rural Empowerment (AFFIRE)
Integrated Coconut Industry (AICI)
Opened in July 2009
Organic
219 farmers
842 hectares
PEARBA and Co.
5,000 per
day
Location / Market
Lola Concordia Agri-Industrial

Farm and Processing Corporation
(Benedicto Kuizon)
Super J JED Tahong Crackers and
Marine Product
(Danilo Gabin)
Carmelas Tahong Crackers
MLS-Maharlika Tahong Crackers
Coco Sap Sugar Processing Plant
Production/Market
(in tons)
45 tons of white copra =
P1.3 million /
SC Global
320 tons of baled fiber = P4
million
700 rolls of geonet = P1.1
million
coco products derivatives =
P350,000
Coco coir
Coco coir
Dried mango, mango

puree, mango juice
Alejandro, Jiabong,
Samar
Jiabong, Samar
Catarman, Northern Coco sap sugar
Samar
Sources: DTI, GIZ, afmis.da.gov.ph (2013)
79
for organic farming and processing

of coconut.
KAHOI, a peoples
organization in the neighboring town
of Inopacan, Leyte, also deliver whole
coconuts to AFFIRE.
Another PPP comprising of eight
Agrarian
Reform
Communities
(ARCs) processing coco sap sugar
in Catarman, Northern Samar had
tie-ups with DOST, DTI and GIZ. DTI
and GIZ intervened by matching the
proponent with a buyer called BOCO
TRADE, a US firm with a chain of
organic stores.
The DTI, GIZ, Leyte Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, and APAC
Customer Service, Inc. (a BPO
company) had a PPP on reverse
market matching where the needs
of APAC were identified and led to
the investments of the Leyte Oriental
Hotel, Leyte Provincial Convention
Center, and MIKYU IT Business Park.
Services Sector
The Services Sector registered the
highest growth of 4.1% but below
the 5.48% target. It is the second big
contributor (35.6%) to the 2010-2011
GRDP.
Tourism
Domestic arrivals in the region
significantly grew at an average
annual rate of 123% from 2010 to
2012 (Table 32). This could be a
result of intensive tourism promotion
through the quad media. Other
factors that may have enticed more
tourists to visit Eastern Visayas are
promo fares offered by airlines,
increased flights to and from Manila,
available accommodation facilities,
Figure 16. Tourist Arrivals by Origin: 2012
Foreign
Domestic
Source: DOT VIII, 2013
Table 32. Tourist Arrivals and Receipts by Type of Origin: 2010-2012

Type of
Origin
Foreign
Domestic
Total Arrivals
Total
Receipts
(in million
pesos)
2010
(base year)
16,069
191,348
207,417
27,368
338,099
365,467
28,790
461,682
490,472
38%
57%
55%
964
2,330
2,096
66%
80
2011
2012
% AAGR
and increased police visibility in

tourism destinations. The desire of
tourists to visit less visited areas
could also be a factor.
The proportion of foreign tourist
arrivals in 2012 was relatively low
compared to domestic tourist arrivals
(Figure 16). Nevertheless, the number
of foreign tourists grew at an average
rate of nearly 40% from 2010-2012.
This growth was mainly because of
the lower cost of vacation in Eastern
Visayas. The most expensive room
accommodation, for instance, in a
three-star hotel in Tacloban City costs
PhP8,000 per day. This is relatively
three times cheaper than in other
areas outside the region, and by the
standards of foreign tourists.
1. Key Tourism Products

Over the Visayas areas, Eastern
Visayas has the densest forests best
for nature and adventure tourism.
These are the regions biodiversity
assets found in the Samar Island
Natural Park (SINP), and the Mt.
Nacolod in Silago, Southern Leyte.
Under the SINP is the Sohoton
Caves Natural Bridge National Park
in Basey which is one of the two
premier ecotourism sites listed in
the National Ecotourism Strategy.
Among others, the SINP assets also
include the Langun-Gobingob Caves
in Calbiga, the second largest karst
cave in Southeast Asia; the Lulugayan
Falls and Literon Rapids also in
Calbiga; the Torpedo and Rafting in
Ulot Watershed; the Canopy Walk
and View Deck in Paranas; and the
majestic tri-layered Amandaraga
Waterfalls in Lawaan, which is also
being tapped for hydropower.
Mt. Nacolod, on the other hand, is
being developed as Silago Canopy
Walk one of the five destinations
in the South Leyte as a Playground of
Eastern Visayas. Others destinations
are Agas-Agas Adventure, Napantao
Marine Park/Sogod Bay Diving,
Maasin Zoo, and Limasawa Historical
Landmark.
Another tourism forest landscape

is found in the Leyte Geothermal
Reserve the Lake Danao Natural
Park. This guitar-shaped lake is the
second of the two tourism sites listed
in the National Ecotourism Strategy.
Sun and beach tourism is another
asset of Eastern Visayas that
competes with other Visayas regions.
The region, however, has several of
them declared as protected area,
landscape and seascape. These are
the Guiuan Marine Park Protected
Landscape/Seascape (PLS) in Eastern
Samar, also declared as small island
tourism including Higatangan Island;
the Biri-LaRoSa PLS in Northern
Samar; and the Cuatro Islas PLS in
West Leyte. Other popular sites are
the Calanggaman Island in Palompon
and the Canigao Island in Matalom.
Still added as one of the tourism
assets of Eastern Visayas, is culture
tourism. Limasawa Island, where
the First Mass was conducted, was
declared as a Tourism Zone under
Republic Act 7822. Likewise in Samar
Island, historical areas could add to
the tourist attractions of the region.
These areas include the old fort of
Palapag, Northern Samar where the
galleons of yore first landed; the ruins
of the first Jesuit Mission in 1596 in
Dapdap, Tarangnan, Samar; the old
Spanish fort in Zumarraga, Samar; and
the 17th century churches in Basey
(Samar), Guiuan (Eastern Samar),
Catubig and Palapag (Northern
Samar).
2. Tourism Development Areas

(TDAs)
The Sustainable Tourism Management
Plan
for
Central
Philippines,
supported by Republic Act 9593
known as the Tourism Act of 2009,
paves the way to making tourism a
sunrise industry in Eastern Visayas.
Said Plan has identified six Tourism
Development Areas (TDAs) for the
region based on the availability of
attractions, facilities and services;
the capacity of the environment to
sustain tourism development; and
81
the accessibility from key source

market; among others (Figure 17).
Northeastern Leyte-Basey and
Marabut Area
Under this TDA, Tacloban City is the
regional and provincial capital and
gateway for Leyte First District and
Samar District Two, close to San
Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge
in the Philippines. This TDA offers
a wide range of hotels and food
centers, where accommodation
establishments have amenities,
attractions, activities, and souvenirs
in place. The Tacloban Convention
Center is one of the must-be
amenities in Tacloban City as the
core destination. The conduct of
national conventions in Tacloban City
is the 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.
In Biliran, activities include hotbath swimming and snorkeling

in its marine-bound and island
destinations, while activities such
as trekking and cool-bath swimming
happen in forest-bound and waterfall
spots. Roads and bridges along this
TDA need improvement although
some road sections are concretely
paved.
Southern Leyte Area
It covers 12 municipalities (the pacific
towns) and the capital city of Maasin
in the province of Southern Leyte.
This TDA has lots of deep-seated
coral reefs, thus, activities here
include scuba diving and snorkeling.
Whale-shark watching is also another
attraction. Sogod Bay Area offers
opportunities for viewing whale
sharks across Sogod and Liloan Bays
in addition to its pristine reefs, walls
and caves. It is also in this area where
the Agas-agas Bridge in Sogod is
found. Being the tallest bridge in the
country, it is being eyed as a site for
adventure tourism such as bungee
jumping and zip line.
Northwestern Leyte-Biliran Area
West Samar Area
It covers the Third, Fourth and Fifth

Districts of Leyte and Biliran Island
Province. This TDA offers good
to best quality resorts, hotels and
food centers. Attractions under this
TDA also include nature activities
like rafting in Lake Danao, island
hopping in Cuatro Islas, ecological
tripping in Tres Marias, among
others. Swimming and snorkeling
are likewise safe activities within
the island destinations. The center
here is Ormoc, a port city in the Bay
of Ormoc facing Camotes Island. It
has become a provincial hub on
the western side of Leyte because
of its protected harbor. Ormoc City
is a transportation hub as there
are regular shipping lines and fast
craft services to and from Cebu City.
Roads and bridges along this TDA are
concretely paved.
This TDA covers Catbalogan, the

capital town of the Province of
Samar and Calbayog City, the lone
city in Samar, dubbed as the City of
Waterfalls.
Eastern Samar Area
Northern Samar Area
This area is inclusive of the Guiuan

Group of Islands declared as small
island tourism zone, as well as
Southeastern Samar covering all other
municipalities of Eastern Samar. The
Guiuan Group of Islands is a protected
landscape and seascape. This TDA
has several other island escapades
white island beaches, enchanted
island, among others. Activities
under this TDA include swimming and
snorkeling in its marine-bound and
island destinations, and trekking in its
forest-bound and waterfall spots.
This area includes the Balicuatro

Group of Islands and Pacific Towns.
Activities under this TDA include
scuba diving, snorkeling, and shark
viewing. A primary attractive spot
is Biri-LaRosa, which is a protected
landscape and seascape.
Biri
showcases marvelous rock formations
brought about by the waves of San
Bernardino Strait.
Figure 17. TDAs of Eastern Visayas

http://iloveeasternvisayas.c
om/
Rock Formation, Biri

Island
http://samar.lguph.com
Calbiga Cave
www.lagawan.i
nfo
Sohoton Cave
www.calicoansurfcamp.c
om
Catbalogan enjoys the amenities

associated with cities, being the
center of trade and commerce
compounded with the fact that is a
major hub along the Pan Philippine
Highway.
Calicoan Surf Camp,

Guiuan
Attractions in this area are the Calbiga

Caves and Tinagoan Cave. This area is
also popularly known as the island of
waterfalls such as the Lulugayan Falls,
Pinipisakan Falls, Darosdos Falls, Panas Falls and Ton-ok Falls. Other places
to visit are the island municipalities
with scenic beaches.
McArthur Landing
Memorial
http://www.visitmyphilippines.
com
Calanggaman
Island
82
Among these TDAs, three are

considered emerging destinations
in Eastern Visayas. These are: 1)
Biliran Shifting Sandbar

Higatangan Island
Zipline, Agas-agas
Bridge
Lake Danao
83
Northeastern
Leyte-Basey
and
Marabut Area, 2) Eastern Samar
Area, and 3) Southern Leyte Area.
This is because these areas can offer
better, if not the best, 5As in tourism
access, accommodation, attraction,
activities/amenities, and acceptance
of the communities. The rest of
the TDAs are considered potential
destinations.
The regions tourist destination areas
are not yet as ready as in the other
regions in meeting the demands
of domestic and foreign tourists.
Although some of them are now
serving the domestic market, much
has yet to be done, particularly in
upgrading facilities that will cater
satisfactorily to the international
market.
Hotels and restaurants are among the
flourishing business establishments
in cities, capital towns, and tourist
destinations of the region. Generally,
the quality of services is at par
with the standards of the domestic
market. There are some that can
meet international standards but

these are mostly found in cities,
capital towns and tourist destinations
of the Northeastern Leyte-Basey and
Marabut Area, Southern Leyte Area,
and Eastern Samar Area.
Preserving and sustaining the regions
natural resources is paramount
in promoting ecotourism. The
proclamation of the Samar Island
Natural Park (SINP) is a most
welcome opportunity for the tourism
industry of Region VIII. Found within
the SINP are major attractions in
the Northeastern Leyte-Basey and
Marabut Area.

The region has 16 existing and
potential ecotourism sites which, if
well packaged and promoted, will
attract not only local tourists but also
those coming from other countries
(Table 33). This is an opportunity
for the community to engage in
ecotourism-related services, hence, a
source of revenue for the protected
area.
Table 33. Existing and and Potential Ecotourism Sites, Eastern Visayas: 2012
Ecotourism Site
Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and
Seascape (PLS)
Guiuan Marine PLS
Biri-Larosa PLS
Ulot River
Sogod Bay Dive Sites
Pan-as Hayiban PLS
Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park
Amandaraga Falls
Calbiga Cave
Samar Island Natural Park (SINP)
Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy
Forest
Silago Closed Canopy
Mangrove Areas Along Dupon Bay
Marabut Seascape/Marine Park
Lake Danao Natural Park
Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge
84
Location/Province/City
Leyte
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Samar
Southern Leyte
Calbayog City
Burauen, Leyte
Lawaan, Eastern Samar
Calbiga, Samar
Samar, Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar
Borongan-Llorente, Eastern Samar
Silago, Southern Leyte
Isabel and Merida, Leyte
Marabut, Samar
Ormoc City
Samar
In the case of the SINP, it will be

promoted as the center of ecotourism
in Samar island by opening up certain
areas of the protected area and its
buffer zone for recreational activities.
These areas are likewise wanting in
terms of access road network and
amenities, including those that will
preserve the area such as proper
waste disposal.

Further, the development of
ecotourism as a potential source
of income for the community and
the protected area necessitates
partnership and collaboration with
other sectors/ organizations including
the LGUs, DENR, DOT and the private
sector .
Efforts to make Eastern Visayas
a tourism haven involved the
accreditation of tourism establishments,
human resource development, and
advocacy on tourism culture which were
conducted by the national government.
In 2012, seven primary and one
secondary tourism establishments
were accredited. Others are still in
the process of accreditation.
As part of human resource
development, three LGU-based
trainings for tourism frontliners were
conducted. These were participated
in by 16 female and 48 male
frontliners. In addition, 38 tourismculture advocacies, joined in by 1,262
females and 1,223 males, were also
done.
Promotional activities on other tourist
attractions (e.g. zipline and whale
shark watching) had been conducted.
Concerted tourism promotional services
of the Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (CCIs), DOT, concerned
LGUs, the civil society, and the
media altogether contributed to the
increasing tourist arrivals in Eastern
Visayas. These are in the form of travel
fairs and web-based advertisements,
which greatly helped in increasing
the regions tourist arrivals.
In 2012, one international and three

national fairs were participated in by
the regions tourism stakeholders.
Familiarization tours for 39 media
practitioners, 14 media outfits,
and 17 foreign operations were
also undertaken. Group tours were
conducted for 1,697 domestic and
271 foreign tourists. Partnership
with the media was also enhanced
in five press conferences, 14 press
coverages, and 154 features/blogs.
A regional tourism website and one
Facebook account were developed
and
maintained
for
Eastern
Visayas. Around 22 outdoor ads,
seven print ads, and 4,775 tourism
brochures were designed, printed
and distributed in strategic areas
nationwide.
Information and Communications

Technology (ICT)
Eastern Visayas is gaining strength
in ICT with declared ICT ecozones.
One is the 6.8-hectare
Leyte ICT Park located in Pawing,
Palo, Leyte, which now hosts two
Business Process Management and
Outsourcing (BPMO) companies
(Table 34). Another is the 22-hectare
Leyte Mikyu Economic Zone now
undergoing horizontal development.
These two ICT parks are now
available and ready for utilization by
new locators. Moreover, two other
recognized IT-BPMO companies are
already operating in areas outside of
the ICT parks.
Several telephone companies (TelCos)
are providing the wired and wireless
connectivity solutions to the national
fiber network as superhighway
for data transmission. These are
BayanTel, Globe, Smart, PLDT, Ormoc
Telco, and Calbayog Telco. PLDT
is providing five fiber nodes in the
Tacloban-Palo Area.
The status of local ICT enterprises
in Eastern Visayas, in comparison
to the national, is reflected in the
succeeding table (Table 35).
85
Table 34. Information Communication Technology (ICT) Park

Area
PEZA(hectares) approved
Leyte ICT Park Pawing, Palo, Leyte
6.8
Yes
Name
Uykim
Ecozone
Eastern
Visayas
Regional
Growth
Center
(EVRGC)
Other
Locations
Location
Pawing, Palo, Leyte

(across Leyte ICT
Park)
New Kawayan,
Tacloban City
BPO locators
22
Yes
1992-ACCUDATA, Inc. (financial and data services)

2009-Expert Global Solutions (formerly APAC
Customer Services, Inc.)
2013-Aktus Global Management Inc. (solutions,
services, trainings, and web enabled)
1999- e-Systems Software (software development)
2007 zurcSoft, Inc. (software development)
2004 - Asian Data Internet Solutions (content
development)
2007 Technology Business Incubator for ICT-based
SMEs (e-Drawing Design Solutions, POS Technology
Solutions Inc.)
None yet
31.9
Yes
None yet
GO ABROAD; COREDATA
Source: ICT Roadmap (2012)
Table 35. Local ICT Enterprises
ICT Establishments
ICT Economy
Computer Use at Work
Internet Access / LAN /
Broadband Penetration
Internet Connection of
Establishments
Internet Literacy among
Employees
* routine use
* utilization at work
Mobile Phone Utilization
Total No.
Nationwide
19,835
2,180
95.7%
60%
Total No.
Eastern Visayas
485
28
96.4%
42.9%
88%
75%
% Regional to National
2.4
1
-
71% (3rd rank)

66.8% (1st rank)
6th
Table 36. Employment in BPO: 2009-2012

Business Process Management and Outsourcing (BPMO)
Combined Expert Global Solutions and ACCUDATA at Leyte ICT
Park:
Seats
Jobs
2009
1,264
1,231
Sources: NSCB (2009-2011); ICT Roadmap (2012)
2010
1,161
1,485
2011
1,222
883
Although there are more heavy

industry locators in LIDE, these
locators are employing the least
because these industries are mostly
machine-operated.
Plant and
machine operators constituted the
third least number of employees,
which slightly increased from 2.91%
in April 2011 to 3.44% in April 2012.
Under major occupation groups,
female jobs are only 2% of the plant
and machine operators in April 2010.
This situation worsened in April 2011
with almost nil jobs for female.
In the manufacturing industry, jobs
occupied by males are 7% lesser
than those occupied by females.
Compared to the same period in
2011, however, female and male
employment in the manufacturing
industry was almost equal.
32.2%
Source: NSO Survey
86
The Leyte provincial LGU also invited

other IT Parks to locate nearby the
Leyte ICT Park in preparation for
becoming the Next Wave City.
Employment in Industry, Tourism

and ICT
Tacloban City
Enterprise
Like in agribusiness and tourism, the

LGUs play a major role in attracting
investors along these ICT fields. The
Provincial Government of Leyte, an IT
enthusiast, developed the Leyte ICT
Park site, building, and made it into an
economic zone. However, the region
has yet to maximize the utilization
of the Leyte ICT Park and the Uykim
Ecozone, which cover 6.8 hectares
and 22 hectares, respectively. This
offers a wide area for IT-BPMO
industries to come in. At present,
the number of IT-BPMO investments/
locators is still limited.
2012
1,222
1,900
Agri-based industries located in

the countryside absorb farm labor.
AFFIRE Integrated Coconut Industry
in Matalom, Leyte employs a total
of 219 farmers with a combined
farm and industry income averaging
P10,000. In Baybay City alone, around
500 workers from the locality were
absorbed by the four agribusiness
companies located there.
The services sector is the second

biggest employer (44.6%). Most
service workers are female (54%) as
of April 2010, but this situation was
reversed in April 2011.
Tourism provides jobs in both core
(landing areas) and satellite (activity
areas) destinations. Hotels and
restaurants employ more female
workers than males though the
proportion of male workers increased
remarkably from 16% in April 2010
to 58% in April 2011. Latest data
disclosed a relatively 60-40 job
distribution in favor of females. Front
desk officers were mostly females
while housekeepers were mostly
males. This could be attributed to
gender stereotyping in occupations.
ICT, particularly BPMO, is one of
the drawers of employment with
fast growing wage increases (Table
36). A BPMO company in the region
employs as many as 2,000 people
who earn an average of P15,000 a
month. This figure does not include
most of home-based online workers
as they are unreported.
Labor Productivity
Among the three major sectors, the
industry sector had the highest labor
productivity. The services sector, with
second highest labor productivity,
had the highest AAGR of 2.1%.
Among regions, Eastern Visayas is
fourth highest in labor productivity in
the industry sector in 2011.
In the services sector, the region was
in the bottom-three in terms of labor
productivity, together with Bicol and
ARMM. Highest labor productivity in
the services sector was observed in
NCR, CAR and Central Visayas.
1. Low investments.
Low investments are being
poured into Eastern Visayas,
particularly in the countryside.
Attracting business enthusiasts
87
to invest in the identified

investment opportunities remains
a challenge, especially in terms
of foreign direct investments.
Existing economic zones and
industrial estates have yet to be
optimized.
2. High dependence on heavy
industries.
For many years now, the regions
industry is highly dependent on
heavy industries located in the
LIDE. Thus, export is concentrated
on few products such as fertilizers
and copper cathodes. Processing
of agri-based products is still very
limited despite the regions vast
potentials.
3. Lack of competitive export
products.
The region is already producing
a variety of products including
agriculture and forest-based
gifts, toys, houseware, and food
items manufactured mostly by
MSMEs. At present, however,
these products cannot meet
international standards, resulting
to low demand from the global
market and limited exports.
Food-exporting MSMEs find
it hard to comply with Good
Manufacturing Practices (GMP),
Hazard Analysis Critical Control
Point (HACCP) or HALAL because
of lack of technology. Some
products of high-quality also lose
in the global market because of
lack of packaging. For certain
products, small enterprises are
unable to meet the volume of
orders in the export market
due to limited raw materials,
capital, number of workers, and
equipment.
4. High cost of doing business.
Investors are discouraged to put
up business in the region due
to a number of reasons. One is
the higher fuel price compared
to Cebu and Manila, with a
difference of around PhP5-PhP10
per liter for premium gasoline
88
and PhP3-PhP5 for diesel. Also,

electricity is more expensive in
the region than in other regions.
5. Lengthy business and licensing
procedure.
Most LGUs permit and licensing
processes are tedious and
time-consuming. For a business
applicant to be granted a permit/
license, it takes an average of
15 days. This situation might
be due to two key factors. First,
most LGUs impose voluminous
requirements, thus, it takes a
long time for MSMEs to comply.
Second is red tape, which has
something to do with negative
work attitude of the staff incharge, resulting in delayed
issuance of permit/license.
6. Lack/absence of business
incentives for investors.
Another reason why the region
does not attract many investors
is that many LGUs have yet to
provide incentives for business
locators. Such incentives could
be in the form of tax holidays,
tax exemptions, among others.
This situation could be attributed
to the fact that many LGUs do
not have a Local Investment and
Incentive Code (LIIC). This Code
is supposed to serve as legal
basis for the provision of business
incentives.
8. Weak linkage with marketing

channels.
Producers/business owners are
having difficulty in marketing
their products due to their low
awareness on the existence of
various marketing channels.
There are actually a lot of these
that could be tapped without
entailing so much cost. Examples
are
advertisements
made
through e-commerce such as text
brigade, Facebook ads, and the
like.
9. Inadequate infrastructure.
Infrastructure facilities needed
for business operations are still
lacking. These include airports,
ports, roads, among others.
Likewise, unreliable power supply
in some areas of the region
(e.g. Samar) is a problem. This
translates to additional cost to
the investors as they have to put

up a back-up power source.
Specific to the ICT industry,
higher bandwidth allocations,
among others, should also be
provided to entice BPO locators.
The service providers inability
to purchase or utilize top-of-the
line software and hardware is
another ICT concern.
10. Slow development of the tourism
industry.
While Eastern Visayas has lots
of tourist attractions, and has
in fact already identified TDAs,
a lot of things have to be put
in place to make these areas
tourist-ready.
These include
high-end
accommodation
facilities that pass tourism
standards. Currently, only 16 of
these accommodation facilities
Figure 18. Industry and Services Development Framework
7. Low availment of capital.

There are actually many available
funding
opportunities
that
could be tapped for business
capital. However, low availment
of such has been observed.
This could be due to the lack of
awareness on the availability of
these fund sources, the tedious
requirements, the high interest
rates, and the inability to comply
with the required collateral due
to the absence of assets on the
part of the applicant.
89
throughout the region are DOTaccredited. Another problem that

besets the tourism industry is the
lack of infrastructure support to
the TDAs such as access roads.
Likewise, tourist arrivals are
limited because marketing of
tourist-ready local attractions still
needs to be further intensified.
11. Limited scale of the ICT industry.
The region has already established
its ICT industry but there is
still a need to expand it. The
Leyte ICT Park and the UyKim
Ecozone have yet to maximize
its utilization. At present, there
is a limited number of BPMO
locators. To attract more of
these locators, there is a need to
upgrade the digital infrastructure
and skills requirements of the ICT
companies. Specifically, English
proficiency skills are needed.
12. Insurgency in isolated areas.
The insurgency problem of the
region has actually been under
control already, except in certain
isolated areas. This condition
affects the tourism industry
since some of these areas
have potentials for ecotourism.
Likewise, it may also hamper
production and transportation of
goods in these areas.
13. Lack of data on industry and
services.
This problem includes lack of data
on minerals, tourism areas, and
ICT. These data are needed by
the business sector to help them
with investment decisions. For
instance, data on minerals that
could be used as raw materials in
heavy industries are being sought
by business enthusiasts.
90
Sectoral Development
Framework
Goals
1. Diversified agribusiness
2. Highly developed tourism
3. Viable ICT-BPMO
Objectives

On Agribusiness
1. Increased volume and value of

exports
2. Increased volume and value of
investments
3. Reduced costs of doing business
(forms, procedures, days)
On Tourism
1. Increased tourists arrivals and

receipts
2. Increased tourist facilities and
activities
3. Eased travel regulations
On ICT-BPMO
1. Increased ICT-BPMO transactions

and revenues
2. Increased ICT-BPMO centers and
facilities
3. Enhanced ICT and other
specialized graduates
Targets
1. Increased growth rate in GVA
Industry by 5.49% to 5.57% or an
average of 5.47% from 2014 to
2016
2. Increased growth rate in GVA
Services by 5.53% to 5.63% or an
average of 5.48% from 2014 to
2016
3. Increased Lkg (50 kilos per
kilogram) sugar produced by an
annual average of 19.95%
4. Employed three (3) persons for

every MT processed and some
27,834 persons in the processing
industry by 2016
Item
Planting materials (pcs)
New Production Areas (has)
Increase in Total Production (MT)
Employment Generated (prodn)
Volume Processed to Chips (MT)
Employment in Processing
5. Processed
production
either by
small-scale
remaining
processed
products
4% of annual
into banana chips
SC Global or by
processors and the
96% sold fresh or
into other banana
General Strategies
1. Conducting aggressive investment
promotion
- Conducting investment forums
with local and international
business persons
2 . I mp r ov i n g t h e b u s i n e s s
environment
a. Instituting reforms in
governance
- Streamlining business process
licensing system (BPLS) in
LGUs and regulatory agencies
Set a one-stop shop
or office for business
registration
Reduce number of
forms to be filled-up
and filed, say from 5
forms to 1 form
Lessen procedures of
business registration,
say from 10 steps to
3 steps
Shorten the number
of days, say from 15
days to 1 day
2014
20,000
50
10,018
100
10,018
25,246
2015
20,000
50
10,519
100
10,519
26,508
2,016
20,000
50
11,045
100
11,045
27,834
b. Instituting reforms on
financing
- Providing easy access to
capital
S t r e a m l i n e
documentary
requirements
Reduce interest rates
for borrowers
Developing
an
investment culture
Stimulate savings
and investments
through advocacy
Build entrepreneurial
attitude and capacity
through trainings
and advocacy
c. Fast-tracking the formulation
of the Local Investment and
Incentives Code
d. Rationalizing the price of
power and fuel through policy
recommendation
e. Strictly enforcing the AntiRed Tape Act
f. Hastening the provision
of infrastructure facilities in
tourism, agribusiness and ICT by
giving priority to investments in
infra projects in these areas
3. Mainstreat programs in industry
and services sectors in order to
enhance womens participation
in economic activities through the
enforcement of the Magna Carta
provisions related to industry and
services
91
Specific Strategies
For Goal 1
Diversified agribusiness
1. Ensuring innovative,
sustainable, and high-quality
product development
a. Strengthening product research
b. Updating product quality
through ISO accreditation
c. Upgrading capacity of
business enterprises to increase
productivity and efficiency
(in terms of capitalization,
manpower, equipment, technology)
92
a good chance that many of the

regions exports will constitute
coconut-based products. With
the global trend on organic food
and beverages, banana and
camote-based products will also
take a significant share in the
export market.
4. Tapping ICT for MSMEs
a. Automation of business
operations
b. E-commerce
c. Access to digital content and
Internet connectivity
For Goal 2
2. Intensifying product promotion

and marketing
a. Enhancing product packaging
b. Completing product labels:
- Pro-global - product
certifications, domestic and
international
- Pro-growth (societal
advancement); or Pro-people
(health benefits)
- Pro-poor livelihood of
poor, women and men
- Pro-environment benefits
to the environment (safety
nets, organic)
- Product usefulness or
expiration
c. Marketing assistance
- Market matching
- Internet marketing/ecommerce
- Production of IEC materials
Highly developed tourism
3. Promoting industry clustering

and product diversification.
This is another agribusiness
strategy that optimizes the use
of raw materials. For instance,
utilization of the whole coconut
as raw materials instead of copra
only in oil mills will give rise to
the value-adding of coconut
water, coco shell and coco-coir.
Out of coconut water a refreshing
organic drink can be produced.
Likewise, coconut shell and
coco-coir can be processed
into gifts, toys and housewares
(GTH). Given the diversification
potentials of coconut, there is
2. Improving market access,

connectivity, and destination
infrastructure
a. Increase internet marketing
b. Add flights connectivity
1. Developing market-competitive
tourist products and
destinations
a. Encouraging public and
private investments to develop
the TDAs
b. Putting the necessary
facilities and amenities in TDAs
c. Enhancing attractiveness of
TDAs
- Establish tourism standards
in other areas, e.g.
destinations and services
- Instill tourist-friendliness of
frontliners
- Promote TDAs through quad
media and travel fairs
- Use tag phrase (e.g. Share
the Fun, Choose Eastern
Visayas) to invite tourists
3. Improving tourism institutions,

governance and human
resource capacities
Additional Specific Strategies for

Tourism
1. Prepare the house. Clean and put
the house in order before inviting
visitors. Dedicate the next 12
months to:
a. Site development
b. Product development
c. Access to destinations
d. Upgrading of accommodation
and other support facilities
e. Improving tourism services
(transportation, tour operations,
tour guiding and other industry
workers, cuisine, pasalubong)
f. Intensifying tourism-related
investments
2. Invite visitors
a. Conduct familiarization tours
for travel trade and media
b. Develop Eastern Visayas
Tourism web page
c. Promote tourist spots
through billboards, tri-media and
online media
d. Join travel fairs, exhibitions
and sales missions
e. P r e p a r e q u a l i t y a n d
competitive tour packages
f. Prepare promotional collaterals
3. Endeavour for return visits
a. Continuously improve tourism
products and services
b. Gather market intelligence
c. Conduct visitor /customer
satisfaction surveys
d. Make the culture of tourism
and service excellence a way of
life
e. Ensure sustainable use of
natural, historical, cultural,
human-made tourism assets
For Objective 3
Expanded and viable ICT

1. Optimizing the utilization of
the Leyte ICT Park and other
ICT parks by promoting them to
prospective IT-BPMO locators/
companies
a. Conduct of selling missions
b. Provision of incentives for
new locators
2. Upgrading communication and
telecommunication facilities
needed by the locators
3. Producing ICT-skilled human
resource that matches the needs
of ICT companies

Activities
Agribusiness
1. Business Process Licensing
System (BPLS)
2. Local and Regional Economic
Development (LRED)
3. Manufacturing Productivity
Extension (MPEX) Program
4. ISO 9001 and 17025
accreditation
5. Continuing Labor and
Employment Education Program
(CLEEP)
Tourism
Regional High Impact Priority
Projects/Activities
1. Designing and launching of EV
tourism website/portal
2. Installation of EV tourism
billboards at international
airports
3. Installation of signages along
roads leading to tourist sites /
destinations
4. Redevelopment of the Tacloban
Airport
5. Mandatory accreditation of
primary tourism enterprises
and voluntary accreditation for
secondary tourism enterprises
6. Recognition of more heritage
sites at the national /
international and designation
of tourist heritage sites and
landscapes to protect them from
inappropriate uses
7. Advocacy on culture of tourism
and service excellence
8. Mandatory submission of visitor
statistics
9. Training for tourism frontliners
10. Tourism caravan / familiarization
tours
11. Competitive tour packages
12. Preparation of tourism
investment plan and conduct of
investment promotion drive
13. Samar Island as Growth Center
for Ecotourism
- Development and upgrading
93
of facilities in ecotourism sites in:

a. Sohoton Natural Bridge
National Park, Basey Samar
b. Biri Protected Seascape,
Biri, Northern Samar
c. San Antonio beaches, San
Antonio, Northern Samar
d. Calbiga Caves, Calbiga,
Samar
e. Borongan-Llorente Forest
Canopy, Borongan, Eastern
Samar
f. Network of waterfalls,
Calbayog City
High Impact Priority Projects to
Develop TDAs
1. Preparation and implementation
of TDA Action Plans that
support the National Tourism
Development Plan and the
Eastern Visayas Regional Tourism
Strategic Plan
2. Preparation and implementation
of Destination Development
Plans for identified anchor
destinations /sites
3. Livelihood programs /projects
for the communities to include
production of pasalubong
items, culinary products,
provision of local and specialist
guides, local transport services,
food supply and ancillary
services
4. Assistance to industry
associations and expansion of
industry linkages
ICT
1. ICT Park Creation, Expansion and
Investment Promotion
a. Innovation System and
Marketing Support
b. ICT Promotion/Advocacies
(Forums, Expos)
2. Institutional Development and
Linkages
a. Technology Business
Incubator Program
b. Industry-Academe Linkage
- Skills Matching with
Industry Needs
3. Human Resource Upgrading
94
4.
5.
6.
7.
a. Curricular Improvement
b. Skills Upgrading
c. Upgrading of School ICT
Facilities
Establishment of Database on
ICT Graduates
Infrastructure Support
a. Interconnectivity
b. Provision of back-up power
source, reliable power supply,
and preferential rates
c. Support to national
broadband strategy
- Provision of bigger, higher,
and wider bandwidth
(bandwidth per user)
Enforcement of IT-related laws
and regulations, including those
that address cyber crimes
Enforcement of technical
standards and accreditation
Agas-agas Bridge
Photo Courtesy of Ronald Tagra

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamsky/
Accelerating
Infrastructure
Development
Table 38. List of Major Ports by Province: 2012
The development of infrastructure in the region shall support

the growth requirements of the various sectors of the regional
economy to achieve the development goals and objectives of
Eastern Visayas. Specifically, it is aligned with the needs of
agribusiness, tourism and ICT. It aims to contribute to achieving
inclusive growth and poverty reduction as well as enhance access
to goods and services by providing safe, efficient, adequate,
reliable, costeffective, and sustainable infrastructure.
Assessment
Under the 2011-2016 Eastern
Visayas Regional Development Plan,
the development of the regions
transport infrastructure network
is focused on the provision of
infrastructure and other support
facilities for agribusiness, tourism
and ICT industries. The strategy is
to give priority in the allocation of
public resources to the construction,
rehabilitation and repair of major
road links and farm-to-market roads
For roads and bridges, the substantial

improvement and rehabilitation
works implemented and completed
are expected to reduce transport
costs, thus, inducing economic
activities, particularly in the rural
areas.
Towards this end, the national
government gave priority to the
completion of the rehabilitation of
the Maharlika Highway that bridges
Table 37. Status of National Roads, by District Office: 2012 (in kilometers)
Biliran
Tacloban
Leyte 1st
Leyte 2nd
Paved
120.6
59.1
107.6
Leyte 3rd
Leyte 4th
Leyte 5th
Southern
Leyte
Eastern
Samar
Northern
Samar 1st
Northern
Samar 2nd
Samar 1st
Samar 2nd
Region VIII
Philippines
2010
Unpaved
Total Length
31.5
152.1
10.4
69.5
18.7
126.3
Paved
148.5
62.9
116.1
Biliran
Leyte
2012
Unpaved
Total Length
3.6
152.1
6.6
69.5
10.1
126.2
No. of Ports
3
in identified production and industry

cluster areas, tourism destinations,
and in areas with peace and order
problems.
Transport
District
Office
Province
Southern Leyte
1*
1*
6
Eastern Samar
1*
1*
2
Northern Samar
% Paved
97.6
90.5
92.0
168.0
93.8
162.4
178.6
35.8
85.2
39.7
0.8
203.8
179.0
202.1
179.4
180.9
124.4
179.1
179.4
22.9
54.6
23.1
0.0
203.8
179.0
202.2
179.4
88.7
69.5
88.5
100.0
265.9
16.9
282.7
269.2
13.5
282.7
95.0
16.2
317.8
314.4
6.2
320.6
98.0
183.7
57.8
241.5
197.7
47.0
244.7
80.8
69.9
126.4
213.6
2,051.2
45.5
115.4
126.4
228.2
2,424.2
117.7
126.4
222.1
2,238.8
25,443.4
11.8
129.5
126.4
228.2
2,444.3
31,597.6
90.8
100.0
97.3
91.6
80.5
14.6
373.0
6.1
205.5
6,154.2
Location
Naval
Kawayan
Maripipi
Tacloban City
Ormoc City
Palompon
Baybay
Hilongos
Calubian
San Isidro
Bato
Isabel
Maasin
Liloan
San Juan
Padre Burgos
Limasawa
San Ricardo
Sogod
St. Bernard
Borongan
Guiuan
San Isidro
San Jose
Allen
Allen Ferry Terminal 2

Calbayog Port
Catbalogan Port
Manguino-o Port
Allen
Calbayog City
Catbalogan
Calbayog
Remarks
New
New
w/ RORO Ramp
w/ RORO Ramp
w/ RORO Ramp
New
LGU managed
Private w/ RORO
w/ RORO Ramp
w/ RORO Ramp
New
New
New
LGU-managed
LGU-managed
w/ RORO Ramp
BALWHARTECO
Private w/ RORO
Samar
2
1*
Private w/ RORO
w/ RORO Ramp
w/ RORO Ramp
w/ RORO Ramp
Note: * Not managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)

Source: PPA, Tacloban and Ormoc Project Management Offices (PMOs), 2013
Table 39. Total Port Statistics, Eastern Visayas, 2010-2012

Indicator
301.6
Name of Port
Naval Port
Kawayan Port
Maripipi Port
Tacloban Port
Ormoc Port
Palompon Port
Baybay Port
Hilongos Port
Calubian Port
San Isidro Port
Bato Port
Isabel Port (Pingag Port)
Maasin Port
Liloan Ferry Terminal
San Juan Port
Padre Burgos Port
Limasawa Port
San Ricardo Port
Sogod Port
St. Bernard Port
Borongan Port
Guiuan Port
San Isidro Ferry
San Jose Port
Allen Ferry Terminal 1
Shipcalls
Cargo Throughput (MT)
Domestic
Foreign
Passenger Traffic
2010
24,167
6,057,727
3,604,867
2,452,860
4,826,583
2011
23,405
5,653,779
3,464,581
2,189,197
4,720,203
2012
24,047
5,232,282
3,477,301
1,754,981
4,812,852
Source: PPA, PMO Tacloban and Ormoc, 2013
Source: DPWH VIII, 2013
96
Accelerating Infrastructure Developmentx
97
the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.

The completion of the Agas-Agas
Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte and
the rehabilitation of the Maharlika
Highway greatly enhanced vehicular
traffic along the Eastern Nautical
Highway of the country and improved
the linkages between and among the
provinces of the region.
As of 2012, Eastern Visayas total road
length of 2,444 kilometers of national
roads is already 91.6% (2,239 km.)
paved with the remaining 8.4% (205
km.) still unpaved, an increase of 188
kilometers paved road from 2,051
kilometers in 2010. This is 11% higher
than the national average, which is
only 80.5% paved (Table 37).
However, some major sections of
paved roads are in poor condition,
particularly the Buray-Taft-BoronganGuiuan section in Eastern Samar. This
section is currently being improved/
rehabilitated with grant assistance
from the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) of the United
States of America. Also, the missing
road link in the Island of Samar
which is the Oras-San PolicarpoArteche-Lapinig-Gamay-MapanasPalapag-Laoang Road or the Samar
Pacific Coastal Road has already
been approved for implementation
to be funded by the Korea Economic
Development Cooperation Fund.
The completion of the Eastern
Nautical Highway route from SurigaoBiliran-Masbate linking the region
to the other parts of the country
with RORO facilities increased the
number of domestic tourists coming
to Eastern Visayas. This nautical
highway likewise placed the region
in the tourism map of the country
and expanded the countrys nautical
highways.
As of 2012, the region has 29 major
ports and ferry terminals. Twenty
two (22) are managed by the
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), four
by local government units, and three
by private companies (Table 38).
98

With regard to ports, in 2012, the
total cargo throughput of the region
reached a total volume of 5.2 million
metric tons (Table 39). Domestic
cargoes comprised 3.47 million
metric tons or 66% while the exported
and imported cargoes totaled 1.75
million metric tons or approximately
34%. Compared to 2010, the cargo
throughput declined by 13.6%.
In terms of passenger traffic, the
number of passengers totaled to
4.81 million. The highest number
of passengers was registered in the
port of Allen, Northern Samar, which
catered to 1.6 million people or
34% of the total. This is evident of
people coming to and from Manila,
via Northern Samar. It is followed
by the port of Ormoc, which served
1.05 million passengers going to Cebu
and vice-versa, representing 22%.
Compared to 2011, a modest growth
of 2% is noted in passenger traffic.
Regarding air transport, the regions
airport facilities are continuously
upgraded to meet the increasing
passenger and cargo traffic, to
serve modern and bigger aircraft,
and to provide safety to air
commuters. To date, the Tacloban
Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport
is undergoing upgrading and
improvement, with an estimated
cost of P2.3 billion. Funding comes
from the national government to be
implemented by the Department of
Transportation and Communications
(DOTC). The Tacloban Airport
Redevelopment Project is expected to
be completed by 2015. Meanwhile,
the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) has programmed
the improvement of other airports
next year.
Of the regions 10 airports, only
eight are operational and only three
airports operate commercial flights,
namely: Tacloban, Calbayog and
Catarman Airports. The Tacloban
Airport is classified as Principal Class
I, three airports as Principal Class II
(Ormoc, Calbayog and Catarman)
and six as community airports
Table 40. Selected Statistics for Tacloban Airport by Type of Aircraft: 2010 and 2012
No. of Aircraft Movement
2010
2012
2,279
1,680
870
738
1,536
3,034
3,300
724
726
50
712
1,712
336
382
274
16
80
8,017
10,432
Airlines/Type of Aircraft
Philippine Airlines
Air Phil Express (Mactan)
Air Phil Express (Manila)
Cebu Pacific Air (Manila)
Cebu Pacific Air (Mactan)
Cebu Pacific Air (Iloilo)
Zestair
Seair/Tiger
General Aviation
Military/Govt. Plane
TOTAL
No. of Passenger Movement

2010
2012
289,038
180,384
47,289
36,933
98,403
451,379
423,775
40,680
81,642
2,273
78,517
194,903
33,529
136
59
308
907,347
1,154,010
Volume of Cargo (MT)

2010
2012
1,555
953
64
52
359
3,289
4,106
15
156
3
1,390
1,575
6
6,323
7,209
Source: CAAP VIII, 2013
Table 41. Selected Statistics for Other Airports: 2010 and 2011
Airport
Calbayog Airport
Catarman Airport
Ormoc Airport
TOTAL
No. of Aircraft Movements

2010
2011
924
908
1,437
1,448
3,355
7,000
5,716
9,356
No. of Passenger Movements

2010
2011
44,432
44,415
69,519
74,922
18,434
37
132,385
119,374
Volume of Cargo (MT)

2010
2011
166,219
155,312
305,097
292,434
144,894
616,210
447,746
Source: CAAP VIII, 2013
Table 42. Proportion of Households with Access to Safe Water and Sanitary Toilet: 2010 and 2011
Area
Region VIII
Biliran
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Tacloban City
Ormoc City
Calbayog City
Maasin City
Safe Water
2010
2011
88.83
71.33
96.10
97.64
89.80
84.82
78.80
77.76
103.8
71.43
86.10
83.26
71.00
25.20
100.00
70.60
96.00
95.95
82.00
63.82
91.70
94.10
% Increase/
(Decrease)
(17.5)
1.54
(4.98)
(1.04)
(32.37)
(2.84)
(45.8)
(29.4)
(0.5)
(18.18)
2.4
Sanitary Toilet
2010
2011
74.48
64.96
73.50
73.03
80.00
79.09
87.80
88.60
54.20
48.99
68.80
71.20
65.70
27.42
74.40
60.82
79.60
77.28
78.00
58.23
85.30
84.51
% Increase/
(Decrease)
(9.52)
(0.47)
(0.91)
(0.8)
(5.21)
2.4
(38.28)
(13.58)
(2.32)
(19.77)
(0.79)
Source: FHSIS, DOH-RESU VIII, 2013
99
(Maasin, Borongan, Hilongos, Biliran,

Catbalogan and Guiuan).
Presently, there are four airlines
providing commercial flights to the
three airports in the region. For
the Tacloban Airport alone, Cebu
Pacific Air provides five flights daily
for Tacloban-Manila route, one flight
daily for Tacloban-Cebu, and one
flight every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday for Tacloban-Iloilo (Table
40). Air Phil Express provides three
flights daily for Tacloban-Manila, and
one flight daily for Tacloban-Cebu.
Furthermore, ZestAir has three flights
daily while SeaAir/Tiger has two
flights daily for the Tacloban-Manila
route. Overall, the Tacloban Airport
caters to 15-16 commercial flights
daily, making it among the busiest
and most congested airports in the
country.
With regard to the Tacloban Airport
operational statistics (Table 40),
a significant rise in aircraft and
passenger movements was noted
in 2012. Aircraft and passenger
movements increased by 2,415 (30%)
and 246,663 (27%) from 2010 figures,
respectively.
This indicates more
activities along tourism and trading.
For the other operational airports
in the region, 2011 marked the
termination of commercial flights
in Ormoc Airport when Asian Spirit
ceased its operation. The 2011 aircraft
movements of 7,000 at Ormoc Airport
were made by chartered planes
(Table 41). On the other hand, the
commercial flights in Calbayog and
Catarman Airports were provided by
Air Phil Express, Cebu Pacific Air, and
Zestair.
While the past two years saw notable
accomplishments in the regions
transport sector, the quality and
capacity of the transport network
remained low. These deficiencies
were caused mainly by inadequate
and unstable funding for construction
and development of transport
infrastructure, as well as poor
management and maintenance of
100
existing transport infrastructure

assets. Lack of integration between
national and local government
plans and programs/projects was
also a major problem that resulted
in gaps in the transport network.
This was partly a consequence of
the insufficient capacity of LGUs to
finance and manage local projects,
particularly roads, and the lack
of national government funds
to maintain the existing national
transport infrastructure base.
This condition of the transport
system continues to exist, hence,
should be given due urgent attention
considering that it plays an important
role in developing the agribusiness
and tourism industries of the region.
Roads are badly needed to transport
products and lead tourists to and
from tourism destinations.
Transport is also supportive to the
improvement of the condition of
women. It has been noted that in
areas that are not yet connected to
a national road network, there is
still incidence of maternal mortality.
Lack of transport system hampers
the accessibility of birthing facilities,
especially during emergencies, which
sometimes results to maternal death.
Water
Water Supply
Under the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), the government
targets that by 2015, about 82.6%
of households will have access to
safe water supply and 75.9% to
sanitary toilet. However, majority
of LGUs have posted decreases in the
proportion of households with access
to safe water and toilet from 2010
to 2011 (Table 42). This situation
could be attributable to low public
investments in water supply and
sanitation facilities.
At the regional level, the current
proportions of 71.33% for water
supply and 64.96% for toilet against
the MDG, indicate that there is a high
probability that the targets will be

attained.
In terms of the type of water supply
service, however, only about 17%
of the total population is served
with Level III. Level II accounts for
8% and Level I for the big chunk of
41%. The remaining portion (34%) of
the population is still dependent on
doubtful sources.
Level III water system is genderresponsive. It helps women in
practical ways as water is essential in
the daily life and tasks of the family,
which are usually carried out by
women. Also, potable water ensures
the good health of the family. But
as shown in the preceding Table, the
percentage of households with access
to safe water and toilet declined.
There are 21 operational water
districts serving 85,064 service
connections. The Leyte Metropolitan
Water District (LMWD) is the biggest
water district with 28,623 service
connections (36%); the others are
shared by the other water districts.
The regions water service providers
suffer from three major problems:
1) lack of operational/financial
funds; 2) political interference in the
operations; and 3) scarcity of water
sources in some areas, which limits
the expansion of service to more
people.
Among the major constraints to

water service providers expansion
of coverage and improvement of
quality of service is the low tariffs,
which hinders cost recovery and
accumulation of funds for new capital
expenditures. Moreover, there is no
clear policy framework for financing
water supply programs and projects
as financing comes from a variety
of sources. National government
financing is primarily administered
through Local Water Utilities
Administration (LWUA), Government
Financial Institutions (GFIs) or the
Municipal Development Fund Office
(MDFO). Congressional funds for
water supply projects are likewise
significant but uncoordinated and
largely allocated to politicallydetermined areas. Local government
units, on the other hand, can provide
funding mostly for operation and
maintenance only.
Irrigation

The 2011-2016 RDP cited that
irrigation plays a vital role in the
development of agriculture as well as
in the attainment of food security of
the region. As of 2012, about 55.7%
of the regions potential irrigable area
is irrigated (Table 43). Compared to
2010 figure of 59,243 hectares, an
increase of 9% was achieved. The
province of Leyte has the largest
irrigable area, comprising 45% of
the total area. On the other hand,
the province of Biliran has the least
irrigable area of only 5% of total
irrigable area.
Table 43. Status of Irrigation Development, by Province: 2012

Province
Leyte
Biliran
Southern Leyte
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Samar
TOTAL
Potential
Irrigable Area
(Ha.)
52,236
5,664
6,630
18,723
16,454
15,782
115,489
Existing Service Area (Ha.)

National
18,188
386
800
1,275
20,649
Communal
14,652
2,961
3,874
5,549
3,434
3,029
33,499
OGA
2,116
383
532
452
14
3,497
Private
4,331
280
1,715
390
6,716
Total
39,287
3,624
6,507
5,549
4,686
4,708
64,361
Area for
Devt.
(Ha.)
% Devt.
12,949
2,040
123
13,174
11,768
11,074
51,128
75
64
98
29
28
29
55.7
Source: NIA VIII, 2013
101
In terms of irrigation development by

province, Southern Leyte ranks first
at 98%, followed by Leyte and Biliran
at 75% and 64%, respectively. On
areas for development, Samar Island
offers the biggest potential area,
representing 70% of the remaining
potential area.
The potential sites for developing
irrigation systems to intensify
agricultural production in the region
are Catarman-Bobon and Bugko in
Northern Samar; Dolores Valley in
Eastern Samar; Calbiga, Sta. Rita,
Basey and Gandara in Samar; and
Villaba in Leyte.
One of the major causes of the low
agricultural productivity in Samar is
the inadequacy of irrigation facilities.
A big project, the Help for Catubig
Agricultural Advancement Project
(HCAAP) in Northern Samar funded
by JICA has not been completed yet.
It is envisioned to provide irrigation to
2,500 hectares of riceland in Catubig
and Las Navas but as of 2012, only
around 700 hectares were provided
with irrigation water. Construction
of the two diversion dams namely,
Hagbay and Bulao, has encountered
significant delays with overall
accomplishment of only 50%.
Lack of irrigation facilities is
aggravated by the poor performance
of most national and communal
irrigation systems in the region. This is
attributable to inadequate operation
and maintenance, lack of routine
repair, and ineffective management
of irrigation facilities due to technical
and institutional deficiencies.
Flood Control
Eastern Visayas, being composed of
small islands and facing the Pacific
Ocean, is highly vulnerable to the
impacts of climate change. Climate
data for the past 50 years already
show trends of rising temperatures,
changes in rainfall pattern, and
an increasing number of extreme
climate events like cyclones, flooding
and drought.
Recent events (typhoons, landslides,
floods) that occurred in the region
have shown the massive extent of
damage, both in the loss of lives and
properties, brought about by the
unpredictable weather patterns as
a result of climate change. Existing
flood control structures, except the
flood control project of Ormoc City
funded under JICA grant, have proven
to be inadequate in handling the
unexpected increase in stormwater
discharge, which resulted in massive
flooding both in urban and rural areas
such as in Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan,
Matag-ob, Catarman, among others.
The Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) has identified
several critical flood control projects
in the region. However, due to
the insufficiency of funds, these
projects cannot be implemented
immediately. The perennial problem
of lack of funding affects not only
the implementation of the hard
infrastructure component but also
the inherent activities in most
flood control projects such as rightof-way acquisition as well as the
implementation of complementary
non-structural measures such as flood
forecasting, warning and monitoring
systems, evacuation plan, hazard
mapping, and watershed management
activities. Apart from said activities,
operation and maintenance (O&M)
costs are also heavily dependent
on government allocation and are
thereby not exempt from funding
constraints. LGUs lack funds for
regular O&M of existing flood control
interventions. Considering that flood
structures are exposed annually
to the wear and tear of typhoons,
regular maintenance works have
to be carried out to ensure that the
optimal conveyance capacities of said
structures are maintained.
We a k co o rd i n at i o n a m o n g
government agencies and LGUs poses
problems in the implementation,
operation and maintenance of flood
control structures. Ideally, upon

its completion, the flood control
structures should be managed
and maintained by the LGU having
territorial jurisdiction over the
project as they are the ones directly
benefitting from it. However, due
to the lack of financial support and
capacity to conduct O&M, not all LGUs
can commit to this responsibility.
More so, it remains unclear on who
shall take responsibility on O&M as
there is no law/guidelines clarifying
the sharing of this responsibility
between the LGUs and the
government agencies.
Energy
Power and Electrification
Eastern Visayas currently hosts five
power plants with an aggregate
installed capacity of 699.4 mega
watts. The source of power supply
in the region primarily is the Leyte
Geothermal Production Field in
Tongonan. Small islands are powered
by individual generating sets.
Eleven electric cooperatives (EC) and
one multi-purpose cooperative are
distributing electricity throughout
the region (Table 44). The region
has a total of 4,372 barangays, 4,371
of which are already energized. This

shows an energization level of 99.97%
as of end of 31 December 2012,
indicating a significant achievement
from 82% in 2003. All provinces of the
region are already 100% energized,
except for Samar with one remaining
barangay unenergized. Meanwhile,
household connection level has
already reached 81%. This means that
out of 816,000 households, 657,204
households are with electricity
connection. Electrification at the sitio
level, on the other hand, was at 71%.
For missionary areas, a large portion
of the remaining unenergized sitios
is mostly remote and with dispersed
households that are difficult to
energize as doing so would require
extensive resources, time and effort.
Transmission facilities needed to
meet customer demand and ensure
reliability, adequacy and stability of
the regions transmission system are
in place and are being improved/
upgraded. The completion of the
Wright-Calbayog 138 KV transmission
line in Samar in 2012 will improve the
reliability of transmission facilities.
The improvement and upgrading of
the regions transmission facilities will
ensure reliable and stable supply of
electricity that will boost investments
in agribusiness, tourism and ICT
Table 44. Status of Electrification as of December 31, 2012

Electric
Cooperatives
DORELCO
LEYECO II
LEYECO III
LEYECO IV
LEYECO V
SOLECO
BILECO
NORSAMELCO
SAMELCO I
SAMELCO II
ESAMELCO
TOTAL
Barangays
Potential Energized
499
499
196
196
285
285
245
245
414
414
500
500
117
117
569
569
427
426
524
524
596
596
4,372
4,371
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
100
100
99
Potential
384
144
220
1,075
1,496
1,816
203
361
70
1,523
547
7,839
Sitios
Energized
161
112
82
1,025
954
1,621
144
69
26
1,204
149
5,547
%
42
78
37
95
64
89
71
19
37
79
27
71
Connections
Potential
Served
77,200
65,861
64,800
62,543
48,300
38,464
61,800
61,738
125,500 101,617
84,600
78,690
30,700
26,887
105,000
57,706
59,500
48,651
75,600
58,139
83,000
56,908
816,000 657,204
%
85
97
80
99
81
93
88
55
82
77
69
81
Source: NEA, 2013
102
Accelerating Infrastructure Development
103
industries.
Energy Resources
Eastern Visayas is the largest
producer of geothermal energy in the
country. It hosts the Leyte Tongonan
Geothermal Field, which generates
a total capacity of 699.4 MW, more
than enough to supply the power
requirements of the region. Other
sources under exploration include
those in Central Leyte, Mt. Cabalian
in Southern Leyte, and in the island
of Biliran. The Biliran geothermal
resource, with a potential capacity
ranging from 40-80 MW, is currently
being developed jointly by the
Biliran Geothermal, Inc. and foreign
partners.
In terms of hydropower, there are
five potential sites in Samar Island
with a total estimated capacity of 33
MW. Two hydropower projects with
a combined capacity of 5 MW are
lined up for implementation in the
region. These are the 1-MW Bugtong
mini-hydropower project in Calbayog
City and the 4-MW Amandaraga minihydropower project in Eastern Samar.
With regard to wind power, a
potential resource in Allen-Lavezares
in Northern Samar is being considered
for inclusion in the Wind Investment
Promotion Round. Good-to-excellent
energy potential can also be found in
the northwest of Catarman, Northern
Samar.
As a resource option, the Philippines
is considered as a potential site for
ocean thermal energy conversion
(OTEC). Based on initial findings,
Northeastern Samar and San
Bernardino Strait are potential sites
for this resource.
Communication/
Telecommunications
New innovations and technological
developments have continuously
provided growth opportunities in
the ICT sector, owing to the efforts of
private sector players who continue
104
to invest in developing the regions

ICT infrastructure. The government,
for its part, has had the common
thrust of promoting the spread of
ICT as a means for interconnecting
the entire country, leading to
economic redistribution, increase
of overall living standard, and global
competitiveness.
At present, various ICT technologies
and services including fixed telephone
lines, wireless communications, and
broadband Internet, among others,
are already available regionwide.
BayanTel, Globelines/Innove, Ormoc
Telephone
Company,
Calbayog
Telephone Company, PLDT, and
PT&T provide telephone services
in the region. These companies are
interconnected to the main telephone
backbone that enables subscribers
to call any part of the region, other
regions nationwide, and abroad.
The cellular mobile telephone
service (CMTS) is by far still the
most dominant telecommunications
service in the market. The cellular
mobile telephone providers in the
region expanded their services
through the establishment of
306 cell sites in 2011 from 248 in
2006 (Table 45). The largest CMTS
providers in the region are Smart
Communications and Globe Telecom.
These two companies are supported
by other cellular mobile providers
of Sun Cellular and Touch Mobile.
They serve the key cities and capital
municipalities of the provinces in the
region.
With the tremendous popularity
of cellular mobile phone in the
region, BayanTel, Globelines, Smart
Communications, and Sun Cellular
continued to expand and promote
both telephone and internet services
through Broadband, DSL, Smart Bro,
and Sun Broadband in support of the
governments program on ICT.

Patronage of telephone and telegram
services continued to decline due to
the proliferation of cellular phones
and the entry of wide range internet
Table 45. Number of Cell Sites: 2011

Network Provider
Biliran
SMART Inc.
GLOBE Telecom, Inc.
BAYAN Telecom, Inc.
DIGITEL Mobile Philippines, Inc.
SOLID Broadband Corp.
INNOVE Communications, Inc.
Total
% to total
3
4
0
0
0
0
7
2
Eastern
Samar
23
23
0
0
0
0
46
15
Province
Northern
Leyte
Samar
47
0
51
1
8
0
37
0
1
0
4
0
148
1
48
0
Southern
Leyte
15
20
0
12
2
1
50
16
Samar
17
22
2
12
0
1
54
18
Total
105
121
10
61
3
6
306
% to
total
34
40
3
20
1
2
100
100
Source: NTC Manila
Table 46. Status of Landline Telephone Distribution: 2011

Province
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
Region VIII
Source: NTC VIII, 2013
Installed Capacity
(No. of Lines Available)
49,925
1,554
9,943
468
1,634
23,091
86,615
% Share
Subscribed Telephone Lines

Number
57.6
1.8
11.5
0.5
1.9
26.7
100.0
13,222
219
10,080
72
642
4,157
28,392
service providers. Cellular mobile

providers serve the key cities and
capital towns in the region. CMTS is
the major mode of communication to
all parts of the country and to the rest
of the world. However, the challenge
is to improve its service, particularly
in the interior municipalities in the
island of Samar.
technological
advancement
in
communications. In 2011, the
Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC)
carried out merging of post offices,
manpower realignment, modification
of mail carriage frequency, and hiring
of mail contractors.
In 2011, the government and private

telephone companies had an installed
capacity of 86,615 telephone lines
with a telephone density of 2.21
(Table 46). Utilization rate, however,
only registered 32.8% or 28,392
subscribed lines. Biliran posted a
utilization rate with 26.5% and has
the most number of installed lines,
accounting for 57.6%, followed by
Samar with 26.7%, and others shared
the difference.
Health Facilities
Postal communications have been

affected by financial problems
and viability, considering the
% Share
% Utilization
Rate of Available
Lines
47.0
1.0
36.0
0.0
2.0
15.0
100.0
26.5
14.1
101.4
15.4
39.3
18.0
32.8
The Department of Health (DOH)

reports that health facilities are
already available and accessible in
most barangays. Government primary
health facilities are conveniently
located, with most households being
within 15-20 minute walking distance
to an RHU or BHS. However, these
facilities are frequently bypassed by
community folks as some of them are
either unaware of the services offered
or have poor health-seeking behavior.
Also, others seek specialized care in
hospitals rather than in Rural Health
105
Units (RHUs) or Barangay Health

Stations (BHS). RHU resources then
remain underutilized while higher
level facilities become overcrowded,
reverting to a state of inaccessibility.
For 2014-2016, the infrastructure
aspect of the health sector will still
experience funding restrictions due
to the limitation of the approved
Department
of
Budget
and
Management (DBM) allocation for
health facilities such as Basic and
Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric
and Neonatal Care (B/CEmONC)
facilities as well as DOH-retained and
maintained hospitals.
Education Facilities
Educating the young Filipino learners
has always been the ultimate goal of
the government. The Philippines is
exerting all efforts to reach its MDG
targets of ensuring improved quality,
access and efficiency in terms of
education.
However, the Philippines was cited
as a particularly striking example of
under-performance in educational
reforms in the 2010 Education For All
(EFA) Global Monitoring Report, as
its current policies failed to make a
difference in improving the education
of the poorest Filipinos.
In Eastern Visayas, school-age
population grew at an average
annual rate of 2.1% during the last
decade, far outpacing the average
annual growth rate of 1% in school
enrolment. This indicates the growing
demand for classrooms, which is one
of the crucial resources in education.
With the intensification of DepEDs
campaign to bring in all school-age
children to school, in line with its
commitment to EFA 2015 to achieve
universal participation, classroom
requirement will increase even more.
For SY 2013-2014, the region has
an estimated additional classroom
need of 1,848. This increase in
enrolment could also come from
the implementation of the Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program, wherein
106
one conditionality for the Conditional

Cash Transfer to beneficiary families
is for their school-age children to be
in school.
Classroom shortage continues to
hound the region. Even with the
continuous efforts to build new
schools, shortage is still apparent.
This is especially true in far-flung
and remote areas. In 2010, total
classroom requirement was at 66,800
for all levels nationwide. Added to
this is the need for major repair of
the existing classrooms. The problem
on classroom shortage is exacerbated
by the damage brought about by
typhoons and disasters to school
buildings. Another factor is that
these classrooms are being utilized as
temporary shelter for those families
who are affected by calamities.
It is also a given fact that to date,
not all schools have been provided
with adequate sanitation facilities.
Insufficient facilities for hygiene may
lead to the degradation of health of
students that, in turn, may adversely
affect their academic performance.
On Water Supply
1. Low household access to water
and sanitation facilities
2. Inadequate water supply system
for economic purposes, especially
in priority growth and production
centers of the region
3. Lack of/inadequate sewerage
and flood management system
4. Lack of data on priority waterless
areas
5. Low investments in water supply
and sanitation
6. Biased orientation of public
infrastructure spending of the
national government towards
Metro Manila and other urban
areas, specifically for water
supply, sewerage and septage
management
On Irrigation
1. Inadequate irrigation systems
2. Weak technical and institutional
capacities for the maintenance
and effective management of
irrigation facilities
On Flood Control
On Transport
1. Low quality and capacity of the
transport network
2. Lack of an integrated and wellcoordinated
national/regional
transport plan that would guide
the prioritized funding and
implementation of transport
projects as well as the physical
planning and intermodality of
transport infrastructure
3. Weak coordination, regulation,
and
oversight
for
the
enforcement of transport policies
and implementation of plans
4. Insufficient capacity of LGUs
to finance and manage local
projects, particularly roads
5. Lack of national government
funds to maintain the existing
national transport infrastructure
base
1. Insufficient funds for flood control

projects and other inherent
activities such as right-of-way
acquisition and non-structural
measures, and O&M
2. Weak coordination among
government agencies and the
LGUs in the implementation and
O&M of flood control structures,
mainly due to absence of law/
guidelines on the delineation of
responsibilities
On Energy

1. Insufficient and fluctuating power
supply, particularly in some parts
of Samar
2. Low investments in power
generation
3. Need to complete the Philippine
National Grid
4. Untapped regional potentials for
renewable energy
5. Deregulation of the generation
sector and the privatization policy

6. High cost of electricity due
to additional charges such as
system loss, transmission power
factor adjustments, transmission
metering calibration, and line
rental charges
7. High cost of operation of
electric cooperatives due to
low consumer densities and/or
relatively small franchise areas
8. Electric cooperatives not
functioning as real cooperatives
9. Conflicting role of NEA over the
operations of the ECs
10. Failure of the implementation
of the Electric Power Industry
Reform Act to achieve its goal of
reducing power cost
On Communication/
Telecommunications
1. Increasing demand for highspeed and high capacity voice,
video, and data services and
applications
2. Lack of private investments in the
build-up and expansion of the ICT
infrastructure networks to offer
better and innovative services to
the public
3. Presence of unserved/
underserved areas, which are
considered by private investors
as not viable
On Social Infrastructure
1. Inaccessibility and/or poor
quality of health facilities in
remote areas
2. Shorage of classroom and
educational facilities
3. Poor quality of educational
facilities, of water and sanitation
General/Cross-Cutting Challenges
1. Absence of a clear monitoring
system to assess and address
the sustainability of developed
infrastructure
2. Lack of climate-proof and
disaster-resilient infrastructure
designs
107
Framework
Goal
The Infrastructure Sector aims to
contribute to achieving inclusive
growth. It shall support the growth
requirements
of
the
various
sectors of the regional economy
to achieve the development goals/
objectives of the Eastern Visayas
Regional Development Plan and
its Development Roadmaps on
Agribusiness, Tourism and ICT.
Objective
Quality, adequate and accessible
infrastructure facilities and services
Overall Strategy
Accelerating the provision of safe,
efficient, reliable, cost-effective,
climate-proof and disaster-resilient,
and sustainable infrastructure
Strategies
Transport
1. Prioritizing asset preservation.
Priority will be given to the
upgrading of quality and
capacity of existing transport
infrastructure in terms of
resource allocation.
This will involve preservation
or maintenance/rehabilitation
of the existing transport
infrastructure network over new
construction/development.
2. Providing access to the
identified Tourism Development
Areas (TDAs) and other key
tourism destinations and
production areas.
To enhance the tourist-worthiness
of major tourism destinations
of the region, the establishment
of dependable transport access
will be facilitated in coordination
108
with LGUs. Similarly, national

and local coordination will
be fostered for the provision
of the necessary transport
infrastructure that would link
production/agricultural areas to
major roads going to the market/
population centers.
Figure 19. Infrastructure Development Framework
3. Improving transport networks

in conflict-affected and highly
impoverished areas.
Transport
networks
in
underdeveloped regions and
conflict-affected areas shall be
improved to open up economic
opportunities and help solve
peace and order problems.
Water
1. Adopting Integrated Water
Resources Management
(IWRM).
Towards the attainment of the
sector goal, IWRM has been
identified as an over-all strategy
for the a) effective protection
and regulation of water for
security and ecosystem health,
b) provision of responsive
services for present and future
needs, c) improved effectiveness,
accountability and synergy among
water-related institutions and
stakeholders, and d) adaptive and
pro-active responses to emerging
and future challenges, such
as climate change adaptation
and disaster risk reduction and
management, among others.
2. Rationalizing financing in the
water sector to attain the MDG.
The low capital investments
in the water supply and
sanitation sector hinders the
achievement of the MDG targets.
Given the lack of a coherent
financing framework, there is
an urgent need to rationalize
financing in the water sector to
maximize utilization of limited
public funds, concessional
financing, and for private sector
investments to deliver sector
development outcomes.
3. Applying climate change

adaptation (CCA) and disaster
risk reduction and management
(DRRM).
In order to mainstream CCA
and DRRM into water-related
infrastructure, formulation of
plans and designs of projects
should already integrate the
effects of climate change.
Specifically, there is a need
to develop disaster-resilient
infrastructure that provides basic
needs such as water supply and
sanitation. Furthermore, LGUs
should be able to incorporate
CCA and DRRM strategies into
their respective plans, programs
and budgets to allow timely,
efficient and effective mitigation
as well as disaster response.
4. Giving priority to waterless
areas.
Stakeholder consultations have
affirmed the need for a specific

priority program which shall
ensure achievement of MDG-7 by
2015 and sustained 100% access
to water within the mediumterm. Critical to the new program
for water supply, however, is the
identification of key beneficiaries
based on an updated assessment
and identification of remaining
waterless municipalities and
ensuring sustainability of water
service provision.
5. Developing sustainable new
water sources to meet demand.
A comprehensive approach
adherent to the IWRM
framework should be developed.
Said approach should enable the
projection of the demand-supply
gaps across the region as well
as planning the development
of new water sources needed
not only by the population, but
109
also for the expected economic

activities in new growth centers.
Alternatives should be identified
and prioritized based on a valueengineering perspective, which
optimizes options and timing of
development to provide value for
money and minimize unnecessary
costs for consumers.
6. Localizing national policies to
address implementation issues.
As local governments are in the
frontline of service provision,
each LGU should be able to
develop its local roadmap
containing plans and strategies
aligned with national policies
and targets, including those
identified in the PWSSR. This
shall aid in the harmonization and
operationalization of programs
that will address existing
implementation issues.
7. Developing capacities of
NGAs, LGUs and WSPs for the
sustainable management of
water supply.
The Department of the Interior
and Local Government (DILG)
shall lead in building the
capacities of LGUs in effective
water governance as well
as in building their ability to
ensure sustainable use of
water resources and planning
for climate change adaptation.
Developing the capacities of
service providers in planning,
budgeting and operations, among
others, is also key to ensuring
improved coverage, efficiency
and sustainability of water supply.
LGUs and water service providers
should be provided assistance in
the development of new, relevant
and
practical
management
tools that support IWRM and
technologies that promote the
implementation of ecological and
economical water infrastructure
(EEWIN) that will enable wider
coverage and better quality of
services. This is a paramount
concern that should be the focus
110
of joint efforts in the face of the

regions thrusts on agribusiness
and tourism development. Water
supply is a basic requirement in
the establishment and operations
of industries and tourism
establishments.
Irrigation
1. Rehabilitating existing irrigation
systems and constructing new
small-scale systems.
Provision of support services and
infrastructure shall be geared
towards the rehabilitation, repair
and maintenance of existing
irrigations systems. A rationalized
fund mechanism should be
implemented, specifically for
the immediate rehabilitation
of damaged irrigation facilities
and systems, over and above
the allocation that is intended
for the regular maintenance
activities. Construction of new
infrastructure shall focus on
the development of small-scale
irrigation and water impounding
systems, the same being easier
to implement and are more costefficient than large irrigation
systems with the exception of
multipurpose systems. It should
also consider climate change
adaptation and disaster risk
reduction and management in
the determination of locations
for new irrigation systems.
2. Protecting irrigated and
potential irrigable lands.
To abate the alarming rate of
depletion of irrigable lands due
to conversion, and in order to
ensure food security, a review of
government policies protecting
productive land is needed. To
complement such initiative,
land-use mapping indicating
the extent of irrigable areas
vis--vis irrigated areas should
be conducted so as to clearly
identify gaps.
3. Intensifying capacity building

for institutions involved in
the management of irrigation
facilities.
There is a need to conduct
trainings to capacitate those who
have the responsibility and stake
in maintaining irrigation facilities.
4. Reducing the adverse effects
of flooding occurrences by
maintaining watersheds and
providing efficient and adequate
infrastructure.
In order to substantially reduce
the adverse effects of floods, a
holistic approach to the problem
is imperative. Interventions
should be taken in the context
of the entire river basin, where
wate rsh e d
m a n a gem ent
activities in the upstream have
to be complemented with both
soft and hard infrastructure
downstream. Additional
government appropriation is
required to address the issue of
insufficiency of funds that will
finance both the implementation
and the organization and
management (O&M) of flood
control structures and facilities.
Also, greater coordination
among implementing agencies
and LGUs is needed, especially
during the implementation and
O&M phases of flood control
projects. To establish clear
delineation of responsibilities and
enhance accountability among
stakeholders, there is a need
to formulate a policy or a set of
guidelines towards this end.
5. Applying CCA and DRRM in
planning and design of flood
management structures.
Taking into consideration the
effects of climate change with
respect to the frequency of
storm occurrence and intensity
of rainfall, the design criteria
used for flood control structures
must be revisited to ensure that
design capacities of structures
are adequate to handle the
expected increase in volume
of floodwater. Moreover,
downstream interventions
should be complemented with
activities upstream such as
watershed management to
minimize siltation because if left
unabated, conveyance capacities
of flood control structures will be
reduced, making them ineffective
in discharging floodwater in
outlets downstream. Adoption
and mainstreaming of the ecoefficiency concept in water
infrastructure is an example of
such an adaptation strategy.
Energy
The Energy Reform Agenda (ERA)
under the Aquino Administration
for the period 2010-2016 has an
overall vision of Energy Access for
More. The governments key priority
is to ensure sustainable, diverse and
reliable energy sources. Increased
economic efficiency in the utilization
and distribution of energy services
is deemed critical to achieve energy
access for the majority at competitive
rates.
The following strategies will support
the ERA:
1. Intensifying development and
utilization of renewable energy
and environmentfriendly
alternative energy resources/
technologies.
The government will pursue
the research and development
of untapped reserve energy
available such as ocean thermal
energy conversion (OTEC). To
date, the countrys potential sites
for deep-ocean power consist of
910 blocks which is equivalent to
73,710 hectares. The Deep Ocean
Power Philippines, Inc. (DOPPI)
already filed its application for
OTEC Pre-Development Contract
for 36 areas. Harmonization
is a critical factor in the
exploration and development of
geothermal resource, especially
those located inside protected
areas, thus, the need to unify
111
provisions of R.A. 7586 (National

Integrated
Protected
Areas
System [NIPAS] of 1992) and of
R.A. 8371 (Indigenous Peoples
Rights Act [IPRA] of 1997) with
relevant energy policies and
programs for an integrated
response to environmental
and socio-cultural concerns.
The governments policies and
programs on alternative energy
are geared towards weaning the
country from its dependence
on highly volatile oil import and
diversifying from conventional
fuels to indigenous renewable
and more environment-friendly
energy resources.
2. Utilizing public-private
partnerships in energy projects.
The ERA will be supported by
the framework on Public-Private
Partnerships (PPP) to implement
critical government infrastructure
projects that will address the
growing energy needs of the
country. Through the PPP, the
Department of Energy (DOE)
can benefit from the technical
and financial support of its
partners in the private sector, to
include businesses, investors and
non-government organizations
(NGOs). The PPP will cover all
phases of energy development
and utilization.
Communications/
Telecommunications
1. Providing incentives/lower risk
for the private sector to invest in
rural and unserved areas.
These could be in the form of:
Fiscal incentives such
as smart subsidies,
in addition to existing
Philippine Economic Zone
Authority (PEZA) and
Board of Investments (BOI)
incentives (e.g., incentives
for equipment deployed in
rural areas that provide clean
power and/or renewable
energy, open access)
L i m i ted
(t i m e- b ou n d )
112
protection from competition

(exclusivity for a limited
period)
Technology and service
deployment
issue
appropriate guidelines
Frequency allocation in rural
areas issue a policy on
Broadband (for Universal
Access) to guide the National
Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s
Commission (NTC)
There is a need for greater efficiency
and transparency in spectrum
allocation to better aid private sector
efforts in providing ICT infrastructure
and services, particularly in unserved
and underserved areas. Through
a policy on broadband service, it
would be easier for NTC to allocate
frequencies for players that would
be interested in providing broadband
(e.g., WiMAX) and other wireless
technologies in unserved areas.
2. Encouraging infrastructure
sharing among players.
Technologies and infrastructure
are already available that
players could use or share,
thereby making it easier and less
expensive to provide services in
the rural and unserved areas.
3. Network pooling for broadband
deployment.
The possibility of working with
private sector to pool networks
together in order to meet public
sector needs for broadband and
to avoid unnecessary duplication
of investments and resources
could also be explored.
4. Providing Last Mile Access.
Residents
of
unserved/
underserved areas should also be
provided access to secure, online
E-Government services through
affordable and ubiquitous
technologies (e.g. mobile phones)
5. Supporting legal and regulatory
reforms at the national level.
The region will support the
national government as it
pursues a policy environment

that
is
more
consistent,
transparent and conducive for
investments in ICT. This includes
policy recommendations to
lobby for legislations that will
include the strengthening of
the NTC, competition policy
for the ICT sector, review of
Republic Act 7925 or the Public
Telecommunications Policy Act,
Green ICT policy to reduce
the ill effects of unregulated
ICT to human health and the
environment, among others.
1. Increasing resources for health.
This entails increasing public
investment for health and
rationalizing the use of all fund
sources for health including
national and local government
budget, Philippine Amusement
and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR), Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and
other extra-budgetary resources
for health.
These resources
should be utilized to ensure that
available accredited facilities are
accessible to each Filipino family
while improving the health service
packages provided to them,
including irrational spending. It
also calls for securing the fiscal
autonomy of government health
facilities by enforcing fiscal
and administrative autonomy
in all DOH-retained facilities
in exchange for capital outlay
support, and the progressive and
well-calibrated re-allocation of
hospital budgets to public health
priorities. This shall promote
efficiency and improvement of
health care services and securing
investments. This can be achieved
by pursuing corporate-like
management of DOH-retained
hospitals and promoting income
retention at the LGU hospitals.
2. Improving access to local health
facilities.
This entails the provision of
access roads to RHUs and BHS to

encourage availment of health
services in these communitybased facilities. This will be
particularly focused to remote
areas. The construction of these
access roads should be explicitly
considered in the planning and
development of health facilities.
3. Pursuing public-private
partnerships in health and
education.
Possible PPP types of projects
should be explored in the
construction,
structural
retrofitting, rehabilitation and
maintenance, and management
of health facilities and classrooms.

Activities
1. Tacloban Airport Redevelopment
Project
2. Improvement of other airports,
including Calbayog Airport
3. Samar Pacific Coastal Road
Project
4. Completion of Samar Island-wide
Circumferential Road
5. Completion of the Rehabilitation
of the Maharlika Highway from
Calbiga to Calbayog, Samar, and
from Calbayog to Allen, Northern
Samar
6. Calbayog-Sta. Margarita
Diversion Road, Samar
7. Gandara-Matuguinao, Samar to
Las Navas-Jipapad-Arteche Road,
Eastern Samar
8. Catbalogan Diversion Road,
Samar (as a major road
connecting the Maharlika
Highway)
9. MCC-funded National Secondary
Roads Improvement Project in
Easter Samar
10. Upgrading/Improvement of the
remaining arterial roads
11. Upgrading/Improvement of the
remaining national secondary
roads
12. Roads leading to tourism
destinations, including those
identified under the Samar
113
Island Partnership for Peace

and Development of the three
Dioceses of Samar Island in
support of the Samar Island as
Growth Center for EcoTourism:
Basey-Maydolong Road
to reach the beaches
of Marabut, Samar and
Maydolong and Guiuan,
Eastern Samar; the waterfalls
of Lawaan, Eastern Samar;
and the historical town of
Balangiga, Eastern Samar
Upgrading of roads leading to
Calbiga Caves and Lulugayan
Falls, Calbiga, Samar
Rehabilitation of the Wright
(Buray), Samar to TaftBorongan-Guiuan Road to
reach the pristine beaches in
Eastern Samar and the forest
canopies along Buray-Taft and
Borongan, Eastern Samar
Guiuan-Calicoan-Sulangan
Road, Eastern Samar to reach
the beautiful beaches and
other tourist destinations of
Calicoan
13. Roads leading to production
areas, especially those identified
in the Agribusiness Roadmap
14. Roads for peace and
development
15. Farm-to-Market Roads (under
the BuB)
16. Construction of fishports
Program
18. Feasibility Study for the
Development of Container Port
19. Feasibility Study for the
Development of Abuyog
Port
20. Water Supply Program to
waterless areas
21. Flood Control Projects
22. Hibulangan Small Reservoir
Irrigation Project (HSRIP) in
Leyte
23. Sta. Rita SRIP in Samar
24. Pinipisakan, Bulao, and Hagbay
Irrigation Projects in Northern
Samar
25. Bugko Irrigation Project in
Northern Samar
26. Catarman-Bobon Irrigation
Project in Northern Samar
114
27. Calbiga Irrigation Project in

Samar

28. Gandara Irrigation Project in
Samar
29. Small Irrigation Projects

30. Restoration/Rehabilitation
of existing irrigation
project
31. Biliran Geothermal Power
Project
32. Cabalian Geothermal Power
Project in Southern Leyte
33. Bugtong Hydropower Project in
Calbayog City
34. Bangon Hydropower Project in
Calbayog City
35. Amandaraga Hydropower Project
in Eastern Samar
36. Bulusao Hydropower Project in
Eastern Samar
37. Pinipisakan Hydropower Project
in Northern Samar
38. San Isidro Hydropower Project in
Northern Samar
39. Leyte-Mindanao Interconnection
Project
40. Solar Power Project in Ormoc
City
41. Private-Public Partnership
Project for School Infrastructure
42. Legislative agenda:
Formulation of a policy/
guidelines that will be the
basis for clear delineation
of responsibilities for the
implementation and O&M of
flood control projects
Elementary School in Palo, Leyte
Photo Courtesy of Charlie David Martinez

http://www.xdayv.com/
Creating
Productive
Human Resource
Social development plays a vital role in the attainment of the regional

goals of economic growth and poverty reduction, thus, leading to the
national societal goal of inclusive growth. For Eastern Visayas, it primarily
focuses on creating a productive human resource base that will support
its three major thrusts of agribusiness, tourism and ICT development.
It is a given fact that economic growth is largely hinged upon the
existence of a people with good health and nutritional status, educated
and skilled labor force, and a population growing at a manageable pace.
Towards the end, it is also envisioned that the same people who serve
as instruments of development will also share equitably in the fruits of
development.
Assessment
Health, Nutrition, and
Population Management
Based on the vital health indicators,
the health status of the people of
Region VIII could be considered as
generally improving.
Maternal mortality in the region
(Figure 20) has been following a
series of ups and downs over the last
decade. Steep spikes and dips have
been particularly observed over the
period 2000-2006. From 2007 to
2011, however, the increments and
decrements were not as sharp. For
2011, maternal deaths reduced by
13 from 92 per 100,000 livebirths in
2010 to 79 in 2011.
This achievement could be related

to the almost 4% increase in the
proportion of births attended
by skilled health personnel. It is
also a result of a host of intensive
interventions including the conduct
of
Maternal/Neonatal
Death
Review (MNDR); trainings on
Basic Emergency Obstetrics and
Neonatal Care (BEmONC) for rural
health unit and hospital teams
and midwives; trainings on family
planning; and Community Health
Team (CHT) organization, training
and mobilization; and passage
of ordinances on facility-based
deliveries, users fees and incentives
for CHTs.

Although the decline in maternal
deaths is significant compared to
Figure 20. MCH MDG Target vs Status of Maternal Morality Rate, Eastern
Visayas: 2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
116
small decreases in prior years and to

the 122 deaths recorded a decade
before, the current rate of 79 is
still considered high, and in fact far
from the MDG target of 56.5. This
is because less than 80% of births in
the regions are attended by health
personnel and only 57% of deliveries
are facility-based. Access to a skilled
provider of obstetric care at the time
of childbirth is recognized as critical to
the reduction of maternal mortality.
Additionally, barely half (49%) of
pregnant women practice antenatal
care. Those who submit to at least
1-4 prenatal check-ups have lessened
by almost 6% from 2010 to 2011.
Meanwhile, the 2009 National

Demographic Health Survey (NDHS)
showed that infant deaths reduced
by 5 per 1,000 livebirths from 2010
to 2011 (Figure 21). Despite this
reduction, the current level of 40 is
also far from the MDG targets of 22 in
2011 and 20.3 in 2015.

Under-five mortality exhibited a
similar trend, with a decline of 11
deaths per 1,000 livebirths over the
same period (Figure 22). The 2011
level of 53 is also very far from the
MDG target of 31 for the year and 17
in 2015.
Figure 21. Infant Mortality Rate vs Status of MDG Target, Eastern Visayas:
2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
Figure 22. Under-five Mortality Rate vs Status of MDG Target, Eastern

Visayas: 2000-2011 (Rate per 100,000 Livebirths)
Creating Productive Human Resource
117
As of 2011, only 75% of children had

been covered by full immunization,
which means that one-fourth of
them remain unprotected from
immunizable diseases.
The decline in childrens deaths could
also be a result of the conduct of
Maternal and Neonatal Death Review
(MNDR); trainings on Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (EINC), and
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF);
implementation of the MNCHN,
immunization, and micronutrient
supplementation.
Overriding factors to the decline
of deaths among mothers and
children are the provision of logistics
from the national government to
augment LGU resources, upgrading
of health infrastructure facilities and
equipment, strengthening of health
systems such as referral, inter-local
health zone (ILHZ), monitoring and
evaluation, and assistance from
development partners in terms of
health infrastructure, equipment,
drugs and medicines, trainings, and
technical assistance.
Figure 23. Prevalence of
Underweight Children, 0-5 Years
Old (0-60 Months), Eastern Visayas:
2008 and 2011
2011
2008
Figure 24. Prevalence of Stunted

Children, 0-5 Years Old (0-60
Months), Eastern Visayas: 2008 and
2011
2011
2008
118
Cardio-vascular diseases remained

as the number one cause of death
in the region. But as of 2011, the
rate reduced to 127.43 per 1,000
population compared to the fiveyear (2006-2010) average of 140.56.
Cancer, diabetes and kidney/renal
diseases are on the rise.
TB-associated deaths in 2011
was placed at 24.13 per 100,000
population.
Based on this
performance, the region has a low
probability of achieving the MDG
target of zero by 2015. The proportion
of TB cases detected under the
Directly Observed Treatment Short
Course Therapy (DOTS) decreased
from 75% in 2010 to 58.65% in 2011.
The percentage of TB cases cured
under DOTS, however, remained at
83% in 2011, far from the 37.5% MDG
target for the year.
Doctor-population ratio as of 2011
remained below the standard of
1:20,000. One doctor served 27,000
population. Nurse-population ratio,
however, was within the standard of
1:20,000.
On increasing access to health
insurance, intensive efforts had been
exerted. Enrolment to PhilHealth in
2012 was recorded at ____.
In terms of nutrition, protein energy
malnutrition, indicated by the
large proportion of underweight
and stunted preschoolers and
schoolchildren, continues to be
a serious problem in the region.
There is also an emerging problem
of overnutriton among children and
adults.
Based on the 2011 National
Nutrition Survey (NNS), underweight
prevalence among preschoolers
posted a decline of 0.7 percentage
points (Figure 23). This decrease is
consistent with the downward trend
over the last decade. Taking off from
the 37.8% figure in 1998, there has
already been a significant reduction
of 12.1%. Despite this downtrend,
the region has a low probability of
attaining the MDG target of 18.9% in

2015.

Looking at height as an indicator of
nutritional status, Region VIII showed
a slight increase (0.6 percentage
points) in the percentage of stunted
preschoolers (Figure 24).
The
region has the highest prevalence of
underheight preschoolers compared
to all other regions.
of overweight under-five children rose

by 1.6% from 2008 to 2011. Among
adults (20 years old and over), the
problem is more of overweight rather
than underweight. The prevalence of
overweight/obese adults was placed
at 27.0% as against the 9.1% suffering
from chronic energy deficiency (CED).
The number of overweight adults in
the region is slightly higher than the
national figure.
Undernutrition among children in

Region VIII is a result of many factors.
One major factor is the poor caring
capacity of parents/caregivers. Good
nutrition is not a popular practice as
it is not given importance because of
lack of nutrition education.
The emerging problem of overweight

is brought about by faulty eating
habits/unhealthy
diet,
coupled
with physical inactivity. Modern
technology has ushered in massive
computerization and automation that
gave rise to a culture of sedentary
lifestyle.
Among preschoolers, improper

infant and young child feeding (IYCF)
practices is cited as a major culprit.
According to the 2011 Family Health
Survey, the percentage of babies
ever breastfed in 2011 may be high
at 92%, proximate to the national
estimates of 94% but only 27% of
babies are exclusively breastfed. This
is aggravated by the practice of giving
complementary food at age four
months rather than the prescribed
six months. Early introduction of
complementary food is incorrect as
it disrupts the nutritional benefits of
exclusive breastfeeding.
Among school children, consumption
of unhealthy food is a key factor to
malnutrition. Many school canteens,
along with food vendors nearby
school premises, still sell junk food
despite prohibition.

Malnutrition can be also attributed
to high poverty and subsistence
incidence in the region. With the
number of income-poor and foodpoor people rising over the years,
there is reason to believe that
malnutrition is due to inadequate
food intake attributed to the low
capacity of families to buy food.
Side by side with undernutrition,
overnutrition is also an emerging
problem among children. The number
Meanwhile,
micronutrient
deficiencies, otherwise refered to as
silent malnutrition, also still plagues
the region. Iron Deficiency Anemia
has been remarkably curbed over the
years, particularly among the most
vulnerable groups infants, lactating
mothers and pregnant women.
The biggest reduction was among
infants at a high 64.3%, followed
by lactating mothers at 36.3%, and
pregnant women at 22.2%. Among
preschoolers, the decline was by
26.8%. As of the latest survey (2008),
the prevalence of anemia in Region
VIII for all groups was lower than
that of the country. Distribution of
iron-fortified rice (I-rice) under the
Food for School Program (FSP) and
iron tablet supplementation under
the pre- and post-natal care program
for pregnant women and lactating
mothers are probable reasons for
the decreases. But despite the high
reduction in the number of anemic
pregnant and lactating women, the
prevalence of anemia is still high at
39.5% and 23.6%, respectively. Only
30% of the pregnant received at least
90 tablets of iron supplements. This
is attributable to the inadequate and
unsteady supply of the tablets at
the LGU level, on one hand, and the
reluctance of many mothers to take
them, on the other hand, reportedly
due to the tablets unpleasant taste.
119
Table 47. Simple and Functional Literacy Rate and Ratio of Literate Females to Males, Eastern Visayas: 2003 and 2008
Indicator
Simple Literacy Rate
Female
Male
Functional Literacy Rate
Female
Male
Ratio of literate females to males
2003
90.1%
93.3%
87.0%
76.7%
82.1%
71.7%
2008
93.6%
95.0%
92.2%
72.9%
78.2%
67.8%
1.030
% Increase/Decrease
3.5
1.7
5.2
(3.8)
(3.9)
(3.9)
MDG Target (2015)

100%
1.000
Sources: NSCB StatWatch as of January 31, 2013; MDG Watch as of September 2012
Table 48. Enrolment by Level of Education, Eastern Visayas: SY 2011-2012 and SY 2012-2013
Indicator
Total Enrolment
Kindergarten
Elementary
Secondary
Public
SY 2011SY 20122012
2013
1,098,354 1,104,286
95,203
96,707
710,883
707,367
292,268
300,212
Private
SY 2011SY 20122012
2013
60,584
64,347
7,902
8,919
16,583
18,134
36,099
37,294
SY 20112012
1,158,939
103,105
727,466
328,367
Total
SY 2012% Increase/
2013
Decrease
1,168,633
0.83
105,626
2.44
725,501
(0.27)
337,506
2.78
Source: DepEd VIII 2012 Annual Report
Table 49. Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012
SY 2010-2011 SY 2011-2012
% Increase/
(%)
(%)
Decrease
Participation Rate or Net Enrolment Rate (NER)
Elementary
89.42
90.44
1.02
Secondary
54.98
48.47
(6.51)
Completion Rate (CR)
Elementary
71.79
65.58
(6.21)
Secondary
69.7
65.92
(3.78)
Cohort Survival Rate (CSR)
Elementary
73.61
67.07
(6.54)
Secondary
73.13
68.84
(4.29)
Drop-Out Rate
Elementary
0.85
8.13
7.28
Secondary
4.34
4.68
0.34
National Achievement Test-Mean Percentage Score (NAT-MPS)
Elementary
72.39
76.95
4.56
Secondary
56.45
55.38
(1.07)
Indicator
Source: DepEd VIII and MDG Watch as of Sept. 2012
MDG Target
(2015) (%)
Education for All (EFA)

Target (2014-2015) (%)
100
-
98.10
87.73
100
-
81.04
75.27
100
-
84.67
83.00
74.20
71.10
Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders

among all groups notably decreased
countrywide from 2003 to 2008.
Though there is no regional data
available in the 2008 survey, it
may be surmised that Region VIII
is contributory to this reduction,
owing to the high percentage of
Vitamin A supplementation among
the 6-71 months old in the region
based on the NDHS 2008 and the
Garantisadong Pambata (GP) report
2008.
Inspite of DOH logistics,
Vitamin A supplementation coverage
in the region during the twice-ayear campaign has not covered the
national standard of 95% primarily
due to inadequate supplies at the
LGUs end. But then again, even if
there is sufficient supply in other
areas, coverage is still low due to
the poor health-seeking behavior of
mothers/caregivers which is, in turn,
due to inadequate knowledge on the
importance of micronutrients.
Around 97.2% of households in the
region are already using iodized
salt. This utilization rate may be high
but based on urine sample tests,
the iodine absorbed by individuals
are inadequate. This is indicated
by the below-standard median
Urinary Iodine Excretion only 83
microgram/L among 6-12 years old
and 58 among lactating women
against the standard of at least 100,
and 83 among pregnant against
the standard of at least 150. This is
brought about by the inadequate
amount of iodine mixed with the salt
during the manufacturing process.
Also, certain amounts of iodine are
lost because of improper handling
during transportation, packaging and
storage. This might be an indication
that some people could suffer from
Iodine Deficiency Disorders, which
is another form of micronutrient
deficiency. Among children, pregnant
and lactating women, this is a concern
since iodine is needed for the mental
development of a child.
In terms of population management,
the population of the region grew at a
slower rate in the period 2000-2010
120
compared to the previous decade.

Contraceptive prevalence rate slightly
increased by 1.88 percentage points.
However, based on the latest Young
Adults and Fertility Survey, Region VIII
is one of the countrys top-rankers in
teenage pregnancy and pre-marital
sex.
Education and Manpower

Development
Elementary and Secondary
Education
The national government has been
exerting efforts to improve the
educational status of the region.
The Department of Education has
anchored its major thrusts along
the attainment of the MDGs, which
includes achieving universal primary
education, as well as the Philippine
Education for All (EFA), both aimed
at improving the quality of basic
education for every Filipino by 2015.
The regions Simple Literacy Rate
increased by 3.5% in 2008 (Table
47). A significant increase was noted
among males. Figures show that the
probability of attaining the MDG
target of 100% by 2015 is moderate.
On the other hand, Regional
Functional Literacy Rate, a higher
level of literacy that includes not only
reading and writing skills but also
numeracy skills, decreased by 3.8% in
2008. Rates for both men and women
decreased by 3.9%. In terms of
ratio, there are more literate women
than men. As of 2008, the ratio is
1.030, pointing to a low probability of
attaining the MDG target of 1.000 by
2015.
Total enrolment across grade levels
increased by 0.83% from School Year
(SY) 2011-2012 to SY 2012-2013 (Table
48). The increase is attributed to the
programs of the DepEd, namely: (1)
No Collection; (2) Project Barangay
Education Strategic Team, BEST; (3)
Brigada Eskwela; and, (4) Enhanced
Basic Education Information System,
EBEIS.
121
Total enrolment at the elementary

level, however, decreased by 0.27%
in the same school years because
of the drop in enrolment in public
elementary schools.
In SY 2011-2012, Participation Rate
or Net Enrolment Rate (NER) was up
by 1.02% in the elementary level but
dropped by 6.51% in the secondary
(Table 49). The increase is similarly
attributed to the No Collection"
Policy and implementation of other
programs like the Adopt-a-School
Program, School Feeding Program,
Support Options for Basic Education
(SOBE), Alternative Delivery Mode
(ADM) of Learning, family mapping,
and completion of multi-grade
schools. The decrease, on the other
hand, was brought about by child
labor, lack of parental support,
and insurgency. The probability of
attaining the MDG target for the
elementary level is low, and there is
a slim chance for the secondary level
to attain the EFA target of 87.73% in
2015.
Completion Rate (CR) in the
elementary and secondary levels
both decreased in SY 2011-2012.
In elementary, the decline was by
6.21%. The highest declines were
seen in the provinces of Eastern and
Northern Samar. Eastern Samar had
a consistently decreasing completion
rate in the last three school years. The
secondary level also had a reduced
rate of 3.78% for the same school
year. Eastern Samar also had the
lowest rate among provinces, which
is also on a downtrend for the last
three SYs. Among cities in the region,
Calbayog had the biggest decline.
Domestic burden, wherein learners
take care of siblings, help families
earn additional income, and suffer
from lack of parental support, is the
primary hindrance. Other factors
are distance of residence to school,
occurrence of natural calamities, and
insurgency. Given this performance,
the region has a low probability of
attaining both the EFA and MDG
targets.
Cohort Survival Rate (CSR) also

declined for both elementary and
secondary in SY 2011-2012.
It
dropped by 6.54% for the elementary
level and by 4.29% for the secondary
level. Eastern Samar had the lowest
CSR and had consistently decreasing
figures in the last three SYs for the
elementary level. For the secondary
level, Calbayog City accounted for
the biggest decline in CSR. Reasons
cited for the decline are distance
of residence to school, occurrence
of natural calamities, and health
problems of learners. Along this line,
the region again has a slim chance
of attaining both the EFA and MDG
targets.
Drop-out Rate for both levels
increased from SY 2010-2011 to SY
2011-2012. At the elementarylevel,
it increased by 7.28%, with the
highest rate in Grade I. The rate at
the secondary level increased by
0.34%, concentrated largely in the
First Year. Contributory factors are
family and health problems, lack of
interest of pupils and students in
their studies, presence of distractions
such as modern technology and
peer influence, early marriage, and
domestic burden.
In terms of National Achievement
Test-Mean Percentage Score (NATMPS), the situation is favorable
only in the elementary level, with
an increase of 4.56%. A decrease
of 1.07% was seen in the secondary
level. The province of Northern Samar
greatly pulled down the NAT-MPS
performance in the secondary level.
Reasons behind the deceleration
are distance of home to school,
occurrence of natural calamities,
domestic burden (child labor due
to poverty), migration, insurgency,
passive parental support, and peer
influence. With these realities, the
region is still way too far in attaining
the EFA targets.
Teacher-to-pupils/students ratio and
seating ratio are within standard
(Table 50). This applies to both
elementary and secondary levels
Table 50. Ratio Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012

SY 2010-2011
(%)
Teacher- Student Ratio
Elementary
1:32
Secondary
1:39
Student-Class Ratio
Elementary
1:33
Secondary
1:50
Seating Ratio
Elementary
1:1
Secondary
1:1
Girls to Boys Ratio
Elementary
0.980
Secondary
1.104
Indicator
SY 2011-2012
(%)
MDG Target
2015 (%)
1:32
1:39
1:35
1:51
1:1
1:1
1.090
0.970
1.000
1.000
Sources: Regional Report on Education Outcome Indicators by MFO, DepEd VIII and MDG
Watch as of September 2012
Table 51. Technical and Vocational Education Training Performance

Indicators, Eastern Visayas: SYs 2011 and 2012
% Increase/
Indicator
SY 2011
SY 2012
Decrease
Enrolees
40,093
41,524
3.56
ICT
2,993
3,505
17.11
Tourism
8,097
10,574
30.60
Agri-Fishery
9,030
11,642
28.92
Graduates
35,219
36,713
4.24
ICT
1,753
2,621
49.51
Tourism
6,203
8,606
38.74
Agri-Fishery
8,740
11,681
33.64
Graduates Assessed
21,950
29,584
34.77
ICT
1,410
1,024
(27.37)
Tourism
5,509
6,734
22.23
Agri-Fishery
378
1,585
319.31
Graduates Certified
20,374
27,901
36.94
ICT
1,232
779
(36.76)
Tourism
5,135
6,524
27.04
Agri-Fishery
374
1,579
322.19
Certification Rate
93%
94%
1
Beneficiaries of Private Education Students Financial Assistance Program
(PESFA)
Enrolled with PESFA
1,941
2,287
17.82
subsidy
Graduates with PESFA
1,263
1,859
47.18
subsidy
Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)
Enrolees
3,391
5,720
68.68
Graduates
2,474
4,940
99.67
Source: TESDA VIII Accomplishment Report 2011 and 2012
122
123
in SY 2010-2011 and SY 2011-2012.

The same is true for the studentclass ratio in the elementary level.
In the secondary level, the ratio is
quite above standard. The MDG
of eliminating gender disparity in
primary and secondary education
quality of girls has a moderate
probability of being attained by the
region.
Technical and Vocational

Education Training (TVET)
In terms of TVET, the enrolees in
the region increased by 3.56% from
2011 to 2012 (Table 51). Along the
three main thrusts of the region on
agribusiness, tourism and ICT sectors,
there had also been increases in the
number of enrolees. While the agrifisheries sector had the most number
of enrolees in 2011 and 2012, the
tourism industry had the highest rise
in enrolment with 30.60% in 2012.
The ICT sector remained to be at
the bottom among the three sectors
in terms of enrolment for the same
years.
TVET graduates in the region also
showed an increasing trend for the
same years. The figure increased
by 4.24% in 2012. Among the three
sectoral thrusts, tourism had the
highest growth in graduates with
38.74% in 2012.
To ensure competency on the
part of the TVET graduates, TESDA
conducts mandatory assessment and

certification of TVET graduates. The
number of TVET graduates assessed
increased by 34.77% in 2012.
Noteworthy is the sweeping increase
of TVET graduates assessed in the
agri-fishery sector, which rose by
319.31%. The increase is not solely
attributed to the increase in TVET
graduates under the agri-fishery
sector, but also to the increasing
number of walk-in clients who want
to earn National Certificate (NC) or
Certificate of Competency (COC)
under this field.
The TVET graduates assessed in the
ICT sector, on the other hand, dropped
by 27.37%. This was the effect of a
TESDA Circular issued on August 15,
2012 suspending the Competency
Assessment and Certification in
Programming NC IV qualification.
The suspension was due to the low
and continually decreasing National
Certification Rate for Programming
NC IV from 2009 to 2011. The order
was issued to protect the integrity of
the TVET system until such time that
the necessary amendments to the
existing Training Regulations have
been prepared and the corresponding
revised competency assessment tool
has been deployed.
The number of TVET graduates
certified in the region follows the
same pattern as the number of TVET
graduates assessed. There was an
Table 52. Tertiary Education Performance Indicators Eastern Visayas: AY 2010-2011 and AY 2011-2012
Indicator
Enrolees
Graduates
Higher education faculty with Masters degree
Higher education faculty with Doctorate degree
Higher education institutions with accredited
programs
Beneficiaries of Student Financial Assistance
Programs (STUFAP) in higher education
Higher education institutions with Ladderized
Education Program (LEP)
AY 2010-2011
138,264
13,265
-
AY 2011-2012
99,283
14,119
903*
344*
10 SUCs
1,654
2,333
21 HEIs**
Notes: *AY 2012-2013 **As of January 2013

Source: TESDA VIII Accomplishment Report 2011 and 2012
124
% Increase/Decrease
(28.19)
6.43
41.05
-
overall 36.94% increase in the TVET

graduates certified, and the agrifishery sector had an astounding
increase of 322.19%. The TVET
graduates certified in the ICT sector
decelerated by 36.76%, which was
also brought about by the issuance of
the abovementioned TESDA Circular.
The overall certification rate of the
region increased by 1%.
TESDA also offered scholarships and
student financial assistance in order
to develop middle-level skills in the
region. These are in the form of the
Beneficiaries of Private Education
Students
Financial
Assistance
Program (PESFA) and the Training
for Work Scholarship Program
(TWSP). The number of enroled
and graduate students with PESFA
subsidy increased by 17.82% and
47.18%, respectively in 2011. TWSP
enrolees and graduates also had an
excellent performance with increases
of 68.68% and 99.67%, respectively,
for the same year.
Tertiary Education
In terms of tertiary education, the
number of enrolees from AY 20102011 to AY 2011-2012 dropped
by 28.19% while the number of
graduates increased by 6.43% (Table
52). These figures, however, may not
be reflective of the real situation of
enrolees and graduates in the region
because of the problem of data
submission from Higher Educational
Institutions (HEIs). Not all HEIs were
able to submit the required reports
to CHED due to periodic changes in
personnel handling their records. For
AY 2010-2011, there were 37 (public
and private) out of the 95 HEIs in
the region which failed to submit
their reports on these indicators.
However due to CHEDs persistence
in data gathering, the number of
non-compliant HEIs went down to
five in AY 2011-2012. Still, the data
generated is still non-reflective of the
actual situation in the region.
In AY 2012-2013, CHED has started
the Base Regional Data on the
number of HEI faculty with Masters

and Doctorate degrees. For that
academic year, 903 HEI teachers
with Masters degree and 344 with
Doctorate degree had been counted.
In terms of program accreditation,
the ten (10) State Universities
and Colleges (SUCs) in the region
have programs accredited by the
Accrediting Agency for Chartered
Colleges and Universities in the
Philippines (AACCUP) in varying levels
and phases.
Like TESDA, CHED also extended
scholarships and student financial
assistance to increase access to higher
education by poor but deserving
students. These were made possible
through the Student Financial
Assistance Program (STUFAP) and
One Town, One Scholar (OTOS)
Program. For AY 2010-2011, a total
of 1,654 scholars benefited from this
assistance, which increased by 41.05
% in AY 2011-2012.
To institutionalize the ladderized
system of education in higher
education, 21 HEIs have implemented
the Ladderized Education Program
(LEP). This program allows recognition
of units earned in technical vocational
programs
in
TESDA-registered
schools for equivalent academic
units in CHED-recognized programs
and institutions. Through the LEP,
students can opt to temporarily leave
school to work and re-enter any year
level later.
In the field of science and technology,
the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) implemented
its S&T Scholarship Program. The
number of scholarship qualifiers
across the provinces vis--vis the
number of examinees increased by
152.73% in 2012 (Table 53). This was
brought about by the 6.8% increase
in the number of examinees in 2012.
All provinces, except Eastern Samar
which had less number of takers,
posted increases. Eastern Samar had
the most number of passers from
2011 to 2012, posting an increase
equivalent to 155%. Despite this
125
Table 53. DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program Distribution of

Examinees vs. Qualifiers: 2011 and 2012
2011
Province
Leyte
Biliran
2012
Percent
No. of
No. of
No. of
No. of
Growth
Examinees Qualifiers Examinees Qualifiers
1,079
33
1,225
69
109.09
115
7
128
7
-
Southern
Leyte
Samar
Eastern
Samar
Northern
Samar
Total
247
281
14
600.00
270
590
3
9
334
496
16
23
433.33
155.56
196
204
10
900.00
2,497
55
2,668
139
152.73
Source: DOST VIII , 2013
Figure 25. Eastern Visayas Centers of Excellence/Development Locator

Map
Asian Development Foundation College

(ADFC)
Tacloban City
Center of Development for
Information Technology (IT)
scholar drop-outs in mid-school year.

This is attributed to the inability
of scholars to adapt to college
environment. Most of the scholars
are also from far-flung provinces like
Northern Samar and Eastern Samar,
which means additional cost in food,
lodging and transportation, thereby
forcing them to quit schooling. Also,
some of the scholars are single
parents who decided to drop out in
order to take care of their children.
Region VIII has only two Centers of
Excellence (COEs) and one Center
of Development (COD) out of its 95
public and private HEIs (Figure 25).
LNU is the COE for Education while
VSU is the COE for Agriculture. One
Private HEI, Asian Development
Foundation College (ADFC), is the
COD for Information Technology. This
is also one of the reasons why there
are only two HEIs accommodating
SGPPA scholars. CHED only authorizes
COE HEIs to accommodate SGPPA
scholars to facilitate the monitoring
of performance of the students.
Social Welfare
Discussions under social welfare
focus on alleviating the conditions of
the disadvantaged and marginalized
Leyte Normal University (LNU)

Tacloban City
Center of Excellence for Education
sectors of society. These basically

include the poor, women, and children
who live in difficult situations.
Since a few years back, the
government has been implementing
the 4Ps through which the
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is
released to poor families as a way
of uplifting their socio-economic
conditions. The target beneficiaries
are those identified under the
National Household Targeting System
for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).
There was a significant increase
of 27.2% in the number of CCT
program beneficiaries in Eastern
Visayas (Table 54). The increase was
brought about by the inclusion of
40 new municipalities that passed
the geographical selection criteria,
resulting to the addition of new
beneficiaries identified under the
NHTS-PR.
From 2011 to 2012, the province
of Southern Leyte had the highest
increase (465%) in the number of
beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, most
beneficiaries are found in Leyte owing
to its large geographic area, followed
by Samar and Northern Samar.
Table 54. CCT Program Number of Identified Poor Households vis--vis Covered and Beneficiaries Served by Province:
2011 and 2012
Number of Households Covered and Beneficiaries Served
Visayas State University (VSU)

Baybay City
Center of Excellence for Agriculture
Source: DOST VIII , 2013
increase, the percentage of passers

vis--vis the examiners is still low at
2.2% and 5.2 %, respectively.
Under the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program (4Ps), the DSWD has
collaborated with CHED in providing
scholarships to deserving students
through the implementation of the
Students Grant-in-Aide Program for
126
Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA). For

Region VIII, two HEIs are accredited
to accommodate SGPPA scholars,
namely: the Leyte Normal University
(LNU) in Tacloban City and the Visayas
State University (VSU) in Baybay City.
For AY 2012-2013, the two SUCs
accepted 230 scholars for education
and ICT courses. However, there was
a notable rise in the number of SGPPA
Province
% Increase/
Decrease in
Beneficiaries
Households Beneficiaries
Served
Covered
Served
2011
Identified
Poor
Households
Biliran
Leyte
Southern
Leyte
Samar
Eastern
Samar
Northern
Samar
Total
2012
Households Beneficiaries
Covered
Served
Identified
Poor
Households
1,741
3,324
74,457
7,030
79,484
111.5
6.8
82
2,163
12,234
465.6
46,779
42,913
(8.3)
236
5,519
24,601
345.8
29,756
34,798
16.9
161,998
206,063
27.2
2,068
86,988
58,427
Source: DSWD VIII , 2013
127
Figure 26. Reported Cases of Crimes Against Women and Children: 2012
55
233
241
Sexual Abuse
Physical Injuries/maltreatment
Others
Source: NSCB VIII , 2013
Under the KapitBisig Laban sa

Kahirapan
Comprehensive
Integrated Delivery of Social Services
(KALAHI-CIDSS), a total of 250 subprojects were completed in 2012.
This is an increment of 1.3% from
the previous year. These projects
included, among others, the
construction of school buildings,
access trails, bridges, day care centers,
and flood controls, which altogether
improved
the
socio-economic
situation of the poor communities in
the project areas.
With regards to the violation of
human rights, women and children
remained as the common victims,
particularly of abuses, maltreatment,
and human trafficking (Figure 26).
Sexual abuse in the forms of rape,
incest, sexual harassment, acts of
lasciviousness, and other related
cases accounted for the highest
number of crimes against children
and women (46%). Physical injuries/
maltreatment was placed at 44%. This
is an indication that discrimination
against women and children poses
as a problem in the region. Unaware
of their rights, women and children
victims are disempowered from
seeking assistance from authorities.
Meanwhile, the number of trafficked
victims significantly increased by
131% from 36 cases in 2010 to
83 in 2011, which also signifies
128
discrimination against women and

children.
The 2011 NSO survey reveals that the
total number of child laborers in the
country reached 5.59 million. Out
of this number, a total of 213,000
(3.8%) children from Eastern Visayas
were engaged in hazardous child
labor. As concomitants of poverty,
children are forced to work in difficult
circumstances to help their families
earn income.
Moreover, based on the records of the
DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center
for Youth (RRCY) alone, Children in
Conflict with the Law (CICL) increased
by 20% in 2012 that is, from 75
in 2011 to 90 in 2012. The increase
was due to new cases admitted to the
Center, which posted an equivalent
increase of 71%. Even outside of the
RRCY, particularly in urban areas,
there is a visible proliferation of street
children and vagrants. Neglect of
children due to broken marriages and
lack of proper parenting especially
in poor households are among the
major reasons for the increase.
Uncared and unguided, these street
children become prone to abuses
and conflict with law. Other cases of
vagrants are linked to illegal mining
activities in the upland. Moreover,
some indigenous people (IP) are
compelled to beg in the cities as they
are pushed out of their ancestral
lands. There is a lack of protection

for the IPs. Lax enforcement of laws
on women and children and women
protection amplifies the number of
violators. The continued practice of
giving alms to the vagrants seem to
encourage them to stay in the streets.
Based on NSCB reports, womens
participation in development and
access to social protection are
very limited.
Their labor force
participation rate in 2011 was very
low at only 36.2% compared to
mens at 63.8%. In politics, based
on the set of officials elected in the
May 2010 local elections, about 75%
of higher positions are occupied by
men. These include congressional,
gubernatorial, and vice-gubernatorial
positions. Elected women are mostly
vice-mayors, mayors, and board
members.
Further, in 2012, a small proportion
of women in the informal economy
were covered by social protection
schemes.
Only 27% of female
informal workers were enrolled in the
SSS, PAG-IBIG and GSIS.
This situation is primarily attributed to
womens low self-esteem and limited
economic opportunities. This stems
from gender stereotyping whereby
women are ascribed to domestic
and/or reproductive role rather than
productive.
Housing
As cited in the 2011-2016 Philippine
Development Plan, the total housing
needs of Eastern Visayas decreased
from 44,759 in 2011 to 38,045 in
2012. Despite of this decline, demand
remains high.
PAG-IBIG take-out in units fell way
below the agency targets for both
2011 and 2012 (Table 55). There was
also a year-on-year decline of 16%.
The target shortfall was due to the
very high regional targets set by the
national office.
The National Housing Authority (NHA),
on the other hand, posted a 50%
increase in the number of socialized
housing take-outs. However, this
percentage is also more than 50%
below the agency targets. Noncompliance and delayed approval of
documentary requirements by other
concerned agencies were two of the
major reasons for this performance.
More than twice the targeted number
of licenses-to-sell was actually issued
in 2012 by the Housing and Land
Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).
Compared to 2011, this is 31% more
than the 62 issued in 2011. In terms
of assistance in the preparation of
the Comprehensive Land Use Plan,
the 2011 target was remarkably
overtaken with 35 LGUs assisted
instead of only 10. However, in 2012,
Table 55. Shelter Agencies Targets vs. Accomplishments: 2011 and 2012
Indicators
NHA Socialized
Housing
Assistance
PAG-IBIG
Units
Beneficiaries
HLURB LGUs
assisted (CLUP)
License to Sell
issued
2011
Target
2012
Accomplishment
Target
Accomplishment
%
Increase/
Decrease
612
218
744
327
50
1,409
-
571
565
1,144
-
507
562
(16)
(1)
10
35
245
95
171
40
62
40
81
31
Source: Shelter Agencies, 2013
129
the situation was reversed, with only

95 LGUs assisted out of the targeted
145.
On Health
1. High levels of maternal, infant
and under-5 mortality all far
from the 2015 MDG targets
2. High prevalence of lifestylerelated diseases
3. Continued
incidence
of
communicable diseases
4. Inadequate health personnel,
facilities, and other logistics
including medicines and supplies
5. Poor health-seeking behavior of
the population
6. Limited access to health insurance
7. Non-functionality of local health
boards in some areas
8. Lack of community health teams
in certain areas
9. Delayed submission of reports
from LGUs under the Field Health
Service Information System
On Nutrition
1. High levels of undernutrition
among preschoolers and
schoolchildren
2. Micronutrient malnutrition at a
level of public health significance
3. Emerging overnutrition among
children
4. High level of overnutrition among
adults
5. Low level of awareness,
knowledge, understanding and
practice of good nutrition among
various stakeholders
6. Weak enforcement of nutritionrelated policies such as the Milk
Code, RA 10028 (Expanded
Breastfeeding Act), RA 8976
(Food Fortification), Essential
Newborn Care Package
7. Adverse effects of climate change
to food security and health
8. Weak nutrition management
during emergencies
9. Limited functionality of nutritionrelated bodies such as local
nutrition committees, especially
130
in the barangays
10. Absence of nutrition workers in
some areas
11. Inarbitrary replacement /removal
of local nutrition workers and
reduction in budget due to
change in local leadership
12. Absence of Local Nutrition Action
Plans in some LGUs
13. Lack of, non-standardized, and
defective weighing scales
14. Difficulty in transition from
International Reference
Standards to Child Growth
Standards, specifically the
absence/inadequate budget for
trainings and for the purchase of
height boards and new growth
charts
15. Hard-to-reach and conflictaffected barangays in certain
localities
16. Lack of regional and provincial
disaggregation of data in
national
surveys,
hence,
geographic comparisons are
hard to come by (Examples:
micronutrient deficiencies and
food consumption in the NNS,
breastfeeding and maternal
mortality in the NDHS)
17. Different indicators used by
the NDHS, hence, periodic
comparison is difficult (Examples:
b re a st fe e d i n g i n d i c a t o rs ,
maternal mortality rate)
On Population Management
1. Need to further slow down
population growth
2. Need to raise family planning
practice among families
On Education and Manpower

Development
1. Low probability of achieving
MDG and EFA targets
Despite DepEds intensive
interventions, the region is
still facing a slowdown in Basic
Education Performance Indicators
specifically on the Functional
Literacy Rate, Participation
Rate, Completion Rate, CSR,
NAT-MPS on one hand, and the
undesirable rise in the Drop-Out

Rates for both levels, on the oher
hand. Given this unpromising
performance, the region has a low
probabilityof meeting the MDG
and EFA targets. Poverty is cited
as the most common deterrent
to education as it compels
students to quit school and help
their parents earn additional
income. Geographic challenges
also affect students performance
in school. Some have to endure
long walks in rocky and unpaved
roads just to reach the nearest
school. Insurgency and other
political instability also hamper
the opportunity of the students
to earn quality education.
Lack of teacher competency
likewise contributes to the low
performance of students.
2. Lack of enabling environment
needed to produce globally
competitive workers and
professionals
The education environment in the
region is still wanting in terms of
structures and mechanisms that
will fully enable the development
of the regions workforce. In
particular, these are:
Number of Centers of
Excellence (COEs) and
Centers of Development
(CODs)
Out of 95 public and private
HEIs in the region, there
are only two COEs and one
COD. This compels students
to study in other regions,
especially for critical high
level professional disciplines,
thereby making education
more expensive. The lack
of COEs and CODs will also
reflect on the competency of
our graduates.
Competency of teachers
Lack of competent teachers
is manifested in the regions
poor performance along
basic education performance
indicators.
Participation of industry
players in HEI activities
There is a perceived job and
skills mismatch due to nonparticipation of industry
players in the educational
system, particularly in
curriculum mapping and
design.
Labor market information
system
While job and skills mismatch
is a glaring problem in the
region, the problem is not
appropriately
addressed
due to lack of data that will
identify areas of mismatch
and help identify and
implement strategies to
address such mismatch.
Access to DOST scholarship
programs
As reported by DOST, there is
a low turnout of examinees
for the DOST scholarship
despite extensive advocacy
efforts. This could be due to
lack of appreciation and/or
dissemination of information,
especially in the rural areas.
3. Need to prepare the region
for the Mutual Recognition
Agreement (MRA)
The Association of South East
Asian Nations (ASEAN), where
the Philippines is a member of,
forged a commitment under the
Mutual Recognition Agreement
(MRA). The MRA aims to
facilitate mobility or free flow
of professionals and skilled
workers across countries, given
that these workers possess the
required skills and qualifications.
Readiness of our professionals
to the implementation of MRA
is a concern that should be
addressed.
On Social Welfare
1. Increased incidence of abuses
against women and children
Women and children are the most
common victims of abuses and
131
exploitation, especially in remote

and poor areas. They fall prey
to physical abuse, prostitution,
child labor, juvenile delinquency,
homelessness and vagrancy, and
other difficult circumstances.
This is amplified by the lack of
awareness of stakeholders on
womens and childrens rights
vis-a-vis victims and violators.
Despite government policies,
programs and projects assisting
and
rehabilitating
women
and children, the continuous
challenge lies on protecting them
from these difficult circumstances
and safeguarding their rights.
2. Lack of womens participation in
development and limited access
to social services
Women comprised half of the
regio n s p op u l at i on . Th ere
is a n eed to i n crea s e t h ei r
participation in development by
empowering them and providing
them opportunities for productive
employment. Marginalized
and
disadvantaged
women
should also be provided social
protection through SSS, PAGIBIG and PhilHealth. Families,
communities, local governments,
and other institutions should also
be gender-sensitized to eliminate
all forms of discrimination against
women.
On Housing
1. Low attainment of housing
targets.
Generally, there has been a low
attainment of targets among
shelter agencies. Very high
targets set by the PAG-IBIG
national office is one of the
reasons cited by its regional
office. Further, many of
residential lands in the region
remain untitled, thus deterring
the speedy transaction of
housing applications. Many
people are also unaware of the
existing related programs of the
government.
132
2. Lack of standardized procedures

Each shelter agency adopts its
own systems, procedures, and
documentary requirements that
discourage people to avail of
housing loans.
3. Lack of womens access to
housing
Women in the informal economy
have lack of access to housing
programs because most of
them have limited economic
means and opportunities
as a result of gender-role
perception on womens domestic
responsibilities.
Challenges Specific to
Agribusiness, Tourism, and
ICT
1. Lack of nutrition consideration
in work places, tourist
destinations, and ICT areas
Making work places and tourist
destinations promotive of good
nutrition and healthy lifestyle is
a major challenge as the region
aims to boom in agribusiness,
tourism and ICT.
Offices,
business establishments, hotels,
restaurants, resorts, and ICT
parks should mainstream health
and nutrition in their operations.
They should provide wellness/
fitness amenities as well as
healthy menu options for their
clients and employees. It has
been observed that many of these
existing places are not equipped
with facilities and equipment,
and services that will allow the
practice of good nutrition and
healthy lifestyle.
2. Weak monitoring of compliance
to policies on occupational
health and safety standards by
business companies
While there is an existing law
meant to ensure that work places
are safe for the workers and the
clients, there is a need to monitor
if indeed this is being complied
with. As the region aims for
agribusiness development,
authorities should see to it that
establishments are safe from any
work-related hazards.
3. Lack of nutrition dimension in
the tourism value chain
The tourism value chain includes
the production of food items
such as pasalubong. However,
most of these food items are
prepared with little regard
for their nutritional value vis-vis different dietary needs.
For example, delicacies of the
region like binagol could be
prepared in two kinds regular
and low-sweet/sugar-free and
dried fish could be regular lowsalt. Likewise, restaurant/food
establishments, particularly
in tourist destinations, should
be required to offer healthy
menu options. This challenge
is significant to the vision of
the region to become a tourism
haven.
4. Low supply of fortified food in
the local market
As the manufacturing sector of
the region eyes for diversification
of products, there is a need
to co n si d er i n co rp o rat i n g
nutrition in food production and
processing. For instance, the
nutrition sector faces the problem
of lack of supply of Iron-fortified
rice, flour and other staple
foods, among other fortified
food items. Local production
of these fortified food items
is presently difficult because
there are no locally available
Iron-fortificant, thus, interested
manufacturers are discouraged
from going into this venture.
This, therefore, presents itself as
one of the potential investment
opportunities to be considered
and marketed, especially in the
light of the regions vision to
become an agribusiness leader.
5. Negative effects of ICT on the
health and nutritional status of
individuals
While ICT has countless benefits

to society, it also tends to
promote a sedentary lifestyle
across ages. Automation and
long hours in the computer
dissuades
individuals
from
engaging in physical activities
and/or exercise.
6. Lack of skilled labor force,
including women, required by
agribusiness, tourism and ICT
As the region strives to develop
these three productive sectors,
there is a need to create a
productive skilled labor that
will meet the demands of these
sectors. At present, there is an
observed inadequacy of skills
among farmers and fisherfolks,
tourism frontliners and other
workers, call center agents and
other BPO workers. Also, there
is a need to instill the right
values and attitude that will
encourage the labor force to go
into farming and MSMEs. There
is a need to combat the existing
culture and social issues among
farmers as most of them prefer
to cultivate their farmlands in a
traditional way. Productivity of
their farmlands is not optimized
because they are reluctant to
adopt new farming technologies.
Many of them have yet to develop
a desire to turn themselves into
entrepreneurs.
7. Lack of womens participation in
agriculture and fisheries
There are many women workers
in agriculture. However, their
participation is limited. One
of the hindrances is the lack
of skills that goes with limited
access to training opportunities.
Another major reason is the
issue on multiple burden,
which many women suffer
from. They are simultaneously
engaged in several incomegenerating activities besides
their household responsibilities.
This situation oftentimes takes
a toll on their health, sense of
well-being, and productivity.
133
This is also aggravated by

the lack of women-friendly
technology, and the appropriate
trainings.
Some products of
women entrepreneurs/workers
in MSMEs need packaging and
longer shelf life in order to be
able to compete in the market.
8. Pervasive drug abuse
Creating a productive human
resource encompasses having a
drug-free society. Peoples health
and wellness is critical to the
creation of a productive human
resource that will back-up the
development of the region. This
cannot be attained if the drug
abuse problem will continue to
hound the region. It is a proven
and tested fact that drug abuse
can destroy lives and hamper
the productivity of an individual.
Hence, part of the challenge is
to minimize, if not eradicate, the
number of drug dependents.
Figure 27. Social Development Framework
134
Framework
Health, Nutrition and

Population Management
Objectives
1. Birth-related deaths among
women/mothers reduced
2. Access to ante-natal care and
safe delivery increased
3. Infant deaths reduced
4. Communicable
and
noncommunicable diseases decreased
5. Full access to quality health
services attained
6. Healthy human resource in
support of agribusiness, tourism
and ICT developed
Targets
1. Reduced Maternal Mortality Rate
from 79 to 52/100,000 L.B. in
2016
2. Reduced Infant Mortality Rate
from 40 to 20.3/1,000 L.B. in
2016
3. Reduced Under-Five Mortality
Rate from 53 in 2011 to
25.5/1,000 L.B. in 2016
4. Decreased TB-associated deaths
by 2% annually
5. Attained 100% universal coverage
of health care services by 2016
6. Reduced
prevalence
of
underweight
Among preschoolers from
15.7% in 2010 to 10.9% in
2015
Among schoolchildren from
16.9% in 2009 to 9.78% in
2015
7 . Re d u c e d p re va l e n c e o f
nutritionally at-risk pregnant
women from 22.2% in 2008 to
11% in 2015
8 . Red u c ed
p reva l e n c e
of
overweight
9. Reduced
micronutrient
deficiencies to levels below
public health significance based
on WHO standards
10. Increased proportion of pregnant
women with 4 pre-natal checkups from 77.3% to 90% in 2016
11. Increased facility-based deliveries
12. Attained 100% full immunization
coverage
13. Attained 100% PhilHealth
enrolment
14. Increased number of health
professionals
(doctors,
nutritionists, dentists, among
others) to levels that meet
standard
1 5 . I n c r e a s e d
number
of
establishments compliant to
occupational safety standards
1 6 . I n c r e a s e d
number
of
establishments serving healthy
food and providing physical
fitness facilities and equipment
1 7 . A tta i n e d 1 0 0 % o f D OH accredited drug-testing centers
submitting a report on number
of drug-positives and negatives
to DOH for consolidation into a

centralized database
18. Slow down population growth
rate
19. Decrease household size
Strategies
1. Health facility development/
enhancement.
While there are already available
health facilities down to the
barangay level, there is a need to
improve health service delivery
by providing quality and adequate
equipment, facilities, materials
and supplies. Standards on health
facility-to-population ratios
should be followed. This should
also cover the establishment of
more BEMONC and CEMONC
facilities in support to the national
advocacy on health facility-based
delivery. The government should
ensure that as demand for the
service increases, the needed
birthing facilities are put in place
as it will specifically bring down
maternal deaths in the region.
2. Strengthening of the Maternal
Newborn Child Health and
Nutrition (MNCHN).
The MNCHN is a strategy of the
national government that aims to
deliver a core package of services
consisting of interventions that
will be delivered for each life
stage: pre-pregnancy, pregnancy,
delivery, and the post-partum
and newborn periods. Most of
these services require minimal
cost and can be delivered by
health workers as part of their
routine functions with some that
may require additional training
and minimal investments in
facilities. These services aim to
prevent deaths and improve the
mothers and children.
3. Institutionalizing Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (EINC)
in all hospitals and birthing
centers.
This strategy will ensure that all
health-facility based deliveries
135
will adopt the EINC to help

prevent neonatal deaths, thereby
reducing infant mortality.
4. Continuing the conduct of
Maternal and Neonatal Death
Review (MNDR).
This is another important strategy
that will help prevent infant and
birth-related deaths of mothers.
5. Continuing prenatal check-ups
as a conditionality for Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps).
Many mothers are reluctant to
submit to prenatal care at the
rural health units mainly because
of their lack of appreciation
for its importance. For those
who are enrolled as Pantawid
beneficiaries, they can be
compelled to seek the prescribed
four (4) pre-natal visits if it is
made one of the requirements
prior to the release of the cash
transfer.
6. Expanding full immunization
coverage.
This will help arrest the spread of
communicable diseases among
children.
7. Fully adopting the Philippine
Plan of Action to Control
Tuberculosis (PhilPACT).
Reduction of TB incidence is one
of targets under the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). To
contribute to the attainment
of this target, the interventions
embodied in the PhilPACT should
be adopted by all concerned.
8. Continuing/intensifying
Universal Health Coverage.
While efforts to increase
PhilHealth enrolment are
underway, this is necessary to
increase access of quality health
services, especially among the
indigents.
9. Adopting the Philippine Plan of
Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
The PPAN provides for a menu
136
of all the necessary programs

and projects that will adequately
address all forms of malnutrition
and their causes.
of breastfeeding, will have farreaching implications on the

future generations.
in ways that will prevent their

occurrences and if already
present, proper management of
cases should put in place.
10. Increasing public investments

on health and nutrition, with
focus on nutritionally needier
areas and groups which are
nutritionally at risk.
B ot h n at i on a l a n d l o ca l
government should allocate a
bigger budget for the health
and nutrition sector.
LGUs
should include nutrition in their
priority agenda. More funds are
needed to ensure the availability
of personnel, facilities and
supplies. However, given the
limited resources of government,
priority interventions should
first be poured into nutritionallydepressed areas. Infants, children
aged 1-3 years old, pregnant and
lactating women, and adolescent
females should be given priority
in nutrition interventions to
minimize the intergenerational
effects of malnutrition.
14. Enforcing regulatory policies on

food serving and internet shop
operation.
To ensure that food establishments
and internet shops are promotive
of good nutrition, there should
be policies towards this end. It
has been observed that with
the proliferation of fast foods,
there are limited healthy menu
options available. Moreover, the
extended stay and patronage of
these internet joints by the young
population may have detrimental
effects on their well-being. This
situation can be abated by
coming up with local regulatory
policies.
17. Institutional linkaging/alliancebuilding.

This is a critical strategy given that
health and nutrition can only be
addressed through multi-sectoral
and multi-level participation and
cooperation.
11. Mainstreaming nutrition in

tourism, agribusiness, ICT
development and in disaster risk
reduction and management.
Nutrition concerns should be
explicitly incorporated into the
tourism, agribusiness and ICT
sectors of the region as it seeks
to become a tourism haven and
an agribusiness and ICT leader.
12. Carrying out foodbased
interventions to improve
quantity and quality of food
intake.
Promoting production of locallygrown fruits and vegetables and
other healthy commodities in all
establishments.
13. Intensifying education on
infant and young child feeding,
including breastfeeding.
Teaching mothers, parents and
caregivers correct practices
on infant and young child
feeding, especially the benefits
15. Beefing up of the health human

resource base.
This strategy is needed to ensure
that quality health services
are adequately delivered. This
will specifically respond to the
problem on the lack of health
personnel. Standard health
personnel-to-population ratios
should be complied with. It
may include the deployment of
Community Health Teams and
and RnHeals to communities and
enhancing existing deployment
programs such as Doctors to the
Barrios (DTTB), DTTB-Leaders
for Health, Rural Health Team
Placement Program, and aligning
them with the Kalusugan
Pangkalahatan (KP). Likewise,
it will call for the enhancement
of personnel administration
systems and processes in order to
effect the improvement of health
workforce outcomes through
incentive mechanisms.
16. Intensifying preventive
and curative measures for
communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
Illnesses should be addressed
18. Generating LGU support on

health, nutrition and population
management interventions.
The role of local governments
in improving the health
and nutritional status of the
population is very critical since
they are at the frontline of
social service delivery and their
proximity to local communities.
Thus, their full support must
be solicited in support to the
national efforts on health and
nutrition.
19. Strenghtening research and
development.
Health and nutrition studies
are needed to provide an
evidence-based formulation of
interventions.
20. Establishing/strengthening
of enabling structures and
mechanisms.
Structures and mechanisms are
already mandated but there
are still a good number of LGUs
who have not even established
such. For those who already
have, efforts should be geared
towards making these structures
and mechanisms functional/
operational. Among these are
local health boards, community
health teams, local nutrition
committee,
regular
weight
monitoring. The systems under
the Inter-local Health Zones
should also be continuously
adopted and/or improved as an
effective mechanism for sharing
137
of resources on health. So, too,

is the institutionalization of the
DOH inter-agency task force
on drug abuse prevention and
rehabilitation.
21. Conducting
Advocacy,Communication and
Social Mobilization (ACSM)
campaign to raise awareness
and practice level on health,
nutrition and population
management
Individuals and families should
be convinced on the importance
of health and nutrition in their
well-being. Advocacy activities
should be levelled up in order to
effect not only awareness raising
but also elevating the practice
level of all constituents such that
their health-seeking behaviour
will be improved, healthy lifestyle
will become a way of life, and
nutrition
consciousness
is
ingrained in the day-to-day life
of the population. This should
also include advocacy towards
institutionalizing healthy lifestyle
in all schools, offices and LGUs.
22. Institutionalizing responsible
parenting movement
Though a continuing thrust of the
government in past years, this still
needs to be institutionalized, if
only to succeed in the population
management objective.
Education and Manpower

Development
Objectives
1. Educated, highly-skilled and
entrepreneurial labor force
responsive to the needs of
agribusiness, ICT and tourism
sectors developed
2. Access to quality education and
training improved
Targets
On Basic Education
138
1. Attained 100% Simple Literacy

Rate by 2016
2. Increased Total Enrolment
In kindergarten from
105,501 in SY 2012-2013 to
107,606 in SY 2015-2016
In elementary from 725,501
in SY 2012-2013 to 739,103 in
SY 2015-2016
In secondary from 337,506
in SY 2012-2013 to 343,833
in SY 2015-2016
3. Increased Net Enrolment Rate
In elementary 100% by SY
2015-2016
In secondary from 48.47%
in SY 2011-2012 to 71.97% in
SY 2015-2016
4. Increased Completion Rate
In elementary from 65.58%
in SY 2011-2012 to 82.54% in
SY 2015-2016
in SY 2011-2012 to 96.51% in
SY 2015-2016
5. Increased Cohort Survival Rate
in SY 2011-2012 to 86.76% in
SY 2015-2016
in SY 2011-2012 to 87.36% in
SY 2015-2016
6. Achieved 0% dropout rate for
elementary and secondary by SY
2015-2016
7. Increased Achievement Rate
in SY 2011-2012 to 90.03% in
SY 2015-2016
in SY 2011-2012 to 79.02% in
SY 2015-2016
8. Increased number of trainings for
teachers in the K to 12 Program
from 1 training for Kindergarten
teacher in SY 2011-2012 to 9
trainings for Grades IV and X
teachers in SY 2015-2016
9. Increased number of teachers
trained for the K to 12 Program
from 301 in SY 2011-2012 to
9,433 in SY 2015-2016
10. Increased number of enrolled/
registered in the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) Program
from 30,835 in SY 2011-2012 to
32,528 in SY 2015-2016
11. Increased number of ALS
graduates from 27,511 in SY
2011-2012 to 28,199 in SY 20152016
On Technical and Vocational

Education and Training (TVET)
1. Increased TVET enrolees from
41,524 in 2012 to 46,262 in 2016
2. Increased TVET graduates from
36,713 in 2012 to 41,636 in 2016
3. Increased TVET graduates
assessed from 29,584 in 2012 to
32,635 in 2016
4. Increased TVET graduates
certified from 27,901 in 2012 to
28,719 in 2016
On Higher Education
1. Increased Higher Education
Faculty with Masters Degree
from 903 in AY 2012-2013 to
100% in AY 2015-2016
2. Increased number of DOST
scholarship takers/applicant from
2,517 in 2012 to 3,527 in 2016
3 . In c re a sed
number
of
municipalities
with
DOST
scholarship applicants from 88 in
2013 to 102 in 2016
Strategies
1. Strengthening the
implementation of existing
programs/projects of DepEd.
DepEd has various programs and
projects in answer to the existing
challenges of the basic education
sector. These programs include:
K-12 Basic Education Program,
Brigada Eskewela, No Collection
Policy , Project Barangay
Education Strategic Team (BEST),
Adopt-a-School Program, School
Feeding Program, Open High
School Program, Support Options
for Basic Education (SOBE),
Project Shuttle for All Kids and
Youngsters Needing Assistance
(SAKAY NA), Alternative Delivery
M o d e ( A D M ) , D ro p - O u t
Reduction Program (DORP), the
Alternative Learning System (ALS)
and a lot more. There is a need to

strengthen the implementation
of these programs and projects in
order to effectively deliver quality
education in the region. Technical
assistance to school divisions with
reduced enrolment, completion
rate, cohort survival rate, NATMPS and increased drop-out
rates should be provided.
2. Continuing improvement of
teachers competency.
Teachers, as frontliners of the
education sector, should be wellequipped and be kept abreast
of new developments in order
to provide quality education
to students, especially with
the implementation of the
K-12 Program. DepEd should
continually conduct teachers
trainings by year level and by
specialization to keep them
updated of the latest and more
effective and efficient ways
and means of educating the
students. Priority should be given
to teachers in low performing
schools. Regular evaluation of
teachers performance should
also be undertaken in order to
measure competency. At the
tertiary level, faculty members
should
pursue
continuing
education in order to be more
competitive in delivering quality
education to the students. SUCs
and CHED should provide enough
faculty development support
like scholarships to sponsor the
continuing education of their
faculty. Moreover, the evaluation
of teachers performance should
be continued to gauge their
competencies.
3. Rationalizing the number of
schools per Division.
Rationalizing
the
number
of schools per division will
enable the Schools Divisions
Superintendents to manage
their divisions more effectively
by providing adequate technical
assistance in areas where
immediate interventions are
139
highly needed, thereby improving

the education performance
indicators of their respective
divisions and the region, in
general.
4. Addressing malnutrition among
pupils.
One of the known factors for low
learning capacity and dropping
out is poor nutritional status of
the pupil. A malnourished child
has a greater tendency of not
performing well in school and
worse, even dropping out. Thus,
to help prop up basic education
performance, there is a need
for nutrition interventions for
children in the primary and
elementary levels.
5. Focusing interventions in areas
where there are problems on
teacher and classroom shortage,
distant schools, low enrolment
rate and high drop-out rate.
It has been reported over and
over again that certain areas
of the region perform well
in terms of basic education
indicators. However, the overall
performance of the region is
pulled down by other areas
where there are documented
shortage of teachers, classrooms
and where schools are located
very far from the communities,
resulting to low access. It is,
therefore, imperative that in this
Plan period, priority in terms of
higher fund investment should be
given to these problematic areas.
6. Expanding participation of
stakeholders in the delivery of
basic education services.
For the education sector to
address issues and concerns,
multi-sectoral participation is
needed as the government alone
cannot do it singlehandedly. This
calls for the sharing of resources,
and the cooperation from all
stakeholders including the local
government units, parents/
families, the business sector,
NGOs, and civil society.
140
7. Increasing the number of Center

of Excellence (COE) and Center
of Development (COD) Higher
Education Institutions (HEIs).
With the assistance of CHED,
public and private HEIs should
exert more effort in improving
the quality of higher education,
hence, increase the number
of COEs and CODs in the
region. CHED can provide
support to HEIs in the form of
student scholarships, faculty
development,
infrastructure
upgrading,
and
improving
research efforts.
8. Intensifying information
dissemination especially
to remote areas regarding
available scholarships from the
DOST and Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program (4Ps).
DOST should strengthen its
information dissemination drives
on available scholarships for
students in order to increase
the number of DOST scholarship
takers/applicants,
especially
in far-flung municipalities and
areas.
9. Institutionalizing the Bridge
Program.
To provide a friendly environment
for transition and to further
harness the students to be
adaptive to the new educational
environment as they step into
the tertiary level of education,
the bridge program should be
institutionalized. The bridge
program will serve as a coping
mechanism for high school
graduates to gradually adjust to
the new atmosphere in college.
10. Making education responsive
to the local needs/industry
demands.
Higher Educational Institutions
(HEIs) and Technical and
Vocational Institutions (TVIs)
should be more responsive
to the manpower needed by
industry players in the region.
Regular curriculum mapping

and development should be
conducted to be abreast with
the
fast-changing
working
environment. Participation of
industry players in this process
should also be institutionalized
to ensure the inclusion of
the markets demand in the
curricular offerings of HEIs and
TVIs.
Executive Order 83
Institutionalization of Philippine
Qualifications Framework (PQF),
already sets the guideline as to
how the industry sector and the
education providers can work
together to ensure alignment
of educational outcomes to job
requirements. The OutcomesBased Education (OBE) approach
should also be adopted in
schools.
Through the OBE,
the entire education system
focuses on what is essential for
all students to ensure success in
their learning experiences. This
approach ensures relevance in
the quality of education given
to students. By relevance, it
means that graduates produced
by HEIs and TVIs address the
needed workforce of the
industries, coupled with global
comparability. The Skills Registry
System of DOLE should also be
strengthened to minimize job
and skills mismatch.
11. Institutionalizing linkages
between HEIs and TVIs and
public and private employers/
industries in the hiring of
graduates.
HEIs and TVIs should collaborate
with potential employers such as
the public and private institutions
so as to ensure the employment
of highly-skilled new job entrants.
Existing government programs
like the Government Internship
Program, Special Program for
the Employment of Students
(SPES), on-the-job trainings (OJT),
and apprenticeship programs
should be strengthened. Public
and private employers should
also consider OJTs as one of
the work experiences acquired

by graduates. OJTs offer a very
good venue in providing the
necessary experience, handson knowledge and proper work
values and attitudes that are
best required when already in
the actual workplace. Particular
attention will be given to the
differential situation of women.
They will be afforded trainings
in fields that will expand their
employment opportunities, e.g.
welding, automotive, and others.
There should be trainings and
values orientation for farmers
and fisherfolks so as to inculcate
among them a passion for
farming and the desire to become
entrepreneurs.
12. Encouraging industry players
to provide industry-initiated
refresher courses.
Industry players could be
tapped in harnessing the skills
of our labor force by providing
refresher/deepening
courses
to their employees. Industry
players should see to it that their
workforce is always updated with
the latest skills and tools in order
to be dynamic and competitive
with the fast-changing working
environment.
13. Institutionalizing submission of
public and private HEI reports to
CHED.
Public and private HEIs should
be strictly compelled to submit
on time the reports required by
CHED as these reports are basis
for assessment of the actual
situation of tertiary education in
the region. Effective initiatives
should be implemented by
CHED in order to motivate the
HEIs to prepare and submit
comprehensive reports within
the deadlines set.
14. Restructuring public HEIs
through amalgamation.
Public HEIs need to be
restructured, and one effective
approach seen is amalgamation.
141
The objective of this program is to

restructure the higher education
system, specifically the public
component consisting of SUCs/
Local Universities and Colleges
(LUCs), and other government
schools to improve efficiency in
the delivery of quality programs,
minimize duplication, and
promote complementation
between and among public and
private HEIs. The restructuring
could be achieved partly through
amalgamation of SUCs into
Regional University Systems
(RUS) and the development of
specialized institutions.
15. Reinforcing competitiveness of
our professionals.
In order to cope up with
the challenges set by the
implementation of the Mutual
Recognition Agreement (MRA),
there is a need to reinforce
the competitiveness of our
professionals. One program of
the government in harnessing our
professionals is the Continuing
Professional
Educational
Development Program (CPEDP).
The program is, however,
currently optional. If existing
professional regulatory laws will
be amended to make it mandatory,
it would have big impact in
improving the competency of our
professionals. Other related laws
and regulations in the practice
of profession in the country also
need to be amended in order to
empower our professionals to
comply with MRA standards.
16. Expanding, promoting and
unifying agri-fishery, ICT and
tourism-related courses.
As the main thrusts of the region,
the agri-fishery, ICT and tourism
subsectors should be given much
emphasis. To do this, agri-fishery,
ICT and tourism PHEIs and TESDA
Technology Institutions (TVIs)
should be mobilized to encourage
142
additional enrolees in the course.

These programs should also
be re-designed to make them
responsive and more beneficial
and profitable. A mechanism
to unify the three main thrusts
should also be in place. Public
and private HEIs should find ways
in which these three main sectors
be integrated in one program
that will immediately address the
needs of the region.
17. Strengthening PPPs in Education.
The Public-Private Partnership
should be pursued so as to deliver
the basic infrastructure needs of
the education sector.
18. Mainstreaming Gender and
Development in education and
training.
One of the entry points to instill
gender sensitivity is the education
system. Thus, current efforts
to make the curriculum gender
bias-free should be continued.
Trainings should also be designed
and promoted in such a way
that the gender stereotyping in
courses will be removed.
19. Intensifying advocacy on
responsible parenting.
While it is the reproductive right
of every couple to decide on
their desired number of children,
they should also be convinced
on the value of family planning
and responsible parenting.
Community-based advocacy on
the need to consider their capacity
to raise children and provide a
quality life for the whole family
should be continued. Information
on the existence of a wide array
of choices on both natural and
artificial contraception should
likewise be intensified as basis
for informed decision making. A
broader-based acceptance and
practice of responsible parenting
will minimize the pressure of
a fast growing population to
development.
Social Welfare

Objective
Access to quality social protection
improved
Targets
1. Attained 100% coverage of poor
families identified under the
National Household Targeting
System (NHTS)-PR by 2016
2. Increased number of OFWs
covered by social security
3. Increased number of sub-projects
completed under KALAHI-CIDS
from 276 in 2012 to 544 in 2016
4. Increased number of job seekers
placed in local employment
5. Increased number of informal
sector workers, unemployed
persons, minimum wage earners
and OFWs and their families
provided with capacity building
services for livelihood under
the DOLE Integrated Livelihood
Program
6 . I n c re a s e d
number
of
seminars conducted through
Comprehensive Livelihood and
Employment E Program (CLEEP)
7. Increased number of poor senior
citizens covered by social pension
from 14,294 in 2012 to 23,261 in
2016
Strategies
1. Advocating children and
womens rights.
To educate people, especially
those in the poor households
where abuse of children and
women mostly occur, Gender
and
Development
(GAD)
and childrens rights will be
mainstreamed in the modules
of family development session,
attendance to which is a CCT
conditionality.
These two
topics will also be explicitly
surfaced in the framework of
local development plans. GAD
advocacy will be intensified
by conducting orientation on
related laws such as Republic

Act 7610 or an Act Providing for
Stronger Deterrence and Special
Protection Against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination;
RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of
Women; RA 9262 or the AntiViolence against Women and
their Children Act, the Criminal
Justice System from the provinces
down to the barangay level.
2. Mainstreaming Women and
Childrens Rights in Local Plans.
Womens and childrens rights will
be explicitly provided for in the
framework of local development
plans. This should also call for
the strict enforcement of laws on
children and women at the local
level. There are already many
laws that will protect the rights
of women and children. What
is needed is to strictly enforce
these laws by imposing sanctions
to non-compliant LGUs and
offenders.
3. Strengthening the
Implementation of the CCT
Program.
The convergence efforts through
the provision of livelihood,
employment opportunities,
health care and other similar
undertakings to improve the living
condition of the poorest of the
poor in the region will be focused
on the CCT program beneficiaries.
Recognizing the family as a basic
unit of society where provision of
childrens protection and rights
commences, there will be more
systematic and sustainable social
welfare efforts through the CCT
family development projects.
Furthermore, the generation of
strong support and commitment
for a higher resource allocation
and mobilization for the
expansion of CCT program in
the region will be founded
on effective coordination and
partnership with the national
high ranking decision makers,
peoples organizations and other
stakeholders.
143
Housing
Objective
Access to shelter security improved
Targets
1. Increased number of NHA
socialized housing assistance
provided
2. Increased number of LGUs
assisted in the preparation of
CLUP
3. Increased number of License-toSell issued
4. Increased number of take-out in
units by PAG-IBIG
5. Increased number of beneficiaries
served by PAG-IBIG
6. Increased number of preproclamation household
beneficiaries by HUDCC
of Social Housing Finance
Corporation
Strategies
1. Encouraging partnerships of
LGUs and cooperatives with
government shelter agencies in
housing programs.
The PAG-IBIG will partner with
the local government units
and cooperatives through a
Group Housing Program that
will encourage and facilitate
availment of housing programs
by local employees and members
of cooperatives.
2. Streamlining checklist of
requirements.
Shelter agencies must streamline
requirements in housing programs
to fast-track applications and
completion of transactions. This
shall be done by rationalizing
the procedures and removing
duplicative documents.
3. Recommending the
establishment of shelter
agencies in the region.
144
Currently, the Visayas offices of

HLURB and HUDCC are based
in Cebu. Thus, clients of these
agencies need to travel to Cebu for
their transactions, hence, clients
incur substantial costs, thereby
discouraging them to avail of
government housing programs.
There is then a need for a policy
recommendation calling for the
putting up of regional offices in
Eastern Visayas.
dissemination on the availability
of housing loans/programs.
While there are already existing
housing programs that can be
availed of by target beneficiaries,
information on what these are,
the eligibility requirements, and
the availment procedure should
be widely disseminated so that
more benefiaries can avail of
such programs.

Activities
On Health and Nutrition
1. Health Facility Enhancement
Program
2. MNCHN
3. National Health Insurance
Program
4. PPPs on Health
5. Philippine Plan of Action on
Nutrition inclusive of the
following impact programs:
Home, School, and
Community Food Production
Food Assistance
Micronutrient
Supplementation
Nutrition Information,
Communication & Education
Food Fortification
Livelihood Assistance
Nutrition in Essential
Maternal and Child Health
Services
6. Programs on the Control of
Communicable and NonCommunicable Diseases
7. Healthy Lifestyle Program
8. School Health and Nutrition
Program
9. Gulayan sa Paaralan
10. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program (4Ps)
11. Comprehensive Mental Health
Program
12. Establishment of a consolidated
(central) database on the result
of drug-testing
13. Profiling of drug users
14. Establishment of drug
rehabilitation and treatment
referral desk in every barangay
15. Legislative Agenda:
Enforcement/Formulation of
national and local policy on
facility-based deliveries
Advocacy for the passage
of the Magna Carta for
Barangay Nutrition Scholars
Policy Review/Enforcement
on Occupational Health
Policy Review/Enforcement
of the Essential Intra-partum
Newborn Care
Enforcement of the
Expanded Breastfeeding Act
(RA 10028)
Enforcement of the
Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act (RA 9165)
Enforcement of the
Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act (RA
10354)
Formulation/Enforcement of
ordinances/national policies
on sanitation
Formulation/Enforcement of
a policy to integrate healthy
lifestyle in all schools, offices
and LGUs
Formulation/Enforcement
of regulatory policies
on food serving in food
establishments and internet
shop operation
On Education and Manpower

Development
1. Support to Special Science
Elementary School
2. Support to Multi-Grade
Education
3. Support to Engineering and
Science Education Program for
High Schools
4. Support to Secondary Schools
offering the Special Program for
the Arts and Sports
5. Support to SPED Centers/Schools
6. Every Child A Reader Program
(ECARP)
7. Alternative Delivery Mode
Programs (Project e-IMPACT)
8. Alternative Learning Systems
(ALS)
9. Indigenous People (IP) Education
10. Basic Education Madrasah
11. Redesigned Technical-Vocational
High School Program
12. School-Based Management
(SBM) Installation and Support
13. Human Resource Training and
Development including Teachers
Training, Scholarship and
Fellowship Grants and Capacity
building for Non-Teaching
Personnel
14. Lump-sum for Acquisition,
Improvement, Titling and Survey
of School Sites
15. Innovative Programs to Promote
Access to Education
16. Repair of Elementary/Secondary
Classrooms
17. Innovative Program (Open High
School)
18. Innovative Program (Out-ofSchool-Youth)
19. Modified-in School Off-School
Approach
20. E-Impact
21. Provision of Instructional
Materials for ALS and SPED
22. Provision of Educational Tools
and Materials
23. Provision of School Water
Facilities
24. Provision of School Equipment
25. Provision of K-12 Activity Sheets
and Instructional Materials
26. Advocacy of the Adopt-aScholar Program
27. Improvement of the SGPPA
Selection Process
28. Orientation of Prospective
Scholar on GSM
29. Issuance of a CHED Order to HEIs
to involve Guidance Counsellors
in SGGPA
30. Revision of the criteria in school
accreditation
145
31. Provision of incentives for

private schools (tax incentives)
32. Delimitation of courses
33. Training Provision through
various delivery modes
(Institution-based, Enterprisebased and Community-based)
34. Conduct of Competency
Assessment to TVET graduates/
workers
35. Provision of Scholarship
Programs
36. Unified TVET Program
Registration and Accreditation
System (UTPRAS)
37. DOST-SEI Undergraduate
Scholarships
38. Merit Scholarship Program
39. RA 7687 Scholarship Program
40. Junior Level Science Program
(JLSS)
41. DOST-SEI MS and PhD Graduate
Scholarships
42. Accelerated Science and
Technology Human Resource
Development Program
(ASTHRDP)
43. Engineering Research and
Development for Technology
(ERDT)
44. Teachers First: Honors Program
for Quality Teaching
45. Summer Orientation Enrichment
Program
46. Summer Practical Training
Program
47. Tutorial Classes
48. Strengthening the Capacity
of Science and Mathematics
Teachers on Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management
49. Philippine Society of Youth
Science Clubs (PSYSC)
50. Australian Mathematics
Competition
51. Young Excellence in Science (YES)
Award
52. Water Rocket Competition
53. Dissemination of application
forms and brochures to all high
schools in every municipality
54. Massive TV and Radio campaign
55. JobsFit Program
146
On Social Welfare and Housing

1. Mainstreaming childrens rights
and GAD in the module of CCTs
Family Development Session
conditionality
2. Advocacy of social and welfare
development laws in the
provinces down to the barangay
level
3. Establishment of communityand center-based programs in
the LGUs
4. Womens forum on the Magna
Carta of Women
5. Organization of Men Opposed
to Violence Everywhere MOVE
program up to the barangay level
6. Trainings, seminars,
demonstrations on social welfare
and development programs and
projects
7. Recommendation for the
issuance of an EO to adopt
standardized procedures
8. Housing Caravan
9. Streamlining the checklist of
requirements
10. Quarterly One-Stop-Shop
Program
Awards Received by LGU-Tacloban City

Photo Courtesy of LGU-Tacloban City
http://www.ilovetacloban.com
Good Governance
and the Rule of
Law
Table 56. Administrative Governance Performance, Eastern Visayas: 2009 and 2011
Good governance fosters participation, ensures transparency, demands

accountability, promotes efficiency, and upholds the rule of law in
economic, political and administrative institutions. It is the embodiment
of an ideal government. The benefits of having good governance make
it desirable for the government to aim for it. Good governance is not an
end in itself as it should lead to better life for the citizenry.
The practice of good governance translates into a favorable political,
legal and economic and business environment that leads to economic
growth and more jobs, effective and efficient delivery of basic services,
increase in income of its people, and reduction in poverty among many
others. Improved governance leads to better development outcomes.
Local Government Units (LGUs) and Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) in
Eastern Visayas shall exert more efforts to practice effective, efficient
and responsive governance and, at the same time, aim for inclusive
growth. With them practicing the tenets of good governance, giving
importance to the selection of leaders and embracing inclusive growth,
sustained economic progress and an improved wellbeing of its people,
may not be far behind.
Year/
Difference
Legislation
2009
2011
Increase/
Decrease
Development
Planning
Resource
Allocation and
Utilization
2.69
Revenue
Generation
Human Resource
Management and Overall Rating
Development
4.47
3.80
3.77
4.37
3.73
3.38
4.76
3.40
2.68
4.93
3.83
(0.39)
0.39
(0.33)
(0.01)
0.46
0.03
Source: www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpms (2013)
Table 57. Administrative Governance Performance By Province
Leyte
Samar
4.47
5.00
3.40
Resource
Allocation and
Utilization
2.29
2.85
4.48
2.12
1.00
5.00
Eastern Samar
Biliran
Southern Leyte
Northern Samar
3.13
2.64
3.72
3.49
4.66
4.42
5.00
5.00
3.91
3.24
3.51
4.20
3.25
2.50
3.83
3.21
5.00
4.60
5.00
5.00
Province
Local
Legislation
Development
Planning
Revenue
Generation
Human Resource
Management and
Development
5.00
Assessment
This portion is an evaluation of how
the LGUs and RLAs in Region VIII fared
in terms of good governance. In the
past years, the national government
helped LGUs acquire, install and use
the necessary structures, systems,
mechanisms and tools towards
attaining good governance.
State of Local Governance

Two national monitoring systems
on good governance are in place,
namely: (1) the Seal of Good
Housekeeping (SGH), and (2) the
Local Governments Performance
Monitoring System (LGPMS). These
monitoring systems are being
the Interior and Local Government.
The SGH recognizes LGUs with
good performance in internal
housekeeping, particularly in the
areas of local legislation, development
planning,
resource
generation,
resource allocation and utilization,
customer service, human resource
management and development, and
148
valuing the fundamentals of good

governance.
LGUs awarded with a Gold Seal have
LGPMS performance that is above the
benchmark. They have an existing
Internal Audit Office, functional
Local Development Council (LDC),
Local School Board (LSB), Local
Health Board (LHB), Peace and Order
Council (POC), and joint ventures
or cooperative arrangements with
peoples organizations (POs) and
non-government organizations
(NGOs). These joint ventures are
along the delivery of basic services,
capability building, livelihood
projects, agriculture, and other socioeconomic development endeavors.
Another benchmark is the Indigenous
People representation in the local
Sanggunian and other local policymaking bodies as embodied in DILG
MC No. 2010-119.
Table 58. Regional Summary on Economic Governance: 2009 and 2011

Year/
Difference
2009
2011
Support to
Agriculture
4.13
Increase/
Decrease
Entrepreneurship, Business and

Industry Promotion
3.62
Support to Fisheries
4.17
Overall Rating
3.97
4.55
5.00
3.78
4.44
0.42
0.83
0.16
0.47
Table 59. Regional Summary on Social Governance: 2009 and 2011

Year/
Difference
2009
2011
Increase/
Decrease
Support to Housing
and Basic Utilities
Peace Security
and Disaster Risk
Management
4.45
Health
Services
Support to Education
Services
4.56
4.13
3.80
4.38
3.92
3.33
4.60
4.06
(0.18)
(0.21)
(0.47)
0.15
(0.17)
Overall Rating
4.23
In 2013, two cities and two

municipalities in Eastern Visayas
emerged as winners in the Local
Legislative Awards. The Awards seeks
to highlight innovations and excellence
in local legislation that will serve as
an inspiration to other sanggunians
Good Governance and the Rule of Law
149
Figure 28. Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance:

2011
Figure 29. Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance:

2011
to perform better. Declared regional

winners were Catarman in Northern
Samar, Limasawa in Southern Leyte,
Ormoc City, and Calbayog City. In
2011, three LGUs topped the 2011
Gawad Awards. These are Naval
in Biliran, Ormoc City, and Leyte.
Tacloban City also won as the Asian
Institute Managements (AIM) 5th
Most Competitive City, 8th Busiest
Airport in the Philippines, DILGs 2012
Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awardee,
DILGs Seal of Good Housekeeping,
PNPs Best LGU, and the National
Literacy Award. Another important
monitoring tool established by the
national government to check the
achievements of LGUs in governance
is the LGPMS. This tool measures
the state of local governance in the
following areas: (1) Administrative
Governance; (2) Social Governance;
(3) Economic Governance; (4)
Environmental Governance; and
(5) Valuing Fundamentals in Local
Governance.
The SGH has already been conducted
for three rounds. The result of the
SGH-Round 3 conducted in the later
part of 2011 showed an increase in
the number SGH recipients in Eastern
Visayas. Of the six provinces, three
were already awardees compared
to none in Round 1. Also, two
cities and 24 municipalities became
recipients in Round 3 from no city
and 2 municipalities in Round 1. Only
two cities and eight municipalities
are non-recipients of the SGH due to
non-compliance to the Full Disclosure
Policy of the DILG, and all disclaimer
Commission on Audit (COA) opinion
for 2011. Most of the LGUs in the
provinces are holders of the Bronze
Seal. These improvements show that
the LGUs of Region VIII are trying
harder in practicing good governance.
Administrative Governance
150
Administrative governance covers the

basic functions of government such
as legislation, development planning,
revenue
generation,
resource
allocation, and human resource
management (Table 56). How these
functions are being carried out affects

the socio-economic development of
the region.
A transparent and participative
decision making process in this area
of governance shall be promoted
and government officials are held
accountable by an informed citizenry.

Along this area, the region posted
a very slight increase of 0.03 from
2009 to 2011. Increases were noted
in development planning, and
human resource management and
development.
In 2011, about 30% of provinces in
the region showed low performances
in three areas of governance.
Resource allocation and utilization
was the lowest, with a score of 1,
followed by revenue generation and
local legislation (Table 57).
Another area that requires
strengthening is local legislation.
Quality legislation is desired in most
provinces. These provinces have
to give importance to building the
competence of
legislative staff,
the use of research-based agenda
development, legislative tracking,
and setting up of a backstopping
committee.
Economic Governance
To ensure sustainable economic
development and inclusive growth,
LGUs must continuously provide
support to the agriculture and
fisheries sectors.
These sectors
are the lifeline of most of the rural
population. Almost 50% poor people
of Eastern Visayas rely heavily in
these sectors. To spur economic
development in an area, LGUs
should ensure that their offices and
processes are business-friendly.

A comparison between the 2009
and the 2011 figures showed that
the performance of the region in the
three areas of economic governance
is encouraging (Table 58). Support
to fisheries has the highest increase
151
of 0.83. It was followed by support

to agriculture and entrepreneurship,
business and industry promotion.
Though the figures are good, these
did not redound to an overall
improvement in the lives of the poor,
especially in the rural areas as the
recent survey showed an increase
in the number of poor people in the
region.
The figures at the regional level
on
entrepreneurship,
business
and industry promotion are a bit
low (Figure 28). This means the
provinces capacity to spur economic
development is weak due to its
inability to promote a businessfriendly environment.
The concerned provinces have to put
in more efforts towards improving the
quality of its permitting or licensing,
ensuring the ease of doing business,
establishing an administrative
body to take the lead in marketing
the investment potentials of the
local government, and providing
direct support services to business,
particularly MSMEs. Support services
may come in the form of tax incentives,
product labeling, packaging, training,
job fairs and trade fairs.
Social Governance

Providing basic social services to the
public, particularly the poor, is one of
the basic functions of government.
Transparent and effective delivery
of these services contributes to the
attainment of inclusive growth.

A comparison of the regions rating for
social governance in 2009 and 2011
showed a decrease by 0.17 points
(Table 59). Particularly, performances
in support to housing and utilities,
education and health services
declined. Among provinces, Eastern
Samar posted a significant decrease
in support to education, while Samar
posted notable increases in support
to health, education services and
peace, security and disaster risk
management (Figure 29). This shows
that the region is exerting more effort
towards better performances in these
areas of governance.
152
In 2011, the province of Leyte was

the best performer in all areas of
providing social services.
Most
provinces also did well in providing
health services to its constituents.
Almost all provinces performed
better in peace, security and disaster
risk management.
three areas were noted, which signal

that LGUs are now slowly practicing
good governance.
However, support to housing services

was weak in some provinces. The
concerned LGUs were advised to
extend assistance and sustain it.
Most of the provinces got high scores

in transparency (Figure 30). This
means transparency in government
operations
is
remarkable.
Communicating to the public through
various means such as bulletin
boards, a Public Information Office or
Desk, print, broadcast media, website
and forum is valued.
Environmental Governance
Financial Performance

Environmental governance looks
into the LGUs management of their
respective forest, freshwater, coastal
marine and urban ecosystems.
Overall, in 2011, the region posted
lower index ratings in the areas of
forest, fresh water and coastal marine
resource management than in 2009
(Table 60).
The region, in general, posted a
fair rating in urban ecosystems
management.
This is a major
challenge considering the possible
effect of heightened ecotourism and
agribusiness activities in identified
Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)
and production areas.
Noteworthy is the province of Leyte
which got excellent ratings in all four
areas of environmental management
covered by the LGPMS. The other
provinces had high ratings in three
areas except in urban ecosystem
management. This means that these
provinces showed minimal effort
or have low capacities in pollution
control and solid waste management.
Valuing Fundamentals of
Governance
The three main indicators for good
governance covered by the LGPMS
are on participation, transparency
and financial accountability.
In
2011, the regions average score
in transparency was quite high at
4.71 and higher by 0.13 points than
in 2009 (Table 61). Increases in the

The regional average for locally
sourced revenue to total income of
LGUs in Eastern Visayas is very low.
This means that LGUs in Eastern
Visayas are highly dependent on the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA)
of the national government. The
total income of the LGUs consists
of locally sourced revenues, IRA,
and other inter-governmental fund
transfers such as those for projects
implemented by the national
government and grants.

On the cost of collecting locally
sourced revenues, some provinces
had very high rates, even reaching
78% of the revenue collected and
way above the national average of
around 25%. Efficiency in collecting
locally sourced revenues is desired in
these provinces. On how much was

actually spent by the LGUs on a per
capita basis, all provinces are below
the national average. This means
the regions LGUs are spending
less for their constituents than
other provinces that are in similar
situations.
Delivery of Public Services

by National Government
Agencies (NGAs)
Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Watch
Delivery of public services must be
timely and sufficient for all citizens,
regardless of their status in life.
Lengthy and tedious government
procedures slow down the delivery
of public service and increase
transaction cost.
The ARTA of 2007 intends to
improve efficiency in the delivery of
government services to the public
by reducing bureaucratic red tape
and preventing graft and corruption.
It requires all government offices
to draw up a Citizens Charter that
identifies the frontline services
offered, the steps involved in availing
of such services, the civil servant
responsible for each step, the
amount of fees, the documents to
be presented by the client, and the
Table 60. Regional Summary on Environmental Governance: 2009 and 2011

Year/
Difference
2009
2011
Increase/
Decrease
Forest
Freshwater
Coastal Marine
Urban
Overall Rating
4.56
4.56
4.78
3.16
4.26
4.39
4.33
4.17
3.25
4.03
(0.23)
(0.61)
0.09
(0.23)
(0.17)
Table 61. Regional Summary on Valuing Fundamentals of Governance: 2009 and 2011
Year/
Difference
2009
2011
Increase/
Decrease
Participation
Transparency
Financial Accountability
Overall Rating
4.56
4.13
3.80
4.23
4.38
3.92
3.33
4.06
(0.18)
(0.21)
(0.47)
(0.17)
153
Figure 30. Provincial Government Performance, Valuing Fundamentals of

Governance: 2011
Figure 31. Locally Sourced Revenue to Total Income
Locally Sourced Revenue To Total Income

6.71
N. Samar
3.30
E. Samar
Samar
1.00
Local Source
2.36
IRA
S. Leyte
Leyte
Biliran
11.85
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
procedure for filing complaints in

relation to services.
In 2012, result of the ARTA Watch
conducted by the Civil Service
Commission showed a total of 36
agencies that are ARTA-compliant.
These include 18 NGAs, 15 GOCCs,
and three government hospitals.
This is much higher than in 2011 with
only 11 NGAs and GOCCs compliant
154
Strengthening of Democratic
Institutions
To meet the goal of inclusive

growth, government services are
being brought to the poor and the
unemployed. Active engagement
and coordinated efforts by agencies
are now being pursued under the
present administration. In doing
this, lead agencies of programs
coordinate the actions of supporting/
participating agencies during the
stages of planning, budgeting and
execution to ensure successful
accomplishment of program targets.
Coordination/convergence of efforts
by groups of agencies are facilitated
by the Program Budgeting Approach.
This convergence of efforts will have
to happen at the national, regional
and sub-regional levels.
Involvement of the people in the

development process is important to
make them all feel that they have a
stake in it and do not feel excluded
from the mainstream of society.
All groups, particularly the most
vulnerable, should be given equal
opportunities to improve or maintain
their well-being. Partnership between
government and the Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs) in the Philippine
setting has shown some success as
demonstrated by the participation of
Private Sector Representatives (PSRs)
and CSOs in government bodies and
processes. The Local Government
Code has mandated the creation of
local special bodies such as the Local
Development Councils, Local Health
Board, among others.
However,
citizens participation in these local
councils and special bodies are
nominal if not inoperative.
The focus areas for convergent

public investments from national
and local agencies will be offered
not only basic social services and
protection but also infrastructure and
enterprise development. The priority
geographical areas for program
convergence are sites identified under
the Coconut Industry and Poverty
Reduction
roadmaps,
localities
under the Pantawid programs where
majority of the fisherfolks reside,
and the ten (10) gateway tourism
destination clusters.
5.4
0%
Convergence of Government
Services
to the requirements of ARTA. ARTAcompliant agencies are those who

have completed their respective
citizens charters, set up public
assistance and complaints desks, and
have adopted measures to stop fixing
activities in their respective agencies.
The monitoring of LGUs compliant to
ARTA was transferred to DILG in 2012
under the SGH.
Public infrastructure delivery services

are traditionally within the domain
of the government.
However,
given the limited funding of the
government, it turns to the private
sector as an alternative approach
to meet its massive infrastructure
requirements. This strategy draws
significant benefits like efficiency in
service delivery, innovation, access
to private capital, cost savings,
among others. An example of this
is the Schoolbuilding Project being
Education
Private Sector Representation

in the Regional Development
Council
Executive Order No. 325 provides for
the reorganization and strengthening
of the Regional Development Council
(RDC) to make it a more effective
institution in the regions. The RDC is
responsible for ensuring sustainable,
participatory
and
equitable
development.
To ensure ample participation of
the people in the development
process at the regional level, the
reorganized RDC provides seats
for PSRs, comprising one-fourth of
the total RDC members or 15 PSRs
sitting in the RDC as voting members.
They are nominated by accredited
Private Sector Organizations (PSOs)
to represent in various sectors and
bring forth issues and concerns of the
sectors they represent.
155
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

in Budget Formulation and
Execution
to improve the implementation of

projects and programs and uplift the
poorest regions in the country.
The civil society plays a key role in

ensuring government transparency
and accountability. With dedicated
effort, CSOs now participate in
certain inclusive and participatory
budgeting processes. A new feature
in budget preparations of NGAs seeks
to increase citizens participation in
the budget process. Departments
and agencies are tasked to partner
with civil society organizations (CSOs)
and other citizen-stakeholders as
they prepare their agency budget
proposals. This new process, called
Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB), was
piloted in the preparation of the 2012
National Budget and is being expanded
towards institutionalization.
Monitoring Capacities of the

National and Local Governments
To institutionalize participatory
budgeting in the bureaucracy and
broaden the constructive partnership
with the CSOs and other stakeholders,
DBM issued National Budget Circular
(NBC) No. 536. This Circular provides
for the guidelines on partnership
with CSOs and other stakeholders
in the preparation of agency budget
proposals.
Moreover, NBC No.
539 provides for the guidelines on
partnership with CSOs and other
stakeholders in the execution of the
agency budget.
The BuB system establishes
closer citizen engagement in the
budgeting process. It is done through
consultations with the CSOs and the
poorest municipalities of the country.
These municipalities prepare their
Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans
in cooperation with local CSOs which
are then submitted to the national
government for consideration in the
national budget. This process assures
that public funds will be spent on
programs that intend to benefit
target recipients and ultimately
improve the socio- economic wellbeing of citizens. The BuB aims to
fight corruption in government and
create a more open and transparent
government. Ultimately, it intends
156
Monitoring of programs and projects

of NGAs and LGUs is still weak as
shown in the on-and-off or lax
monitoring activities. The monitoring
capacity of government agencies,
especially at the LGU level, is low.
However, continuous efforts to
strengthen monitoring tools and
mechanisms are being started.
Among the governments initiatives
that have been implemented to
strengthen monitoring are the SGH,
LGPMS and currently the results
monitoring in the updated PDP/RDP
2013-2016. The PSRs participation
in project monitoring has also been
encouraged.
Political Processes and Systems

Political analysts have long observed
that the problems of lack of
accountability and corruption in
governance are traceable to the
countrys political processes and
traditions that evolved through the
years. These include the dominance
of elite interests in politics, the
weakness and subservience of the
bureaucracy relative to the political
class, and corruption of elections
through patronage and money
politics.
1. Weak practices of some LGUs in
administrative governance.
The problem of weak multilevel and multi-year planning
perspective, as manifested in
disconnected plans between
the LGUs and the national
government, still needs to be
addressed. Incorporating LGU
plans in the national plans will
ensure that priority local programs
and projects are considered in
the national agency plans and

budget. A more synchronized
local and national plan will
redound to a more effective and
efficient utilization of resources.
The lack of data at the LGU
level is a big hindrance towards
making a good plan. Also, with
the devastating effects of climate
change occurring in some parts
of our country, an urgent need to
integrate the concerns on climate
change adaptation and disaster
risk management in development
plans must be pursued.
Formulating and/or regularly
updating the Local Development
and Investment Plan (LDIP) is
a constant challenge to LGUs.
Essentially, this exercise aims to
realize the vision of the LGUs by
translating the strategies defined
in the Local Development Plan
(LDP) into programs and projects
for implementation. Regularly
updating the LDP ensures that
only relevant and responsive
programs and projects will be
implemented.
2. Low capacity of some LGUs to
spur economic development.
One of the factors that hinder the
inflow of investments is the LGUs
long and tedious process for
starting business. No less than
President Aquino himself called
on the LGUs to look for more
ways to streamline processes in
order to make business start-ups
easier. With the government
proposing service standards for
business registration processes,
there is now a need to capacitate
cities and municipalities to
comply with these standards.
A simple and relatively low tax
rate is also one of the aspects
that entice investors, yet in most
LGUs of the region, this has yet to
be rationalized.
The lack of an LGU instrument
that illustrates the local
governments investment policies
and programs, the Investments

Priority Areas (IPAs), the local
incentives available to domestic
and foreign investors and the
mechanics for availing them, all
deter investors from pouring in
capital into the locality. To draw
investments especially in priority
areas for development, there is
a need for LGUs to formulate its
Local Investment and Incentive
Code (LIIC).
3. Low capability of some LGUs to
provide effective and efficient
delivery of public services.
One of the key devolved functions
that need LGU support is the
delivery of social services. Weak
support to housing services by
some provinces were identified
in the 2011 LGPMS. This is due
to the low priority given to the
provision of housing by most
LGUs.
Also, weak support to education
services by some provinces
was noted.
Basic public
education is still largely the
responsibility of the national
government, delivered through
the Department of Education
(DepEd). However, the LGUs,
through the Local School Board,
are considered major partners
of the national government in
the delivery of basic education
services.
Low support to environmental
management along the areas of
forest, fresh water, costal marine,
and urban ecosystems, and the
low capacities in pollution control
and solid waste management
were recorded in some provinces.
4. Lack of transparency,
participation and accountability
of some responsible officials in
government institutions and
processes.
There remains a need to capacitate
all government procurement
practitioners on Republic Act
9184, otherwise known as the
157
Government Procurement
Reform Act. One of the principles
of RA 9184 is transparency
in the procurement process
and in the implementation of
procurement contracts. A system
of accountability to all involved in
the procurement process is still
wanting in some LGUs and NGAs.
Framework
Goals
The two main goals under Good
Governance and the Rule of Law
are: (1) the practice of effective,
transparent and participative
governance, and (2) the enhanced
access to justice.

The regions overall goal of sustained
economic growth that leads to
Figure 32. Good Governance and the Rule of Law Framework
poverty reduction will be achieved

if RLAs and LGUs practice effective,
efficient and responsive governance
with the private sector playing an
active role as partner of development.
The contention here is that no matter
how comprehensive the planned
interventions are if the key players
are not practicing good governance,
all other development goals of the
region will not be attained.

The practice of good governance
shall lead to an environment which is
conducive to business and investors
wanting to invest in a locality.
Strengthening LGUs capacity to
spur economic development shall be
pursued. LGUs shall be the catalysis
for more investments in agribusiness
and tourism. The development of
these two sectors is expected to
create more jobs and to increase
the income of poor families. Beyond
providing a conducive environment
for economic activities is also to
think global. Government should also

promote exports of non-traditional
agri-products. Exporting agricultural/
fisheries fresh and processed
products is the way to a more
sustainable agribusiness. NGAs shall
exert more efforts towards providing
the LGUs the necessary technical and
fiscal assistance.

Side by side with this, the region also
aims to enhance its justice system by
strengthening the rule of law.
Objectives and Strategies

1. Effective and efficient delivery
of public services with greater
transparency and accountability
provided by RLAs and LGUs.
The delivery of public services is still
a shared responsibility between the
LGUs and the national government.
Providing the public with valuable
services efficiently and with greater
transparency shall be aimed by every
LGU.
Below are the strategies identified to
achieve this objective:
Capacitating LGUs for an
effective and efficient
delivery of public services
Strengthening planning and
budgeting linkages at all
levels
- Capacitate LGUs in the
preparation/integration
of all local plans (CLUPs,
FLUP, CRMP, EMP,
LDRRMP)
Conducting an effective
and efficient resource
mobilization
Improving measures that
support the increase of
local revenues through the
following:
- Ensure adoption of
electronic statement
of receipts and
expenditures (e-SRE)
reporting system of
LGUs (target: all LGUs by
end of 2016)
158
Update tax/revenue
code (target: 80% of
LGUs by end of 2016)
- Intensify tax IEC
campaign
- S t ren gt h e n P u b l i c
Finance Management of
LGUs
* Come up with
an
incentive
mechanism to
LGUs which has
i n st i t u t i o n a l i ze d
the conduct of
PFMAT and PFMIP
formulation
* Comply with the
Revenue Code
Strengthening
and
sustaining monitoring
systems
- Mainstreaming
the
private sector in the
Regional
Project
Monitoring Committee
(RPMC)
- S u sta i n i n g LG P M S
as a management
p e r fo r m a n c e t o o l
of LGUs and results
utilized in development
planning
- Consistent monitoring
2. Business-friendly environment
promoted by LGUs
Ensuring the ease of doing business
is a must if LGUs would like to attract
investors to do business in their
locality. This is to be coupled with
providing the environment that
will sustain businesses such as the
availability of raw materials, labor,
incentives for better profit, promoting
their products, and many other forms
of direct support services.
Below are the strategies identified to
address this concern:
Improving the quality of its
permitting or licensing
Establishing an administrative
body to take the lead in
marketing the investment
potentials of the local
159
government
Providing direct support
s e r v i c e s to b u s i n e s s ,
particularly MSMEs. Support
services may come in the
form of tax incentives,
product labeling, packaging,
training, job fairs and trade
fairs.
Requiring all LGUs to
formulate the medium-term
LDIP as mandated
3. Improved transparency,
participation and accountability
in government institutions and
processes
The fundamentals of good governance
are transparency, participation and
accountability. Transparency in
government activities leads to a more
informed citizenry and persuades
people to participate in government
activities. Encouraging citizens to
participate in formulating policies
and priorities of government helps
people feel that their interest are
valued and becomes supportive of
government activities. On the other
hand, accountability is practiced
when citizens themselves hold their
officials answerable for their actions.
It is a deterrent to committing
unethical and illegal acts.
This objective can be achieved
through the following strategies:
Improving citizens access
to
i nfor m at i on
and
strengthening the Citizens
Feedback System
Encouraging citizens to
participate in local special
bodies and in promoting
good governance
Promoting the Full Disclosure
Policy
Promoting broad
participation in establishing
public priorities and policies
Empowering citizens to
hold governing institutions,
officials and officers
accountable
Effectively engaging CSOs in
160
governance
Creating Citizens Watch in
Eastern Visayas
4. Rule of law strengthened
A cornerstone to good governance is
adherence to the rule of law. Strict
and impartial enforcement of laws
and policies will safeguard the rights
of the citizens and ensure that public
interest will be upheld at all times.
The identified strategies are as
follows:
Enhancing capacity and
integrity of law enforcement
Promoting full compliance
on programs and projects
on good governance
(transparency
and
participation)
Adhering to ARTA
Complying to RA 9184
Complying to the Full
Disclosure Policy
Strictly observing the PAGIBIG Law
Strictly enforcing the RESA
Law
Empowering citizens by
educating them on honesty
and integrity
Fostering democratic
elections by educating the
public
S p e e d y re s o l u t i o n o f
corruption cases
Enhancing integrity of the
judiciary
Other strategies to strengthen the
justice system:
Functionalizing the local
Human Rights Action Offices,
Lupong Tagapamayapa, and
the Peace and Order Councils
(at all levels)
Creating database on the
inventory of pending cases
Localizing the Justice on
Wheels
Facilitating speedy trials of
pending cases
Creating and designating
special drug courts

Strengthening the witness
protection program
Disseminating information
on the criminal justice system
by LGUs
Targets
1. Increased number of LGUrecipients of the Seal of Good
Housekeeping to 80% by 2016
2. Increased number of LGUs
with OPI of 4 and Valuing
Fundamentals of Government
under LGPMS
3. Increased number of LGUs with
integrated plans
4. Increased number of ARTAcompliant RLAs and LGUs
5. 100% of NGAs and SUCs compliant
to Full Disclosure Policy
6. 100% of LGUs trained on RA 9184
7. 100% of LGUs trained on
Public Financial Management
Assessment Tool (PFMAT and
Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB)
8. 100% web presence of NGAs,
GOCCs, CSOs and SUCs
websites
10. Increased number of CSOs
participated in the budget
process for LGUs
11. Increased number of Citizens
Charters created/organized
budgets, expenditures, contracts
and loans, and procurement
plans posted in conspicuous
places within public buildings in
the locality, on the web, and in
print media with local or general
circulation
13. All LGUs adopted electronic
statement of receipts and
expenditures (e-SRE) reporting
system by end of 2016
14. 80% of LGUs with updated tax/
revenue code by end of 2016
15. All provinces/cities compliant
to RA 7160 (Adherence to the
mandatory provisions of RA 7160
in conducting general revision of
RPT every 3 years)
16. All LGUs with institutionalized
PFMAT conducted trainings/
orientation on the PFMAT

17. All LGUs (down to the barangays)
are COA-audited yearly to ensure
strict compliance to Public
Financial Management System,
particularly on procurement
18. PFMIPs targets attained: 201355 LGUs, 2014- 115 LGUs, 20152016 all remaining LGUs

Activities
1. Strict enforcement/adoption/
updating of the following laws,
systems and monitoring tools:

Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA)
Full Disclosure Policy
Bottom-up Budgeting System
Public Financial
Management Assessment
Tool for LGUs
Public Financial
Management Information
Systems (PFMIS)
Government Procurement
Reform Act of 2003 (RA
9184)
Philippine Government
Electronic Procurement
System (PhilGeps)
Local Government Code (RA
7160)
Seal of Good Housekeeping
(SGH)
Local Governance
Performance Management
System (LGPMS)
2 . Po l i c y Reco m m e n d at i o n s/
Formulation of local laws on the
following:
Proper valuation of exports/
imports
Wage laws
Magna Carta of Women
Children-related laws
Environmental laws
ICT-related laws
National Heritage Act
Dangerous Drugs Act
Occupational Safety Law
Electric Power Industry
Reform Act
Formulation of a policy/
161
162
guidelines on the
implementation, operations
and maintenance of flood
control
Formulation of the Local
Investment Incentive Code
(LIIC)
Updating of tax code
Streamlining the checklist of
requirements for availment
of housing programs among
shelter agencies in order to
fast-track applications and
completion of transactions
(rationalizing the procedures
and removing duplicative
documents)
Recommending the
establishment of regional
offices of shelter agencies
(e.g. HLURB and HUDCC)
Creating and/or
functionalizing local special
bodies such as, but not
limited, to:
- Local Development
Council
- Local Health Board
- Local Nutrition
Committee
- Local School Board
- Peace and Order Council
- Poverty Reduction
Council
- Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management
Council
Mandatory establishment of
databases/improvement of
data generation
- Graduates of courses
along agribusiness,
tourism, ICT
- Priority waterless areas
- Micronutrient
malnutrition
- Maternal mortality
PAMANA-DILG Pillar 3 projects bridge would

connect the towns of Mondragon and Silvino
Lubos in Northern Samar
Photo Courtesy of PAMANA
http://pamana.net/photos
Peace
and
Security
Figure 34. Distribution of Crime Volume by Province: 2011 and 2012
Protecting the life, liberty, and property of the citizens is the one of
the primordial concerns of the government. It is recognized that
security is best guaranteed when the general public is secure, free, and
prosperous, and when they respect human rights and the rule of law.
However, peace and security can be threatened by internal concerns
such as recurring armed conflict and criminality. This RDP, therefore,
takes cognizance of the importance of achieving stability on peace and
security through an appropriate and adequate response to internal
conflicts and criminality.
The development goals of the region will not be attained if peace and
security is not made an integral part of the development process. A
just and safe environment conducive to local economic development
should, therefore, be given equal attention and resources, particularly
as the region braces for economic growth and poverty reduction.
Assessment
Peace and Order
Index Crimes while the rest were

Non-Index Crimes. Compared to the
2011 figures, there was a decrease of
43% and 40%, respectively.
Eastern Visayas continues to manifest

a generally peaceful situation. Based
on the 2010 population of 4.101
million and police strength of 6,091,
the police-to-population ratio was
below standard, it being 1:673 against
the standard of 1:500.
Among the six provinces of Region

VIII, Northern Samar recorded the
highest Crime Volume while Biliran
recorded the lowest (Figure 34). The
reported crime volume of provinces
showed a decline from 2011 to 2012
except for Samar.
The Total Crime Volume (TCV)

reported for 2012 was recorded at
4,420 incidents (Figure 33). This is
41% lower than the 2011 figures.
Out of the TCV, a total of 2,645 were
The criminality situation of Eastern

Visayas is within manageable level
(Figure 34). The significant decrease
in the crime volume is attributable
to the implementation of the Police
Figure 33. Incidence of Crimes Committed by Crime Category: 2011 and

2012
7,553
4,420
4,611
2011
2,645
2,942
2012
1,775
Crime Volume
Index Crime
Source PRO VIII, 2013
164
Non-Index Crime
1,106
855
909
806
813
777
631
532
338
Leyte
S. Leyte
634
608
Biliran
2011
2012
371
Samar
N. Samar
E. Samar
Source: PRO VIII, 2013
Figure 35. Index Crimes Classification: 2011 and 2012

2,329
2,500
2,282
1,614
2,000
1,500
1,031
1,000
Crimes vs Property
Crimes vs Persons
500
0
2011
2012
Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) by

police units/stations; maximized
downloading of manpower and
logistical resources; the active
Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams
(BPATs); and the rationalization of
Pulis Nyo Po Sa Barangay. The
deployment of PO1s undergoing Field
Training Program (FTP) augmented
the needed manpower for police
visibility in crime-prone areas.
Of the 2,645 reported index crimes,
61% is classified as crimes against
persons while 39% is against property
(Figure 35). Leyte recorded high
incidences on crimes against persons
and crimes against property, a
scenario which is most prevalent in

highly-populated areas.
The comparative data across
provinces showed that there was
a decrease of non-index crimes in
most provinces, with Eastern Samar
recording the highest percentage
(53%) of decline (Table 62). The
decrease could be a result of the
relentless campaign and enforcement
against violators of special laws in
the past year and the maximum
utilization of the PNP personnel in
anti-criminality programs, especially
in its prevention and control. Strong
partnership between LGUs and
the local police units in areas of
Peace and Security
165
responsibility (AOR) tremendously

deterred law violators from engaging
in illegal activities especially those
involving environmental and marine
resources.
In relation to the crimes with the use
of firearms, there were 385 incidents
recorded in 2012, which is 7.89%
lower compared to the previous
year (Figure 36). Implementation
of enhanced Police Integrated
Patrol Systems (PIPs), especially the
intensified checkpoints/ chokepoints,
and the sustained operations of Oplan
BAKAL contributed to the decrease.
Data on crimes involving criminal
syndicates/criminal gangs indicated
a total of five gangs operating in
the areas of responsibility (AOR) in
2011, three of which were involved
in robbery/hold-up while two
were engaged in illegal drug trade.
These were all in Samar and Leyte
Provinces. In 2012, while there was a
zero incident, robberies took place in
Maasin City and Tacloban City though
the culprits were not members of the
monitored criminal gang.
In 2012, crime solution efficiency
(CSE) was 35.81% and crime clearance
efficiency was 60.90% (Figure 37).
These are 14.73% and 23.71% higher
compared to the 21.08% and 37.19%
of the previous year, respectively.
The increased efficiency rates are

due to the capture of suspects
at large, owing to the aggressive
conduct of fixed/mobile checkpoints
at pinpointed/ designated critical
strategic locations. Another reason
could be the lesser fear of reprisal
or refusal by the witnesses to give
statements for the victims, which
may be attributed to the expanded
coverage of the Witness Protection
Program.
Case build-up is currently a priority
among the police and the Regional
Prosecutors Office to arrest and
prosecute the traffickers. Rescue
and counseling of the victims are
continuing activities undertaken by
both the government and private
sectors.
Province
Leyte
Southern
Leyte
Biliran
Northern
Samar
Samar
Eastern
Samar
TOTAL
SubRobbery
Total
437
154
125
55
379
306
291
377
336
348
275
248
237
206
2012
157
Leyte
S. Leyte
Biliran
Samar
2011
N. Samar
E. Samar
Note: Provincial figures do not include cities.

Sources: PRO VIII and RSET, NSCB Region VIII, 2013
Figure 37. Crime Solution Efficiency and Crime Efficiency: 2011 and 2012
60.90%
To address the insurgency , the

Police Regional Office (PRO) VIII and
the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) jointly implemented strategies
to speed up the timely exchange of
information between PNP and AFP
units. Interagency coordination
meetings with AFP counterparts in the
region were periodically conducted.
The PRO VIII supported the AFP
in the conduct of investigation,
documentation and prosecution of all
ISO-related cases.
Crimes Against Property

Carnap- Cattle
SubTheft
ping
Rustling
Total
374
7
1
536
74
3
0
132
37.81%
35.81%
2011
2012
21.08%
Crime Solution Efficiency
Crime Clearance Efficiency
Figure 38. CPP-NPA-NDF CNN Strength, Firearms and Affected Barangays:

2011-2012
Total
973
257
10
94
12
29
94
198
15
10
131
331
10
39
40
105
0
2
0
6
50
146
181
477
116
65
18
21
149
173
37
11
320
270
33
40
13
76
5
0
0
5
51
116
371
386
427
163
914
110
1,614
331
671
17
12
1,031
2,645
461
Internal Security
Table 62. Index Crimes Distribution: 2012

Crimes Against Persons
Homi- Physical
Murder
Rape
cide
Injury
120
70
222
25
22
13
78
12
Figure 36. Distribution of Non-Index Crimes by Province: 2011 and 2012
700
633
672
591
2011
2012
136
Strength
Firearms
121
Affected Barangays
166
Peace and Security
167
As a result of these joint efforts, 2012

saw a reduction in insurgency-related
violence (Table 63). There were
four less violent incidents recorded
during the year compared to 2011.
This signifies an improvement in
addressing the insurgency situation
of the region.
The present strength of the CPP-NPANDF CNN is figured at 591, of which
265 are by political membership and
326 by military component (Figure
38). This registers a decline in the
CPP-NPA-NDF CNN strength.
The CPP-NPA-NDF CNN is equipped
with 672 firearms wherein 517
are high powered and 155 are low
powered as reported for the year
end of 2012. As compared to the
previous year, there is a decrease of
28 firearms under its custody. The
continuing threat posed by the CPPNPA-NDF CNNs in some areas of the
region is being aggressively addressed
by the joint efforts of the AFP and
PNP units to negate any terroristic
activity that maybe directed against
civilian and government entities and
vital installations.
The NPA organization operating in
Region VIII is known as the Eastern
Visayas Regional Party Committee.
It consists of four Provincial Party
Committees, namely: (1) the
Northern Samar Provincial Party
Committee (NSPPC), (2) the Samar

Provincial Party Committee (SPPC),
(3) the Eastern Samar Provincial Party
Committee, and (4) the One Front
Committee in Leyte.

In line with the Internal Peace and
Security Plan Bayanihan, the 8th
Infantry Division was able to handover
the internal security operations (ISO)
responsibility to the local government
units through the Peace and Order
Councils.
The first province declared as
insurgency-free on December 11,
2009 was Biliran. This was followed
by Southern Leyte on September
29, 2011. Three months after, Leyte
was declared as a manageable
conflict-affected and developmentready province on December 8,
2011.
Samar Island is a case in point of
the correlation between insurgency
and poverty. It has been one of the
strong seats of insurgency, which is
largely driven by poverty a problem
perennial to its three component
provinces. As of 2012 poverty
statistics, Eastern Samar is the
poorest province of the region while
Northern Samar and Samar follow in
the ranks.
The widespread poverty in Samar
Island is largely attributed to the
Table 63. Insurgency-Related Violent Incidents: 2011 and 2012

Violent Incidences
A. Encounters
1. Government-Initiated
a. AFP
b. PNP
c. Joint AFP-PNP
2. CPP-NPA-NDF CNN-Initiated
B. Ambuscade
C. Harassments
D. Raids
E. Liquidation
F. Abduction
TOTAL
168
2011
33
2012
32
33
4
8
1
7
0
53
32
3
9
1
3
1
49
inaccessibility or lack of road networks,

particularly in the municipalities
along the tri-boundaries of the three
provinces. These towns are notably
the most vulnerable to communist
insurgency activities as security forces
even experience difficulty covering
these areas. Inter-barangay roads are
also wanting, constraining access of
communities to social services and
economic opportunities.
With the convergence efforts
under the PAyapa at MAsaganang
PamayaNAn (PAMANA), the major
issues on poverty and insurgency
in these top three poorest
provinces of the region are being
addressed. PAMANA is the national
government's program of the
Office of the Presidential Assistant
on Peace Process (OPAPP), which
provides the framework for peace
and development. It is implemented
in areas affected by conflict and
communities covered by existing
peace agreements. A complementary
track to peace negotiations, the
programs main strategy is to bring
back government to PAMANA areas,
ensuring that the communities
benefit from improved delivery of
basic social services and are served
by responsive, t ransparent,
and
accountable local government units.
In 2012, the implementation of
PAMANA covered various projects
in conflict-affected areas. These
include, among others, concreting
of certain road sections and farm-tomarket roads in Samar areas.
Women and Children in

Armed Conflict

Women in Especially Difficult
Circumstances
(WEDC)
include
those who have been victims of
armed conflict and other forms
of conflicts. Child abuse, on the
other hand, generally refers to the
victimization of children under
different circumstances to include
armed conflict. Despite the fact
that DSWD and the Philippine Army
reported no cases of recruitment
and use of children in armed conflict

for 2011-2012, children continue to
be associated with armed forces or
armed groups.
The 2010 NSCB report shows that
there were 29 children victims of
armed conflict. Out of this number,
11 were from Region VIII. Children
associated with armed forces or
armed groups are exposed to
tremendous violence often forced
to witness and commit violence, while
themselves being abused, forced to
use drugs, exploited, injured or even
killed as a result. Their condition
deprives them of their rights, often
with severe physical and emotional
long-term consequences, including
disabilities, as a result of their
experiences.
1. Threats to peace and
development (criminality
concerns).
The vision of the region is to make
Eastern Visayas a tourism haven,
and an agribusiness and ICT
leader. In pursuit of this vision,
LGUs and concerned agencies are
challenged to ensure the security
and gain the confidence of
potential investors and tourists.
2. Threats to internal security
(insurgency concerns).
Among the security concerns of
the region, the most critical is the
continuous threat to the regions
internal security and presence of
internal conflict involving armed
groups who can gravely affect
lives and properties in some
areas of the region. Criminal
elements and armed threats that
arise in local communities and
pose as menace to peace and
development is one issue that
the region must address. The
presence of PAGs (Partisan Armed
Groups) that surface during
national and local elections poses
a threat. The sector is thereby
faced with the challenge of
reducing the capabilities of these
Peace and Security
169
armed groups at a level where

they can no longer threaten the
stability of the region and affect
the delivery of basic services.
3. Concerns of women and children
in armed conflict.
Protection of children in armed
conflict is an important aspect
of any comprehensive strategy
to resolve conflict and should be
a priority concern of the region.
Children become victims of
killing, maiming, rape, and other
forms of violence and criminality.
Another challenge is protecting
women in armed conflict, whose
rights should be protected during
and after conflict situations.
How to mainstream the gender
perspective in all aspects of
conflict prevention, conflict
resolution and peace building
poses as a challenge.
Figure 39. Peace and Security Framework
Framework
Goal
Peaceful, just and safe environment
conducive for local economic
development
Objectives
1. Sustained peace and order
condition with reduced crime
incidence, increased crime
solution efficiency, and increased
police-to-population ratio
2. Armed conflict effectively
addressed, and peace and social
cohesion strengthened
3. Concerns of women and children
in armed conflict effectively
addressed
Targets
1. Reduced crime incidence by 70%
in the areas of operation by 2016
2. Increased Crime Solution
Efficiency to 36% by 2016
3. Attained the ideal police-topopulation ratio of 1:500 by 2016
4. Reduced insurgents by 25% per
year from 2014-2016
5. Reduced Conflict Affected Areas
(CAAs) from 136 to 0 by 2016
6. Increased CAAs granted support
through PAMANA
7. Reduced number of CAAs with
abused women and children
Strategies
To sustain peace and order condition
1. Sustaining and intensifying anticriminality and crime prevention
drives in all aspects
2. Increasing police visibility,
especially in production and
tourist areas
3. Utilizing the Barangay Peace
Action Teams (BPAT)
4. Translating policies into action
through efficient program and
project implementation that
is participated in by different
stakeholders of the sector
5. Upgrading the regions internal
defense capability including
intelligence and crime prevention
To increase police-to-population
ratio
1. Upsizing the police force
2. Recruiting more PNP personnel
3. Imposing equitable quota
distribution of PNP applicants
among provinces
To effectively address the cause of
armed conflict
1. Realigning of more PNP personnel
to police stations and maneuver
units, specifically in CPP-NPA-NDF
CNN-targeted areas
2. Instituting target-hardening
measures in all units of PRO VIII
to negate enemy hostile actions
3. Conducting Security Survey and
Inspection of police stations and
vital installations in the region
170
4. Increasing the level of alertness

and vigilance among PNP
personnel
collection efforts and intelligence
fusion with other members of the
intelligence community to detect
any enemy hostile plan of action
6. Intensifying conduct of BTAs by
the AFP
7. Intensifying internal security
operations
8. Applying the convergence
approach for synchronized
delivery of basic services in
CAAs in the region through the
PAMANA program
To strengthen peace and social
cohesion
1. Establishing
peace-building
structures, and healing and
reconciliation processes in CAAs
2. Building capacity of LGUs and
other local partners in conflict,
sensitivity and peace building
3. Completing community-driven
projects in CAAs
4. Applying the convergence
approach for synchronized
delivery of basic services in
CAAs in the region through the
PAMANA Program
5. Intensifying campaign on
the mainstreaming of the
Comprehensive Local Integration
Program (CLIP) to encourage
the insurgents to return to the
folds of the law, under which
returnees will be provided aftercare programs. This will involve
provincial and city governments
initiatives to institutionalize
half-way houses connected to
industries which are hiring freed
inmates and ex-combatants.
6. Strengthening of local Peace
and Order Councils (POCS) to
carry a comprehensive peace
and development agenda that
includes ensuring protection
of service providers from
harassment and extortion
activities
7. Enhancing peace and security
coordinating mechanisms through
close coordination/collaboration
Peace and Security
171
with LGUs, community and

other stakeholders regarding
prevention of Permit-to-Carry
campaign and other extortion
activities, as well as measures
towards resolving insurgencyrelated and other human rights
violation cases
8. Uplifiting the socio-economic
status through the provision
of basic social services such
as livelihood opportunities,
employment of vulnerable
sectors (e.g., out-of-school youth
and women), social protection
and the support for poor families
To effectively address the concerns
of women and children in armed
conflict
1. Promoting the participation of
women in peace building
2. Providing gender-sensitive and
sustainable livelihood to uplift
the socio-economic status of
women
3. Formulating structures and
mechanisms that ensure
protection of women and children
against all forms of violence
4. Mainstreaming gender in all
aspects of conflict prevention,
conflict resolution and peace
building
5. Setting up an effective
mechanism to monitor, report,
and immediately respond to the
seven identified grave child rights
violations in conflict situations

Projects, Programs and

Activities
PNP-PRO8
1. Regular Joint Peace and Security
Coordinating Center (JPSCC)
Conference with AFP and PNP
2. Adherence to Pulis Makakalikasan Program
3. Regular Campus Tours and
School Visitations
4. Pulis niyo po sa Barangay
Program
5. Reactivation of Barangay Anti-
172
Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs)

6. Organization of Student Crime
Prevention Committees in
various schools
7. Distribution of Anti-Criminality
Cards with PNP Hotline
Telephone numbers
8. Regular meetings with and
trainings for BPATS
9. Creation/Activation of Tourist
Police Units (TPUs)/Bicycle Patrol
10. Regular conduct of Internal
Security Operations (ISO)
11. Regular conduct of Checkpoint/
Chokepoints and Oplan BAKAL/
Sita
12. Reactivation of Motorized
Anti-Street Crimes Operative
(MASCO) to complement the
MPU and Police Stations in their
effort to reduce crimes
PAMANA Projects
1. Potable Water Supply in Brgy
Sapinit, San Isidro
2. Construction of Multi-Purpose
Buildings in Brgys. Bay-ang,
Mabuhay, Quezon all in San
Jorge, Samar
3. Village Level Corn Mill in Brgy.
Maboob, San Jorge, Samar
4. Carabao Dispersal with Farm
Implements in Brgy. Tomogbong,
San Jorge, Samar
5. Provision of Pre & Post Harvest
Facilities in Brgy. Canyaki, San
Jorge, Samar
PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in Eastern
Samar
1. Road rehabilitation and
concreting of a section of Brgy.
Imelda, Lapinig, Northern Samar
to Jipapad, Eastern Samar Farmto-Market Road
2. Construction/rehabilitation of
a section of Maslog to Brgy.
Carolina, Can-avid FMR
3. Concreting of a section of Canavid Town to Malogo, Brgy.
Can-ilay, Can-avid Samar Road
Phase II
4. Road rehabilitation and
concreting of a section of Brgy.
Imelda, Lapinig to Jipapad FMR

Phase II
5. Road concreting of a section of
Maslog to Brgy. Carolina, Canavid FMR Phase II
6. Coconut Industry Emergent
Product Development Program
PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in
Northern Samar
1. Construction of Brgy. Nenita
to Mirador, Mondragon Road
(section of the Modragon-Silvino
Lobos Road)
2. Construction of a 50-meter Span
Bridge in Brgy. Cagpanit-an and
concreting of a section of the
road stretch from Brgy. Cagpanitan to Silvino Lobos (section of
the Modragon-Silvino Lobos
Road)
3. Concreting of a Section of the
Mondragon Silvino Lobos road
network
4. Construction/Improvement/
Opening of Silvino Lobos-Lope
de Vega Road (12 km; partly
funded by ADB)
PAMANA Pillar 3 Projects in Samar:
1. Rehabilitation of 1.9 km.- road
from Barangay Barruz, Gandara
to Poblacion, Matuguinao
2. Construction of a section of
Lokilokon-Calapi, San Jose de
Buan
3. Improvement and upgrading of a
section of the Lokilokon, Paranas
to Calapi, San Jose de Buan Road
Network-Phase II
Special Program
Focused PPAs for Samar Island as a
Showcase for Peace and Development
(Samar Island Partnership for Peace
and Development)
Peace and Security
173
Eastern Visayas, like the rest of the country, is endowed with rich
natural resources providing the essential ecosystem products
and services needs of the population. These resources should be
managed well for them to last for productivity and environment
protection, not only for the present generation, but also for future
generations.
This Chapter supports the vision and the major thrusts espoused
in the Plan. The vision explicity espouses that while the region will
push to become a tourism haven, an agribusiness and ICT leader,
all its activities will be cognizant of environmental sustainability.
Over the years, there has been documented and observed neglect
on the management of natural resources as well as abuse on their
utilization. This resulted to a host of environmental problems
affecting the region, especially the vulnerable groups.
It should, therefore, be emphasized that the human being is
the center of development and that the environment should be
sustainably managed to provide the ecosystem services and needs
of the population.
10
174
Lake Danao Natural Park, Ormoc City
Photo Courtesy of Russell A. Fermin

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28164317@N04/
Assessment and State

of the Environment
and Natural
Resources
Forest Cover
Conservation,
Protection and
Rehabilitation of the
Environment and
Natural Resources
As of 2011, forest land comprises

around 47% of the regions total land
area, the rest being Alienable and
Disposable (A&D) lands (Figure 40).
Of the total land area, timberland
comprises 1,018,238 hectares. The
three provinces of Samar have bigger
shares of forest lands than of A&D
lands, while the provinces of Leyte
and Biliran have bigger shares of A&D
lands than of forest lands.
From 2002 to 2008, timber poaching
has been a major cause of forest
destruction, which peaked between
2003 and 2005 with 382 cu.m.,
353 cu. m., and 363 cu. m. volume
of confiscated forest products,
respectively (Figure 41). This declined

in 2006 until 2008 when the logging
ban was seriously considered and
eventually implemented.
Forest destruction remains to be one
of the major causes of environmental
degradation. This is also one reason
for the occurrence of landslides
and flooding in disaster-prone and
vulnerable areas.

Despite strict enforcement of forest
laws and the logging moratorium,
timber poaching and kaingin-making
still exist. Kaingineros cut down
trees and burn them to clear the
area in order to start their cultivation
for food production. In addition,
timber poaching still thrives because
oftentimes poachers violate without
being apprehended and also due to
the great demand of lumber for local/
domestic use. Timber poaching is a
way of getting logs, which often find
their way to lumber yards and/or
furniture shops.
Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources
175
Figure 40. Forest Cover Map of Eastern Visayas
Figure 41. Forest Destruction by Cause: 2001-2008
Timber poaching
Note:
Moratorium of logging
operations in the region
started on February 8, 1989
Deforestation is also caused by the

clearing of some of the forest lands
for mineral exploitation in search
for the rich mineral reserves and
for conversion into farmland for
agricultural use. As a result, cleared
lands become easily eroded and
washed out during heavy rains.
In the case of Samar island, logging
and mining operations provided
an opening and access to remote
forestlands for human settlements,
agricultural development and other
land uses. This resulted in the
reduction of its forest cover. Based
on a satellite map, it reduced from
45% in 1978 to about 33% in 1987.
Logged over areas were converted
176
into kaingin (slash-and-burn) farms

and coconut plantations while
human settlements moved farther
into the forested areas. In addition,
infrastructure developments such
as the opening of roads and bridges
in forested areas also made them
accessible to the people, thus
exposing them to more abuse and
destruction.
The degradation of the environment
aggravates the impact of disasters
and climate change. Deforestation
increases the chances of landslides.
The risk of drought
and poor
availability of water are aggravated
by the loss of forest cover. Depleted
mangrove reserves deprives coastal
communities of natural protection
from storm surges.
Executive Order No. 26 provides

for the implementation of the
National Greening Program (NGP)
as a government priority not only
to reduce poverty and promote
food security but also to push
for environmental stability and
biodiversity conservation, and to
enhance climate change mitigation
and adaptation. The program calls
for the planting of 1.5 billion trees
covering about 1.5 million hectares
by 2016 nationwide.

The areas for development are
the forestlands, mangroves and
protected areas, ancestral domains,
civil and military reservations, urban
areas under the greening plan of the
LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine
sites, and other suitable lands.
The NGP accomplishment for
the region for the past two years
increased by 16.4%, with the
biggest increases in the provinces
of Eastern Samar and Leyte. This
was made possible by mobilizing all
sectors, and by monitoring and data
management.
However, despite
the regional increase, some of the
provinces, including Biliran and
Samar, registered decreases in the
number of trees planted during the
two-year period.
Patent Issuances
Beneficiaries of patents issued by the
DENR increased by 18.8% from 2010
to 2011 (Table 64). The province of

Leyte, on account of it having the
biggest population and A&D area,
has the biggest share in 2010 and
2011, followed by the province of
Samar. Patents issued through CARP
comprised the bulk or 54.6% of the
patents issued.
In 2010, only around 32% of the
total number of patent holders
were women. Approximately 50%
were separately given to men.
The remaining 15.5% were jointly
awarded to both spouses. In 2011,
womens share increased by 29%.
This increase in the number of women
patentees signified an increase in the
number of women recognized as
active partners in the community.
Water Resources
The region has 75 major watersheds
covering a total area of 1,016,146
hectares distributed among the
provinces. The provinces of Leyte
and Biliran have the most number of
watersheds comprising 35% and 27%
of the total number, respectively.
To date, however, only nine watershed
areas have been proclaimed (Table
65). Out of the nine proclaimed
watersheds in the region, two are still
to be delineated, while the rest are
in various phases of documentation
and preparations. Nonetheless,
these watershed areas provide
the region with water essential for
177
Table 64. Number of Patents by Sex, Type and Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010 and 2011
Type/
Province
2010
2011
Region VIII
Regular
19,296
323
6,118
150
9,605
173
Joint
Spouses
3,573
-
CARP
LAMP
Biliran
Regular
CARP
Eastern
Samar
Regular
CARP
Leyte
Regular
CARP
LAMP
Northern
Samar
Regular
CARP
Southern
Leyte
Regular
CARP
Samar
Regular
CARP
12,500
6,473
424
24
400
2,757
4,525
1,443
146
9
137
1,048
7,975
1,457
278
15
263
1,709
57
2,700
6,539
66
2,900
3,062
29
1,019
1,484
41
1,443
843
62
3,000
2,457
57
2,400
4,057
57
4,000
Total
domestic, agricultural, commercial

and industrial needs.
22,921
6,670
8,660
2,607
11,105
3,315
Joint
Spouses
3,156
748
3,573
-
12,510
3,741
1,078
578
500
4,006
4,959
1,094
521
266
255
1,673
6,856
934
557
312
245
2,333
695
1,713
-
28
1,681
1,482
25
1,457
2,219
3,573
3,573
-
1,106
2,900
7,108
1,667
1,700
3,741
3,417
433
1,240
2,153
528
531
1,094
1,514
673
1,660
1,799
391
474
934
1,903
3,158
748
695
1,713
-
29
814
804
33
2,186
1,653
1,107
2,310
3,000
476
1,038
1,053
631
1,272
1,953
20
784
1,93
22
1,771
37
1,616
2,262
35
2,229
1,106
1,900
4,306
1,106
3,200
495
558
1,748
409
1,337
611
1,342
2,560
697
1,863
Women
Men
Total
Women
Men
Source: RSET 2012-NSCB VIII
Table 65. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province, Eastern Visayas

Province
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Northern Samar
Southern Leyte
Samar
Name of Watershed
Municipalities Covered
Anas Watershed Forest Reserve

Bolusan Watershed Forest Reserve
Jicontol Watershed Forest Reserve
Naval, Almeria and Culaba

Lawaan, Marabut
Can-avid, Dolores
Palompon Watershed Forest Reserve

Catubig Palapag Forest Reserve
Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed
Reserve
Catbalogan Watershed Forest
Reserve
Calbayog-Pan-as Hayiban Protected
Landscape
Loog Watershed Forest Reserve
Palompon, Villaba
Catubig, Palapag
St. Bernard, Hinunangan,
Silago
Catbalogan, Jiabong
Calbayog City
Basey
Total Area
Covered
1,142.3
7,390
Proc.. No./
Date
763/ 3-16-06
106/ 12-10-02
882/ 3-26-92
2,392.0
70,157.0
4,536.3
107/ 11-23-92
804.9
413/ 6-29-94
5,132.0
318/ 12-15-67
1,866.0
212/ 1-29-88
701/ 11-29-95
Due to deforestation and misuse of

natural resources, the absorptive
capacity of some of the watersheds
to retain water was affected, hence,
the water supply for domestic
consumption as well as for other
uses.
Mineral Resources
Production of metallurgic chromite
ore accelerated substantially, that
is, by 30% from 2010 to 2011. This
is equivalent to a very remarkable
increase in the total value of chromite
ore production by 195.6% from P43.0
million to P127.2 million (Table 66).
Table 66. Volume and Estimated Value of Mineral Resources, Eastern Visayas: 2010 and 2011
2010
Province/Type of
Mineral
Region VIII
Metallics
Metallurgic
Chromite Ore
Non-Metallics
Sand and Gravel
(cu.m.)
Hydrated Lime
(d.m.t.)
Limestone for
Agriculture (d.m.t.)
Biliran
Eastern Samar
Metallics
Metallurgic Chromite
Ore
Leyte
Non-Metallics
Sand and Gravel
(cu.m.)
Hydrated Lime
(d.m.t.)
Limestone for
Agriculture (d.m.t.)
Northern Samar *
Southern Leyte
Non-Metallics
Sand and Gravel
Samar**
Non-Metallics
Sand and Gravel
Volume
(in dry metric
ton/cubic meter)
2011
Volume
(in dry metric
ton/cubic meter)
Value
(PhP)
% Increase/
Decrease
(Volume)
Value
(PhP)
17,932
43,041,775
24,899
127,250,722
30.0
130,663
10,335,128
295,264
36,695,258
55.7
1,997
15,017,419
5,997.50
46,856,841
66.7
9,310
931,000
18,297
1,882,700
49.1
17,932
43,041,775
24,899
127,250,772
28.0
129,783
10,176,728
231,799
22,279,858
44.0
1,997
15,017,419
5,997.50
46,856,841
66.7
9,310
931,000
18,827
1,882,700
50.5
880
158,400
63,485
14,415,400
98.6
Notes: *Available data- 2005 only; **Available data-up to 2008 only

Sources: RSET, NSCB, Region VIII, 2013
178
179
While mineral production is a

potential source of income for the
community, the bigger challenge lies
on the effect of mineral extraction
to the environment. So as not to
compromise the environment, social
responsibility should be exercised
by mining companies and other
concerned groups.
Biodiversity
The region is rich in biological and
genetic resources or biodiversity
and is one of the 18 mega-diverse
countries in the world. Majority
of plant and animal species in the
region are unique and cannot be
found anywhere else, thus, the need
to preserve them.
Among these are the following:
The Eastern Visayas BioGeographic Zone (EVBZ) is one of
the centers of botanical diversity
of the Philippines sharing floristic
affinities with Leyte, Luzon and
the island of
northeastern
Mindanao. Several species are
unique to EVBZ including certain
species that exist only in Samar
while some can also be found in
the neighboring areas of Bicol
and Mindanao.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
has declared Samar as one of
the 200 Eco-Regions of the
world for being characterized
by its high biodiversity and rate
of endemism, which are vital to
the preservation of the Earths
biodiversity.
The Conservation International
(CI) considers Samar island as
one of the 206 biodiversity
conservation priority areas of
the Philippines. The island ranks
extremely high in biological
importance on terrestrial and
inland water areas and is known
as an important biodiversity
corridor for the country.
180
Further, the regions forests and

coastal and marine ecosystems,
inland water bodies, wetlands and

caves are also home to a wide variety
of biodiversity. They are also among
the most endangered in the world.
Samar Island Natural Park (SINP)

The Samar Island Natural Park (SINP),
declared as one of the protected
areas (PAs) of the country by virtue
of Presidential Proclamation No. 442
issued on August 3, 2003, has the
largest continuous tropical rainforest
in the Philippines. It has 360,000
hectares of old growth forest which
is equivalent to 25% of the national
total. The SINP has a total land area of
333,300 hectares and a buffer zone of
125,400 hectares which is equivalent
to around 34% of Samar Islands total
land area, most of which are classified
as timber or forestlands.
Within the SINP, there are four
Protected Areas, namely: (1) the
Sohoton Natural Bridge National
Park, (2) the Calbiga Caves Protected
Landscape, (3) the Jicontol Natural
Park, and (4) the Taft Forest Philippine
Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary. There are
about 56 potential ecotourism sites
identified within the SINP area, three
(3) of which have been included in
the national ecotourism strategy.
Further, SINP is promoted as the
center of ecotourism in Samar island
and as such, certain areas of the
protected area and its buffer zone
shall be opened for recreational
activities.
The passage of the proposed SINP Bill
declaring SINP as a Protected Area
has been pending both at the lower
and upper houses of Congress since
the 13th Congress. This should be
one of the priority policy agenda of
the sector within the remaining half
of the Plan period.

Mt. Nacolod Key Biodiversity

Area
Another area in the region that is

also found to be rich in biodiversity
is Mount Nacolod in Silago, Southern
Leyte. Reported to be one of the
Table 67. Assessment of Programs/Accomplishments: 2011 and 2012

Laws/Policies/Programs
Particulars/Indicators
2011
2012
% Increase/
Decrease
2,105
1,700
770
1,460
1,330
2,388
9,753
3,429
1,786
466
1,222
2,428
2,339
11,670
38.6
4.8
(65.2)
(16.3)
45.2
(2.1)
16.4
12,500
12,500
100
6,627
6,627
100
3,367
3,006
1,078
4,306
4,006
6,207
2,500
1,077
3,345
3,448
2,700
19,277
45
20
(.09)
(29)
(16)
(26)
.50
1. Forestry
National Greening Program (E.O. No.
26) area planted in has.
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Biliran
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Total
2. Land Management
a. No. of beneficiaries with secured
land tenure in public agricultural lands
b. No. of beneficiaries with secured
land tenure in residential land
c. No. of patents issued
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Biliran
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Total
3,417
19,180
3. Protected Area
No. of protected areas managed/
protected
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Samar
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Leyte (Leyte Danao Natural

Park)
4. PAWB Operationalization
No. of PAWBs operationalized
5. Delineation of PA Management Zones

No. of delineated PA Mgt. Zones
Leyte (Mahagnao Volcano

Natural Park)
6. Environmental Quality
a. Total Suspended Particulate (TSP)
Level
TSP level below the 90 ug/ TSP level

ncm standard
below 90 ug/Ncm*
b. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

level of other priority rivers within the
water quality criteria of DENR
No. of rivers w/ BOD level w/

in DENR criteria
100
c. Ecological Solid Waste Management No. of LGUs compliant to the

(ESWM)
4 ESWM criteria
14
14
100
2
(Ormoc and
Calbayog City)
2
(Ormoc and
Calbayog City)
10
No.of operational sanitary

landfills
TSP level
below 90 ug/Ncm*
7. Geo-hazard Survey Assessment

No. of municipalities with
geo-hazard maps indicating
landslides and flooding prone
areas
20
Sources: DENR VIII, EMB VIII and MGB VIII, 2013

*within standard
181
countrys 228 Key Biodiversity

Areas (KBAs), it has a total expanse
of 33,494 hectares. It covers the
municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, St.
Bernard, Hinunangan, Silago (all in
Southern Leyte) and parts of Abuyog
and Mahaplag in Leyte.
bearing on climate and weather,

which poses risks on the health
status and well-being of the people
and the community. The effects of
air pollution and other environmentrelated factors are already being
widely felt.
The area has two significant

watersheds: 1) Buac, and 2) HinabianLawigan. Mount Nacolod is one of the
pilot sites of the New Conservation
Areas in the Philippines Project or
NewCAPP, which also indicates the
presence of rich biodiverse resources
in the area.
Compared to industrialized regions

expected to generate more pollution,
Eastern Visayas has only a Total
Suspended Particulate (TSP) level of
33.72 ug/Ncm. This level is within
the standard of 90 ug/Ncm. This
indicates that Region VIII is relatively
less polluted.
The globally significant biodiversity

of the country and the region is
threatened by a host of interrelated
factors ranging from timber poaching,
habitat destruction, land conversion,
slash and burn farming, overharvesting
of resources, indiscriminate mining
and infrastructure development, and
lack of awareness on environmental
conservation.

The governments efforts to address
the threats and their underlying
causes
have
been
instituted
through the establishment of a
system of Protected Areas (PAs) in
areas found to harbor unique and
important biodiversity. This is in
turn concretized through a legal
framework known as the National
Integrated Protected Area System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992.
The Philippines has completed the

GHG emissions inventory, which
serves as a basis for actions to reduce
GHG emissions, thereby reducing
the impacts of climate change. A
profile of emission sources across the
region is a guide on how to reduce
such impacts at the local level. This
inventory is useful in establishing a
benchmark or emissions baseline
data by comparing GHG emission
levels over time. In Region VIII, the
Leyte Geothermal Airshed ensures
the monitoring of the geothermal
power plant.
The government has given priority

to critical conservation efforts in
identified bio-geographic regions
and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) in
2005 (Table 67). This resulted to the
refinement of the 1997 Philippine
Biodiversity Strategy and Action
Plan (NBSAP). Such Plan provided a
clear rationale for more systematic
and science-based approach to the
establishment of an expanded and
more representative PA system in the
Philippines.
Environmental Quality
182
Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions

from human activities have a great
Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act or RA 9275 is
the national policy on the prevention,
control and abatement of pollution
of the countrys water resources.
One program in support of the law
is Adopt-an-Estero, which involves
the clean-up of esteros from wastes,
debris, and silt through a social
mobilization approach. In Region
VIII, these activities had been
done by firms who have signed a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with the DENR. Of the 137 firms
monitored and surveyed, 20% were
found to have committed minor
violations, thus, issued Notice of
Violation (NOVs). These violators
eventually were able to comply with
the requirements.
There is a need to sustain the
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
level of priority rivers that are already
within the water quality criteria of

the DENR. However, there is no
uniform criteria being followed since
the river is only assessed on the basis
of its utilization (i.e. for agricultural,
domestic use, and others).
Toxic Substances and Hazardous

Wastes Act
RA 6969 or the Toxic Substance and
Hazardous Waste Act recorded an
accomplishment of 100% in terms
of its efficiency. All of the 11 firms
monitored and surveyed complied
with the requirements.
Hospitals are the most common
sources of toxic and hazardous
wastes. With the growing number
of hospitals established, especially in
the regional center and in provincial
centers, such wastes are expected to
increase in volume. Thus, the need
for appropriate equipment/facilities
and system to ensure proper waste
disposal, as well as the need for
regular monitoring.
Ecological Solid Waste

Management (ESWM)
Efforts to comply with RA 9003 or the
Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000 are being exerted in the
region.
Because of the technical
assistance provided, more LGUs have
become compliant to the four criteria
on ESWM. The city governments of

Calbayog and Ormoc already have
their respective Sanitary Landfills
(SLFs). The rest of the cities of the
region are in the process of availing
funds for the establishment of their
own SLFs. On the other hand, other
LGUs resorted to other types of safe
waste disposal system because of the
high cost of landfills (Table 68).
Although
more
and
more
municipalities and barangays are
implementing solid waste segregation
and disposal system,
sustaining
ESWM practice at the local level is
still a big challenge. It is observed
that local government units tend to
revert to their old disposal method
when the proper disposal system is
no longer supported as a result of
changes in local leadership and in
their priorities. To ensure that proper
waste management is sustained until
it becomes a way of life of the people,
there is a need for continued and
regular monitoring and advocacy.
Improper disposal of solid wastes
is hazardous to the environment as
well as to aquatic resources, resulting
to fish kills and/or the death of land
animals, as well as human ailment
and death. Some wastes can also
be harmful to the atmosphere, i.e.,
affecting the ozone layer, which
further results to global warming.
Table 68. Existing Dumpsites and Junkshops, Eastern Visayas: 2009

Province
No. of LGUs
Biliran
Leyte
Southern
Leyte
Samar
Eastern
Samar
Northern
Samar
Total
8
45
19
Open Dumpsite
Number
% to Total
5
63
29
64
12
63
Controlled Dumpsite
Number
% to Total
1
13
6
13
4
21
No. of Junkshops
Number
% to Total
10
4.8
114
54.8
16
7.7
26
23
14
19
54
83
5
2
19
9
30
10
14.4
4.8
24
15
63
28
13.5
143
94
65
19
13
208
100
Source: EMB VIII, 2013
183
Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management and Climate
Change Initiatives
a tourism haven, this move should

be balanced with a responsibility of
protecting the environment and the
regions natural resources.
The region is vulnerable to

disasters such as, but not limited
to, landslide and flooding. Given
this fact, the passage of RA 9729
or the Climate Change Act of 2009
provided the enabling mechanism
for incorporating climate change
concerns in government policies
and strategies. Consequently, the
National Strategy on Climate Change
was formulated in 2010 to ensure
and strengthen the adaptation of the
countrys Natural Ecosystems and
Human Act of 2010. This issuance
was reinforced by the enactment of
RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Act
of 2010. The Act seeks to strengthen
the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management System, hence,
address the realities brought about by
climate change. It is also a challenge
to be more aggressive in dealing with
disaster and climate-related issues.
Eastern Visayas is host to the largest

geothermal energy producer in
the country, the Leyte Tongonan
Geothermal Field and other potential
energy sources. Like the ecotourism
areas, development of these
resources should not compromise
ecological integrity and the welfare of
the people. Concerned stakeholders
and partner agencies should likewise
ensure that the watershed areas are
protected and properly maintained.
In the region, four out of the six

provinces have already done their
respective Disaster and Vulnerability
Assessments (DVAs). These are
the provinces of Biliran, Southern
Leyte, Leyte and Samar. The two
other provinces, Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar, have started their
hazard assessment.
Protection of Ecotourism
Sites and Renewable Energy
Resources
The National Ecotourism Strategy
(NES) and New Frontier 2013-2022
identifies 16 existing and potential
ecotourism sites in the region. This is
an opportunity for the community to
engage in ecotourism-related services
that can be a source of revenue for
the protected area.
While the development and
promotion of these ecotourism sites
supports the regions vision to become
184
1. Deforestation and land
degradation.
Despite the logging moratorium,
timber poaching and kainginmaking continue to hound
the regions forest resources,
resulting to destruction of forest
cover. The declining forests as
a result of deforestation and
land conversion leads to the
loss of biodiversity and further
contributes to carbon emissions
leading to the degradation of the
ecosystem services.
2. Land conversion.
This problem is a result of
kaingin-making, increasing
population vis--vis a limited
land and resource base, poverty,
landlessness, and absence of
secured tenure rights over
secondary forest areas. These
areas have become attractive
to agricultural conversion, thus,
changing the forest landscape.
3. Unregulated and conflicting use
of marine resources.
This stems from an institutional
problem premised on conflicting
and overlapping policies
between and among concerned
agencies and the LGUs. Thus,
there is a need to review and
harmonize these policies. For
instance, some provisions in
the NIPAS Act is in conflict

with the Fisheries Code on the
municipal water within protected
area. There is also a problem
with the Local Government
Code in terms of jurisdiction of
LGUs within protected areas.
Likewise, conflicts also exist in
the implementation as well as
interpretation of environmentrelated laws such as the Mining
Act, NIPAS Act, and the LGC.
conditions relative to the approval

of the mining operation rests on
both parties, the governor and
the mining company. There is a
need to review the process and/
or institute improvements on the
system to ensure that the interest
of the people within the mining
areas are protected. With a
new mining law in the offing,
these concern is expected to be
appropriately addressed.
4. Environmental degradation due

to human-induced and natural
hazards that aggravate the
impact of climate change.
Environmental degradation goes
beyond forest or land degradation.
It also reflects the lack of proper
management and utilization of
natural resources that affected
the quality of the environment.
Misuse of these resources has
detrimental effects to the people
and the environment. Climate
change is now a reality. Recent
scientific assessments have
confirmed that the warming of
the climate system is most likely
due to human activities such as
burning of fossil fuels and land
use change. Current warming
has increasingly posed quite
considerable challenges to man
and the environment. Improper
management of wastes including
toxic and hazardous ones which
are harmful to peoples health
and well-being, along with other
environmental malpractices,
affects the ecosystem, hence,
contributes to climate change.
6. Depletion of coastal and forest

resources due to mine tailings.
This concern is commonly
observed in areas where miners
operate. It is a result of the
chemicals used in the cleaning
and processing of the minerals.
The problem proliferates due to
lack of or inadequate monitoring
in mining areas, coupled with
the unprecedented issuance
of small mining permits by
local politicians.
Aside from
environment-related problems,
other problems related to
mining include the use of child
labor. More so, there may be
unaccounted mining revenues
that deprive the host community
and the government what is due
them.
5. Lack of social responsibility

among small mining companies.
This challenge is particular to
small mining companies only in
as much as social responsibility
among large mining companies
is integral to the Mineral
Production Sharing Agreement
(MPSAs). In the case of small scale
mining companies, however,
the approval of mining activities
is lodged at the Office of the
Governor. Thus, the terms and
7. Industrial pollution.
With additional metal industries
that will be operating in LIDE,
industrial pollution may double in
the locality while more employees
will be exposed to work hazards.
Industry locators are causing
a lot of pollution that at times
can go beyond the acceptable
standard of 90 ug/Ncm despite
the available pollution-control
devices. Observers noticed an
on-and-off operation of the
pollution control devices in an
attempt by industry locator to
reduce their operating costs. The
increasing number of vehicles
in the region also contribute to
pollution, especially in cities and
provincial centers. This requires
regular monitoring so as to
ensure that they are not emitting
185
smoke at a level that is inimical to

the environment.
8. Under-pressure key biodiversity
areas of the region.
The remaining forests of the
region are under pressure from
various resource uses ranging
from community subsistence to
large-scale exploitation.
9. Weak enforcement of
environmental and mining
laws.
Essential environmental laws
aimed at conserving and
preserving the environment
are already in place. However,
enforcement of these laws and
applying the corresponding
punishment to erring individuals
are still inadequate.
10. Limited capability of
stakeholders on environmental
protection, disaster risk
Figure 42. Environment Integrity Framework
reduction and management and

climate change adaptation.
Environmental awareness has
become essential, especially
with the concerns on disasters
and climate change. People have
become more concerned about
the state of the environment.
However, in terms of capability,
there is still so much to be done
to develop/enhance it, especially
among stakeholders from the civil
society and government. There is
a need to conduct trainings and
workshops that would improve
their knowledge and skills.
Framework
Goals
1. Health ecosystem sustained
2. Environmental quality improved
3. Protected the population from

natural disaster and capacitated
on disaster preparedness and
climate change adaptation
4. National wealth created, and
climate change and disaster risk
vulnerability reduced
For Goal 1
Healthy Ecosystem Sustained
Objective 1
Targets

1. Rehabilitated and maintained
forest protection areas with
103,885 hectares of forest lands
planted and rehabilitated by 2016
2. Rehabilitated and maintained
denuded mangrove areas with
6,099 has. of mangrove areas
planted/rehabilitated by 2016
3 . P re v e n te d ex t i n c t i o n o f
threatened species of wild flora
and fauna

with secured land tenure in
public agricultural A&D land
from 12,500 in 2010 to 70,688 in
2016.
6. Increased number of
beneficiaries with secured land
tenure in residential land from
6,627 in 2010 to 33,517 in 2016
By 2016, 50% of wild flora

(indigenous species) whose
extinction was prevented
(through the Rainforestation
Project under the NGP)

1. Sustaining the gains of the
National Greening Program.
This will be achieved by increasing
the targets and expanding areas
in order to maximize coverage
of areas planted. The program
is expected to increase the
productivity in the uplands
through the stability and
productivity of the watershed,
to increase the productivity of
idle lands, and to improve farm
level stability. To ensure project
implementation, an enhanced
and effective monitoring and
management of data shall
be in place in order to track
down vital information and to
generate accurate information
for monitoring and evaluation
purposes.

Increased percentage of
terrestrial, inland water, and
coastal and marine areas
-- which are important for
biodiversity and ecosystem
services -- are effectively and
equitably managed through
NIPAS and other effective
area-based conservation
4. Enforced environmental laws

Filed cases against all
offenders
Issued notice of violations to
all violators
Issued Cease and Desist
Orders to all violators
By 2016, 50% of threatened

species (marine turtles)
w h o s e ex t i n c t i o n wa s
prevented (through tagging
and releasing to the sea)
Improved population of
threatened species:
- 2 Philippine Eagles
- 10 Philippine Cockatoos
- 20 Tarsiers
186
measures or modalities:
- 100% (5 sites or 347,498
has.) of terrestrial areas
effectively managed thru
NIPAS
- 100% (3 sites or 106,440
has.) of marine areas
effectively managed thru
NIPAS
- 100% (3 sites) of critical
habitat effectively managed
pursuant to RA 9147 (Wildlife
Act)
Strategies
187
2. Protection and preservation

of model protected areas for
ecotourism.
Model protected areas which
are identified as ecotourism
sites should be conserved and
preserved so that its attraction
and marketability shall be
maintained and/or sustained.
The program is expected to
increase the productivity in the
uplands through the stability and
productivity of watershed, the
increase in the productivity of
idle lands, and the improvement
in farm level stability.
3. Providing alternative livelihood.
This will provide the people with
a steady source of income, and
will reduce their dependence on
the natural resources which may
otherwise be at their disposal in
the absence of a regular source
of livelihood. This concern may
be linked to the state of the
watershed areas so that these
are not threatened and will not
deprive the rural communities
of the economic gains that can
be derived from forest-based
resources.
4. Encouraging private sector
participation in upland
reforestation/tree plantation.
This will encourage Peoples
O rga n i za t i o n
and
Nongovernment
Organizations
(NGOs) to establish partnership
and agreement with the DENR
and/or
concerned
local
government units. A system
of partnership or memo of
agreement will be made between
and among the government
through the DENR and/or the
LGUs and interested civil society
(NGOs, POs and business sector).
5. Encouraging and enabling
investments in large-scale forest
and backyard plantations and
agro-forestry.
188
This will involve the private sector

and NGOs such as the Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, and
for them to join and participate in
this endeavour on a large-scale.
6. Encouraging provincial Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (CCIs)
in certifying the Monitoring and
Evaluation of the Tree Planting
Program.
7. Strengthening environmental/
forest governance.
This shall form part of the crosscutting strategies of the sector in
an effort to achieve the desired
goal of sustaining a healthy
ecosystem. This includes a multistakeholder partnership through
a mechanism which encourages
greater commitment, particularly
along community-based natural
resources management efforts.
That is, in forestry, biodiversity
conservation, protected area
management, coastal resource
management, and integrating
resilience, especially among
vulnerable groups (women,
children, elderly, and others).
Apart from their involvement
in agro-forestry projects, the
private/business sector shall also
be encouraged in cleaning the
environment, natural resource
management and in other
environment-related endeavors.
Efforts along environmental
protection and conservation
should be harmonized and
streamlined such that policies,
plans and programs that are
related to the different ecosystems and natural resources do
complement and do not compete
with each other.
Objective 2
Target
Rehabilitated and maintained
denuded mangrove areas with 6,099
has. of mangrove areas planted/
rehabilitated by 2016
Strategies
1. Promoting aquasilviculture
projects through Public-Private
Partnership (PPP)
2. Encouraging private sector
participation in mangrove
reforestation (POs, NGOs, CSR)
3. Intensifying Bantay Dagat Guards
4. Strengthening
marine
governance
5. Strict enforcement of all
environmental laws
6. Forging tripartite cooperation
b e t w e e n c i v i l s o c i e t y,
government, and business sector
established by 2016
Revegetate/maintain 100%
(70 has.) of mined area by
2016
Strategies
1. Rehabilitating mined-out areas
S o i l A m e l i o ra t i o n a n d
application of appropriate
technologies to enhance soil
nutrient potential; and
Introducing N-fixing plant
species
2. Regulating small-scale mining
For Goal 2
Environmental Quality Improved
Objective 3
Targets
Targets
1. Sustained Biochemical Oxygen

Demand (BOD) level of other
priority rivers that are already
within the water quality criteria
of DENR (5 rivers)
2. Increased proportion of LGUs
monitored with increased solid
waste diversion rate (14 LGUs) by
25%
3. Increased number of beach
resorts and marine resource
management projects with
Env i ro n m enta l
C l e a ra n c e
Certificates/Certificates of NonCompliance (ECCs/CNCs) and
other clearances issued
4. Sustained Total Suspended
Particulate (TSP) at levels below
90 ug/Ncm in Tacloban City
5. Improved water quality of
priority river systems under the
Linis Estero/Adopt a Waterbody
Program (18)
6. Improved water quality of 5
bathing beaches, which are
frequently visited by local and
foreign tourists
7. Increased to 21 the number of
Materials Recovery Facilities
(MRFs) established by 2016
8. Rehabilitated Bagacay Mines:
100% of the structural
e n g i n e e r i n g m e a s u re s
1. Number of rivers classified

2. TSP level within DENR standards
maintained
3. Waterways/esteros ehabilitated
4. LGUs monitored
5. industries compliant to
environmental laws increased
Air and water quality improved
For Goal 3
Protected the population from
natural disaster, and capacitated
on disaster preparedness and
climate change adaptation
Objective 2
Geo-hazard Assessment and

Mapping conducted
Targets
1. Municipalities assessed
2. Multi-hazard maps (hydro-met
hazard, geo-hazard) prepared
and distributed to LGUs
Strategies
1. Strengthening institutional
capacities of regional, local
government, Civil Society
Organizations and private sector
for CCA and DRRM
189
2. Implementing a Unified Mapping

Program
1. Brochures, flyers, posters, multihazard maps (hydro-met hazard)

prepared and distributed
2. Number of functional DRRMCs
increased
1. Implementing the National

Integrated Coastal Management
2. Enhancing
biodiversity
awareness, as well as partnershipbuilding
3. Implementing terrestrial
ecosystem s a n d w i l d l i fe
protection management
4. Forging multi-sectoral and
multi-level partnerships and
collaboration
5. Advocating the strict enforcement
and monitoring of laws
Strategies
Objective 2
Objective 3
Level of awareness of the

communities and other stakeholders
on DRR/CCA enhanced
Targets
1. Conducting regular Information,

Education and Communication
(IEC) campaign on DRR/CCA
in order to increase public
awareness in communities and
other stakeholders
2. Improving Adaptive Capacities of
Communities
3. Integrating DRR/CCA in school
curriculum at all levels including
technical trainings
4. Establishing
accredited
community disaster volunteers
5. Strengthening partnerships
among Civil Society Organizations,
private sector and LGUs on DRR/
CCA
6. Ensuring sustainable use of
natural, historical, cultural,
human-made tourism assets
7. Advocating the Integrated
Protected Area System (NIPAS)
Declaration. Declaring unique
geological formations and
ecosystem under NIPAS is a
strategy to conserve and protect
natural destinations.
For Goal 4
National wealth created, and
climate change and disaster risk
vulnerability reduced
Objective 1
Biodiversity conservation in
landscape and seascapes ensured
190
Strategies
Resilient communities and facilities

developed
Strategies
1. Initiating massive capability
building initiatives
2. Conducting IEC campaigns

Activities
1. National Greening Program

Executive Order No. 26, signed
by President Benigno S. Aquino,
provides for the implementation
of a National Greening Program
as a government priority. The
program calls for the planting of
1.5 billion trees covering about
1.5 million hectares by 2016,
nationwide.

The NGP areas for development
are the forestlands, mangroves
and protected areas, ancestral
domains, civil and military
reservations, urban areas under
the greening plan of the LGUs,
inactive and abandoned mine
sites and other suitable lands.
2. Protected Area Management
Enhancement in the Philippines

The project is aimed at improving
the improved the protection and
management of Key Biodiversity

Areas (KBAs) in the Philippines
including the five KBAs in Region
VIII which are the following:
1) Samar Island Natural Park
(SINP) in Samar island; 2) Guiuan
Landscpae and Seascape, Eastern
Samar; 3) Cuatro Islas in Leyte;
4) Biri-Larosa in Northern Samar;
and Divinobo Island in Northern
Samar.
The expected outputs of
the project are: 1) improved
management and technical
capacities of concerned staff;
2) Management of existing
terrestrial and marine protected
areas in KBA improved; 3)
Additional conservation areas
established under innovative
conservation management
systems; and 4) improved
knowledge management and
awareness raising about the
values of biodiversity.
3. Expanding and Diversifying
the National System of
Terrestrial Protected Areas in
the Philippines Project or the
New Conservation Areas in the
Philippines Project (NewCAPP)
This is a five-year (2010-2015)
project of the Government of the
Philippines with financial support
from the Global Environmental
Facility (GEF) through the United
Nations Development Programm
(UNDP). This aims to expand
and strengthen the terrestrial
protected areas system in the
Philippines by developing new
Protected Area (PA) models
and building capacities
at
the individual systemic and
institutional levels for effective
management of the system. This
is being implemented by the
DENR through the Protected Area
and Management Bureau.

Upscaling Forest Reforestation
Efforts in KBAs in Mt. Nacolod,
Sogod, Southern Leyte is one

of the pilot sites of the project.
This is being implemented by
the Visayas State University
(VSU) and VISCA Foundation for
Agricultural Development, Inc.
(ViFARD) in collaboration with
the Foundation for Philippine
Environment (FPE) with funding
support from the United
States Agency for International
Development (USAID).
4. Institutional Policies and
Legislative Agenda
In addition to the ongoing
and proposed programs,
environmental policies and
mechanisms will be formulated
to help address environmental
issues and concerns.
a. Environmental Policies
Existing
environmental
policies and laws shall be welldisseminated and understood
by the concerned parties. Those
overtaken by other policies may
be reviewed and assessed to
determine their relevance and
complement and/or support
other related policies.
Policy recommendations may
be formulated as a result of
consultations with concerned
stakeholders. In response to
present and emerging needs,
relevant laws such as the smallscale mining law may be improved
and/or enhanced to make them
more responsive to environment
and social issues.
b. National Land Use Bill
The National Land Use Act of the
Philippines is aimed at ensuring
the proper management of
land resources and providing
the mechanism for resolving
191
conflict over
land.
It will
provide rationalized planning
and will put to order national
laws on land uses (such as
agrarian reform, protected areas,
ancestral domain, fisheries,
forestry, agriculture, agricultural
modernization, mining and
housing) that are sector-specific
and do not address the crosscutting land use issues.

The enactment of the National
Land Use Bill or the NaLUA
will streamline all policies and
strategies that have bearing with
land uses especially at the local
level.
c. Land Administration Reform
Bill and Land Administration
Code
The proposed Land
Administration Reform Bill will
address the problem on multititling through the rationalization
of the different agencies
responsible in land titling and
related activities. This will be
addressed through the adoption
of a one-stop shop concept.
The Land Administration Code,
on the other hand, aims to
update and harmonize
land
administration laws enacted at
different dispensations to support
the future roles of key agencies
towards addressing cadastral
information requirements and
land administration services for
sustainable development.
d. Samar Island Natural Park
(SINP)
The passage of the Samar Island
Natural Park Bill will finally
establish SINP as a Protected
Area (PA). Said Bill, which was
fully supported and endorsed
by
various
relevant
and
development oriented bodies,
has been deliberated on and
endorsed to appropriate bodies,
192
specifically the two Houses of

Congress.
5. Patent Issuance (Agricultural
and Residential)
6. Watershed Management
7. Geo-hazard Survey and
Assessment
8. Ecotourism Development
Program
9. Adopt-an-Estero Program
10. Air and Water Quality
Management
11. Solid Waste Management
12. Climate Change Mitigation and
Adaptation
13. Management of Foreshore
Areas
14. Land Administration and
Management Systems (LAMS)
15. Research and Development
16. Technology Transfer and
Extension

Published by:
Regional Office VIII
Government Center, Palo, Leyte
Tel: +63 53 323 3092
nro8@neda.gov.ph
www.neda8.ph

Final Ev RDP 2014-2016

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About the cover

2013 by the National Economic and Development Authority

This plan is a living document that validates RDCs commitment to achieve

Mabuhay ang Eastern Visayas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Republic of the Philippines

RDC VIII Resolution No. 44, Series of 2013

Eastern Visayas Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (EV-YRRP).

Certified true and correct:

On behalf of Eastern Visayans,

MA. VICTORIA C. CUAYZON

List of Tables and Figures

Chapter 1: Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas

Map of the Philippines

Chapter 2: Regional Development Framework

Percent Distribution by Sector: 2012 (at 2000 constant prices)

Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries

Chapter 5: Competitive Industry and Services Sector

Under-five Mortality Rate vs MDG Target, Eastern Visayas: 2000-2011

Chapter 8: Good Governance and the Rule of Law

Provincial Government Performance, Economic Governance: 2011

Chapter 9: Peace and Security

Incidence of Crimes Committed by Crime Category: 2011-2012

Alienable and Disposable

Field Training Program

Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process

San Juanico Bridge, Eastern Visayas

Photo Courtesy of Charlie David Martinez

three hundred ninety (4,390)

Figure 1. Map of the Philippines

Figure 2. Map of Eastern Visayas

Over the recent years, Eastern Visayas

Table 1. Land Area by Province: 2010 (in hectares)

Source: 2012 RSET

Figure 3. Household Population by Sex and Age Group

Some 39% or 841,400 hectares of the

30-50% slope, constituting 538.8

Table 2. Demographic Trends: 2007 and 2010

Source: 2012 RSET

Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016

areas near and along the coasts, and

Population Density (per sq. km)

Source: 2012 RSET

Table 3. Land Classification by Province, Eastern Visayas: 2010

Source: DENR VIII, 2013

Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas

for agro-forestry but areas with 1,000

Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016

201,970 hectares (28%) constitutes

Figure 4. Land Classification of Eastern Visayas

Bauxite is the top ore deposit in

Source: DENR VIII, 2013

Table 4. Proclaimed Watershed Areas by Province: 2011

Anas Watershed Forest Reserve Naval, Almeria and

Source: DENR VIII, 2013

Physical Profile of Eastern Visayas

human settlements and construction

Table 5. Disaster-Prone/Vulnerable Areas in Eastern Visayas

NNE Splay Fault Zone

One type of hazard related

Source: OCD VIII, 2013

Eastern Visayas Updated Regional Development Plan 2014-2016

section of Abuyog, the upland and

Originally, only certain areas in